Isn't he sweet?Elaine, her husband Chris and two older sons live in Staten Island. I met Elaine at one of my jobs in New York (where she still works!) and I'm so happy we've kept in touch all these years.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query elaine. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query elaine. Sort by date Show all posts
Jonathan Errol Brown
I have a new baby photo to share! Elaine's son Jonathan Errol Brown was born on Friday, August 8.
Isn't he sweet?
Elaine, her husband Chris and two older sons live in Staten Island. I met Elaine at one of my jobs in New York (where she still works!) and I'm so happy we've kept in touch all these years.
Isn't he sweet?Elaine, her husband Chris and two older sons live in Staten Island. I met Elaine at one of my jobs in New York (where she still works!) and I'm so happy we've kept in touch all these years.
New York: Day Two
Day two in New York (a Monday) started with a trip to the corner deli - a walk of about 20 yards - so I could have my requisite bacon, egg and cheese on a roll. New York may be known for having some of the world's finest cuisine, but it's the simple things that I truly miss. I got two and saved the second for Tuesday. A tasty breakfast eases the back-to-work transition.
Soon, we were on our way to the United Nations. One of the few tourist attractions I haven't visited, I looked forward to the opportunity to see something new.
With the exception of an airport-style security screening and the lobby, this expedition was not to be. Lengthy lines and an inability to determine just how long we would have to wait for the tour, but with the notion it could've been all day, we skipped the tour and spent a short time walking around the lobby and gift shop.
Who knew the UN lobby would be filled with art, including this stained glass window by Marc Chagall:
After the UN, we headed across town to meet Elaine. "We're taking the bus?" Chris said with a hint of skepticism. While most out-of-towners seem to relish the opportunity to ride the subway, the bus doesn't hold the same allure. Maybe it's because nearly every city of reasonable size has a bus system, usually ridden by those without cars and purposely avoided by those who do. Or maybe it's school bus PTSD. Who knows. Not me. I love the bus. In fact, I'll be taking my first ride on a Minneapolis city bus tonight, which I may or may not write about, depending on how interesting it is. But I digress...
It was nearing lunch time and our date with my favorite sandwich in the world: #7 at Crystal Cafe, 57th & Broadway. Avocado, sprouts, cucumber, provolone, red wine vinaigrette plus mayo and mustard in lieu of red onions. All of this on a Portuguese roll, to which they have added some whole grains since my last visit. Typically, I like to "health up" (a Chris-ism) my food, but sometimes it's best not to mess with perfection.
Oh, and we saw Elaine, too. We worked together across the street from said fave-sandwich from 2000 to 2002, but I never got her to try it until about a year and a half ago. Initially she was skeptical, but now she's hooked. You can't see it in the photo, but Elaine's sporting a "baby bump" and will welcome her third son in August (personally, I'm sure he wants to be born on the 13th).
After searching Daffy's in vain for some warmer clothes (it had to be in the low 50s and NY's signature wind tunnel in full effect), we took the subway downtown to see Sandra. She's still walking with a cane nearly a year and a half after knee surgery, but thinks she will be free from it soon. One key advantage, is that she's eligible for disability transit via a bus that takes her from door-to-door for less than the cost of a subway or bus ride. While it may be unfair to associate disability with any type of advantage, a door-to-door ride for $2 is unheard of!
It was great to see Sandra, but after a coffee she had to go back to work. Chris and I then made our way to the WTC site, which is just a couple of blocks from Sandra's office. This was after another fruitless search for a sweater, sweatshirt, anything at Century 21. Actually, I did pick up the scarf I'm wearing in the photo above earlier at Daffy's. But as Chris pointed out, it's purpose was one of style rather than warmth.
Access to the WTC site is mostly obscured, as it is now an active construction site. I hadn't been there since March 2002 (with Marilyn!) and the area has changed. There's a skyway between buildings from which one can get a clear view of the construction. It's not much to see yet, but this will surely be New York's top tourist attraction upon completion, albeit for morbid reasons. I have no strong desire to visit, actually, but probably will because I'm both macabre and masochistic. Not to mention alliterative...sorry, it's Friday...moving on...
With a late flight on Monday, we were poised for a full day. The last stop was supposed to be the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We arrived at 3:40, well in advance of what I thought was the last ferry at 5:00 only to discover that the last ferry leaves at 3:30. I've been to Liberty Island at least 10 times and Ellis almost that many, but they're always worth a return trip. It was also a disappointment because Chris was really looking forward to it. You can tell from the look on his face that the teeny-tiny statue didn't quite live up to expectations. Next time, Chris, next time.
The National Museum of the American Indian was not much of a consolation prize. I'm not sure if we missed a whole wing or if this is Smithsonian budget cuts under the Bush Administration or if relegating our native cultures to one exhibit is meant to be metaphorical. In any case, it was a disappointment!
Soon, we were on our way back to JFK, driven by the chattiest cabby I've ever had. I think it's Chris, although he never says much so I don't know why this guy was compelled to tell us everything we ever wanted to know (and quite a bit we didn't) about taxi driving, gas prices and the economy.
Despite a lengthy delay, we were back home shortly past midnight. Great trip. When can we go again?
Soon, we were on our way to the United Nations. One of the few tourist attractions I haven't visited, I looked forward to the opportunity to see something new.
With the exception of an airport-style security screening and the lobby, this expedition was not to be. Lengthy lines and an inability to determine just how long we would have to wait for the tour, but with the notion it could've been all day, we skipped the tour and spent a short time walking around the lobby and gift shop.
Who knew the UN lobby would be filled with art, including this stained glass window by Marc Chagall:
After the UN, we headed across town to meet Elaine. "We're taking the bus?" Chris said with a hint of skepticism. While most out-of-towners seem to relish the opportunity to ride the subway, the bus doesn't hold the same allure. Maybe it's because nearly every city of reasonable size has a bus system, usually ridden by those without cars and purposely avoided by those who do. Or maybe it's school bus PTSD. Who knows. Not me. I love the bus. In fact, I'll be taking my first ride on a Minneapolis city bus tonight, which I may or may not write about, depending on how interesting it is. But I digress...It was nearing lunch time and our date with my favorite sandwich in the world: #7 at Crystal Cafe, 57th & Broadway. Avocado, sprouts, cucumber, provolone, red wine vinaigrette plus mayo and mustard in lieu of red onions. All of this on a Portuguese roll, to which they have added some whole grains since my last visit. Typically, I like to "health up" (a Chris-ism) my food, but sometimes it's best not to mess with perfection.
Oh, and we saw Elaine, too. We worked together across the street from said fave-sandwich from 2000 to 2002, but I never got her to try it until about a year and a half ago. Initially she was skeptical, but now she's hooked. You can't see it in the photo, but Elaine's sporting a "baby bump" and will welcome her third son in August (personally, I'm sure he wants to be born on the 13th).
After searching Daffy's in vain for some warmer clothes (it had to be in the low 50s and NY's signature wind tunnel in full effect), we took the subway downtown to see Sandra. She's still walking with a cane nearly a year and a half after knee surgery, but thinks she will be free from it soon. One key advantage, is that she's eligible for disability transit via a bus that takes her from door-to-door for less than the cost of a subway or bus ride. While it may be unfair to associate disability with any type of advantage, a door-to-door ride for $2 is unheard of!
It was great to see Sandra, but after a coffee she had to go back to work. Chris and I then made our way to the WTC site, which is just a couple of blocks from Sandra's office. This was after another fruitless search for a sweater, sweatshirt, anything at Century 21. Actually, I did pick up the scarf I'm wearing in the photo above earlier at Daffy's. But as Chris pointed out, it's purpose was one of style rather than warmth.Access to the WTC site is mostly obscured, as it is now an active construction site. I hadn't been there since March 2002 (with Marilyn!) and the area has changed. There's a skyway between buildings from which one can get a clear view of the construction. It's not much to see yet, but this will surely be New York's top tourist attraction upon completion, albeit for morbid reasons. I have no strong desire to visit, actually, but probably will because I'm both macabre and masochistic. Not to mention alliterative...sorry, it's Friday...moving on...
With a late flight on Monday, we were poised for a full day. The last stop was supposed to be the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We arrived at 3:40, well in advance of what I thought was the last ferry at 5:00 only to discover that the last ferry leaves at 3:30. I've been to Liberty Island at least 10 times and Ellis almost that many, but they're always worth a return trip. It was also a disappointment because Chris was really looking forward to it. You can tell from the look on his face that the teeny-tiny statue didn't quite live up to expectations. Next time, Chris, next time.
The National Museum of the American Indian was not much of a consolation prize. I'm not sure if we missed a whole wing or if this is Smithsonian budget cuts under the Bush Administration or if relegating our native cultures to one exhibit is meant to be metaphorical. In any case, it was a disappointment!
Soon, we were on our way back to JFK, driven by the chattiest cabby I've ever had. I think it's Chris, although he never says much so I don't know why this guy was compelled to tell us everything we ever wanted to know (and quite a bit we didn't) about taxi driving, gas prices and the economy.
Despite a lengthy delay, we were back home shortly past midnight. Great trip. When can we go again?
Activity Update (with photos!)
I don't want to scoop Amber on the photos and details from Trevor's party so I will wait until after she posts to share my photos.
Instead, I'll share a few photos from a few recent activities. Summer is off to a great start!
Melissa, Rebeca and I went to the BBQ & Blues Festival at Peavey Plaza one Saturday afternoon/evening. Good music and delicious food with great friends.
Jack joined us after he was done with work.
Last Friday, Melissa and her mom, Elaine, invited me to join them for brunch at French Meadow before they left to take Elaine back to Sisseton.
Chris and his friends watching some television. Why does he seem embarrassed?
Anyone interested in more photos? I upload many photos to Facebook and almost all my photos to flickr, available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarbeet/
Instead, I'll share a few photos from a few recent activities. Summer is off to a great start!
Melissa, Rebeca and I went to the BBQ & Blues Festival at Peavey Plaza one Saturday afternoon/evening. Good music and delicious food with great friends.
Jack joined us after he was done with work.
Last Friday, Melissa and her mom, Elaine, invited me to join them for brunch at French Meadow before they left to take Elaine back to Sisseton.
Chris and his friends watching some television. Why does he seem embarrassed?
Anyone interested in more photos? I upload many photos to Facebook and almost all my photos to flickr, available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sugarbeet/
Yes We Did!
Although it was dark when I left the house this morning, I swear the sky was filled with rainbows and lollipops lined the candy-paved streets. OK, everything looked exactly the same. But it does feel a bit like waking up in a grand technicolor Land of Oz after being knocked in the head (repeatedly for eight years).
While every American is better off today, whether they all recognize it or not, there is something larger than a Democrat winning the election. There is significance to the election of an African-American man in a country with a tragic history of racism that we all know exists to this day.
My dear friend Elaine's eldest son, who voted in his first election and youngest son who was born three months ago, will both remember 2008 as the year their president's face looked like theirs. Elaine told me that she's received calls and emails from family around the world - people who have never lived in the US and likely never will - who are inspired and overjoyed by what America has done. A quick look at newspapers around the world affirms their sentiments. It's almost as if we have repaired eight years of damage in one day, though it may not be quite that simple.
As much as I believe in this historic moment, I know we're not there. This is a step in what has been and will continue to be a long journey. A road that I hope will include more firsts. While I am thrilled with President-Elect Obama and was behind him 100 percent, I can't help but think about Hillary. About how seeing my own face reflected in our President's would make this amazing day twice as great. About how Sarah "all-style-no-substance" Palin did more to hurt women than help us.
Bygones. As a country, we made the right choice. I have no doubt about it.
Highlights:
- Although South Dakota went predictably red, Obama won where my favorite people live: Brown, Day, Marshall, Roberts, Brookings, Moody, Lake, plus a few others. You did what you could and your vote absolutely counts in Obama's Popular Vote win - the first Democrat to win a Popular Vote majority since 1964.
- Tim Johnson's blowout of Joel Dyktra in the SD Senate race. Everything I read indicated the race was tight. The first returns I saw were after the victory was called for Johnson. To say I freaked out may be an understatement. I think Chris and Jack were a little scared...
Dykstra ran possibly the most negative campaign in the state's history, yet he claimed to have "run a race we could be proud of." If he takes pride in exploiting a physical disability I truly fear the tactics he would consider shameful. The people of South Dakota are better than that and you proved it last night! This doesn't quite make up for the Daschle-debacle of four years ago, but it's a good start.
- In other excellent news from the Great State, Measure 11 went down in flames. Ten points is frankly too close on an issue like this and I fear that the extremists will never let up. But I think that voters are tired of dealing with this and maybe it will go away for awhile. A similar measure was defeated even more decisively in Colorado. Obama will likely select from one to three new US Supreme Court justices during his first term. It is nearly guaranteed that he wouldn't appoint someone with an agenda that includes overturning Roe v. Wade.
- Kay Hagan's defeat of Elizabeth Dole in North Carolina. Not only was this somewhat of a surprise victory for a Democrat in a conservative state, but it was a defeat of perhaps the most vile campaign tactics our country has ever seen. If you haven't seen the ad Dole ran in the final days of the race, watch it here. Dole accuses Hagan, a Presbyterian Sunday School teacher, of consorting with "Godless Americans" and ends the spot with an image of Hagan and a voiceover pretending to be Hagan saying "there is no God." This is so low even Joel Dykstra might consider it shameful.
- By the narrowest of margins, Indiana went for Obama, the first time a Democrat won the state since 1964. Indianapolis is one of four cities I cover as part of my job. When I was there three weeks ago I was shocked to see four or five Obama yard signs for every McCain yard sign. This was in the conservative suburbs, not the more liberal urban core. Maybe the pollsters should skip the phone calls and drive around instead. That approach would be similarly unscientific and possibly equally accurate!
- Katie Couric, CBS' accurate early calls, CNN's graphics and OMG was that a hologram of the US Capitol???
Lowlights
- It appears Al Franken lost his MN Senate bid to Norm Coleman by (at most recent count) 477 votes. Coleman has claimed victory, but an automatic recount looms. As Bonnie mentioned this morning, every vote really does matter. There are worse people than Coleman to send to Washington as representatives of the interests of Minnesotans (see: Michelle Bachmann) and this one could change, but it could be weeks before we know.
- Michelle Bachmann's Sixth District victory over El Tinklenberg. He was initially a long shot, but after Bachmann's Anti-American accusations, his chances skyrocketed. Unfortunately, there were enough voters who want Bachmann to continue speaking for them.
- California passed Proposition 8, effectively rescinding the right of all people to marry granted earlier this year by the state Supreme Court. Opponents have already filed a lawsuit challenging the vote. I'm not gay, I'm already married and I don't live in California. I do, however, strongly favor people's right to marry whomever they choose. We haven't heard the end of this issue, in California or nationwide.
- Alaskans appear to be as discerning in selecting their Senator as they were their governor. While the race remains undecided, convicted felon Ted Stevens maintains a slim lead over his Democratic challenger. I know they like to do things differently in Alaska and, frankly, who's to say that a governor has to read the newspaper or know more than one Supreme Court decision? Being a dimwit is one thing; being a criminal is quite another.
- Even Tom Brokaw couldn't convince me to watch NBC. Election night will never be the same without Tim Russert and his whiteboard. As much as I was in awe of CNN's holo-graphic-mania, Russert's no-frills election coverage was second to none.
***
President-elect Obama used the phrase "We are the ones we've been waiting for" in his Super Tuesday speech last February. While not original and criticized as over-the-top cheesy, it is these words that have been going through my head for the past day.
I would have voted in this election no matter what. I've voted in every presidential election since 1980, even if I no one actually counted my vote in the first three. What amazed me and encouraged me were all the people I know who voted for the first time. Who told me they weren't interested until now.
Perhaps it takes a situation so dire and a past so unpleasant for all of us to understand that the future really is in our hands. And collectively, it is our right, our responsibility to affect the change we seek. For it is the will of the individual, multiplied 133 million times (and counting), that defines Democracy.
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
While every American is better off today, whether they all recognize it or not, there is something larger than a Democrat winning the election. There is significance to the election of an African-American man in a country with a tragic history of racism that we all know exists to this day.
My dear friend Elaine's eldest son, who voted in his first election and youngest son who was born three months ago, will both remember 2008 as the year their president's face looked like theirs. Elaine told me that she's received calls and emails from family around the world - people who have never lived in the US and likely never will - who are inspired and overjoyed by what America has done. A quick look at newspapers around the world affirms their sentiments. It's almost as if we have repaired eight years of damage in one day, though it may not be quite that simple.
As much as I believe in this historic moment, I know we're not there. This is a step in what has been and will continue to be a long journey. A road that I hope will include more firsts. While I am thrilled with President-Elect Obama and was behind him 100 percent, I can't help but think about Hillary. About how seeing my own face reflected in our President's would make this amazing day twice as great. About how Sarah "all-style-no-substance" Palin did more to hurt women than help us.
Bygones. As a country, we made the right choice. I have no doubt about it.
Highlights:
- Although South Dakota went predictably red, Obama won where my favorite people live: Brown, Day, Marshall, Roberts, Brookings, Moody, Lake, plus a few others. You did what you could and your vote absolutely counts in Obama's Popular Vote win - the first Democrat to win a Popular Vote majority since 1964.
- Tim Johnson's blowout of Joel Dyktra in the SD Senate race. Everything I read indicated the race was tight. The first returns I saw were after the victory was called for Johnson. To say I freaked out may be an understatement. I think Chris and Jack were a little scared...
Dykstra ran possibly the most negative campaign in the state's history, yet he claimed to have "run a race we could be proud of." If he takes pride in exploiting a physical disability I truly fear the tactics he would consider shameful. The people of South Dakota are better than that and you proved it last night! This doesn't quite make up for the Daschle-debacle of four years ago, but it's a good start.
- In other excellent news from the Great State, Measure 11 went down in flames. Ten points is frankly too close on an issue like this and I fear that the extremists will never let up. But I think that voters are tired of dealing with this and maybe it will go away for awhile. A similar measure was defeated even more decisively in Colorado. Obama will likely select from one to three new US Supreme Court justices during his first term. It is nearly guaranteed that he wouldn't appoint someone with an agenda that includes overturning Roe v. Wade.
- Kay Hagan's defeat of Elizabeth Dole in North Carolina. Not only was this somewhat of a surprise victory for a Democrat in a conservative state, but it was a defeat of perhaps the most vile campaign tactics our country has ever seen. If you haven't seen the ad Dole ran in the final days of the race, watch it here. Dole accuses Hagan, a Presbyterian Sunday School teacher, of consorting with "Godless Americans" and ends the spot with an image of Hagan and a voiceover pretending to be Hagan saying "there is no God." This is so low even Joel Dykstra might consider it shameful.
- By the narrowest of margins, Indiana went for Obama, the first time a Democrat won the state since 1964. Indianapolis is one of four cities I cover as part of my job. When I was there three weeks ago I was shocked to see four or five Obama yard signs for every McCain yard sign. This was in the conservative suburbs, not the more liberal urban core. Maybe the pollsters should skip the phone calls and drive around instead. That approach would be similarly unscientific and possibly equally accurate!
- Katie Couric, CBS' accurate early calls, CNN's graphics and OMG was that a hologram of the US Capitol???
Lowlights
- It appears Al Franken lost his MN Senate bid to Norm Coleman by (at most recent count) 477 votes. Coleman has claimed victory, but an automatic recount looms. As Bonnie mentioned this morning, every vote really does matter. There are worse people than Coleman to send to Washington as representatives of the interests of Minnesotans (see: Michelle Bachmann) and this one could change, but it could be weeks before we know.
- Michelle Bachmann's Sixth District victory over El Tinklenberg. He was initially a long shot, but after Bachmann's Anti-American accusations, his chances skyrocketed. Unfortunately, there were enough voters who want Bachmann to continue speaking for them.
- California passed Proposition 8, effectively rescinding the right of all people to marry granted earlier this year by the state Supreme Court. Opponents have already filed a lawsuit challenging the vote. I'm not gay, I'm already married and I don't live in California. I do, however, strongly favor people's right to marry whomever they choose. We haven't heard the end of this issue, in California or nationwide.
- Alaskans appear to be as discerning in selecting their Senator as they were their governor. While the race remains undecided, convicted felon Ted Stevens maintains a slim lead over his Democratic challenger. I know they like to do things differently in Alaska and, frankly, who's to say that a governor has to read the newspaper or know more than one Supreme Court decision? Being a dimwit is one thing; being a criminal is quite another.
- Even Tom Brokaw couldn't convince me to watch NBC. Election night will never be the same without Tim Russert and his whiteboard. As much as I was in awe of CNN's holo-graphic-mania, Russert's no-frills election coverage was second to none.
***
President-elect Obama used the phrase "We are the ones we've been waiting for" in his Super Tuesday speech last February. While not original and criticized as over-the-top cheesy, it is these words that have been going through my head for the past day.
I would have voted in this election no matter what. I've voted in every presidential election since 1980, even if I no one actually counted my vote in the first three. What amazed me and encouraged me were all the people I know who voted for the first time. Who told me they weren't interested until now.
Perhaps it takes a situation so dire and a past so unpleasant for all of us to understand that the future really is in our hands. And collectively, it is our right, our responsibility to affect the change we seek. For it is the will of the individual, multiplied 133 million times (and counting), that defines Democracy.
We are the ones we've been waiting for.
On Thursday's Oprah...
You may have noticed that my postings have been both light on content and infrequent of late. I just haven't had any interesting ideas. Suggestions are always welcome and thanks to my friend Elaine for this one!
On Thursday, Oprah returns to her tabloid roots by interviewing a pregnant man and his wife! No, this is not straight out of Weekly World News or whatever that crazy tabloid is called. And this isn't some kind of immaculate conception along the lines of the second coming of Christ. (Although wouldn't that be a convincing miracle? More believable than a young engaged woman...)
The 'man' is a transsexual who was born a woman. So it's actually not as unbelievable as it is when you initially hear 'pregnant man.' But it's still incredibly fascinating and you know I'll be watching and commenting about it right here on Friday.
On Thursday, Oprah returns to her tabloid roots by interviewing a pregnant man and his wife! No, this is not straight out of Weekly World News or whatever that crazy tabloid is called. And this isn't some kind of immaculate conception along the lines of the second coming of Christ. (Although wouldn't that be a convincing miracle? More believable than a young engaged woman...)
The 'man' is a transsexual who was born a woman. So it's actually not as unbelievable as it is when you initially hear 'pregnant man.' But it's still incredibly fascinating and you know I'll be watching and commenting about it right here on Friday.
Posts
