Ink Lake

Jill Kelley Warning Signs

Never trust a woman who does the “head tilt” thing when having her picture taken. 

Cool

Though I’m miffed with myself for writing “fascinated with”, rather than “fascinated by”.

Still, thank you, Ms. Farrow.

“You Get Hoynes”

In explaining Obama’s somnambulism at the debate, I agree with what Michael Tomasky wrote today,

“I think he has days when he’s just not that into being president.”

Yes, it’s more than disappointing to find yourself trying not just to steer a ship, but keep it afloat, while the opposition party runs around like frat boys with augers.

It reminds me of the “Two Cathedrals” episode of The West Wing, when President Bartlett was feeling sorry for himself.

But guess what, Mr. President… tough. To quote Mrs. Landingham,

 “Are you in a tough spot? Yes.
Do I feel sorry for you? I do not. 
Why? Because there are people way worse off than you.”

So, I don’t care; and neither does anyone else voting for you. The country needs you to win. The fucking planet needs it.

 

Not Getting It & Not Wanting To Get It

 

Showing the planet love

 Today, when headed to lunch at the South Street Seaport, I happened to pass by an Abercrombie & Fitch store. 95 in the shade, and doors wide open.

I went inside, and asked if they were aware of the law that requires them to close the store door when the air-conditioning is running.

I didn’t have a recorder going, but this was how some of the conversation went.

 

Me: Do you know this is illegal?

Employee Sandeev(?): This is private property, we can do whatever we want.

Me: Do you think you could have no smoke detectors or pay people less than minimum wage?

Employee Sandeev: This is private property

Me: I’m not sure you understand the meaning of ‘illegal’.

The manager comes over. His name is Uriah (sp?)

Me: This is bad for the environment.

Uriah: I really hate all the water waste, and they don’t recyle in midtown. You should do something about that.

Me: Cool. We can work on that together, but right now, let’s keep the focus on your door.”

Me: Aren’t you concerned with all the wasted electricity?

Uriah: What we’re concerned with is selling people great looking shorts and cool sunglasses (yes, he really said that).

Me: I’m going to take a picture of the store with the door open.

Uriah: You’re not allowed to do that.

Me:I’m not taking a photo in the store, I’m taking one from outside.

 

(While standing 20 feet onto sidewalk and taking the photo).

Female employee (who happened to be standing outside): You’re not allowed to do that.

Me: Do what?

FE: Take a picture of the store.

Me: Well you better call the police, then.

FE: Take a picture through the open doors.

Me: This is a public space, are you familiar with the Constitution?

FE: Well, you’re in my space. Sandeev, can you get rid of this guy?

Sandeev (who had come outside): Well, we can just go inside.

They then proceed to close the door (see below), but when I came back from lunch, the door was again open. 

Closing the door for a sec

One Door At A Time

I’m in the Times today, in Clyde Haberman’s column, regarding the widespread flouting of  the law requiring stores to keep their doors closed when they run the air-conditioner.

“If, after the smoking ban was enacted, 40 bars decided to invite smokers to light up, I presume we’d hear from the mayor,” Mr. Kaufman said.

It would be good if the mayor, who cares so much about our waist-lines, showed some leadership in something he professes is a priority of his administration (keeping the planet we all live on, habitable for human life).

Stay tuned.

 

(Alycia Kravitz / Gothamist)

Defend This House

Happy Earth Day

Bless That Blessed Plot

Thought I’d post this in honor of the visit to the U.S. by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Bitch Learns That Payback Is In Fact, A Bitch

Karen Handel, has resigned as the anti-abortion zealot who as vice-president for public policy at the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She was hip-deep (or higher) in the failed attempt to cut Komen’s contributions to Planned Parenthood. Couldn’t happen to a nicer person. 

But a woman’s right to choose isn’t the only thing she hates. In her failed run for Georgia governor in 2010, she said this in an interview with a local newscaster, discussing her support of outlawing gay adoption.

Q. I guess I want to know why you think gay parents aren’t as legitimate as heterosexual parents.

A: Because I don’t.

 

My favorite bit of logic is when she says she’s opposed to gay marriage, and then says she thinks gay couples shouldn’t adopt, because...you guessed it... they can’t be married!

Freedom Fighter

Gretchen Ertl for The New York Times

“Persecution is not an original feature in any religion; but it is always the strongly marked feature of all religions established by law.”

The blog supports Jessica Ahlquist, for sticking to her guns, and for all of our rights. Tom Paine would be proud of you, Jessica.

 “That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.”

I Sure Can Pick 'Em

 

Yes, after Lori Berenson, I had other great dates.

No, I didn’t recognize her by the picture, but the name caught eye whe I looked at the lead post this afternoon on Gothamist.

About 20 years ago, I went on a few dates with Ms. Van Voast (apparently, AKA New York's “Topless Paparazzo”).

I remember we caught Deconstructing Harry, and then grabbed some coffee. Somehow the subject of Albert Speer came up. I remember her remarking it was a shame that he didn’t get a chance to construct all those cool buildings.