Isn’t he cute? On sale!

Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »

One of my favorite sites

As a child, I visited my grandmother’s house in Hampton Bays, Long Island. This was before Long Island became trendy. One of the best sites driving around Long Island was that of The Big Duck. It’s a 20 feet tall building shaped like a duck. My grandmother explained that it originally was used as a store to sell eggs. Then after it closed, it sat on the lot for many years and deteriorated. Finally, the man who owned the land wanted to sell it so he needed to get rid of the duck. Since many people liked it, they petitioned for it to be saved. For awhile the duck sat in Hampton Bays and then later it was moved to Flanders, Long Island. Even seeing it in pictures makes me smile. I love how the duck is decorated at Christmas time.

It must have been an awesome site to see the duck being moved down the road.

Topics: Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Nixzmary Soldiers

A group of terrific Moms got together and had a rally outside City Hall in Manhattan today. The group calls themselves Nixzmary Brown’s Soldiers. The group want to pass Nixzmary Brown’s Law which would require life in prison without parole for anyone committing a first offense of killing or violently molesting a child. None of the moms knew Nixzmary personally, but are tired of the system failing children.
Nixzmary Brown was a 7 year old girl Brooklyn girl who experienced a lifetime of physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.

She was eventually murdered by her stepfather and mother. Nixzmary’s case was sent to social services, but the system had failed her. In the years that followed, Child protective services blamed the government for not being properly staffed so a much larger staff was hired to review children’s cases.

Nixzmary’s stepfather, Cesear Rodriguez was sentenced to the maximum – 26 1/3 to 29 years in prison for the death of his stepdaughter. Nixzmary’s mother hasn’t been sentenced yet, but at the Riker’s Island prison, other inmates had not taken to kindly to her hurting a child.

Every child abuse story hits me so hard. In 1987, I was a high school student when I heard the story of Lisa Steinberg a six year old child who was abused and killed by her adoptive parents, Joel Steinberg. When I saw a bruised Lisa Steinberg sitting in a classroom, I couldn’t help but wonder why the teacher and school didn’t do more to help her. Eventually,Joel Steinberg was sentenced to jail, but he was paroled early. Hedda Nussbaum, Lisa’s adoptive mother claimed she was abused as well and couldn’t help Lisa. She didn’t serve any jail time. Nussbaum published a book on being abused. I don’t think it’s right that Hedda should be able to profit from her and Joel’s crime. Yes, I understand she was an abused woman; she looked terrible. Yet, I don’t have any sympathy for a woman who watched Lisa be abused for years and never sought help. I even remember throwing up after I read Hedda’s testimony that Lisa was sexually abused by people who visited the home.

Nixzmary’s Soldiers are absolutely amazing woman and moms who will get Nixzmary Brown’s Law passed so that people who hurt children can’t receive parole. Hopefully this will keep Cesear Rodriguez in jail for the full term because although it won’t bring Nixzmary back it will acknowledge that her life had meaning. RIP Nixzmary. She would have turned 10 years old this past Friday.

Topics: Brooklyn | 4 Comments »

A web of disposable people

I just responded to someone’s blog about how technology has helped single people find partners.  Sites like Match.com allow people to put up a profile and find their ideal date. Many of my friends have used sites like Match to find partners. Yet, the men they meet are looking to hop in bed on the first date or at least by the second date. And from what I understand, there are many women who are just looking for hookup as well.

I just think that the Internet allows men to see woman as disposable objects.  Now of course not all men are this way. But it seems that men in their 20’s and 30’s just aren’t serious about forming relationships or getting married.  Is this just in NYC or is it happening in other cities?  I am always trying to find nice guys for my single friends because I know how difficult their situation can be.

So why do I care? Well, the Internet is suppose to be bettering our lives, but is it really? I mean for my life, it’s great because I take over the world from my computer. But I know of several married couples who have had to deal with the issue of porn in their homes because of the Internet. Now you’re probably thinking if someone wants to see porn, they will. Yet again, the Internet provides that instantaneous  gratification and plenty of it. And married men aren’t the only ones seeking out entertainment online, married women are too.

It’s 3:30 AM and I have to get some sleep.

Topics: Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Billy Joel Rocks Shea!

The concert was amazing! Did I say amazing? I meant incredibly spectacular. Shea Stadium had over 50,000 people who sang and danced last night to Joel’s music. The stadium shook!It was the best concert I have been to in my life. Not only did we get Billy Joel, but we also got Paul McCartney! McCartney sang “I Saw Her Standing There.” Another highlight was Steve Tyler coming out and playing “Walk this Way.” The crowd roared and everyone was dancing. It was crazy. Joel played “My Generation” with Roger Daltrey and “Shameless” with Garth Brooks.

This concert was a well put together production. Joel was able to honor the Mets and the Beatles and NY. When Bill sang “Miami 2017,” he changed the lyrics to be “They said the Mets can stay, but they can’t play at Shea.” A very touching part of the evening was when Joel sang “Goodnight Saigon” with a large group of servicemen in their whites.

33 Songs were sung last night. From what I can remember: Star Spangled Banner, Miami 2017, Angry Young Man, My Life, The Entertainer, Summer, Zanzibar, Allentown, Ballad of Billy the Kid, New York State of Mind (accompanied by Tony Bennett), Root Beer Rag, Goodnight Saigon, Don’t Ask Me Why, Keeping the Faith, The Downeaster Alexa, Moving Out (Anthony’s Song), Innocent Man, Always a Woman, Captain Jack, Lullaby, River of Dreams, We Didn’t Start the Fire, You May Be Right, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant, Only the Good Die Young, Piano Man (last song Joel sang).

Last song of the evening: Let it Be (McCartney & Joel)

Last words said at Shea: Don’t take anyone’s shit (Joel to the audience)

Shea had a great farewell. I was glad I was there to feel the electricity and excitement that flowed and shook the stadium. It’s great to be a New Yorker!

Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Dooce

Happy Birthday Heather! I love reading Dooce. If you haven’t read it, click on over and read it. It’s pretty hilarious.

Yet, on a side note. I don’t like Heather’s husband Jon. There’s just something about him that I couldn’t put my finger on it until today. In today’s blog, Jon tells Heather that the perfume she tried smells like Brooklyn’s garbage. Dudeeeeeeee why go off on Brooklyn like that? Jon’s garbage in Utah smells just as bad as Brooklyn or Cleveland or San Francisco. Yet, he had to pick on Brooklyn. I love Heather, but Jon – not so much.

Topics: Uncategorized | No Comments »

Piano Man at Shea tonight!

I am so excited, I can’t sleep!

We are going to see Billy Joel at Shea tonight. It’s the last night that Shea Stadium will be open because they are going to build a new stadium for the Mets. I’m excited not only to get to hear Billy play live, but also to spend the last night at Shea.

I’ve loved Billy Joel for 23 years. He got me through some difficult teen years and his music was great for partying in college. When I got my first car, I made a rule that during our rides out to Long Island, Billy Joel was played at the beginning of every ride. A few months ago, Lee got us the tickets for our anniversary and I screamed when I saw them. We have seats on the field! Wooohoooooooo!

BTW, God thank you for Lee – he totally gets me. Today when a commercial for the movie, Mama Mia came on, he said “that movie looks good.”

Topics: Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Thursday 13

13 Reasons Brooklyn/NYC is better in the Summer

1. This summer NYC has four waterfalls until October 2nd. It was an art project by Olafur Eliasson (remember the Gates that were in NYC two years ago?). They even have free ferry tours of the waterfalls.

2. Central Park is amazing in the summer. It’s full of people enjoying summer. Rent yourself a rowboat and enjoy the view.

3. The Top of of the Rock – 30 Rockerfeller Plaza has an amazing view and is a hidden NYC secret. On a warm night, it’s great to go up and get a view of the city & it’s never crowded.

4. Visit Brooklyn’s Coney Island and have a real Nathan’s Hot dog – they are good. While you are there visit Astroland as this is probably its last summer.

5. Visit the Brooklyn Floating Pool. It was added last year and it’s amazing. The Bronx has a floating lady too – it looks awesome. How often do you see a huge floating pool?

6. Kayaking on the Hudson is free through the NY Boathouse. They give you a kayak and life preserver vest to wear. They also have a small area sectioned off to teach you and let you practice.

7. McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg is a place many people enjoy in the summer. There is a huge pool and water slip and slide. I’m not a big fan of the place because it feels…..a bit dirty. It might be because all of the cool hipsters hang out there. I am neither cool or a hipster. Geek status here.

8. Ride the Staten Island Ferry (take it from Manhattan to Staten Island) – it’s free and you will have a great view of the Statue of Liberty, as well as Downtown Manhattan. It’s a 25 minute ride.

9. Pizza and Italian ice are a summer classic in Brooklyn (18th Avenue has the best pizzerias in my opinion).

10. If your hot, stop into a NYC museum. Many of them are free on certain days during the summer or they have a pay what you wish policy.

11. There are great street fairs all over the city and that means great food, crafts and entertainment.

12. Canal Street has a lot more sneaky people selling “designer bags” during the warm summer months. Be careful about being lured to the back rooms.

13. This last one is a real hidden secret because most people don’t know you can do this in NYC! You can take the A train to Rockaway Beach for $2.00 and go to the beach. Even better stop at the Boarders Bookstore located at 192 Beach 92^nd Street and rent a surfboard* for $20 – there are amazing waves in the Rockaways (technically the Rockaways are Queens, but it’s very close to Brooklyn)

* How many people can rent a surfboard from a Boarders Bookstore in their hometown?

Part of Thursday 13 – More Here. 

Topics: Brooklyn | 7 Comments »

Does God Punish?

Job 36: 11-13 If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. But if they refuse to listen to Him , they will be killed by the sword and die from lack of understanding. For the godless are full of resentment even when He punishes them.

I went to Catholic school and nuns and priests said that God doesn’t punish. Yet, the Bible reads differently. How do you interpret it? Inevitably when people die, other people feel like God is punishing them.

Edit 7/17: The snippet at the right had this quote from Job: He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing. (Job 8:21). That’s a pretty nice gesture in the same book as the quote above.

Topics: Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Free Works for Me

Unclaimed funds are listed online by state. When I looked the site a few months ago, my Mom said that neither she, nor my Dad would be on there because they manage money well. Well today, I happen to look on there again because a friend said they had trouble at their bank. My friend’s account went into the Unclaimed Funds account because she hadn’t used the account in a year. After I searched for my friend, I searched our family’s name and sure enough……my parents were on there!

SO YOU MAY HAVE MONEY THAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT AS WELL! If you are in NY, you can search here. If you are in any other state, you can check through this site for your unclaimed funds.unclaimed_property.htm Unclaimed funds could be any money that you overpaid on a bill or money that you didn’t pick up from insurance, a bank account or even money someone left you. Found money always works for me! While you are there search for family and friends because people love to make other people dinner when you find them money. I’ve had friends find from $36 – $800. My students have found $57 – $2000+ for their family and neighbors. In this economy some people could really use some good news now.

Good luck! This is part of Works for me Wednesday by Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer. Just in case you don’t find any money, here are some sites with freebies:

Every Wednesday, Hanes has Wedgie-free Wednesday and gives out 500 pairs of free undies. (it’s the last choice on the top right) Who would have thought you could get free underwear?

Free Sample of Men’s Degree Deodorant(click on the deodorant for the form to come up)

Greenies Pill Pockets – to hide pills for cats or dogs (they love them)

Clorox 2 for Colors – new detergent I want to try

Topics: Uncategorized | 10 Comments »

I want to learn to can

I love learning new things and there always seems to be something I need to learn. In the winter, I learned to operate and use a sewing machine, as well as how to read and do a pattern. I made a hoodie jacket for my friend’s daughter and an apron (but it is not as cute as many of the crafty people out there).

I want to learn how to can. Many of my Brooklyn, LI and New York friends are probably thinking – what is that? Well, there are many people who can in season fruits and vegetables and then they are able to have them all year long. A lot of people make jam, pasta sauce or chutneys. Some people do one fruit and then exchange jars with a lot of other people. Sandy, of the Reluctant Entertainer blog recommends that people interested in canning should look at garage sales for canning materials, but that isn’t happening at garage sales here. I should note that garage sales in Brooklyn are AMAZING! People use them as a way to clean out their million dollar homes as well as to socialize, so awesome items are usually very cheap. Sandy is having a giveaway for some canning supplies now too!

So I need to find some videos or tutorials online of people who do canning. I just reserved some books at the library on the topic so I can learn to do this. Randi at I have to say blog posted a beautiful picture of the zucchini she made using Martha Stewarts recipe for Bread and Butter pickles (Yes I can learn canning from Martha). Thanks Randi!

I know that once I learn, I can lure a few of you lurkers who live nearby to come over by having a barbecue. I’m all about sharing this process, ya know.

Edit: 7/16 – Tara over at  Feels like Home has a recipe for jam! It looks easy enough for me to do. So now I need to get some supplies.

Topics: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

I’m sick today

How did I get sick in the summer? I have no idea either.I think I have food poisoning because I can’t keep any food down. Well, it’s not all bad if I lose a pound or two, right?

Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »