Dumpster
November 2, 2003
I finished dinner. Had nothing special or unusual, a pinwheel steak. Something I probably eat three times a week. I began washing dishes and then immediately raced out to the dumpster to throw out the garbage. Most people can wait until the next morning. But not me.
I have an obsession with it. Every morning when I wake up, I take the hangar that held my dress shirt to the Dumpster. Its not like I need to save it. The shirt will be on a new one when I pick it up from the cleaners. More things for me to bring to the dumpster.
I really don’t understand why I am so into going to the Dumpster. Makes no sense to me. Some people keep a bag or garbage can for recyclables and wait till it fills to bring it to the dumpster. Not me. I take the stuff out instantly. There is no waiting.
I do know it runs in the family. My grandfather, an 83 year old man who calls himself Joe Nelson, not his real name. Why he uses this moniker, no one really knows. We can’t say its old age-he’s been doing this for way too many years. Anyway, Joe Nelson spends a great deal of his time at the incinerator in his Sheepshead Bay apartment building.
In his household, the second dinner is complete, grandma scrubs the dishes and gives Joe the orders to take out the garbage. Within minutes the kitchen is immaculate, despite the lack of counter space. But most important, the garbage is out of the apartment.
Where he lives, it’s a nightly ritual for him to go straight to the incinerator. At one point in his building, the lobby floor had a special room for recyclables. It contained a dumpster. Regular trash could also be dumped at that location. He spends quite a bit of time in that room too. He writes notes on the door of the incinerator telling residents to be careful when they dump their trash. Every building has one of those.
I lived for a short time in Queens. Just like Joe, I spent quite a bit of time going to the incinerator and to the basement where there were dumpsters set up for plastics, paper and metals. It was a ritual. Our building also had someone who wrote notes on the door of the incinerator. I do hope I never reach that level. As much as I love the Dumpster and taking out the garbage, I don’t want to be the warden of it. But time will tell.
Often my grandparents come over to mom’s on Sunday afternoons. Mom usually makes burgers and dogs. One time, the second we were finished eating, grandma nudged him with a nod toward the garbage can and said that needs to go out.
“We don’t worship garbage,” mom said.
My sister lives only two buildings away from me and often lets me know when she has things that need to go to the dumpster and I rush over to her apartment. Heaven forbid I miss a chance to go the Dumpster. I am not sure there is a sincere explanation for my love of the Dumpster.
So, what is it about taking out the garbage? I just don’t know.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Buying Stamps
Buying Stamps at the Post Office
January 17, 2012
This afternoon, I wandered into the Rock Center Post Office to buy stamps. Yeah, I know who actually still buys stamps? I do. I hear next week postage goes up. What else is new? In the pre-forever stamps days, I once waited on line at the New Paltz USPS to buy one .01 stamp and went back numerous times. I was not going to load up my envelopes with any more postage than required. My mom still makes fun of me.
Today, I was mailing a letter to friend from scouuuuut camp. I know I spelled scout wrong. But we often addressed each other that way.
Anyway, I waltzed up to the stamp machine. I needed like two or three stamps. I bought a .44 stamp and the machine said, “You must buy at least three or an 18 sheet of stamps”. Last week, I went through the same process and bought three stamps. ‘Ya see it said three stamps or an eighteen sheet of holiday baubles. The last thing I wanted. The holiday season is long over and I knew they’d be Christmas stamps.
Now I have nothing against Christmas. I send Christmas cards and buy gifts for family members and friends that celebrate. I just wanted plain old stamps. This week the machine just said, stamps. I clicked on that. Out came an eighteen sheet of stamps with ornaments on them. I immediately went to a postal employee and explained the situation. All I wanted were traditional stamps.
She did not go postal. But understood. She asked if I wanted Chanukah stamps. I said ok. But you know what I really wanted. I filled out a form and was brought up to a postal clerk and we made the exchange. I got my traditional stamps. I affixed them on some birthday cards that will go out in a few days.
Bottom line, I just don’t feel it is appropriate to mail things to business contacts with decorative stamps. And, I certainly do not want to mail my Hasidic and Modern Orthodox friend’s birthday cards with Christmas ornaments. I like that they have a variety of stamps to make people happy. I just wish they’d remember to offer that variety.
I’m off to the mailbox. Oh and readers, after dropping your letter in, please do not forget to wave goodbye to it. Check out an old Flintstones episode for more details on why.
January 17, 2012
This afternoon, I wandered into the Rock Center Post Office to buy stamps. Yeah, I know who actually still buys stamps? I do. I hear next week postage goes up. What else is new? In the pre-forever stamps days, I once waited on line at the New Paltz USPS to buy one .01 stamp and went back numerous times. I was not going to load up my envelopes with any more postage than required. My mom still makes fun of me.
Today, I was mailing a letter to friend from scouuuuut camp. I know I spelled scout wrong. But we often addressed each other that way.
Anyway, I waltzed up to the stamp machine. I needed like two or three stamps. I bought a .44 stamp and the machine said, “You must buy at least three or an 18 sheet of stamps”. Last week, I went through the same process and bought three stamps. ‘Ya see it said three stamps or an eighteen sheet of holiday baubles. The last thing I wanted. The holiday season is long over and I knew they’d be Christmas stamps.
Now I have nothing against Christmas. I send Christmas cards and buy gifts for family members and friends that celebrate. I just wanted plain old stamps. This week the machine just said, stamps. I clicked on that. Out came an eighteen sheet of stamps with ornaments on them. I immediately went to a postal employee and explained the situation. All I wanted were traditional stamps.
She did not go postal. But understood. She asked if I wanted Chanukah stamps. I said ok. But you know what I really wanted. I filled out a form and was brought up to a postal clerk and we made the exchange. I got my traditional stamps. I affixed them on some birthday cards that will go out in a few days.
Bottom line, I just don’t feel it is appropriate to mail things to business contacts with decorative stamps. And, I certainly do not want to mail my Hasidic and Modern Orthodox friend’s birthday cards with Christmas ornaments. I like that they have a variety of stamps to make people happy. I just wish they’d remember to offer that variety.
I’m off to the mailbox. Oh and readers, after dropping your letter in, please do not forget to wave goodbye to it. Check out an old Flintstones episode for more details on why.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Alhaquot's Blog: Damn That Cookout
Alhaquot's Blog: Damn That Cookout: Damn that Cookout January 16, 2012 Back in the day, when were in summer camp, we would have a Dam Cookout. It quickly became the “Damn Tha...
Damn That Cookout
Damn that Cookout
January 16, 2012
Back in the day, when were in summer camp, we would have a Dam Cookout. It quickly became the “Damn That Cookout”.
We would row out to Rock Lake’s dam. It was all the way at the end. It was far from the Kunatah docks. That was the site where many of leapt off of to go swimming every afternoon.
I went back two summers ago and realized it wasn’t really that far. But to us teens it was like paddling down the Amazon and hoping to reach a stopping point. Of course, I’ve never paddled down the Amazon. The only Amazon I’ve visited is amazon.com.
Let us get back to my dam. The staff, which included me, would pack up the burgers, dogs and other stuff for our BBQ. Someone would drive our stuff down to the famous dam. The rest of us would hop into our rowboats. I loved rowing on Rock Lake. Canoeing and kayaking was fun, too. I would even carry trunks. Not on the lake. But that’s a discussion for another time…
We would try and race each other to see who could get there first. We would dock and hang out. I being the camp cook would select a few of my favorites…. They helped me light the fire and grill the dogs and burgers. The food came from the ever-delicious Kunatah Dining Hall. So they were kosher. Not sure once us heathens touched them they remained that way. But all we did was toss them on our grills. So who knows?
The rest of the campers would spend the day swimminK (note the “K”, some of the astute camp leaders allege I changed the ings to inKs. I don’t believe it) at the dam. Eventually, they got out of the lake to dine. I got my swim time, too. So don’t worry that I slaved over the grill all day.
After we finished our meal, we may have swam a little more. Then we got ready to row back to the docks.
But before heading on that long voyage home, we would clean up. As good scouts, we’d police the area quite well. We would load our garbage into the Whomobile or the Truckster. It was taken back to the Hill.
Those scouuuuts who failed to earn merit badges were placed on a “special” list. They would be charged with cleaning up the cookware.
At the ’84 Dam cookout one of our leaders missed getting into a boat and broke his foot. Boy did that create an interesting rest of summer. This of course is why the famous dam cookout became the Damn That Cookout. From that point on when we created the camp’s weekly program, we’d write in Damn That Cookout. Thankfully, no one got hurt at future Damn That Cookouts.
January 16, 2012
Back in the day, when were in summer camp, we would have a Dam Cookout. It quickly became the “Damn That Cookout”.
We would row out to Rock Lake’s dam. It was all the way at the end. It was far from the Kunatah docks. That was the site where many of leapt off of to go swimming every afternoon.
I went back two summers ago and realized it wasn’t really that far. But to us teens it was like paddling down the Amazon and hoping to reach a stopping point. Of course, I’ve never paddled down the Amazon. The only Amazon I’ve visited is amazon.com.
Let us get back to my dam. The staff, which included me, would pack up the burgers, dogs and other stuff for our BBQ. Someone would drive our stuff down to the famous dam. The rest of us would hop into our rowboats. I loved rowing on Rock Lake. Canoeing and kayaking was fun, too. I would even carry trunks. Not on the lake. But that’s a discussion for another time…
We would try and race each other to see who could get there first. We would dock and hang out. I being the camp cook would select a few of my favorites…. They helped me light the fire and grill the dogs and burgers. The food came from the ever-delicious Kunatah Dining Hall. So they were kosher. Not sure once us heathens touched them they remained that way. But all we did was toss them on our grills. So who knows?
The rest of the campers would spend the day swimminK (note the “K”, some of the astute camp leaders allege I changed the ings to inKs. I don’t believe it) at the dam. Eventually, they got out of the lake to dine. I got my swim time, too. So don’t worry that I slaved over the grill all day.
After we finished our meal, we may have swam a little more. Then we got ready to row back to the docks.
But before heading on that long voyage home, we would clean up. As good scouts, we’d police the area quite well. We would load our garbage into the Whomobile or the Truckster. It was taken back to the Hill.
Those scouuuuts who failed to earn merit badges were placed on a “special” list. They would be charged with cleaning up the cookware.
At the ’84 Dam cookout one of our leaders missed getting into a boat and broke his foot. Boy did that create an interesting rest of summer. This of course is why the famous dam cookout became the Damn That Cookout. From that point on when we created the camp’s weekly program, we’d write in Damn That Cookout. Thankfully, no one got hurt at future Damn That Cookouts.
Alhaquot's Blog: The Stadium: My thoughts visiting the new one for ...
Alhaquot's Blog: The Stadium: My thoughts visiting the new one for ...: My thoughts on the new Stadium May 2, 2009 At around 10:00 a.m. I hopped on the R to 59th and Lex. I transferred to the 4 and got o...
The Stadium: My thoughts visiting the new one for the first time
My thoughts on the new Stadium
May 2, 2009
At around 10:00 a.m. I hopped on the R to 59th and Lex. I transferred to the 4 and got off at 161st Street. As we approached 161st, people cheered as the subway pulled into the station and looked out the subway car’s window, at the new stadium. It glittered brighter than gold.
I was looking out the other window and saw the House that Ruth Built. My eyes were teary, as I saw an empty field. Dirt was everywhere. There was no grass, no pitcher’s mound, no bases and no batter’s box.
I exited the station and immediately walked to the old stadium. I was far from the only fan doing this. We all put our hands on it and walked around it. Parts of it were boarded up. I shot many pix. I leaned against the wall and davened (prayed). Yeah, I know I broke the rules today. I am not always good. Yes, I was in Shul last night. But today I was standing in front of a different Shul.
I looked at the wall by the now closed Gate 2 and said the Shema. My mind drifted. I imagined what it must have been like when we had the temple. One day, it will be rebuilt. One day the Stadium will meet a wrecking ball. Right now it is the holiest fully standing structure on the planet.
I crossed the street and walked into the new stadium. It is overwhelming. It feels like you’re walking into Disney World or the Mall of America. The place is super clean and loaded with stores, eateries, bars and pictures of the greats, Gehrig, Ruth, Mantle, Jackson, DiMaggio, Berra, Munson and the list goes on. After all, no team has had better players than the Yanks. Cooperstown was built for them. In fact, 70 years ago today was when the greatest player in the history of baseball and well, in the history of sports took himself out of the line up.
I bought my yearbook and program. I walked over to the store and bought some stuff. Yeah, I need to exchange the shorts tomorrow. No big deal. I need a different size.
I wandered toward Monument Park. For some reason it was closed. I got on the line for the museum. It was super long. So I got off and walked around the stadium. It is beautiful. I looked out at the field and saw all the usual ads, Budweiser, Canon, MasterCard, and MetLife. Of course the MetLife ad had a picture of the greatest shortstop of all time, Snoopy in his uniform.
I went to my seat, which was in the Grandstand section. In other words, super nose bleed seats. It is even higher than the nose bleeds in the ghost across the street. The field looks nice. They played all the same music. If only they could find something different to play than Cotton Eye Joe. That song is so tired. The way the Yankees played today, they should have played Everybody Hurts, by R.E.M. or Boys Don’t Cry, by the Cure. I wanted to cry.
The stadium has a nice feel, but something is missing. I guess what’s missing is the classic feel the empty, but in many ways full structure across the street had. The new stadium is beautiful and feels nice. However, it just doesn’t have the feel of the House that Ruth Built, where I saw Hall of Famers, Reggie “Mr. October” Jackson and Rich “Goose” Gossage play and of course future Hall of Famers, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera play. Maybe one day it will have a classic feel. Jeter and Rivera will play for a few more years in the new building. Hopefully, when Torre goes into Cooperstown he goes in as a Yankee. I can’t see him going in for any other team.
I am sure we will produce more Hall of Famers in years to come. But ultimately, my heart will always be with the most historic sports stadium in the history of the world.
I exited the stadium and walked across the street and put my head against the wall of the original Stadium. The two people standing there said, “Do you miss it”? I responded,” Yes, the new stadium is nice, but this is where baseball belongs”. They agreed. I walked to the 4 and went home.
I’m sorry if I bored you. I know I will get some nasty comments. Most likely they will come from Rodney and the Douche. Of course, one of those people was the greatest scoutmaster on the planet and best camp leader ever. Of course, I understand he spends most of his time fetching honey. He did help shape my life in too many ways to count. The other, is one of the coolest people I have ever met. A great guy to talk about sports, music, politics with and well, the world we live in and life in general.
Go Yankees!
May 2, 2009
At around 10:00 a.m. I hopped on the R to 59th and Lex. I transferred to the 4 and got off at 161st Street. As we approached 161st, people cheered as the subway pulled into the station and looked out the subway car’s window, at the new stadium. It glittered brighter than gold.
I was looking out the other window and saw the House that Ruth Built. My eyes were teary, as I saw an empty field. Dirt was everywhere. There was no grass, no pitcher’s mound, no bases and no batter’s box.
I exited the station and immediately walked to the old stadium. I was far from the only fan doing this. We all put our hands on it and walked around it. Parts of it were boarded up. I shot many pix. I leaned against the wall and davened (prayed). Yeah, I know I broke the rules today. I am not always good. Yes, I was in Shul last night. But today I was standing in front of a different Shul.
I looked at the wall by the now closed Gate 2 and said the Shema. My mind drifted. I imagined what it must have been like when we had the temple. One day, it will be rebuilt. One day the Stadium will meet a wrecking ball. Right now it is the holiest fully standing structure on the planet.
I crossed the street and walked into the new stadium. It is overwhelming. It feels like you’re walking into Disney World or the Mall of America. The place is super clean and loaded with stores, eateries, bars and pictures of the greats, Gehrig, Ruth, Mantle, Jackson, DiMaggio, Berra, Munson and the list goes on. After all, no team has had better players than the Yanks. Cooperstown was built for them. In fact, 70 years ago today was when the greatest player in the history of baseball and well, in the history of sports took himself out of the line up.
I bought my yearbook and program. I walked over to the store and bought some stuff. Yeah, I need to exchange the shorts tomorrow. No big deal. I need a different size.
I wandered toward Monument Park. For some reason it was closed. I got on the line for the museum. It was super long. So I got off and walked around the stadium. It is beautiful. I looked out at the field and saw all the usual ads, Budweiser, Canon, MasterCard, and MetLife. Of course the MetLife ad had a picture of the greatest shortstop of all time, Snoopy in his uniform.
I went to my seat, which was in the Grandstand section. In other words, super nose bleed seats. It is even higher than the nose bleeds in the ghost across the street. The field looks nice. They played all the same music. If only they could find something different to play than Cotton Eye Joe. That song is so tired. The way the Yankees played today, they should have played Everybody Hurts, by R.E.M. or Boys Don’t Cry, by the Cure. I wanted to cry.
The stadium has a nice feel, but something is missing. I guess what’s missing is the classic feel the empty, but in many ways full structure across the street had. The new stadium is beautiful and feels nice. However, it just doesn’t have the feel of the House that Ruth Built, where I saw Hall of Famers, Reggie “Mr. October” Jackson and Rich “Goose” Gossage play and of course future Hall of Famers, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera play. Maybe one day it will have a classic feel. Jeter and Rivera will play for a few more years in the new building. Hopefully, when Torre goes into Cooperstown he goes in as a Yankee. I can’t see him going in for any other team.
I am sure we will produce more Hall of Famers in years to come. But ultimately, my heart will always be with the most historic sports stadium in the history of the world.
I exited the stadium and walked across the street and put my head against the wall of the original Stadium. The two people standing there said, “Do you miss it”? I responded,” Yes, the new stadium is nice, but this is where baseball belongs”. They agreed. I walked to the 4 and went home.
I’m sorry if I bored you. I know I will get some nasty comments. Most likely they will come from Rodney and the Douche. Of course, one of those people was the greatest scoutmaster on the planet and best camp leader ever. Of course, I understand he spends most of his time fetching honey. He did help shape my life in too many ways to count. The other, is one of the coolest people I have ever met. A great guy to talk about sports, music, politics with and well, the world we live in and life in general.
Go Yankees!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Alhaquot's Blog: Dead fish
Alhaquot's Blog: Dead fish: Dead Fish When you hear the words “dead fish”, you are likely thinking about that goldfish you need to flush down the toilet. Maybe you were...
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