Oh, what a lazy day. Hope you are all enjoying a little down time now because we all need it. Tonight, here's a random few bits and pieces.

-As painful as it was to drag my ass from bed and take a subway downtown to attend a kickboxing class, I did, because I knew it would be good for me. I took a different class--an advanced class which encompasses all levels of expertise, including new people like me who still sorta suck. However, a new dynamic was introduced. Most of my regular classes are downstairs in the basement. This class took place in the big room. The space was open with a wall of windows facing the street. When we were practicing our punching combinations with round and knee kicks, we had an audience of teenagers hanging out watching, the odd CPA ambling by and stopping to watch, a few people trying to find their way to Fifth Avenue to shop. The kids were the most critical (imagine their animated jeer), so I worked with studied discipline to land hard, concise punches. I wanted to look scary. My partner, a yellow belt, complimented my cross punch. I have just added this day class to my regular schedule. And I'm going back on Friday. The pace of this class is demanding and I like it.

-Will Bravo ever broadcast a new episode of "Top Chef"? They are re-running Season 1 tonight. That's probably a good idea--it was a way better season anyway and it might lure some of the old loyalists back to a program that could be so much better (though I do think season 2 is already a lost cause).

-There is no good way to microwave pork fried rice. I've tried and failed too many times. Will a little chicken broth help remedy the situation?

-Both my geriatric cats are in the varied stages of renal failure. They are siblings and are working on their 18th year (which in human years equates 96 years old so I should be surprised they are still alive). However, the feeding process requires an elaborate blending of three different vet prescribed substances to their evening can of food in order to supplement their diet and prolong their lives. For all this effort and their fragile health, when I offered a tidbit of pork from the aforementioned fried rice to Figaro (my male cat who I thought was on death's door two months ago) he took the food from me with such a voracious greed, that he left a huge bleeding gash in my index finger. Maybe the cat just needs some Prozac.

-Good old Gerry Ford. May he rest in peace. A classic good guy as Midwesterners often are. But who knew he was THAT old?

-Tomorrow, I am going to spend the day celebrating James Brown. He was one of my idols (and as mentioned, we are birthday mates). So I plan to go to Charles Southern Kitchen on 156th and have a proper breakfast of Chicken & Waffles. You heard me. Then I am going to The Apollo Theatre and wait in line in order to pay my respects to Mr. Brown who is lying in state there. I love that he'll be at the Apollo and I know the crowd will do right by him. He recorded a kick ass live album there; if you ever get a chance to listen to it, please do.

-There are lots of dumb people out there *still*. Make it your goal to educate them in 2007. As an illustration, I leave you this quote from the genius that is Paris Hilton:
"I meet so many people. I don't even know some of my friends' names."

Ye gods.