Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 - Glee in the Neighborhood

So I just watched the season finale of Glee which was filmed all over New York. They were here for a few days while filming and of course people went crazy. My encounter with Glee was in the West Village (naturally), while they were filming on Commerce Street for the scene where Finn and Rachel were taking a romantic stroll after their dinner date. Anyway it was an interesting shoot for several reasons.

First of all, the poster that was up on the streets basically just said 20th Century Fox where the project name is supposed to be listed. That was atypical - most movies and TV shows just put the name on there. Second, there were WAY more streets blocked off for this filming than for any other movie or TV show I've seen (and that includes Jennifer Aniston flicks - not that those are the end all be all, but she is A-list). The crew was really strict about people having to stay back from the set (and the intersection they chose to film on is a relatively high-foot-traffic intersection so it was quite an inconvenience for those who didn't want to walk several blocks out of the way to get back to the same street). Oh and those romantic street lamps - totally fake.

All that said, it was fun to see it come together in the episode. And crazy that they only filmed it like 2 or 3 weeks ago!

Verdict: Love New York Today

Friday, April 22nd, 2011 - Cheese Tasting at Murray's

Went to a cheese tasting at Murray's this week and it was amazing! I cannot recommend this highly enough. They aren't cheap (about $50-65 per person depending on the session) but it was worth every penny. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and the tasting came with all kinds of goodies - dried fruit, nuts, bread, wine and more (in addition to all of the fantastic cheese). A great New York experience and one that I wish I had tried out earlier.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Sunday, April 17th, 2011 - Mitzvah Tank

Well this is something you don't see every day: a fleet of "Mitzvah Tanks" ahead of Passover.

To be honest I'm not sure what the purpose of this was (other than to make a ton of noise and really anger drivers trying to get up Madison Avenue last week - they caused a huge traffic jam). I did see some guys handing out brochures but that was about it.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Saturday, April 9th, 2011 - Marc by Marc Jacobs Bleeker Street Switcheroo

So as I walked down Bleeker Street today I noticed something was different. There were still just as many Marc by Marc Jacobs stores, but they were moved around - or at least a few of them were.

Old Marc by Marc Jacobs Store --> New Marc by Marc Jacobs Store
Little Marc (for the kiddos on Bleeker Street) --> This location is now the Men's Store
Men's Store (there were two that were across the street from each other on West 4th) --> One is now the Little Marc store and the other is now a Women's store (?).

Note: The Women's store on Bleeker Street is still in it's location, as is the Bookmarc store and the fancy new Marc Jacobs Collection Accessory store.

So I guess with the influx of men's stores on Bleeker (Gant and Burberry being some of the newer kids on the block) Marc by Marc decided to put their men's store front and center.

Verdict: Love New York Today (not really because of this post, but it was gorgeous out!)

Monday, March 28th, 2011 - Alligators in the Subway

Sometimes you're walking around New York thinking "you know I'm not sure what I'm going to blog about today." Then you come across Christopher Street (which on a typical night is a good source of material) and you see something out of the ordinary. A giant alligator tail protruding from a manhole. I literally thought to myself "what the hell?" until I saw the sign.

Apparently the history channel has a show called Swamp People. I just can't believe they were advertising like this. And also, what kind of clearance do you have to get to do this on the street?

Verdict: Love New York Today.

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 - WTF w/the Weather?

Woke up to snow today. Then it rained. And now we're closing the day with a hail-storm punctuated with lightning lighting up the entire sky. What a day.

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 - Family Guy NYC Style

I'm not sure what I think about this:

Is it funny? Offensive? Am I missing something?

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Monday, March 21st, 2011 - Vintage Car Sighting

I was wandering around today and this was something new. Now this isn't a car you typically see parallel parked along the side of the road:

Two things: (1) I don't know much about cars and (2) I still wouldn't park this car on a street in New York. It looked like it was in mint (get it? because of the color? heh heh) condition.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Sunday, March 20th, 2011 - A Visit to Billy's Bakery in Chelsea

 In a strange coincidence I had Billy's twice this weekend after never having heard of it prior to Friday. It first made an appearance at a friend's birthday party where there were carrot cake cupcakes - delicious. The trip today brought banana cake and pumpkin whoopie pies. I took a picture of the slice of cake (and milk on the side) - it was huge! I will say that you definitely get value for your money at this place. And as a plus there are two tables where you can sit and enjoy - a nice change from Magnolia.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Thursday, March 17th, 2011 - St. Patrick's Day in NYC

Ah, St. Patrick's Day in New York: an experience not to be missed. Well...I guess that's true if you really like parades. Otherwise, eh. Basically it's just a lot of really rowdy people wandering around aimlessly, attempting to get as many freebies as possible (ex: Monster energy drink being handed out on Madison Avenue, Lucky Charms in individual small sizes). The end result is all of the rest of us who have to navigate around them on the way to and from work are completely annoyed. Case in point: on my way to work this morning I encountered a very large group of people (I'd guess late teens, early 20s) who were yelling at the top of their lungs "shots, shots, shots, shots, shots". It was about 9:15am.

Four Faced Liar window

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Monday, March 14th, 2011 - Jersey Strong

I passed this bumper sticker on the way home.

Living in New York there isn't much you can say to this!

Verdict: Love New York Today

Saturday, March 12th, 2011 - A Trip to Dinosaur BBQ

So here in NYC there are a few places that people flock to for BBQ. One of these places is Dinosaur BBQ, all the way up at 125th street. After a long-ass subway ride plus a taxi (subway service stopped at 96th street and the free shuttle buses were taking way too long) we finally made it there to try this institution.

To be honest I thought it was ok. It wasn't life changing, though their mac and cheese side and sweet potato side were both good. Maybe we hit them on an off day? The problem is there is NO way I'm going all the way back up there to find out. From now on I'm sticking with Hill Country, where I can also get some Bluebell ice cream.

Verdict: Love New York Today (Because I can now say I went up there and never have to go again.)

Friday, March 11th, 2011 - iPad 2 Launch at Fifth Avenue

I don't know what it is about new Apple products that brings out herds of people in New York. Maybe I'm just not tech savvy enough; all I know is you could not have paid me to sit out in the torrential rain that we had the entire night last night to reserve my space at the front of the line. But apparently there were some entrepreneurs doing just that -- the woman at the front of the line at 59th & Fifth Avenue sold her spot for $900. Bear in mind that guy still had to pay for the actual iPad. Now that's commitment.

The Apple store did something different for this launch, at least in terms of the line out front. They set up a winding/snaking section (much like security at an airport). But then as I looked across 59th Street I saw a line stretching down towards Madison Avenue! I don't know how far it went - if it reached all the way to Crate and Barrel - but it looked like crazy line management. FAO Schwartz must have finally got fed up with the line always blocking their 58th Street entrance!

Verdict: Laughing at New York Today

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 - Who Let the Mice Out?

On my way to the gym this morning I had my eyes directed down (as one must do in New York to avoid dog sh**). When what should appear - a mouse - running directly from the garbage up to a brownstone.

Verdict: (While thankful it wasn't my apartment) Hate New York Today

Monday, February 28th, 2011 - A Smelly Homeless Guy on the Subway

I just got back from vacation and was already dreading the morning rush to work. So it is no surprise that my commute today included a nasty New York moment.

When the subway train rolled into Times Square today I thought to myself "what luck! empty subway seats!" - after all it can be tough getting a seat during the morning commute. I stepped in, ready to sit down and continue my reading, when I was halted in my steps by the most horrible odor. I looked to the left and located the source - a homeless guy sitting (maybe sleeping?) hunched over on the left end of the train. I thought maybe if I went to the complete other end it would be ok. It wasn't. As everyone evacuated the train through the back door, I had to make a run for it at the next stop. It was unbearable.

Now don't get me wrong, I feel bad for the guy. But I've encountered a LOT of homeless people, both in New York and in other cities I've lived in - and NONE of them smelled this bad. I can't describe it, all I know is it was not the way to start my Monday.

Verdict: Hate New York Today (no surprise there!)

Saturday, February 26th, 2011 - Newark Airport, International Arrivals

So here is what I realized today - Newark's international arrival area is awesome! Surprisingly easy to navigate, uncrowded - we whizzed through customs - it was what arriving home should be. It was my first time flying into Newark on an international carrier and I have to say, I think I might specifically look for flights going into EWR rather than LaGuardia or JFK going forward.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011 - A Night at Grand Central

Living in New York (and being a West-sider, a distinction I should cover at some point) it can be easy to forget how truly beautiful Grand Central Station is. The lobby is just gorgeous; massive, with people rushing to make trains. You can always tell the tourists because they're the ones pausing to appreciate the building and actually take pictures. So recently, I decided to join them and snap off a picture or two. Enjoy!

Verdict: Love New York Today

Monday, February 14th, 2011 - Happy Valentine's Day!

Another year, another Valentine's Day. What is there to say? I saw a number of ladies carrying around single roses, arm in arm with their men. When I got off my subway ride home though, there the fun began. I have never seen the flower shop at the bodega so decimated - two whole rows empty! Men lined up to buy bouquets before reaching home. Very cute and very comical.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Wednesday, February 9th, 2011 - Penn Station is a Mad House

Seriously, Penn Station is crazy during rush hour. People dart and dash, walking by so fast that if you're not watching where you're going you will run into someone within seconds. Today as I walked through I saw a guy's ipod earbuds get stuck on a woman's purse as she passed by. She had no idea she was dragging them along with her and he quickly grabbed them back and shook his head. Danger Zone.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Monday, February 7th, 2011 - Subway Alarms

For those unfamiliar with the New York subway system, every exit has a swinging door that, when opened from the track-side, will set off a very loud alarm. It is repetitive, annoying and very very loud. Unfortunately that doesn't stop impatient people who must. get. through. the. subway. doors. now! So they push through the door and set off the alarm that all of the rest of us are then forced to listen to. Super annoying.

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Sunday, February 6th, 2011 - Woodbury Commons!

I have to say that one of the perks of living up here is proximity to Woodbury Commons, which may be one of the best outlet malls in the country. They have it all: Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Ed Hardy (ok, maybe not so much on the last one). Now don't go expecting the Williams Sonoma outlet to be there because it was shut down much to our dismay. And Chanel is gone as well. But the rest of the stores more than make up for it and we got to see some stunning icicles as well. 

Verdict: Love New York Today

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 - Danger Zone

Obviously this year we've had a seemingly unprecedented amount of snow. Which is why for the first time I'm seeing these cones with hazard tape up everywhere. Maybe I'm slow but at first I couldn't figure out what they were for and then it finally hit me: it's a warning about falling ice. You see these around a lot of the bigger buildings and I've now realized that I'm walking through a danger zone every day when I walk to work. Awesome.

Verdict: Have New York Today

Monday, January 31st, 2011 - Talking During the Morning Commute

Here's the thing - if you are on a subway during the morning rush hour: Don't Talk. We don't want to hear about your shopping or how bad your feet hurt or hear you striking up conversations with strangers. All we want to do is enjoy some peace and quiet on our way to work. It is an unwritten rule and we get really annoyed when you break it.

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Sunday, January 30th, 2011 - A Beautiful Central Park View

One place that is stunning in the winter is Central Park. I happened across the following shot while walking on Fifth Avenue. I love that you can see the towers of Columbus Circle in the background and the snow gently stacked on the statue.

Verdict: Love New York Today

The golden statue is of William Tecumseh Sherman who was a United States general in the American Civil War (1861-1865)

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Saturday, January 29th, 2011 - I Hate the 6

Every time I have to ride the 6 I am grateful not to live on the East side of New York. You will never be more squashed into a subway train than when you ride the 6. It is an all-around unpleasant experience.

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Thursday, January 27th, 2011 - Another Day Another Snowstorm

Well, the snow hit us again today (in case you were living under a rock and didn't see the news). I was able to capture some great pictures on the way into work (yes, I had work today). I have to say, it was actually fun navigating through the quiet streets hearing the crunch of snow underfoot.

A burgler's guide to who isn't home.

 A bike that won't be going anywhere soon.

 A unique spin on child labor - check out the kid on top of the car scraping off snow! His mother came outside a minute later and was screaming at him to get off of the car!

The news channel filming by the Christopher Street subway station.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Monday, January 24th, 2011 - Lunch at the Plaza Food Hall

Ate at the Plaza Food Hall today - the food was great as usual. One thing worth noting - they've added tables! Now the thing about the food hall is that when it opened, it was all bar seating - which was ok in a group of two but any more than that and it just didn't work well. Today, after an absence of a couple of months I went back and they've put tables in - what a huge difference. You can actually eat with a group there now! What a concept!

Verdict: Love New York Today

Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 - OMG it is COLD

I cannot even describe how cold it is in New York today. While walking on the street I saw a bottle of beer that had spilled at some point; the beer had frozen as it poured out - I would have stopped to take a picture but I was way too cold. Yesterday in a cab I heard on the radio that tonight is set to be the coldest night in New York in six years! Lord this winter is dragging on.

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 - A Trip to the Whitney to See Edward Hopper

I made a trip to The Whitney today, specifically to see the Edward Hopper exhibit. The Whitney is an interesting museum - they have a lot of modern art (which I tend not to love) but they also get great exhibits that make a trip there worthwhile even for me. The Hopper exhibit was great, though I was surprised that there weren't more of his seascape pictures included. According to the audio guide, Hopper's wife donated most of his work to the Whitney so they have the most extensive collection of his work; that said the exhibit only took up about five rooms, and included other artists as well. It was worth the trip and I'm glad I went, it just would have been nice to see even more.

Pictured - Long Leg by Edward Hopper, one of the many pictures we didn't see at the Whitney exhibit.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Friday, January 21st, 2011 - A Pushy Old Woman

I was on the subway today, commuting to work. There was a fragile old woman sitting in the end seat on the train. Her skin was paper thin and you could tell she had seen a lot in her long life. I was standing close by, getting pressed closer and closer to my fellow travelers as the car filled to capacity. You literally couldn't fit anyone else in. A young woman - one of the last to make it in before the doors closed - had a puffy coat on; like all puffy coats it takes up room but is all fluff. As I stood there thinking kindly thoughts of the old woman in her green coat and matching knitted hat with a pink flower, she pushed the young woman's jacket (and the young woman herself) away from her. The jacket wasn't touching her mind you - it was just barely encroaching on her personal space in a subway car packed to capacity. So much for the kindly thoughts...

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 - A Cab Driver's First Day

I am in the second day of a cold; I could feel it coming yesterday and it hit me full force overnight. I had a work event tonight and afterward all I wanted to do was grab a quick cab home. I hopped into the cab, gave him my address and he asked how to get there - not completely unheard of for those of us who live in the most confusing neighborhood in the city (duh, the West Village). Everyone gets confused in the West Village, including cabbies. No hard feelings. As we're heading south, he drops the bomb - "this is my first day". O. M. G. Wow. So I tried to be nice and tell him that he would get the hang of it, that numbered streets are easier. He seemed nice enough, and I gave him a good tip even though it took way too long to get home. Even though I live in New York, sometimes I don't want to be the first bitch that a poor cab driver on his first day encounters.

Verdict: Love New York Today (welcome new cabbie!)

Monday, January 17th, 2011 - People Who Push Dogs in Carts Instead of Walking Them

As indicated by the title of today's post, I saw a woman pushing her dog in a cart this afternoon. Now look, I'm not inhumane - I get that the salt on the street can hurt dog paws (well, now I do; coming from a no-snow environment, I didn't know this until I moved here and some dog-owner friends told me about it). But pushing a dog in a cart? It seems a bit extreme. The funniest thing about these carts is that many of them look like old-time strollers - the kind where the baby would be laying down. So you don't really know if it is a baby or a dog until you're close. It's one of those things that you see and think to yourself "only in New York..."

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Sunday, January 16th, 2011 - The View from Columbus Circle

I went to Columbus Circle today - great views. For those unfamiliar with New York, Columbus Circle is basically one of the only malls in the city (and certainly the best). So on a day like to day (freezing, and only getting colder!), if you have to do some shopping, you might as well be inside and enjoy the view.

Verdict: Love New York Today

Thursday, January 13th, 2011 - This is Disgusting

I was on the 6 line today and saw one of the grossest things ever. Check out the woman in the corner. If you look closely you can see that she is actually clipping her fingernails on the subway. This is so disgusting. I cannot understand how someone actually does this in public, and on public transportation no less. Finger clippings flying around - ick.

After I subtly took this picture she may have realized how grossed out everyone was. Maybe. I'm not counting on it.

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 - Snowrific

Sadly, it wasn't enough for a snow day (at least for me). But we did wake up to a beautiful morning and as I walked around the West Village, I took the picture below.

Verdict: Although no snow day, Love New York Today.

Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 - Snow Anxiety

I'm in a totally different position with this storm than I was with the one that hit on December 26th. For the earlier storm, I was out of town watching the weather with a mindful eye towards my return flight. It was all anxiety and nonstop weather channel checking. This time around, I'm sitting in my apartment IN New York and hoping we get more snow. See, now that I'm here, I want a snow day! I want to enjoy the beautiful white snow before it becomes gray and gross. I want to see dogs frolicking in the snow. I want the fun. And unless we get more snow overnight, no snow day for me (sad face). And I'm still checking the weather channel nonstop!

Verdict: Hate New York Today

Monday, January 10th, 2011 - More Snow is Coming

This is posted on The Weather Channel today:

Total storm accumulations over 10" appear likely in southern New England, possibly southward into parts of the New York City metro area. 

A repeat of December 26 is possible as there is a chance that blizzard watches and warnings could be posted including New York City and coastal southern New England. These blizzard conditions may develop as soon as Wednesday morning, persisting through much of Wednesday before slowly winding down Thursday. 

Uhhhh, yowza! A repeat of December 26th?!?! The trash hasn't event been cleared from before Christmas and now we're about to be hit with this? 


Verdict: Love New York Today (hoping for a snow day)

Sunday, January 9th, 2011 - Holland Tunnel Still Has Christmas Spirit

I gave in today and finally took down my Christmas decorations. But the Holland Tunnel is still holding tight to the holiday spirit.

Verdict: Love New York Today (because Christmas decorations, even after the fact, make me happy)

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 - Chivalry is not dead!

Today the most astounding thing happened on the subway ride home: a guy offered me his seat! He literally got up and stood for several additional stops and asked that I take his seat. (And no, I'm not a pregnant woman, disabled or elderly - people for whom everyone should give up a seat at any time.) The funny thing was that I didn't really want to sit down but since he got up I felt like I had to. But the point was made: chivalry is not completely dead in New York!

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 - The Birds!

With all of the news about the thousands of dead blackbirds that fell to the ground in Arkansas over the weekend, imagine my surprise while standing at Penn Station today:

There on the wall, four bird murals (and they totally look like they could be blackbirds). So this made me think: whether it is graffiti, murals, street art or randomly placed objects, every day brings the possibility of interesting discoveries in the world that surrounds us. Too often we don't notice these things until something brings it to the forefront of our minds (like the birds today - would I ever have noticed these if this event hadn't just happened? I don't know how many times I have stood in the same place and never seen them before.)

  Verdict: Love New York Today

Monday, January 3rd, 2011 - I Hate Buses

A new year, a new way of doing the blog. I've decided to add titles beyond just the date. Since I'm not sure anyone is reading this, I don't really know how useful this will be for anyone other than me, but what the hell.

Anyway here is my New York thought for today: I hate buses. They are these lumbering behemoths that take up way too much space. You're sitting there in your cab and they come barreling into your lane with an utter lack of regard for the space your cab was occupying. And because your cab would be flattened in an instant you are forced to yield and let them in. And then you're stuck at another red light. It is no better to be a pedestrian. Buses often go over curbs while making turns  - watch your toes! No but seriously, don't stand close to the edge of the sidewalk when buses are around - it is just not a safe idea.

Verdict: Hate New York Today