This afternoon I went on a search around the neighborhood for a simple household necessity.  It was completely embarrassing, but I was looking for a plunger.  They didn't have one at the Rite Aid on Grand and Clinton, they didn't have one at the CVS on Grand and Pike, and they didn't even have on at the Fine n' Fare (see my entry on Crap and Cheat).  I finally found one at the 99 cent store.  Figures.  Why are "common" items like this so hard to find?

 

Anyway, while making the trek in search of the elusive plunger, I was accosted by five separate signature collectors for Shelly (Sheldon) Silver.  While I haven't paid enough attention to know whether or not I have anything against Shelly, I was perplexed by the enthusiasm of these young people.  Were they paid?  If not, why did they feel the need to expend so much energy for someone so well established, someone who does not really need their help.  I love that people are involved in the political process on a local level (it is so great and usual in this country), but I hope they are involved in worthy non-profits as well. I hope they are campaigning for other important things like SCHIP re-authorization and funding for desperately needed homeless shelters in New York.  Shelly is well-loved around here and will have all the voters he needs.

 

The neighborhood was great today though, so warm and busy.  I was happy to see that the fruit stand is back in front of the Citibank.   I would much rather buy a banana than an ice cream.