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The Drying Rack Trick

The other weekend, I made a pit stop at ACE Hardware to pick up a few items for my place. The big purchase was a second drying rack for my laundry. Then it dawned on me: How did I become a guy who needs two drying racks to do laundry? Well, as a video editor [...]

Try a Little Tenderness

Real quick post today, that, although originally unrelated to today’s festivities, felt appropriate to hold over the weekend for this morning. Have had a song running through my head just about daily for the last week or two. Try a Little Tenderness was originally by the inimitable Otis Redding, though, to be honest, it’s been Three [...]

Spotting The Red Flare

Some of you may find this offensive, but trust me… I’ve done the research. I’m a fan of 100 Red Flags and I’ve been following their blog and twitter for a while now. Their mission is to save single women from themselves in order to help you navigate the dating scene. Urban Dictionary describes a [...]

Twelve Days in Israel – Sun Sep 25

This entry is the final in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011… “Day 12… or, the long trip home” Stayed at the kibbutz, at Rina’s last night, though didn’t sleep. Drove to the airport a bit after midnight. 5am [...]

Twelve Days in Israel – Sat Sep 24

This entry is the eleventh in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011… Following the theme for much of the trip so far, this morning consisted of a lavish breakfast at Yosi’s followed by more coffee with Cousin Meir in [...]

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The Drying Rack Trick

Filed under Fluent in Awesomeness by Isaiah on 04/10/2012 at 7:32 am {one comment}

My Wardrobe

Well, as a video editor I spend most of my day sitting in a chair in a small room alone. My first job after college had a pretty loose dress code, so I only wore jeans and t-shirts to work. They were always clean and cool looking t-shirts, but I got away with a lot. Now my next job is a bit stricter, so I cut the everyday t-shirt out of my work wardrobe. Then I checked out a few stores and started buying shirts with collars or buttons from EXPRESS. Slowly with every paycheck I replaced an old item in my wardrobe. Nearly two years later, I’m in a hardware store buying a second drying rack.

I could look down on this as weak and silly, but I think it’s actually an important step in manhood. I think you need to own clothes that you wear regularly that you can NOT put in a dryer because it will shrink. These clothes require extra care and more responsibility to manage. It’s all part of learning to grow up. Taking on more responsibility is manhood, so I’m making it a rule for my nephews. On their twenty-first birthdays, they will get a drying rack from me with a note: “Dear nephew, it’s time to start putting the childish things away and start dressing like a man. Warning: these clothes do not belong in the dryer. – Love, Uncle Z”

So if you don’t have a drying rack, go buy one. If you don’t have clothes that shrink in a dryer, go buy some. If it’s your first time, take your mom, sister, girlfriend, or female friend you would like to date. Let them help you pick out a few items and then keep buying those same items in different colors and patterns. As your wardrobe expands, so will you confidence – and nothing is more grown-up than confidence.

That is the Drying Rack Trick.

Try a Little Tenderness

Filed under Love our Women by Elan on 02/14/2012 at 9:00 am {no comments}

Try a Little Tenderness was originally by the inimitable Otis Redding, though, to be honest, it’s been Three Dog Night’s cover that I keep listening to.

Enjoy…

And the original…

Spotting The Red Flare

Filed under Uncategorized by Isaiah on 01/30/2012 at 6:05 am {no comments}

The Red Flare

Urban Dictionary describes a ‘Red Flag’ as… “(1) a sign or warning of any impending danger, disaster or doom or (2) Stopping what you’re doing because because something has made the environment unsafe. Derived from the racing flag that is used to stop a race because of unsafe conditions.”

Yes, it’s a racing term. Thank you Nascar for describing the dangers of dating. I couldn’t agree more.

Overall I think everyone has a few red flags on their sideline. It’s a part of the game and unless she’s 15 she’s going to have some baggage. That’s life, deal with it. BUT there is another thing that you should look out for when dating and I call it the Red Flare. A Red Flare is big and usually pretty obvious. The downside is that its often mistaken as a red flag and is overlooked. Which is not a good idea!

So let’s take a quick moment and think this through. Now Red Flares are not the same for every person, so it’s really based off of what type of guy you are that makes a Red Flag a Red Flare. Get it?

For example…

If you consider yourself a Sports Guru and she can’t name one NFL football team. Red Flare.

If you’re a Gym Rat and are crazy about fitness, but she thinks exercising, sweating and diets are stupid. Red Flare.

If you’re a Nerd and she hasn’t even seen at least one Harry Potter film, but likes the Twilight series. Red Flare.

You see what I’m doing here? If the lowest common denominator doesn’t exists between her and your strongest point. Watch out, because this train is going nowhere. So save yourself the time, money and energy and bail.

Don’t tell her why. Just be a man about it and don’t give her the scoop via a text or email. That shit is for sissies, so at least call the girl.

You’re welcome.

Twelve Days in Israel – Sun Sep 25

Filed under Eat and Drink like Kings, Fluent in Awesomeness, Save the World by Elan on 01/20/2012 at 9:30 am {no comments}

This entry is the final in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011…

“Day 12… or, the long trip home”

Stayed at the kibbutz, at Rina’s last night, though didn’t sleep. Drove to the airport a bit after midnight. 5am flight out of Tel Aviv, with a two-hour layover in Amsterdam before reaching NYC. Thought about exiting and reentering customs in Amsterdam, just for the stamp on the passport, but decided against it.

Hoping Mom’s able to pick us up from the airport so I can see her for a little bit before driving back to DC this evening.

—

It was Thursday, day 10, that we realized we were ready for the vacation to end. Not that we weren’t still having fun together, or enjoying the time, or seeing good things – just that we were ready to get back to real life. My father turned to me and said “You know, I’m having a great time, but I’m ready to go home. I miss the house, I miss your sister, and I really miss your mother.” He said it first, but I was thinking the same thing. Enjoying vacation still, of course, but ready to get back to real life and the normal routine again in a few days.

I guess two weeks is a long time to be away from your normal life. There are some things that I thought would stick with me, but I haven’t thought about twice, like work – and there are things I didn’t think I’d care about that keep coming to mind and staying there. There are people I thought I’d be thinking about who, now that I consider it, haven’t crossed my mind since being here – and then there have been daily reminders of a few folks I didn’t think would come up or I hadn’t thought about in a long time. Funny how some time away changes your perspective on things.

—

Had three cups of coffee today… which makes thirty-eight cups over the twelve-day trip. That’s healthy, right?

Twelve Days in Israel – Sat Sep 24

Filed under Eat and Drink like Kings, Fluent in Awesomeness, Save the World by Elan on 01/19/2012 at 9:30 am {no comments}

This entry is the eleventh in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011…

Following the theme for much of the trip so far, this morning consisted of a lavish breakfast at Yosi’s followed by more coffee with Cousin Meir in Tel Aviv before heading back up to Kibbutz Mizra. Four cups of coffee today.

Twelve Days in Israel – Fri Sep 23

Filed under Eat and Drink like Kings, Fluent in Awesomeness, Save the World by Elan on 01/18/2012 at 9:30 am {no comments}

This entry is the tenth in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011…

Spent this afternoon in Tel Aviv finally. Yosi helped us find (led us to) the Benjamin Station Market – the most quintessential mix of food stalls, restaurants, and artist vendors. Had great hummus at lunch, as usual, and a great time checking out the market. Would love to return if there were an opportunity. Also finally picked up some halva – first of the trip. Delicious.

Just one downside to the trip has occurred to me: If I die, years from now, from anything related to secondhand smoke, I’ll know it traces back to this trip. Everyone smokes, and smokes a lot, indoors, outdoors, morning, night, constantly. Everyone drinks tons of coffee too – though that seems a bit less unhealthy. (Speaking of which… three cups for me today.)

Twelve Days in Israel – Thu Sep 22

Filed under Eat and Drink like Kings, Fluent in Awesomeness, Save the World by Elan on 01/17/2012 at 9:30 am {no comments}

This entry is the ninth in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011…

There’s something a bit surreal about driving through the Israeli countryside, listening to the radio play “Sweet Home Alabama.” Wonder whether folks here know what it’s actually talking about, beyond the catchy tune… ‘course, gotta wonder if most of the folks singing along in any bar back in the States know either.

Then again, maybe humming along to Sweet Home Alabama in the car shouldn’t be so odd. The drive from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea is a two-and-a-half-hour winding ride crossing a half-dozen or so highways and through both the countryside and, later, the Israeli dessert. Taking the trip, windows down, sunglasses on, radio turned up, Sweet Home Alabama playing loud, Dad in the driver’s seat… well, not so bad at all.

The final approach to the Dead Sea is a descent through the dessert to the lowest point on Earth, some 400 meters below sea level, and takes us past Mount Massada before arriving. The town around the sea itself is the epitome of a resort town and tourist trap, but I’m glad we went, even if it was only a quick visit – would’ve felt silly if we’d come so far and not seen it again.

I’ve begun picking up on and following more of the conversations my father has with people in Hebrew. I certainly don’t actually understand the language, but you start picking up on familiar words, phrases, gestures, and intonations in any language after a while. Still very much on the outside of these conversations though.

Finished one of the books I brought with me tonight – “This Is Where I Leave You” by Jonathan Tropper. First fiction novel I’ve had time to read in years, a recommendation from Ori. Can’t thank her enough for the suggestion – was absolutely fantastic.

Only three cups of coffee today. Slow day.

Twelve Days in Israel – Wed Sep 21

Filed under Eat and Drink like Kings, Fluent in Awesomeness, Save the World by Elan on 01/16/2012 at 9:30 am {no comments}

This entry is the eighth in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011…

Wound up scrapping our plans to catch a tour-bus this morning, instead driving over to the Yad Vashem – the official Holocaust Museum/Memorial – ourselves. I won’t oversimply the museum here by attempting to describe it, only saying that it’s an incredibly well-designed museum and a deeply-moving experience. Even wound up learning a bit more about my own family’s history while walking around with Dad.

Dinner was at another simple Israeli restaurant again. Dad and I split the “mixed grill” along with a variety of salads. Only after tasting everything did we learn that the “mixed grill” meats included chicken spleen – which is actually really good. Dinner also included a side of mjedera, a Lebanese lentil and rice dish that I first learned of when Erich made his grandmother’s recipe for us in DC a few years ago. Today’s wasn’t as good as his.

Four cups of coffee today. Twenty-five on the trip.

Twelve Days in Israel – Tue Sep 20

Filed under Eat and Drink like Kings, Fluent in Awesomeness, Save the World by Elan on 01/15/2012 at 9:30 am {no comments}

This entry is the seventh in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011…

“Day 7… or, the one in which I sort of live-tweet the day”

Quick update on today. More like a series of tweets than one cohesive blog post…

Travelled from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem today. Much less scenic a drive than the one from Haifa to Tel Aviv yesterday, which took us down the Mediterranean coastline of the country. The final approach to Jerusalem, climbing the mountains to the city, is pretty though.

Checked into our hotel, then walked to the Old City. Got falafel for lunch, and made our way to the Western Wall. Dad had a minor freak-out when we got separated temporarily – he walked away while I was taking a photo and didn’t hear me say I’d be a few steps behind him; I reminded him that I’m 27-years-old and we’re both carrying phones, just in case, but it’s funny that he still worries.

Had my pocketknife taken from me by security at the Wall, told it was too long to be legal in Israel. Not a big deal – it cost me three dollars in a store in Rhode Island on my last vacation with my family last summer – but I feel naked without it. Weird sensation.

Dinner was at a simple Middle Eastern restaurant we stumbled upon – kabobs, rice, salad, tahina – followed by coffee (only two cups today) in a neighborhood seemingly filled with recent college graduates. The girls in Jerusalem seem nice. I like it here.

Left our GPS in my back pocket at dinner – a really dumb move – and broke the screen. Still works fine, but won’t be able to resell it. Disappointing, but no big deal either – I’ve wasted more money on far sillier things before.

Twelve Days in Israel – Mon Sep 19

Filed under Eat and Drink like Kings, Fluent in Awesomeness, Save the World by Elan on 01/14/2012 at 9:30 am {no comments}

This entry is the sixth in a series of twelve daily posts, reflecting on the twelve days of my trip with my father to Israel in September 2011…

“Day 6… or, the one in which I finally get used to seeing my face (oh, and am inspired by the generosity of relative strangers)”

Woke up in Haifa this morning before we left for Tel Aviv. While showering and getting ready, glanced in the mirror and realized I was finally used to what I was seeing, finally not shocked by not seeing a beard. Finally used to the relatively-bare face, but that doesn’t mean I like it. Little stubble’s grown in, but I miss having a full beard and feel naked without it. Silly maybe.

Drove from Haifa to Tel Aviv, with a stop through ancient Caesarea on the way. Nothing special to remark on, aside from lots of quality time spent in the car with Dad – the theme for this entire trip.

Had dinner in the port of Jaffa, overlooking the beach, with Cousin Meir and Uncle Meir’s friend Yosi.

Stayed at Yosi’s tonight. To someone who’s experienced crises of confidence in others over time, it’s inspiring to find and befriend people who such innate generosity, like Manucha, like Yosi, like Rina and her family – all of who have, unsolicited, offered up their homes, spare bedrooms, couches, time, energy, money, friendship, and guidance at every turn. Several of Rina’s children asked if we were planning to stay with them on the kibbutz. Cousin Meir offered his apartment when we’re back in Tel Aviv. Yosi insisted on treating us to dinner (and the bar afterward) tonight, including Meir, who he’d never met, before having us over for the night. Manucha and her Yosi couldn’t have been kinder or more generous when we were in Haifa. When Dad was listing our plans to Yosi earlier and mentioned our return flight at 2am, he offered, without hesitation, “if you want, I’ll come pick you up and drive you to the airport.” Thanks to their local knowledge, found a beachside Middle Eastern seafood restaurant – the type of delicious, local place we never would have stumbled on our own – followed by a walk along the beachline.

I don’t have an explanation for such ready generosity aside from friendship, family, and the pleasure of helping others have an enjoyable and easy experience. No explanation, but I’ll certainly remember it.

A few new observations:

The toilets here all have two levers or buttons, with two different amounts of flow, to conserve water use. Clever.
Scooters here are the bicycles we have back home. They’re everyplace – including both zipping along the highways and jumping up on the sidewalks – and follow no laws.
Saw the tent city protest site in Tel Aviv today.
Five cups of coffee today.

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The Drying Rack Trick

Try a Little Tenderness

Spotting The Red Flare

Twelve Days in Israel – Sun Sep 25

Twelve Days in Israel – Sat Sep 24

The Drying Rack Trick

Try a Little Tenderness

Spotting The Red Flare

Twelve Days in Israel – Sun Sep 25

Twelve Days in Israel – Sat Sep 24

Twelve Days in Israel – Fri Sep 23

Twelve Days in Israel – Thu Sep 22

Twelve Days in Israel – Wed Sep 21

Twelve Days in Israel – Tue Sep 20

Twelve Days in Israel – Mon Sep 19

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