Whats the difference?

One of my favorite jokes:

A Jew and a Chinese meet each other at a street corner when all of the sudden the Jew punches the Chinese.

“Why did you hit me” The Chinese screamed.

The Jew replied, “That’s for Pearl Harbor”

“But it was the Japanese who bombed Pearl Harbor!” complained the Chinese

“Chinese, Japanese, what’s the difference?” Said the Jew.

The next day, they meet at the street corner again. This time the Chinese punches the Jew.

“Why did you hit me?!” Exclaimed the Jew

“That’s for the Titanic!” Said the Chinese.

“But the Titanic was sank by an iceberg” the Jew cried.

The Chinese calmly replied, “Iceberg, Goldberg, whats the difference?”

Tonight my dad told the same joke to my aunt and uncle. It was largely the same except the punchline. In dad’s version

“Iceberg, Goldberg, they’re the same”

No dad, they are not.

Today I thank: Tammy, David, Cindy, Mario Batali, Dad

Thanks Caron

Sometimes people surprise you. I was surprised by Caron many years ago. I met her some time in the mid 90′s. Not really sure which year. She was a friend of Jenn, and like many of Jenn’s friends, Caron is tall and striking. I didn’t have a whole lot to talk about with Caron but that’s because I prejudged her.

One day I went to her apartment with Jenn. I can’t remember what year that was either but at the time she lived on Avenue A near 14th Street. I remember browsing through her book collection and thinking to myself that I would like to have that collection. Those are wonderful books. Many I have read, and more I would like to read. When I saw her book collection, I opened up and spoke to her. You just can’t judge a book by its cover.

Being able to converse with someone is a rare and exceptional gift. There is an ocean of difference between talking and conversing. And I found that I was able to converse with Caron because there is a free exchange of ideas. I like that Caron is sensitive to statements that she makes. Several times today she said “Tell me if you disagree with this”, and “Tell me if this is inaccurate about you”. I will try to learn from her and not lead with my belief, but with sensitivity.

Then years later, Caron surprised me again. I went to her art exhibit with Chris. I remember saying to myself “I’ll go and be nice. Then I’ll try to get out of there as fast as I can.” Once again, I prejudged her. When I got to the exhibit, I was amazed by her talent. I’m not versed in art, but that doesn’t matter. Something about the way she paints mesmerized me. She agreed to sell me a piece, at a rock bottom price, I cannot wait. I will treasure it.

It was nice to reconnect with Caron today. And her baby is probably going to play profession football one day. The six-month-old did an unassisted pull-up infront of me. We sat in the park and Caron gave me some good advice that I will try.

Today I thank: Caron, LB, Bomee, Jack, Joyce

1000 sit ups

I did 1000 sit ups in the gym today

First Set: 2 x ( 40 x 3) + ( 3 x ( 20 x 3 )) = 420

rest: 1 minute

Second Set: 2 x ( 40 x 3) + ( 3 x ( 20 x 3 )) = 420

rest: 1 minute

Third Set: ( 40 x 3 ) + 40 = 160

Total = 1000

Phew, that was tough but fun. Took a few months of training. If I can do this, you can do this!