'Tis the Season .......

My confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are, Christmas trees

.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God ? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

- - - - -

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?

In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK

.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay

.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace

.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

.

My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

Then & Now

James taylor & Carole King Together in Concert - It Was All About the Music

A once-in-a-lifetime concert event swung through Tampa on Sunday evening, bringing the St Petersburg Times Forum almost to capacity. Carole King and James Taylor pushed it to the limit with their “Troubadour Reunion” show bringing their classic rock/pop sounds to the delight of the 16,000+ audience members. There were no lasers, smoke pots or pyrotechnics. Video screens suspended above a revolving stage encircled the performance area providing an intimate setting for an otherwise mammoth venue. The efforts to bring the audience closer personalized the music for a great evening of entertainment.



It was all about the music of 2 singer/songwriter greats of the last half century. 40 years ago, the duo performed at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles, a venue showcasing new talent as well as established bands & singers. The Troubadour reunion tour features many of the songs from the original concert as well as the newer offerings of the 2 pop icons. Several members of their original backup band deliver non-obtrusive accompaniment to their music.



James Taylor, appearing a bit feeble for his 62 years, is always smooth and low key, even on his rockier numbers, carrying his offerings with superb showmanship – because he’s James Taylor. Taylor kicked it in several times during the show, but sat or stood at a mic as his music dictated for many of his works. He could do no wrong for his long time fans and they were not disappointed as he presented a generous sampling of his hits, as well as a few lesser known pieces. When introducing “Sweet Baby James”, he shared that the song was a lullaby written for the son of a cousin who named his child after JT. The boy liked to play ‘cowboy’. He was a regular ‘little buckaroo’, Taylor remembered fondly. “Steamroller Blues” takes longer to sing than it took to write and “Shower the People” is his Hymn for Agnostics.



The big surprise of the evening was the performance of Carole King. At 68, she was spot on with her passion for her music and gracious to inform the audience that she was ‘co’writer of many of her compositions, giving credit, by name, to those with whom she shared the bill. She and Taylor shared the mic on her songs “Up on the Roof” and “You’ve Got a Friend” as well as providing background vocals and accompaniment for each other. The highlight of the evening was “I Feel the Earth Move” where Ms King rocked out, jumping and dancing, in some very cruel stilettos, a brave move for a woman pushing 70.



There are still about 20 cities left on the tour schedule, so if you have the chance (not to mention the bucks) try to see this wonderful show. Taylor & King deliver a 2+ hour show that brings great memories and superb performances.

Ya Never Know What Kinda Crap Will Show Up on This Blog - So, Here It Is - Review of Wynonna @ Silver Spurs Arena, May 9

Concert Was High on Attitude - Short on Songs

Attended the Wynonna concert (free tickets) with an open mind as I really was not a fan and did not know her repertoire. She was spot on in the vocal category, tailoring her song selection to her powerful voice and biting monologues, some of them entirely too long, before each selection. Several references gave light to her flawed view of men, most likely due to her own poor choices in that category.
But this woman LOVES her fans and is most grateful to them for putting her where she is, accepting gifts, sending out lots of "I love you"s to adoring followers and encouraging them to respond to her remarks however they wanted. The banter filled lots of time on the concert clock and 70 minutes into the show, after singing Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is", she said "Goodnight" and left the stage as her flock pleaded for more. Of course, this was the fake ending to the show, but is was only 15 minutes later, after another oration or two and two songs, the evening was over. We left the arena at 8:40 (after a 7:15 start time) and were home by 9:15.
She will be out on the road again in November, this time with Mama Naomi ..... ladies will love it ..... guys, I'd stay away from this estrogen frenzy or leave your genitalia at home.

Wassup?

We're up and running ......

After an absence from blogging for awhile, we're back with

"Week At A Glance"

documenting our lives after the arrival of our daughter

from China.

http://joannamei.blogspot.com

Email us at duoloco@cfl.rr.com for a password.

If you have an adoption blog, please mention it.

The Night of Thanksgiving

Twas the night of Thanksgiving and out of the house
Tiger Woods came a flying chased by his spouse
She wielded a nine iron and wasn't too merry
Cause a bimbo's phone number was in his Blackberry
He'd been cheatin' on Elin and the story progressed
Woman after woman stepped up and confessed
He'd been cheatin with Holly and Jaimee and Cori
With Joselyn and Kalika The world had the story
From the top of the Tour to the basement of blues
Tiger's sad sordid tale was all over the news
With hostesses waitresses he had lots of sex
When not in their pants he was sendin them texts
Despite all his cryin and beggin and pleadin
Tiger's wife went investin-a new home in Sweden
And I heard her exclaim from her white Escalade
If you're gettin laid then I'm gettin paid
She's not pouting, in fact she is of jolly good cheer
Her prenup made Christmas come early this year

Happy Halloween

The Skinny on the New Pants

I went to return a pair of pants. The gal at the store's Customer Service asked "Is there something wrong with them?" All 250 pounds of me answered back with a poker face: "They make me look fat." She had a bit of trouble, but she contained her laughter, finishing up the transaction with total poise and dignity. Would have loved to hear the break room conversation ....

Attention WalMart Shoppers

Is it still a tree house if it’s not technically in a tree? I think I’ll allow it.
Georgia

If you asked a 7 year old to dress himself, he would probably come out looking something like this…probably better actually.
Kentucky

Somebody come here and pick up my jaw, I can’t seem to find it now that my eyes popped out of my head.
Pennsylvania

I always assumed the lemon would carry the man-purse, but thanks to this picture we can now put that argument to rest. You know, with the ketchup they kinda have a nice stoplight thing going on there too.
New York

I don’t think your hamburger is the only thing you need help with.

Canada

We get it. You were in a Paula Abdul video 20 years ago, awesome! Now please change.
Nevada

How did this guy find my Osh Kosh B’gosh overalls from when I was 4?
Tennessee




I have this picture up so that you can stare at it for 5 minutes to decide if she is hot, then try to convince yourself that you don’t actually think she’s hot when you know she really is.
Oklahoma




Save the money, I highly doubt that its going to help you anyway.
Florida




Hey maybe you guys could help me down, it’s a 3 foot drop and my legs aren’t what they used to be.
Nevada



I challenge you to find pants to match fuzzy pink flip flops and green nail polish, then have someone take your picture and send it to us.
California



Now all we need is Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem for a reunion tour.
Texas





I’m not quite sure if Godzilla belongs on the dinosaur van, but since this guy included him, I’m glad he is at the very top where he belongs…..Godzilla would beat down every other dinosaur. That’s a fact. Look it up.
West Virginia



You know that “Bubba” guy that I mentioned…
Unknown



Britney Spears let herself go…….again.
Kentucky




Are those ankle weights, half-socks or sweatbands? Does she think that if things are kind of the same color they can go together? Are see-through shorts only appropriate with shiny blue hats? I wish I knew how these things worked.
Florida




Is it even legal to look this good?
California

Justin Roberts "Stay-at-Home Dad"

Potty Humor

My daughter, The Empress, is graduating from diapers to underpants. Probably no reason to celebrate (save the cost of diapers and, now, pre-school potty trained discount) except that this is another milestone in her growth, one that carries with it it's own consequences.

A few examples:

- "An Inconvenient Poop" - the need to go potty will usually occur while at the furthest point from a rest room in the department store.

- The "Would You Like Paper or Plastic" Poop - usually occurs just as the cashier begins checking out your weekly food order.

- The "False Alarm" usually occurs while driving and one must stop at the nearest reasonably clean rest room before child deposits hiney fruit in her child seat. Upon arriving at the rest room, child announces "No pee-pee - no poo-poo".

- The "Magic Seat Cover" Poop - parent places paper toilet seat cover on toilet seat, turns to lift child onto seat, and the automatic flush activates, flushing paper seat cover.

- The "Sanctified Poop" - occurs just as the preacher says "Let us pray."

- The "Would You Like Some Company?" Poop - probably a "False Alarm" poop, but child wants to keep parent nearby whilst parent ....... never mind.

- The "Tailgate Poop" - answer to several of the above scenarios ....... parent buys a potty at IKEA for 4 bucks and has it handy in his tool box in the bed of his Ford F-150 truck. Parent must supply own wipes, plastic bag and gallon bottle of rinse water.

-

O.K. - If You Don't Shoot Me, I'll Eat the Okra.

…… so, you’re out on a day hike in the woods. Mind you, you’re not in the jungle far from civilization. You spot some vegetable like growth on a vine or tree. What are the chances you’ll have the desire to sample something that looks like this …..



Or this ....



Or this ....



Me? No way. I’d be out of my mind! Yet, I’ve actually eaten the delicacy pictured in the last sample. And you know what? It’s okra! I’ve actually eaten okra! Voluntarily! Because I love my wife! She likes okra and I love her so I eat it! Even though I find it totally loathsome! I must be nuts!

Some interesting okra tidbits:

When cut, okra releases a sticky substance with thickening properties. The same thing happens when you lance a boil.

Grown in tropical and warm temperate climates, it is in the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. Yes, I do believe I’ve had cotton mouth after eating okra.

Its mild flavor can be compared to eggplant, though the texture is somewhat unusual. Now, there’s an understatement!

Whole, fresh okra pods also make excellent pickles. Don’t come anywhere near me with that!

So, if I happen to be traipsing through the jungle, famished and hallucinatory and I come across some okra, yes, I will eat it. Even raw. But when there’s a choice, it goes right on the list along with calves’ liver, rutabaga, beets and eel. Meanwhile, baby, I’ll cook your okra for you – on the grill outside – right next to my corn on the cob. Love ya.

Sarcasm, Please

Please leave me a sarcastic comment on the subject of

not updating my blog.

Jersey Boys

Being a Jersey Boy myself, I could not pass it up when the show, a musical biography of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons came through town. These guys were from my neck of the woods, and character portrayals were hauntingly familiar including the authentic New Jersey street vocabulary. "F" bombs were dropped as if the players were reciting fine poetry and accents were reminiscent of those heard up and down the streets and alleys of the North End of Elizabeth, New Jersey, where I grew up during the hayday of the Four Seasons.
The script was typical of the rise and fall of a performer. The show had elements of "The Doors", "Walk the Line", "Dream Girls" and "Coal Miner's Daughter". But the thing that had the audience on it's feet was the music, performed by a talented group of singers and instrumentalists. We knew the words to every song, skillfully woven into the story line to create quite an enjoyable evening of music. Recommended for adults (unless you'd like to be embarrassed in front of your kids - wait - maybe you talk like those guys in front of your kids - I don't know - you decide.)

1 Year Anniversary Raffle

In celebration of 1 year as a family of 3, we would like to do a raffle for a CD of Chinese lullabies sung by the Beijing Angelic Choir. This music has soothed Joanna Mei to sleep each night and we'd like to pass on this beautiful music to a lucky winner. Just leave a comment on this post indicating that you'd like to win. Joanna Mei will draw a winner on July 14, our Forever Family Day.

Don't mean to judge ...... nope, sure don't.

... and the DUH Award goes to .....

It had been a particularly noteworthy Sunday.

Church in the AM followed by a short nap and then a 1 hour drive to

meet some friends from way back for a snack in Lakeland, FL.

The drive over was uneventful and considering traffic in Central Florida,

that made it eventful.

Our meeting went as planned and we continued onto the Lakeland Civic Center for a performance of Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimbanco".

Oops ... I failed to mention that we boldly brought along our 2 year old.

You would not have known it. She was on her best behavior and presented herself as a most charming individual.

It was daring of us to bring her along to the 2 hour show, but she was transfixed on the display of athletic prowess and the illusions before her. She danced, cheered, and glued her eyes to the performance area.

But, what followed was most unimpressive ......

For this reason ......

goes to ......

The Staff and Management of Lakeland's

I love this eatery's milk shakes and the sign loomed before us so we stopped for dinner at approximately 7:30 PM.

We placed our orders ..... (22 minutes after being seated)

1 Grilled Chicken Salad

1 Single Steakburger with Cheese and Bacon

1 Vanilla Milk Shake

1 Order of Chicken Fingers

(The chicken fingers were free - special on Sat & Sun:

Free kid's meal with each $8.00 spent)

Our daughter had pooped and so I attended to the primitive ritual of the diaper change. I figured I'd take my time, so we sang and wiped and washed and sang some more. She loved the sounds of her screams ricocheting off the tiled walls. When we arrived back at our table, still no food, although the shake had arrived. 43 minutes after being seated, along comes a different waitress with our order. The Steakburger and chicken fingers were there on the tray, but there appeared to be a chicken club substituted for the chicken salad. We told the waitress and she brought back the whole tray. Leaving us in her dust, we tried to tell her to leave us the bloody burger and chicken fingers (we were so hungry we were ready to eat the people in the next booth) but she flicked us off and went back to the pick up window. 3 minutes later, she returns with the chicken salad and the other 2 items and informs us that she had brought the wrong tray. I wanted to say "You friggin' liar!" but I managed to maintain poise and dignity. Our regular waitress stopped by to see how it was going and I told her what happened and could she bring me a new bun for my burger as there was mustard on the one I was served which I didn't order. She reached down to grab the plate containing the burger. "Just a new bun!" I said in a style reminiscent of Jack Nickolson in "The Shining".

The rest of the meal went without a hitch.

I asked for my check. Our waitress indicated that it would just be a minute.

I told her that I would stand in the aisle until she returned.

It came in 30 seconds.

The Chicken Club Sandwich (never ordered in the first place)

was still on the bill ........

The Child's Meal (should be free) was also charged .....

Our waitress offered to take care of it.

"No, that won't be necessary. I'll do it myself when I pay for the check."

The manager was at the register. We were wanting to get back on the road back to Orlando, so I mentioned the disputed items and he deducted them without question. ....... But here's the best part, folks .......

I paid with a credit card and he asked for I.D.

This is what I presented to him .......

Actual scan of a gag driver's license I keep in my wallet

He compared the credit card to the gag driver's license and said

"Thank you, sir."

And so, Steak and Shake, Lakeland, Florida .......

here's your DUH Award for the most screw ups in one meal

during a 90 minute period. That's right, we were back on the road at 9 PM.

We actually drove to Orlando in less time than

Steak & Shake could put 3 lousy items on our table (not including 10 minutes to consume the marginal fare presented to us.)

Much success to you in your overall incompetence.

The Manhattan Transfer - Concert Reflections

I don’t let the opportunity to hear The Manhattan Transfer slip by me if the group is singing within 60 miles of my home. We were jazzed to score some great seats for their recent performance at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, Fl – it might as well have been the first time we heard this incredible quartet exhibit their vocal gymnastics – we sat stunned by their performance, even though we had seen them 6 or so times over the years.
MT has had the same 4 singers in the lineup for over 30 years, so the accuracy with which they sing is extraordinary. As an ensemble, the sound is exquisite, providing a spot on vocal blend. Individually, the 2 women far outshine the men in performance and talent. Janis Siegel is a wild woman. Even at 57, she still exhibits a more sophisticated version of the same spunky gal from 25 years ago. Over the years, her voice has become one of the group’s most recognizable trademarks. Cheryl Bentyne has a vocal range which defies science. Her sultry low notes are Karen Carpenter-esque and her high notes provide keen competition for dog whistles. Tim Hauser (founder) and Alan Paul each contribute their individual flavor to the ensemble, giving it fullness and body.
Some of our favorite MT songs include “Route 66”, “Soul Food to Go”, “Ray’s Rock House”, “Operator”, and “The Offbeat of Avenues”. At times during the show, songs called for everyone to get up and dance, but when we looked at the audience behind us, there wasn’t much of a chance of that happening. We very well may have been the youngest kids in the crowd, so we settled for jukein’ in our seats.
Some of their pieces defy traditional harmonic writing causing me to wonder “How the heck do they do that?” Not necessarily something you want to hear a lot of, but enough to solidify one’s appreciation for their excellence at their craft. Their stylings include pop, jazz, rock, Brazilian, a capella, gospel, vocalese, big band and the list goes on. Recently, they recorded some of their old favorites with symphony orchestra, giving the selections a lush character for easy listening.
We’ll be there for the next pass of The Manhattan Transfer through Florida. After 30 years, these remarkable performers have a myriad of songs from which to compose a set list.