Those of you who hate going to the dentist, raise your hand. Wow! That many? Holy smokes Batman! Me too! Well, with the work situation still in abit of limbo, I said "self" make some appointments while I still have medical/dental insurance. So yesterday I went to my dentist on upper Eastside of Manhattan for X-Rays and a cleaning. Ecky stuff ... phew! I have to go back for some dental work next week. Not looking forward to that ... sigh! Also on schedule for next week, I have my annual eye [visual] exam. Oh joy.............

Yesterday evening I did a silly thing and its only the third time I've done it in 18 years. Accidently left my apartment keys on the kitchen table when I went out to do laundry at local laundromat. Yeah, I know, DUH!! Good thing I'd left the window to my kitchen open to "air out" the apartment. Contacted my landlady and her boyfriend brought me, plus a ladder to the courtyard [rear of building]. Pushed open the screen and climbed through. You know damn well I kept those dang keys ON ME the rest of the evening.

Other news ... have an interview tomorrow afternoon for an internal E&Y position. Maybe I'll get lucky with this one. Stay tuned..................

Well folks … another weekend is behind us and its back to work. Oh joy! The weekend as a good, progressive one and the weather could have been abit better. Well, at least Friday and most of Saturday were decent. Anyhow … enough on that topic. Friday evening I had Rob over to my place for dinner & dessert [wink wink]. It was fun and entertaining. On Saturday I participated in my second Ferret Meetup, this one was held at Bowlmar Lanes down near Union Square. Rob and I showed up, plus two other ferret fanatics arrived [ie: Gary & Sharon]. No sign of Melissa or Randy. We spent a nice two hours talking about ferrets, NYC ban and politics. Early that evening I had a strong urge to watch LOTRs “The Two Towers” on video, so I stopped by Blockbuster in my neighborhood and purchased one for $7. Watched it once Saturday evening, after a phone call with my friend Deb and again Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon around 4pm I attended a “Friends of Kucinich” outreach meeting at Robert K apartment in Tudor City on eastside. The meeting lasted from 4pm to about 6:45pm and was very productive. We got much accomplished and I’m on two more committees, one of which is helping with setting up a NYC based website. Before heading into the meeting, I hooked up with my friend Larry for a chat and he gave me a lift into Manhattan.

The following article may be of interest to some … its at Common Dreams website … check it out if you wish:

http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0928-07.htm

As you all can tell by the ratings, Shrub the Lesser's approval has fallen to a record low recently and thats great news. That means Democrats really need to turn on the heat right now. If you wish to find out more on the Democratic party or support them, go to this link:

https://www.democrats.org/support/challenge.html?s=NETA159-

We cannot have another four years of this crazy president and his empire. We cannot continue to turn back the clock on American values. Let's show the world that we are standing together to win big in 2004.

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Check out this interesting article on Dean & Kucinich:

http://www.progressive.org/webex03/wx0910b03.html

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An article on Kucinich on whether he can beat Bush ... HELL YEAH!

http://www.kucinich.us/electable.htm

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This just in ... "Vote No on Bush's Quagmire"

Congress is soon to cast its second momentous vote on Iraq, the first being in October 2002 when Bush was given a blank check to invade. Almost all of the arguments in favor of invading made by the Bush Empire have been proven to be wrong & false. So far, no weapons of mass destruction. No welcome as liberators. No secret harboring of Al Qaeda. No remaking of the Middle East into a region of democracy. Click on the link below to take action:

http://act.actforchange.com/cgi-bin7/DM/y/mVTNOFFwOIp70fpHOBI

In the last two elections, the oil & gas, mining and timber industries spent more than $80 million on federal campaigns. Now they are cashing in on their investments. Click on link below to see the top ten pay-offs to industry:

http://www.wildpac.org/topten.php

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Weekend news ... Rob and I are having dinner & [wink wink] dessert this evening. [WooHoo] Tomorrow I'm attending my second "Ferret Meetup" here in Manhattan and Sunday looks free right now. Some good news on the work front ... received the "Success Sharing" bonus, plus got my review/raise [3.5%]. Still waiting to hear more feedback on whether or not I'll be staying on at E&Y as a floater. This would be good news, if it came true, as I don't want to go to Unemployment.

Good article regarding that wacko Vice President, Dick Cheney, from TruthOut website featuring Kucinich. Check it out if you wish:

http://www.truthout.org/docs_03/092203D.shtml

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Well, I'm finally back in the groove with Genesis Employment agency and took three Microsoft tests. Got 87% on Word, 77% on Excel and 77% on PowerPoint. These scores are a helluva lot better than the ones I took at E&Y back in August. I hope to have my first job interview this coming Friday or Monday at the latest. Possibly a banking firm down in Wall Street area that pays a good salary. Stay tuned...................

Interesting website ... check it out if you wish:

http://www.truthout.com/

Well you all ... I had a great Sunday afternoon/evening spent with my new fella Rob G and then Monday turns out to be crappy at work. Go figure!

First, the bad news, I didn't get either of those two jobs I was interviewing for at E&Y. Damn! One went to another E&Y internal person and the second one was given to a temp. Good lord! I've got three weeks left at this place and no other prospects at this time. Heard back from Russell at the agency and went over at lunch time to get the ball rolling. Filled out paperwork and had a good chat with Russell. Not many job openings out there, but hopefully something to sink my teeth into. Stay tuned.............

The second news is better ... spent most of Sunday afternoon and all evening with Rob. We had a great time! We took his two ferrets [ie: Sluggo & Wally] plus a picnic of sushi to a nice little park in western Long Island, near Port Washington. The weather was delightful! Wally and Sluggo have their own harnesses and leash. They loved hanging out at the park ... doing all those ferrety things ... sniffing, pooping, digging, romping, etc. They were sure zonked out when we brought them back to Rob's apartment around 6pm. From there we drove over to my neck of the woods for some ice cream and a stroll around the hood. Rob called up some friends [ie: Donny, Eric, Jesse & Madeline] of his that live not far from me [9 minute walk]. They live in this big loft and were cooking dinner when we arrived. Their a fun bunch & I enjoyed myself. Rob and I headed back to my apartment after 10pm and spent an hour of good sex. Hum ..... yeah! Rob left at 11:30pm and I finally rolled into bed at midnight. Damn good day!

Greetings & Salutations!

I'm back from my nice, relaxing vacation in lovely Cape May, NJ and I survived Hurricane Isabel. Actually, Izzy was more west of us in NJ and we only had a tropical storm. Still, during times on Thursday, those wind gusts got up to 50 and 60 mph. That's nothing to sneeze at, yah know. A rundown on weather report for the six days I was in Victorian Cape May:

Sunday ... Hazy & Humid
Monday ... Overcast & some Rain
Tuesday ... Sunny, warm, blue skies
Wednesday ... Sunny, warm, some clouds & wind later in the evening
Thursday ... Tropical Storm kicked ass
Friday ... Sunny, warm & 25 mph winds

Overall I had a nice time on vacation, but after six consecutive visits to the southern NJ shore, well folks, its time for a change. I've been seriously thinking of checking out Quebec next year, maybe in late August or early September. As to this vacation ... I had much preying on my mind, did lots of serious thinking and at times was lonely. Some highlights of my visit ... hooking up with a "peace rally" on Sunday, visiting a 19th Century furniture exhibition, participating in a fun Cape May Haunting tour, riding a bike rental all over, good food, shopping, chatting with a few aquaintances, sitting on the beach watching a sunset, etc.

*********************************

Now on to political stuff ... hell yeah!

From MoveOn website some news regarding the "false statements" uttered by Shrub the Lesser. You may want to check out these websites:

http://www.misleader.org/pdf/nyt_ad.pdf

The "illegally" elected President say things that are misleading or just plain wrong every day, but most of these statements are never challenged. Well ... let's challenge them ... cause if we don't our country will sink further and further into a quagmire. With Misleader.org ... check out Shrub's lies and then read the "truth". Here is an example:

ON TAX CUTS

G.W.Bush ... "The tax relief is for everyone who pays income taxes, Americans will keep, this year, an average of almost $1,000 more of their own money."

The Truth ... Nearly half of all taxpayers get less than $100. And 31% of all taxpayers get nothing at all.

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The US occupation in Iraq has left American soldiers unprepared and vulnerable, the country degenerating into chaos, and the Iraqi people embittered and hostile. Now the President is asking Congress for a staggering $87 billion blank check to fund more of the same. Until he takes strong steps to correct this failure, Congress shouldn't give him a cent. Bush needs to fire the team responsible, starting with Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and transfer authority to the United Nations. Please join us at MoveOn.org in telling Congress to hold on to our money until Bush changes his team and changes his course in Iraq. You can send an email to your Member of Congress and sign our petition at:

http://moveon.org/firerumsfeld/?id=1680-2148547-BRVnfMnejSC3kaqCQWW5IQ

Please pass this message along to your friends and colleagues. Thank you!

Had a great time last evening on my date with Rob. We went to a cool little sushi bar [Sapporo] down on lower eastside, then headed back to his place in Queens to have ice cream, do some major cuddling and play with his two adorable ferrets [ie: Sluggo & Wally]. Tried Saki for the first time and that stuff is strong. Whoa! Rob also turned me on to some cool music, Black Flag and Bad Religion, plus "Repo Man" soundtrack. Awesome! I've heard of Henry Rollins of Black Flag punk rock fame ... but never heard much of their music. Both bands lyrics are heavy into politics ... usually against Republicans and anti-establishment. Right-on! Also, Henry Rollins was in the film "Johnny Mnemonic" with Keaun Reeves back in early to med 1990s. Earlier today I was down in Union Square handing out Kucinich pamphlets during the WTO protest/demonstrations and checking out the huge farmers market. Heading down to the New Jersey shore tomorrow for one week vacation. Can't wait! Pray for some good weather! Later.......................

"Help Prevent the Proposed Ban on Ferrets in Chicago!"

Your signature will help reach our goal of 1000 signatures! Together we can truly make a difference!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/163891887

Please pass this link on to anyone who is interested in Ferrets and Animal Rights. Even if you live in Canada, you are still able to make a difference. Ferrets should not be treated differently than cats and dogs. Ferrets are less likely to pass diseases than a cat or dog as they often stay in the house all the time. Ferret owners are the most likely pet owners to take their babies in for treatment and vaccinations over other types of animals (Read in Ferrets Magazine). If you don't want to sign this, please pass it on to someone who might.

Thank you! Peace & Solidarity!

Today is the second anniversary of the 9/11 disaster at World Trade Center, Pentagon & Pennsylvania. Light a candle tonight in remembrance of those lives lost on that day.

As John Lennon sang ... "All we are saying is give Peace a chance".

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An interesting article and from all sources ... the New York Post! Check it out if you wish:

http://www.nypost.com/business/5265.htm

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Also, for an hour or so last evening, I attended the "Circle of Hope" which started in Union Square and headed down to Ground Zero. This is in regards to 9/11 ... we all had candles [well, the folk around me did] and it was a very moving experience.

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Came across the "news" below from Kucinich4President Yahoo Group and wanted to share it with you all.

"The Republican corporate media is covertly backing Howard Dean. Here is a clue as to why they are. This is a link to a Republican operative's essay. He is working on the Dean campaign. There is a split among conservatives in which the neo-cons have won out under Bush. Mike Rupert pointed this out several months ago. Rather than assassinate Bush as Rupert says they will, I believe the mainstream Republican corporate conservatives will use a Democrat who is reliably conservative, like Dean, to take the neo-cons out without risking a true change in their corporate control of the nation. The last thing they want is an end to their duopoly control of the political agenda of both major parties. This is why they consistently ignore Kucinich. Yes, there is a conservative establishment conspiracy to deny Kucinich the presidency."

http://www.greaterdemocracy.org/2003_08_01_gd.html#106203463665230544

[Note ... We, as concerned American citizens, cannot let this happen to us or Kucinich!]

This past Monday evening [September 8th] was my third volunteer meeting with "Friends of Kucinich". The meeting went very well. It was productive and ran over three hours. There were about 30 to 40 people attending, tho some youth left early, as they were very impatient and didn't understand our democratic system of procedure. [Bob Ginsberg again attended our meeting & its great having him there.] During the meeting we covered many topics, learned of upcoming events, talked about what Dennis had been up to lately and set up committees. As to the latter, I am now on a few committees dealing with upcoming events and materials. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 16th, but sadly I'll have to miss out, as I'm on vacation next week. Its been a great learning experience, so far, and great meeting new people and coming together to help out Kucinich. Right-on!

****************************************

Other news from "True Majority" website:

Rather than admitting the shortcomings of his failed policy and plotting a course to get us out of Iraq. George Bush used the speech to the nation to repeat his lies in the hopes that people will believe them if said often enough. [Yo ... Shrub the Lesser ... we're not dumb!] There was no mention of WMD, Bush continued to equate Iraq with al-Qaeda [everyone knows its Saudi's and NOT Iraqi's] terrorists even though there's NO factual basis for the charge, and then he asked us for another $87 BILLION to bail him out. [Don't do it people!] How much is $87 billion?!? For that amount of money ... America could solve the school budget crisis in every one of our communities, OR provide health insurance for every uninsured American child for 15 years, OR provide food for all 6 million of the children who die from hunger around the world for 7 years.

A day of protest is being planned for October 25th in Washington DC and Los Angeles and places in between. For more information about these events, go to:

http://www.truemajority.org/ctt.asp?u=380807&l=112

Yahoo Chat Group geared towards Dennis Kucinich ... check it out if you wish:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Kucinich4President/

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We've all been a critical part of the movement to stop the FCC rule change and media monopoly. This week or next, the Senate will vote on whether to roll back the rule change. It could be very close. This vote is the BIG ONE ... the last major vote in the Senate on this issue. Help out for a good cause ... please tell the Senate to put the FCC rule change to bed at:

http://www.moveon.org/stopthefcc/

Then help us reach 100,000 signers by Wednesday by passing this message on to your friends and colleagues and encouraging them to sign as well. On Wednesday, Moveon.org will be holding a crucial press conference with Senator Dorgan [D-ND] and Senator Snowe [R-ME] and groups across the political spectrum to highlight the broad opposition to the FCC rule change. If we can get 100,000 signers, we'll demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt the breadth of support for the roll-back. It could mean the difference between success and defeat. Make a difference, please sign the "Stop the FCC" petition right now, at the link above. Thank you!

Here now the weekend report and it was a good one. First of all the weather cleared up and was very sunny from Friday onwards. Sweet! Secondly, I spent some time Friday evening over at Rob's place in Queens and becoming acquainted with his two ferrets [ie: Sluggo & Wally]. At one point we took the furkids up to the roof and let them romp around, while we cuddled and gazed at the stars [even saw Mars]. Very enjoyable evening! On saturday I spent it up in Yonkers doing my volunteer work at ferret shelter. Two furkids from previous month had to be put to sleep, as their health had gotten worse and their quality of life diminished. Poor darlings! Did my usual duties of brushing fur, cleaning ears, water bottle maintanence, socializing, poopy trays, etc. Didn't get to play with some of my favs, as they'd already had their playtime and back in cages. Sigh! There are several young, energtic, aggressive, adoptable newbies at the shelter. Plus several had been adopted since I was up in August. That evening I went out for a power walk at local track and again spotted Mars. Really cool! On Sunday I had to do some work at the office, then went up to eastside of Manhattan to hangout at Central Park and Metropolitan Museum of Art. This time I brought my camera, since it was another fine day, and I spent some time at Met roof garden. Lovely views! Back home I grabbed a blanket, pillow, book and waterbottle then headed to local park for a relaxing two hours under the trees. Very nice!

Listed below are some great websites dealing with politics, ferrets and the rock group Pearl Jam. If interested, check them out. Just highlight the chosen link, copy and then paste it up in the "address" area of the internet and hit enter. Voila!

Peace & Solidarity!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/

http://www.commondreams.org/

http://www.democrats.org/

http://www.gp.org/

http://www.kucinich.us/

http://www.ferretcongress.org/

http://www.moveon.org/

http://www.nycferrets.com/

http://tenclub.net/

http://www.sonymusic.com/artists/PearlJam/index.html

http://www.ferretcompany.com/content/main.html

http://www.thenation.com/

http://www.theskyiscrape.com/

http://truemajority.org/

http://www.unitedforpeace.org/

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EMERGENCY DEMONSTRATION!
Protest Attorney John Ashcroft's Visit to NYC To Promote that Sicko USA PATRIOT ACT!

When: 12 Noon on Tuesday, September 9th
Where: Wall Street & Broad Street in NYC
Subway: Take the 2/3/4/5/J/Z to Wall & Broad Street area

On Sept 9th, Attorney General Ashcroft [total scumbag] will visit NYC to attend a closed meeting with law enforcement officials to build support for the USA Patriot Act and impending Patriot II legislation. Hundreds of New Yorkers will meet his arrival and gather together to tell Ashcroft to stop his attack on the "Bill of Rights" and to affirm and uphold OUR rights and liberties. Join United For Peace & Justice, the NY Bill of Rights Defens campaign and a coalition of dozens of civil liberties, immigrants rights, peace & justice organizations and political leaders on Tuesday at noontime. [Remember ... today the US government can get a secret warrant to search your home without telling you until later. Today the government can monitor your Internet use. Today the FBI is authorized to monitor your political and religious activities. We can only guess what tomorrow will bring. The fact is, Orwell's vision of "Big Brother" is NOW, for the first time, technologically possible. Join this important emergency demonstration and stand up for the BILL OF RIGHTS! Your rights!]

Last evening I attended my second volunteer meeting for NYC Friends Of Kucinich. It was great ... good turnout ... with more people attending than last weeks meeting. I arrived 20 minutes late, as I had a prior commitment, plus the subways were not kind to me. Typical! Anyhow, when I arrived the meeting was already in progress with lead volunteers discussing many issues. We then watched a 20 video on Kucinich and then Democrat State Committeeman Bob Ginsberg spoke. He is supporting Kucinich and this is good news. [Bob Ginsberg is one of the most progressive and independent members of the Democratic State committee today.] Lets get more democrats, liberals, progressives and independents out there to support Dennis for 2004 presidental election. DOWN WITH BUSH! I also signed up for some upcoming events, as a volunteer, to spread the news around about Dennis. Those of you reading this and living in the NYC area ... if you wish to attend the next meeting for us volunteers ... its being held on September 8th at 6:30pm. The address is ... Organization of Staff Analysts, 220 East 23rd Street, Suite 707, NYC. If you wish to learn more about Dennis, go to the following link:

http://www.kucinich.us

Peace & Solidarity!!

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On the work front ... things are progressing in regards to interviews. I'll know next week whether I got the Client Service Assistant position in Hedge Fund Group. I'll also be interviewing for the Senior Client Service Assistant position in the ASC area. Keep your fingers crossed and pray that next week provides me with good news. Stay tuned...............

[News from the Dennis Kucinich Democratic Presidental campaign ... if you wish to read it ... great ... if not ... pass it by ... I will not be offended. Thank you!]

IOWA!

Before I tell you about the partying we have planned this month, here's what I saw Monday and Tuesday in Iowa, the crucial first voting state in the country. As mainstream journalists acknowledged, no one had more supporters in the Des Moines Labor Day parade than Dennis, whose talk at the end of the parade was carried by C-SPAN. On Labor Day, our campaign announced the "Rank and File Labor for Kucinich" steering committee, 32 Iowa labor leaders and activists from 15 unions reaching out to other union folks to get them to vote for Kucinich in the January caucuses.

Yesterday, the leading peace group in Iowa, STAR*PAC, resoundingly endorsed Kucinich as "the first president of the new millennium to stand for peace." Citing his antiwar leadership in Congress and his campaign positions, (including cuts in Pentagon spending), STAR*PAC threw its weight 100% behind Kucinich. If you believe the corporate media, Dean is the "antiwar candidate" with all the student support. Wrong on both counts. The Kucinich rally at the University of Iowa Monday night was electric with hundreds of students ready to work for Kucinich from now until January...and beyond.

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If you wish to join the Kucinich Yahoo Group, go to the following link:

http://yahoogroups.com/group/nycmeetupforkucinich

Another link to check out is:

http://www.kucinich.us/passiton.htm

Check out this Newsday website and place your vote on who you think should be next president of USA. Naturally I voted for Dennis Kucinich and his stats are doing very well. So add your vote at the link below ... thank you.

http://tinyurl.com/luxi

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Had a nice, relaxing Labor Day holiday weekend. Weather was great on Sunday and stunk rest of the time. On Sunday Mom and I visited the Saratoga Battlefield Historial Park for an auto tour. This takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours with 10 stops and a few picnic areas. Some of the views were great and two of the stops had folk dressed in 1776 costume talking about Revolutionary War history. It was very enjoyable. While driving thru a heavily wooded area of the park we saw a Doe and two Fawn near the road. Never seen deer that closeup before and they were so pretty. Also over the weekend I did some shopping, yard work, dining out and hairdresser appointment. Had great conversations with two chaps on my bus rides. Going up I sat next to and chat with a hairdresser named Stacy, he was very amusing. On the way back to NYC I sat next to and chat with a truck driver named Dick, who was a cool dude.

Yep, I'm back again and so soon too. :-)

Went on that second interview this morning for the Client Service Assistant position and it went very well. I believe I have one more interview and then will know whether I got the position or not. I've applied for several others in case this one bottoms out. Do not want to be out on the streets after October 10th. Wish me luck!

Last evening, after my chiropractor visit, I headed back into Manhattan and the upper westside near Columbia University. Participated, as a volunteer, in my first Dennis Kucinich campaign [Democrat] meeting for the NYC area. There was myself and about 20 other individuals in attendance. It was quite interesting and informative. I've never done volunteer work before in regards to anyone's political campaign. I'm treading new waters here, yah know. What got several of the volunteers into heated discussions last evening was on the topic of delegates and campaign research. We also received lots of freebies on Dennis to hand out to NYC voters. Rock on!

Some more interesting news ... work and social related.

First the work situation ... I have another interview tomorrow morning for that Client Service Assistant position at the office. This time with a different partner in that group and/or division. After that I than have to be interviewed by one more partner and that'll take place after Labor Day weekend. Also, ran into a co-worker from my old group, he said there may be an Administrative Assistant opening soon and they want me for the spot. So things are starting to get abit interesting. Stay tuned............

The other news ... I went to the Howard Dean Rally last evening in Bryant Park, here in Manhattan. Dean was or still is governor of Vermont and hopes to be the Democratic candidate running for president in 2004. Out of all the democrat hopefuls the candidates I'm leaning towards are Howard Dean and Dennis Kucinich. Anyhow ... it was a fun rally with music, art, speeches and of course an appearance by the man himself. From what we were told, before Dean showed up, the event was being filmed live for commerical usage. Dean had lots of interesting things to say ... was on stage for about 20 to 30 minutes and really got the crowd pumped. Stood throughout the whole event, so naturally my feet and lower back were zonked by time I got home at 11:30pm. Stay tuned for more news...............

Establishment pundits and corporate Democrats had hoped the Kucinich campaign would just disappear. But with new hiring across the country, expansion of the website and enhanced constituency outreach, but the campaign keeps growing.

NEW VIDEO ON THE WEB: A powerful video about Dennis Kucinich -- his history, issues and campaign -- is viewable on Kucinich website [see link below]. Spread this video, "This Is The Moment," to your friends [if you wish]. It is hosted by actor Hector Elizondo and features Ed Asner, James Cromwell and Mimi Kennedy.

http://kucinich.us/thisisthemoment.htm

On Sunday I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art up on 5th Avenue and 80th Street. It was another gorgeous day in NYC and would be crazy not to take advantage of it. Yah know? Before arriving at the museum, I stopped by a street vendor to purchase a book I'd been wanting for awhile on WW1. Also purchased a terrific print from an artist. At the museum visited several fascinating exhibits ... such as: Central Part - A Sesquicentennial Celebration, Celebrating Saint Petersburg and finally Roy Lichtenstein On The Roof. I'd never been up to the roof garden at the Met and let me tell you the views are fantastic. Oh my gosh! Took my breath away looking at the views and then I remembered I was up there to see the exhibit. While up on the roof garden I got to chatting with an amusing, interesting couple [Joan & Robert] and the gent treated me to a glass of white wine. [One could tell that other folk were very much in congenial mode.] This couple had recently become engaged and returned from a lovely trip to Scotland. While talking about several topics, Joan spotted one of her co-workers who was there with his family. We all talked for abit about recent blackout and star gazing. It was all very enjoyable.

Back at home I received a voicemail from Rob, whom I'd met the day before at a ferret meetup. I called him back on his cell phone and he was on his bike on the Pulaski Bridge. Which isn't far from my apartment, as he lives in Astoria [Queens]. I was heading out again, this time to local park to relax on a blanket under a shady tree. So Rob joined me for an hour or so. We talked about a number of things and became better acquainted. I'm liken this dude. [I can tell he's younger than me by at least 10 years+, but what the hell.] Stay tuned.............

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RAINBOW BRIDGE
[Regarding Ferrets]

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our speical friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to healthy and vigor, those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and time gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing, they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, bu the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent, his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, you hands again caress the beloved head and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

[author unknown]

Some cool news and not so cool news. First the "not so cool" news ... if I don't get a new permanent position at E&Y by October 10th, then I'm out of work, hitting un-employment and signing up with agencies. Ugh! Sigh! Let's hope luck and good fortune is on my side, so I can continue working for E&Y. Say a prayer or two for me. Now the cool news ... at lunch today I met up with some terrific folk who are totally into ferrets. Thru the Internet one can sign up for "ferret meetups", which are held once a month at funky cafe's or restaurants in Manhattan. Today at 1pm ... there were four [ie: Melissa, Randy, Rob & me] of us who met up at Big City Bar & Grill on upper eastside. Not a bad establishment, service sucked tho, but the food was good and prices were decent. The weather is gorgeous today, so we sat outside under the awnings to partake of drink, food, plus fun and interesting conversation. I had such a great time and Rob is a cutie. Melissa used to own ferrets ... Randy has one ferret [Casper] ... Rob has two furkids [Sluggo & Wally]. I don't own ferrets, but do volunteer work at a shelter in Yonkers. Which they thought was very cool and enjoyed looking at the pix I brought of the shelter furkids. The next "meetup" will be on either September 20th or 27th. Looking forward to it. :-)

Well folks, just heard the status for the Client Service Assistant position I've applied for at my firm. Went on first interview yesterday and it went very well. [The CSA positon sounds terrific, absorbing, challenging & new direction for my career.] I heard from HR today and they want me to interview with the two remaining partners early next week. Its been narrowed down to me and two others for the position. Stay tuned and wish me luck!

Nothing to report today

Now for some work related news ... as you all know I finished all that testing last week. So glad that is over and done with, as it was a strain on the nerves. Anyhow, I applied for two open positions within the firms database and went on first interview this morning. It went very well my meeting with the partner of the HF Group at E&Y. The position of Client Service Assistant is newly created in the department. Sounds like it would be a steady pace of challenging work/projects. Which I very much want right now. Need to broaden my skills and boost my career. Stay tuned....................

[Note: An email message below I received yesterday from "Howard Dean for America" campaign. If you wish to read on and take action, please do so, if not, I would completely understand and respect your decision. Thank you.]

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The impact you have had on politics in this country is simply amazing. Everywhere I go, people want to talk about the power of the grassroots--a power that you have helped to demonstrate. Whenever I meet with elected officials, labor leaders, members of civic organizations and other Americans, their number one question is, can the grassroots sustain the momentum? Can we build a grassroots campaign large enough to take on the special interests, win the nomination, and defeat President Bush in 2004?

I believe we can, but the next 42 days are a crucial time for us to prove that the grassroots has the power to take our country back. Today, you stand with nearly 300,000 other Americans, united in our cause. Our goal is to have 450,000 American supporters by September 30th. We are going to reach that goal by continuing to spread our message that we are restoring the American community and our nation's role as an idealistic moral force in world affairs.

To spread that message, we will be traveling to eight cities in four days as part of our "Sleepless Summer Tour," beginning this Saturday, August 23rd. Please sign up to attend if you live in a city we'll be visiting, or ask your friends who live nearby to sign up and attend. You can find out more about the tour by clicking here:

http://www.deanforamerica.com/sleeplesssummer

This campaign is about bringing people together and standing up for the ideals and freedoms that make us Americans. This Administration has unnecessarily compromised those freedoms and ideals in the name of fighting terrorism. Through the USA Patriot Act, the Ashcroft Justice Department took advantage of the climate of fear that followed the attacks of September 11 to adopt a series of anti-terror tactics that go far beyond protecting our country and erode the rights of average Americans.

This week, Attorney General Ashcroft is touring the country to build support for his 'Victory Act,' which would expand the Patriot Act. Join me in taking a stand against John Ashcroft's plans by clicking on the link below and signing the petition to stop the passage of the Victory Act:

http://www.deanforamerica.com/stopashcroft

BLACKOUT 2003!

Whoa! OMG! It was certainly a funky 24 to 48 hours! We finally got electricity here in my section of Brooklyn at 3:30pm Friday afternoon. [Turned the A/C on right away.] I was working on my bills at the time in my kitchen, in particular the Con Edison statement. Weird ... huh? Windows wide open and curtains drawn back to let in all the sunlight.

At work, on Thursday, I was in the middle of typing an email to my friend Nancie in DC/VA area when the blackout hit. Our large office building immediately kicked on the generators, so we'd have some lights and have at least two elevators operating. Everyone in the office, after 30 seconds of silence, were like ... "what the f--k?!?" One of the partners I'm currently covering called his wife in NJ and they had no power. Looked out the windows from our 28th floor and no lights anywhere, even the traffic lights were out. Believe it or not, some folk in my office continued to work, while others like me, walked around chatting with co-workers.

Our phones died about 20 minutes after the blackout occured. Before that happened I was able to call my Mom and learned they were blacked out too. My parents live in upstate NY near VT. Also called Josee in Quebue to ask her to check the news on telly. In middle of our call the phone line dies. Stayed at the office until 7:25pm hanging out with co-workers. Whether it was on 28th floor, the building lobby or in the cafeteria [22nd floor for free food & drink]. At one point I was looking out of 28th floor window towards westside and couldn't believe the huge crowd of people waiting outside of Port Authority. No one was letting them in to access buses! [Same held true later on when I was riding crosstown bus and saw the huge crowds outside of Grand Central Station.]

After 7pm the PA announcement [fire warden] said they were shutting down both elevators and basically wanted those who where left to either stay on 8th floor [computer center], lobby or evacuate the building. I choose the latter and glad I did. Waited 10 minutes or so for a crosstown bus on 42nd street, which took me over to the eastside. Then walked down to 34th street and East River. [I was wearing a dress that day with 1 1/2 inch heel sandels. I had sore, swollen feet by time I got home.] From there caught a $3 one-way ferry boat over to Long Island City. While on the ferry boat I got to chatting with a few folk and one nice lady [Cheryl] lent me her cell phone, so I could make a quick call to Mom. Once off the boat in Long Island City I walked down Borden Avenue, then over near Pulaski Bridge, hoping the B61 bus would be running. At the bus stop I learned that no bus had been there for one hour! Chatted with a few ladies and one decided to walk over the bridge with me to our neighborhood. [She lived seven blocks past my place.] Thankfully she had a small, but working flashlight. The walk home was about 30 minutes.

Got to my apartment at 9:30pm and I think I know now how a blind person feels. Groping my way down the pitch-black hallway to my apartment door. Feeling the key holes, inserting keys and then slowly feeling my way into kitchen to get matches to light candles. Quite an experience, let me tell you! At least my phone works and water running so I could take a shower. Man was I sweating! Yuck! Even after opening all the windows my apartment never really cooled off, yah know. [Quickly made a few phone calls.] Seemed like most people were outside until almost midnight. Rough trying to sleep in those conditions, but I managed to get at least 5 hours or so of shut-eye.

Walked around the neighborhood Friday AM and most shops were closed. Ran into John, my neighbor, and we talked about "events". Don't know what I ate Friday, but for 3 hours in the late afternoon to early evening, I had a nasty case of the shits. That wacked me out and I was in bed by 8:30pm. Was feeling much better by Saturday AM. Once the electricity came on I was able to go to ATM, cleaners, do laundry and do some grocery shopping at local health-food store. All while I was feeling ill. On Saturday I took care of more chores, shopping, farmers market, pharmacy, emails, get a manicure/pedicure, etc, etc. Now its sunday and I'm just going to take it easy.

Also, on Thursday, I had a lunch date with a chap who's name is George and is Scottish. [Ate at an Irish Pub in Times Square.] Met him via Yahoo Instant Messenger on the Internet. He's a nice, older chap and we had a nice time. Wasn't romantically attracted to him [no sparks]. His conversation was amusing ... but really have no intentions of seeing him again. Other news ... I finally took the last two exams at work and my overall scores were about average. Plus I applied for two more positions which I hope to interview for shortly at work. Stay tuned.............

Whew! My past work week was very busy [clock in over 2 1/2 hrs OT] with not one, but two assignments and one exam. I think I passed on the exam, but haven't heard back from HR yet. This week I have two more exams to study for and take. Wish there was more news, but sadly there isn't, well, I've been chatting on the phone with a new guy [George]. So maybe that'll lead to something. Had a session with my personal trainer on Thursday and Chiropractor visit on Saturday. Most of the time it was work, work, work.

A first for me this past Friday evening ... I visited the Whitney Museum of American Art here in Manhattan. Friday evenings are great for certain museums ... as they have a policy of "voluntary donation". Meaning you don't have to pay the regular admission fee. If you want to pay a dollar ... go right ahead. In the case of the Whitney, between 6pm and closing at 9pm, you only pay a "voluntary donation". This suits me just fine. Same with the Guggenheim on Friday evenings from 5:30pm until closing at 8:30pm. Don't think the travel books tell you this stuff, but we New Yorkers know all about it. Yeah! Anyhow ... joined my friend Debbie at 6pm to see several cool, funky exhibits at the Whitney. One was called "The American Effect" [how artist & filmmakers perceive US abroad], there was a small exhibit on Edward Hopper and also drawings by Louise Bourgeois. Afterwards we nipped over to a Starbucks for refreshment and conversation.

On Saturday I went up to Yonkers to do my volunteer work at Ferret Shelter. It has been two months since I was last up there and I missed the furkids. One bit of sad news, was that one of the regulars at shelter that I'm fond of passed away a week ago. Poor little Spats didn't recover from surgery or kemo on his Insulomia. I'll miss the little fella. On a bright note, Joanne informed me that Sweet Pea pulled thru on her Adrenal surgery and is doing just fine. She's a hardy oldster and cute little thang. Several adoptable newbies at the shelter that a young and full of energy. Did my usual duties at shelter ... brushing/grooming fur, cleaning ears, play time, giving out treats, filling up water bottles, etc. During tea break Joanne and I caught up on news and gossip, while Mushy sat on my lap.

Now on to political notes & articles et al:

A VOITNG & DEMOCRACY PRIMER
By Don Hazen, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/html?StoryID=16472

COMPUTER VOTING IS OPEN TO EASY FRAUD, EXPERTS SAY
By John Schwartz, New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/24/technology/24VOTE.html

THE VOTING RIGHTS STRUGGLE OF OUR TIME
By Kim Alexander, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=164767

JIM CROW REVIVED IN CYBERSPACE
By Greg Palast & Martin Luther King III, GregPalast.com
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=15890

BALLOTS CAN KEEP BULLETS FROM FLYING
By John Moyers & Elizabeth Ready, TomPaine.com
http://www.tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/7605

Another work week is coming to a close here in bustling, noicy, crowded Times Square. When leaving the office at lunch time or to go home, one has to deal with crowds of tourists, theater-goers and other office workers like me. As one of my co-workers terms it ... a constant parade of humanity & never a dull moment. As to work itself ... its been interesting, busy and a few hiccups along the way. I'm glad its Friday ... amen! Other bits of gossipy office news ... lots of attractive men in this firm ... woohoo! Plus, I also notice many married, pregnant gals who work for the firm. Yep, lots of couples are populating the NYC area with newborns. Getting a better handle on the elevator workings, office layout and routine of the large cafeteria.

Yesterday evening, after my one-hour session with personal trainer, I'm walking to the subway down Lexington Avenue when I had a brief "celebrity" sighting. Well, she's not a big celeb, but relatively known on television since the early 1970s. I'm waiting at an intersection for the light to change, so that I can cross, when I hear three people chatting behind me. Nothing wrong with that, but I recognized the one voice. So I casually glance around and did a double take, cause I recognized the woman. She's got one of those voices that is, as far as I'm concerned, very distinctive. Talks that way onscreen and off. It was Georgia Engel, who played Ted Baxter's wife [Georgette] on the hit 1970s tv series "The Mary Tyler Moore Show". Nowadays she's no longer the bubbly looking blonde. She seems more matronly with short honey colored hair. Have no idea who the two people were that she was with or talking too.

Other news ... awaiting my order of Pearl Jam MSG CD boots from 10 Club. And tomorrow its ferret shelter day up in Yonkers. Hurray! On that note, must sign off and get back to work, as lunch hour is complete.

Pearl Jam Concert
Madison Square Garden
July 9, 2003

Following an afternoon of touring Wall Street/Battery Park area, stopping by my office and a brief visit to Times Square [saw radio DJ Cousin Brucie] … Josee, Michelle and I headed down to MSG. We placed voicemail messages to Erica and Andrea’s cell phones in hoping to meet up before entering the venue. We heard back from Erica, but couldn’t find her outside, so went in about 7pm. Again we agreed to meet up after concert in MSG lobby. This time I went with Michelle and Josee went her way. Shortly before entering the venue, Josee sold her extra 10 Club tix to a nice chap from NJ. Michelle was hunting down a particular t-shirt. So we hit most of the vendors, but sadly the t-shirt she wanted was sold out.

At our seats, which were pretty decent, we spotted Josee in her seat across venue from us and waved. We also spotted Erica in her front row seat and called her on cell phone. Michelle asked her if she would stop by Josee’s seat and inquire about t-shirt, then she walked over near our area and we talked abit on the stairs. She went to see “Phantom of the Opera” matinee with her step mom earlier. Which she enjoyed. Still no word from Andrea and I was getting concerned.

It was close to 7:30pm and Sleater-Kinney was the opening group. Their okay … personally I thought the Buzzcocks were more entertaining. Anyhow, 45 minute set later and done. Now comes the 30-minute wait, while the roadies set up the stage for Pearl Jam.

Lights go down, 19,000 fans rise as one, as well as letting out collective screams of joy and its show time! Hell yeah!

OMG! They started the concert with CRAZY MARY. We fans get to hear this cool song again, as they’d played it the night before. As Boom Gaspar starts ripping into a groovy keyboard solo, Michelle and I are hoping that Mike [lead guitar] would stroll over and do a musical duet or duel. We flipped out when he does stroll over, cause he didn’t the night before. Next song up is the fast paced SAVE YOU. The next few songs [ie: HAIL HAIL, WHIPPING & CORDUROY] have the whole venue going berserk. Totally! Michelle and I are dancing our asses off. We be in happy mode! Next up is one of those Pearl Jam songs I’ve been wanting to hear in concert ever since I purchased “Live on Two Legs” cassette back in 2000. RED MOSQUITO! WooHoo! Next up was DISSIDENT and I AM MINE, which had many from the crowd singing along. Then another song from “Riot Act” called GET RIGHT, followed by one of my favs … GIVEN TO FLY. It was breathtaking. They kick into EVACUATION, which isn’t a fav of mine, but the next song is … EVEN FLOW. Long, killer guitar solo by Mike, who is again on fire this evening.

Eddie called Johnny Ramone, but he wasn’t home to hear the next song [Ramone’s I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES], so we left him a message. [ie: “Johnny, its me Ed, why the fuck aren’t you home.”] That was amusing, seeing Eddie on a cell phone during mid-concert. The next two songs [MFC & DEEP] were a great addition to the gig and kept things rockin. This was followed by two fav songs of mine from the Pearl Jam catalog, PRESENT TENSE and NOTHINGMAN. Especially the latter song … it was sooo good. Sigh! Couldn’t tell what next song was by its intro, but knew it was a rare good song cause Michelle was going nuts. She yells in my ear … STATE OF LOVE & TRUST. Wow! Then rounding off the set the ever-popular PORCH. The guys played a great jam set during it with Eddie wandering around the stage.

Then the guys depart stage for a “break”. The crowd [us devoted fans] wants more and we scream and stomp up a fuss. MSG is vibrating! This crowd was just as intense as the night before. Long live rock! After about five minutes or so Eddie comes out on stage. He talks for abit about different stuff, reads fans signs [ie: “Play LEACH U Pussies”] before singing a Beatle tune … YOU’VE GOT TO HIDE YOUR LOVE AWAY. Then the rest of the band came out on stage and jumped into another fav song of mine … ELDERLY WOMAN IN A SMALL TOWN. OMG! Can’t believe it … they did GLORIFIED G! Another 10 Club fan fav. Eddie does abit more talking and they do ALL OR NONE. Which they first performed live up at the Albany show I attended back in April. This time around it sounds so much better. It’s a slower, blues type of song. Several folk in the crowd head out to concession stand for beer during this time. Makes no sense to me … I wouldn’t want to miss any moments of the show. Next up is DO THE EVOLUTION … which seems to be another crowd pleaser. And finally … last song of 1st encore … ALIVE! Yeah baby … this song totally kicks ass in concert and the whole crowd is responding in loud unison. Gives me goosebumps! Plus I try to imagine what it’s like for the band on stage when entire crowd is screaming YEAH on the backbeats of this awesome song.

Another break, only abit shorter than last one. And they come back out to do a 2nd encore and start with GO. Hell yeah! Then Eddie talks briefly about the Clash and late Joe Strummer, before the band does a groovy version of KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. Right-on! OMG! A song I’ve been wanting to hear live for quite some time … KEEP ON ROCKING IN THE FREE WORLD. The band [ie: Jeff is jumping, bouncing & spinning all over the stage] and crowd are whooping it up. If you stand still for about 30 to 60 seconds you can feel the floor vibrating. Whoa! Its an event and we’re all totally into it. And finally, the closing song of the evening, yep, you guessed it … YELLOW LEDBETTER. During the closing guitar solo that Mike rips off, the rest of the band sit around watching and listening. An awesome moment, to be sure, then they all line up on stage and bow to the audience. Sweet! What a terrific show!

Michelle and I make our way down to the lobby to meet up with Josee and Erica. We’re all happy, smiling and chatting with others. After awhile Erica takes off for her hotel and we all stroll outside to locate Andrea. Using cell phones we finally hook up outside MSG. Andrea is with her friend Tieran and they showed up 10 minutes or so into Pearl Jam set. We’re all standing around on sidewalk chatting, gossiping, drinking soda/water from a street vendor and taking group pix. Lots of fun! We part company shortly after 12:30am and head to our respective transportation. There is talk; even Eddie mentioned it, that the band will do a mini tour next summer. Damn … I sure hope so!

US NOBEL LAUREATE SLAMS BUSH GOVERNMENT AS WORST IN AMERICAN HISTORY. Article from Der Spiegel magazine, which is based in Berlin. Here is the link ... check it out if you wish:

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0729-06.htm

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"Will Congress Impeach George Bush over WMDs?"
By Mark Dunlea
The Albany Times Union
July 9, 2003
http://www.commondreams.org/views03/0709-04.htm

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HOLD BUSH ACCOUNTABLE

If President Bush won't stand up and take responsibility for himself, then the American people will have to do it for him. If you haven't already signed the petition calling for an independent, bipartisan investigation into President Bush's statements in the State of the Union address, sign it today.

http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002L701IMo0001F

And be sure to forward this message on to your friends to help spread the word that it's time for President Bush to stand up and take responsibility for the words that come out of his mouth.

http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002L701IMo0001G

Click the link below to read the full UPI report on how Bush's claims about the connection between Iraq and al Qaeda contradicted U.S. intelligence.

http://mailer.democrats.org/rdr/002L701IMo0001E

More interesting articles on current events and news:

AMERICAN REBELS
by Jack Newfield [The Nation]
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=16262

MY COUNTRY - THE WORLD
by Howard Zinn
http://www.tompaine.com/feature2.cfm/ID/7726

MATRIOTISM FOR MOTHER EARTH
by Elouise Bell [Earth Island Journal]
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=12918

TOUGH LOVE
by Michelle Chihara
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=11930

A PRAYER FOR AMERICA
by Dennis Kucinich
http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=12477

Get Involved - Write Your Vision for 2020 America
http://www.2020democrats.com

MISREPRESENTATION
http://www.moveon.org/r?458

POWELL & BLIX HAVE THEIR DOUBTS
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,968581,00.html

IMPEACHMENT!
http://writ.corporate.findlaw.com/dean/20030606.html

Some good news on the work front ... after two days at the Times Square office I've finally been assigned not one, but two assignments. Now that I'm a floater, trying to find a new permanent position here at the office, I'll take whatever assignments they give me. Yah know? So, for now, I'm covering the secretarial [admin] position of a gal who had to start her maturnity leave sooner than expected. [She's married to a NYC cop.] Seems pretty straight-forward of handling travel arrangements, timesheets, expense reports, set up meetings or conference calls, etc. The department is Tax Insurance and the other smaller assignment is also with same department, and working on audit spreadsheets. The folk in this area seem pretty decent and helpful. On that note, time for this gal to sign off and make the commute home. Remember to keep rocking in the free world. :-)

Well folks, since my last post about the work situation, much has happened. Found out last Wednesday afternoon, July 16th, that we doing the "big move" on Friday and not end of the month. Ugh! Lots of last minute work to do, calling vendors, cancelling accounts, packing up supplies and offices, etc. Much paid overtime. Then I find out in a meeting with my Administrative Manager on Thursday, that my position with STS Group was eliminated. Imagine my surprise and shock upon hearing that! Whoa! But they had good news for me, until I can find a new permanent position in the firm, I'll be a floater/temp admin. Actually, I have three months to find a new permanent position. In September the firm is doing a major restacking [hard to explain] and promotions. Which means there will be lots of openings. Yeah! So, in the meantime, I float and am now at the Times Square location.

The move on Friday from downtown office was long, but successful. My computer from downtown office has been temporarily set up in the TSS department on 8th floor. So thats why I was able to access several times yesterday and today. Felt good to deal with office and personal emails, plus check out PJ stuff on the net and IRWTpt2. Anyhow ... I hooked up with my Administrative Manager and we discussed what will be happening during this "transition". I also touched base with accounting and facilities department to go over invoices and such regarding downtown office. I also briefly connected with the secretary who's now covering for the partner I worked with. Passing on his info, emails, calendar, etc. During all this I was running into people I hadn't seen in months and they were wondering why I was up at Times Square office. Many explanations, yah know. Also, my Admin Mgr gave me the company link to the "job openings" database. At least twice a week I have to check it to see what openings in the firm are available, discuss it with my recruiter and then apply for the position. Then there was lunch in their cafeteria, which I'm not going to do often, as I'd rather "brown bag" it and save money. I already miss the nice small parks down in Wall Street area. Then yesterday afternoon I had two meetings ... one with new Admin Mgr and secretary to main partner in STS group. Have met a few cool new people. Everyone has been nice and helpful. On a good note, the commute was only 20 minutes this AM and I utilize two subways, not three. Big difference!

Lets see ... lighter news ... I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon at a park in my neighborhood. The weather was wonderful! Blue skies, not too hot, and a slight breeze. Took a blanket, small pillow, bottled water, snack, reading material and ventured forth. Parked my ass under a nice, shady tree for 3 1/2 hours. Sometimes I napped, read or watched folk play softball. Last night, on the local PBS station [telly], I watched several cool programs. They were "History Detectives", "American Experience - Ansel Adams" and "Charlie Rose". Time to sign off ... for now ... lunch time.

Review Of Pearl Jam Show
July 8, 2003
MSG in NYC

OH MY GOD! What a f--king amazing show! This band blew me away at Saratoga 2000 and again at Albany 2003. Let me tell you, those two shows paled compared to the first of two MSG gigs. I'm being totally sincere in this statement. Yeah baby, its coming from the heart and soul.

Start with the beginning, which was way back in late January, when we 10 Club members first heard the tix were going on sale for North American tour. Sadly, I had messed up on my membership, which I wasn't able to renew until after the deadline for concert tix. All was not lost ... my dear PJ fan/friends Josee and Michelle came to bat for me. [A big thanks from bottom of my heart & enjoy those rumballs. More to come at Xmas time.] They were both coming to NYC for the shows and I said your more than welcome to stay at my place. Save on those pricey hotels in Manhattan.

Ordering tix via the 10 Club, upon submitting info/money, member got two tix for show of request. One could go to as many shows as one wanted, as long as one had the funds to cover price of tix. The average tix was about $40 each and thats darn good. Anyhow ... Josee offered me her first night extra tix and Michelle offered me her second night extra tix. I paid them for the tix back in February. WooHoo! As the dates were drawing nearer, we three had to coordinate on arrival times and pickup destination. Got a little bit anxious on some things, but it all worked out in the end. Michelle flew into Newark Airport, then a bus to Port Authority and Josee took a bus down from Canada to Port Authority. I picked them both up on
the evening of July 7th.

Now about the show! Yeah baby! We got thru security with no difficulties and they seemed pretty cool. In the main lobby of MSG the four of us [ie: my Texas pal Erica was with us] picked a spot to "meet up" after the show. Michelle and Erica went their way and I ambled off with Josee. We checked out the merchandise booths, as Josee wanted to purchase a poster and t-shirt. Posters were sold out, but she got a really cool black/red t-shirt. Found our seats, which were on the floor, row W, about a little center-right. I'm thinking ... holy shit ... I've never been this close to the stage in MSG. We saw Michelle [her Ticketmaster tix were just behind the stage, which she later said provided her with some interesting views] and waved to her. Erica stopped by to chat for abit and pointed to her front row seat. Her stepmom was attending the gig with her. Josee noticed Michelle waving at us again, but pointing behind us. We looked around and I saw my friend Andrea waving at me from the section behind ours. I went up to the barrier and managed to talk the security guard in letting Andrea come over to chat with me for five minutes. It was great seeing her again and she too is also a big "jeff ament" admirer like me. Sigh!

Back at my seat, we waited for 7:30pm to roll around, for when the Buzzcocks came on stage as the warmup band. Their a British punk band thats been around for about 25 years or so. They played their set at a fast pace with little breather space in between songs. Josee said its the same setlist, as she'd seen them open for Pearl Jam in Detroit, Montreal and Toronto, before coming to NYC. Personally, I thought their set wasn't that bad and better than the group SPARTA, who opened for Pearl Jam in Albany. Both Josee and I noticed Eddie standing on stage right. He was watching the set and enjoying it. On the left, I noticed Jeff trying to hide behind the speakers and then Mike joined him. For the last song ["Why Can't I Touch It?] on the Buzzcocks set they were joined on stage by Jeff, Eddie and Mike. What a treat for us fans. They ended the set and all left the stage. Now comes the suspence of waiting for the main band ... Pearl Jam. only 30 minutes or so, but it seemed like an eternity.

When they did finally come on stage, all 19,000+ fans stood up and cheered wildly. Its show time! They started off the set with LOVE BOAT CAPTAIN, then ripping into LAST EXIT [Jeffs bopping all over the stage] and SAVE YOU. Two kick ass rocker tunes. Josee and I are bouncing and dancing with absolute joy. We later learned that there were 7,000 Ten Club members at this show and 8,000 at second show. WOW! Next song was GREEN DISEASE and then a slightly different version of IN MY TREE, which I liked. Through all this one could tell that some folk were lighting up and smoking pot. Thankfully it wasn't as "thick" as it was at Albany show. Anyhow ... next up was a wonderful rendition of CROPDUSTER, followed by one of my fav songs, EVEN FLOW. This song really lets Mikey showcase his terrific guitar solo skills. Then they do a John Lennon song called GIMME SOME TRUTH, followed by the bands first single [I AM MINE] off of latest LP called RIOT ACT. What's up next, oh my gosh, a song they hardly ever do and a fav of mine off YIELD. Its a Jeff song called LOW LIGHT and they follow with another YIELD song called FAITHFULL. Both are favs with 10 Club members. Up next one of my least fav Pearl Jam songs ... WISHLIST ... but the tag is cool which is the Buzzcocks WHY CAN'T I TOUCH IT? If I remember correctly, it was around this time that some guy shows up and tries to take Josee's seat. Claiming it was his seat, we're like NO WAY DUDE! Looked at his tix and he's suppose to be in row Y, not W. Geez! Next up is the fast paced LUKIN. The next five songs [ie: GRIEVANCE, 1/2 FULL, BLACK, SPIN THE BLACK CIRCLE & REARVIEWMIRROR] are more favs of mine and the band is sooooo on fire. Eddie is in fine form this evening, Mike's a live wire & playing amazing solos, Matt as always is a powerhouse on the drums, Stone is providing groovy rhythm and watching Jeff play that bass makes me sooooo happy. Plus his jumps on stage were amazing.

The arena is going nuts during the break between main set and 1st encore. The guys come back out on stage to near deafening cheers from the fans. And kick off the 1st encore with the funky song YOU ARE utilizing strobe lights. These type of lights usually bother my eyes, so I spent most of the song with closed eyes and bent head. Every so often they throw in a quiet song and this time its THUMBING MY WAY. The next song is DAUGHTER and during the tag Eddie brings out Ben Harper to help out. The tag is a Harper song called WITH MY OWN TWO HANDS. This is a terrific surprise. Harper is there with his girlfriend, the actress Laura Dern. Josee and I damn near flip out when they roll into the next song, after some chatter from Eddie, plus passing wine bottle to Jeff and Stone. We were like ... OMG ... their doing CROWN OF THORNS ... which is a Mother Love Bone song. Then to add to our euphoria ... BREATH! Great song! I knew it was bound to happen, they did another of my least fav Pearl Jam songs ... BETTERMAN. What makes it interesting is the audience sing-along response, their reveling in this song, which is about spouse abuse. [Earlier that evening I saw a young chap wearing a t-shirt that said "Betterman Club". Very strange.] They cap off the 1st encore with DO THE EVOLUTION. The audience during the next break before 2nd encore is even more deafening. Everyone is rocking on all four cylinders. WooHoo! OMG!

Back on stage Eddie mentioned to us that they were told the stage only bounced up and down that much [which freaked them abit] for three other bands. Can you guess? Well it was the Grateful Dead, Iron Maiden and Bruce Springsteen. That last mention got a Bruuuuuce chant from the crowd. They start off 2nd encore with CRAZY MARY. Love this song live and Boom Gaspar plays a great keyboard solo. At this point I mention to Josee ... how will the band top this fantastic show tomorrow evening. It boggles the mind. Eddie brings Ben Harper out again and they duet the next song ... INDIFFERENCE. So sweet! Then Tony from the Buzzcocks comes out on stage to play bass for the next song, while Jeff sits this one out. Another fav
cover song of mine ... SONIC REDUCER. Did I mention the band was on fire this evening? Hell yeah! They close out the evening with an amazing rendition of The Who song BABA O'RILEY. And the show closing number is another fav of mine ... YELLOW LEDBETTER. Which again showcases Mikey's guitar prowness. They played a 2 1/2 to 3 hour show with such energy and enthusiasm. Everyone was excited and pumped afterwards. Josee and I met up with Michelle at our designated spot. We got to chatting with other cool fans ... mostly those that Michelle knew via Synergy BBS. We were all hot, sweaty and dying of thirst. Found a vendor outside the venue and quenched our thirst. One of the best concert experiences I've had in a long time.

Finally getting around to posting a new entry in my journal that is not politically related. This entry is based on some fun stuff I've been doing over last two weeks. Those of you waiting for reviews on my Pearl Jam MSG 1 & 2 experience, will have to wait abit longer. Sorry, still working on the reviews. For now ... the latest tidbits.

First of all ... work news ... it may not be "fun stuff" but its interesting. Its officially confirmed that the downtown E&Y space I've been working at for 2 1/2 years will be sublet by another company. That means in a few weeks we are moving to the Times Square offices. [Over 3,000 people in that one location. Whoa!] I'm actually looking forward to the move, as its been sooooo slow at current location for 2 1/2 months and I want some challenging action. NOW! Lately we've been busy with packing a few Senior Manager offices and shipping out lots of computer equipment to other E&Y locations. Stay tuned for more updates.

Back on June 29th I went up to northern Yonkers with my good friend Debbie to visit friends of ours. It was a delightful day trip. Judy and Don have a charming apartment overlooking Hudson River. Last time I saw Judy was on my b-day back in October and last time I saw Don was at their wedding in May 2002. Judy and Don drove us around the area [lots of nice houses et al] from Yonkers on up to Tarrytown. Weather was sunny, warm and abit hazy. We had ice cream at a charming place in Tarrytown and also strolled along part of "the trail". Next time I'm wearing sneakers instead of fashionable sandals. Band-aids and blisters on my feet ... not a pretty sight. Back at their apartment we watched some "Buffy" and "LOTRs" DVDs. Judy whipped up a yummy middle eastern dinner, followed by drinking wine on the terrace and viewing the sunset over NJ. Overall a most enjoyable day.

Headed up to the family homestead for the long July 4th holiday weekend. Left the office Wednesday afternoon on July 2nd, as E&Y was officially closed on July 3rd & 4th. Sweet deal! Weather was warm, humid and occasional breezes. Spent most of the time relaxing with Mom on the screened in porch doing pastels, chatting or reading. Did I mention that I finished reading the Harry Potter book and gave it to Mom to read. Loved the book! Highly recommend it to others. While upstate NY I did some shopping, cooking, reading, pastels, sketching, chores around house, watch some cable tv, out to eat a few times, cut & color, etc.

This past week was fantastic. Got to see my fav band, Pearl Jam, perform two gigs at MSG. I'll be writing up a review to those shows soon and posting it here. Worked on July 7th then went up to Port Authority to pick up Josee and Michelle. Josee came down by bus from Canada and Michelle was flying in from Seattle. They were staying at my pad for a few days and we were going to the Pearl Jam gigs together. We've met online, chatted back and forth via email, talked on the phone and now finally meeting for the first time. Their both terrific gals and we hit it off right away. Got back to my place in Brooklyn around 8pm, settled in my place, hit the grocery store and then picked up dinner from the local pizza joint. Sat around my livingroom chatting away that evening. Next day we headed into the city and got off subway at 34th Street Penn Station. Got some lunch there and hooked up with my TX Pearl Jam fan friend Erica. This was my first time meeting her, tho we've been emailing/phoning each other since October 2000. She's also one terrific gal and been a big fan of the group since the early days. We strolled over to Southgate Towers and got on line to pick up 10 Club tix for both shows at Garden. No troubles there ... long line ... tix showed our seats to pretty decent. [Erica had front row! Lucky girl!] Thanks 10 Club! After that we jumped on the subway and headed up to the westside to do some sightseeing. I showed the three of them the Dakota [where John Lennon was shot in 1980], Strawberry Fields ["Imagine" memorial] and a fun stroll thru "the rambles" in Central Park. Man oh man ... it was a sunny, warm, humid day. Then it was back on subway to head to Erica's hotel on 31st Street, but I accidently got us on the uptown subway. Silly me! We switched at Cathedral Parkway stop and went back downtown.

We hungout at Erica's hotel to cool off, freshen up and talk until close to showtime at Garden. Left another voicemail with my Pearl Jam fan friend Andrea, who was also going to the gig that night. We headed into the arena at 6:45pm. Erica went to her first row seat, Michelle had a tix for behind the stage and Josee and I were sitting in fan club section, which was in row W from stage. We waved to Michelle in her seat and then Erica stopped by briefly to chat. She had a primo spot right in front of Eddie. Then Michelle waved at Josee and me again, then pointed behind us. In section behind us I could see Andrea waving at me, as she was on her cell phone chatting with Michelle on her cell phone. In cases like this cell phones are a beautiful thing. I went up to the barrier and managed to persuade the security guard to let Andrea over to barrier so we could chat for a few minutes. She was at the gig with her sister. Sadly we wouldn't be able to meet up after the gig, as she had a train to catch back to NJ. I'll talk about the Pearl Jam gig in another post sometime this week. All I got to say for now is it was an awesome show. They are a great rock band. Afterwards we met and chatted with some cool people in the arena lobby ... Dan from Brazil, Melanie from Toronto, plus several others. Our throats felt like cotton fields, so we headed outdoors to picked up drinks from a street vendor. The three of us made it back to my place, via subway, at around 1:30am. Took showers and went to bed exhausted, but very happy.

On wednesday, after placing several voicemails to Erica and Andrea [plus a late breakfast], the three of us headed into Manhattan for more sightseeing. Todays weather was cooler and not as humid. I took Josee and Michelle to lower Manhattan. Showed them Ground Zero, St Pauls & Trinity Churches, Battery Park, Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Stock Exchange and Federal Hall before we picked up a late lunch to eat at my office. While at office we checked out emails & posts on IRWTpt2 Yahoo Group. Then we left my office, jumped on subway and headed up to Times Square for a quick visit. Then back on another subway to zip down to MSG for the gig. Waited outside for awhile in trying to locate Erica and Andrea. Josee had an extra fan club tix, which she sold to a nice chap on the street. I was sitting with Michelle this evening. This time we all had decent seats, but Josee's seat was abit closer to the stage. We called Erica on her cell phone, as we saw her sitting in her front row seat already. She stopped by to briefly chat with Josee and then over to our section to chat with me and Michelle. She went to matinee that day with her stepmom to see "Phantom of the Opera". [Whoa! This entry into journal is turning out longer than I thought. Hope I'm not boring anyone.] Will provide review of show later on this week, but suffice to say, it was another awesome gig and I danced alot to the music. WooHoo! Afterwards we hooked up with Erica, Melanie and her friend Rita in MSG lobby. This night the Garden security was kicking us out soon than evening before, so we hungout outside arena. Melanie and her friend took off, but we finally located Andrea and her friend Teiran. Much chatter going on about show et al. Erica took off for her hotel ... she's a terrific gal and lots of fun. So the five of us hung out on the street corner, sipping drinks from vendor and gossiping until after 12:30am. From there we jumped on our respective transportation.

Back at my pad I called car service for Josee, as she had to head into the city at 7:30am to catch an 8:30am bus at Port Authority. Set my alarm clock for 7am, woke up Josee and got her on her way at 7:30am, then I went back to bed while Michelle slept thru it all. Didn't wake up again until 10:30am! We took our time getting breakfast and dressed. Finally left my apartment around 2:15pm and subways didn't get us to the Wall Street area until 3:30pm. Michelle had to be at Port Authority at about 4pm to catch bus to Newark Airport for a 6pm flight. So we decided to forgo the downtown area and made a beeline for midtown. Her bus was waiting upon arrival to Port Authority and I saw her off. I then picked up a late lunch and hoofed it to my Broad Street office to utilize the computer for a few hours. Then back home to tidy up the pad. Wow! What a fun and exciting 3 to 4 days. A major highlight of my summer, so far. Gotta jet.......................

DENNIS KUCINICH SPEAKS TRUTH TO POWER. And the word is getting out about what Dennis is doing on the campaign trail and in Washington, where he co-chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus with the courageous Barbara Lee. If you have friends and relatives who still haven't gotten the news, please, send them this link today:

http://www.kucinich.us

This is just a quick, and I mean quick, post on my journal. I've been meaning to write in here sooner, but have been busy with work, enjoying the past weekend [more on that later] and getting ready for July 4th weekend. Can't believe the great summer weather we've been experiencing since Monday, June 23rd. Awesome! In less than a week I'll be seeing Pearl Jam at MSG and my friends Josee and Michelle will be visiting me. More news on Monday, July 7th, when I'm back in the office. Until then ... hope everyone has a wonderful July 4th and remember to keep rocking in the free world. Yahoo!!

The Ruckus Society's "War Profiteers Card Deck" sell for a $10 donation and are available at the group's Web site:

thhp://www.warprofiteers.com