Scene Around

April 8, 2016

Garry Shandling

It's long overdue...

I read this in the new issue of World Jewish Congress

(WJC) digest and with all the news about terrorism and terrorist attacks lately, I decided to pass it along to you:

"According to the state-run Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Arabia has formed an anti-terror coalition of 34 Muslim nations, a new Saudi-led 'Islamic military alliance,' to fight terrorism with a joint operations center based in the capital city of Riyadh.

The statement released stressed that terrorism 'should be fought by all means and collaboration should be made to eliminate it.' It further noted that Islam forbids 'corruption and destruction in the world' and that terrorism constitutes 'a serious violation of human dignity and rights, especially the right to life and the right to security.'

The new counterterrorism coalition will include nations with large and established armies, such as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, as well as war-torn countries with embattled militaries, such as Libya and Yemen. African nations that have suffered terrorist attacks, such as Mali, Chad, Somalia and Nigeria, are also members.

Iran is not part of the coalition.

At a press conference, Saudi Defense Minister MOHAMMED bin SALMAN said the new Islamic military coalition would develop mechanisms for working with other countries and international bodies to support counterterrorism efforts. He said their efforts would not be limited to only countering the Islamic State terror group. 'Currently, every Muslim country is fighting terrorism.'"

(This is the complete word for word article.)

We lost a true talent...

I am referring to comedian Gary Shandling who passed away recently at the age of 66.

Gary Emmanuel Shandling died a couple of weeks ago very unexpectedly. He was an American comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. He was best known for his work on The Gary Shandling Show and The Larry Sanders Show. He was loved and respected by all of his peers and much of his audience. He will be missed.

Speaking of super-talent...

One of the best musicians I have ever worked with, here in town and in New York City, is without a doubt MICHAEL KRAMER. He is among the best pianists ever and also the father of another super-talent I've had the pleasure of performing with both here and in New York City, bassist BEN KRAMER.

The two talents plus fabulous GREG PARNELL on drums and VALERIE GILLESPIE on sax will be performing at the Altamonte Chapel on Sunday, April 24th from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

According to our own wonderful ALAN ROCK, who emcees, "Michael always gets rave reviews every time he performs. Don't miss this one."

The Altamonte Chapel is located at 825 East S.R. 436 in Altamonte Springs. The phone number is 407-339-5208.

(I will remind readers as the date gets closer.)

Everyone who know me knows this...

I love dogs better than people! (Unconditional love.)

I recently received this email from DANIELLE WOLFE, another dog lover, and I pass it along to you:

"I'm so excited that you want to write an article about my sweet chihuahua, Lolita. My grandma said to send you a list of some of her accomplishments and a photo.

She has won the Park Avenue costume contest two years in a row in the category of "Most Original," beating out over 100 dogs. She was also the cover dog for the event two years ago. She was featured on the event posters that covered Winter Park and was on the gigantic banner that hung over the stage during the event. She won the Growl-o-Ween costume contest, put on by The Daily City two years in a row as well, beating out 40 dogs.

Last year, she entered a contest to be in the pet issue of Orlando Magazine and won enough votes. She received a full-page feature and photo shoot in the magazine. She is also in the 2016 nationally distributed Evangers Pet food calendar. She has also won best costume at the Bark n' Brew festival and at Animal Eye Associates. She also has a popular instagram account with over 900 followers where she shows off her fabulous outfits. Her instagram name is @LolitaTheFashionista."

(I am in love with Lolita!)

A Shout Out...

Ben Kramer, Michael Kramer and Greg Parnell.

Members of St. Mary Magdalen Church, 861 Maitland Avenue and Spring Lake, held a wonderful seder recently, complete with all the special foods, Hebrew songs and even a hora! It was a great experience and so well done. I was made to feel welcome by the members. Thank you all.

One for the road...

Leah phones her husband at work, "Izzy, do you have time for a chat?"

"Sorry, darling, this is not a good time-I'm about to go into a board meeting."

"But this won't take long," Leah says, "I just want to tell you some good news and some bad news."

"I really haven't the time," says Izzy, "so just quickly tell me the good news."

"Oh all right then. The air bag on your new Lexus works very well."