i heart blue bell ice cream

Blue Bell ice cream is a Texas thing, but they distribute through the South. It's so good. My fav is banana pudding. However, all the flavors are good. I am on the company's email list and I just got this enticing information. The only place I know of which sells Blue Bell in NYC is a BBQ restaurant downtown, but they only have the regular vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors. Boring. I want all of the August Rotational Flavors below:

"With the hottest days of summer still ahead, Blue Bell is stocking your ice cream aisle with the coolest of flavors. This month you'll find our new Candy Jar Ice Cream, as well as some of your tried and true favorites like Cherry Vanilla and Peaches & Homemade Vanilla.Look for these Blue Bell flavors in your grocer's freezer...

AUGUST ROTATIONAL FLAVORS

Banana Pudding

Candy Jar

Caramel Sundae Crunch

Caramel Turtle Fudge

Cherry Vanilla
Chocolate Almond Marshmallow

Chocolate Extreme

Peaches & Homemade Vanilla *Tried it - was good!

Southern Blackberry Cobbler

Triple Chocolate"

The bacon challenge

Mrs J, a friend and an old roommate of Frori's, commented on my "i heart bacon" entry and dared me to try Vosges Bacon Bar. It's a chocolate bar with bacon in it. I accept the challenge. And luckily, I live in a city with a Vosges boutique!

http://www.chocolateobsession.com/2007/06/review_vosges_bacon_bar.htm

SNOOP is truly the man

Not only did he record a country single and was on "One Life to Live," he now wants to break into Bollywood.

Snoop is awesome.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20215559,00.html

I like the green stuff!

FDA Advises Against Consumption of American Lobster (Maine Lobster) Tomalley

Regulators find dangerous levels of toxins that cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned consumers to avoid eating tomalley in American Lobster (Maine Lobster), regardless of where the lobster was harvested, because of potential contamination with dangerous levels of the toxins that cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP).

American lobster, also known as Maine lobster, are harvested from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean from Northeastern Canada to South Carolina, inclusive.

The FDA advisory applies only to tomalley, the soft, green substance found in the body cavity of the lobster that functions as the liver and pancreas. Cooking does not eliminate the PSP toxins. However, studies have shown that, even when high levels of PSP toxins are present in lobster tomalley, lobster meat itself is typically unaffected.

Symptoms of PSP include tingling and/or numbness of the mouth, face or neck; muscle weakness; headache; and nausea. In extreme cases, when large amounts of the toxin are consumed, these symptoms can lead to respiratory failure and death. Symptoms usually occur within two hours of exposure to the toxin. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.

PSP toxins normally occur from time to time in clams and other shellfish and are carefully monitored by state regulatory authorities. The FDA learned of this problem after routine sampling conducted by regulatory authorities in Maine and New Hampshire found dangerous levels of the toxins in lobster tomalley. Some shellfish beds have been closed in recent months due to elevated levels of PSP toxins.

Lobster tomalley normally does not contain dangerous levels of PSP toxins. The current high levels of PSP toxins likely are associated with an ongoing red tide episode in northern New England and eastern Canada. Authorities in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, as well as in Canada, have issued advisories cautioning against eating tomalley.
For more on seafood safety, please refer to http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/seafood1.html.
#

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01866.html

I don't wanna work....

So instead I will blog. I had a surprisingly busy weekend, which is probably why I am tired today.

First, here is Fron, Fraylor and Fraden, who came to NYC for a visit. You might be familiar with Fron, but Fraylor and Fraden are his 7 year-old twin half-siblings. Fron decided that Fraylor and Fraden, who never flew before, should go on a trip with him. And he would take them on the trip of their lives. They flew from Nebraska via Detroit to New York City, then to Boston, back through Detroit (I assume) and into Nebraska. IN 5 DAYS. Fron is crazy, but luckily he has friends who are willing to share in the insanity.

I showed them around the town and had a great time. We of course went to Dylan's Candy Bar and there, I got new teeth:



We also went to the American Museum of Natural History (which I think should be renamed to something pithy, like "natural history museum" or "dead animal jamboree") where I went face to face with my nemesis, the mosquito:



And tried on new hats:



After Fron and the frids left, I went for a long walk with Fryn who was in town for the NY 1/2 marathon. You know, a quick jog for her.

And then I finally got to see a Frartha! And what was really exciting is that Frartha got to meet Fryn. It's weird but my friends never get the opportunity to meet my other friends. I think this is because I never plan too far ahead and never know who is around to meet up.

Then yesterday, I played mah-jongg with the ladies. Photo TBD. Frasha, Frasha, Fraki and me. Good times.

i heart bacon

I love bacon. But it makes me wonder whether I love nitrites more. Not really sure.

stop me before i hurt myself

what's wrong with me? I want this purse, this $185 purse. Of course, the original price was $700. But still. I am purse obsessed.

OOooooooo pretteeee

Jet Clock

Bye, Bye LAZYGIRL

There she went, my Lazygirl!
The MOST comfortable chair. O well. Some lucky shopper at Housing Works will get that chair. Hopefully.

The minute the movers came into my apartment, they said: "Yep, that chair is too big for your apartment."

well, duh.

Anyway, I now sit perched on my couch (yes, I do own a couch) and try to get comfortable. Sigh.

Subject : Pick-up Request

When I saw that subject line in an email, I thought, "WTF?!!" But then I continued to read.

"Subject : Pick-up Request
Thank you for submitting a request for a pick-up online.Someone will call you soon to discuss your donation further.Your contributions and the contributions of others are essential to our organization. Housing Works provides medical care, supportive services, housing and advocacy for homeless and formerly homeless people living with HIV and AIDS."

Lazygirl might have a new home soon. Sigh.

Subject : Pick-up Request

When I saw that subject line in an email, I thought, "WTF?!!" But then I continued to read.

"Subject : Pick-up Request
Thank you for submitting a request for a pick-up online.Someone will call you soon to discuss your donation further.Your contributions and the contributions of others are essential to our organization. Housing Works provides medical care, supportive services, housing and advocacy for homeless and formerly homeless people living with HIV and AIDS."

Lazygirl might have a new home soon. Sigh.

Lazygirl

This will shock some of you, but I am getting rid of the Lazygirl. Many have asked why I am doing this since I have professed my love of this chair for years, despite its ugliness. It's the most comfortable chair in the world and that is the problem. I don't know how many hours, days really, that I have spent sleeping in this chair. It's like an adult cradle. The minute I see the chair, I want to sleep. I have convinced myself that it saps all of my energy the minute I see the chair. So, it's time it goes.

The biggest problem is how to get it out of my apartment. The thing is huge. But it somehow got into my apartment so logically it should be able to leave. Unless it starts protesting. We shall see...

WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Email from AT&T:

"Thank you for shopping with AT&T. Your iPhone has been reserved. An email will be sent when your iPhone order is shipped."

Of course, I will probably actually get my iphone in October.

This little piggie went to market, this little piggie went home...

So, I have a new phobia. Lately I have had trouble unlocking the
bathroom stall doors. And before you start laughing like a hyena,
it's only the doors with these weird circular locks. Usually what
happens is I can remember which way the handle turns to lock the door.
But then between doing my business and flushing, I forget how to
unlock the door. And some of the bathroom stall doors at work stick.
So I begin to panic a little. I know I am in a bathroom with
ostensibly other people or at least other people will come in
eventually and will help me get out of the stall if I REALLY needed
help. I could even crawl out from under the stall. But that kind of
rational goes down with the flush. It's beginning to be a problem. I
start thinking, ok, lefty-loosey? clockwise? jiggle it? just a
little bit?

Eventually I do get out of the bathroom stall and the panic subsides.

You know, you'd think I'd panic more if there wasn't any toilet paper.

OMG

this will make you itchy

As I finally have time (which I should be spending cleaning out my apartment), to write. So here goes.

+=========================================+
I was told last weekend, whilst spending a glorious time with the ILOVERMONT crowd at Fren's and Frill's family cabin in West Bridgewater, VT, that I have hangups. I have to beg to differ. I don't have ANY hangups. I do however have lots of amusing and at times jarring quirks in personality and general flaws in my general composition. I feel that a hangup is a negative fixation. I don't think I have those. Except for Ziploc bags and paper towels. I still
am hung up about having those around and using them too liberally.

As for my previous germaphobia, which could (and should) be called a hangup, I have cured myself of it. I won't eat a gooey thing that fell on a table or floor (actually I have eaten gooey something that fell on the table - which fell because I dropped it, mind you. I do
recall something falling on the floor in Vermont and not wanting to eat it, but I don't think I was hungry enough or it was gooey. Or it fell on the lanai next to a million dead bugs. I can't remember.) but I will eat a chip or fry that has fallen on the floor. Within reason. Depends on how hungry or how good that item is.



I also don't wash my hair everyday. Since I have grown my hair out, it takes around 5 hours to let it completely dry naturally and I just don't have the patience. So I let it go. Much to my friend Frob's horror, I have even gone to work without showering (this will probably also horrify my coworkers who are reading this. owell). Sometimes you cannot be bothered. [Note to coworkers: I do shower everyday except for the occasional can't be bothered moments which are far and few between, REALLY. However I will continue to refuse to iron my clothes.] I also grab the handle on the subway without a layer of cotton or tissue or glove on my hand. Of course, I still do wash my hands after I get off the subway, but that's just being smart.

And the biggest triumph over germaphobia - I wear sandals in the summertime in NYC and have always complained about having too MUCH NYC on my feet. Well, I am disgustingly proud to announce I, after having wearing sandals all day all over NYC, recently went to bed without washing my feet.

Disgusted yet? Good.



+=========================================+
odd fact: I did get some mosquito bites in Vermont, but they didn't swell up as big as Nut Goodies (see blog for reference). Of course, they did itch, but not horribly. What's really weird is that I got at least 5 bug bites ON THE TRAIN from Boston to NYC and those become humungous and itched like mad. (did I mention that I am allergic to certain mosquito bites, which cause the bitten area to swell up like a giant, hot, itchy peach? that is why I obsessively close screen and regular doors in the summer time. that's NOT a hang up - that's just
survival of the fittest.)

+=========================================+
Calling all photogs! Check out the "World in Focus" contest by National Geographic. I know some of you out there are big shutterbugs and I encourage you to apply and, of course, if you win, you are taking me on the trip.

Contest information: http://worldinfocuscontest.com/
Last year's winners:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/photos/greatoutdoorscontest0807/winners_gallery.html?source=email_alist_20080709&email=alist_20080709

What's funny about this contest is that residents of Arizona, New Jersey and Vermont are ineligible. The rules also say that the "CONTEST IS VOID IN ARIZONA, NEW JERSEY, AND VERMONT AND WHERE PROHIBITED." What's up with AZ, NJ and VT?

+=========================================+
Jack + Bill Casting Call

Jack + Bill, a New York public relations firm, is holding an open casting call to select four New York fashion up-and-comers to receive free public relations services this summer. This coming Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16, Jack + Bill will host an open call to select one model, women's apparel designer, jewelry designer and stylist. Winners will receive free public relations representation leading up to New York Fashion Week, putting their brands in front of
top media, making sure important influencers know their names and spreading the word about upcoming projects.

Tuesday, July 15 and Wednesday, July 16
3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sandbox Studios
250 Hudson, Floor 11

A portfolio or look book is required for casting.

To register for the casting call, e-mail your name, phone number, category you're applying for and which casting day you plan to attend to casting@jackandbillpr.com

To learn more about Jack + Bill, full details about the casting call and criteria, visit jackandbillpr.com

For a downloadable casting call flier, visit http://jackandbillpr.com/dl/Casting_Call_Flyer.pdf

** Why did I include this? Because my company is sponsoring Jack + Bill. And I know you know someone who would be good for this.


+=========================================+
And from my favorite local astrologer and former roommate, Frasha, here is her blog about current planet+star+everything (dis)alignments!

http://www.astromuse.com/

+=========================================+

This week's horoscopes go out to:

• Fren and Frill Frown
• Frannie and Frabney
• Frisaac
• Frilipp
• Frill and Fron
• Frike and Fredwin
• Vermont
• Calvin Coolidge
• Long Trail Ale
• Bloody Marys
• Pimm's

And not necessarily in that order...

So sweet.

Chuck, Chuck, Chuck....

The drama!

Oh Chuck, I know just how you feel...

For Frandy

Frandy was very disappointed that I didn't have a picture of the rabbits. Instead, here is a pix I poached from a blog. Oddly enough, the blogger lives in Iowa and she gets regular visits from rabbits.

The rabbit was pretty much like this and about two feet plus long. MASSIVE.

COOCHIE COZY IS TAKEN!

From Fratt:

Sorry, toots. You're a day late and a dollar short. Look at #9


I knew I heard that phrase somewhere before!!!!!

IWA - A Commentary

You know, it was nice seeing the country via RV and breathing in the clean air of IWA, but after a week there, I have to say, I was missing the grit of New York. Anonymous faces angrily walking down the street - yeah, that's the stuff. In Iowa, everyone says hi. My brother and his family live on what looks to be a set of a Steven Spielberg movie. My brother did confirm though that their house is not on top of an Indian burial ground.

You know what kind of vermin they have in IWA? Bunnies. Big ass bunnies. They eat all of the flora around. Personally, I think I would rather have an infestation of bunnies than rats. But I have to say, the bunnies are the size of giant racoons. Rats, as far as I have seen, only get as big as house cats.

And people are sooooo white. Like really white. Someone asked me, so where in China are you from? Seriously, I had no answer to that.

But it's also very peaceful and a great life. I am happy for my bro, Fren and Fraham. However, I am really happy to be back here in the good, old, grimy, filthy, rat-infested city.

COOCHIE COZY(R)

I have come up with a new phrase, which may not be a new phrase, but I like it nonetheless and am copyrighting it. It's COOCHIE COZY(R). My office is casual wear, unless you have a client meeting; then it is full on business. Well as full on as you can get. No ascot or anything. But the young uns in the office wear all sorts of crazy outfits. Today, one of them is wearing the shortest dress and immediately the phrase "coochie cozy" came to mind. I know I don't have to explain it to YOU.