Harlem Holiday Cheer

HARLEM HOLIDAY CHEER

We had our annual holiday party last weekend. So much fun! I think we counted somewhere in the 30+ range of guests, which is quite a bit smaller than last year, but the result was a more manageable group! LoL We understand people have many commitments on a Saturday night in December, but it was the only date we could plan a get-together.

I am going to 'bug" Sarah to upload and send me her pics of the evening so I could post a few. Check back soon......

(not so) HAPPY HOUR

Maria has had Friday, December 12th on her calendar for like a month.  Finally going to hang out with Debbie, Lou, and Toni - always an eventful evening when this crew gets together!  The crap these guys get into is just amazing, the stories can not be believed, inside jokes abound, and poor Debbie deals with GRINGA references all night long! 

Unfortunately, Maria had to beg off this time.  She worried us both after going to sleep on Tuesday night, and then being up from 3am-7:30am with contractions, pain, and other symptoms.  We decided to contact the doctor on call around 6:30am, and if you know Maria - it had to be bad for her to agree to that.  She went in to the office in the morning to make sure the baby's heartbeat was normal and she wasn't dilated, and luckily all was well.  Turns out her body reacted to an impending stomach virus.  She was in bed and out-for-the-count for DAYS and DAYS.  

Maria also missed 'Red Hot Holiday Stomp' at Lincoln Center last Thursday night.  We had plans to go with Van and Sarah for weeks, and Lori was left with finding a "date" only a few hours before the show!

So, apparently this Happy Hour went from a 5:30 meeting time for a respectable dinner and drinks, to out causing havoc and bedlam until 1:30am.  And Maria missed it!  Damn it!  Next time.  And poor Lori is going to have to stay home with Cooper while Maria is out buying the first round and making up for lost time! :-) 

Prop 8 - The Musical

H Y S T E R I C A L ! ! !

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

THE CAST (in order of appearance)
California Gays: Jordan Ballard, Margaret Cho, Barrett Foa, J.B. Ghuman, John Hill, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph
The People That Love Them: Rashad Naylor, Nicole Parker
Prop 8 Leader: John C. Reilly
Prop 8 Leader's #1 Wife: Allison Janney
Prop 8 Leader's #2 Wife: Kathy Najimy
Riffing Prop 8'er: Jenifer Lewis
Preacher: Craig Robinson
Catholic School Girls : Rashida Jones, Lake Bell, Sarah Chalke
The Frightened Villagers: Katharine "Kooks" Leonard, Seth Morris, Denise "Esi!" Piane, Lucian Piane, Richard Read, Seth Redford
Jesus Christ: Jack Black
A Very Smart Fellow: Neil Patrick Harris
Piano Player: Marc Shaiman

Please check out JoinTheImpact.com for more information.  An amazing grassroots group started up by a handful of students.  This organization is responsible for the protests, rallies, and most on-the-ground organizing that is so needed to continue the momentum.  

3D/4D Sonogram Pictures

Well, last Wednesday we went to get 3D/4D sonogram pictures..... But this kid was not willing to work with us at all! He had his hand in his face like he was shielding himself from paparazzi, and then rolled over and had nothing else to do with us! Maria tried her damn'est to get him going by eating something, walking around, and even jumping up and down. Nothing.  Nada. Oh well. Rescheduled for Monday afternoon. And luckily he was WAY more cooperative then.  Do you think it helped that Maria had a piece of pizza and a coffee before our appointment?  We had to do something!  We decided on a package that included many black & white and color pictures, a CD with almost 100 images, and also a DVD of the whole 25 minute sonogram. The best part? Lori's parents came into the room as well, and were able to experience the whole event. The process is simply fascinating, and we are thrilled they were with us! Maria has been a tad nervous (or even paranoid) since everyone continues to tell her she is carrying as if she is having a girl..... And even when we say it is a boy, most are not convinced. Thank god for this confirmation: 31 weeks! Time is going by very quickly! Another doctor appointment today, and the measurements, heartbeat, and everything else continues to be in normal range. Maria has now hit the 170 lb mark, and is handling it. Handling it very well. :-)

Baby Shower #2

It was back to Jersey for us on Sunday! 

Maria's mother planned a baby shower for us both while Lori's mom was in town, so about 30 members of the family gathered at the house that afternoon. Lunch was great - tea sandwiches (Maria's fav), pasta salad, a very popular romaine salad (which is similar to Lori's famous cole slaw), and fruit salad.
Everyone was just so generous, and we spent a great deal of time opening all the gifts.

Us and moms.
Maria and her grandmothers.
G I A N T S ! ! !

Thanksgiving(s)

Pre-Thanksgiving:
Went down to the Jersey Shore on Wednesday night, and en route got caught up on the news that Maria's cousin, Jessica Easton, was chosen to be on the homecoming court for Manasquan High School. How great! Decided to bag the parade through town, but met up with everyone at Ellen/Donny's for some post-parade libations. Jessica looked great, and did a fab job representing the freshman class. Congrats Jess!
Thanksgiving - Part I:
This year's dinner was at Karen/Randy's house, and we were so looking forward to the whole meal! Remember, this time last year we were enjoying dinner on the deck of our ship while touring the Galapagos Islands. The Ecuadorians did try to give us Americans as traditional a holiday meal as possible, and while all the food was amazing - it honestly wasn't even close!

Maria's grandfather couldn't get the salad served up fast enough.
Alex and Mark wore Native American costumes they made in school.
Todd and Christina picking over leftovers.
Thanksgiving - Part II:
We drove back home to NYC on Thanksgiving Night to meet up with Lori's parents who were coming to visit us for about a week. So great to see them! Lori and her mom worked all day on Friday to make an amazing belated Thanksgiving meal for us all. The menu consisted of turkey, homemade stuffing, roasted vegetables, potatoes, relish tray, and the most amazing gravy.  And we have enough left over to keep us fed and happy for weeks! Maria's contribution?  She took pictures of the whole process. (now she needs to upload them so we can post a few on the blog)

Maria's Baby Shower

So! This was the graphic that accompanied the invitation for the baby shower this past Saturday. Pretty much sums up the scene, huh?

About 50 of Maria's friends came to celebrate with us. The festivities started up at 7pm, and most everyone cleared out by 1am or so. Wine flowed. Lots of food. And we don't think we sat down the entire night! It was really exactly what Maria envisioned - hanging out with her friends, a good time, and a shower where she was not the center of gift-opening attention! Will add pictures as soon as we get some forwarded to us.

Also, this afternoon we have the 3D sonogram appointment, so will hopefully have some cool images to upload as soon as we get in front of a scanner. Plan for the next couple of days? Head to Maria's family in Jersey, spoil Alex and Mark, eat and eat (and eat), drive back for Lori's parents, our home-cooked belated T'giving, buy a car (?), and then back down to Jersey for a family baby shower on Sunday. No rest for the weary....

Random News

Been a busy week, so wanted to get some highlights out there:

MONDAY
We went to the 2008 Callen-Lorde's "Community Health Awards' at ESPACE honoring Dr. Stacey Silvers for all her time, effort, and support she has shown to the community over the years. So many family and friends attended to cheer Stacey on and to share in the evening. Congrats Stace!

TUESDAY
Broadway! Had tickets for 'Billy Elliot' at the Imperial Theater, and we absolutely loved it. Definitely feel it is on course to win 'Best Musical' at the Tony Awards this year. Hard to single out any specific performance since no one in this talented cast truly shined brighter than any one else! Afterwards we went to dinner at Etcetera Etcetera, and it was great catching up with Jeff, Chris, John, and others. We recommend seeing this production! Get tickets while you can.

WEDNESDAY
Maria had a doctor appointment yesterday, and all is well. Let's see.... We are now at 29 weeks, she has gained 18 lbs thus far, and baby's heart rate (137 BPM) is within normal range. Since Maria is now in the third trimester, she will see the doctor every two weeks instead of monthly. We are going to be touring the birthing center at St. Luke's - Roosevelt Hospital next week, and we have to get on the ball and make an appointment for 3D/4D ultrasound imaging soon.

THURSDAY
Today is an organizing day. Furniture for the second bedroom came yesterday, and we spent hours (and hours) getting things set up and put into place. The only thing left to purchase is a crib - and we will get to that soon! The room is newly painted, and we just have to figure out what is going on the walls at some point. We do have a poster from Cheley Camp that we have to get framed.... Why wait to introduce our child to the greatest summer camp in the world, right?

THE REST OF THE WEEK
Having a big group (close to 50) of Maria's friends at the apartment on Saturday night, so the rest of the week will be spent preparing for the party. Lots of food ordered. We have all the wine. So we really only have to go through the checklist and see if we need to make any last-minute purchases. Oh, and Sunday will NOT be a "day of rest" for us at all - since we have two parties that day! When is our next vacation??? We will add pictures of the baby's room and the party to the blog as soon as we get a second to do so!

Nationwide Protest

We had an amazing day today.

We were two out of over 8,000 participants at a rally near City Hall, and it was flawlessly orchestrated by the amazing group Join The Impact. This group organized nationwide protests against the anti-gay propositions that were passed on Election Day. These were Prop 8 (California), Prop 102 (Arizona), and Prop 2 (Florida). While these Props all banned gay marriage, another passage happened in Arkansas that prevents unmarried couples from adopting children, and supporters have made it clear that this was aimed towards gay couples. These rallies happened simultaneously today, November 15th, in each and every state at 1:30pm EST.

This is a short video to see the masses of people that came out in spite of the threat of rain:


Notable political speakers included Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Congressman Anthony Weiner, and Councilwoman Rosie Mendez. Other celebs included Daniela Seas (LWord), Heather Matarazzo (Welcome to the Dollhouse), Kim Stoltz (America's Top Model), and a former Miss America.

Some pics:







And there is Maria again..... Volunteering her time and interpreting the event.

Keith Olbermann

The website: Countdown with Keith Olbermann

Last year, Rolling Stone printed an article about Olbermann entitled The Most Honest Man In News.

Have whatever opinion you want of the man.... You can not argue against his clear and concise reasoning regarding Prop 8 in California.

Election Night Watch Party

New York City HRC hosted an 'Election Night Watch Party' on Tuesday night. Lori was the host/emcee along with her dinner co-chair, Bryan Parsons, for the evening. The event was held at THERAPY in midtown, and the drinks flowed freely as we all watched the returns come in on CNN. The crowd went wild when Obama took each of the swing states and OF COURSE when he won the election.


Check out some pics of the evening:

And we were very happy that Michael ventured out of his Upper Eastside abode (although sans Christina) to come share in such a historic moment with us. You're the best Mikey!

November 4, 2008 - HISTORIC

HISTORY.



To access Barack Obama's acceptance speech,
Watch the video below or click here for a transcript.


Ann Nixon Cooper, the woman Barack Obama referred to in his acceptance speech, talks about this historic occasion.


The students of Ron Clark Academy respond to yesterday's election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. The emotion of the little boy at the end of the clip is incredibly moving.

Vote

Please

Please please please.....

Vote tomorrow.

Don't allow your busy schedule to keep you from being part of this historic day. This is HISTORY folks. Be a part of it, and please encourage others to do so as well.

Have you seen the article about McCain in Rolling Stone? Scary.
Check it out: Make-Believe Maverick

Found this, and feel it is definitely worthy of posting:

STAY. IN. THE. LINE.

Now is the time to show up and do something for your family.
Do not leave that line on November 4th.

It is possible that the line will be long.
It may take you two, three, four, five, six, seven hours to vote.
Stay. In. The. Line.

It is possible that people will come to harass you.
Stay. In. The. Line.

Do not give in to fear.
Do not give up on your and your family's dream for a better day.
Stay. In. The. Line.

Remember to bring water, snacks, and something to read.
Stay. In. The. Line.

Do not leave without voting.
Minimally, get a provisional ballot and make sure that you vote.
Stay. In. The. Line.

Show up on Tuesday.
Stay. In. The. Line.


A Tale Of Two Tax Plans
All of McCain's constant bullshit about raising taxes under Obama, and the whole 'Joe The Plumber' fiasco is just embarrassing. Can you imagine what people across the globe are thinking of his tactics???
So, as a recap, let us look at the two tax plans:


Thought this was very funny:

VOTE TOMORRROW.

PLEASE.

FIVE MORE DAYS

Please. You truly HAVE to check this site out: Palin As President
Scroll over items in the room, click where you are able, and LOTS of things behind the door.


VIDEOS
* Have you seen this? We want to kiss this Republican: Colin Powell
* Very short clip from the Daily Show of the two idiots: Mavericks

This next cartoon depicts exactly why Maria said NO when she was asked to interpret the Republican National Convention years ago. Can you imagine her up there on the stage next to Bush??? LoL Don't know if she could have ever gotten through any of it.

Pictures Of Us

Gotten some feedback/comments regarding the lack of pictures of the two of us on this blog. Well, here are a couple to appease for a bit:


Memories! Maria getting into trouble with Debbie, Lou, and Toni.
Jumping hemispheres at the Equator.

Lost At Oktoberfest

At this year's Oktoberfest in Munich, beer consumption declined by 300,000 liters to 6.6 million, due to unseasonably cold and rainy weather.  The decline in alcohol intake didn't help festival-goers keep track of their belongings.

Clean-up crews found:

* 680 identity cards and passports
* 410 wallets
* 360 keys
* 265 pairs of eyeglasses
* 280 mobile phones
* 80 cameras
* 1 set of diving goggles
* 1 set of angel's wings
* 1 superman costume
* 4 wedding rings

Elaine! They found your angel's wings! Sorry Georgie, seems your black Nike jacket is still out there somewhere.....

Lori Goes To LA.... And All I Got Was An MTV Tshirt

After many many months, and one VERY LONG week of set up, the new AC/DC Rock Band Store has been opened. The pop-up store is located at Hollywood and Highland Center, and will be open through the first of the year. It is built around the launch of AC/DC's new studio album, Black Ice, along with a full array of their music and merchandise. Rock Band fans can practice jamming on one of three demo units, purchase the new Rock Band 2 game, product accessories, as well as other paraphernalia . And to complete the store, there is a wide range of MTV tshirts to chose from. There has been a lot of publicity about the store since at this point you can only purchase the Black Ice album at Walmart or one of the two MTV stores - Los Angeles or New York. Lori was even interviewed about this retail endeavor, and it was aired on MTV News all this week....... Lori's Moment Of Fame Check it out! She is quite the natural in front of the camera, eh? Store is 4,500 sq feet, and will be open through January 4th. If you're in the 'hood - please stop by! (and buy lots of stuff)