In the News

Some news items that have caught my eye:

- President of Iran and notorious Holocaust denier Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is to speak at New York's Columbia University.

- Paris Hilton was spotted shopping at the H&M on Bloor Street in Toronto. (wow)

- The Canadian dollar is hovering at parity with the American dollar. And products in Canada remain overpriced compared to their American equivalents.

- Senior citizens are getting addicted to the easy-to-play Nintendo Wii

5768

It’s nearly Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, and I’ve got some New Year resolutions I’d like to make before I ring in the year 5768. Enjoy the apples and honey and have a Shana Tovah!

1. I should really be more fit. Time to head back to the gym. I was seeing some results two years ago, and then I just let it go.

2. Finish that ol’ screenplay! I’ve got a 140 page draft finished. Time to revise.

3. Redo my bedroom. I need to rip out the wallpaper and throw some paint up. I’m caught in a 1960s time warp, which would be cool if it weren’t so gauche.

4. Spend my time more wisely. If I cut out distractions and procrastination, I could do really great things. Or I’d at least have the chance.

5. Volunteer.

6. Do a better job of staying in touch with people.

7. Terminate my Facebook account. We’ll see about that…

My granddaughter...

Earlier this afternoon, I was riding the Steeles bus home after a day of work. As the vehicle neared Bathurst, an elderly man approached me. We had a brief, unexpected exchange, and we went our separate ways. He tried to set me up with his granddaughter.

He thought I seemed like a nice enough Yid, and he cautiously opened my hand and pressed a business card into it.

“I’m a zaide, and I want that you should meet my granddaughter.”

I was dumbfounded and disturbed and slightly flattered. I responded by thanking him, while gently declining his offer. “I’m not looking to get married right now. I’m kind of young. Thanks though.”

He was adamant that I give him a call. He stepped off the bus and walked away.

I have the business card, but I’m not going to call him.