WEDNESDAY, NOV 27, 2002 - View from my front door this morning
SUNDAY, NOV 24, 2002 - WHATEVER!!
Until recently I'd been getting my hair cut by Sarah. For three years, and as many apartments, she cut my hair even though each time I moved it became just a little bit more of a hassle. I continued to do it because it was difficult to find a person that knew how to cut Asian hair. One false snip and you looked like a FOB.
Over time we developed a friendship that lasted even after she moved out of the industry. I continued to schedule appointments. Sometimes she cut my hair in her kitchen, or sometimes she came to my place.
As her life got more hectic it became difficult to book appointments at all which were convenient. Understandably she needed a few days notice. But I needed the flexibility to book on short notice if I decided to run errands or something. Men don't consider haircuts a destination or an event. After a while I started going back to her old salon.
Back in late August I got an email from her telling me that she was getting divorced. I always meant to call her and talk to her about it. This happened or that happened and I never got around to it. I tried to call her recently, but she must have gotten a new cell phone number. So last Friday I sent her an email to wish her a happy birthday and an invitation to call me.
I got a one word response: "WHATEVER!!"
I wasn't sure how to feel about this. I don't offer my hand in friendship readily. That being the case, any friendship worth having is worth salvaging. I thought quietly about how to resolve this for some time last night.
Ultimately I decided to do nothing. Friendship takes two people and if one is not willing, the relationship is over. And really, what would it be resolved to?
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TUESDAY, NOV 19, 2002 - List of three movies by increasing levels of misanthropy.
3. Office Space
Later squares... I'm going off to buy Glengarry with the cool kids.
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MONDAY, NOV 18, 2002 - Fidel's Friend Ernesto
I've only read one short story by Hemingway, Hills Like White Elephants, and I remember it being quite good. I've always known that he led an adventurous and cavalier life but on further examination, it was even more so than I thought. From the time he graduated high school in 1917 until his death in 1961, Hemingway had lived quite a swashbuckling life seeking out dangerous assignments and, unwittingly, the torrid affairs that occurred around them.
Listen to a brief story on All Things Considered about the thousands of documents recently made public in Cuba where Ernesto lived for nearly the last third of his life. (Real Audio, 5:40)
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FRIDAY, NOV 15, 2002 - Right Wing Extremists and Zealots Beware
I heard something interesting on the National Geographic Special, Skin, a sixty minute documentary discussing the biological, cultural, and social ramifications of what Alex Chadwick said "keeps your insides in." Anthropologist Nina Jablonski said that there is no such thing as race. Skin pigmentation, along with other anatomical features (I'm inferring here), was merely a biological adaptation, directly correlated to a people's location on the planet, and thus, distance from the sun. As soon as she said those words, it was as clear to me as the statement "water is wet."
In one sentence this theory seems to debunk a multitude of ideologies. That is unless you're a creationist, in which case the earth is as flat as your head.
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THURSDAY, NOV 7, 2002 - This One Time... In Montreal
Yet another fine trip to Montreal last weekend. If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I go up there several times a year. Though nearly equidistant to NYC, I usually opt to head northward instead. Let's talk social and economic value. The exchange rate is about seventy-one cents on the US dollar, the people are naturally warm, and the night life is vibrant. Barring the one instance of "Kill EngliSHIT" grafitti I saw, I haven't encountered any anti-Anglo hostility anywhere in five years of visiting. As long as you avoid the "why they hate us" pitfalls, mobs of angry Canadians will not throw you into a sound-proof room where Celine Dion belts out sustained note after ear-piercing sustained note muffling your screams for mercy.
Oh, and would it kill you to speak a little French? At least say "merci beaucoup" after each transaction. Your drop-dead gorgeous waitress will pat you on the head and say "you're welcome, little boy" and maybe give you a little cleavage shot. Well, everything but the last part. That part's just for me and I'll guard it jealously.
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A couple adventurous souls have heard the call to action. You may be reading their submissions very soon. Email me if you want to get involved.
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WEDNESDAY, NOV 6, 2002 - Weekend Review
Since I had business in Montréal early this week, Jen and I spent the prior weekend taking in the sights of one of our favorite cities.
IKEA Cafe, Côte de Liesse - Before hitting the road, the big blue and yellow box was able to beckon us inside. Walking aisles and aisles of strategically priced house stuff sure makes you hungry. Try the poached salmon with steamed brocolli and califlower. Not your normal cafeteria fare.
Farfalla, Pointe Claire - This restaurant was located on the West Island in the heart of the English speaking population. Though the location was unfortunately located in a suburban strip mall, the food was worth the trip, and some of the best Italian food I've ever had. The owner was bold enough "take care" of the appetizers which turned out to be a welcomed surprise. People who know how to use balsamic vinegar should be celebrated as heroes.
Biddle's, McGill Metro Station - Even on a Sunday night this famed jazz club was hoppin' and boppin', which was exactly the reason for our visit. Competent service still got a 20% tip for extreme politeness and also for not spilling hot ribs in my lap despite dodging dancing patrons. Remember, people were there for the jazz.
When we were about to leave, the server noticed that the streets were barren and cold, so she called us a cab. Try getting that kind of service in Boston after you've already left a tip.
Marché Mövenpick - This is an interesting concept for a mall food court. A bit confusing at first, but each patron is assigned a ticket which is stamped by the food proveyor of your choice sprinkled throughout the dining area. Choices range from sushi to pasta with two sausages. If you loathe malls like I do, you'll find it to be a nice departure from the normal food court fair.
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Eggspectation, Vieux Montréal -
Located in Old Montreal, if it's busy take a walk around and take in the sites.
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Modavie, Vieux Montréal -
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Le Saint Sulpice, Vieux Montréal -
