Dear Drunk Times Square Party-goers:
Please, get out of my backyard.
Love,
A Frustrated Times Square Resident
P.S. Seriously, we love you tourists - you're what make this neighborhood special. But, please, develop some manners.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
What I Got for Christmas
On Christmas morning, I began unwrapping my gifts from Wife. First I opened a toothbrush. That was followed by deodorant. Of course there was a tube of toothpaste. Next I got a couple packages of underwear and undershirts. Yes, those were all real gifts, but I can't complain, because Wife knows how to pick out great gifts for me. Fortunately, here so does her work. Here is a gift her company sent home for me:
Here is another one:
Here is another one:
One Atheist's View of a Gideon
Monday, December 22, 2008
It's a Cold, Cold World
Sure enough, it snowed on Friday. We didn't receive the six inches of snow on Friday that the optimistic weather reports promised, but we did get quite a bit. 
Saturday afternoon Wife and I enjoyed playing in the snow and ice at Central Park (along with a few thousand of our closest friends).
On Sunday morning, we walked to church in the snow. But something happened while we were at church - it rained. The rain managed to melt a good portion of the fluffy white stuff. Fortunately, our apartment overlooks a garden, which remains covered with snow, so Wife continues to live in bliss.
The weather has now turned even colder. This morning, we walked to work with the thermometer reading in single digits. Wife is thrilled that the cold weather is putting a layer of ice over her precious snow to "preserve the pretty."
Saturday afternoon Wife and I enjoyed playing in the snow and ice at Central Park (along with a few thousand of our closest friends).
On Sunday morning, we walked to church in the snow. But something happened while we were at church - it rained. The rain managed to melt a good portion of the fluffy white stuff. Fortunately, our apartment overlooks a garden, which remains covered with snow, so Wife continues to live in bliss.
The weather has now turned even colder. This morning, we walked to work with the thermometer reading in single digits. Wife is thrilled that the cold weather is putting a layer of ice over her precious snow to "preserve the pretty."
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
I am so excited that I just can’t seem to fall asleep. My wonderful little Acuvue Weather Forecaster keeps popping up with a severe weather warning. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE MORE SNOW! In fact, tomorrow we are expected to have over 6 inches of snow with more to follow throughout the week. Could we actually have a White Christmas?
I know that there are many of you reading this blog right now thinking I am a fool - you are yelling at the computer or shaking your head in disbelief. But I cannot help it. I love snow. There is just something about it that makes me so happy. Maybe it reminds me of my days as a kid building snowmen, sliding down the big steep hills or building snow angels. I am sure that if I had to drive in the white fluff, my opinions would change rather drastically.
The only negativity about snow, when you live in Manhattan, is the day after when the snow has been pushed up against the sidewalk ledges and you have to cross a major street (my mind turns to 42nd) leaving you to step in a huge, yucky puddle of slush.
It finally began to feel like Christmas on Tuesday when we received our first few flakes. My coworkers know (and do not quite understand) my love of snow and my eager anticipation for the first snow. All of Tuesday morning, I was getting teased that it was snowing, but when I looked out the window there was nothing but an air conditioner. At approximately 12:30, I had to go see our CFO and as I walked out I heard “the boys” (as I’ve affectionately named my coworkers) encouraging me to look out the window. Sure enough big, FAT flakes were falling down from the sky. At that time Husband called me to make sure I wasn’t missing our first snowfall. As strange as it may seem to many of you, seeing the snow made my day. Thankfully, the snow started back up that night so I could take a short stroll through the beautiful white fluff.
After all of that, you can imagine my excitement to learn that we are expecting huge snowstorms in the next couple of days. Starting tomorrow morning, NYC will hopefully be covered in a blanket of white snow.
I know that there are many of you reading this blog right now thinking I am a fool - you are yelling at the computer or shaking your head in disbelief. But I cannot help it. I love snow. There is just something about it that makes me so happy. Maybe it reminds me of my days as a kid building snowmen, sliding down the big steep hills or building snow angels. I am sure that if I had to drive in the white fluff, my opinions would change rather drastically.
The only negativity about snow, when you live in Manhattan, is the day after when the snow has been pushed up against the sidewalk ledges and you have to cross a major street (my mind turns to 42nd) leaving you to step in a huge, yucky puddle of slush.
It finally began to feel like Christmas on Tuesday when we received our first few flakes. My coworkers know (and do not quite understand) my love of snow and my eager anticipation for the first snow. All of Tuesday morning, I was getting teased that it was snowing, but when I looked out the window there was nothing but an air conditioner. At approximately 12:30, I had to go see our CFO and as I walked out I heard “the boys” (as I’ve affectionately named my coworkers) encouraging me to look out the window. Sure enough big, FAT flakes were falling down from the sky. At that time Husband called me to make sure I wasn’t missing our first snowfall. As strange as it may seem to many of you, seeing the snow made my day. Thankfully, the snow started back up that night so I could take a short stroll through the beautiful white fluff.
After all of that, you can imagine my excitement to learn that we are expecting huge snowstorms in the next couple of days. Starting tomorrow morning, NYC will hopefully be covered in a blanket of white snow.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Surprise Cake Gone Wrong
It took me a minute to get this, so make sure you read the story under the picture. Rumor is that really did happen, and this is a real cake from Walmart. This cake was a surprise from someone leaving a job at an insurance claims office.
Okay so this is how I imagine this conversation went:
Walmart Employee: "Hello, Walmart, how can I help you?"
Customer: "I want to order a cake for a going away party this week."
Walmart Employee: "What you want on the cake?"
Customer: "'Best Wishes Suzanne' and underneath that 'We will miss you.'"
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
White Cold Stuff
Today, we experienced what Wife has been eagerly anticipating for the last several months.
I walked home tonight in the snow. I learned a shocking truth: snow is really cold. It is a new lifestyle to walk inside and try to brush all that white stuff out of my hair, off my coat, off my glasses, out of my eyebrows, off my shoes, and out of my collar.
Upon entering our apartment, I was greeted by Wife as she sat gazing out the window, clapping and squealing, "Look at all the pretty snow." It takes very little to entertain us, which is quite fortunate because this little bit of snow will undoubtedly have melted when we awake.
I walked home tonight in the snow. I learned a shocking truth: snow is really cold. It is a new lifestyle to walk inside and try to brush all that white stuff out of my hair, off my coat, off my glasses, out of my eyebrows, off my shoes, and out of my collar.
Upon entering our apartment, I was greeted by Wife as she sat gazing out the window, clapping and squealing, "Look at all the pretty snow." It takes very little to entertain us, which is quite fortunate because this little bit of snow will undoubtedly have melted when we awake.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Song of My Life: I'm Billing Time
This song goes up there on my list of funniest songs ever. It is written and performed by the talented attorney vocal group Bar and Grill Singers.
Sung to the tune of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," it feature hilarious, but true, lyrics such as:
If you come to my office or call my phone,
I'm billing time.
If you stop me at parties to whine and moan,
I'm billing time.
If I think of you when I am all alone,
I'm billing time.
If you're late for appointments,
I will be waiting and billing time.
(Actually, I don't bill my time for when I think of the client when I'm all alone...generally).
Sung to the tune of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time," it feature hilarious, but true, lyrics such as:
If you come to my office or call my phone,
I'm billing time.
If you stop me at parties to whine and moan,
I'm billing time.
If I think of you when I am all alone,
I'm billing time.
If you're late for appointments,
I will be waiting and billing time.
(Actually, I don't bill my time for when I think of the client when I'm all alone...generally).
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Carnegie Deli
There was good news and bad news. The bad news is that last night, soon after I finally got home about 8:00 in the evening (an early night for me), my Blackberry started buzzing with a 
message telling me I was needed to work on a big project all day today (I probably would have been disappointed, but Wife had to work all day as well).
The good news is that the client I was working on bought me dinner from Carnegie Deli. Carnegie Deli is known for their outstanding sandwiches, but they are also known for their ridiculous prices (it's a bit of a tourist trap).
Soon after Wife and I arrived in New York, we walked by Carnegie Deli as an angry patron was screaming about how he just paid $45 for a burger, fries, and soda. That was the last time Wife and I contemplated eating there. Well, today my client bought me one of their corned beef sandwiches (one of the things they are particularly they are famous for).
I thought the tales of the size of their sandwiches were exaggerated - they are not.
For those concerned with the cost, this sandwich only set the client back a mere $14.95.
message telling me I was needed to work on a big project all day today (I probably would have been disappointed, but Wife had to work all day as well).The good news is that the client I was working on bought me dinner from Carnegie Deli. Carnegie Deli is known for their outstanding sandwiches, but they are also known for their ridiculous prices (it's a bit of a tourist trap).
Soon after Wife and I arrived in New York, we walked by Carnegie Deli as an angry patron was screaming about how he just paid $45 for a burger, fries, and soda. That was the last time Wife and I contemplated eating there. Well, today my client bought me one of their corned beef sandwiches (one of the things they are particularly they are famous for).
I thought the tales of the size of their sandwiches were exaggerated - they are not.
For those concerned with the cost, this sandwich only set the client back a mere $14.95.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Getting in the Holiday Spirit
Though both Wife and I had to spend most of the day at our respective offices, we spent the evening taking in some of the best Christmas scenes the City has to offer.
We started out going to see the famous tree at Rockefeller Center. Here's my summary of that experience: ridiculously, freakishly, insanely crowded. That's all I have to say about that.
We moved over to another crowded area to see displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, which was probably the most impressive portion of the evening. Last week, we spent plenty of time enjoying the Macy's holiday experience. Frankly, Saks probably beats them.
Last year, Wife desperately wanted to see the laser-light show at Grand Central Station. Unfortunately we didn't make it last year, so we decided to stay her permanently just so we could experience the light show. Wow...that was overrated.
Finally, we perused over to Bryant Park to see the tree, watch ice skaters, and browse all the little holiday shops. This evening, we started getting our first snow flakes. All we need is a white Christmas to make the scene complete. Without a doubt, nobody does holiday spirit like New York City.
We started out going to see the famous tree at Rockefeller Center. Here's my summary of that experience: ridiculously, freakishly, insanely crowded. That's all I have to say about that.
We moved over to another crowded area to see displays at Saks Fifth Avenue, which was probably the most impressive portion of the evening. Last week, we spent plenty of time enjoying the Macy's holiday experience. Frankly, Saks probably beats them.
Last year, Wife desperately wanted to see the laser-light show at Grand Central Station. Unfortunately we didn't make it last year, so we decided to stay her permanently just so we could experience the light show. Wow...that was overrated.
Finally, we perused over to Bryant Park to see the tree, watch ice skaters, and browse all the little holiday shops. This evening, we started getting our first snow flakes. All we need is a white Christmas to make the scene complete. Without a doubt, nobody does holiday spirit like New York City.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Our Inside Joke with Sam Waterston
On tonight's all new Law & Order, the episode ended with Jack McCoy, Sam Waterston's character, remarking, "I'm too old to play Hamlet." To the uninformed, that may sound like a typical line in the script, but understanding the background reveals an inside joke.
Early in his career, Waterston played the title role in Shakespeare in the Park's rendition of Hamlet. This year, Shakespeare in the Park once again performed the same play. Again, Waterston played a leading role - but in 2008 he was too old to play Hamlet, so he instead starred as Polonius.
This summer, Wife and I had the privilage of watching Waterston's memorable performance, where we learned that Waterston may be too old to play Hamlet, but he's still more than capable being the star of the show.
Early in his career, Waterston played the title role in Shakespeare in the Park's rendition of Hamlet. This year, Shakespeare in the Park once again performed the same play. Again, Waterston played a leading role - but in 2008 he was too old to play Hamlet, so he instead starred as Polonius.
This summer, Wife and I had the privilage of watching Waterston's memorable performance, where we learned that Waterston may be too old to play Hamlet, but he's still more than capable being the star of the show.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Advising the Mayor
During the long holiday weekend, Wife and I spent some time advising Mayor Bloomberg regarding
a few of the issues plaguing the City. Wife discussed some precarious financial situations while I addressed the pressing legal issues of the city. Ok, it didn't quite go down like that. But Wife and I did get to shake Mayor Bloomberg's hand as he warmly greeted us (with the warmth that only a seasoned politician can provide).
On an unrelated note: Do not send Christmas cards to any address except our NEW address (August '08). Anything sent to any other address will NOT be forwarded. If you need our new email address, shoot us an email and we will be happy to send it to you.
a few of the issues plaguing the City. Wife discussed some precarious financial situations while I addressed the pressing legal issues of the city. Ok, it didn't quite go down like that. But Wife and I did get to shake Mayor Bloomberg's hand as he warmly greeted us (with the warmth that only a seasoned politician can provide).On an unrelated note: Do not send Christmas cards to any address except our NEW address (August '08). Anything sent to any other address will NOT be forwarded. If you need our new email address, shoot us an email and we will be happy to send it to you.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Bar Exam: The Results Are In!
Friday was an exciting day for our household. Mid-afternoon on Friday, we learned that Husband passed the New York Bar Exam. I am so proud of Husband for this accomplishment. This is the second Bar Exam that he has passed (and, hopefully, the last exam he will ever have to take).
Earlier in the week Husband learned that the results would be posted at 9:00 AM on Friday morning. Husband and I are usually the first ones in our respective offices every day, but Friday we both decided to go in late and wait for the results to be posted. The anticipation was mounting as we waited for the results. There was one major problem. Apparently the New York Bar Examiners didn’t anticipate that over 15,000 eager soon-to-be lawyers would be all logging on to check their results at the same time. As soon as the results were posted, the website went into overload and began to crash. Needless to say we kept trying to check the results, but we couldn’t gain access to the website. After about 15 minutes of trying, we decided we better get to work.
At work we both continued to try to gain access in between meetings and actually get our work done. Mid-afternoon I was finally successful in gaining access to the website to Husband’s results. I quickly called him and read to him that The New York Bar Examiners would like to congratulate him on passing the New York Bar Exam. I was thrilled and couldn’t help telling everyone I knew of this great accomplishment! He has worked so hard over these last several years and I am so proud of him.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Debriefing After Our Formal
After spending last weekend shopping for formal wear, our black-tie gala went very well. The food was awesome. Half the time, I didn't know what I was eating, but from the five-inch prawns and seared tuna appetizers, the sea bass entree, and ending with the chocolate torte and cheesecake dessert, the food was absolutely decadent (yeah, I know that sounds ostentatious, but it's an inside joke).
The celebrities were out in force. It looked to me like there were a handful of A-listers everyone wanted to greet, several handfuls of B-listers who were relatively popular throughout the night, and a ton of C and D-listers desperately trying to be seen. I'm not going to run down the list of whom was there (two reasons:first I don't want to drop all those names; second, I really didn't recognize most of them).
There is one name I will drop: the main entertainment for the night was Jay-Z. If you know me, you know that I am way, way too white and nerdy to be down with Jay-Z, but he did an outstanding job. Why was I so impressed? First, he kept it extremely clean (not something I would usually associate with him). Second, everyone from the young socialites to the old rich snobs seemed to really enjoy him. Third, there are some performers who are so talented, that even when their skills are not quite your cup of tea, you need to sit back and admit that they have real talent - that is exactly how I felt.
I have no idea when, or if, we will be invited to another event like this again, but we have our formal duds ready to go next time we get the call.
The celebrities were out in force. It looked to me like there were a handful of A-listers everyone wanted to greet, several handfuls of B-listers who were relatively popular throughout the night, and a ton of C and D-listers desperately trying to be seen. I'm not going to run down the list of whom was there (two reasons:first I don't want to drop all those names; second, I really didn't recognize most of them).
There is one name I will drop: the main entertainment for the night was Jay-Z. If you know me, you know that I am way, way too white and nerdy to be down with Jay-Z, but he did an outstanding job. Why was I so impressed? First, he kept it extremely clean (not something I would usually associate with him). Second, everyone from the young socialites to the old rich snobs seemed to really enjoy him. Third, there are some performers who are so talented, that even when their skills are not quite your cup of tea, you need to sit back and admit that they have real talent - that is exactly how I felt.
I have no idea when, or if, we will be invited to another event like this again, but we have our formal duds ready to go next time we get the call.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Our Surprise Formal
Earlier this week, Senior Partner calls me and says, "Associate,* I have a couple tickets for a black tie gala at Extremely Exclusive Location, would you and your wife..." To which I immediately interjected, "Yes! We'll go." This coming week, Wife and I will be attending a formal charity gala. Senior Partner warned me that the firm cheaped out and only bought $8,000 tickets so we will not have access to the green room to meet and greet the celebrities, politicians, and professional athletes before the event, but we should plan on mingling with them afterward. 
I don't want to say where our event will be held, but imagine the location known for being the best view in New York City.
Within two hours of getting the news, Wife had found a new formal gown (she can describe it better than I can, and she would explain that it is not really a "gown" - it's a dress for formal events. Use your imagination). This morning, I bought a tuxedo, which is not something I ever planned on owning, but I figure that if I just wear it two or three times purchasing tux is a better deal than renting one (and I am told I will definitely wear it at least a couple times a year).
* When speaking of work-related matters, I will just call myself "Associate." I can't imagine writing, "and Partner said, 'Husband'..."
I don't want to say where our event will be held, but imagine the location known for being the best view in New York City.Within two hours of getting the news, Wife had found a new formal gown (she can describe it better than I can, and she would explain that it is not really a "gown" - it's a dress for formal events. Use your imagination). This morning, I bought a tuxedo, which is not something I ever planned on owning, but I figure that if I just wear it two or three times purchasing tux is a better deal than renting one (and I am told I will definitely wear it at least a couple times a year).
* When speaking of work-related matters, I will just call myself "Associate." I can't imagine writing, "and Partner said, 'Husband'..."
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Bragging About Wife
Wife has strictly forbid me from discussing her job on the blog, but I just need to post about her recent award. This week, her company had their annual "state of the company" gala with about a thousand employees gathering for speeches, a party, and awards. Wife was given a very prestigious award at the ceremony. I find this especially impressive because: 1) out of about a thousand employees, the number of awards can be counted on one hand; 2) Wife "crushed her competition" in the voting tally; 3) Wife works in a department that has NEVER received an award at this ceremony (she works in the department that nags managers to stop spending money and get their accounts in order; shockingly, the department has never been popular - until Wife took it over). But probably the most impressive aspect is that when Wife walked on stage to accept the award, she was honored with a standing ovation by all of her thousand coworkers in the theater.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Security
For obvious reasons, I have no intention of ever blogging about my work. But here's a work-related blog, because strange things rumble around in my brain. Over the last few weeks, I have kept myself busy with this question: would it be easier for a terrorist to smuggle contraband onto an airplane or into my office. I know I should always respond with the lawyerly, "It depends." But, frankly, I think it would be tougher to get an explosive into my office. I'm pretty sure we have more security guards than an airport. Our security system is certainly more advanced (and that's all I will say about that).
Saturday, October 4, 2008
I Love Cheap Food
When people hear about my love for cheap food, I frequently get one question: "Umm...will you still eat like that when you're working for a big law firm?" The answer: of course I will. Wife and I just returned from Chinatown, where we ate an amazing meal, consisting of chicken and corn soup, all the pork dumplings we could eat, and sesame pancakes. The grand total for our feast was six bucks even.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Coming Soon to a Theater/Televison Near You
One day this week I just had to get out of the office for a few moments. Normally, I never leave the building from 8:00 a.m. until sometime after 8:00 p.m., but on this day, I just needed some fresh air. I left our building and started to walk up the street. Suddenly, I saw a sign with the big, bold headline, "Warner Brothers." The sign explained (in language undoubtedly written by a lawyer) that a shoot was in progress and proceeding past the sign constituted consent to have one's image and actions used for any and all commercial purposes. Curiosity got the best of me, so I continued past the sign. I saw plenty of cameras and crew members, but I didn't recognize any stars (nor could I figure out what was being filmed). So, if you happen to see anything made by Warner Brothers, keep an eye out for me bumbling down the street trying to figure out what was going on. If you recognize me, please let me know what movie or television show I'm staring in.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Not Dead Yet
I apologize to the regular readers of this blog for the blogging sabbatical of the last two months (and special apologies to the seven of you who emailed me this past week to remind me that I have a blog).
I am not sure of the purpose and direction of this blog anymore, which is a problem since I am the primary author. Wife and I started this blog just a year ago when we were beginning a nine-month excursion in Manhattan. Countless family members and friends asked us to keep them appraised of our adventures. With that in mind, Wife and I thought the blog would be a good way to chronicle our year in NYC, both for others and ourselves. But something happened along during our year here: New York City went from being an exciting adventure, to simply being our home. Our status suddenly changed from "tourist" to "domiciliary."
Wife and I feel unsure of how to proceed with the blog. We have never intended to have an public online journal to share the private details of our lives. But we do enjoy the interaction with family and friends through the blog (primarily through Linda's comments and other's emails).
Another complication about writing on the blog: our lives are suddenly rather boring. Well, at least the information we can share is boring. Wife would love to share about new products and advertising campaigns that you will soon see from her clients - but she can't. I have an urge to share interesting stories about companies you're familiar with, but that is a complete taboo. So, we're not too sure what to talk about. We don't feel like sharing editorial commentary on politics. There is really no reason to share our opinion on the news of the day. Most of the readers have no interest in reading theological analysis.
A story I can share: not long ago I was going to work, getting ready to walk into our skyscraper. I noticed several television crews nearby, but I thought nothing of it. As I walked up to the building, I was stunned when a microphone was shoved into my face, a camera pushed into my path, and a reporting asking for comment regarding news of the day. I was taken completely off guard, but responded as coolly as I could, "No comment." I didn't bother telling the reporter that I had no comment because I had absolutely nothing intelligent to share on the subject. Even so, it was nice to be asked my opinion.
I am not sure of the purpose and direction of this blog anymore, which is a problem since I am the primary author. Wife and I started this blog just a year ago when we were beginning a nine-month excursion in Manhattan. Countless family members and friends asked us to keep them appraised of our adventures. With that in mind, Wife and I thought the blog would be a good way to chronicle our year in NYC, both for others and ourselves. But something happened along during our year here: New York City went from being an exciting adventure, to simply being our home. Our status suddenly changed from "tourist" to "domiciliary."
Wife and I feel unsure of how to proceed with the blog. We have never intended to have an public online journal to share the private details of our lives. But we do enjoy the interaction with family and friends through the blog (primarily through Linda's comments and other's emails).
Another complication about writing on the blog: our lives are suddenly rather boring. Well, at least the information we can share is boring. Wife would love to share about new products and advertising campaigns that you will soon see from her clients - but she can't. I have an urge to share interesting stories about companies you're familiar with, but that is a complete taboo. So, we're not too sure what to talk about. We don't feel like sharing editorial commentary on politics. There is really no reason to share our opinion on the news of the day. Most of the readers have no interest in reading theological analysis.
A story I can share: not long ago I was going to work, getting ready to walk into our skyscraper. I noticed several television crews nearby, but I thought nothing of it. As I walked up to the building, I was stunned when a microphone was shoved into my face, a camera pushed into my path, and a reporting asking for comment regarding news of the day. I was taken completely off guard, but responded as coolly as I could, "No comment." I didn't bother telling the reporter that I had no comment because I had absolutely nothing intelligent to share on the subject. Even so, it was nice to be asked my opinion.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Experiencing Greenwich Village: Washington Square Park
One of Greenwich Village's most famous attractions is Washington Square Park. When wife and I found ourselves with a free dinner hour, we enjoyed taking our dinner to the park and eating on a bench while enjoying performances by street artists. On days that I thought my brain would 
turn to mush from studying too long, I enjoyed grabbing a slice of pizza or a falafel and taking it to the park to watch the people, the dogs, and just relax for a few minutes and soak in the atmosphere.
While Washington Square Park is well known around the world, few actually know the history of the park. the park is named for George Washington, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. On April 30, 1789, six years after the victory of the colonists, Washington was inaugurated in New York City as the first President of the United States.
The parkland was once a marsh fed by Minetta Brook. It was located near an Indian village known as Sapokanikan or “Tobacco Field.” In 1797 the Common Council acquired the land for use as a Potter's Field or common burial ground. The field was also used for public executions, giving rise to the tale of the Hangman’s Elm which stands in the northwest corner of the park (on a side note, the death penalty is now banned in New York).
The site was used as the Washington Military Parade Ground in 1826, and became a public park in 1827. Following this designation, a number of wealthy and prominent families, escaping the disease and congestion of downtown Manhattan, moved into the area and built the distinguished Greek Revival mansions that still line the square’s north side. One of these provided the setting for Henry James’ 1880 novel, Washington Square. In 1835, the park also hosted the first public demonstration of the telegraph by Samuel F.B. Morse, a professor at New York University,
which is adjacent to the park.
Soon after the creation of the Department of Public Parks in 1870, the square was redesigned and improved by M.A. Kellogg, Engineer-in-Chief, and I.A. Pilat, Chief Landscape Gardener. The marble Washington Arch was built between the years 1890 and 1892 to replace the popular wooden arch erected in 1889 to commemorate the centennial of Washington’s inauguration. The architect Stanford White modeled both structures on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Two statues of Washington were installed on the north face of the arch in 1918, Washington as Commander-in-Chief, Accompanied by Fame and Valor by Hermon MacNeil, and Washington as President, Accompanied by Wisdom and Justice by Alexander Stirling Calder.
Other monuments in this park are J.Q.A. Ward’s bust of steel manufacturer Alexander Lyman Holley (1890), Giovanni Turini’s statue of Italian nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi (1888), a World War I flagpole, and the central fountain which was moved here from Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in the mid 1870s.
Use of public space in Washington Square Park has also been redefined throughout the 20th century. Fifth Avenue ran through the arch until 1964 when the park was redesigned and closed to traffic at the insistence of Village residents. With the addition of bocce courts, game tables, and playgrounds, the park has become an internationally known meeting ground for students, local residents, tourists, chess players, and performers.
(Information from NYC Government Parks Department)
turn to mush from studying too long, I enjoyed grabbing a slice of pizza or a falafel and taking it to the park to watch the people, the dogs, and just relax for a few minutes and soak in the atmosphere.While Washington Square Park is well known around the world, few actually know the history of the park. the park is named for George Washington, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and presided over the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. On April 30, 1789, six years after the victory of the colonists, Washington was inaugurated in New York City as the first President of the United States.
The parkland was once a marsh fed by Minetta Brook. It was located near an Indian village known as Sapokanikan or “Tobacco Field.” In 1797 the Common Council acquired the land for use as a Potter's Field or common burial ground. The field was also used for public executions, giving rise to the tale of the Hangman’s Elm which stands in the northwest corner of the park (on a side note, the death penalty is now banned in New York).
The site was used as the Washington Military Parade Ground in 1826, and became a public park in 1827. Following this designation, a number of wealthy and prominent families, escaping the disease and congestion of downtown Manhattan, moved into the area and built the distinguished Greek Revival mansions that still line the square’s north side. One of these provided the setting for Henry James’ 1880 novel, Washington Square. In 1835, the park also hosted the first public demonstration of the telegraph by Samuel F.B. Morse, a professor at New York University,
which is adjacent to the park.Soon after the creation of the Department of Public Parks in 1870, the square was redesigned and improved by M.A. Kellogg, Engineer-in-Chief, and I.A. Pilat, Chief Landscape Gardener. The marble Washington Arch was built between the years 1890 and 1892 to replace the popular wooden arch erected in 1889 to commemorate the centennial of Washington’s inauguration. The architect Stanford White modeled both structures on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Two statues of Washington were installed on the north face of the arch in 1918, Washington as Commander-in-Chief, Accompanied by Fame and Valor by Hermon MacNeil, and Washington as President, Accompanied by Wisdom and Justice by Alexander Stirling Calder.
Other monuments in this park are J.Q.A. Ward’s bust of steel manufacturer Alexander Lyman Holley (1890), Giovanni Turini’s statue of Italian nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi (1888), a World War I flagpole, and the central fountain which was moved here from Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in the mid 1870s.
Use of public space in Washington Square Park has also been redefined throughout the 20th century. Fifth Avenue ran through the arch until 1964 when the park was redesigned and closed to traffic at the insistence of Village residents. With the addition of bocce courts, game tables, and playgrounds, the park has become an internationally known meeting ground for students, local residents, tourists, chess players, and performers.
(Information from NYC Government Parks Department)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Exploring Greenwich Village: Bleecker Street
For the past year, where Wife and I lived, one of our cross streets was the famous Bleecker Street. Bleecker Street is a famous street in New York City's Manhattan borough. It is perhaps most famous today as a Greenwich Village nightclub district. The street is a spine that connects a neighborhood today popular for music venues and comedy, but was once a major center for American bohemia. Nearby sites include Washington Square Park and music venue Cafe Wha?, where Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Kool & the Gang, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, and many others began their careers.
Here are a random list of interesting cultural references to our beloved Bleecker Street.
* 11th and Bleecker is mentioned in New Line Home Entertainment's 1990 production of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
* Japanese pop superstar Ayumi Hamasaki visited Bleecker Street during recording of her (miss)understood album. The pictures were later published in Hamasaki's famous "Deji Deji Diary" that is published in each issue of ViVi Magazine.
* Bleecker Street is the name of a trail at Hunter Mountain.
* The Saint of Bleecker Street, an opera by American composer Gian Carlo Menotti, earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1955.
* Long-running television series Friends featured Bleecker Street signposts in several cut-scenes.
* Humorous web comic Alien Loves Predator features Bleecker Street in some episodes and also on an "AlP" T-Shirt.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the Steely Dan song "Almost Gothic" from the album Two Against Nature.
* Simon and Garfunkel have a song titled "Bleecker Street" on their album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
* Bruce Springsteen, frequent visitor of the Bleecker Street club Cafe Wha?, says "Cat somehow lost his baby down on Bleecker Street" in his song "Kitty's Back" off his album The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "Punkrocker", featuring Iggy Pop, by The Teddybears.
* Bleecker Street is referenced in Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, notably in The Wolves of the Calla.
* Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum is located at 177A Bleecker Street.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "New Amsterdam" by the band Travis.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the songs "Cindy's Cryin'" and "Phil" by Tom Paxton.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "What Do You Know About Love?" by Lloyd Cole.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "Underground Town" by ska band The Toasters.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "New York Girls" (aka Can You Dance The Polka) by British folk rock band Steeleye Span.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "Bleecker Street" by Joie Blaney of Joie/Dead Blonde Girlfriend.
* Much of the 2007 film No Reservations (starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart) is set in a restaurant on the corner of Bleecker and Charles streets. The name of their fictitious restaurant is 22 Bleecker.
* In The WB series What I Like About You, Holly and Valerie live in an apartment on Bleecker Street.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "Tin Angel" by Joni Mitchell (on her 1969 album Clouds), and in her "Song for Sharon" from the album Hejira.
* The Marc Jacobs store on Bleecker Street is mentioned in the novel Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes as hangout for emaciated young women.
Here are a random list of interesting cultural references to our beloved Bleecker Street.
* 11th and Bleecker is mentioned in New Line Home Entertainment's 1990 production of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
* Japanese pop superstar Ayumi Hamasaki visited Bleecker Street during recording of her (miss)understood album. The pictures were later published in Hamasaki's famous "Deji Deji Diary" that is published in each issue of ViVi Magazine.
* Bleecker Street is the name of a trail at Hunter Mountain.
* The Saint of Bleecker Street, an opera by American composer Gian Carlo Menotti, earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1955.
* Long-running television series Friends featured Bleecker Street signposts in several cut-scenes.
* Humorous web comic Alien Loves Predator features Bleecker Street in some episodes and also on an "AlP" T-Shirt.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the Steely Dan song "Almost Gothic" from the album Two Against Nature.
* Simon and Garfunkel have a song titled "Bleecker Street" on their album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
* Bruce Springsteen, frequent visitor of the Bleecker Street club Cafe Wha?, says "Cat somehow lost his baby down on Bleecker Street" in his song "Kitty's Back" off his album The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "Punkrocker", featuring Iggy Pop, by The Teddybears.
* Bleecker Street is referenced in Stephen King's The Dark Tower series, notably in The Wolves of the Calla.
* Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum is located at 177A Bleecker Street.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "New Amsterdam" by the band Travis.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the songs "Cindy's Cryin'" and "Phil" by Tom Paxton.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "What Do You Know About Love?" by Lloyd Cole.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "Underground Town" by ska band The Toasters.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "New York Girls" (aka Can You Dance The Polka) by British folk rock band Steeleye Span.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "Bleecker Street" by Joie Blaney of Joie/Dead Blonde Girlfriend.
* Much of the 2007 film No Reservations (starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart) is set in a restaurant on the corner of Bleecker and Charles streets. The name of their fictitious restaurant is 22 Bleecker.
* In The WB series What I Like About You, Holly and Valerie live in an apartment on Bleecker Street.
* Bleecker Street is mentioned in the song "Tin Angel" by Joni Mitchell (on her 1969 album Clouds), and in her "Song for Sharon" from the album Hejira.
* The Marc Jacobs store on Bleecker Street is mentioned in the novel Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes as hangout for emaciated young women.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Exploring Greenwich Village - Coffee Shops
Coffee in 
something I have always refused to do. Here in
J & B Coffee
Monday, August 11, 2008
Exploring Greenwich Village: The Cage
According to the Village Voice:
“The
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Exploring Greenwich Village: Hallel Food
I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for good food. Of course, my criteria of "good food" might be a bit odd. I measure good food by: 1) how cheap it is; 2) the size of the portion. If the food tastes good, that's a great bonus. I found food heaven on the corner of Bleecker and Lafayette.
Earlier this year Wife and I were on our way to Chinatown to grab dinner when Wife commented, "Lamb sure does sound good." As we headed to the subway tunnel, I spotted a sign, "Lamb on a Pita $3." I turned to Wife and asked her if she wanted to try it. She immediately,
and vigorously nodded her head (she's a trooper). After looking over the menu, wife ordered the lamb on a pita, while I ordered the chicken and lamb over rice combination platter. Our entire bill came to $7. I watched as heap upon heap of meat was scooped into our to go container. Our sack of food weighed about four pounds. Wife and I took our sack back to our apartment and started to eat - the food was simply amazing. We both ate all we wanted, and it didn't look like we had made a dent in the pile. The next morning, I made omelets with the meat as the filling. It was just as good as dinner the night before. The next day, I used more of the meat for omelets. We still had leftovers. All told, for $7, we had four meals for two people. And it was good. Very, very good.
Since that first chance encounter, wife and I have visited this vendor several times. After our second visit, the owner knew us and had our order memorized. The service is fast and friendly, the food is excellent.
Earlier this year Wife and I were on our way to Chinatown to grab dinner when Wife commented, "Lamb sure does sound good." As we headed to the subway tunnel, I spotted a sign, "Lamb on a Pita $3." I turned to Wife and asked her if she wanted to try it. She immediately,
and vigorously nodded her head (she's a trooper). After looking over the menu, wife ordered the lamb on a pita, while I ordered the chicken and lamb over rice combination platter. Our entire bill came to $7. I watched as heap upon heap of meat was scooped into our to go container. Our sack of food weighed about four pounds. Wife and I took our sack back to our apartment and started to eat - the food was simply amazing. We both ate all we wanted, and it didn't look like we had made a dent in the pile. The next morning, I made omelets with the meat as the filling. It was just as good as dinner the night before. The next day, I used more of the meat for omelets. We still had leftovers. All told, for $7, we had four meals for two people. And it was good. Very, very good.Since that first chance encounter, wife and I have visited this vendor several times. After our second visit, the owner knew us and had our order memorized. The service is fast and friendly, the food is excellent.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Shaq Likes My Hood
According to the New York Post, Suns' center Shaquille O'Neal has been seen recently playing pickup basketball at the Reebok Sports Club on Columbus Avenue in New York City. That's just a few blocks from us.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Experiencing Greenwich Village: Falafel
The day after arriving in Greenwich Village, I began to notice signs everywhere advertising "the best falafel in town." While I consider myself reasonably well cultured when it comes to experiencing different kinds of food, I had never heard of a "falafel." But, despite my ignorance, I was immediately drawn to the food. Maybe my attraction was due to the fact that it was something new. Maybe it was because of all the signs. Or maybe it was just because all the 
advertisements said it was just two bucks, and I couldn't find anything else anywhere close to that price. Whatever the attraction was, I quickly dragged wife to try our first falafels.
Falafel is made from fava beans or chickpeas (or a combination of the two). The Egyptian variation uses fava beans, while other variations generally use chickpeas. Chickpea falafels are served across the Middle East, particularly in Israel, and have been popularized by expatriates of those countries living abroad. The beans used for falafel are soaked, then ground with the addition of a small quantity of onion, parsley, spices, and then deep fried.
The chickpea has an amazing history of its own. The chickpea was used as a food item in Palestine before 4000 BC, and was a common street dish in ancient Rome. Historians note that the chickpea was one of the earliest crops cultivated in Mesopotamia. Archeological evidence identifies chickpeas in the Sumerian diet before 2500 BC.
Falafel is generally served in a pita (either inside the pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flat pita). The falafel balls, whole or crushed, are topped with "salads," consisting of lettuce, tomato, onion, and often a little carrot and purple cabbage. A wonderful sause, called, tehina, is then drizzled over the top. To add a bit of a kick, I then pour hot sause over the top
While falafel sandwhiches are amazing by themselves, what makes them absolutely amazing is paying an extra fifty cents and having a few scoops of humas smothered inside the pita before the other ingredients are added. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite meals of all time (an opinion which Wife does not share).
When walking through Greenwich Village, you will find countless places that want to sell you a falafel - but there is one shop that stands head and shoulders above the rest: Mamoun's Falafel.
The lines are always incredibly long, but they move shockingly fast. Know what you want to order before you get in line (this is very important). When the clerk points at you and shouts,"Next," be prepared to immediately shout out what you want. Failure to observe this point will result in a painful belittling by the clerk and jeers from the crowd waiting in line (I have seen this happen to countless tourists). But the process is very easy. When the clerk points at you, just rattle off, "A falafel sandwhich with humas."
advertisements said it was just two bucks, and I couldn't find anything else anywhere close to that price. Whatever the attraction was, I quickly dragged wife to try our first falafels.Falafel is made from fava beans or chickpeas (or a combination of the two). The Egyptian variation uses fava beans, while other variations generally use chickpeas. Chickpea falafels are served across the Middle East, particularly in Israel, and have been popularized by expatriates of those countries living abroad. The beans used for falafel are soaked, then ground with the addition of a small quantity of onion, parsley, spices, and then deep fried.
The chickpea has an amazing history of its own. The chickpea was used as a food item in Palestine before 4000 BC, and was a common street dish in ancient Rome. Historians note that the chickpea was one of the earliest crops cultivated in Mesopotamia. Archeological evidence identifies chickpeas in the Sumerian diet before 2500 BC.
Falafel is generally served in a pita (either inside the pita, which acts as a pocket, or wrapped in a flat pita). The falafel balls, whole or crushed, are topped with "salads," consisting of lettuce, tomato, onion, and often a little carrot and purple cabbage. A wonderful sause, called, tehina, is then drizzled over the top. To add a bit of a kick, I then pour hot sause over the top
While falafel sandwhiches are amazing by themselves, what makes them absolutely amazing is paying an extra fifty cents and having a few scoops of humas smothered inside the pita before the other ingredients are added. This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite meals of all time (an opinion which Wife does not share).
When walking through Greenwich Village, you will find countless places that want to sell you a falafel - but there is one shop that stands head and shoulders above the rest: Mamoun's Falafel.
The lines are always incredibly long, but they move shockingly fast. Know what you want to order before you get in line (this is very important). When the clerk points at you and shouts,"Next," be prepared to immediately shout out what you want. Failure to observe this point will result in a painful belittling by the clerk and jeers from the crowd waiting in line (I have seen this happen to countless tourists). But the process is very easy. When the clerk points at you, just rattle off, "A falafel sandwhich with humas."119 MacDougal St
New York, NY 10012
212-674-8685
Open 365 Days A Year
Open 11am - 5am Everyday
Thursday, August 7, 2008
God Bless Airlines
I'm currently back in my old state (state I left a year ago - not the old state from four years ago). On my way here, I had a layover in North Carolina. I haven't spent much time there, but it seemed like a nice state. Nice enough that my luggage decided to stay behind and experience a little more of it. The airline promises me that my luggage will be delivered to me tonight - it had better...I need it. My grandmother trained me to ALWAYS pack necessities in my carry-on. That is advice I have followed religiously. Until this trip. I have also always been paranoid about dressing well when I fly (if you look good, they treat you well). But I threw that habit out for this trip. I have a business meeting at 7:30 tomorrow morning, and the only clothing I have with me are shorts, an old polo shirt, and grimy tennis shoes.
Experiencing Greenwich Village: The Pizzeria
One of the best foods to eat in New York is the pizza. Everybody loves pizza, and we take it VERY seriously here. We can break the genre of "pizza" into two primary types here in NYC: the kind of pizza where you buy the whole pizza ("the Brooklyn pie") and pizza where you order by the slice ("the Manhattan slice").
After we lived in the village for a couple of weeks, a coupon for the Pizzeria was delivered to our apartment. It was close, just around the corner on MacDougal, and it was cheap. For about eight bucks, we could get a whole pizza with three toppings (an amazing deal here in NY). Wife and I ordered our pizza with pepperoni, sausage, and olives - we agreed it was amazing. Not only do we get a great, quick meal, but we had leftovers for the rest of the week. We liked the pizza so much we picked up another coupon (or fifty).
While their whole pie is very good, the Pizzaria's slices are amazing. I found these slices earlier this year when I was studying for long hours and needed something quick. For two dollars and change, the Pizzeria provides a huge slice of pizza and a drink with free refills (one of the very, very few places that provides free refills in New York). To prove yourself a true New Yorker, you need to shake on some parmasian cheese, crushed red peppers, and then pour on some hot sauce. Then fold the slice over and enjoy. The slices here are absolutely amazing.
For those who aren't familiar with the Manhattan slice, what most pizzerias do is to bake their huge pizzas about 2/3 of the way. When a customer orders a slice, they then throw the slice into the oven to finish off the cooking process. Every customer gets a steaming hot slice that is simply out of this world.
New Yorkers love to argue about the best pizza parlors - but for my money, when I just want a slice, I run to the Pizzeria on MacDougal Street. It's cheap, it's quick, and it's very good.
Visit the Pizzeria's website HERE.
After we lived in the village for a couple of weeks, a coupon for the Pizzeria was delivered to our apartment. It was close, just around the corner on MacDougal, and it was cheap. For about eight bucks, we could get a whole pizza with three toppings (an amazing deal here in NY). Wife and I ordered our pizza with pepperoni, sausage, and olives - we agreed it was amazing. Not only do we get a great, quick meal, but we had leftovers for the rest of the week. We liked the pizza so much we picked up another coupon (or fifty).
While their whole pie is very good, the Pizzaria's slices are amazing. I found these slices earlier this year when I was studying for long hours and needed something quick. For two dollars and change, the Pizzeria provides a huge slice of pizza and a drink with free refills (one of the very, very few places that provides free refills in New York). To prove yourself a true New Yorker, you need to shake on some parmasian cheese, crushed red peppers, and then pour on some hot sauce. Then fold the slice over and enjoy. The slices here are absolutely amazing.
For those who aren't familiar with the Manhattan slice, what most pizzerias do is to bake their huge pizzas about 2/3 of the way. When a customer orders a slice, they then throw the slice into the oven to finish off the cooking process. Every customer gets a steaming hot slice that is simply out of this world.
New Yorkers love to argue about the best pizza parlors - but for my money, when I just want a slice, I run to the Pizzeria on MacDougal Street. It's cheap, it's quick, and it's very good.
Visit the Pizzeria's website HERE.
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