In the strangest places if you look at it right. I have a touch of the blues, but when I heard Sublime's "Scarlet Begonias" this morning, my mood was lifted. I wasn't a 90s garage band fan, but when Jerry's energy comes through with this tune how can things be bad?
I'm gonna be happy with the rings on my fingers and maybe I'll put some bells on my shoes, at least figuratively. But not the rings. They are real. Love rocks are a girl's best friend, didn't you know? And I will be happy to light Shabbat candles tonight and see the light in a very cozy place: my home. With my very own daughter Concealed Light.
Everything happens for a reason. A cultural commentary with a lotta rock-n-roll, semitism, and parenting. See our Etsy Shop! Buy HeadyBands, Hoodies and more at www.wholephamily.etsy.com
Friday, March 30, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Love Your Children, Pay Attention to Them
That was the message of Eva Sandler last week, who lost her husband and two children in a recent terrorist attack in Toulouse, France. May we only know happiness and joy going forward. The irony of this blog post is that currently I am ignoring my children while they eat their supper to watch the media coverage from last week's funeral.
May the victims' memories be a blessing.
I know it isn't the Jewish tradition to play music or give flowers when a person dies, but I still can't help but think towards CSN.
May the victims' memories be a blessing.
I know it isn't the Jewish tradition to play music or give flowers when a person dies, but I still can't help but think towards CSN.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Rachel Dratch: Too Jewish For the Prairie
Check out this interview with Rachel Dratch and Amy Poehler based on Rachel's new autobiography. So glad I caught her in the late 90s at Upright Citizen's Brigade.
Check out this interview from a few years ago. Note: if I could have uploaded her famous Debbie Downer episode where the whole crew is at Disney and is simply laughing away, I would have. I guess folks want to protect that Intellectual Property. Is that you, Lorne? Cuz Rob Reiner has done the same thing when it comes to YouTube videos of "This is Spinal Tap", and it really does a disservice to the bourgeois of the world!
Of course, I like her because she shares the same first name as me.
And spells it the same.
And has the same last name as one of my favorite Judaic studies teachers as a child, Rabbi Mark Dratch. I learned Baba Metziah using Cabbage Patch Kids as the examples.
Check out this interview from a few years ago. Note: if I could have uploaded her famous Debbie Downer episode where the whole crew is at Disney and is simply laughing away, I would have. I guess folks want to protect that Intellectual Property. Is that you, Lorne? Cuz Rob Reiner has done the same thing when it comes to YouTube videos of "This is Spinal Tap", and it really does a disservice to the bourgeois of the world!
Of course, I like her because she shares the same first name as me.
And spells it the same.
And has the same last name as one of my favorite Judaic studies teachers as a child, Rabbi Mark Dratch. I learned Baba Metziah using Cabbage Patch Kids as the examples.
Orthodox and Single? Miami Plastic Surgeon Will Work Pro Bono!
This one spread like wildfire this week. As if frum Jews have the time to think about this a week before Passover.
In response to Yitta Halberstam's article that single girls get plastic surgery to help land a husband, Dr. Michael Salzhauer has offered it for free to them in Miami. One caveat: you have to come recommended through your matchmaker or Rabbi.
Sounds pretty bezerk to me. Gila Manolson offers her opinion, more eloquently written than mine, here.
Maybe instead of undergoing surgery, they could learn fashion tips from the Hot Chani's of the world (it goes without saying that a subscription to W and V are helpful if you can get past the rampant untznius images...but a personal stylist can't hurt, either). A lot of people take offense to that term coined by Heshy Fried, but I think it's pretty funny. Doubt that Gila would like it. But I like Gila. She was a teacher of mine a long time ago, and I don't mean to offend.
Personally, I could use some fashion advice.
Even though I am out of the shidduch market, I still like to look good. And tie-dyes don't always fly.
Now, get back to cleaning!
From one queen (the Jewish woman, referenced above), to another (the witty parody of Freddy Mercury's tune, below)
In response to Yitta Halberstam's article that single girls get plastic surgery to help land a husband, Dr. Michael Salzhauer has offered it for free to them in Miami. One caveat: you have to come recommended through your matchmaker or Rabbi.
Sounds pretty bezerk to me. Gila Manolson offers her opinion, more eloquently written than mine, here.
Maybe instead of undergoing surgery, they could learn fashion tips from the Hot Chani's of the world (it goes without saying that a subscription to W and V are helpful if you can get past the rampant untznius images...but a personal stylist can't hurt, either). A lot of people take offense to that term coined by Heshy Fried, but I think it's pretty funny. Doubt that Gila would like it. But I like Gila. She was a teacher of mine a long time ago, and I don't mean to offend.
Personally, I could use some fashion advice.
Even though I am out of the shidduch market, I still like to look good. And tie-dyes don't always fly.
Now, get back to cleaning!
From one queen (the Jewish woman, referenced above), to another (the witty parody of Freddy Mercury's tune, below)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Jerusalem City of Gold: It Is For the Best
"Just nod if you can hear me" -Pink Floyd
Click to 23:51 on the below video or even this link for a 1994 Phish performance of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav. Phish mavens really ate up that one in the 90s whenever they played this old school Israeli song written by Naomi Shemer. Those days are over, but we can always listen and remember. And think towards what could be in the future.
Thank you to Phish.net for debuting this video this week. Quite an intricate jam, though I don't expect most of you to listen to the whole thing.
As far as I know, Phish has never played a show in Israel. I think they should.
This child might be grown, but the dream is never gone.
"If you will it, it is no dream." -Theodor Herzl
I try to maintain optimism, but if a show in Israel never happens, I will keep in mind the following:
"When a person knows that everything that happens to him is for the best, this is a taste of the world to come." -R' Nachman of Breslov
Click to 23:51 on the below video or even this link for a 1994 Phish performance of Yerushalayim Shel Zahav. Phish mavens really ate up that one in the 90s whenever they played this old school Israeli song written by Naomi Shemer. Those days are over, but we can always listen and remember. And think towards what could be in the future.
Thank you to Phish.net for debuting this video this week. Quite an intricate jam, though I don't expect most of you to listen to the whole thing.
As far as I know, Phish has never played a show in Israel. I think they should.
This child might be grown, but the dream is never gone.
"If you will it, it is no dream." -Theodor Herzl
I try to maintain optimism, but if a show in Israel never happens, I will keep in mind the following:
"When a person knows that everything that happens to him is for the best, this is a taste of the world to come." -R' Nachman of Breslov
Monday, March 26, 2012
Love Rocks Are A Girl's Best Friend
Spring is in the air, and you know what that means. Weddings and engagements. Browsing for rings in Tiffany, a la Holly Golightly, is usually in order. But savvy consumers go straight to 47th street for the purchase. In my world, no matter the size of the stone you are looking for, you go to someone via referral through friends or family. Usually that someone is a man. Miss Marmelstein, why pay retail when I Can Get It For You Wholesale? Unfortunately, speaking from personal experience, the boys-club vibe that thrives among the diamond dealers isn't always welcoming to women.
Enter Limor Senker of Love Rocks New York.
Let me disclose that Limor is a family friend. Since I know her personally, I know that her professional manner is genuine. Limor's Love Rocks is a line of fine contemporary jewelry that has received great press - from People to WWD to Glamour. She uses ethically-sourced pave diamonds and embeds them in 14K gold and platinum to make earrings, bracelets, and more.
If diamonds are a girl's best friend, wouldn't you want your friend to design your jewelry?
Limor has vast experience in the diamond business. She also custom-designs diamond jewelry: no more dark-paneled offices with middle-aged men who think they know better than the little miss. Limor's understanding of style and design, coupled with her personal demeanor make you feel like you're chatting with a friend who also happens to be a diamond jewelry designer.
Recently, Limor and I worked together to customize an anniversary band. I couldn't be happier with my ring. She was so accessible during the whole process. It was lots of fun, too! Limor uses computer technology to create a rendering of the piece, so nothing is created without full satisfaction or left up to the imagination. Before she makes the jewelry, you see exactly what it will look like. How great is that!
Not a New Yorker? No need to worry. She will talk with you over the phone, email, Skype, gchat or Facebook. All packages she sends are fully insured. Best of all, she works with all budgets. Working with Limor is such a pleasure, and I urge you to give her a call if you're in the market. If it's your fiance who is taking care of things, tell him you will be happy that he called Limor.
Love Rocks NY
646.415.8770
info@loverocksny.com
And to think, I had no cultural context for "Material Girl" when it came out in 1985.
Enter Limor Senker of Love Rocks New York.
Let me disclose that Limor is a family friend. Since I know her personally, I know that her professional manner is genuine. Limor's Love Rocks is a line of fine contemporary jewelry that has received great press - from People to WWD to Glamour. She uses ethically-sourced pave diamonds and embeds them in 14K gold and platinum to make earrings, bracelets, and more.
If diamonds are a girl's best friend, wouldn't you want your friend to design your jewelry?
Limor has vast experience in the diamond business. She also custom-designs diamond jewelry: no more dark-paneled offices with middle-aged men who think they know better than the little miss. Limor's understanding of style and design, coupled with her personal demeanor make you feel like you're chatting with a friend who also happens to be a diamond jewelry designer.
Recently, Limor and I worked together to customize an anniversary band. I couldn't be happier with my ring. She was so accessible during the whole process. It was lots of fun, too! Limor uses computer technology to create a rendering of the piece, so nothing is created without full satisfaction or left up to the imagination. Before she makes the jewelry, you see exactly what it will look like. How great is that!
Not a New Yorker? No need to worry. She will talk with you over the phone, email, Skype, gchat or Facebook. All packages she sends are fully insured. Best of all, she works with all budgets. Working with Limor is such a pleasure, and I urge you to give her a call if you're in the market. If it's your fiance who is taking care of things, tell him you will be happy that he called Limor.
Love Rocks NY
646.415.8770
info@loverocksny.com
And to think, I had no cultural context for "Material Girl" when it came out in 1985.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Hot Dogs and Led Zeppelin
My first grader, aka The Wolfman's Brother, came home last week talking about how the boys in class have a special nickname for each other, but that it's private and he couldn't tell me more. I managed to listen carefully enough to learn that boys are called hot dogs and girls are called hamburgers. When asked the reasoning behind these nicknames, in all the sweet innocence he is, The Wolfman's Brother just said, "I don't know." Awww.
Also last week, my brother, Uncle Goalie, recommended Led Zeppelin's "Hot Dog" from In Through the Out Door as a good idea for spin class. The Goalie is right...Kashmir might not have enough BPMs. Yes, I know what BPMs are*. Do you?
Now that spring is here, it's almost summer, which means hot dog season.
Just don't eat too many.
Nitrates and nitrites are no good for any of us.
Even if it says all natural on the package, just remember they are fooling you.
*of course I didn't until it was pointed out to me! Now that I do, naturally I feel pretty ignorant since I claim to like music.
Also last week, my brother, Uncle Goalie, recommended Led Zeppelin's "Hot Dog" from In Through the Out Door as a good idea for spin class. The Goalie is right...Kashmir might not have enough BPMs. Yes, I know what BPMs are*. Do you?
Now that spring is here, it's almost summer, which means hot dog season.
Just don't eat too many.
Nitrates and nitrites are no good for any of us.
Even if it says all natural on the package, just remember they are fooling you.
*of course I didn't until it was pointed out to me! Now that I do, naturally I feel pretty ignorant since I claim to like music.
Stevie Wonder on My Mind Today...I Wonder Why?
The only recording I had from Stevie Wonder was a 45 record of "Ebony and Ivory," from my cousin's bat mitzvah. It was just eh. If only I heard his 1975 funk song "Boogie On Reggae Woman," I might have seen more of this Rock-n-Roll Hall of famer's greatness earlier on in the game.
I do sometimes harbor suspicions for reasons unbeknownst to me, and all I have to say at this time is that I hope that Stevie is doing ok.
I do sometimes harbor suspicions for reasons unbeknownst to me, and all I have to say at this time is that I hope that Stevie is doing ok.
Moms Need Nationwide Emergency Child Care Service
Now that you can find Bubbie's Pickles on every Whole Foods refrigerator shelf and eat at Bubbys* comfort-food restaurants in either Tribeca or Dumbo, the word bubby appears fit for mass consumption. In case you missed the memo, a bubby or bubbie is a Jewish grandmother. Today's bubby is not limited to the black orthopaedic shoe-wearing stereotype (but if she wore them, you can bet her hip would feel pretty good). In addition to making kraut and smoking meat, she can be found at the yoga studio, as a docent at the art museum, or working the counter at your local hardware store. She doesn't even have to be Jewish, and she doesn't have to be. She might have jumped onto the eco-friendly bandwagon. Meet Ruth Feldman, the Green Bubbie, for more on that.
Who of us saw the 1982 film The Electric Grandmother?
What happens when us moms get sick? Totally out of commission? Whether you work full time, part time, or fully stay home with your kids, you will need to call someone. Most of the time, you manage. But, has this stomach flu thing hit your house yet? It is really going around, and I hope for you that you don't get it. You will be wholly debilitated and need help.
If you are lucky enough to live close to family, or really good friends, you call someone. Ideally it is your own mother who will come to help out. Not all of us are fortunate to have that option. Not all of us have Maureen Stapleton in the form of the above-mentioned Electric Grandmother. And if your friends have children of their own, they aren't going to be in the house at 7:45am to help the littles with getting out the door in the morning.
The solution?
We need a National Bubbie Service! One where desparate moms can call in the troops at any time of day to take over. There isn't too much out there along these lines:
The answer for now is to stay healthy.
Wash your hands with warm water and soap.
And at least take a look at this clip where Martin Short was Academy-award worthy:
(Go to 3:40 for a reminder of where "welcome to the 90s" comes from):
*albeit fully treif (not Kosher)
Who of us saw the 1982 film The Electric Grandmother?
What happens when us moms get sick? Totally out of commission? Whether you work full time, part time, or fully stay home with your kids, you will need to call someone. Most of the time, you manage. But, has this stomach flu thing hit your house yet? It is really going around, and I hope for you that you don't get it. You will be wholly debilitated and need help.
If you are lucky enough to live close to family, or really good friends, you call someone. Ideally it is your own mother who will come to help out. Not all of us are fortunate to have that option. Not all of us have Maureen Stapleton in the form of the above-mentioned Electric Grandmother. And if your friends have children of their own, they aren't going to be in the house at 7:45am to help the littles with getting out the door in the morning.
The solution?
We need a National Bubbie Service! One where desparate moms can call in the troops at any time of day to take over. There isn't too much out there along these lines:
- New York City has a service On Call Sitters, but we don't know if they are reliable. Bubby is reliable, doesn't need a background check, and will bring over chicken soup.
- Do a Google search for emergency babysitter NYC and the top link that comes up is a New York magazine article from 2005!
The answer for now is to stay healthy.
Wash your hands with warm water and soap.
And at least take a look at this clip where Martin Short was Academy-award worthy:
(Go to 3:40 for a reminder of where "welcome to the 90s" comes from):
*albeit fully treif (not Kosher)
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