Shin and Gimel

Jake

Don't think you get a free pass because its your birthday, you have to deal with some blonde chick, Austin just celebrates Christmas, or you are like some prince or something, you got some work to do mister.

Who else is going to show your goy boy what the Festival of Lights is all about? Teach him all about the Maccabees? Who's going to explain what Nes Gadol Haya Sham—"A great miracle happened there" has to do with the dreidel? Who's going to make latkes, or at least explain the nuisances of sour cream vs. apple sauce? You. That's who. So get your Hannukah on. Since there's only so many ways to sing Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel, why not do some music. By the way no fixed dreidels! This is not all Gimel (take all) there's got to be some Shin too (put in).

Should you go with the classic - like Sol Zim, Yeah, he does have that Children's Chanukah cd, that could work. But how about something a little back in the day? Like the Joy of Chanukah, how can you go wrong with Sol? He's the descendant of five generations of cantors, and self proclaimed America's Best Loved Jewish Singer. You just may have to both work on your Hebrew to sing along.

Or go with something retro, like Ray Brenner and Barry E. Blitzer, Have a Jewish Christmas…?, 1967. This classic album includes such seasonal favorites as “Tanta and the Tree,” Christmas Machers” and called “Shut Up, Irving.” It's kind of a bridge to the blending wouldn't you say?


Then you've gotta give a gift at least for the first night. Sure you could give some really nice cashmere socks (Hanukkah Harry approved) or slacks (another good HH gift) but you know you going to be using them yourself. "Hey they were in the drawer, on the hanger, in my bag."

But Christmas is his biggie so hopefully you already picked the big stuff up in all your travels these past few months - London, Paris, Morocco, but just in case you need some stocking stuffers, (cause you know he's got yours):

You love your Disco Duck shirt he got you, so give back the love with "Say Yes to Michigan" tee or "Sparky the Sun Devil".

How about something smooth and seductive? Maybe the Ray Barbee Meets Mattson 2 CD? Mattson 2 creates some lush jazz and teamed up with Ray Barbee in Japan to make an incredible album. Definitely one to put on and unwind with a nice bottle of wine, no phone, no paps, just some serious private time.

You know accessories make the man - especially yours so how about some, maybe Horny cuff links (made from fallen deer antlers) or Nickels ones, or maybe gold handsewn tie with a rounded off end something a little different for your golden guy (Better living through chemistry - periodically speaking of course).

Or just a reminder of a sleepy but smirky morning with a baby owl pendant?


No doubt you'll cook, as you fatten up from all these lean months, but don't forget Austin loves a good taco truck, maybe give him a little adventure as you try to track down from twitter where the Kogi BBQ truck is going to be. Hey getting there and back is half the fun.

Don't forget he's got a birthday in the Spring, maybe book the loft now at the new Ace Hotel in NY. A little rocker vibe like the one in Portland, but with a serious nod to NYC. You know all the cool kids will want to stay there and you could get a little jump ... on it and ....

Ok leaving the Festivus stuff for you to figure out. The pole, the airing of grievances, and the feats of strength - just remember Festivus isn't over until someone gets pinned.

OMG Season of Sharing

Water for People

Founded in 1991, Water For People (WFP) helps people in developing countries improve their quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene education programs. Their vision is a world where all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation; a world where no one suffers or dies from a water- or sanitation-related disease. Water For People works with highly trained and reputable local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in many of its programs including the Peace Corps, CARE, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Rotary International to name a few. In addition to these groups, Water For People considers municipalities, the community members themselves and donors as vital partners in facilitating sustainable water programs.

Want to say thanks again Hjulia for the interview -- check it out on her site Austin Media or at the OTH section on MyFanbase. Big Gold star for you girl!

Happy Hanukkah!

Hanukkah,the Jewish Festival of Lights, will be celebrated from sundown tonight through sundown December 12. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by Judas Maccabee in 165 BC after the Temple had been profaned by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, king of Syria and overlord of Palestine. There was only enough oil to light the temple lights for one night and miraculously the oil lasted for the time it took to make new consecrated oil for the temple. Today that miracle is celebrated by the lighting of the menorah for 8 consecutive nights, time with family and friends, and the giving of gifts.

Jake has mentioned that his family celebrated both Hanukkah and Christmas. Being such a good boy he must have gotten a visit from not only Santa but Hanukkah Harry as well. Who is Hanukkah Harry?

It's Christmas Eve and Santa Claus -- despite being nursed by Mrs. Claus -- is severely ill. Santa calls Hanukkah Harry at his workshop on Mount Sinai, asking if he could fill in to deliver toys to children around the globe in lieu of Santa. Hannukah Harry agrees and flies through the air on a cart pulled by three donkeys, Moische, Herschel and Schlomo. Hanukkah Harry lands on a roof and climbs down the chimney of the home of Scott and Christine, proffering gifts of socks and slacks respectively. While the children are initially disappointed at their gifts, their realization that Hanukkah Harry had helped Santa, makes them recognize that "Christians and Jews, deep down, are pretty much the same. Maybe that's the true meaning of Christmas!" With that statement Santa's flu is cured, and Santa comes down the chimney bearing gifts of Barbie make-me-pretty for Christine and a pellet gun for Scott. And Hanukkah Harry has saved Christmas.

Maybe it was Hanukkah Harry who was the one who gave Jakey those cashmere socks last year? Maybe he will leave Jake a note saying he will get the John from Cincinnati dvd in March but here's some slacks for now.

"On Moische! On Herschel! On Schlomo!
It's Hanukkah Harry 8 nights a year!
On Moische! On Herschel! On Schlomo!
Means that Hanukkah Harry is here!
Delivering Toys to Jewish girls and Jewish boys
We dance the horah around the menorah
'Cuz Hanukkah Harry is Here!"