Left in Bay Ridge

SHAMELESS IPHONE APPEAL

2012-01-05T14:35:00.000-05:00

You may be saying right now, "Wow, Mark is incredibly solipsistic and greedy, asking people to buy him an iPhone."

But let me explain.

We have wedding registries, baby shower registries, gift registries, etc., but no "Ah Hell I Just Want That But Don't Want To Get Married Or Have A Baby To Ask For It" registries.

One of my 2012 resolutions is to promote "Personal Life" registries. These are just like wedding and baby shower registries, but without the weddings or the babies.

And with ChipIn you don't even have to buy the whole thing. Throw in a dollar (or more if you like) and - boom - you've made someone happy.

Then go and create your own Personal Life Registry.

STEVE JOBS RESIGNS AS CEO

2011-08-24T18:54:00.001-04:00

Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple today. Tim Cook will replace him.

Can the behemoth company survive without the leadership of Jobs?

GARAGE SALE

2011-08-20T20:06:00.001-04:00

What do you get when you cross a pack-rat with a downsizing of your living space? A helluva lot of left over crap crammed in a storage unit. (Okay, maybe that's not the best punchline in the world but it's better than Carrot Top's A-material)

It's been a year since the crap entered the storage unit and it's time to shove it off onto other people. So we're preparing for a garage sale. I found an article on how to have a successful garage sale on Money Crashers. It covers everything from planning to throwing the sale. Oh sure, any idiot can throw a garage sale, but I always say "there's only one letter separating a 'garage' sale from a 'garbage' sale."

What are your secrets for a successful garage sale?

AMY WINEHOUSE'S LAST PUBLIC APPEARANCE

2011-07-24T00:16:00.000-04:00

Amy Winehouse's last public appearance at the iTunes Festival in London as her teenage goddaughter, Dionne Bromfield, sings Mama Said.

WEINERS AND HYPOCRISY

2011-06-09T00:33:00.002-04:00

Weinergate continues to rage on. People are screaming for Anthony Tweets Weiner to step down. But should he? Rachel Maddow does a great piece on the Republican hypocrisy, Anthony Weiner and the David Vitter Effect.

BREAST MASSEUR

2011-05-25T15:47:00.000-04:00

Okay, time for a career change. After reading how Xia Jun became the first man in China to be a certified Breast Masseur after only 3-months of training, I'm packing my bags and heading to China with a dream to be the second certified Breast Masseur.

And for those of you who think it's just about the chance to fondle breasts, look at the reasoning of Xia.

Xia has stated that having his female employees sent for the same training would not be a wise investment, citing fears of high employee turnover after acquiring new breast-massaging techniques. Instead, Xia wisely suggests that it'd be more cost efficient to have his male managers teach his female employees the necessary breast-massage techniques.

See? Teach the men how to do it and they can teach the women, because if you send women to be trained they'll leave their jobs to be professional Breast Massage Therapists, as opposed to sending the men to learn and then teach the women because then the women won't leave their jobs. Totally makes sense.

Photo courtesy Shanghaist or some creepy lurking guy.

PICTURE OF THE DAY

2011-05-17T14:25:00.000-04:00

The picture speaks for itself.

THE ROYAL WEDDING SCEPTER

2011-04-30T02:45:00.001-04:00

Here's one for the old neighborhood.

Kudos to Prince William and Kate Middleton for reviving a long forgotten English tradition:

The First Royal Public Fellatus.

Afterward, the thousands of onlookers cried, "God save the Queen!"

NO PANTS SUBWAY RIDE 2011

2011-01-18T02:29:00.000-05:00

I never thought I'd say it but No Pants Subway Ride 2011 makes me miss NYC.

On Sunday, January 9th, 2011 over 5,000 people took off their pants on subways in 48 cities in 22 countries around the world. In New York, our 10th Annual No Pants Subway Ride had over 3,500 participants, spread out over six meeting points and ten subway lines.

BMUP IN ROAD

2010-08-17T01:25:00.004-04:00

In a scathing response to a Los Angeles Times article about teacher effectiveness in the Los Angeles Unified School District, one non-union teacher makes several spelling and grammatical errors.

teacherm at 8:41 PM August 16, 2010
I am a nonunionized teacher who works at a charter school. This article is so shallow its ridiculous. Yes test scores are low district wide, yes its a problem, but to determine the "effectiveness" of a teacher based on one standardized test is completely preposterous! This test is only covers math and language arts. There are four other subjects elementary school teachers are still required to teach. In all the state mandated proffessional development I have participated in, I have been taught to assess the WHOLE child. I taught one second grader who was able to read at fourth grade reading level and consistently had high math test grades, yet he scored basic on the test. Should I retain him because of this? NO! How can teachers be assessed by just looking at test scores? The WHOLE teacher needs to be assessed. This article doesn't even come close to describing what an effective teacher is and how one should be evaluated.

GOODNIGHT BAY RIDGE

2010-07-20T12:16:00.002-04:00

The movers have come and gone, the cleaning woman is just about done, and soon I'll hop in my car and leave Bay Ridge. We're heading back to the sun and surf in Los Angeles.

Thank you Bay Ridge for three and a half wonderful years. And thanks to everyone who read this blog. I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined the response I got on this site.

Have a wonderful summer.

One of my old commercials

2010-06-03T14:13:00.000-04:00

STARBUCKS FREE PASTRY DAY

2010-03-21T21:23:00.002-04:00

It's Free Pastry Day at Starbucks again. March 23rd. Get the coupon and get there early. It's all over at 10:30!

LONG BOW PUB AND PANTRY

2010-03-12T15:53:00.004-05:00

There's a terrific review in the Brooklyn Paper of the new Long Bow Pub and Pantry. The pub is a great Welsh pub. Yeah, you heard me right. A Welsh pub. And if there's one thing the Welsh know how to do it's drink. That and how to cook up a delicious rabbit. Oh wait. That's rarebit. Never mind.

So call your friends and get on down to the Long Bow. 7316 Third Ave. between 73rd and 74th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 238-7468]. Kitchen opens at 5 pm on weekdays; open all day on weekends beginning with a full English breakfast.

Photo courtesy: The Brooklyn Paper / Tom Callan

BRITTANY MURPHY DEAD OF CARDIAC ARREST

2009-12-20T14:54:00.001-05:00

What the hell!? So very sad.

TIGER WOODS SERIOUSLY INJURED

2009-11-27T15:45:00.003-05:00

Tiger Woods was seriously injured in a car accident today.

Woods was driving a 2009 black Cadillac Escalade when he lost control and hit a fire hydrant outside his home and a tree outside his neighbor's home, FHP said.

FHP said the crash is still under investigation. It said alcohol did not play a role in the crash, but that charges are pending.

UPDATE: The agent for Tiger Woods has told USA TODAY that the golf superstar is fine after crashing his vehicle outside his Florida home early Friday.

BLACK FRIDAY

2009-11-24T14:37:00.001-05:00

Here's a pretty good article about some Black Friday Sales.

BLACK FRIDAY - APPLE

2009-11-24T14:36:00.000-05:00

Click here for the latest info on Apple's one-day Black Friday sale.

Update: Here's some leaked info. Click me.

WIN $100,000.00

2009-10-23T11:23:00.002-04:00

Who wouldn't like a cool $100,000.00? I sure could use it. So I'm getting my butt down to the Amalgamated Bank at 426 86th Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues on Saturday for the "Break the Bank" contest.

And if $100,000.00 isn't enough to get you down there, John Starks will be there. He won't be signing autographs. He just has nothing to do. (okay, maybe he'll sign some autographs)

Here's the skinny:

Saturday, October 24 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Amalgamated Bank, Bay Ridge, 426 86th Street, between 4th & 5th Avenues

Other prizes include:

Four basketballs autographed by John Starks.
Ipod Touch
Two tickets to the New York Knicks versus Boston Celtics game
Two tickets to Broadway’s Bye Bye Birdie
A case of popchips offered by the event’s sponsor, all-natural popchips
Special gifts to anyone who opens a CD account at Amalgamated’s Bay Ridge branch.

MOST PRODUCED PLAYS

2009-10-11T16:57:00.003-04:00

Time for me to dust off the old horn and do a little tooting. One of my plays made the Top Ten most produced plays this year.

Most-Produced Plays

American Theatre magazine published Theatre Communications Group’s annual Top Ten list of the most-produced titles of the current fall-to-spring regional theatre season.

The most-produced plays in TCG member theatres nationwide follow. Because of several ties, there are actually 14 plays in the Top Ten List of 2009-10, which does not include Shakespearean works or holiday-themed shows.

boom (9)  by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb

The Seafarer (8)  by Conor McPherson

Speech & Debate (8)  by Stephen Karam

Dead Man’s Cell Phone (8)  by Sarah Ruhl

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (7)  by Rachel Sheinkin (book) and William Finn (music and lyrics)

Around the World in 80 Days (7)  adapted by Mark Brown from Jules Verne

The Glass Menagerie (7)  by Tennessee Williams

Opus (7)  by Michael Hollinger

Our Town (6)  by Thornton Wilder

Shipwrecked! An Entertainment (6)  by Donald Margulies

Souvenir (6)  by Stephen Temperley

Yankee Tavern (6)  by Steven Dietz

Black Pearl Sings! (6)  by Frank Higgins

Boeing-Boeing (6)  translated by Beverly Cross from Marc Camoletti (6)

PATRICK SWAYZE - IN LOVING MEMORY

2009-09-16T09:40:00.001-04:00

STARBUCKS LETTING ME DOWN

2009-08-20T15:28:00.002-04:00

Here's my Friday Starbucks roundup. And it ain't pretty:

Starbucks Raising Prices on Some Drinks

As if a $4.00 coffee wasn't high enough, Starbucks is raising the prices on some of its drinks, with the price changes are already taking effect in some markets.

Starbucks Workers Protest Rise in Health Premiums

And since Starbucks is raising prices on drinks, they decided to increase the amount that eligible employees need to contribute to keep their health care coverage.

And finally...

NYC Coffee Shops Pull Plug on Laptops

Kiss the marriage of Starbucks and working on the internet goodbye. Several New York coffee shops are plugging up their electrical outlets and asking laptop users to check their Facebook pages elsewhere. Café Grumpy in Brooklyn and Chelsea have outlawed laptops completely.

Hey, Cafe Grumpy, I am so not being your friend on Facebook.

Posted from my computer at Starbucks.

WOMAN TO MARRY FAIRGROUND RIDE

2009-08-06T14:15:00.004-04:00

Every now and then a love story comes along that warms my heart. Here's a beautiful "girl meets fairground ride, girl falls in love with fairground ride, girl marries fairground ride" story.

Amy Wolfe, a US church organist who claims to have objectum sexuality, a condition that makes sufferers attracted to inanimate objects, plans to marry a magic carpet fairground ride.

And it's wonderful that she "does not get jealous when other people ride it."

Now where will they go on their honeymoon?

4-ALARM FIRE IN THE RIDGE

2009-07-30T16:59:00.002-04:00

There was a 4-alarm fire last night in The Ridge. More info can be found here.

AMERICAN IDO CONTESTANT KILLED

2009-07-26T23:17:00.004-04:00

Police arrested a 23-year-old Toms River man in connection with the death of "American Idol" contestant Alexis Cohen.

Daniel Bark was arrested at 6 p.m. Sunday in Atlantic Highlands on charges of causing Cohen's death by reckless driving and then leaving the scene of the collision.

Alexis Cohen, 25, who appeared in the audition rounds in two seasons of Idol, was struck by a car and killed.

Cohen was found by a driver and a passenger laying on the side of the road early Saturday morning, police officials told ET. Cohen was transported to Community Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 6:30 a.m.

THE WIDGET FOR MY SONG

2009-07-16T19:17:00.000-04:00

RIP MICHAEL JACKSON

2009-07-07T21:09:00.001-04:00

Say what you will about Michael Jackson, this moment at the Memorial was heartbreaking.

SARAH PALIN GETS OUT OF THE KITCHEN

2009-07-03T21:37:00.004-04:00

Sarah Palin will be stepping down as Governor of Alaska.

Smart political move? Good for Alaska?

Couldn't handle it when things got tough? Letting down everyone who voted for her?

Let the debate begin.

JEFF GOLDBLUM DEAD!?

2009-06-25T19:41:00.004-04:00

Reports are coming in the Jeff Goldblum has also died today. Please please let this be a hoax.

UPDATE: Goldblum is alive. His career, however...

FIRST FARAH NOW MICHAEL

2009-06-25T19:02:00.002-04:00

What a day. First Farrah and now Michael. Was Ed the first of the "it always comes in threes?"

AMALGAMATED BANK RIBBON CUTTING

2009-06-23T13:26:00.003-04:00

Amalgamated Bank is having a ribbon cutting this Thursday.

WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 9:30 AM.

WHERE: 426 86th Street (between 4th and 5th Avenue) Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

WHO: Local officials (Marty Markowitz and Vincent Gentile), neighborhood merchants, educators, Amalgamated Bank’s Derrick Cephas, Fontbonne Hall students and residents.

Amalgamated’s President and CEO Derrick D. Cephas will congratulate students from Bay Ridge’s Fontbonne Hall Academy who recently won the Brooklyn Championship on The Challenge TV show.

You will also be able to place bets on when it will be robbed.

TERRAN TWITTER

2009-06-22T20:08:00.003-04:00

I got this from a friend of mine today and wanted to pass it along.

If anyone is on twitter, set your location to Tehran and your time zone to GMT +3.30. Security forces are hunting for bloggers using location/timezone searches. The more people at this location, the more of a logjam it creates for forces trying to shut Iranians' access to the internet down. Cut & paste & pass it.

"Twitter is increasingly becoming Iranian protesters' lifeline to the outside world, as international news organizations are banned from covering the demonstrations."

So get out there and join the revolution.

TWITTER

2009-06-13T21:48:00.002-04:00

FOLLOW UP TO LA FIN

2009-06-10T17:06:00.001-04:00

I've received a lot of emails and comments about the last post. Some people are sad to see the blog end, some are overjoyed.

When I started this blog I didn't think I'd get one reader. I was wrong. I had two readers...and thankfully one of them liked to use various aliases so it looked like I had more readers than I did. Thanks Joe.

I may come back to Left in Bay Ridge at some point. But right now life and new interests are taking me in a different direction.

Thanks again, everyone. I wish you all health and happiness.

~Mark

LA FIN

2009-06-08T17:30:00.002-04:00

END OF THE LINE FOR CARRADINE

2009-06-05T00:58:00.004-04:00

UPDATE 6/11:

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The independent forensics expert who examined David Carradine's body says the actor didn't commit suicide, and Carradine's brothers are asking for understanding as Thai authorities investigate.

"The autopsy findings and the evidence thus far available demonstrate that Mr. Carradine's death was not the result of suicide.

Actor David Carradine, of Kung Fu fame, has been found dead, hanging by a nylon rope in a hotel room closet in Bangkok, Thailand, according to a Thai police official.

So far they're saying that there is no evidence of anyone else being in the room and

Carradine's friends and personal managers...brushed aside suggestions that Carradine might have taken his own life.

Sounds like a night at the Gregory Hotel.

RIP David.

SHERLOCK HOLMES

2009-06-04T00:59:00.001-04:00

This ain't your daddy's Sherlock Holmes!

Release Date: 25 December 2009

GUN CLUB AND DAY CARE

2009-06-03T16:29:00.002-04:00

Guns, drugs, and toddlers don't usually go together.

But what's great about this report is the god-awful "special effect" at .30 seconds and the fantastic tag line.

BRUCE WILLIS IN THE RIDGE?

2009-06-02T13:56:00.004-04:00

UPDATE 3:10: They're shooting A COUPLE OF DICKS, with Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan.

They're shootin' one of them movin' picture shows here in the Ridge today. Right outside Food City at 75th and 3rd. People are talkin' that Bruce Willis is in it but I can't confirm that and I'm too lazy to walk across the street and ask. I'm too busy tryin' to find Craft Services.

REPUBLICANS CARE ABOUT YOU!

2009-06-01T13:23:00.006-04:00

Last Saturday, President Obama and first lady Michelle flew to NYC to have dinner and attend the Broadway show Joe Turner’s Come and Gone.

The Republican National Committee had some choice words for the President:

"As President Obama prepares to wing into Manhattan's theater district on Air Force One to take in a Broadway show, GM is preparing to file bankruptcy and families across America continue to struggle to pay their bills," the GOP said. "Have a great Saturday evening -- even if you're not jetting off somewhere at taxpayer expense."

With this chiding of the President, the Republicans sent a clear message to America: The President doesn’t care about you but we do.

When misfortune strikes -

Friday, August 26, 2005
GOV. KATHLEEN BLANCO DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN LOUISIANA

Saturday, August 27, 2005
GOV. HALEY BARBOUR DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN MISSISSIPPI

- whether natural or man made –

Monday, August 29, 2005
7AM CDT — KATRINA MAKES LANDFALL AS A CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE

- the Republican Party will respond swiftly.

7:30 AM CDT — BUSH ADMINISTRATION NOTIFIED OF THE LEVEE BREACH

MORNING — BUSH SHARES BIRTHDAY CAKE PHOTO-OP WITH SEN. JOHN MCCAIN

8PM CDT — RUMSFELD ATTENDS SAN DIEGO PADRES BASEBALL GAME

A Republican President will battle adversity on the front line, not show disregard for those in need.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

PRESIDENT BUSH PLAYS GUITAR WITH COUNTRY SINGER MARK WILLIS

When hard times hit Americans, like hard times have hit GM employees, -

Wednesday, August 31, 2005
80,000 BELIEVED STRANDED IN NEW ORLEANS

3,000 STRANDED AT CONVENTION CENTER WITHOUT FOOD OR WATER

- no Republican will ever do anything frivolous like take in a Broadway show.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005
7PM CDT — CONDOLEEZZA RICE TAKES IN A BROADWAY SHOW

So next election, remember what your President did -

Thursday, September 1, 2005
7AM CDT — BUSH CLAIMS NO ONE EXPECTED LEVEES TO BREAK

- while you suffered.

Thursday, September 1, 2005
CONDOLEEZZA RICE VISITS U.S. OPEN

CONDOLEEZZA RICE GOES SHOE SHOPPING

January 4th, 2006
NEW ORLEANS STILL NOT SAFE FOR DISPLACED

January 24th, 2006
WHITE HOUSE REFUSES TO COOPERATE WITH A SENATE INVESTIGATION OF KATRINA

January 31st, 2006
PRESIDENT BUSH DOES NOT MENTION KATRINA ONCE IN HIS STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

It’s the Republican Party, no the Democratic Party, that cares about you!

BUSH “SATISFIED WITH THE RESPONSE”

LAST TITANIC SURVIVOR DIES

2009-05-31T22:15:00.002-04:00

Millvina Dean, the last survivor of 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic, passed away today. She was 97 years old.

A DOG'S LIFE

2009-05-29T23:38:00.001-04:00

I got this from the fabulous girls over at Disgrasian.

Have a great weekend.

MAN U, KEEPIN' IT CLASSY

2009-05-28T16:12:00.003-04:00

You gotta love the Manchester United fans. Mighty Manchester United lost to Barcelona in the finals of the Champions League so some yahoo drove a mini-bus into a crowd celebrating Barcelona's victory and killed four people.

Keepin' it classy.

AMALGAMATED BANK

2009-05-28T14:34:00.003-04:00

A new Amalgamated Bank is opening on 86th St, right next to the new Fabco Shoes.

Now cue the trumpets!!

Amalgamated Bank Selects Brooklyn Native

To Manage of its New Branch in Bay Ridge

Brooklyn, New York (May 28, 2009) – Amalgamated Bank’s Rosemarie Gentiliaco has been named Vice President and Manager of the Bank’s newest branch at 426 86th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. The branch is scheduled to open in June. Ms. Gentiliaco grew up and still resides in the Borough.

After achieving early success in banking, she returns to her neighborhood roots to run the new branch, which is Amalgamated’s third retail location in Brooklyn. Ms. Gentiliaco will transition from Amalgamated’s headquarters location at 275 Seventh Avenue in Manhattan. She joined Amalgamated in February 2008 to manage that branch.

“Ms. Gentiliaco’s familiarity with Brooklyn as well as her banking expertise and hands-on approach to customer service, makes her a solid fit for our Bay Ridge branch,” said Kathleen Romagnano, Amalgamated’s Executive Vice President of Retail Banking.

Prior to joining Amalgamated, Ms. Gentiliaco served as Branch Manager at JPMorgan Chase Bank. She began at Chase in 2006, when it acquired the Bank of New York’s retail locations. She started with the Bank of New York as a Branch Manager in 2004.

Earlier in Ms. Gentiliaco’s career, she was employed by the Dime Savings Bank as an assistant branch manager in downtown Brooklyn. Later, she ran a branch in Williamsburg, and was actively involved in community and economic development projects.

Began her Banking Career While in College

Ms. Gentiliaco’s rise in banking started in 1990, when she worked as a part-time teller with Independence Savings Bank while still in college. After graduating, the bank recruited her for a management training program, which provided an overview of branch operations. She spent the next several years at Independence, where she worked at branches in Brooklyn and Queens.

Her professional associations include membership in the Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and the Los Sures Community Development Company Inc. Los Sures is a neighborhood-

based not-for-profit organization, which manages affordable housing programs and fostered economic development that helped transform Williamsburg.

Ms. Gentiliaco graduated from Brooklyn College, and she grew up in Brooklyn’s Gravesend and Bensonhurst neighborhoods. Currently, she lives in Bensonhurst with her family.

About Amalgamated Bank

Established in 1923 by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, Amalgamated Bank continues the progressive traditions of its founders as the only 100 percent union-owned bank in the United States.

Chartered by New York State, Amalgamated Bank is an FDIC insured commercial bank with $4.5 billion in assets. The Bank has 19 branches including 13 in New York City as well as one branch in each of the following locations: Lyndhurst, New Jersey; Washington, D.C., and Pasadena, California. The Bank also has three retail branches in Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, the Bank’s corporate banking divisions include Commercial Banking, Commercial Real Estate and Community Development. The Bank’s website is www.amalgamatedbank.com.

No word yet on when the bank will be christened by being robbed. Any bets?

NORWEGIAN DAY PARADE

2009-05-17T01:14:00.003-04:00

Today marks the 385th anniversary of the Bay Ridge Norwegian Day Parade. The parade is exactly like the Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, except kilts are exchanged for Viking hats, making it much more difficult to walk.

The parade steps off at 1:30 p.m. on Fifth Avenue at 89th Street and proceeds north along Fifth Avenue to 67th Street, turning right to pass the reviewing stand on the south side of Leif Ericson Park.

The Bay Ridge Food Co-Op will be marching. They'll be dressed in traditional Norwegian clothes made out of gravlaks and Kjøttkaker.

CAN A WHITE GUY BE AFRICAN-AMERICAN?

2009-05-14T17:56:00.002-04:00

Paulo Serodio, a Mozambique native, is suing the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He claims he was harassed and then suspended from med school, after defining himself in class as “white, African, American.”

The question posed on CNN is Can a White Guy be African-American?

And here is an excerpt from my musical China - The Whole Enchilada. Life imitating art is a great thing.

ERIC: I...I don’t know what we’re calling African-Americans.

BRAD: How about African-Americans?

PHILIP: Works for me.

BRAD: Works for me, too.

ERIC: It doesn’t work for me.

BRAD: You a racist?

ERIC: No.

BRAD: I think you are.

ERIC: I’m not-

PHILIP: Then what’s wrong with African-American?

ERIC: It’s presumptuous and jingoistic.

BRAD: Well anyone who’s anyone is using the term African-American.

PHILIP: Yeah, it’s all the rage. African-America is the new black.

ERIC: Okay, then what do you call a black guy from Canada?

PHILIP: Non-existent.

ERIC: No, no. Do you call him African-American or African-Canadian?

BRAD: African-American.

ERIC: But he’s Canadian.

BRAD: That’s not my fault.

ERIC: And you don’t see a problem with that?

BRAD: Nope.

ERIC: How about Egypt? Egypt’s in Africa. Do you call them African-Americans or Egyptians?

BRAD: That depends.

ERIC: On...?

BRAD: Whether they’re African-American or not!

ERIC: You’re not -- Okay, my uncle was born in South Africa.

BRAD: Your uncle is African-American?

ERIC: Yes.

BRAD: Wow. Who knew?

ERIC: But he’s white.

BRAD: An albino African-American?

PHILIP: Freaky, man. Is he all scary looking with red eyes like that guy in The DaVinci Code and he had that belt on his leg and he’d pull it and blood would come out of his leg like sploosh, but he was kind of hot and---

ERIC: No, he’s not an albino. He’s white. Caucasian.

BRAD: I thought you said he’s African-American.

ERIC: Yes.

BRAD: So which is it?

ERIC: Which what?

BRAD: Caucasian or Africa-American?

ERIC: Both. My uncle was born in Africa and he now lives in America. Therefore he’s African-American.

PHILIP: Is your sponsor here?

HARD UP?

2009-05-14T17:33:00.004-04:00

Unemployed? Trying to find a new job? Not so fast. Being unemployed may not be so bad.

Pfizer says it will provide 70 of its most widely prescribed prescription drugs — including Lipitor and Viagra — free to people who have lost their jobs and health insurance.

It gives new meaning to the phrase "hard up."

BAY RIDGE NIGHT AT THE CYCLONES

2009-05-12T22:59:00.003-04:00

I saw a poster for this today and - boom - it shows up on Bay Ridge Journal. Here it is again:

The Brooklyn Cyclones will host a "Bay Ridge Night" and fundraiser for local food pantries at 7 PM on July 8, at Keyspan Park in Coney Island.

The Cyclones, a Class "A" affiliate of the New York Mets, will play the Aberdeen Ironbirds, a Class "A" team affiliated with the Baltimore Orioles.

Regular boxes are $12 and field boxes $15.

For tickets, visit the Cyclones Website

To reserve for groups of 20 or more, call 718-507-TIXX.

A portion of each ticket sold using the promo code "Bay Ridge" will be donated to the collective food pantries of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Fort Hamilton.

UNCLE FESTER

2009-05-12T14:28:00.003-04:00

I'm very happy that my old friend, Kevin Chamberlin, will be playing Uncle Fester in the upcoming Broadway show, The Addams Family. Kevin and I go back 20 years to when we were both struggling and broke. Thank god one of us has moved on to bigger and better things.

MORE HORN TOOTING

2009-05-12T14:18:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I have to toot my horn a little more. My musical, China - The Whole Enchilada, is currently playing in Houston and seems to be doing pretty well.

Caution: Supersensitive sorts need not attend Theater LaB Houston's production of Mark Brown's China - The Whole Enchilada. The show is about as un-PC as it gets. Played by "three white guys" dressed in coolie hats, among other offensive garb, the show covers the history of China at breakneck speed, galloping through dynasties and thousands of years as it pokes fun at ethnic stereotypes and the folks who buy into them.
I found myself grinning, if not outright laughing, through most of the goofy shenanigans.

MEAT LOAF

2009-05-08T14:20:00.002-04:00

I know it's Friday but I couldn't resist the Meat Loaf. I saw this documentary the other day and it rocks. And I've finally found someone more neurotic than me.

MANNY SUSPENDED

2009-05-07T15:05:00.004-04:00

Oy. Just as the LA Dodgers went into the Major League Baseball modern day record books with the best start at home, Manny Ramirez has to go and spoil the party by getting suspended for 50 games.

Yep. Manny was suspended for failing a drug test. The suspension begins tonight and he'll be available to play again on July 3. Here's Manny's statement:

"Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was okay to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons.

"I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. LA is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation."

Ramirez has been having a scorcher of a season. He leads the Dodgers in batting average (.348), on-base percentage (.492) and slugging percentage (.641), and he is tied for the team lead in home runs with six.

So thanks for tainting it, Manny.

DODGERS BASEBALL

2009-05-06T15:35:00.004-04:00

I lived in LA for years and suffered through season after season of lousy Dodger baseball. We moved back to NYC two years ago and what happens? Joe Torre goes to LA, the Yankees start charging $10,500 for a family of four, and the Mets aren't far behind.

And now, to top it all off, the Dodgers have started the season with twelve straight wins at home, tying the modern-day record of Ty Cobb's 1911 Cubs.

With that said, I'm sure the Dodgers will lose their next game. I've broken the cardinal rule of mentioning a no-hitter while the game is in progress.

Correction: It was the 1911 Tigers. Not the Cubs. Wrong animal. Sorry.

DOM DELUISE DEAD

2009-05-05T16:14:00.002-04:00

Brooklyn born actor Dom DeLuise passed away yesterday. He was 75. RIP.

TO GO COLD CUP TUMBLERS

2009-05-05T15:06:00.002-04:00

The Starbucks To Go Cold Tumblers have finally arrived at he Starbucks on 75th and 3rd. I've been waiting for these double insulated babies to make it to the store. Starbucks has been selling the Tumblers for hot drinks but the cold ones. Use them for your cold drinks and get a whopping $0.10 off each drink. Stop the madness. These will come in handy now that warm weather is right around the corner. And they make dandy mother's day gifts.

TOOTING MY OWN HORN

2009-05-03T23:40:00.002-04:00

Every now and then I have to toot my own horn. From the New York Times:

"The polished, fast-paced, unabashedly theatrical (in the best sense of the word) production of “Around the World in 80 Days” at the Westport Country Playhouse is an extremely pleasant surprise.

The show is smart enough to make sophisticated adults laugh out loud and shamelessly silly enough to keep children in the audience interested and entertained.

Much credit goes to Mark Brown, the actor-playwright who wrote the adaptation.

Apparently, Mr. Brown likes to play with classic books and international settings. One of his earlier works is “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge,” set a year after the visits of the three Christmas spirits. And his “China — The Whole Enchilada” was a hit at last year’s Fringe Festival in New York."

SKATER THROUGH ICE

2009-04-30T11:22:00.004-04:00

A friend sent me this video and I laughed and laughed.

Jeffrey Dean Foster and the Birds of Prey "Corner of My Eye"

2009-04-29T21:14:00.001-04:00

Here's a video of my dear friend, Jeffrey Dean Foster. We met in college and have now been friends longer than we haven't been friends.

IT'S BAAACK!

2009-04-28T20:52:00.005-04:00

The Bay Ridge Greenmarket returns on Saturday, May 2nd, baby!

That's right. The market was so successful last year that it's coming back for more.

Every Saturday, May through December, you can get fresh picked fruits and vegetables, beautiful plants and flowers, grass-fed meat and dairy products, wild-caught fish, amazing eggs, and delicious baked goods. Mmmm, baked goods.

The Greenmarket is also planning fun, free events such as cooking demonstrations, raffles, and kids & family friendly activities all season long.

Come talk to the farmers who grow your food, meet your neighbors, bring a friend, and taste the difference at your neighborhood Greenmarket!

The Bay Ridge Greenmarket is located at 3rd Ave and 95th St, and is open from 8am - 3pm every Saturday, May through December.

EBT/Food Stamps (June – November) and WIC & Senior Farmers Market Nutrition checks are accepted.

IPHONE COMING TO VERIZON?

2009-04-28T13:41:00.003-04:00

Be still my beating heart: Verizon and Apple are talking about releasing an iphone for the Verizon network by next year!

I love the iphone but I hate AT&T and I think the Verizon network is just plain better. Plus my wife and I are both on Verizon, making our calls to each other free.

AT&T has dibs on the iphone until 2010. But it looks like it may be losing exclusivity.

All hail the iphone!

A SPECTER OF HIS FORMER SELF

2009-04-28T13:29:00.002-04:00

Sen. Arlen Specter (R - PA) has broken up with the Republican Party and is now going steady with the Democratic Party.

Citing that

"since my election in 1980, as part of the Reagan Big Tent, the Republican Party has moved far to the right,"

Sen. Arlen Specter, now (D - PA), could give the Democrats the much ballyhooed "filibuster-proof Senate majority of 60 seats" if Al Franken ever officially wins Minnesota.

When asked to comment, the Republican Party just said it was throwing out all of Specter's cds and giving back his comfy denim shirt.

WAY TOO CLOSE FLYOVER

2009-04-27T18:10:00.006-04:00

UPDATE 10:22pm:

Here's a video of the flyover:

And "By day's end, an obscure City Hall deputy named Marc Mugnos, who makes $60,000 a year, was taking the fall for not telling Bloomberg that the low-flying planes were coming. He was reprimanded."

What the hell was Louis Caldera thinking!? Caldera, director of the White House Military Office, approved a far-too-close-for-comfort flyover photo-op over New York today. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the region were notified last week. Mayor Bloomberg didn't know anything about it. But more importantly, the public didn't know anything about it!

So a low flying plane over the city caused thousands of workers to flee their high-rise office buildings.

When President Obama found out about it he was furious. Caldera issued this apology:

Last week, I approved a mission over New York. I take responsibility for that decision. While federal authorities took the proper steps to notify state and local authorities in New York and New Jersey, it’s clear that the mission created confusion and disruption. I apologize and take responsibility for any distress that flight caused.

Way to go Caldera, you putz. Thanks for terrorizing thousands of New Yorkers.

Photo Courtesy: NY Times

AH SPRING

2009-04-27T15:02:00.002-04:00

Spring has sprung in the Ridge. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and it's time to break out the neti pot. My allergies are through the roof. Is anyone else having a hard time?

On the plus side, I don't have the swine flu yet.

HAPPY EARTH DAY

2009-04-22T15:04:00.003-04:00

Happy Earth Day!

There are some great tips, advice and articles over at Mother Nature Network and at the Earth Day Roundup.

STARBUCKS GOES TO REHAB

2009-04-20T13:12:00.002-04:00

The Starbucks on the corner of 75th and 3rd here in The Ridge has gotten a spanky new makeover. There's a lovely new mural and new tables and chairs.

I'd take a photo of it with my phone but I'm awaiting the arrival of my replacement phone.

It looks nothing like The Starry Starry Night.

CRY ME A RIVER

2009-04-18T21:55:00.000-04:00

The Daily Record has found a rare recording of "Cry Me A River" by Susan Boyle made back in 1999. You have to hear this song. Hopefully it really is Susan. I'm going to assume it is until it's proven that it isn't.

So she records this ten years ago and nothing happened? Nobody signed her? Susan, drink it in and live it up. Your time has come.

JIMMY FALLON FEELS THE POWER OF SUSAN BOYLE.

2009-04-18T21:41:00.000-04:00

Jimmy Fallon feels the power of Britain's Got Talent overnight-sensation, Susan Boyle.

Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009 (With Lyrics)

2009-04-15T23:48:00.001-04:00

Susan Boyle, from last week's Britain's Got Talent, is the definition of an overnight sensation.

TEABAGGING DAY

2009-04-15T22:14:00.002-04:00

Today was FOX's much hyped Tea Bag Day. I'm out of the country right now. Was there any tea bagging today in The Ridge?

MARK FIDRYCH, DEAD

2009-04-13T22:43:00.003-04:00

It was also a sad day in Major League Baseball. Detroit Tiger phenom, Mark "The Bird" Fidrych, died today at the age of 54. Fidrych had one good year. That's it. But what a year. He was Rookie of the Year in 1976 and his record was 19-9. He was plain old fun to watch. He'd get down on his knees to fill in the hole on the mound. He'd pace around the mound talking to himself and the ball.

We'll miss you, Mark.

THE BOYS IN BLUE

2009-04-13T22:17:00.004-04:00

The Dodgers had a killer home opener today. Vin Scully celebrated his 60th year calling the game, Scully threw out the first pitch to Joe Torre, Orlando Hudson became the first Dodger to hit for the cycle since Wes Parker in 1970, and the Boys in Blue clobbered the Giants 11-1.

I love LA!

LACK OF CARING

2009-04-09T14:17:00.002-04:00

I got an email today from my good friend Mrs. Nestoria Vasquez Relevoa. She wants to give me a lot of money.

My name is Mrs Nestoria Vasquez Relevoa ,a General merchant in the United States of America, Originally from Philippine , but taking Treatment in Tokyo Japan now, I have been diagnosed with Breast cancer (117.7) and Colorectal cancer (42.7) cancer that was discovered very late due to lack of caring.

For my health. I have only about a few months to live according to medical experts. I am looking for someone reliable and trusted that can use my ($6,200M)for the less privileges and orphanage homes. Since i can’t survive this illness. Please you can contact me through this

Email address: vasquez@w.cn

If only I was more reliable and trustworthy.

And if only she or her doctor cared more.

discovered very late due to lack of caring.

What a bunch of layabouts.

I BANISH THEE, BREAD

2009-04-09T14:11:00.003-04:00

Over on 5th Ave there's a great deal on Touster Ovens. The ovens don't toast bread. Instead they banish the bread from being toasted.

THINGS THAT DON'T MOVE

2009-04-08T22:52:00.003-04:00

I was in Food Emporium on 8th and 49th yesterday and noticed that in aisle five they're selling things that don't move. I'm curious if they sell stationary items in all of the Food Emporiums or just that one.

FARAH FAWCETT HOSPITALIZED

2009-04-05T22:12:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: 4/6/09, 9:30pm
The LA Times is reporting that Farah is doing well. She was admitted to the hospital because of a blood clot that was probably a side effect of her treatment in Germany. Hopefully it's true.

Here's some sad news for all of you Charlie's Angels fans: Farah Fawcett is reportedly in an LA hospital, unconscious, and in critical condition.

The 62-year old bombshell has been battling cancer for several years.

I hope this angel pulls through and doesn't become an angel.

DEBITS FIELD

2009-03-31T11:47:00.003-04:00

The Phantom made a trip out to Citi Field, new home for the Mets. I know the the new name, naming right by Citibank, sticks in the Phantom's throat.

Phantom, what about Debits Field?

COCKSHOTTS

2009-03-29T20:20:00.003-04:00

A recent study was done on out how surnames in Great Britain have changed from 1881 until now.

The top five names, Smith, Jones, Williams, Brown, Taylor and Davies, have not changed in 127 years, and have not changed in order.

But I'm saddened to report some names have all but disappeared.

The name Cock has been clipped from 3,211 in 1881 to 785 today.
Balls shriveled from 2,904 to 1,299.
Deaths were killed from 1,133 to 60.
People named Smellie decreased by 70 percent.
Dafts by 51 percent.
Gotobeds by 42 percent.
Shufflebottoms by 40 percent.
And sadly, Cockshotts by 34 percent.

I wonder if there are more Cocks or Cockshotts in England?

#1 RATED IMIX

2009-03-28T00:29:00.004-04:00

I found out tonight that my Songs For the Soul imix is the #1 rated imix on itunes. I have no idea how long this will last but the mix features some of my favorite musicians, including my good friend Jeffrey Dean Foster, and me.

A MUSICAL INTERLUDE

2009-03-27T00:42:00.000-04:00

THE THREE STOOGES

2009-03-25T13:49:00.003-04:00

Sean Penn as Larry of The Three Stooges!? Jim Carey as Curly? Benicio Del Toro (and not Johnny Depp) as Moe!?

Yep.

This is one movie I HAVE to see!

MAGGIE DID WHAT!?

2009-03-25T13:14:00.003-04:00

Overheard in Starbucks today:

High School Girl #1: Maggie fucked Ben.
High School Girl #2: She did?
High School Girl #1: Yeah, disgusting. Maggie lost her virginity to Ben.

I wonder if Ben and Maggie know their sex lives are being discussed at loud volumes in public places and then blogged about by douchebag bloggers?

EAT ME, BROOKLYN

2009-03-23T11:01:00.003-04:00

Today kicks off Dine in Brooklyn! Today through April 3 about 200 restaurants are offering three-course meals for $23. Some are even offering $23 for two! Not bad at all.

A full list of restaurants and a map can be found here.

Below is a list of the participating restaurants in The Ridge and whether they're serving Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner.

101 Restaurant & Bar L, D
Italian
10018 4th Avenue
718-833-1313

Areo L
Italian
8424 3rd Avenue
718-238-0079

Arirang Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar D
Japanese
8812-8814 4th Avenue
718-238-9880

Austin’s Steakhouse L
American
8915 5th Avenue
718-439-5000

Bally Bunion Bar & Restaurant D
Irish / American
9510 3rd Avenue
718-833-2801

Cappuccino Café L, D
American Bistro
7721 3rd Avenue
718-238-8700

Casa Calamari Pizza & Pasta L, D
Italian
8602 3rd Avenue
718-921-1900

Casa Pepe Restaurant B, L, D
Spanish / Mexican
114 Bay Ridge Avenue
718-833-8865

Cebu Bar & Bistro B, L, D
American
8801 3rd Avenue
718-492-5095

Chadwick’s Restaurant D
American
8822 3rd Avenue
718-833-9855

Chianti Restaurant D
Italian
8530 3rd Avenue
718-921-6300

Colandrea New Corner Restaurant, Inc. L, D
Italian
7201 8th Avenue
718-833-0800

Embers D
American
9519 3rd Avenue
718-745-3700

Gino’s Restaurant D
Italian
7414 5th Avenue
718-748-1698

Goodfella’s Restaurant & Bar D
Neapolitan
9606 3rd Avenue
718-833-6200

Greenhouse Café L, D
American
7717 3rd Avenue
718-833-8200

Hunter’sSteak & AleHouse L, D
American
9404 4th Avenue
718-238-8899

J.T.’s Restaurant D
American
9703 3rd Avenue
718-238-8781

Los Pollitos D
Mexican
7302 3rd Avenue
718-439-0808

Mambo Italiano Restaurant L, D
Italian
8803 3rd Avenue
718-833-4432

Nouvelle Restaurant L, D
Fusion
8716 3rd Avenue
718-238-8250

The Pearl Room B, L, D
New American
8201 3rd Avenue
718-833-6666

Petit Oven L, D
French/American
276 Bay Ridge Avenue
718-833-3443

Ponte Vecchio L
Italian
8810 4th Avenue
718-238-6449

Ristorante Vaccaro L, D
Italian
6718 Fort Hamilton Parkway
718-238-9447

Saint Germain D
French
8303 3rd Avenue
718-745-8899

Sancho’s L, D
Spanish
7410 3rd Avenue
718-748-0770

Sofia Ristorante Italiano L, D
Italian
8406 3rd Avenue
718-680-4242

Tanoreen L, D
Middle Eastern
7704 3rd Avenue
718-748-5600

Tuscany Grill D
Italian
8620 3rd Avenue
718-921-5633

Vesuvio Restaurant L, D
Italian
7305 3rd Avenue
718-745-0222

Yellow Hook Grille D
American
7003 3rd Avenue
718-238-1089

POLE DANCERS WANTED

2009-03-23T00:32:00.001-04:00

I never thought I'd ever write these words but here goes:

The Foxy Lady strip club in Providence will hold a job fair this Saturday.

They're looking to fill around 30 positions, from strippers and waitresses to disc jockeys and bartenders, at that club and two others in Massachusetts.

And there's an article in today's New York Times entitled:

More Women Needing Cash Go From Jobless to Topless.

And you thought this site wasn't helpful.

MAYBE THIS TIME

2009-03-19T18:20:00.001-04:00

Here's Natasha Richardson as Sally Bowles, performing Maybe This Time, during the 1998 Broadway Revival of Cabaret.

She was incredibly talented. She'll be missed.

RIP

FREE WINE AND CHEESE

2009-03-19T15:49:00.003-04:00

Looking for a free meal? Then hie thee down to Henry Harde's at 9314 3rd Ave this Friday between 5:30 and 8:30 for free wine and cheese.

Wine will be provided by Henry Harde. Cheese will be provided by Robicelli's.

SPRINGSTEEN AND STEWART

2009-03-18T23:36:00.003-04:00

If you're me, and say your prayers you're not, it doesn't get much better for a Jersey boy than Jon Stewart and Bruce Springsteen. And that's exactly what I'm going to get tonight on The Daily Show. Bruce Springsteen is the guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

He's going to play Working on a Dream from the new cd of the same name.

SIR IMIX ALOT

2009-03-18T23:01:00.000-04:00

BRING ME BACK HOME ON ITUNES

2009-03-18T17:18:00.001-04:00

My song, Bring Me Back Home, is now available on itunes!

If you can spare the $0.99, please download it. If you could also rate it (ooo, 5 stars would be fantastic) and write a short review I'll be eternally thankful.

All of this will help me get on the itunes radar and hopefully be a featured artist.

Thanks so much. And if you can help me spread the word that would be great.

You can use the lame link below to go right to the song. Seriously, can't Apple come up with a better link?

NATASHA RICHARDSON

2009-03-18T01:08:00.011-04:00

UPDATE: 8:20 pm. Natasha Richardson has died at the age of 45. It's so very very sad.

UPDATE: at 1:30 pm, Natasha was taken off life support.

UPDATE: 1:30 pm, NYC. TMZ is reporting that when Natasha was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital

she was "unconscious," her pupils "non-reactive," her skin was "pale" and she was suffering from "major head trauma."

More and more online sites are reporting that she is brain dead and the family will take her off life support.

UPDATE: 1:30 am, NYC. Rumors are swirling about Natasha's condition. From brain swelling, to brain dead, to dead. No one knows yet.

Natasha Richardson was critically injured in a skiing accident. She fell during a supervised lesson on a beginners run and suffered a brain injury. The Money Times is reporting that she was taken off life support and is dead. I hope it's not true. Natasha was a beautiful and talented woman. More to come.

The look on her mom's face as she enters the hospital isn't good.

FABCO SHOES

2009-03-17T15:07:00.002-04:00

Out with KB Toys. In with Fabco Shoes.

I was working out today at the 86th St. NYSC and watched them put up the banner announcing the arrival of Fabco Shoes.

Self-proclaimed as the #1 Family Shoe Chain in NY/NJ, Fabco will be moving in right next to the Nine West Outlet.

If Fabco's shoes are as fabulous as their fancy website, Fabco will soon be Outco.

ERIN GO BRAUGH

2009-03-17T14:05:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

'Tis a day to drink, be merry, then shout at the leprechauns. You know, the olde liquid scream. Shoot the Irish Stew.

So Erin go braugh, ya'll.

ALYSSA MILANO, PLEASE MARRY ME

2009-03-16T17:06:00.003-04:00

The Bee Hive Hairdresser reports today that sultry Alyssa Milano will be doing a book signing for her book “Safe at Home” at the Book Mark Shoppe (the extra "p" and "e" make it classy) right here in The Ridge.

BHB ponders the

mix of guidos, baseball fans, the “Track 4 special needs” educated people and sad middle aged fat guys who haven’t gotten laid in ten years that will be lined up for this event.

I, for one, qualify in 3 out of the 4 categories...even though I'm not quite sure what a Track 4 special needs educated person is.

BRAWL STREET PART 1

2009-03-13T16:01:00.001-04:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

BRAWL STREET PART 2

2009-03-13T16:00:00.001-04:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Pt. 2

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

BRAWL STREET PART 3

2009-03-13T15:59:00.001-04:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

FROM BRAWL STREET TO BAWL STREET

2009-03-13T00:39:00.007-04:00

Oh my. I'm still reeling from tonight's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Jon hammered Jim Cramer and CNBC for putting entertainment above journalism in what was billed as the "the weeklong feud of the century."

This was no funny-face/fart joke show. Jon was as serious as a financial meltdown. "I understand that you want to make finance entertaining, but it's not a fucking game," Jon told Cramer. The line drew applause, not so much, I think, from "oooo, our guy won a point" but from relief that finally someone was saying what we've all been thinking.

It was clear Jon is pissed off at CNBC and unfortunately for Jim Cramer, he had to bare the brunt of it. At least Cramer had the testies to come on the show. But Jon let him have it. He said Cramer was "disingenuous at best and criminal at worst" -- in a giant fraud that had been played on investors.

For his part, Cramer looked nervous and contrite. I thought he was going to break down and cry. It was uncomfortable and mesmerizing.

Now why can't real journalists be this tough and prepared? Why does it have to be a comedian to show them how it should be done?

The full episode will be on The Daily Show website soon. I can't wait to watch the whole interview.

UPDATE: Andrew Sullivan has written a great article about the show on The Daily Dish. You can read it here.

FINALLY -- COMPASSION

2009-03-12T22:15:00.000-04:00

Here's a fantastic story about a CEO determined to save people's jobs. Hopefully more businesses will be as smart as Paul Levy.

PRE-CLASH

2009-03-12T20:45:00.003-04:00

Here's a preview of tonight's clash between Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer. Oooo, it looks bloody!

STEWART V. CRAMER

2009-03-12T14:41:00.003-04:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Basic Cable Personality Clash Skirmish '09

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Economic Crisis

Tonight! Stewart V. Cramer!A battle to the death. Two men will enter the studio. Only two men will walk out.

The much over-hyped "feud" between Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer comes to a head tonight as Jim Cramer appears on the Daily Show. Tune in tonight to watch these two titans clash in the Donnybrook of 2009.

FEED A RECESSION? OR STARVE A RECESSION?

2009-03-10T22:31:00.000-04:00

Amy VanDeventer. Smart, frugal shopper? Or a recession's worst nightmare?

There's an article about how people are going to extremes to save money during this economy. Amy VanDeventer is going to extremes.

Before the economy tanked, she was still wearing maternity clothes from her last pregnancy, clipping coupons and using hand-me-downs to dress her daughters, ages 2 and 3. Now, she's salvaging bagel scraps left on their plates for pizza toppings and cutting lotion bottles in half so she can scrape out the last drops.

She's really saving money but aren't you suppose to feed a recession? Or starve a recession?

If everyone in my neighborhood gives up going to Starbucks, the store will not make enough money to stay open. Starbucks will have to close the store because it's not making any money and the employees will most likely have to go on unemployment.

But no one knows where the end will be, or if they'll be the next person with a pink slip, or if they'll have enough money to pay for life's necessities.

It's a difficult path to tread. I wish I knew the answer.