Hurricane Sandy and Kay Hall

In my bubble on the Upper East Side I am freaking out by the lack of food on the shelves. The only time that I have ever seen this image is in post apocalyptic sci-fi movies when things are about to go terribly wrong.

I think about what it must be like to be in the dark, freezing without heat or water and ever worse NO COMMUNICATION.

Here's and idea REINSTATE PAY PHONES at least people could make a call even without power. Pay phones should be mandatory and on each block.

I was in NYC during the Blackout many years ago but it was summertime and people were outside talking and supporting one another. What about people who cannot go outside, children, pregnant women, those that are alone or need medication?

I can tell you this. The WORST thing is lack of communication. People need to be reassured right now!!! Hell... I need to be reassured. That's why I made this little video.

Photo by Kay Hall

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Halloween with a  pic of my "Devil Dog". I created this little guy for a creature development company in L.A. Who new?

Best Dim Sum, Upper East Side and The DIM SUM CHALLENGE

THE DIM SUM CHALLENGE

OUR PLACE CUISINE OF CHINA

Unbelievable but TRUE!!!! There is an awesome and authentic Dim Sum restaurant on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. I impart this news to all the Dim Sum lovers who have to make a great pilgrimage to Chinatown once every couple of months. Fresh? YES. In fact I say this in no uncertain terms... it is better than Chinatown. The Dim Sum delicacies are made to order. There are no carts no sitting around or waiting for someone to point.

PRICES? Do not fear. The same prices that  you'd play in Chinatown exist here. The Dim Sum portions will run you around $5.00 a pop.

This nirvana called Our Place Cuisine of China exists at 242 East 79th between first and second avenue.. The Dim Sum hours are Saturday and Sunday 12:00 to 3:30 and on holidays.

But how can this be?  Well.......LOL

OK here it is.... THE CATCH. Please PAY ATTENTION

THE DIM SUM CHALLENGE   Should you Choose to ACCEPT

Look to the left hand side of the photograph of the Dim Sum lunch picture I took. Do you see a little white sheet of paper? Got it? Ok. On that piece of paper are listed all the Dim Sum options. You will be given this piece of paper with a small pencil. It will be your job to check the number of the item that you want with your pencil and hand this to the waiter.

THE PROBLEM

How do you know what is what? Since you can't point to a cart and chances are you do not know the names of the dishes you have come to love and crave WHAT DO YOU DO little grasshopper???

THE SOLUTION

Do you see the menu on the far left on the photograph. If you don't know what I am talking about know this. When you arrive at the restaurant request the DIM SUM takeout menu. If you miss this part of the journey you will be lost. If you don't know what that looks like then find the take-out menu that has all the pictures of the Dim Sum dishes in color on a tri-folded pamphlet. These pamphlets are located at the entrance of the restaurant. Take a sharp left and look for a table that reveals the menus.

THE COMPLICATION

Your job will be to identify the dishes that you'd like as if they were sitting in front of you on the cart. To make the selection easier each dish has a brief description.

THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN GO TERRIBLY WRONG so PAY ATTENTION!!!

The numbers on the Take-out menu DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT match the numbers on the little piece of paper with the Dim Sum options that is sitting on your table. This is the paper that you will need to check off and hand to the waiter in order to get your order filled.

For example, the Spring Rolls  on the menu with the picture is Number ELEVEN.  But if you look at number ELEVEN on your piece of paper the item is NOT Spring Rolls. Therefore if you check number ELEVEN on you piece of paper because you saw the Spring Rills in the picture on the menu you WILL NOT RECEIVE  a Spring Roll.

SECURING THE PRIZE

My advice is that once you have identified the name of the item you want from the picture on the take-out menu scroll down the piece of paper with the list of the names and find that name, make a little check in the box and it's yours.

GOOD LUCK!!!!! AND GOOD EATING!!!

Best Tongue Twister Ever! The SHRIMP...CHIMP Challenge

Send me your SHRIMP CHIMP ..CHIMP SHRIMP videos.

This has got to be the best tongue twister ever. It is courtesy of artist Peter G. Pereira.

Can you say SHRIMP..CHIMP..CHIMP SHRIMP.. five times real fast? I can only get to three. Check out my U-Tube video as I give it a try!!!!

The winner of the SHRIMP CHIMP challenge will receive a $20.00 gift certificate from Best Buy.

Assurance Wireless THANK YOU

I'd like to take the time to formally thank ASSURANCE WIRELESS for helping me out during the worst period of my life.

No question I had a really bad year. My husband ended up in the I.C.U.unit  on a breathing machine and the savings went fast. I found myself quickly breaking down from the emotional and financial stress. Unfortunately when it rains it pours (not a cliche).   I found myself being evicted from my home by an overzealous landlord called Kosbel Realty and their lawyer named Allison Furman who admitted to me  that she does not have a speck of humanity in her and nor will she ever. 

As this wasn't enough my own family of  Holosko brothers three, Gregory, Michael and John spitefully refused to give me the $50,000 dollars that my father left me when he died. A cruel, vindictive, and jealous cackle they be.

I was in a state of total distress and I let my cell phone bill lapse. I found no mercy. If you don't pay you don't play. No cellphone for me!!!

After getting my emergency food stamps I was told that I could apply for the ASSURANCE WIRELESS phone. I had seen their television commercials and I made the call. One week later my phone arrived. Granted it wasn't a smart phone but it worked well, was reliable and definitely did the trick

ASSURANCE WIRELESS took one thing off my plate at a time when that one thing was a big deal. I was free from a monthly charge and the fear that if I didn't pay I'd get shut off.  I could also avoid the embarrassment of that stupid message that says I went out of the coverage area and which every knows is code for, "deadbeat didn't pay."  I thank ASSURANCE WIRELESS for this privilege!!!

I am happy to report that I am now back on my feel stronger and better than ever, (no this is not a cliche either). I now have a smart phone and am no longer in need of the ASSURANCE WIRELESS phone.

Now WHAT DO I DO?

My plan is to call ASSURANCE WIRELESS and ask to have my phone cancelled. I would also like to pay for the last eight months of use. 

DO YOU THINK THEY WILL TAKE MY OFFER?

Please stay tuned for this answer on ASSURANCE WIRELESS thank-you PART TWO.

Chris Cleaners and the Coolest Surprise on U.E.S.

What are the chances that a laundry washes your clothes, finds exactly $15.57 in the pocket and then staples it neatly to the outside of your laundry bag upon pick up????

Yes it's TRUE and such a scenario occured on the Upper East Side. Chris cleaners at 504 York avenue on the corner of 83rd and York  DID JUST THAT!!

TEN Horrah's for Chris Cleaners!!!! Be sure to patronize the establishment... this service should be noticed.

Is that the coolest surprise or what?

Helene W. Hartig The Best Real Estate Lawyer In New York City



Kay Hall- Photography by Kay Hall

Helene  W. Hartig is without question (in my opinion) the best Real Estate Lawyer in Manhattan.  What makes this one so special is that she takes a sincere and personal interest in her clients situation.

I report these facts based on first hand experience. She pulled me up from the gutter at one of the most difficult times in my life with compassion and a touch of real life grounding. If it wasn't for her staunch determination to represent me as a client and the courage to kick some sense into me I would have lost my home.

Trust is one of the fundamental things that we look for when retaining an attorney.  Helene W. Hartig inspires such trust because it is simply a part of her nature.

It was a real privilege to experience what the best of a lawyer really can be. This one is a keeper and if you choose to work with her for Real Estate or personal Estate issues you will experience something positive, nurturing, wonderful with a pit bull spirit for your cause.
You will  never crack a bad lawyer joke again.

All the best my friend Helene.....

                                                                                                                                                                                                                

You've been Glammed

Indian Pow Wow on Bear Mountain In NYC



Pic of Kay Hall taken by Peter G. Pereira


INDIAN POW WOW on BEAR MOUNTAIN NYS

On July 4, 2012 I went to an Indian Pow-Wow on Bear Mountain it was wonderful ,welcoming and spiritual.


Here is a pic of some of the dancers.



Photography by Kay Hall


(Check out the giant corn below)
The picture you see below is real edible wild corn from South America. I saw it an an authentic South American Native food stand at the Pow Wow. Check out the size of it!

 With every fruit and vegetable on the planet at the local Fairway I'm surprised that we don't have giant kernel corn here. In fact I've never seen anything like it.  And I've never tasted corn that delicious with a little melted butter and a sprinkle of salt.

They also had the Best Tamales I have EVER tasted!!!





Photography by Kay Hall





Now on a serious note

I am personally very concerned about the state of Native Americans and deeply believe that the public needs more education on their history and present state. Some Native peoples sell cigarettes and have a couple of gambling casinos..big deal!!What a great option of careers we have left them.

And the part about Indians not paying taxes? That's a mute point. Since most American Indian live in poverty they don't pay taxes anyway.

On  my U-tube channel I am doing a weekly show called Native American Facts be sure to tune in.



Photography by Kay Hall



Kay Hall Photography by Kay Hal

Top Ten and a Half Reasons to Date a Vampire

Kay Hall NYC 2012

Top Ten and a Half Reasons to Date a Vampire

 

Top Ten and a Half Reasons to Date a Vampire

1.  Has lots of money and a big house. (Mortgage Paid!)

2.  Will never buy you silver only Gold!!

3.  A great to-die-for dresser.

4.  Sleeps in the day so you can shop till you drop

5.  You will save big time on groceries.

6.   You can never accuse him of having a silver spoon in his mouth.

7.  If you have a small apartment no problem...he can turn into a bat and sleep in the closet.

8.   He has retractable fangs that click into place so that you and your friends know your safe.

9.  He knows when you're in trouble and will come to your aid but only at night.

10. If you're hurt or sick you can drink his blood. And your friend and family can too. 

10. 5  And... if for any reason you find aging a bitch you will always have a maker nearby. (Where are you going to find another vampire to turn you!!)

 

Where is this in Manhattan?

See if you can guess where this archeological find of yellow pay phones live. I'll give you a hint...MIDTOWN

Marketing Blunders Clinique Make-up

My favorite marketing blunder is when an ad company mistakes a good work with a bad word. Clinique make-up has sadly chosen to call it's new lipstick.... Chubby Stick. How many woman want to pull  a Chubby Stick out of their bag?

 This is just bad on so many levels. Did anyone at that ad agency study semantics?

What's that? Semantics?

It's a study of how words in our culture can send different messages to the brain.  For example you will feel differently when you see a woman in a red dress as opposed to any other color. Red is a highly charged sexual color.

This  same principle  applies to companies that choose fat names to call a product. Aside from the phallic imagery Clinique is a high end make-up. Clear, crisp, clean and classy.

Why on earth would they call lipstick Chubby Stick?
Is it not clear to them that we live  in a culture that sees fat as a bad and dangerours thing?

I might be looking for fuller, plumper lips but definitely NOT Chubby

Marketing Blunders Starbucks

Occasionally I come across a marketing blunder that a company has made. Check out Starbucks!!

This blunder is an accounting nightmare.
Did you know that a Starbucks decaffeinated coffee costs $2.01. Who new? And yes the cashiers do not let that penny go. This means that they will either have to give you nine dimes, a nickle  and four pennies( unlikely scenero) Or they can give you three quarters, two dimes, a nickle and four pennies (likely scenerio).That means that the cashier has to use at least one coin from  compartment in the cash register.

This wastes time, creates and huge need for change ( no pun intended) and must be an absolute accounting nightmare. Did anyone think this through?

Strike on Upper East Side in NYC

Yes people there is an ongoing Con ed strike on 86th and York Ave. This is the first strike I've ever seen in this neighbourhood. Not that there aren't discontented domestic workers, but they don't strike they will loose their job.

Why are the strikers here? Well apparently Kevin Burke the CEO of our great electric company lives in the corner building. You see that big glass thing behind the workers? It was squeezed into the last bit of real estate in the area. I think each floor houses a person, and there is one bored doorman for the entire building.

When you look up you can see  four entire floors with glass from floor to ceiling. Funny in all the time it's been there I have only seen one family leaving.. I seriously doubt Mr. Burke is home.

Storm in Manhattan, Fantasy City,Wednesday July 18th 1012

 

 

Bras and Breasts, Butts and Bulges

All in Manhattan on Wed, July 18th 2012

It was fantasy city in Manhattan this afternoon. The severe storm complete with hail and vicious lightening lasted about 3 hours today from about 3:44 p.m. till 7:30 p.m.

But while it lasted every male in Manhattan got an unexpected erotic fantasy dumped on them from above. Who could predict that thousands of beautiful New York woman of all shapes and sizes would have a wet T-shirt day... all at the same time!!!!

And what woman could know there were so many men looking so wet and wild.

That's why I call this day Bras and Breasts...Butts and Bulges

 

Fifty Shades of Breasts

Best Pharmacy on the Upper East Side

There is no question in my mind that the BEST PHARMACY on the Upper East Side is the Drug Mart on 86th and York avenue. If you have the smarts to experience this jewel of a pharmacy you will receive a personal and warm service.

The jewel at this pharmacy is a  pharmacist named Sylvia. She goes over and beyond  the call of duty for her customers.  It's like you're family. Give it a try!!As a bonus you will be supporting a local business.

PHONE #212 737 8800

Ralph Lauren and the Olympic Uniforms

America... it's time to wake up

Ralph Lauren's decision to make the Olympic Uniforms in China is a clear cold reality. The US and China are inextricably tied together. Made IN China is an American staple

Look around your house. Check out the labels in your closet, look at your T.V and pick up your cellphone.

That's RIGHT!!! All that stuff is made in China.

This is an American Reality. We don't need to blame Ralph Lauren and pretend this is some big deal..

WE gave away our manufacturing base years ago. And why? Well... the manufacturers had to respond to the public  (that's us) for  insisting on only buying the cheapest. Let's take some responsibly here and NOT CAST the FIRST STONE!

BRAVO RALPH LAUREN!!!!!

P.S  They do have a point about the berets. What's up with that?

Bath and Body Works Top Summer Picks

Fragrance for the Fun of it

Bath and Body Works for Me!!!

After a lot of fragrance searching I finally found what I've been looking for this summer. Bath and Body Works offers an exciting experience of aroma therapy in light summer scents.

My rule for the summer is.. CITRUS RULES. Citrus in the summer!!! I like anything with citrus .I like the words lemon or lime in the description. 

Fortunately for us Bath and Body Works offers a wonderful selection  of scents.
I have taken the time to review them individually so you don't have to.

First up are the  spray mists from the Signature Collection.  My favorite standout is Coconut Lime Breeze. Says it all right?

A close second is Sea Island Cotton ( seen at back on far right). It  is an excellent blend of coconut (not too  much to make you smell sweet) and a fresh citrus pause that can be a life saving lift when the office gets you down.

For the evening you cannot miss with  Black Amethyst. It has a rich sexy subtly smokey scent perfect for romance. (on the back left)

Remember these scents are light an fade quickly so you can spritz them on without offending.

The spray mists are a real buy for under $20.00.

When your dog has allergies

If you or your vet have come to the conclusion that your dog has allergies here are a couple of handy tips.
Your mission should you choose to accept it is to start with the most obvious thing. If you have cats for example, cats are most likely the cause. If it is diarrhea, it may be a diet issue. You can switch your dog food to veterinary quality dog food that specializes in combating allergies. Ask for that at your local pet shop. A grocery store will NOT have this. I'm not sure about Pet Co or Pet Land but you can ask. If you are getting nowhere find a small independently owed pet store, talk to them and even arrange to get it ordered for you.

If you have cats you must vacuum twice a day. Also, the best purchase I ever made was the HEPA Air Filter. This thing gets all the cat dander from the air.

After that change the type of bedding that you have. If you have feather pillows get foam. If you have a wool blanket get something that doesn't have wool

If the coughing stops this will mean that your dog  is not allergic to the cats. It will take a bit for the dogs lungs to get out all the stuff causing te cough and it takes about three days. .

If you've got this far and the coughing and sneezing is not going away. It most likely the cats or can also be the kitty litter so change the brand of littler just in case.

If cats are the problem this in what I have done and which you may want to follow. All I can tell you is that is that it worked for me.

I stated giving him a couple drop lets of cough syrum and allergy medicine for children NO alcohol. Still the cough persisted and in this order. Think of this like a recipe it's a good idea to follow it. If you do not like following the recipe it's NOT going to work.

#1.   Brush the cats or cats until there is not more shedding and know that you will be doing this once a day for a very long time.

#2.   Purchase the best product ever for getting cat dander out of the air. This stuff REALLY works. Do NOT buy the cheaper version.. It is made by a company called Simple Solutions.
The product is called, Dander Reducing Serum.    The instructions say to use a damp cloth to apply right to the skin but a cloth doesn't get that deep so I put a little liquid in my hand and rub that directly onto the cat.
You have to do that weekly however it will be well worth it- even if you have kids with allergies and cats.


#3 It is not negotiable that you MUST BUY this product. It is a children's medicine that is supposed to relive cough that dry hacking and horse throat which is common in mild allergic reactions.
The company is called. SIMILASAN. The product is called KIDS COUGH AND COLD.

This is a homeopathic product with $100% tnatual ingredients. I haven done enough research on the listed Active ingredients on the side of the bottle but is was unlike any of the ingredient on the average children's cough medicine. You might want to do research on exactly what thosee words mean in the ingredients It sounded to me like some kind of mixture of herbal extracts.

I gave my dog a "teaspoon" My dog weights about 14 pounds so make the weigTh adjustments accordingly. I gave him about two teaspoons a day one in moNring and one at nigT- when he woke up coughing. Every two days I began to lower the does now he takes a half teaspoon. At this point I am not sure whether to take him off the cough syrup perminantly. There mighT be something in it that his body need to maintain healthy levels, like a blood thinner, or pills for a diabetic

IN FIVE DAYS my dog was not longer coughing on a regular base. He continues to cough a little at night but not as bad as before. Over time I have found that the cough will begin to lessen..

GOOD LUCK!!! Below are pictures of the products I used.

Indian Sloppy Joes-Original Recipes by Kay Hall

Excerpt from the   "I friggin Hate to Cook Cookbook"

This is a great alternative to the same old sloppy Joe's sauce that is usually  too sweet, or too overpowering, and kind of  gooey. This recipe will take you under `15 minutes- honestly with no fuss, no crazy spices that you need to buy.there are no hard -to-get ingredients like twirling or whirling or kneading or food processing.
Even KIDS WILL LOVE IT!!!!

This is all you'll need. And... if you like Indian food your in for a treat.  The ideal product to buy is a tall box/ triangle thing. It reads Kitchens of India on the top and underneath it tell you the type of  Indian food it is. For example, Spinach with Cottage Cheese and Sauce.  And for all those foodies out there underneath that is the Indian name of the sauce. The spinach one is called Palak Peener.

There about four different flavours. but you really can't go wrong with any of them. And...don't be afraid if "curry" is in the title. These are really almost non curry flavored sauces.

The price of these Kitchens of India varies. I have seen it in Morton Williams for 3 for $5.00. And I've seen it in Gristedes for $4.99 each. This is in NYC so far.

All you have to do is get a pound of ground turkey breast and throw it in a frying pan with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.

DO NOT ADD ANYTHING TO THE TURKEY.  No salt, pepper or anything you usually do.

Once the turkey is done open a packet of the Indian Sauce, stir in and throw it over your bun...which you have cut in half and laid open faced on your plate... ENJOY!!!!!

P.S. If you cannot find this product ask your grocer or get to the Indian section of the grocery store and pick up a jar of a light creamy sauce.