Wednesday, October 31, 2007

David Rees Rocks

I got this e-mail from David Rees last week and I know I am posting this late...we have missed the lecture but it is too priceless to delete and not read....but it is not too late for the affordable art, if you happen to be in NYC this weekend>>>
From David's email...
I am coming out of retirement for two live performances in celebration of two of my favorite things: AFFORDABLE ART and ISLAMOFASCISM.

1. ISLAMOFASCISM Soft-spoken conservative intellectual David Horowitz has designated October 22-26 as "Islamofascism Awareness Week." (http://www.terrorismawareness.org/)

In case you didn't know, we are fighting World War IV with Islamofascists-- but "the academic left has mobilized to create sympathy for the enemy and to fight anyone who rallies Americans to defend themselves." Horowitz has enlisted voices of moderation like Ann Coulter, Daniel Pipes, and Rick Santorum(?!?) "to oppose these lies and to rally American students to defend their country." I want a piece of that!

So I'm giving a FREE lecture on Islamofascism: DAVID REES LECTURE ON ISLAMOFASCISM:"The More You Know"Friday, October 26Word Bookstore, Brooklyn 126 Franklin St (Greenpoint) http://wordbrooklyn.com/7:30 PM FREE If ever a lecture on the nihilistic evil of Islamofascism could be described as "TOTALLY OFF THE HOOK," this is it! (Afterwards I will be signing copies of Maureen Dowd's "Are Men Necessary?" and Nora Ephron's "I Feel Bad About My Neck")

2. AFFORDABLE ART Brooklyn’s pirate printmakers and cheap-art champions CANNONBALL PRESS will host their second PRINTS GONE WILD art fair next weekend. Artists and printmakers from around the country will convene in a cavernous Williamsburg warehouse to display and sell their prints for LESS THAN FIFTY DOLLARS A POP. It has fallen on me to emcee the opening night's festivities-- which will include rock bands; a raffle; a live interview (any famous celebrities reading this, please contact me so I can interview you); and maybe CRAZY TIMES. I will also be serving as DJ for the event, playing some of my finest thrift-store records! As I always say, "Why pay 99 cents to download one song from the computer when you can buy an entire LP for 50 cents at the Salvation Army?" (Basically, I hope you like “Abandoned Luncheonette” by Hall & Oates, because I will be spinning that sonofabitch for about three hours straight!!!) PRINTS GONE WILD PARTYFriday, November 3Supreme Trading Gallery, Brooklyn213 North 8th St (Williambsurg)http://tinyurl.com/3yq69s 6:00 PM - MidnightFREE
Thanks for your interest,David Reeshttp://www.mnftiu.cc/

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month


Please tell ten friends to tell ten today! I got this e-mail today so I decided to re-post it here.... The Breast Cancer site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily to meet their quota of donating at least one free mammogram a day to an underprivileged woman. It takes less than a minute to go to their site and click on "donating a mammogram" for free (pink window in the middle).


This doesn't cost you a thing. Their corporate sponsors /advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate mammogram in exchange for advertising.
Here's the web site! Pass it along to people you know.


Opening set for Williams-Sonoma=Lancaster, PA

Williams-Sonoma Store Grand Opening‏ @

Park City Center, 354 Park City Center, Lancaster, PA 17601 (717) 291-1495

Grand Opening On November 10th, 2007 ...With the grand opening of our new Park City Center store on November 10th, we introduce you to Grand Cuisine--where shopping for your kitchen is an exciting new experience in the Williams-Sonoma tradition.

I don't shop too much at "the Mall" but it is nice to see some new stores are coming and I really like Williams-Sonoma, so i will check it out soon before the madding holiday shopping season is upon us.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Iron Hill Brewery=Lancaster

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will soon be serving distinctive, full-flavored, handcrafted beers and new American cuisine, Iron Hill Brewery will soon open its first Lancaster location at the Shops at College Row=781 Harrisburg Pike. Iron Hill was scheduled to open Nov. 1st but the date has been pushed back to late November.

Since I work in the Philadelphia area, I have enjoyed Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant at their Media, Phoenixville and West Chester locations so I am very excited that they will be opening in Lancaster where I live! I can't wait to join their MUG CLUB!

Paul Rutherford had been Assistant Brewer @ Iron Hill's North Wales location now he has been named head brewer at Lancaster!

Thanksgiving @ the North Wales location will see a very limited release of an Imperial Stout mega bottle and I can only hope that will be on the brewing schedule for Lancaster Thanksgiving 2008!

Fenz is Open in Lancaster PA

Fenz Restaurant & Late Night......Stepping into Fenz Restaurant, 398 Harrisburg Pike, you feel like you're stepping into a true late-night hot spot. Everything about it is impeccable and feels like it was designed with ease. Fenz is open exclusively for dinner and late night dining and Fenz Restaurant is designed for that experience. From the menu to the lighting to the tableware, nothing was left to chance. The atmosphere is professional and modern, yet you can relax and enjoy yourself. Bringing influences into their kitchen, from the American family kitchen to the Far East, when ordering an entree from either the main menu or a snack from the Bar Bites menu, one doesn't need to be a risk-taker. By ordering the old standby at Fenz, you will still be trying something new. Fenz Restaurant, 398 Harrisburg Pike, is open Tue-Sat opening at 3pm, 717-735-6999. I can't give a review yet of this restaurant but soon so stay tuned!

What's brewing @ Triumph

Here's what is brewing at Triumph, if you are around any of their locations in November:
Brewer's Reserve Barrel Tappings!!!
Join us every month when the brewer drags up a barrel out of his secret stash. The supply is very limited (about ten gallons), so make sure to be on hand when the tap is hammered home.
This month's tappings:
Philadelphia - Blonde Double Bock. Thursday, November 1 at 6pm.
New Hope - Belgian Red Ale. Friday, November 2nd at 6pm.
Princeton - Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale. Wednesday, November 7 at 6pm.

Happy Hour at Triumph of Philly / Monday-Friday / 5-7 pm
TPS reports got you down? Boss out of his mind? We can help re-adjust your attitude with $3 beers, $4 house wine, & $5 mixed drinks.

Interesting Info about 'THE WIRE"

I had just posted about THE WIRE's last season coming up on HBO and then one of my best friends gave me an article from our Home Town (Bloomsburg, PA) newspaper that she has been saving for me and someone we both know works on THE WIRE. Cool!! It turns out that Jen Ralston, who graduated from BHS class of 89 and from NYU Film School in '95 is a Sound Editor. Her web site is very interesting...http://www.jenralston.net/ check it out....

She has worked on past season's of The Wire and has worked on feature films for directors like the Coen brothers, John Sayles, Scorsese, Ang Lee, and Kimberly Pierce!

Friday, October 26, 2007

XPN coming to Central PA


The next voice you hear … WXPN coming to central Pa. YEAHOOOOOOO!


From PATRICK BURNS, Staff Intelligencer Journal article....
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. - Three years after helping launch Philadelphia's coolest live music spot, World Cafe Live, Roger LeMay has a new goal: Make radio hip again in the Lancaster area.
LeMay, general manager of the nationally acclaimed Philadelphia public radio station WXPN-FM 88.5, will begin that task Tuesday when WXPN 88.7 will go live in central Pennsylvania.


The $3.5 million venture, which includes the purchase of Harrisburg station WZXM-FM 88.7 and a new translator tower in Middletown, will double WXPN's broadcast footprint, LeMay said Thursday during a visit to Lancaster.


The deal may appear risky, considering WXPN's $7 million annual budget. But like the station's eclectic and inspiring mix of rock, blues, roots, indie, soul, reggae, funk and folk, LeMay is anything but ordinary.


WXPN is an NPR member — it sells and distributes World Cafe to about 190 NPR stations — but it remains pretty much independent, LeMay said. It does carry NPR news on the hour, "but that's it," LeMay said.


For more info. check out their web site:


They are having a Get to Know Us tour:


The tour begins with a Kids Corner Star Party on Thursday evening. Then, we kick off the weekend early with XPN's Free At Noon Concert and Dance Party at the Whitaker Center. Midday Saturday, join David Dye for his Book Signing. Then, on to Lancaster for a live free concert with Matt Pond PA and Jessica Hoop at the Chameleon Club. Sunday takes us to the Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center in York, PA. November 1 to the 4th, it's the WXPN

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Fix My Problem First American Home Warranty Corp.


Sure, I have a story. A month into this claim and no dry wall repair!!

This is one messed up company, who does not know a thing about "customer service"? Their training program must be to push off every concern you have, tell you there's "nothing they can do" and, at best, tell you that someone will call you back - which never happens.


The plumber (s) who handle the first part of the claim, fixing the sewer/water exit pipe were excellent and it was a 2 day job. HOWEVER, it has been a mess since then. FIRST AMERICAN can not find a drywall tech in this area and so the CASH OUT option they offered was ONLY $75.00 dollars!! The neighbor next door has gotten an estimate for her smaller hole to be fixed for $300.00! So I am still waiting..... I love how I have gotten four request letters/packets to renew my warranty contract with this lousy company since this has started. Yeah, right... I want to give you more money so I am protected and have a warranty with this company who cannot complete a job of doing some drywalling? Sure I will get right on that!!


PLEASE FIX MY PROBLEM FIRST AMERICAN HOME WARRANTY CORPORATION!!!!!!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Rant of the Day=blood boiling


With Veteran's Day soon upon us, I read this today...U.S. President George W. Bush asked Congress on Monday (Oct 22, 2007) for $189.3 billion (93.2 billion pounds) to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, another huge request that faced deep scepticism from lawmakers opposed to prolonging the Iraq conflict.

Bush's request covers military operations for fiscal 2008, which began on October 1, the White House said. If approved it would make 2008 the most expensive year in the Iraq and Afghan wars and would be on top of about $600 billion already approved for those conflicts.

And then I read this...Linda Bilmes, a policy analyst at Harvard who will testify before Congress this week, calculates that over the next decade, the disability costs for vets will be at least $60 billion—more than six times the administration's official projections. The numbers coming out of government budget offices, she says, "are significantly underestimating the reality." All this has angered some vets and their families. "I would love to have the president live my life for one week to see how difficult it is," says Annette McLeod, wife of Army specialist Wendell McLeod, who is suffering from PTSD after serving in Iraq. "How do you fund a war but not fund the casualties?" By Michael Isikoff and Jamie Reno NEWSWEEK
Oct 29, 2007 Issue

Last Season of HBO's The Wire


HBO is expected to premiere the Last Season (#5) of THE WIRE on Jan. 6, 2008. In the Oct. 22, 2007 issue of THE NEW YORKER there is a great article/profile of the series and it's creator, David Simon by Margaret Talbot.


Here is an excerpt: “The Wire,” Simon often says, is a show about how contemporary American society—and, particularly, “raw, unencumbered capitalism”—devalues human beings. He told me, “Every single moment on the planet, from here on out, human beings are worth less. We are in a post-industrial age. We don’t need as many of us as we once did. So, if the first season was about devaluing the cops who knew their beats and the corner boys slinging drugs, then the second was about devaluing the longshoremen and their labor, the third about people who wanted to make changes in the city, and the fourth was about kids who were being prepared, badly, for an economy that no longer really needs them. And the fifth? It’s about the people who are supposed to be monitoring all this and sounding the alarm—the journalists. The newsroom I worked in had four hundred and fifty people. Now it’s got three hundred. Management says, ‘We have to do more with less.’ That’s the bullshit of bean counters who care only about the bottom line. You do less with less.”

Urban Place=Update



Visit their new website for information about this mixed use community, such as floor plans, amenities and photo galleries for their retail, commercial and residential spaces. Apartments are being rented and 1 already is under contract!!

Lancaster Science Factory=Update


Revitalizing Lancaster City....and the Lancaster Science factory will be an exciting educational opportunities that are good for tourism and good for business, bringing a vital family market into the city both weekdays and weekends. On average, a small science center attracts 73,000 visitors annually. We are projecting 40,000 visitors the first year to our location in Lancaster City. The Urban Place revitalization project on New Holland Avenue will serve as a new north east gateway into the city.

The Science Factory will occupy 11,000 sq. ft. in an old factory building in Urban Place, a revitalization project on New Holland Avenue in Lancaster, PA. The Science Factory has 30' ceilings, flexible space, plenty of free parking and is easily accessible from Route 30. The Science Factory is just two minutes from the center of downtown Lancaster, PA. It is scheduled to open Jan. 1, 2008!!

Monday, October 22, 2007

PA Property Tax Relief=Idiots in H-burg

In explaining why he would not give every Pennsylvania homeowner property tax relief, the Speaker Emeritus of the House Republicans this week said, "Let's forget this nonsense about trying to help everyone. The communists tried it and it didn't work." John Perzel, Philadelphia Inquirer 10/11/07. And, to add insult to injury, the leader of the Senate Republicans says the Senate won't even talk about property taxes this fall.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

PA Winners of the Great American Beer Fest

The following PA breweries won medals @ Great American Beer Festival:

Brewery - Beer- State - Medals - Category=descending order

Allentown/Bethlehem Brew Works
English Style India Pale Ale
PA
Gold
Pro-Am Beer

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant - Media
Kriek de Hill
PA
Bronze
Belgian-Style Sour Ale

McKenzie Brew House
Saison Vautour
PA
Gold
French- and Belgian Style Saison


McKenzie Brew House
McKenzie Wee Heavy
PA
Bronze
Strong Scotch Ale

Rock Bottom Brewery - King of Prussia
Broad Street Barleywine
PA
Gold
Aged Beer (Ale or Lager)


Sly Fox Brewing Co.
Pikeland Pils
PA
Gold
German-Style Pilsener


Sly Fox Brewing Co.
Instigator
PA
Bronze
German Style Strong Bock

Stoudts Brewing Co.
Stoudts Ofest
PA
Bronze
Vienna Style Lager


Stoudts Brewing Co.
Stoudts Weizen
PA
Silver
South German Style Hefeweizen/Hefeweissbier

Tröegs Brewing Co.
Troegenator
PA
Gold
Bock


Victory Brewing Co.
Victory Festbier
PA
Gold
German Style Märzen

Victory Brewing Co.
Prima Pils
PA
Silver
German-Style Pilsener

I Love Shiner Bock




One of my favorite brews is Shiner Bock. I've even been to the brewery in Texas. Shiner is not distributed in PA for unknown reasons. I have even carried a case home on a Plane from Texas, this was before 9/11, of course. In PA, we have the Yuengling brewery, which I would say is somewhat similar in history and brewing different beers.


Known as the "Little brewery in Shiner," the Spoetzl Brewery is an American brewery located in Shiner, Texas that is wholly owned by the Gambrinus Company. The brewery is most well known for producing Shiner Bock, a dark Czech-style beer. Long a regional favorite, particularly among college students, Shiner Bock is now distributed in 39 states; as far west as California, as far north as Alaska and as far east as Virginia.


Beginning in 2005, Shiner began producing a yearly brew to celebrate their upcoming anniversary. The centennial program develops one special beer each year that is produced in small batches. Each beer is named after the age of the brewery, thus in 2005 the beer was named Shiner 96, the 2006 beer Shiner 97, the 2007 beer Shiner 98, and 2008's beer is Shiner 99. With 96 and 97, the beers were only brewed from September through December. By mid-December the beer production is stopped and that beer was retired. In the case of Shiner 98, Shiner has varied things up, releasing 98 for the summer of 2007, with cases of 98 hitting store shelves in late May 2007. The Spoetzl Brewery claims that the program will end in 2009 with Shiner 100.
Below is a listing of each beer and their respective style:
Shiner 96 — Märzen/Oktoberfest Ale
Shiner 97 — Bohemian Black Lager
Shiner 98 — Bavarian Style Amber


I so want to try the Shiner 98!! I think a road trip maybe in order to find some Shiner 98 in Delaware? Shiner 97 became so popular that Shiner Bohemian Black Lager was created — Originally a limited edition in honor of the Spoetzl Brewery's 97th anniversary, this classic schwarzbier became a permanent part of the Shiner family in late 2007. Black uses imported Austrian Saaz and Styrian hops and dark-roasted malts to create a distinctive taste that honors the German and Czech immigrants who settled the town of Shiner.

Victory Beer Artisan Cheese Dinner


Victory Brewing Company presents a specialty beer dinner on Wednesday, October 24, 2007, beginning at 6PM. This unique five course meal will feature renowned artisan cheese writer, consultant, and New England Culinary Institute adjunct professor Jeff Roberts from Vermont.
Roberts has been featured in media nationwide. Recently his new book, Atlas of American Artisan Cheese (Chelsea Green, 2007), was reviewed with praise by the New York Times. In the review, he was donned, “a walking encyclopedia of American cheeses.”


“We look forward to hosting the American authority on artisan cheese here at Victory Brewing. This will be a fun unique experience for our many quality beer and cheese fans,” said Bill Covaleski, Victory Brewing founder and brewmaster.
Date: October 24 @ 6pm.


Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Acid Vandal Dates

I was asked about dates that the Acid Vandal of Lancaster, PA has attacked. All dates are approximate, as I have gathered my information from the local newspaper usually Morning Edition and not police reports.

Jan. 2006=Western part of City=1st report of crimes.

April 2006=Multiple vehicles=western part of City.

Mid April to Mid October 2006=at least 60 vehicles attacked. City and now Township. Vandal begins to target same victims.

March to April 2007-50 vehicles damaged, mainly in South-southwest & northwest parts of City.

May 2007-First reports of vehicles damaged outside of City and Township, in Manheim Township and West Lampeter. Over 50 Vehicles damaged.

6/11/07= 1200 block Elm Ave.

6/14/2007= 700 block Marietta Ave.

6/19/2007 = 300 block East Orange St.

7/26/2007= 500 block West Lemon & 400 block South West End Ave.

8/17/2007= 200 block Elm St. (or Ave. ?).

8/17/2007= West Vine street* 1st sighting of Vandal!!!

9/27/2007= 900 block Elm Ave, only 1 vehicle.

10/11/2007= 900 block Elm Ave., 6 vehicles.


Since Jan. 2006, $450,000 to $500,000 in damages has been done to nearly 400 Lancaster City and County residents automobiles. We all want to live in a safe community and most of the time we do. However when crime is committed, the whole community is affected. There is a reward up to $18,000 being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the acid-spraying vandal (s). Call Crimestoppers=1-800-322-1913!!

Description: White man, thin built, 5'11, no beard, no glasses, wearing white cap, white shorts, white t-shirt.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Blog Action Day

Check out these blogs:


http://consciousearth.blogspot.com/

http://hautenature.blogspot.com/

http://greenskeptic.blogspot.com/

http://thelazyenvironmentalist.blogspot.com/

http://rcbookclub.blogspot.com/

Sorry, it is a boring post for blog action day but I worked my 2 jobs today and I am tired.
I found a lot of interesting information on these blogs and I do hope you check them out.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Look ME in the EYE


I saw an ad for a new book that caught my attention in last week's The New Yorker for LOOK ME IN THE EYE by John Elder Robison. The subtitle of the book is My life with Asperger's.

I knew he was writing a book from his brother's (Augusten Burroughs) website and since I have read all of his brother's books, I think I will pick up this book. I have read a long letter John wrote, concerning the death of his father, again on Augusten's web site and while reading it I cried.
John has a Blog, check it out: http://www.jerobison.blogspot.com/

Acid Vandal of Lancaster Strikes Again

Well, my theory of the full moon has been shot to hell, as the Acid Vandal has struck during a waxing crescent moon phase. Here is an article by the local paper: "Acid vandal hits 5 vehicles on Elm Ave. Vandal struck nearby, on same Lancaster Township block, two weeks ago." By DAVID O’CONNOR, StaffLancaster New Era
Published: Oct 12, 2007 11:16 AM EST

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. - Whatever the weather, the Lancaster-area "acid vandal" isn't missing his rounds.Five more vehicles were vandalized late Thursday night in Lancaster Township, along the 900 block of Elm Avenue, Lancaster police said this morning.It's only a hundred feet or so from where the vandal struck on the same block two weeks ago.More than 400 vehicles now have been damaged in Lancaster and its immediate suburbs since January 2006, at a cost of roughly a half-million dollars.Police believe the vandal has sprayed cars in Lancaster City and in parts of Lancaster and Manheim townships with a paint-dissolving substance.Last night's vandalism was reported to city police, who patrol Lancaster Township, at around 10:30 p.m.On this chilly and dark morning, one resident said she "knew it wouldn't be long until we got hit, after the car just up the street got hit two weeks ago."I just wish we could catch him."The affected area is just south of Columbia Avenue, between Rider and West End avenues, and also is near Wheatland Middle School.The most recent reward announced for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the elusive "acid vandal" was set at $18,000.Another car had been damaged two weeks ago on Elm Avenue.That had been the first car hit in a month, an unusual hiatus in the nearly two-year vandalism spree. Also, only one car on the street was targeted in that late-September vandalism, which is unusual. The vandal often sprays or dumps his substance on several vehicles in a single block.The last previous incident before that was on Aug. 30, when a woman saw a man damage her car in the 900 block of West Vine Street. The eyewitness described him as a middle-aged, clean-shaven white male who had a thin build and was about 5 feet, 11 inches tall. When last seen, he was wearing a white T-shirt, white shorts and a white cap."I don't think he can stay away from it," one city police official said of the vandal.The reward is being offered by Lancaster City-County Crime Stoppers. Callers do not have to identify themselves to collect a reward. Anyone with information is asked to call (800) 322-1913 or Lancaster City police at 735-3300.Some of the victims have been struck two or three times by the vandal, some residents have said.

http://www.wgal.com/news/13886665/detail.html

On the local TV news channel website WGAL, there's a link for images and a few news stories related to the Acid Vandal to check out. Let's catch this person SOON!!

American Bar & Grill


I love having a relaxing Saturday or Sunday lunch @ ABG's. Today, Sweet T and I walked there and I have never been disappointed with food, beer or service. Granted when I have dined there it has not been all that busy. Feeling in a Fall festive mood, I drank and Sam Adams Octoberfest and a pint of Dogfish Head 160 IPA. T had a Shipyard Pumpkin Ale, which I tasted and we both loved. Check out their website:


I will be going back for another Shipyard Pumpkin Ale and more oysters soon!

American Bar & Grill1081 N. Plum St. , Lancaster, PA 17601 (Map)
Type of Establishment: American,Bars,Burgers/Steaks
Price Range: Inexpensive
Telephone: (717) 394-8021
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (kitchen until midnight)

Crap on Comcast


Got the Notice in the mail today that the Comcast bill is going up yet again, just in time for prime TV viewing season... Winter. They value me as a customer the letter stated but sorry we really need to jack up our prices yet AGAIN. I would switch to another cable provider but there isn't one around...Comcast=cable monopoly. Maybe we should investigate the dish network but I hate seeing those stupid things on homes.

Dreaming of Abe Lincoln and Talking Beavers?


I am not a fan of the ad campaign of Rozerem. I am already sick of it and it seems to be everywhere....The new pill for people who have trouble falling asleep. "Can't fall asleep? Try Rozerem free for 7 nights because your dreams miss you." Who dreams of Abe Lincoln and beavers?


They're a few different versions of Abe and the Beav, one includes them playing chess and I understand the symbolism involved but...I still don't like it. Other people do, I guess especially if you look at it like another blogger wrote: Ditch Lincoln Show More Beaver.



Abe = Money/and he suffered from depression/insomnia

Beaver = Work/or a sexual reference

Chess = Competition

Newspaper = World Events

Breakfast = Diet/Health (bacon and eggs = high cholesterol)



Diver = Repressed anxieties

UR the spokesperson


I noticed a new billboard in the neighborhood. It's from the Ad Council a campaign called UR the Spokesperson concerning reckless driving. http://www.urthespokesperson.org/?page_id=2


From their web site: Car crashes are the number one killer of teens and young adults in the U.S. The UR the Spokesperson campaign is spreading the word about how dangerous reckless driving can be, and empowering young adults to speak up when they don’t feel safe in the car.


You can learn more about the campaign from this video.

The UR the Spokesperson campaign is sponsored by the Ad Council and a coalition of state Attorneys General and consumer protection agencies. For almost 65 years, the Ad Council has been improving the lives of Americans by raising awareness about critical social issues and inspiring people to take action. The organization addresses a variety of community, education, health and safety issues and it’s iconic taglines have become part of the American language, like “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk,” “Take a Bite out of Crime,” and “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste.”


The coalition of Attorneys General and consumer protection organizations is a multi-state group comprised of the Offices of the Attorney General and Consumer Protection Agencies of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.


SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and AAA (American Automobile Association) are partners in the UR the Spokesperson campaign and are helping to spread the word about the danger of reckless driving.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

524 N Plum St


Ah, the House next door is finally for sale. Yet, the foyer wall is not fixed due to the First American Home Warranty Company. We can see straight through to there door due to the Sewer pipe breaking. The pipes for our house and theirs, were installed in 1905, so I am wondering when their pipes will break and crack? The home needs a new roof and a lot of interior upgrades but it does have a nice livable apartment on the second floor, to rent out. What this neighborhood does not need is anymore absent landlords!

First American Home Warranty Drops the BALL


Is the wall finished yet? No!! Has FIRST AMERICAN Home Warranty called=NO!! How many times have I called them? 7 times and I am sick of it! Will I renew with this company, NO! So I will call tomorrow and hopefully be able to talk to a manager and find out when my wall will be getting fixed!

Monday, October 8, 2007

SmuttyNose brews



I bought a variety pack of Smuttynose beers and I love it! The variety pack included a seasonal brew, of course, a very delicious pumpkin ale.


From the Smuttynose's web site:


Welcome to the Granite State's leading craft brewery, located in the historic seacoast city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Smuttynose was founded in 1994 by the folks who started the Northampton and Portsmouth Breweries. Our beers - Shoals Pale Ale, Old Brown Dog, Portsmouth Lager, IPA, Robust Porter, The Big Beer Series & our seasonal specialties - are distributed throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic states.


Plus, I recently found this interesting beer blog:


"I'll have another stout" details my adventures in bar hopping in and out of Philadelphia. If I eat something and it inspires me, you can read about it. If there's a pub or pint I checked out, you'll know if you should follow. And as I spend my days entering and exiting, you'll get the scoop on all that went on in between. It also references a Tom Waits song. And who doesn't love Tom Waits?"


Blog Action Day 2007

The Gum Thief


"The Gum Thief" is Canadian author Douglas Coupland's 12th novel set to be released on October 2, 2007. This novel will be published by Bloomsbury Publishing, famously known for publishing the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. I have read all of Coupland 12 other novels plus his other works: essays and non-fiction books. You could say, I am a big fan.


Here is a review that was published in Entertainment Weekly by Karen Valby:


Wait for an insomnia jag, and then read Douglas Coupland's latest in one long, solitary night. A 43-year-old sad-sack drunk leaves his blistering diary, including a manuscript riffing on Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, in the break room at Staples; his twenty-something Goth co-worker stumbles upon it and starts writing letters to him. These wildly differing perspectives merge beautifully into one cohesive look at loneliness and despair. Yes, Coupland is dark and cutting about our fluorescent-lit times, but there's also a real underlayer of gratitude in The Gum Thief, for the hand that can reach down and unite with you in the darkness. A-






Mitt is a Twitt

Romney turns back on MS patient who asks about medical marijuana (Headlines from Rawstory.com)

At a campaign stop in Dover, NH, Mitt Romney was asked about medical marijuana by Clayton Holton, who has muscular dystrophy. "I have the support of five of my doctors saying I am living proof that medical marijuana works," Holton told Romney.
Romney suggested he use synthetic marijuana instead, but Holton said, "I have tried it and it makes me throw up."
He then asked, "Will you arrest me and my doctors if I get medical marijuana?"
"I'm not in favor of medical marijuana being legal," Romney told Holton curtly, then deliberately turned his back on him to say "Hi, how are you" to other members of the audience.

Notice the headline states MS but the article states that the man has Muscular Dystrophy, two very different diseases. Yet, medical marijuana has been studied and some patients of both diseases (along with many other diseases) have found positive relief from using medical marijuana. As someone who has MS, I believe I along with guidance my Doctors should have every possible remedy available to me, to ease pain and suffering. The article did not even mention that Mitt Romney's wife has MS. Another possible cure for MS and many other diseases is Stem Cell Research, Mitt Romney doesn't support that either.

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Jumping on the bandwagon


I've caught a bit of Phillies Fever. I work in the Philadelphia Region and there is no mistake about it, the Philadelphia fans: they are the craziest sports fans. I've never had a MLB team I have really rooted for, though I like watching baseball games at different levels and I like the historical aspects of baseball. Postseason play is here and I've become fan. I bought my colors today. The Phillies lost the first game but tomorrows another day and another game. Go Phillies!

The L Word: Season 5 Coming in 2008

There is No fighting it!