Well, I'm back. Turned 36, found my Russian fotog Vlad (he gave me a pic of Gelsey for FREE), roomie's doing well, but our $ situation is not. I'm trying out NYC's emergency rent program and then if nothing happens, it's on the dole for me. NO pride at this point, it's all about survival. Since I've been running into people with masters and PhDs, it's not surprising that we're all struggling. Nothing's going to change until the next election, so I'm not going to freak out. I've cried, kicked and screamed and that's been a waste of my energy. The economy's in the toilet, and NAFTA's fucking us all. If people don't wake up by the time November rolls around? We're all doomed.
Other than that, I'm happy to see Spring breaking thru. After an entire year that felt like winter, it's refreshing to see the sun out a little later in the evening.
In the meantime, it's off to Sephora and Starbucks for me.
(To apply there, not to shop. Please, kiddies. I'm not that stupid.)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Two Things I'm Known For
Anyone who knows me realizes that 1) I love Christmas; and 2) I was raised with Italians up to the age of 9 in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Once upon a time it was THE Quintessential Italian Neighborhood. Now it's mostly Russian and Chinese, but I like to think of the Pasta/Pizza/Tony/Bakery days.
What you might not know is that "The Godfather" was released in New York City on the same day I was born: March 15, 1972. It was a Wednesday, I was told. Maybe 5 or 6 theatres. No one realized the epic saga it would become. People thought Brando was just hamming it up with an orange tabby in his arms. Little did Scorcese realize he'd crafted one of the top 100 films of all time. Even made men--REAL MOBSTERS--revere Mario Puzo's tale of family, secrets and revenge.
Here's a spoof video to celebrate my two loves: the holiday and all my Italians. I was given (and boy, do I hate this word) Honorary Wop Status back in 1997 due to my pasta-making abilities and my full knowledge of opera in lyrics and the ability to sing some of those arias. Some of these lovable nutjobs even refer to me as "Kennedini" or "Kennedizzi", which never fails to make me collapse when I hear it. My mother rolled her eyes and my dad's spleen almost burst while laughing when I received that particular birthday card. I know it's in storage somewhere.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A Dog Barks....at 1 am, 2 am, etc
Yes, Animal Control has been called. Why?
For the past TWO WEEKS the asshole who lives beneath me has been unable (if not unwilling) to keep his dog quiet. A barking dog in an apartment as small as mine equals
1) the dog is stressed.
2) the dog is not being taken out on a regular basis, hence the stress.
3) the dog is sick, hungry, or otherwise neglected.
I watch Caesar Milan. DOGS NEED TO BE WALKED AND ATTENDED TO. THEY NEED TOYS, PARKS, WALKS, AND PLAY. My own father raised german shepherds upstate when he was a child through his teenage years. I think I know something about animals. I worked in a pet store. I've done volunteer work in Brooklyn and rescue work in NYC. I'm an animal lover. THAT IS WHY I CALLED 311 LAST NIGHT AT 12:51 AM AND PUT IN A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ASSHOLE BENEATH ME. It's not about him. It's about the dog.
First, in my typical Stormtrooper fashion, I banged on his door. Asshole refused to open it and face me. Instead he spoke macho bullshit to me behind a lock. How manly!
If a dog is barking and someone is home, why don't you try to calm your dog down? Then, I walked up the stairs screaming about he should watch Animal Planet or The Dog Whisperer, and I get, "I never bother you when you're banging upstairs with the tv on. Maybe I'll come up and visit you more often?" I answered, "My door's always open. Come on in if you need to!"
Now, here's the stupid part of the argument. My noise at night is the same as anyone's in this building. You can hear the floorboards creak and the toilets flush. It's called living in a tenement apartment built in 1929. The walls and floors are paper-thin. However, once my noise stops (and within a reasonable hour), all is quiet and there are no cats wailing or yowling. People noise is not the same as a stressed-out dog barking. Noise is tolerated, as specifically stated in the lease (which Asshole obviously did not read) between the hours of 8 am and 10 pm. 12:51 am is LATE AT NIGHT, THEREFORE VIOLATING THE TERMS OF THE LEASE. Does it take a lawyer to know that? NO! READ THE DAMN LEASE.
Mind you, this asshole has only been living here since October. In those 5.5 months, he has managed to piss off his neighbor, my next-door neighbors, my superintendent and his wife, Kathy. Kathy, is like me: Irish and German. Except she is older, less tolerant of bullshit and has seen and done it all. Frankly, she is what I will most likely turn into by the age of 50. Loud, brash, and more frightening than anything Stephen King or Wes Craven could invent. I admire her greatly. This took time, but I realized that we have the same values. She did not take kindly to being referred as Hughie's (my super and her husband) 'ball and chain' this past summer before Asshole even moved in. This comment was made in front of other people who know Hughie and Kathy. You don't fuck with the people that will help you open a lock, fix plumbing, or unclog a toilet. Hughie refers to Asshole as "that piece of work", my neighbors refer to him as "Oh, yeah. THAT guy." No one likes him. I guess his dog doesn't either.
And now, neither do I. My complaint # has been filed. Asshole will get a letter in the mail from the city of NY stating on how to keep his dog quiet. I know he doesn't know how to keep his dog happy, because this is the only companionship he can find. Very much like the dickhead I live underneath. He beat his girlfriend to a pulp two summers ago. If you think I'm not big on animal neglect, ask me my opinion on domestic violence. I called the cops on him and he happens to be a cop himself. Do you think I cared? Ummm.....NO. Kicking your significant other around like a Brazilian at the World Cup doesn't sit well with me. He knows I called. Now he sheepishly avoids my gaze and has kept his love life (and his boxing skills) OUT of his apartment. I did not care that he is a member of law enforcement. I did not fear that he has a gun and might have turned on me. If I could battle pneumonia, survive almost being miscarried twice inside my own mother, chronic bronchitis, fibromyalgia, acne, cysts in my breasts and ovaries, and recurring staph infections when I was a kid? It's obvious that I, like my cats, have nine lives. A bullet would only take away another one of them. My life force and my will is THAT STRONG. Plus, I could sue him, I could sue the management company for leasing a place to an obvious mental defective, I could sue the NYPD for not properly profiling a member of their own psychologically, and then I'd go to the media. My rolodex is fat and full of names I took with me from my former job. He'd be a disgrace, and I'd be a survivor making the rounds of CNN, The Times, The Daily News, and maybe other talk show outlets. I wouldn't shut up. I'd be a damn celebrity. I'd make sure of it.
So why should I fear this asshole beneath me? From what I can see, he drives a truck. He told Hughie he has his own company, but when Hughie asked him about his "fleet", he said he only has one truck. That's not a company. That's you driving a truck. And keeping strange hours. Hours that your dog is neglected. Hours in the night when I don't see your lights on, or even see you in the hallway. I think I saw asshole walking this dog ONCE. At least dickhead above me takes his own dog out twice a day. Dickhead might not be nice to the women in his life, but he is nice to his dog. Asshole seems to neglect dogs and it's clear to me he hates women, given his lovely veiled "threat" and his 'ball and chain' comment. Through a locked door, no less. Oh, I'm soooo afraid. Don't you love cowards? Aren't they fun?
So, the City of NY has put the letter in the mail. We'll see what happens. I know housing court pretty well given my parents travails and my own journalism school trips, and if it gets to that? I'll see that he's either brought up on charges, evicted, or has the dog taken away from him. It's about the dog! Not Asshole!
I will stop at nothing anymore to ensure my own peace of mind and the province of sleep. I've had it with assholes, dickheads, and morons. PERIOD. Like Kathy says, "Don't fuck with the Irish. We're really not that nice in a fight."
To be continued...
For the past TWO WEEKS the asshole who lives beneath me has been unable (if not unwilling) to keep his dog quiet. A barking dog in an apartment as small as mine equals
1) the dog is stressed.
2) the dog is not being taken out on a regular basis, hence the stress.
3) the dog is sick, hungry, or otherwise neglected.
I watch Caesar Milan. DOGS NEED TO BE WALKED AND ATTENDED TO. THEY NEED TOYS, PARKS, WALKS, AND PLAY. My own father raised german shepherds upstate when he was a child through his teenage years. I think I know something about animals. I worked in a pet store. I've done volunteer work in Brooklyn and rescue work in NYC. I'm an animal lover. THAT IS WHY I CALLED 311 LAST NIGHT AT 12:51 AM AND PUT IN A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ASSHOLE BENEATH ME. It's not about him. It's about the dog.
First, in my typical Stormtrooper fashion, I banged on his door. Asshole refused to open it and face me. Instead he spoke macho bullshit to me behind a lock. How manly!
If a dog is barking and someone is home, why don't you try to calm your dog down? Then, I walked up the stairs screaming about he should watch Animal Planet or The Dog Whisperer, and I get, "I never bother you when you're banging upstairs with the tv on. Maybe I'll come up and visit you more often?" I answered, "My door's always open. Come on in if you need to!"
Now, here's the stupid part of the argument. My noise at night is the same as anyone's in this building. You can hear the floorboards creak and the toilets flush. It's called living in a tenement apartment built in 1929. The walls and floors are paper-thin. However, once my noise stops (and within a reasonable hour), all is quiet and there are no cats wailing or yowling. People noise is not the same as a stressed-out dog barking. Noise is tolerated, as specifically stated in the lease (which Asshole obviously did not read) between the hours of 8 am and 10 pm. 12:51 am is LATE AT NIGHT, THEREFORE VIOLATING THE TERMS OF THE LEASE. Does it take a lawyer to know that? NO! READ THE DAMN LEASE.
Mind you, this asshole has only been living here since October. In those 5.5 months, he has managed to piss off his neighbor, my next-door neighbors, my superintendent and his wife, Kathy. Kathy, is like me: Irish and German. Except she is older, less tolerant of bullshit and has seen and done it all. Frankly, she is what I will most likely turn into by the age of 50. Loud, brash, and more frightening than anything Stephen King or Wes Craven could invent. I admire her greatly. This took time, but I realized that we have the same values. She did not take kindly to being referred as Hughie's (my super and her husband) 'ball and chain' this past summer before Asshole even moved in. This comment was made in front of other people who know Hughie and Kathy. You don't fuck with the people that will help you open a lock, fix plumbing, or unclog a toilet. Hughie refers to Asshole as "that piece of work", my neighbors refer to him as "Oh, yeah. THAT guy." No one likes him. I guess his dog doesn't either.
And now, neither do I. My complaint # has been filed. Asshole will get a letter in the mail from the city of NY stating on how to keep his dog quiet. I know he doesn't know how to keep his dog happy, because this is the only companionship he can find. Very much like the dickhead I live underneath. He beat his girlfriend to a pulp two summers ago. If you think I'm not big on animal neglect, ask me my opinion on domestic violence. I called the cops on him and he happens to be a cop himself. Do you think I cared? Ummm.....NO. Kicking your significant other around like a Brazilian at the World Cup doesn't sit well with me. He knows I called. Now he sheepishly avoids my gaze and has kept his love life (and his boxing skills) OUT of his apartment. I did not care that he is a member of law enforcement. I did not fear that he has a gun and might have turned on me. If I could battle pneumonia, survive almost being miscarried twice inside my own mother, chronic bronchitis, fibromyalgia, acne, cysts in my breasts and ovaries, and recurring staph infections when I was a kid? It's obvious that I, like my cats, have nine lives. A bullet would only take away another one of them. My life force and my will is THAT STRONG. Plus, I could sue him, I could sue the management company for leasing a place to an obvious mental defective, I could sue the NYPD for not properly profiling a member of their own psychologically, and then I'd go to the media. My rolodex is fat and full of names I took with me from my former job. He'd be a disgrace, and I'd be a survivor making the rounds of CNN, The Times, The Daily News, and maybe other talk show outlets. I wouldn't shut up. I'd be a damn celebrity. I'd make sure of it.
So why should I fear this asshole beneath me? From what I can see, he drives a truck. He told Hughie he has his own company, but when Hughie asked him about his "fleet", he said he only has one truck. That's not a company. That's you driving a truck. And keeping strange hours. Hours that your dog is neglected. Hours in the night when I don't see your lights on, or even see you in the hallway. I think I saw asshole walking this dog ONCE. At least dickhead above me takes his own dog out twice a day. Dickhead might not be nice to the women in his life, but he is nice to his dog. Asshole seems to neglect dogs and it's clear to me he hates women, given his lovely veiled "threat" and his 'ball and chain' comment. Through a locked door, no less. Oh, I'm soooo afraid. Don't you love cowards? Aren't they fun?
So, the City of NY has put the letter in the mail. We'll see what happens. I know housing court pretty well given my parents travails and my own journalism school trips, and if it gets to that? I'll see that he's either brought up on charges, evicted, or has the dog taken away from him. It's about the dog! Not Asshole!
I will stop at nothing anymore to ensure my own peace of mind and the province of sleep. I've had it with assholes, dickheads, and morons. PERIOD. Like Kathy says, "Don't fuck with the Irish. We're really not that nice in a fight."
To be continued...
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
One of my Favorite Stevie Wonder songs...
Performed by my immortal skating beloved. This coverage comes from Russian tv (god, I love the internet) and it was from Cup of China. The announcer is stating (my translation is rough, but I do know some Russian) that he's the winner of Cup of China at the Grand Prix series and that he will be awarded a special prize known as "For the Love of Russia" later that year.
Another interesting thing you don't see on American television: the extra 2 minutes comes from the magic of editing. The first time you watch it, you'll see how he doubles a jump and his last backspin travels. They invite him back for an editing "encore" to fix the spin, centering it! American television NEVER shows this, which is why most people think skaters nail all their jumps and spins on the first try.
WRONG.
They get "do-overs", a nasty little secret the USA networks don't want you to know. HA! I love this.
He'll be in Sweden next month at Worlds. Since he's half Norwegian, I'm sure they'll be watching their American counterpart. Like me, he's Irish, German, and a bit Norwegian. My Norse roots are very distant, but I like to think it keeps my hair blonde!
Go, Johnny, go...
Friday, February 22, 2008
The View from My Window
Well, that's what my snowy view looks like. That's Hughie, my superintendent, shoveling away so we all don't surf down the stairs.
So, let's recap: in the last week, I managed to 1) find a part-time job; 2) find an ok iPod on eBay; and 3) get myself a roommate. Whether I spelled correctly or not, doesn't matter. I may actually have a long-term person helping me with my bills.
The job situation is not just bad for me, I see. It's all over. We have hit a recession, kiddies. I actually spoke to a guy in Starbucks the other night--and I might just apply there, too--who told me people my age are coming in with all sorts of degrees, but no companies will hire them. That, my darlings, is how bad this country is. Dubya, or "Shrub" as I like to call him, has given all the fat cat wonks the power of mega-salaries, but no incentive to keep workers in this country. I am happy to say that my own job (!) was emailed me via monster.com and I laughed out loud. Patricia, the temp, who replaced me, bolted after six months. Then another replaced her, who I can only assume is gone, ran like hell as well. And now, Sad Sack and Baldo are looking once again to do my work, the work that was unfathomable, unending, and completely insane.
I fondly remember telling Evil Longoria the Mad HR Rep, how difficult and expensive it would be to replace me. And lo and behold, I WAS...NO I AM....RIGHT! The buro chiefs must be crapping their pants--this is an election year and no one to check up on all those orders, online and satellite dish, colleges, Hillary and Obama photos, and oddball last-minute requests that I would bang out at 5:55 pm right before I walked out the door? Oh, they must gritting their teeth trying not to say how much they miss me. And all I wanted was $40,000. Not much to ask, but they were cheap and rotten. Karma's a mofo, people. Don't ever doubt it! Patricia, the first temp cost $35 per hour, I'm assuming the one after her was the same, and now they have to bring in someone else PLUS I hear they dropped the salary to $25,000? That job will sit empty and I will LAUGH HEARTILY.
So, I'm just waiting for Ohio and Texas to roll over Hillary and bring in Obama. I dig Hillary. I think we could sit down, have a burger and fries and discuss things. Things like how we hate Shrub, how Rumsfeld and the BTK killer look almost exactly alike, how sucky the glass ceiling really is, and how sexism is ok in this country, but racism is still very hidden and sooo un-P.C. But, I don't think she's gonna win. Anyway, NY needs a senator. It's obvious Spitzer, our so-called governor, has fucked up everything beyond recognition and no, nothing changed on Day 1, to use his campaign slogan. It's still Shelly and Schumer running it all.
Obama reminds me a lot of Bobby Kennedy, whose footage I've watched over and over. Practical, sensible, low-key, and with a great sense of balance and more of a difference and less of the same. Plus, if he wins, the racial question will be wiped off the map, which thrills me.
But for now, I will enjoy the snow. It's a nice respite from the madness that usually is February.
Enjoy!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Site of the day
Special thanks to Mary to sending. Click on the purple "box" to contribute free food for an abused or abandoned animal. Corporate sponsors pick up the "money bags" portion of running the site.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Happy Chinese New Year
It's a year for rats! That would be me. I'm a water rat...reminds me of a silly song Dad used to sing.
FAT FAT you water RAT
Go get EATEN by A CAT
LOL Enjoy the info!
Here's the skinny from Wikipedia...
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiacs, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.
Rats consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.
According to tradition, Rats often carry heavy karma and at some point in life may face an identity crisis or some kind of feeling of guilt. Rats are said to often have to work very long and hard for everything they may earn or have in life. However, a Rat born during the day is said to have things a bit easier than those who are born at night. Traditionally, Rats born during the night may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rats in general should guard themselves against hedonism, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives.
Traditionally, Rats should avoid Horses, but they can usually find their best friends and love interests in Monkeys, Dragons, and Oxen.
Professions include espionage, psychiatry, psychology, writing, politics, law, engineering, accounting, detective work, acting, and pathology.
FAT FAT you water RAT
Go get EATEN by A CAT
LOL Enjoy the info!
Here's the skinny from Wikipedia...
Being the first sign of the Chinese zodiacs, rats are leaders, pioneers and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking. Rat people are endowed with great leadership skills and are the most highly organized, meticulous, and systematic of the twelve signs. Intelligent and cunning at the same time, rats are highly ambitious and strong-willed people who are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas, which often include money and power. They are energetic and versatile and can usually find their way around obstacles, and adapt to various environments easily. A rat's natural charm and sharp demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone, but rats are usually highly exclusive and selective when choosing friends and so often have only a few very close friends whom they trust.
Behind the smiles and charm, rats can be terribly obstinate and controlling, insisting on having things their way no matter what the cost. These people tend to have immense control of their emotions, which they may use as a tool to manipulate and exploit others, both emotionally and mentally. Rats are masters of mind games and can be very dangerous, calculative and downright cruel if the need arises. Quick-tempered and aggressive, they will not think twice about exacting revenge on those that hurt them in any way. Rats need to learn to relax sometimes, as they can be quite obsessed with detail, intolerant and strict, demanding order, obedience, and perfection.
Rats consider others before themselves, at least sometimes, and avoid forcing their ideas onto others. Rats are fair in their dealings and expect the same from others in return, and can be deeply affronted if they feel they have been deceived or that their trust has been abused. Sometimes they set their targets too high, whether in relation to their friends or in their career. But as the years pass, they will become more idealistic and tolerant. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats can find true happiness.
According to tradition, Rats often carry heavy karma and at some point in life may face an identity crisis or some kind of feeling of guilt. Rats are said to often have to work very long and hard for everything they may earn or have in life. However, a Rat born during the day is said to have things a bit easier than those who are born at night. Traditionally, Rats born during the night may face extreme hardships and suffering throughout life. Rats in general should guard themselves against hedonism, as it may lead to self-destruction. Gambling, alcohol and drugs tend to be great temptations to Rat natives.
Traditionally, Rats should avoid Horses, but they can usually find their best friends and love interests in Monkeys, Dragons, and Oxen.
Professions include espionage, psychiatry, psychology, writing, politics, law, engineering, accounting, detective work, acting, and pathology.
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