i have seen the movie crash recently. you should all see it. i actually was "fortunate" enough to see it at Ottawa's World Exchange Cinema on one of their "screening room size" screens. The nice thing, though, was that Crash was the type of movie that was okay to see in a smaller theatre. but i think the rebranding of crappy screens is funny. those that have seen a movie at world exchange will certainly sympathize, sometimes you have to see movies that deserve a large screen on the small ones and it is a real shame. my sister had her Reform Confirmation - the equivalent of graduating from religious school - on the weekend. it was, of course, at temple israel in ottawa. everyone gets a link that is put on a long chain that surrounds the bimah. now all of my siblings and I have a link on this chain. it's quite nice. afterwards we all went and found ours with old friends, too. wild. and wilder still.

Here is a funny little exchange i had recently.... -----Original Message----- From: Pablo Caprice Sent: June 4, 2005 10:38 AM To: sean@drawstring.port5.com Subject: question about blazers Sean, I have a question. I've been shopping for a blazer and I was wondering if you get them tailored, or if you just accept them if they're half-an inch too small here or there. This sounds ridiculous, but I'm having trouble figuring out what's expected: my father thinks tailors are gods but devesh thinks they're ludicrous. You're like the only other person I know who buys blazers so what's your opinion? Pablo My reply: Pablo, In regard to your blazer question, I think it entirely depends on a few important factors. 1. what will the main purpose of this blazer be? Do you want to wear it socially or professionally, or both? I think if you want to impress people, a well fitting blazer goes a long way. Also, how much does the original blazer cost? I will often buy a blazer and get some adjustments made, if I felt that was necessary. 2. it deeply matters where the inches are being lost or added. If you have an extra inch poking out from each shoulder, that can look pretty silly, as a nice comfortable fit in the shoulders is pretty important. If the sleeves are too short or long, it is also pretty important, though far more forgivable, since arms are often in motion, and it is difficult to asses the exact sizing issue on another’s arms while they are using those appendages for the various activities quotidian life demands. The most forgivable place is obviously the length of the jacket. I would probably not bother with a tailor for adjustments if my jacket were too long or short, unless I felt totally ridiculous in it. The most important driver in the decision has to be your personal comfort. You won’t wear something if you feel stupid in it, and if the blazer is otherwise hot, it’s no big deal to get some adjustments made. I don’t think that getting a tailor to make you a jacket or blazer from the beginning is necessary for most occasions. Weddings maybe, bar mitzvahs, ok; and murders, definitely. You need to look sharp if you want to kill people. I hope my commentary on the blazer has helped, and I hope you are well. Talk to you soon! sean