Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Sorry Guys, Couldn't Resist


1. The roundest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
3. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.
4. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
5. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.
6. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
7. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
8. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
9. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
10. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
11. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
12. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, ‘You stay here, I’ll go on a-head.’
13. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
14. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: ‘Keep off the Grass.’
15. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, ‘No change yet.’
16. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
17. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium, at large.
18. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
19. A backward poet writes in-verse.
20. In democracy it’s your vote that counts. In feudalism it’s your count that votes.
21. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up


From tonight's 10 o'clock news:

A bakery in the village is selling cookies they call "drunken negro cookies". They're big chocolate cookies, with exaggerated features, maraschino cherry bits for eyes and a dopey look on their faces. This week during the inauguration, they renamed them "Obama cookies". And yes, they showed the cookies.

The guy who owns the place couldn't understand why people were upset. Apparently when he made "dead goose bread" last week in honor of the US Air flight, no one complained. And yes, they showed the bread. Looked kinda mangled.

You just can't make this stuff up.

Spam, Spam, Spam, Wonderful Spam!!

No, I'm not talking Monty Python.

I'm talking about the stuff that has been inundating my Inbox as of late. Tons and tons of emails. But none of them fun or exciting.

Offers to get out of debt. (Was I in debt? And if so, why didn't anyone tell me?) Offers for free laptops, free cosmetics, free cell phones and free Walmart and Costco gift cards. Discount pharmaceuticals from Canada, opportunites to make millions without ever leaving the house...the list just goes on and on and on.

Obviously, I've gotten on someone's list...anyone out there have any creative ideas for getting off?

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

What Kind of a Jewish Name is That?

Uncle Rant came home very upset today.

He was in a store and saw a new, heimishe product. A meal in a bar, called "Grab One".

At first I thought he was upset by the concept of a meal in a bar. Those of you who know Uncle Rant know that if you can wrap it up in a little foil packet weighing half an ounce, Uncle Rant doesn't consider it a meal.

But apparently, that wasn't the problem. Uncle Rant was horrified by the idea of heimishe people grabbing anything. Is that any way for a frum person to act?

So I was wondering. What would be a proper name for a Cholov Yisroel meal replacement bar?

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Random Thoughts

My glasses are missing and I can't find them. If I put on my glasses, I'll be able to see more clearly and hopefully find them. But I can't do that because my glasses are missing.

It is sooo cold outside! Is anyone else tired of winter?

Chicken feet sighting today, and it wasn't on a chicken. Freezer case, in local kosher supermarket. Nasty!

Does anyone else hear cookies calling to them from the freezer? I hear little voices, saying "come and get us! We're in the freezer and we want you to eat us!"

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Roadkill Cafe

So years and years ago I was working out in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. And there was this huge story on the news about a restaurant that was peeling roadkill off the pavement, cooking it and serving it. There was some really funny stuff that went around including "menus" from "The Roadkill Cafe", (you kill 'em, we grill 'em!)

Living up here, we have more than our share of squirrel pizzas, as my boss's daughter used to call flattened animals on the road. When I see them, I call the Department of Highways and they come and take care of them before certain-children-of-mine-who-shall-remain-nameless scream and either cause little old ladies to fall flat on their faces, or refuse to wear their shoes ever again because they accidentally brushed up against a dead bird.

But here's my question: what does the Highway Department do with all our flattened friends? Do they get turned into itty-bitty squirrel fur gloves? Do the bigger items end up on someone's menu? And if they just dump them, you think they end up in the compost bin at one of our local farms, so that they fertilize the fresh, local produce that we all love to pick?

Just some food for thought. Or not.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Need Some Opinions

So, let's say that just as a hobby, someone was to hypothetically start reviewing the occasional CD for an as yet non-existent Jewish Music blog (and get some free CDs in the process).

Hypothetically, they'd need a pen name. I'm thinking something that doesn't divulge the fact that they are (hypothetically)female.

Any suggestions?

Monday, January 5, 2009

Delicious Little Girl...

Think I can smuggle her home in my carry-on bag?

Saturday, January 3, 2009

This Is The Life

Sure, I'm here to help. I take the baby when she's crying, but I give her back whenever I want. And I am an angel for having taken her in the first place.

I run out to the makolet if we're running low on something. And I am such a huge help.

Yes, I'm cooking meals, but everyone is sooo appreciative.

In short, I'm living a guy's life. I could definitely get used to this.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Truly Humbling Experience

A trip to the makolet. How hard could it be?

Apparently, very. Surprisingly enough, most of the product labels were written in Hebrew. I guess they're entitled, but it didn't make my life any easier. Try to find the right section in the teeny, tiny store. Locate the right item. Or try to. Not always as easy as it sounds. And I thought I spoke a pretty decent Hebrew! Next, try to figure out how much it costs. How much is 16.90 shekel divided by 3.73?

And then there was a trip to the freezer case to find chicken wings. How do you say wings in Hebrew? And I couldn't help but wonder what kind of scary things might be lurking in that freezer? And if the nekudos in Hebrew are the vowels, can't they put them on the packages so that I can actually figure out what I'm looking at?

All in all, the trip to the makolet took a very long time. And 3 phone calls home to make sure I was getting the right thing. Let's just say I'm going to really enjoy my next trip to Shop Rite!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

When the Cat's Away...

So, I'm off in a few hours and leaving a guy in charge. Should be entertaining.

They spent the morning menu planning. Here's what my dearly beloved thinks he's cooking for supper every night:

Sunday: Shnitzel, with assorted sauces for dipping. Salad. Unidentified starch. Maybe fries?
Monday: Grilled Chicken, Salad, Mushroom Tart. (Mushroom Tart is leftover from Shabbos. I made that one.)
Tuesday: Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes with Peas and Onions. (There is a vegetable here, too, but they needed the menu so they could go shopping.
Wednesday: Tuna Loaf, Pasta Primavera, and some other vegetable.

Of course, all meals will start off with soup (my contribution, I left a freezer full) and will end with dessert. With plenty of burping in between.

Think they're gonna miss me? I doubt it!!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

World's Largest Salami Menorah

What, there are small salami menorahs as well?

This comes from the kosher deli in West Palm Beach, Florida. No doubt they did a wonderful job making people more aware of Chanukah. Because I'm sure you're wondering, no they didn't eat the menorah afterwards. Something about the salami being outside all day. Does the pirsumei nisa aspect outweigh the baal tashchis?

Note to self: avoid all salami at parent's house for the next two years.

Tick Tock: Part II

How does an impatient person deal with having to wait?

How does someone who tries to do everything immediately deal with knowing that her baby is 6000 miles away and she can't feel how warm and soft it is? How yummy it smells?

Looks like I'm just gonna have to deal with it.

Should be easy. Being a grandmother is way more fun that being a mother!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tick Tock. Tick Tock.

How does an obsessive compulsive deal with uncertainty?

How does someone who alphabetizes their spices (ok, I don't do that anymore) deal with not knowing when a particular event will occur or how they're going to deal with it?

Maybe I should view this as a chance to become more normal.

Or maybe I should just have someone hit me over the head with a hammer and wake me up in two weeks and let me know how it all turned out.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Will The Real Aunt Rant Please Stand Up?

Came across this by accident today: auntrant.blogspot.com.

Sounds a lot like me.

Am I the imposter or is she?

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Hey, Taxi!!!

They're talking about a "Fat Tax" in New York. Tax items that are fattening and unhealthy. If you want to eat junk food or have a Coke, you're gonna have to pay extra. I think it's a great idea. But they didn't take it far enough. There are so many other possibilities. Imagine this:

Ugly Tax: Tax cosmetics and other personal care items. If you're not attractive the way G-d made you, it's gonna cost you.

Idiot Tax: Tax Cliff's Notes, Barron's Review Books and all SAT Review Courses. You ought to be smart enough on your own. If not, pay up!

Tall Tax: Clothing for tall people ought to cost more. More fabric, more labor. Why do short people have to subsidize clothing for six footers?

Cutesy Tax: Hello Kitty. Lisa Frank. Smurfs. Need I say more?

People Who Eat In My Car Tax: It's my car, not your kitchen. Keep your crumbs out!

So many more, but so little time...


Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Sorry!!!

Too late to post anything tonight, but I have tomorrow's post half written in my head.

How about you guys rant about whatever is on your mind for a change?

Monday, December 15, 2008

Weddings: Warning I May Get a Little Sappy

We all go to weddings all the time.

But every now and then, you get to go to a really special wedding. Where the time just flies by and suddenly you realize that you forgot to eat.

That's what it's like when it's one of yours who gets married.

But when it's two of yours who marry each other?

Wow, can't wait!

Somebody bring the tissues?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Family That Sticks Together

I am such a good aunt.

I love my nieces and nephews. When they're happy, I'm happy. (Ok, maybe not as happy as they are on Purim, but that's another story.) And when they are in pain, I am in pain.

When my poor nephew will be forced to show up at a wedding in Crocs, as a good aunt, I feel it is my duty to show support and wear my Crocs, too. It will be difficult, but we wouldn't want him to feel bad, now would we?

So, all my loyal readers, let's all band together and wear our Crocs. Let us get all our friends and relatives to wear their Crocs, too. It is our sacred duty.

(And Aliza, you are family. Come crash! Just wear your Crocs.)

My Mind is a Complete Blank

I cannot tell a lie: I didn't write this.


The European Commission has just announced an agreement whereby English will be the official language of the EU rather than German which was the other possibility. As part of the negotiations, Her Majesty’s Government conceded that English spelling had some room for improvement and has accepted a five-year phase-in plan that would be known as “Euro-English”.


In the first year, “s” will replace the soft “c”. Sertainly, this will make the sivil servants jump with joy. The hard “c” will be dropped in favour of the “k”. This should klear up konfusion and keyboards kan have one less letter.


There will be growing publik enthusiasm in the sekond year, when the troublesome “ph” will be replaced with the letter ”f”. This will make words like “fotograf” 20% shorter.


In the third year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be ekspekted to reach the stage where more komplikated changes are possible. Governments will enkorage the removal of double letters, which have always ben a deterent to akurate speling. Also, al wil agre that the horible mes of the silent “e”s in the language is disgraseful and they should go away.


By the fourth year, peopl wil be reseptiv to steps such as replasing “th” with “z” and “w” with “v”. During ze fifz yer, ze unesesary “o” kan be dropd from vords kontaining “ou” and similar changes vud of kors be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.


After zis fifz yer, ve vil hav a reli sensibl riten styl. Zer vil be no mor trubl or difikultis and evrivun vil find it ezi to understand ech ozer. Ze drem vil finali kum tru! And zen ve vil tak over ze vorld!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Milton Bradley, Where Are You?

Spent some quality time at Toys R Us today. Boy, have things changed in the last 10 years.

I was hoping to get a board game. Shockingly enough, board games now take up only one and a half short aisles. That's it. And a good part of the games are variants of themselves: Sponge Bob Monopoly, Pink Boutique Monopoly, Harry Potter Monopoly. The selection was pitiful. What ever happened to Mille Bornes? Go To The Head of the Class?

So I headed over to the books. Surely they must have some decent books that would be appropriate for an 8 year old. Well, they do. As long as you like books that tie in with Cable TV. No Magic Tree House. No Boxcar Children. Lots of Hannah Montana. iCarly. Almost no books that didn't have major merchandising attached to it.

Don't think I'm going back there any time soon.

At least not until I get another $3.00 gift card from them.

Milestones

For the first time in almost 21 years there are no car seats or booster seats in my car.

I can't decide if that makes me happy or unhappy.

Also makes me wonder about what things were like when I was little. No car seat means that two year olds were roaming around freely in the backseat of your car. Who knows what your kids could be doing to each other while you need to keep your eyes on the road. Makes me wonder how I ever made it this far and why my brother and sister didn't just open the car door and toss me out of the car.

Guess I'm lucky to be here!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Green and Fuzzy 2

How do you tell when pesto's gone bad?

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

What's Green and Fuzzy?

On the list of things I've always wondered about: How do you know when yogurt's gone bad?

And the answer is, you just do.

Perhaps the little bit of green fuzzy stuff at the top should have given me a hint. I know. Should have just tossed it then. But it was only a week past the expiration date.

But really, it's not my fault.

Because it was Cholov Yisroel yogurt. Regular yogurt would have been fine a week past the expiration date. But with Cholov Yisroel, expiration dates are arbitrary. Like they just threw a dart at a dartboard and picked a date. Saw some CY chocolate milk this past weekend on November 27th. The milk was dated December 19th.

Think I'm sticking to Shop Rite milk for now.




Monday, December 1, 2008

Call me crazy, but I just don't get it.

Teenage girls are NOTHING like teenage boys.

Yeah, I know, you're all rolling your eyes and laughing at me. It's okay, I'm used to it.

I had the opportunity to spend Shabbos with an inordinate number of teenage boys. They were fascinating, albeit a little scary. All different sizes, shapes and colors. I checked out their ties, their belts, their hairstyles. Even spoke to a few of them. They were all quite interesting.

But then they all turned insane. Motzei Shabbos and they decide to spend their evening jumping over chairs. First 3 groups of 2 chairs. Then 4 groups. Then only two sets of chairs, but spread further apart, with plastic tablecloths tied between them. Sure, there were mattresses on the floor for the sake of those who didn't quite make it. Lots of them didn't. One or two looked like they got hurt, but they all just got up and walked it off. One question kept going through my mind.

Why? Why on earth would ostensibly normal people do this?