"Red Bamboo" The Posh Vegetarian Restaurant?

A very important person in my life decided to practice vegetarianism, as a result I accompanied her to RED BAMBOO. Red Bamboo Soul Cafe is known for comfort vegetarian dishes. The dishes include a wide variety soy compound mixtures that makes one not feel like a vegetarian. The seating is very tight and the restaurant only holds about 25 guest. For example I ordered Southern Fried Chicken, and I was served three pieces of knock off chicken that taste like fried rubber. My sweet potato french fries were under cooked and dry, after taking one glance at the 'collard greens' I knew tasting them would be a godawful idea. I requested a new dish from the waitress in exchange for my old dish. She advised me that I would be charged for both dishes and an exchange was out of the question! The waitress was cavalier and spoke to me as if I were incompetent in regard to vegetarian cuisine. The employees at the establishment were arrogant and not very helpful, vegetarians always seem to present a 'holier than thou" attitude. After a small verbal spat I was accommodated accordingly. Red Bamboo Cafe may need to work on customer service. In addition maybe they should be informed that being a vegetarian is a 90's trend its all about vegans now!

How Many Tattoo's do you have?

Are tattoos overdone yet? The reasons people get tattoos are for decorative/spiritual uses, identification, or superficial cosmetic reasons. I am not trying to suggests stereotypes on any specific group, but you would normally only notice a person in the armed forces or jail with a tattoo (at least during the 70's and 80's). Now its seems like everyone has a tattoo. They are extremely commercial and overpriced; the more tattoos the better! Body art has become an ice breaker in conversation. Instead of complementing someone on their eyes, you would now start by saying something clever about his or her tattoo. Followed by the standard question "did that tattoo hurt"? It baffles me, a society with an attention span of about one minute can make a permanent decision about anything. After getting a tattoo one must take into consideration their professional career they may or may not have at the time. Many establishments, or cooperation's do not want to see a rose that takes up half the space on ones arm. Which limits your daily dress code.

Walking into a tattoo parlor I noticed a small group of arrogant, machismo guys in there mid to late 20's tattooing girls, while engaging sexiest small talk (to say the least I was appalled by the social setting). The art of tattooing is a male dominated industry, however Kat Von D has made a name for herself in Hollywood. She has her own reality show (L.A. Ink) and is very talented. In addition Kat Von D has launched a makeup line with SEPHORA that is geared toward her tattooing art. One of her popular new cosmetic items are 'Tattoo Concealer". The idea is this; you spend hundreds of dollars for an amazing tattoo, that you have to ultimately cover up with over priced concealer from the artist that inspired you to get a tattoo (Kat Von D). It amuses me how the consumer circle of finance works! It seems like everyone wants tattoo's because they are fashionable but in retrospect are they worth it?

Natural Disaster in Central Park after Dark!

Central Park; a breath of fresh air for a city filled with sky scrappers, smog, and pedestrian congestion has tree debris's everywhere. Although the damage is minuscule compared to most natural disasters during hurricane season, the park looks terrible. American Elms, and Tulip Trees were completely ripped out of the ground similar to broken lead tips on a perfectly sharpened number 2 pencil. Wind speed went up to 70mps and the tropic like storm lasted 30 minutes. Early this month a man, Sasha J. Blair-Goldensohn, 33 was hit in the head with a falling branch in central park. That incident seems to foreshadow the latest tree wreckage last Tuesday. In this short amount of time the park has been transformed. Hundreds of trees around the city has fallen or snapped branches. The city plans to create mulch out of trees that are too damaged to repair. Weekend runners were stunned to discover the park makeover. Central Park is NYC's backyard. A place where couples and families discover little nooks for one's own outdoor time. Central Park is not completely destroyed, but it did take a major fall.

"Post Grad" a Delightful Movie for a Rainy Weekend!

If you are looking for a charming, realistic, slightly humorous movie than "Post Grad" is what you want to see. Staring Alexis Bledel, Zach Gilford, Michael Keaton, Carol Burnett, Rodrigo Santoro, and directed by Vicky Jenson. Alexis Bledel who you may recognize from the hit series Glimore Girls, is the main character (Ryan Malby). A 22 year old post graduate searching for the career of her dreams, and discovering her inner self during the process. Persons in their 20's finishing college would be able to relate to the movie. It is delightful. The family is middle class, and the witty grandmother is played by Carol Burnett . Unlike other films where you may notice women in their early 50's, with bad Botox playing grandmothers who should be in their 70's; Carol Burnett is actually 76 years old, which gave her role a sense of authenticity. The movie trailer depicts the films budget to appear extensive, however it looked more like an independent film. Post Grad is a cute movie for family or friends, and if with friends going out for a couple of drinks will be a great after movie affair.

Say Farewell to the Letter and Hello Mr.Twitter...

Keeping in contact with friends and loved ones is important. When someone dear to you relocates for whatever reason, people, pre-Internet would write a letter or call. These two forms of communication were the leading ways to contact anyone. To write a letter now would be considered bizarre (telephones however have maintained their importance, and are still used as much today as day one of their debut in 1876). E-mail, Facebook, blogs, and twitter are just a few of the most popular means of communication today. Many of these tools are great to have access to, and some are just pointless. Although these tools are convenient they lack endearing procedure to actually connecting. To write a letter takes more time than to simply type an e-mail and click send. You notice ones penmanship and types of stationary used for the letter, in addition depending on whom the letter was from and its context you would even save the letter. One normally would not save an e-mail, and if it were saved it would not be long before you needed more space in your inbox thus having to delete the mail. History of our country has been documented for example, letters written by soldiers in war and classic romances from adolescent phases. It was actual paper that was saved; a tangible item. E-mails, and tweets are not tangible and cannot be taken out of a shoebox for nostalgic purposes. Ask yourself this, WHAT WILL WE SAVE? There will be nothing to show our grandchildren, or even keep away in an attic. I suppose its time to officially say farewell to the letter, and hello twitter...

Is Shaquille O'Neal focused on his Game?

Shaquille O'Neal is a household name. WInning four NBA championships, three while playing with the Los Angeles Lakers and one while playing for Miami Heat he is considered one of the best basketball players. In addition to basketball he has attempted a carreer in the music industry by becoming a rapper. The effort was pathetic, and embarrassing to those in the music business. In addition to his pursuit in music he also begin an acting career which was absolutely pitiful. Just when you thought Shaq's feeble efforts in a career outside of basketball was over after the 90's, he now has a t.v show.
Shaq Vs the Big Show will star Shaquille O'Neal. The best athletes from different sports will compete with Shaq and discover weather or not Mr. O'Neal is truly the best competior of all time. Should anyone be so arrogant to think that they can compete in any sport or activity and be the best, after minimal training. At age 37 his NBA career on its last legs the great Shaquille O'Neal may consider taking a break from outside media antics, and focus on the end of his basketball career.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking forward to a great year since signing Shaq for the 2009/2010 season. Lebron James and Shaquille O'Neal may be reminiscent of Coby Bryant and Shaq duo that ended with three championships and tension thick enough to cut with a knife. However the season may turn out, the franchise is expecting an increase in ticket sales. Ask yourself this; at age 37 can Shaq bring another falling team with a star starting bench to the top?

Taboo Subjects in Interracial Settings...

When you find yourself in mixed company certain subjects should not be discussed. Mixed company may include but not limited to Caucasian/blacks/Latin etc. This particular dissertation will focus mainly on persons who are black and white. The initial Taboo subject, while in an interracial setting is politics. Politics means choosing a side, and when in mixed company there are already different sides by obvious color differences. Talking about politics will further separate the group. We can all pretend we live in a non-racial Utopia and are too evolved for social stereotypes but they do exist. In addition other subjects arrive under the main topic of politics, for example the conversation can start with basic politics and easily switch to affirmative action. That is a red flag, if chit chat begins about affirmative action immediately change the subject. Affirmative action deals specifically with race. One side is pro AA (affirmative action) the other side is against thus separating the group further. People become uncomfortable talking about issues of race especially if that person is a raciest. Commonalities and opinions about the police between blacks and whites are vast. Historically police are known to whites as "problem solvers" and known to blacks as the instigators to problems. The subject on the police is TABOO stay away! I know these topics sound intense and wouldn't normally come up over a beer at the local pub, but even "lighter" conversation should can be considered taboo.
Hair for example is another taboo subject among interracial groups. Undeniable differences between certain hair types is a evident. Considering the hair texture of blacks and whites its a completely uncommon ground therefore should be avoided. Finally, social settings usually revolve around food and different food preferences may come about so, when ordering in a mixed company try keep to the more neutral side of the menu to please everyone. If you are at a restaurant and one side wants Buffalo wings and ribs and the other wants spinach dip and potato skins then a compromise is in order. Take into account cuisine choices and try to accommodate everyone.
These subjects are taboo for all the right reasons. Lets not make situations uncomfortable, and unless you want to spend you entire time being informative to one another as opposed to just relaxing stay away from these following subjects!

Proper "girlfriend" Etiquette at a Party

How should girlfriends act at parties? Its simple, depending on what type of party a couple is attending different forms of behavior may vary. Let me begin with parties one would never bring his/her partner to; bachelor/bachelorette parties, and baby showers are completely out of the question. These events are same sex orientated and should not be interrupted with parties.
If you should decide to bring your girlfriend to a party, you should not feel like you have to "babysit" her. When you attend a party the incentive is to enjoy yourself. Simple stated no one wants to watch their girlfriends every move to ensure non-embarrassing moments. If your girlfriend has a low tolerance for alcohol then she should keep her drinks to a minimum. If she drinks too much and starts stumbling all over the place its your job as the partner to remove her from the setting ( discretely of course). If your girlfriend likes to dance than dance with her, its extremely important to trust her which means let her know its not a big deal if she dances with other people. If your girlfriend is dancing with other guys, it would be inappropriate for her to grind or do anything that looks too sexual on the dance floor. So basically keep any form of dancing with a another guy to a "two step" minimum (excluding girl on girl dancing). Your girlfriend should not cling on to you at the party, which means as the partner you should leave her alone for a bit so she could explore her setting while you do the same. This time frame of exploration should not be very long, keep it brief and then she will either go check on you or you check on her. If you were in a lovers quarrel before a party do not bring the issues to the party leave them home and deal with them after the party. No one wants to deal with your drama, because we go to parties to have a good time! Flirting is key, if a someone hitting on your girl do not not sweat just take it as a compliment. She obviously looks great and your are not the only person who notice this. Now she should keep conversation with the purser very short but not too short. Because if its too short its going to look like she is doing something wrong is is having thoughts of doing something wrong so its important for her to be polite. Back to the dancing, your girlfriend should not dane with you in a too intensely, for example if she is doing things or moving in motions that are normally preformed in the bed then she is doing too much! No one needs a sneak peak at what is going down after the party.
Its nice to to hangout with your girlfriend at a party, as long as everyone knows the rules.

Can new Philadelphia Eagles Fans forgive 'Vick"?

Michael Vick, the pro NFL player who formally played for the Atlanta Falcons beginning in 2001 was sent to jail in 2006 for dog fighting. Vick was forced to leave the sport and was sent to jail for 18 months. Since he has currently been released he has been searching for a new football team to call home. Many teams are apprehensive deciding weather or not Michael Vick should play on there teams or not. Michael Vick was NFL's number 1 draft pick in 2001 he is an amazing player, but fans have turned their backs on him since his dog fighting charges. After a careful assessment by the Philadelphia Eagles the team has decided to sign Vick. His starting contract if for 1.6 million, however now that the NFL has given Michael Vick a second chance, will football fans do the same?
Vick has been very apologetic to NFL fans since he pleaded guilty on dog fighting charges in 2006.

"There was a point in my life where I felt it was wrong and I knew it was wrong," he said. "To this day I have to live with that shame and that embarrassment."

Statements from Vick have been sincere and heart felt, and I feel the fans should let the issue go. He has completed the jail sentence and has been making great efforts in community service duties. Michael was recently seen in Chicago, assisting the humane Society to advocate against dog fighting. Hopefully fans are willing to forgive and forget; if Vick preforms like the NFL player he was prior to his arrest the NFL will have little problems letting him sign a full contract. Fans should be willing to give Vick second chance, everyone makes mistakes. Michael Vick has paid for his mistakes and is now able to play football; fans should forgive the football star and let him start the new chapter in his NFL career.

Why Americans Love the "Food Network"!

It has become a Sunday tradition in my home to watch food network for the entire day. My mother comes home from church, cooks breakfast for myself, dad, and little brother. After we eat breakfast my sister comes by the house for her weekly visit with my 3 year old nephew and we sit around the t.v. and watch the food network. The popular show in my home is Down Home with the Neelys and Paula's Home cooking. The two shows main focus are southern dishes with a twist of course. Growing up in home where my mother cooked everyday was amazing. Most children during the 90's did not have this luxury (divorce rates were at an all time high during the 1990's and single parents were normally to busy to cook). Although even today with divorce rates a little lower it seems people are more engaged with watching other people cook than actually cooking themselves. Cooking is time consuming and exhausting, coming home from an 8 hour work day to make a 45min meal while taking care of little ones just doesn't seem particle. So why do we love to watch other people cook but not do it ourselves? Lets look at my sister for an example; she purchased designer pair of pots and pans that she noticed on her favorite cooking show (Down Home with the Neelys). However she hardly uses them at all, which is baffling to be because she loves to eat, loves to watch people cook, but she does not like to cook herself. The new pots are simple used as aesthetic visuals for her kitchens ambiance. One could only imagine what my mother; who should have her own slot on the Food Network thinks of my sisters 'kitchen'!
The food Network relaxes the mind (Unlike watching a movie, or a sitcom where you have to keep up with quick punch lines, or contemporary street savoy dialect) in addition a person can just enjoy the high caloric eats without the high caloric intake. The Food Network is great for multitasking, because the Network does not require ones undivided attention. I suppose these simple perks are why Americans love The Food Network.

Can I be a Writer?

After taking 12 college credits from the SEYS (secondary education youth services) department at Queens College I have realized my teaching career may be on hold for a while. As an english major I normally am asked "what are you going to do with an english major", as repetitive as the question has became over the years so did my answer. I would respond with the most confidence and say "I am going to become a teacher'. Now that my teaching career is on hold, when the question is asked (what are you going to do with an english major?) i will simply say "I do not know". Unfortunately that is the sad truth, I will be graduating soon with a degree in English and I do not know what kind of job is in my future. Writing has always been a passion of mine, since the age of 9 I have kept a journal of some sort, and this has continued throughout my early adult years. However I feel writers lack a certain confidence, well I lack a certain confidence... I always thought professional writers had to be nerdy, witty, and socially awkward. What are the qualifications of being able to call oneself a writer? Does one have to be published? Can you be a bad speller and still be considered a writer? Can you lack creativity? Can you be a romantic? Do you have to be cynical? All these questions come to mind when I think a about becoming a writer. I figured as a writer to begin the process I will write. I am going to write all the time, this is just day 1 of all the writing I will be doing, I will not get tired of writing, I will write everyday and I will be considered a professional writer who will make a remarkable living doing so!