MORE INFO:
Ain't got none.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
JUST ANOTHER ARTIST
Artist Drawing the Art of Another Artist
One of my favorite things to do in a city full of museums--of which there are only a few that can even come close to comparing to New York City--is to go to said museums and, while viewing the art on display, also view the art being made of the art on display. Usually, especially in a place like The Met, but also in many of the other museums around New York City, you will find artists sketching some of the works in the museums. They aren't always the best artists, but every once in a while you stumble on someone phenomenal. Whether they so happen to be an artistic genius or just some mediocre art student, it is still interesting to peak over their shoulders as they try their best to recreate (or reinterpret) what they see.
MORE INFO:
Ain't got none.
MORE INFO:
Ain't got none.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
JUST ANOTHER LOSS
Bill Thompson Loses the Mayoral Election to Mike Bloomberg
Truth is that no one was really expecting Bill Thompson to win today. If he had, it would have been quite an upset. And to be honest, I'm not even sure I really wanted him to win all that bad. He wasn't a phenomenal candidate and he said some things that turned me off (especially about the new bike lanes). I will say though that even if it isn't a great LOSS that Thompson didn't win, I do think it is a great LOSS that Bloomberg did won. Unfortunately, he has won a third term--becoming the fourth mayor of New York City to obtain a third term.
Now, the fact that he got the two-term term limit overturned isn't the thing that irks me so much--though I know plenty who weren't happy with that obvious grab for power. I just hate that this douchebag who has no political convictions (once a democrat, then a republican when it was convenient, and now an independent as soon as the republicans are out of vogue) can hoodwink a city full of people who I consider generally smarter and more politically attuned than most the rest of the nation.
What is it with New Yorkers always wanting to elect shitty mayors? The big problem, I see, really comes down to the fact that the mayoral elections don't fall on presidential election years--if turnout were a lot higher, I think a democrat would win the New York City mayoral election on a much more consistent basis. The other problem, of course, is: how can a mediocre democrat like Thompson compare with a guy who spent millions of dollars on his campaign (supposedly over $100 million). Bloomberg, for this mayoral election, spent more than any other mayoral candidate has ever spent, and by A LOT. Why is that not surprising? Because Bloomberg is a cutthroat billionaire who will do whatever it takes to win. The only way he gets any of his platform through as mayor is by paying off those who stand in his way. He is the equivalent of a high school bully.
Now, as I say this, I have to remind myself that, as far as the nation goes, there are countless politicians I despise much more than Bloomberg. Bloomberg, in fact, doesn't hold positions that are TOO far from my own. Sure, he isn't a liberal democrat--but he ain't too conservative either. He may only agree with me a little over half the time, but at least we have that agreement. We can be glad he's no Guiliani, at least.
Anyways, all this is merely to say that I admit that New York City isn't always perfect: we can elect somewhat shitty people too.
MORE INFO:
I like what Gawker had to say on the subject...
Now, the fact that he got the two-term term limit overturned isn't the thing that irks me so much--though I know plenty who weren't happy with that obvious grab for power. I just hate that this douchebag who has no political convictions (once a democrat, then a republican when it was convenient, and now an independent as soon as the republicans are out of vogue) can hoodwink a city full of people who I consider generally smarter and more politically attuned than most the rest of the nation.
What is it with New Yorkers always wanting to elect shitty mayors? The big problem, I see, really comes down to the fact that the mayoral elections don't fall on presidential election years--if turnout were a lot higher, I think a democrat would win the New York City mayoral election on a much more consistent basis. The other problem, of course, is: how can a mediocre democrat like Thompson compare with a guy who spent millions of dollars on his campaign (supposedly over $100 million). Bloomberg, for this mayoral election, spent more than any other mayoral candidate has ever spent, and by A LOT. Why is that not surprising? Because Bloomberg is a cutthroat billionaire who will do whatever it takes to win. The only way he gets any of his platform through as mayor is by paying off those who stand in his way. He is the equivalent of a high school bully.
Now, as I say this, I have to remind myself that, as far as the nation goes, there are countless politicians I despise much more than Bloomberg. Bloomberg, in fact, doesn't hold positions that are TOO far from my own. Sure, he isn't a liberal democrat--but he ain't too conservative either. He may only agree with me a little over half the time, but at least we have that agreement. We can be glad he's no Guiliani, at least.
Anyways, all this is merely to say that I admit that New York City isn't always perfect: we can elect somewhat shitty people too.
MORE INFO:
I like what Gawker had to say on the subject...
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
JUST ANOTHER OF THE BRAVEST
"New York's Bravest" aka FDNY
The other night--actually it was over a week ago now--I was about to get on the subway at Times Square when I realized that lining the streets were over ten firetrucks. I decided to investigate. I noticed that all the commotion was on Broadway and 42nd Street. There were a number of people standing around--even though it was pretty late at night--and watching firefighters behind a "Fire Line Do Not Cross" hosing down the subway below through the subway grates. I never really found out what happened exactly. I looked for info when I got home, but found nothing on the internet that could appease my curiosity.
No matter--it was cool to see the so-called "New York's Bravest" up close while they worked.
Of course, this mission, hosing down the subway grate, may not be one you'd call "brave," but lest we forget that these same firefighters were the ones who eight years ago all went down to the WTC while it was still standing and went in to try to rescue the people inside. Firefighting is a pretty insane job, and the FDNY has a reputation for being one of the--if not THE--best fire departments in the United States. They have an average response time that is under 5 minutes. And they deal with disasters great and small, on a scale unparalleled anywhere else in the United States. Whether they are putting out an apartment fire before it spreads quickly (in a city where buildings huddle close to one another), getting people out of elevators in one the huge skyscapers 80 stories up during a blackout, running into the burning towers of the Trade Center to save lives or, the classic, getting a kitten down from a tree--FDNY aren't really just New York's Bravest, they might just be America's Bravest.
(AND THEY HAVE THE GHOSTBUSTERS FIRE STATION!)
MORE INFO:
F
D
N
Y
No matter--it was cool to see the so-called "New York's Bravest" up close while they worked.
Of course, this mission, hosing down the subway grate, may not be one you'd call "brave," but lest we forget that these same firefighters were the ones who eight years ago all went down to the WTC while it was still standing and went in to try to rescue the people inside. Firefighting is a pretty insane job, and the FDNY has a reputation for being one of the--if not THE--best fire departments in the United States. They have an average response time that is under 5 minutes. And they deal with disasters great and small, on a scale unparalleled anywhere else in the United States. Whether they are putting out an apartment fire before it spreads quickly (in a city where buildings huddle close to one another), getting people out of elevators in one the huge skyscapers 80 stories up during a blackout, running into the burning towers of the Trade Center to save lives or, the classic, getting a kitten down from a tree--FDNY aren't really just New York's Bravest, they might just be America's Bravest.
(AND THEY HAVE THE GHOSTBUSTERS FIRE STATION!)
MORE INFO:
F
D
N
Y
Monday, November 2, 2009
JUST ANOTHER RACE II
The ING New York City Marathon
When I first moved to New York City years ago, when I transferred to NYU, on my first day there, I awoke to incessant cheering and the blasting of Donna Summer's "Hot Stuff" outside my window. Most people wouldn't have enjoyed this rude awakening, but I didn't mind at all. I looked out my window and found a number of floats migrating down Fifth Avenue and people packed like sardines along the sidewalks. I remember thinking, "I'm home." I had only been to New York City for a total of three days before that move, so I clearly had no true explainable rationale in calling it my home, but it was a feeling inside of me that I couldn't shake. I was home.
Now, looking back, I am able to understand the feeling a little bit better. I think Thomas Wolfe, the 1920s American novelist, said it best when he wrote, "One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years." I had belonged instantly. I remember that morning, it was like Christmas, and I was opening up the city like one giant package. And it was the best gift that could be given: a so-called "gift that keeps on giving." It was a place that I could feel both instantly at home in and also constantly alien, like there was always something else to discover, always some hidden secret. That waking up to cheering signified something to me: it was as though it symbolized all the things that would be perpetually going on outside my window--some loud and obvious and easy to find, some quiet and secret and hidden--but always there would be countless things to explore.
I was reminded of that today because I was also awakened this morning by the loud cacophony of claps and cheers. I got that same feeling that I had those many years ago. It was that mystery: What is going on outside? What am I missing out on? What can I explore? Of course, I realized immediately what it was this time: it was the head of the pack of the New York City Marathon finally making its way into Queens. I peaked through the blinds and saw runners going by. I didn't realize they'd be running down my very street. I knew they'd be close, but not ON MY BLOCK. Literally, they turn onto 48th Avenue and then turn up Vernon Boulevard. I live on that corner of 48th & Vernon. In the picture I have above, those are runners turning down onto my block.
The New York City Marathon is, supposedly, the largest marathon in the world. In 2008, almost 38,000 runners participated. According to one source, this year there are around 42,000--the largest ever recorded for a marathon anywhere. It is one of the five major marathons in the World, and with the others (the Boston, London, Chicago and Berlin Marathons), it comprises the World Marathon Majors. Along with the thousands of runners it attracts, it also attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators who line pretty much the entire 26-mile course which goes through all five boroughs, starting in Staten Island and finishing in Manhattan in Central Park. What is really exciting is that all these spectators are constantly cheering, but not for one person or one team--like in most sporting events. Instead, they are cheering for every runner who is participating.
It is a very incredible sporting event to see, and amazing to view just outside your window.
MORE INFO:
The official site and wikipedia
Now, looking back, I am able to understand the feeling a little bit better. I think Thomas Wolfe, the 1920s American novelist, said it best when he wrote, "One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years." I had belonged instantly. I remember that morning, it was like Christmas, and I was opening up the city like one giant package. And it was the best gift that could be given: a so-called "gift that keeps on giving." It was a place that I could feel both instantly at home in and also constantly alien, like there was always something else to discover, always some hidden secret. That waking up to cheering signified something to me: it was as though it symbolized all the things that would be perpetually going on outside my window--some loud and obvious and easy to find, some quiet and secret and hidden--but always there would be countless things to explore.
I was reminded of that today because I was also awakened this morning by the loud cacophony of claps and cheers. I got that same feeling that I had those many years ago. It was that mystery: What is going on outside? What am I missing out on? What can I explore? Of course, I realized immediately what it was this time: it was the head of the pack of the New York City Marathon finally making its way into Queens. I peaked through the blinds and saw runners going by. I didn't realize they'd be running down my very street. I knew they'd be close, but not ON MY BLOCK. Literally, they turn onto 48th Avenue and then turn up Vernon Boulevard. I live on that corner of 48th & Vernon. In the picture I have above, those are runners turning down onto my block.
The New York City Marathon is, supposedly, the largest marathon in the world. In 2008, almost 38,000 runners participated. According to one source, this year there are around 42,000--the largest ever recorded for a marathon anywhere. It is one of the five major marathons in the World, and with the others (the Boston, London, Chicago and Berlin Marathons), it comprises the World Marathon Majors. Along with the thousands of runners it attracts, it also attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators who line pretty much the entire 26-mile course which goes through all five boroughs, starting in Staten Island and finishing in Manhattan in Central Park. What is really exciting is that all these spectators are constantly cheering, but not for one person or one team--like in most sporting events. Instead, they are cheering for every runner who is participating.
It is a very incredible sporting event to see, and amazing to view just outside your window.
MORE INFO:
The official site and wikipedia
Sunday, November 1, 2009
JUST ANOTHER PARADE
The Village Halloween Parade on 6th Avenue
Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. Why? Because costumes are awesome...and so is diabetes. Or not. But let's face it: a holiday centered around scary stuff, dressing up like whatever the hell you want and eating all sorts of goodies...how is that not the greatest holiday ever? No religious significance (well, it used to have some, but that's pretty much all gone now). No pressure to buy or receive gifts. No big awkward extended family meals to partake in. Nothing to do but go out and have a good time with whomever you please.
Plus, I judge my holidays on which has the best Charlie Brown special and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is by far the best...
One of the biggest Halloween events in the world is the New York City Halloween Parade in the West Village on 6th Avenue. The Village Halloween Parade is like the Times Square of parades: big and crazy and full of people and noise and plenty of interesting sights to see. It is overstimulation from the moment it begins. Unfortunately, this year it rained, which made the parade not exactly the most fun event, but it was still full of the insanity that makes it interesting. Thousands of people crowd up and down 6th Avenue and watch hundreds of people walking and on floats in the craziest and most elaborate costumes you can think of: from the simple to the elaborate, from the obvious to the clever. There were pirates and superheroes and zombies and moviestars mixed in with a woman wearing a "Freudian" Slip, a guy dressed as a roll of toilet paper, some people with Anti-Teabagger signs, a girl in a collared shirt and men's underwear a la Tom Cruise in Risky Business, a woman with mismatched clothes giving out misinformation going by the name Miss Information, a "Cereal" Killer or two, a guy in an elaborate version of one of those fortune teller booths (like in the movie Big), plenty of naked people, someone as the Johnny Depp Mad Hatter in the new Tim Burton version of Alice in Wonderland which wont come out for another 6 months, a guy dressed as "Swine Flu" (Oh wait! That was me!), a number of Barack Obamas (in all shapes, sizes and colors) and Where's Waldos and Jokers and Michael Jacksons and Spongebobs and yadda yadda yadda...
It is basically one huge clusterfuck of people--which depending on what you like, either enhances the partyspirit of Halloween or detracts from it. Of course, the rain tonight definitely detracted from the Halloween partyspirit, but, hey, what can you do? When you live in the greatest city in the world, you gotta live with its few pitfalls--one of which is that its not always sunny in New York City. I was supposed to go to a party after the parade, but I ended up being so soaked (and sufficiently drunk) that I just ended up going back home so I could take a nice shower.
Then I just listened to Prince's "17 Days" ("so let the rain come down, let the rain come down, let the rain come down, down"), and waited for the clock to hit 2:00 am so that it would magically roll back to 1:00 am again, while I did a bit of writing...
MORE INFO:
Their official website...
Plus, I judge my holidays on which has the best Charlie Brown special and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is by far the best...
One of the biggest Halloween events in the world is the New York City Halloween Parade in the West Village on 6th Avenue. The Village Halloween Parade is like the Times Square of parades: big and crazy and full of people and noise and plenty of interesting sights to see. It is overstimulation from the moment it begins. Unfortunately, this year it rained, which made the parade not exactly the most fun event, but it was still full of the insanity that makes it interesting. Thousands of people crowd up and down 6th Avenue and watch hundreds of people walking and on floats in the craziest and most elaborate costumes you can think of: from the simple to the elaborate, from the obvious to the clever. There were pirates and superheroes and zombies and moviestars mixed in with a woman wearing a "Freudian" Slip, a guy dressed as a roll of toilet paper, some people with Anti-Teabagger signs, a girl in a collared shirt and men's underwear a la Tom Cruise in Risky Business, a woman with mismatched clothes giving out misinformation going by the name Miss Information, a "Cereal" Killer or two, a guy in an elaborate version of one of those fortune teller booths (like in the movie Big), plenty of naked people, someone as the Johnny Depp Mad Hatter in the new Tim Burton version of Alice in Wonderland which wont come out for another 6 months, a guy dressed as "Swine Flu" (Oh wait! That was me!), a number of Barack Obamas (in all shapes, sizes and colors) and Where's Waldos and Jokers and Michael Jacksons and Spongebobs and yadda yadda yadda...
It is basically one huge clusterfuck of people--which depending on what you like, either enhances the partyspirit of Halloween or detracts from it. Of course, the rain tonight definitely detracted from the Halloween partyspirit, but, hey, what can you do? When you live in the greatest city in the world, you gotta live with its few pitfalls--one of which is that its not always sunny in New York City. I was supposed to go to a party after the parade, but I ended up being so soaked (and sufficiently drunk) that I just ended up going back home so I could take a nice shower.
Then I just listened to Prince's "17 Days" ("so let the rain come down, let the rain come down, let the rain come down, down"), and waited for the clock to hit 2:00 am so that it would magically roll back to 1:00 am again, while I did a bit of writing...
MORE INFO:
Their official website...
Saturday, October 31, 2009
JUST ANOTHER REASON TA GET YER YA-YA'S OUT!
Maysles' "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out" & Godard's "Sympathy For The Devil" Back to Back @ IFC Center
Who really needs a reason ta get yer ya-ya's out? Well, here is one for those who need a reason: Friday, Oct 30th, through Monday, November 2nd, IFC Center is showing a new 30 minute documentary by Albert Maysles of footage he took when the Rolling Stones played Madison Square Garden back in 1969--or as the documentary says "when the world's greatest rock band played the world's greatest venue." They are supplementing that new 30 minute doc with Godard's "Sympathy For The Devil," a full-length movie that interweaves scenes of the Stones in the studio recording the song "Sympathy For The Devil" (one of my alltime fav Stones jams) with strange poetic scenes of 60s counterculture.
MORE INFO:
Right here.
MORE INFO:
Right here.
Friday, October 30, 2009
JUST ANOTHER MOMENT WITH MICHAEL
"This Is It"@ Chelsea Clearview Cinemas
I know this isn't a solely New York City thing, but I saw Michael Jackson's This Is It @ Chelsea Clearview Cinemas (260 West 23rd Street) this morning and I felt compelled to report. First of all, I'll report on the New York side of it: the theater. Chelsea Clearview Cinemas is a nice theater that hosts, every Thursday evening, a classic film night. The Chelsea Classics evenings are hosted by famed dragqueen Hedda Lettuce (who you might remember from one of the seasons of Project Runway during the drag challenge). Beyond that, there's not much to report about the venue.
On to This is it:
So, like I said, I saw Michael Jackson's This Is It earlier today and, though it was quite good, it was bound to fail. Right? Rather than make us say "THIS IS IT!!!," didn't we already know it was going to make us say "This is it?" It left me saddened that this little peak behind the scenes will be all we get--and by no fault of the filmmakers. It is a good film--interesting because it is not a concert film really, it is unlike anything I've seen. I recommend it to any fan of Michael's. But it is a sad thing that, literally, this is it. This is all we have left of him: a dream of what could have been, and a remembrance of how things were in the far off days of yesteryear. This is his final piece: a promising but unfinished comeback that could have finally turned around all those years of bad press and strange quirks.
Whatever your thoughts on Michael Jackson, there is no denying that he was and will forever be a major figure in the pantheon of late 20th Century Pop Culture gods. This is a riveting glimpse at what could have been one of the greatest comebacks of alltime. Unfortunately, we'll never know, and all we have in the wake of the tragedy of his death is this.
This is it.
MORE INFO:
This Is It Trailer.
Chelsea Classics Info.
On to This is it:
So, like I said, I saw Michael Jackson's This Is It earlier today and, though it was quite good, it was bound to fail. Right? Rather than make us say "THIS IS IT!!!," didn't we already know it was going to make us say "This is it?" It left me saddened that this little peak behind the scenes will be all we get--and by no fault of the filmmakers. It is a good film--interesting because it is not a concert film really, it is unlike anything I've seen. I recommend it to any fan of Michael's. But it is a sad thing that, literally, this is it. This is all we have left of him: a dream of what could have been, and a remembrance of how things were in the far off days of yesteryear. This is his final piece: a promising but unfinished comeback that could have finally turned around all those years of bad press and strange quirks.
Whatever your thoughts on Michael Jackson, there is no denying that he was and will forever be a major figure in the pantheon of late 20th Century Pop Culture gods. This is a riveting glimpse at what could have been one of the greatest comebacks of alltime. Unfortunately, we'll never know, and all we have in the wake of the tragedy of his death is this.
This is it.
MORE INFO:
This Is It Trailer.
Chelsea Classics Info.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
JUST ANOTHER BIG BUST
Picasso's "Bust of Sylvette" @ University Plaza
If bustsize is everything, then Sylvette must be the greatest lady in all of New York City. The art piece "Bust of Sylvette," which, like the Fiorello LaGuardia statue I discussed the other day, can be found in the NYU area of Greenwich Village, is an enormous cubist art piece created by Pablo Picasso. This 60-ton sculpture stands 36 feet tall and 20 feet wide in University Plaza (which is on Bleecker St. between LaGuardia Pl. and Mercer St.). It is a Betograve sculpture, created from sandblasted concrete and basalt. It was commissioned by I.M. Pei, the architect who designed the towers that surround the piece and form University Plaza. The original "Portrait of Sylvette" is much smaller in scale, and the construction of this version (retitled "Bust of Sylvette") was undertaken by Norwegian sculptor Carl Nesjär (and overseen by Picasso) in the late 1960s, a few years before Picasso's death.
Sylvette David, who is portrayed in this piece, became Picasso's muse during the 1950s and was famous for a time in that role as a sort of "it-girl." He created at least 40 artworks that were representations of her during this time: paintings, drawings and sculpture. The most famous of which is most likely "The Girl with a Ponytail." Her style was often imitated and duplicated--Bridget Bardot, for one, is said to have ripped her look off from Sylvette David. In fact, Sylvette David explained that Bridget Bardot once "asked [Picasso] to paint her, but he declined because he'd 'already painted Sylvette David' and we looked as alike as two drops of water!"
Bridget Bardot may be infinitely more recognizable to the public than Sylvette David, but does Bardot have the biggest bust in New York? I think not.
MORE INFO:
Info on "Bust of Sylvette" and info on Sylvette David.
If bustsize is everything, then Sylvette must be the greatest lady in all of New York City. The art piece "Bust of Sylvette," which, like the Fiorello LaGuardia statue I discussed the other day, can be found in the NYU area of Greenwich Village, is an enormous cubist art piece created by Pablo Picasso. This 60-ton sculpture stands 36 feet tall and 20 feet wide in University Plaza (which is on Bleecker St. between LaGuardia Pl. and Mercer St.). It is a Betograve sculpture, created from sandblasted concrete and basalt. It was commissioned by I.M. Pei, the architect who designed the towers that surround the piece and form University Plaza. The original "Portrait of Sylvette" is much smaller in scale, and the construction of this version (retitled "Bust of Sylvette") was undertaken by Norwegian sculptor Carl Nesjär (and overseen by Picasso) in the late 1960s, a few years before Picasso's death.
Sylvette David, who is portrayed in this piece, became Picasso's muse during the 1950s and was famous for a time in that role as a sort of "it-girl." He created at least 40 artworks that were representations of her during this time: paintings, drawings and sculpture. The most famous of which is most likely "The Girl with a Ponytail." Her style was often imitated and duplicated--Bridget Bardot, for one, is said to have ripped her look off from Sylvette David. In fact, Sylvette David explained that Bridget Bardot once "asked [Picasso] to paint her, but he declined because he'd 'already painted Sylvette David' and we looked as alike as two drops of water!"
Bridget Bardot may be infinitely more recognizable to the public than Sylvette David, but does Bardot have the biggest bust in New York? I think not.
MORE INFO:
Info on "Bust of Sylvette" and info on Sylvette David.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
JUST ANOTHER CRAZY 8
OCHO LOCO Pop Burger Deal from 8coupons.com
Whether you go to the 8coupons website or follow them on twitter, 8coupons.com is a great site to help you navigate your way through the countless deals in New York City. Their twitter keeps me updated on all sorts of deals from cheap Broadway tickets to cheap burgers. Every once in a while they sponsor specific deals with businesses called OCHO LOCO! deals. To explain what these deals are, I'll quote their website:
"What are OCHO LOCO! deals you ask? The 8coupons team goes around the city convincing local businesses to provide us with an outrageously ridiculous deal with lots of 8's in it. OCHO LOCO! deals can range anywhere from 8-cent ice cream, 88-cent burgers, to $8 Broadway tickets."
So what's the deal with 8? I'll quote their website once more:
"Why 8 you ask? Well, for several reasons. The number 8 holds a lot of significance and symbolism throughout different parts of the world. In addition to being the luckiest and most coveted number in many countries throughout Asia, it's also a symbol for infinity (on its side that is). Also, have you ever heard of the 88 butterfly? She is our mascot, and her name is La Mariposa Ochenta Ocho Loco."
So what you do for these OCHO LOCO! deals is you give them your phone number and they text you and you show the text to the cashier. Earlier today was the first time I took advantage of an OCHO LOCO! deal: .88-cents for 2 sliders at Pop Burger today! Pop Burger is a little burger joint, located at 14E 58th Street, with a chic modern look that includes Andy Warhol Campbell Soup Cans on the walls--name starting to make more sense now? There are also a lounge, a poolroom and a bar attached to this hip burger joint. Pop Burger's slider burgers are quite good, and when I worked around the corner from the other Pop Burger on 9th Avenue, I used to go there often for lunch. The problem? They are pretty overpriced: usually $7.00 for 2 sliders. Well, fear no more--the 8coupons team came to save the day!
And word on the street--and by the street, I mean twitter--is that they're teaming up with Pop Burger again to provide the same service on 12/1. See ya there?
MORE INFO:
8coupons.com
popburger.com
"What are OCHO LOCO! deals you ask? The 8coupons team goes around the city convincing local businesses to provide us with an outrageously ridiculous deal with lots of 8's in it. OCHO LOCO! deals can range anywhere from 8-cent ice cream, 88-cent burgers, to $8 Broadway tickets."
So what's the deal with 8? I'll quote their website once more:
"Why 8 you ask? Well, for several reasons. The number 8 holds a lot of significance and symbolism throughout different parts of the world. In addition to being the luckiest and most coveted number in many countries throughout Asia, it's also a symbol for infinity (on its side that is). Also, have you ever heard of the 88 butterfly? She is our mascot, and her name is La Mariposa Ochenta Ocho Loco."
So what you do for these OCHO LOCO! deals is you give them your phone number and they text you and you show the text to the cashier. Earlier today was the first time I took advantage of an OCHO LOCO! deal: .88-cents for 2 sliders at Pop Burger today! Pop Burger is a little burger joint, located at 14E 58th Street, with a chic modern look that includes Andy Warhol Campbell Soup Cans on the walls--name starting to make more sense now? There are also a lounge, a poolroom and a bar attached to this hip burger joint. Pop Burger's slider burgers are quite good, and when I worked around the corner from the other Pop Burger on 9th Avenue, I used to go there often for lunch. The problem? They are pretty overpriced: usually $7.00 for 2 sliders. Well, fear no more--the 8coupons team came to save the day!
And word on the street--and by the street, I mean twitter--is that they're teaming up with Pop Burger again to provide the same service on 12/1. See ya there?
MORE INFO:
8coupons.com
popburger.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
JUST ANOTHER LITTLE FLOWER
The Statue of Fiorello H. LaGuardia near NYU
Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the man who gives his name to LaGuardia Airport, was mayor of New York City from 1934 to 1945. LaGuardia Airport was, in fact, founded because Fiorello H. LaGuardia, after landing in Newark Airport, became enraged that his ticket said he was flying to New York City, but the only major New York City airport at the time was actually not within New York borders. He decided to create LaGuardia Airport, which at the time was just called New York Municipal Airport, and its first flights took place in December of 1939. That little story is just to say that once LaGuardia got it in his head that there was something to be done, he made sure it got done. He was no little flower, though "Little Flower" was his nickname: Fiorello means "little flower" in Italian, and it was also, perhaps, a name used to mock his short stature (he was only around 5 feet tall).
A Republican, he went against most of his party's platform and even actively campaigned for FDR, the Democrat candidate, for President--he was a staunch supporter of Roosevelt's New Deal. He went after the mob like few before him had, putting Lucky Luciano in his sights and not faltering until he put him in jail with a 30 to 50 year sentence. Not only did he go after the mob, he was also an early critic of Hitler and the Nazis, long before the onset of World War II. LaGuardia saw it how he saw it, and wasn't one to let injustice go on without a fight and some choice words.
All this is to say that, generally speaking, LaGuardia is looked upon fondly by New Yorkers as a whole. He cleaned up a lot of the city, modernized it, fought the Tammany Hall political machine that had been involved in corrupting much of the city's politics, and also helped get the city out of the Great Depression. He is, one could EASILY say, a New York Hero--hell, in 1959, there was even a Broadway musical written about him called Fiorello!
It is no wonder then why, when walking around New York City, you might find a statue of him. The statue is located near NYU, on LaGuardia Place (the name W Broadway takes on just north of Houston). The statue is a life-size recreation of the man. On the ground in front of the statue reads:
"The son of immigrants, Fiorello LaGuardia was the first Italian-American to serve in Congress. He devoted his life to the public interest. He was a champion of social justice and a defender of the poor and the oppressed. He fought against discrimination and corruption. As Mayor of New York, he was a leader in building the modern metropolis. He gave the people of this city twelve years of humane and progressive government. He was honest. He cared. He was beloved. He set the standard for all others to follow."
He makes me wish our recent New York Mayors weren't so...well...not LaGuardian, shall we say...
What is interesting is the position his statue appears to be in: is he clapping? Shouldn't we be clapping for him? I ask honestly.
MORE INFO:
Here and here.
Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the man who gives his name to LaGuardia Airport, was mayor of New York City from 1934 to 1945. LaGuardia Airport was, in fact, founded because Fiorello H. LaGuardia, after landing in Newark Airport, became enraged that his ticket said he was flying to New York City, but the only major New York City airport at the time was actually not within New York borders. He decided to create LaGuardia Airport, which at the time was just called New York Municipal Airport, and its first flights took place in December of 1939. That little story is just to say that once LaGuardia got it in his head that there was something to be done, he made sure it got done. He was no little flower, though "Little Flower" was his nickname: Fiorello means "little flower" in Italian, and it was also, perhaps, a name used to mock his short stature (he was only around 5 feet tall).
A Republican, he went against most of his party's platform and even actively campaigned for FDR, the Democrat candidate, for President--he was a staunch supporter of Roosevelt's New Deal. He went after the mob like few before him had, putting Lucky Luciano in his sights and not faltering until he put him in jail with a 30 to 50 year sentence. Not only did he go after the mob, he was also an early critic of Hitler and the Nazis, long before the onset of World War II. LaGuardia saw it how he saw it, and wasn't one to let injustice go on without a fight and some choice words.
All this is to say that, generally speaking, LaGuardia is looked upon fondly by New Yorkers as a whole. He cleaned up a lot of the city, modernized it, fought the Tammany Hall political machine that had been involved in corrupting much of the city's politics, and also helped get the city out of the Great Depression. He is, one could EASILY say, a New York Hero--hell, in 1959, there was even a Broadway musical written about him called Fiorello!
It is no wonder then why, when walking around New York City, you might find a statue of him. The statue is located near NYU, on LaGuardia Place (the name W Broadway takes on just north of Houston). The statue is a life-size recreation of the man. On the ground in front of the statue reads:
"The son of immigrants, Fiorello LaGuardia was the first Italian-American to serve in Congress. He devoted his life to the public interest. He was a champion of social justice and a defender of the poor and the oppressed. He fought against discrimination and corruption. As Mayor of New York, he was a leader in building the modern metropolis. He gave the people of this city twelve years of humane and progressive government. He was honest. He cared. He was beloved. He set the standard for all others to follow."
He makes me wish our recent New York Mayors weren't so...well...not LaGuardian, shall we say...
What is interesting is the position his statue appears to be in: is he clapping? Shouldn't we be clapping for him? I ask honestly.
MORE INFO:
Here and here.
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