This Budweiser commercial aired only one time on the first anniversary of September 11th. Bud did this so they wouldn’t benefit financially from the event. It’s really touching.
Now if only their beer didn’t taste like piss water.
Posts tagged NYC
Commentary on Local News Stuff
Consider this sort of a linkorama with a sprinkling of snarky comments from the editor. Lots going on lately and I’m sharing my opinion whether you like it or not.
The Empire State Building sharing the skyline? Hmm, I can see both sides. Surely, this building IS the NYC skyline. Of course we want it to remain #1, especially since we lost #2 a few years back. The other point of view is that the skyline is constantly changing, so deal. Well, this is true too! Here’s my thinking….The ESB is an historic landmark. There are many landmarked districts in Manhattan. Why shouldn’t this building fit in with this historic neighborhood? So, build a tower that compliments the Empire State Building. No, that piece of shit in the photo doesn’t cut it. Back to work.
So, the Ground Zero mosque. 1. It is not located AT Ground Zero. The site was a Burlington Coat Factory a few blocks away. 2. It is not a big fat mosque but rather a community center with a prayer room. 3. There are already mosques in the neighborhood, at least one that predates the towers. 4. Would you prefer a Victoria’s Secret? Really? 5. If you answered yes to #4, let’s just agree to disagree because you probably have some racist tendencies.
Habana Outpost is sooo green. Oh, really? Just your buildings but not your food? Too bad there’s not much on your menu for a vegetarian to eat. Never been, because the menu is so meaty. That’s fine, but I don’t really equate dead animals with environmentalism. I’ll assume the meat is organic free range, but I don’t see where it says that. You’re doing a good thing for the community, so thumbs up on that.
Ok, I vented. Feeling better now.
iPhone Snappies: Intrepid at Night
What Ever Happened To…?
Remember Rene I Am The Best Artist? His stuff was all over Soho. I used to be all like “What a pompous ass!” Where is he now? According to his website, it looks like he may have died in 2003, but the whole thing is tongue in cheek, so I think that could be false.
Before it was hip to be green, Mr. Purple was a green hipster. The vegetarian squatter freegan who lived without electricity on the Lower East Side was seen riding his bike everywhere back in the day. He lost his Garden of Eden to bulldozers back in 1986 and became homeless after his tenement building gave way to gentrification. Where is he now? Closest thing I could find was this 2007 blog post.
Power Boot Camp. Military Style Torture.
I bought a Groupon for Pure Power Boot Camp a few weeks ago and I had been dreading my first day. That was yesterday and I’m still alive to talk about it.
The “tour of duty” is an hour per day either 3 times per week for eight weeks or four times per week for six weeks. That costs about $1000. For 80 bucks, I’m getting 6 classes over 2 weeks. That should just about do it for me. Worth it to look for the Groupon, which they sometimes run, just in case you give up midway. Hey, then you’re only losing $40.
When I first walked in I had to drop down and give them 5 push ups. This is what I was nervous about beforehand because I lack upper body strength. But girlie push ups with knees on the ground are fine. Thank God!
Ok, first thing I noticed was the lack of air conditioning. Shit. I hate the heat! And they don’t mess around. I tried to take a drink of water during the laps (that almost killed me) and was told to keep going.
The second thing I noticed was that everyone was half my age and in better shape than me.
So, let’s cut to the chase. Is it tough? Well, ye-ah. Like any work out, it is what you make of it. There are things that I could hardly do and then are were things I do better than others. The push ups are timed not counted, so I can just go r-e-a-l-l-y s-l-o-w. Same with the running laps.
The best part is the obstacle course. I mean, let’s face it….without that, it’s just like any other boot camp gym class. Only not air conditioned. This is like a jungle gym for adults. It tests your stamina, agility and strength. I managed to get through all of them with the help of the instructor. Hey, all of the chicks and some of the guys needed his help! I have the special disadvantage of being a friggin dwarf, so I needed a boost from time to time.
There are walls and tires and logs and hurdles and rope things. Fun! And yet, it’s a work out. Only you don’t realize that part is so bad because it’s a new experience.
Read the whiny reviews on Yelp. Sounded like Private Benjamin. Just keep in mind that this isn’t for pampered sorts. You change in a tent and there are no private lockers. I believe there’s only one shower and you need to bring your own towel. No vending machines, so don’t forget your water that you can only drink when they allow you to. You sweat like mad, as does everyone and they probably don’t clean the mats or obstacle course between classes. And I mentioned the A/C.
The two locations are Chelsea, NYC and Jericho, LI.
Check back with me at the end of the two weeks to see what I have to say about Pure Power Boot Camp. For now, it’s a thumbs up after one class.
10 Ideas for Your July 4th
1. Go to a British pub. Be all like “Hey, screw you Brits! You ain’t the boss of me!”
2. Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. You can be a spectator or apply for the competition if it’s not too late. Coney Island. Where else?
3. Take a self guided battle for New York tour. It covers a lot. You may need to stop for a pint at a British pub.
4. Brooklyn Music Festival at Floyd Bennett Field. Reggae, ska, calypso, hip hop….
5. Circle Line cruise. Never done it. Not July 4th, not ever. But could be a smile. 79 bucks though. Ouch.
6. Stormville Flea Market. July 3rd & 4th. Worth the drive.
7. Let the eagle soar! Celebrate America’s icon at the Audubon Center in Prospect Park. July 3 & 4. There are other events taking place in the park that day, so bring a picnic and hang out some.
8. What’s more Amer-kin than seeing the next best thing to Johnny Cash? Rosanne Cash at Governors Island. Free show and ferry.
9. Joisey. Macy’s fireworks are over The Hudson this year, not the East River. Hop on the PATH to Hoboken or Weehawkin. Force your way to the crowded waterfronts or check out the restaurants or cruises.
10. Splurge! Go to the top of the Empire State Building. You can’t get a much better view than that. Tickets are $125 a pop and limited to the first 300 people. It doesn’t seem to be sold out yet.
Most importantly, kids, remember not to blow off your face or hands with illegal fireworks!
Happy 4th!!
There’s No Place Like Home
I’ve always wondered what it’s like to step foot in New York for the first time. Must be pretty cool. The energy. The lights. The people whizzing by. Being born here, I’ve always taken it for granted.
Returning home after 7 years upstate is as close as I’m gonna get to losing my New York virginity. Ok, so I lived less than two hours away and came here all the time, but I didn’t get to take it all in when I was just visiting.
I’m back two months now and I feel a bit like Austin Powers having missed nearly a decade. But it’s all good. I’ve got some catching up to do, so….oops….not being too productive lately. Just seeing old friends and eating at restaurants I’ve missed and feeling like myself again.
I don’t regret moving away. I needed it at the time and it was lovely and pleasant and I met some great people in Beacon. I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with New York. I leave for a bit. I come back.
I always come back.
But this time around, I think I’ll stay for awhile.
The Hester Street Fair
Gonna be hawking my wares at a new (ish) market this Sunday. The Hester Street Fair is only a few months young, but both shoppers and vendors seem to be happy enough with it so far.
Like the Brooklyn Flea (Hello, I’ll be there on Saturday!), it’s semi-curated with a mix of vintage, crafts and not-your-average-sausage-fair-food. Hester has about 60 vendors on a given weekend and is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
My grandfather was a rag man on the Lower East Side when he arrived in this country. Looks like I’m taking the family history back a step. Wait till you hear about the seltzer delivery I’m hooking up…..
My grandparents are in their graves ROFLTAO.
City Beams: Ask About NYC
A freshly launched forum based website hit the internets a couple of months ago. City Beams covers 4 out of 5 of the boros (the ones that matter), plus Boston.
Here’s how it works. People can ask questions about NYC for know-it-alls like myself to respond to. A beam is a vote, so the question can be voted up or down just like all this other newfangled social media these kids use today.
The kid (Well, look at his photo…He’s about 12!) who started it is right off the pick up truck from the sticks. Ok, maybe not that bad, but he’s relying on people who know the city to respond to questions. So, go on over there and shake it up a bit.
You can ask anything. Here are some fun questions being asked…
“Anywhere to get non-skinny pants in Williamsburg?”
“What do you think of the people in NYC?”
“What’s so great about Astoria?”
I’d Like to See the Show 2 More Times!
Damn, I was looking for the “I laughed. I cried. It was better than Cats!” commercial, but I forgot what show that was. This will do for now.
Leaving the City. Got What it Takes?
Our moving sale was great! Thanks to everyone who showed up and helped us rid ourselves of worldly possessions. Most of the folks I conversed with were curious as to where we were moving. About 90% were surprised when I told them we’re heading back to Brooklyn. I was informed that we’re heading in the opposite direction of everyone else.
It seems there’s a mass migration to the Hudson Valley again and Beacon is hot at the moment. Good for us, since we want to sell our house. I say, bring it on!
We chose to move back to Brooklyn after six years away for many reasons. The main one is that Hubby has been working in Greenpoint for the past year + and stays in Brooklyn most nights while I live upstate. Just doesn’t make sense.
But just in case you’re thinking of leaving the city for greener pastures, I’ve compiled a list of questions to ask yourself before making the big move. These factors bothered me, but everyone is different.
1. Food delivery! My husband jokes “What does my wife make for dinner? A phone call.” I don’t cook, I don’t cook, I don’t cook. My mother isn’t much of a cook. I come from a “Let’s order in” family. I think there’s ONE place in Beacon that delivers.
2. Restaurants. Again with the food. I’m a Jew. We like to eat. The restaurants around here are meh. IMO, there are finer dining establishments further north in weekender territory, but they are too far from Beacon.
3. Sidewalks and bike lanes. Ok, so maybe it’s not such a big deal, but some streets lack sidewalks. I’m sorry, I don’t like walking in the road or on someone’s grass. Although I don’t cycle, there are no bike lanes. Not really a reason not to move up here, but it just bothers me.
4. Everyone all up in your business. Small town life. How quaint. You see the same people. Everyone knows one another. For me, it was charming for 5 minutes. There’s something to be said about anonymous city life and that is “I miss it”.
5. Shop hours. Oh, this is a killer coming from “The City That Never Sleeps”. The Main Street store owners seem to come to work whenever they feel like it. I gave up on many of the mom and pop shops because they were never open when I needed something. Special thanks to Beacon Natural and Artisan Wine who open 7 days per week, normal hours.
6. Strip malls. It’s an inevitable part of suburban life. Face it. If the Main Street shops ain’t helping ya, that’s what’s left. Which brings me to….
7. It’s a car culture. OMG, I used to make fun of people who drive a few blocks. Now I’m one of them! Something you would never do in the city because of traffic and parking. Something I do here because the Main Street shops are so unreliable that I may end up driving to the strip mall.
All of the above being said, there are many pluses to living in the Hudson Valley. How about clean air and fabulous mountain views? Being near the Hudson so you can kayak or sail (We said we would, but hardly ever got around to it). No crowds. Better quality of life. Larger living space and back yard.
It’s really about everyone’s own choice. I grew up with the rat race. As much as I wanted a quieter lifestyle, I feel like a fish out of water here. Do I regret leaving the city? No, it was a lovely vacation. But now it’s time to go home.
Best Place You’ve Ever Lived?
As I start to pack and plan my move, I’m getting a bit sentimental. The house I’m leaving is my dream home and by far the best house I’ve ever lived in (finished or not). Makes my dream brownstone pale in comparison. Unfortunately, small town Beacon isn’t a perfect fit for me and I can’t take the house with me.
I’ve lived in a gazillion places in my lifetime. My parents moved more than a few times, then I followed in their footsteps. We lived in East Flatbush during my childhood, then Wurtsboro, NY for a few years while keeping the Brooklyn apartment. When my parents moved back to Brooklyn (I told you I’m following in their footsteps!) we lived in Midwood. Then Coney Island.
As soon as I was old enough to move out, I went to the city, then chose to live in brownstone Brooklyn. A bunch of different neighborhoods over the years. I’ve also lived in London, Bavaria, Kingston, NY and The Castro in San Fransisco. None of the long distance places for longer than a year. I always come back to NYC.
So, what makes me smile most when I look back?
Nicest apartment ever: The first apartment my husband and I shared alone, minus roommates, in Ft. Greene. Circa 1988. It was a gorgeous brownstone parlor floor with a young, first time landlord. In other words, he cared about the place.
Best neighborhood I’ve ever lived: Coney Island. Maybe it was because I was at that carefree age, but I loved living in Coney Island! The amusements, the beach, the aquarium, the handball, the flea markets, the boardwalk. It was a trek on the subway, but if the city hadn’t been calling my name at all hours, there would have been plenty to do right in the neighborhood.
So, that’s my story. What about you???
CNN on Kids in Bars
When I saw the CNN Living headline yesterday “Brooklyn Brewhaha: Babies in Bars“, I knew it was about Park Slope. Of course it was. It’s well known around Brooklyn that Park Slope is the land of entitled parents, but it was kinda funny that CNN decided to weigh in on it.
So yeah, in a nutshell, parents are bringing their kids into bars and child free patrons aren’t all that happy with it. They want to be able to curse and fall down drunk without someone telling them to watch their language. They don’t want to trip over the $800 strollers blocking the entrance and they don’t want to entertain the kiddies when the parents are otherwise engaged.
As an unwavering non-breeder (who doesn’t really go to bars much anymore), I’d like to put in my two cents.
You want to bring your kid to a bar? Ok, but here are the rules:
1. Non breeders and parents who are taking the night off are free to say or do whatever they please. Because it’s a bar, not a playground!
2. I don’t want to hear your little brat scream and cry.
3. No, I’m not making eye contact. I don’t think your offspring is the cutest thing on earth. Tell it to leave me alone.
4. If I trip over your rugrat while making my 12th trip to the bathroom and knock him over, I keep walking.
5. You better keep those diapers clean and I don’t want to see any spittle or snot or you’ll be cleaning MY puke off the chair.
6. If it’s ok to bring little Damien into a drinking establishment, you shouldn’t have a problem with my dogs, correct?
Ok, I think that oughta do it.
When We Used To Play In The Streets
An old Brooklyn buddy just posted this link on Facebook. Check out the trailer for New York Street Games, a documentary film about a simpler time in NYC. Back before blogs and Facebook and texting when we had to leave the house to have fun. Imagine that!
What I love about Bed Stuy is that it’s old school Brooklyn. I can hang out on my stoop and watch the kids play on the sidewalk (not my kids, mind you). There is still that sense of community that has been lost in many parts of New York.
FYI, I was a Chinese handball gal myself. Never played stickball in my life.
10 New York Facebook Pages or Groups
1. Secret New York.
2. You’re from where? Oh that sucks, I’m from NY.
3. U know ur from Brooklyn if….
4. I’m a New Yorker. I know what a real bagel is.
8. Hidden Secrets, NY
9. Bitch, please. I’m from New York.