Gather ye rosebuds while ye may… October 23, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, This 'n That, Videos.Tags: Birthdays
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Today is my birthday. It is a very LARGE numbered birthday (in my hometown of Brooklyn we would say it was YOOGE). I normally do not give a hoot about age but this one hit me like an asteroid. Why is that? Because I am now, by all of the accepted standards, officially old.
After dwelling on this BIG number I have decided there are good things and bad things about being 65. Here are a few of those things.
- The Government thinks I am old and gave me a Medicare card. The good thing is that my health insurance dropped from a whopping $900 per month to about $400 a month. I do not know if the supplemental coverage that I had to buy includes an appointment with the death panel. I will keep you posted on that one. The funniest thing about getting all of the literature from Medicare is that it is printed in a very LARGE font so instead of a brochure that would normally be 12 pages – it is actually about 24 pages.
- The MTA also considers me old and now have one of those half fare cards. This is good thing. Instead of $2.25 per ride on the subway – it is now about $1.10.
- Most actuarial tables for numbers of years left consider me on the very right side of the chart. That is bad.
- The TV stations do not include me in that all important ‘buying’ age demographic. That is neither here nor there since I haven’t shopped much in the last 20 years.
- I am lucky to have a number of younger friends. Some, due to their alternate lifestyles can go to the movies with me during the day. Some of my young pals actually ask my opinion on stuff. One young friend, in particular, goes on whirlwind cross country Zoo trips with me (and I am referred to, by her, as her ’senior’ friend). There a bunch of very cool thirty-something friends who think it is not uncool to hang around with someone who is much older. These are all very good things.
- The funny thing about aging, as all oldsters know, is that you seem to become more invisible with each passing year. I sometimes think I have gained the knowledge of the Klingon Cloaking Device because unless I am walking Benny the dog, I am totally invisible. This is a good thing because you really do not need to worry about what you wear in the street since no one is looking at you.
I know, I know – they say the alternative to getting older is not desired. Very true.
I share my birthday with my lovely niece, Becca and these other astrological cuspees: Ang Lee (director) , Weird Al Yankovic (comic), Dwight Yoakam (songwriter, singer) Michael Crichton (writer), Pele (Brazil’s soccer star), Charlie Foxx (singer), Diana Dors (actress) and Johnny Carson (comedian).
So, I heartily accept all good wishes and hope that my Lobo ranting, raving and table pounding will keep the old noggin in great working order for some time to come.
Lobo’s Oscar Predictions February 19, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, This 'n That.Tags: Oscar Predictions
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This is a tough year. I did a lot of guessing. The Oscars could go in several directions or weighted heavily on one or two films. Oh, the excitement builds. Here are my picks. Look for my Oscar review in this space on Monday.
Performance by an actor in a leading role
* Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
* Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
* Kate Winslet in “The Reader”
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
* Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Best animated feature film of the year
* “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton
Achievement in art direction
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Achievement in cinematography
* “Slumdog Millionaire” , Anthony Dod Mantle
Achievement in costume design
* “The Duchess”, Michael O’Connor
Achievement in directing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Danny Boyle
Best documentary feature
* “Man on Wire”
Best documentary short subject
* “Smile Pinki”
Achievement in film editing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Chris Dickens
Best foreign language film of the year
* “Waltz with Bashir”, Israel
Achievement in makeup
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, Greg Cannom
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
* “Slumdog Millionaire” A.R. Rahman
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
* “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
Best motion picture of the year
* “Slumdog Millionaire”
Best animated short film
* “Lavatory – Lovestory”
Best live action short film
* “New Boy” (Network Ireland Television),
Achievement in sound editing
* “The Dark Knight” Richard King
Achievement in sound mixing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
Achievement in visual effects
* “The Dark Knight”
Adapted screenplay
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy
Original screenplay
* “Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
Sunday Hodgepodge January 18, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Links, Politics, This 'n That, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Flight 1549, Justice Dept., Mukasey
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It is hard to believe, right? Just two days to go. Optimism abounds even though the country is mired in muck up to our eyeballs. Public confidence is high and that has to mean something, doesn’t it? Mr. Obama is speaking with everyone from all sides of the political spectrum bringing a much needed feel good atmosphere to a broken city. I am psyched for Tuesday and hope that you will be enjoying the Inauguration with friends, like I am. We are going to gather for a champagne brunch, lots of toasts, smiles and perhaps a few tears. Frank Rich writers about Obama coming to town. Maureen Dowd writes about Bush’ Long Goodbye. Today is filled with this and that. Oh, and a hearty happy birthday to Michelle Obama who turned 45 yesterday.
- Be warned. Seat belts required wile watching this. Here is something George Bush might like to try in his retirement when not clearing brush.
- Ever wonder what successful people do with each day? Check out this site.
- File this under jerks of the week. Twi controversial US Attorneys have no intention of leaving the Justice Department on January 20th. “Political appointees to the Justice Department traditionally tender their resignation when a new president moves into the White House; Buchanan and Martin would apparently rather be fired. Their contrariness is particularly notable given a brand-new internal Justice Department report that includes unprecedented details regarding the department’s politicized atmosphere. “
- Now that the genie is out of the bottle “Attorney General Michael Mukasey raised concerns that government agents and national security lawyers may be at risk for criminal prosecution after his likely successor, Eric Holder, declared that waterboarding of terror detainees is torture”. Mukasey said “that one reason he didn’t answer the question as Mr. Holder did was because of the peril it would pose to agents and lawyers who he believes did their best under trying circumstances following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks”.
- A cottage industry has already begun for Captain Sullenberger. Check out the I ‘heart Sully t-shirt. Coast Guard Video of the first ten minutes of the Hudson River Plane Crash
- Great Moments In Presidential Speeches Compilation from Dave Letterman. It is true that I despise the man, but I have to admit, he did make me laugh at times (through the tears).
- Do not sleep through the Inauguration like this little guy, okay?
Inching Closer to Change January 8, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Links, Photography, Politics, This 'n That, Videos.Tags: blackberry, chirs matthews, chuck todd, electoral college, Joe the Plumber, Manhattanhenge, new masthead, Rachel Maddow
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I was out standing on East 23rd Street facing east as the sun rose at 7:20 to catch the winter Manhattanhenge to take the photo above. Manhattanhenge (sometimes referred to as Manhattan Solstice) is a semi-annual occurrence in which the setting sun aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s main street grid. I found out exactly when the sun would rise at this cool site.
- As we inch ever closer to change in Washington, the nation, the world and perhaps the galaxy (okay – I overstated the change thing) I decided to make a few minor changes to my blog site. Drum roll please — I unveil a new masthead and subtitle. I decided ‘Fumes about our Current Administration, Art, Film and Politics’ was a bit of a stretch. I also did not want to enter this new administration thinking I would already be fuming (although I have my sites set on the very annoying Harry Reid). So check out the new header above and subtitle and you can now also see the most recent ten posts on the column on the right.
- Was anyone else ‘creeped’ out by that five President meeting in the Oval Office yesterday? How uncomfortable was it all? Didn’t Jimmy Carter want to jump on the desk and scream at the top of his lungs about what has happened to our Democracy? Smudge pot needed after all of those previous creeps leave that office please. Bull Clinton spoke about the rug!
- Barack Obama wants to hold onto his Blackberry. Good for the new President. He does not want to enter that bubble and lose his grasp about what we are thinking, saying and doing. “Speaking with CNBC Wednesday, Obama explained that he is still fighting to hold onto the device despite the sea of lawyers who have warned him against keeping it. He said - I’m still clinging to my BlackBerry. They’re going to pry it out of my hands… I don’t know that I’ll win, but I’m still–I’m still fighting it. And–but here’s the point I was making, I guess, is that it’s not just the flow of information. I mean, I can get somebody to print out clips for me, and I can read newspapers. What it has to do with is having mechanisms where you are interacting with people who are outside of the White House in a meaningful way. And I’ve got to look for every opportunity to do that–ways that aren’t scripted, ways that aren’t controlled, ways where, you know, people aren’t just complimenting you or standing up when you enter into a room, ways of staying grounded”.
- Check out Rachel Maddow on the Daily Show last night.
- Chris Matthews announced yesterday that he is NOT running for the Senate against Arlen Spector. Hardball lives. Who wouldn’t miss his sense of humor?
- The Electoral College will meet today at 1 PM and formally count and announce that Barack Obama is the new President-elect. Whew! Maybe Minnesota can check in with that group too.
- In the ‘you most be shitting me’ file: In the bizarro world of politics it now seems that Joe the Plumber will be going to Israel to be a war reporter for the conservative website pjtv.com. No comment.
Friday Fun January 2, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Photography, Politics, Religion, This 'n That, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Alberto Gonzales, angry on-camera moments, Bernie Madoff, mug shots, New York 1, Scientology, Tom Cruise, West Wing
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My favorite TV station is NY1. Yes, it is egocentric since it is all about NYC and many of you do not live in this part of the world. Oh well – what can I do? Similar to 1010WINS radio, NY1 gives you all you need to know in 30 minutes. My favorite feature is called ‘What’s in the Papers’. I time my gym going to make sure I am on the treadmill at 41 past the hour (in the AM) to get a recap of what each local paper is covering, including the NY Time, the Daily News, the Post, Wall Street Journal. The Observer and Newsday. Often tongue in cheek, it is the best five minutes of TV on any given day. Now NY1 is sharing this feature on the web and you can watch the entire week’s worth of coverage. Check it out here. In case you do not know, that animal above is a tapir.
- Remember TV’s The West Wing:
- Want to feel better about your monthly statement? Check out this list of Bernie Madoff losers from The Wall Street Journal.
- File this under ‘what the f**k? - Alberto “I can’t recall’ Gonzales is writing a book about his tenure as Attorney General. “What is it that I did that is so fundamentally wrong, that deserves this kind of response to my service?” he said during an interview Tuesday, offering his most extensive comments since leaving government. During a lunch meeting two blocks from the White House, where he served under his longtime friend, President George W. Bush, Mr. Gonzales said that “for some reason, I am portrayed as the one who is evil in formulating policies that people disagree with. I consider myself a casualty, one of the many casualties of the war on terror.” Gasp!
- 2008 Mug Shots of the Year – good grief!
- Love these top ten angry on-camera moments:
- Interesting photo site – Russia’s best art museum guards. In the art museums of Russia, women sit in the galleries and guard the collections. When you look at the paintings and sculptures, the presence of the women becomes an inherent part of viewing the artwork itself.
- The Dangers of Being a Television News Reporter – gulp!
- A subway map for words: Visuwords™ online graphical dictionary — Look up words to find their meanings and associations with other words and concepts. Produce diagrams reminiscent of a neural net. Learn how words associate.
- Whoa! Tom Cruise on Scientology
Tongue in Cheek – The Day Before Christmas December 24, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Dogs and cats, Photography, This 'n That, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: animal tongues, wildlife, Zoos
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The day before Christmas is filled with frenzy and some panic for the people who celebrate this important date. Do you have enough gifts? Will the black ice now on the ground melt? Did you send everyone a card? When will you go back on you diet? Holiday food and goodies are a killer. Why is your gym closed on Christmas Day? Will the line for the movie you want to see be huge? Should you buy your ticket in advance? Will you ever get to see all of those movies? Why do they cram them all in at the end of the year? Tomorrow will be the Second Annual Installment of Lobo’s ‘What’s a Jew to do on Christmas day?’ For today enjoy these tongue in cheek photos and a very funny video.

More tongues from the classic movie A Christmas Tale:
More Pardons, Top 10 Stuff and a Poem December 23, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Links, Photography, Politics, This 'n That, Videos.Tags: Bush pardons, Gear, Life Hacker, Nasty People, Ponzi Schemes
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So many lists – so little time. The only thing I can ever pull together is my top movie list of the year which will be coming out soon. Meanwhile, ejoy all of these other lists.
- Here is another top ten list. How about the 10 greediest people? Can you possibly narrow it down to 10? Well, Sam Pizzigati has done just that in his 10 Greediest People of 2008, Too Much: A Commentary on Excess and Inequality. Check out why he chose these guys including, Dwight Schar, Patrick Soon-Shiong, Richard Baker, James Mulva, Ralph Roberts, Steve Jobs, Robert Stevens, Larry Ellison, John Thain and Richard Gilman
- How about the 10 Nastiest Ponzi Schemes? including The Fraudulent Feminist, The Haiti Haters, The Scientologist Snake, The Lottery Uprising, The Costa Rica Crooks, The Biblical Bilker, The Boy Band Bandit, The Retiree Plunderer, Bernie Madoff and the original – Charles Ponzi
- Time Magazine has pulled together a list of top 10 stuff including the top news stories, crime stories, political videos, mediacal breakthroughs, oddballs stories, open mike gaffs, editorial cartoons, campaign gaffs, outrageous earmarks, scientific discoveries and more.
- Life Hacker has pulled together its lists including stuff like, Top 10 Obscure Google Search Tricks, Top 10 Harmless Geek Pranks, Top 10 How To Videos, Top 10 Ways to Trick Out Your Desktop and more.
- The Gear Junkie has some top 10 stuff someone else might want (not me).
- A Christmas Crisis Carol, by Tim Stewart
T’was the time of the Big Crash, when all through The Street,
Merry traders flogged worthless paper, growing their bonus heap.
Derivatives were shunted ‘round the world without care,
Knowing St. Greenspan soon would proclaim, “No bubble there!”
Read the rest here.
- Pardon me? Here’s a list of the latest Bush pardons.
- Susan Mikula (Rachel Maddow’s partner) is having a big show in a gallery in Chelsea. Check out the site, her work and the crowd that gathered to see it (and Rachel). There is a slide show that allows you (if you have patience to see the opening night and Rachel).
- Amazing Holiday Card:
Lobo’s 2nd Annual ‘Hanukkah Shmanukkah’ December 21, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Jewish Stuff, Links, Photography, Politics, Religion, This 'n That.Tags: Adam Sandler, dreidels, Hanukkah Shmannukah, Jewish, Latkes, South Park
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It is finally here. We bring out the Menorah and light that first candle at sundown. Factoid about my Menorah. Years ago, I saw a Martha Stewart show where she said if you put your Menorah in the freezer for awhile, the wax will chip right off of it. It was a good thing. Martha probably did not have in mind what I did after that. I now store my Menorah in the freezer all year long. It is a good thing and makes me smile whenever I open my freezer during the year. If you are lucky, someone in the family is making latkes. Now where did I put the dreidels? Where should I display the menorah? Is anything going to catch fire after I light the candle? So many questions and only eight nights to figure it all out. This is a lengthy post and you have eight full days to read, enjoy and watch it.
So how do you spell Hanukkah? Does it have a ‘C’, 2 ‘N’s, some K’s? What letter does it end with? There are more than 20 different spellings of the Jewish Festival of Lights and, of course, no one has told us which is the defintive spelling. You know the old adage about the number of opinions amongst Jewish people all depends upon how many Jews are in the room.
Here’s the current list of the way you can spell this Festival of Lights.
Channuka, Channukah, Chanuka, Chanukah, Chanuko, Hannuka, Hannukah, Hanuka, Hanika, Hanukah, Hanukka, Hanukkah, Kanukkah, Khannuka, Khannukah, Khanuka, Khanukah, Khanukkah and Khanike. Sometimes even Xanuka.
Sometimes ‘Oyikkah’ seems the best way to go.
The basic problem is that it’s translated into English from a five-letter Hebrew word meaning “consecration,” which lacks the gutteral, rolling-in-the-throat opening sound. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has “Hanukkah” as the main entry, with “Chanukah” as another option. The Associated Press Stylebook, considered the spelling bible by most newspapers, also goes with “Hanukkah.” The New York Times uses ‘Hanukkah’. The Daily News uses “Chanukah,” although other versions are used. The bottom line is you cannot misspell this word. So a very Happy Hanukkah to all.
- How to make very, very easy Latkes:
- Or – the more traditional, messier version with lovable Lola, Sylvia and Erin::
- More factoids about the History of Hanukkah.
- What Movies You Watch for Hanukkah? Get 8 Movie Suggestions
- Adam Sandler’s original Chanukah Song. Put on your yamulkah, it’s time to celebrate Hanukkah.
- How many of your gentile friends ask you ‘Isn’t Hanukkah late this year?” or “Isn’t Hanukkah early this year?” I remind my gentile pals that Jews are on the Lunar calendar and things are different each year. FYI – next year Hanukkah is December 12-19 and for those that really like to plan ahead -December 2-9, 2010
- How cute are these kids? A beautiful song for Hanukkah sung by the PS22 Chorus of 2009 in Hebrew.
- For those that like to know these things, here is a list of past, present and future Jewish Politicians.
- Hip Hop Hanukkah Bird:
- Dreidel facts: In Israel, the dreidel is called the sivivon and the Yiddish word “dreidel” is derived from the German word “drehen” or “turn.” In America, the Hebrew letters on the dreidel stand for “A Great Miracle Happened There.” In Israel, the letters mean “A Miracle Happened Here.”
- The South Park Dreidel Song:
- Hatikva Live – Jewish communities all over the world sing simultaneously. Get our your tissues.
- My favorite of all is Marley the Hanukkah dog singing Oh Hanukkah:
A Sunday Filled with This ‘n That December 21, 2008
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Photography, Politics, This 'n That, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Al Franken, Central Park Zoo snow, goodsearch, Madison Square Park, Obama's new team, Tree huts, Walt Monaghan
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Do not fret. There will be a Hanukkah post later today. In the meantime – As he prepares to take office, President-elect Barack Obama is relying on a small team of advisers who will lead his transition operation and help choose the members of a new Obama administration. The user-friendly New York Times has given us a profile of members — and potential members — of the administration. Just click on a name to get their background, how they know Obama, their advantages and disadvantages. Good snow day reading.
- I was like a kid in a candy store when the snow started while at the Central Park Zoo on Friday. I was able to capture some of the magic to share with you.
- Well, lookee here. Remember State Trooper Walt Monaghan? He was the dude that was fired in the Sarah Palin Troopergate fiasco? Guess what? He has filed papers and is going to run for mayor of Anchorage.
- Oh dear. Is this suspicious? A top level Republican IT consultant who was set to testify in a case alleging GOP election tampering in Ohio died in a plane crash late Friday night. Michael Connell — founder of Ohio-based New Media Communications, which created campaign Web sites for George W. Bush and John McCain — died instantly after his single-prop, private aircraft smashed into a vacant home in suburban Lake Township, Ohio.
- I am still angry with the Rick Warren decision despite how Obama defends this selection:
- Tadashi Kawamata’s Tree Huts have been gracing Madison Square Park since the end of October and can be seen for two more weeks until the end of this year. I have been waiting patiently for the first snow to capture these visual treats and was able to get them during Friday’s snow storm.
- Is the fat lady ever going to sing in Minnesota? Is it too cold? As of today it looks like we just might have a Senator Franken going to Washington. Bit then again, maybe not. Stay tuned.
- Mid blog post break. Watch a wrap up of late night jokes about the old shoe throwing incident.
- Sunday’s just do not seem the same when Frank Rich is away. Luckily he is here today and we get another great column. This one is called ‘Who Wants to Kick a Millionaire?
- The Bernie Madoff scandal (more on that later this week) has charities in a panic. Want to help your favorite charity out? Here is a new search engine for you to use that will help your favorite charity. Please check it out, use it and feel better about yourself. It is called goodsearch.
More than 72,000 charities and schools are now participating in GoodSearch and more than 100 new groups are joining each day! Here are just a few of the many success stories thus far:
ASPCA has earned $22,000
Best Friends Animal Society has earned $8,500
Bubel/Aiken Foundation has earned $10,500
Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation – The Dog Whisperer has earned $6,900
Children’s Tumor Foundation has earned $3,200
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has earned $10,300
Delaware Technical and Community College has earned $4,800
Elephant Sanctuary has earned $9,200
Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy has earned $4,500
Food Allergy & Anaplylaxis Network has earned $4,000
Heifer International has earned $3,800
Invisible Children has earned $4,300
Penn State U. Dance Marathon has earned $5,700
Save Darfur has earned $9,600
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has earned $8,300
Students for a Free Tibet has earned $3,300
Veterans of Foreign Wars has earned $3,000
WMNF Community Radio has earned $1,500
World Wildlife Fund as earned $3,800
- Watch 20 seconds of our beautiful snow monkeys keeping warm in the snow.
I can always tell when the long holiday is over without looking at a calendar. I walk my dog Benny around 6 in the morning each day. My local park opens its gates at 6 and we are usually the first to enter. It has been woefully quiet these past 10 days but this morning the heartbeat of the City returned. The fruit vendor was setting up on the corner and we said our usual ‘good morning.’ The Kenyan newspaper guy is on the corner once again practicing his English and selling the Daily News and the NY Post. We exchanged our normal greeting today and added ‘ Happy New Year’ to the mix. The traffic is flowing and the people are trudging their way to work. The Daily Show, Colbert Report, Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow all return to normal programming tonight. Life goes one. It is a return to normal except for the following few things.