Last night marked the end of Bryant Park’s 16th annual movie series with Superman closing season. My first Bryant Park movie experience, I had expected a crowd – but I hadn’t realized how big that crowd would be.

I arrived a little after 5 and already the park was packed. Luckily, a friend had gotten there earlier and reserved a not terrible spot. We munched on a modest picnic of fruit and cookies as our respective significant others joined us. Some female picnickers next to us required my husband’s help opening a wine bottle and rewarded us with free, much appreciated glasses of wine.

After watching some folks in Superman costumes and listening to a couple business sponsors, the show began. The crowd sang along to the 80’s HBO song which opened the movie (I have to admit it did make me a little nostalgic). I had never actually seen the whole film, but I enjoyed the ridiculous dialogue and the terrible effects. I understood why the film had acquired the cult following that it must have, judging by the enthusiastic audience. The sound died at a climactic part of the movie, right as Lois’s car was filling with dirt. The audience chimed in with their own sound effects and a rousing version of the Superman theme music. After some further technical problems, the film came back up to show Superman reversing time and saving the night.

Yesterday while riding the quiet E train, a woman who was handicapped started smoking a cigarette on the train. No one got up no one complained. The doors opened at 71st Continental Avenue, some of the smoke exited the car. A few minutes later, she started smoking another cigarette. Again, no one complained, a lot of heads turned, but that was it.

She was in violation of the MTA NYC Transit code - Disorderly Conduct would have been the charge she could suffer.

This evening on the Queens bound F train, a woman had placed a giant shopping bag on the seat next to hers. I wanted to sit on this seat – even though there were other empty spots. So I squeezed on, having a portion of my behind take up a tiny bit space that remained empty on the chair. The woman proceeded to remove the shopping bag and got up.

“Thank you,” I said to her. “You’re welcome,” she responded with some bitterness in her voice.

Nice leather pants by the way, lady.

I saw these flowers growing on the side of the road near Queensboro Plaza. We’d decided to walk along the 7 train’s route from Sunnyside to the Queensboro stop, a largely industrial area. Right next to a parking lot, we saw these plants, sprouting up like weeds.

As I waited on line to get admission for the museum of Modern Art, better known as MoMa, I heard many people speaking in different languages. The guy behind me poked my head with his umbrella several times spoke German. But he also sheltered me unwillingly from the rain (for a little bit).

Once inside the museum, it seemed more like the local Whole Foods than a museum. Everyone and their mothers was there. And since I’m not a big fan of modern art nor do I know anything about Dali except for the fact that he painted a lot of crazy things including melting clocks, I was paying attention to the people.

Dali at MoMa

It seemed to me that everyone in there wanted to follow a certain decorum. People, it occurred to me stared with serious faces at the captions on the walls even if the content was hilarious. . . which some of it totally was. And another thing I noticed was that there was no way the 3 security guards in each room could come even close to enforcing the strict “no photography” policy. MoMa authorities, if you’re reading this, I suggest a throwback to grade school – CONFISCATE until they leave the premises.

And lastly, many people were talking about how slippery the city was with flip flops on. . . since it rained tonight. Now I’m exactly the type of person to tell you, I told ya so.

Today I moved from my BK sublet up to a friend’s place at Lex and 28. Doing so, I yanked my luggage into a cab to go up to the new place, and on the way, the cab hit a lady on the bike.

Now, the good news is – she did not die. But she could have.

(more…)

After years of reading the hype and missing the Dosa guy of Washington Square Park (located right in front of the park, Sullivan St. and W 4th St) I finally had my lunch date with him today and it was spectacular. As expected, he knew what Jain meant and both his Sambar and Chutney were Jain. Also, the dosa was 100% vegan and he even sprinkled on this delicious hot powder on my dosa.

But what I didn’t expect was a tofu-drumstick with a sugarcane instead of a stick in the middle. The chewy and absolutely flavorful savory treat was a surprise I had not expected. Needlessly to say, the $6.75 for a can of Iced Tea, a plain spicy vegan Dosa, and a single drumstick with the side of chutney and sambar was by far the best lunch I’ve had in quite some time.

Catch him tomorrow if you can. I hope to visit again soon.

The American Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria has re-opened, despite being in the process of a major expansion, which will make it bigger and better than ever.
It’s a bargain at $10 per adult [discounts for children, students and seniors]. It’s free on Friday from 4pm to 8pm.

AMMI is not an all-day affair; you can get through it in less than two hours. But definitely check out the schedule of film screenings. And, despite the Greek exodus to suburbia, you can still find some good Greek food, as well as awesome Middle-Eastern, Latino, and Italian bakeries and eateries. Check out this video tour by a local opera singer, as he eats his way through doughy, yeasty treats.

The American Museum of the Moving Image

Photo from thesupermelon.com

Reading Lucky magazine (one of my guilty pleasures), I came across a blurb about a new boutique opening up in Soho: Eryn Brinie. A popular chain store in Korea, this US newcomer has cashmere knits and ethereal looking tops for $50 – $150 (not bad compared to most boutiques in the area). Intrigued by the clothes and the price, I looked at their website and fell in love with the artsy and ultra-femme style. I had to check it out.

I walked down to Soho after work, eager to see these garments in person . But when I got to the store, I sadly found that it is not yet open! Just a sign for it, saying August 2008 with a picture of more beautiful clothes.

Later I did some research online and found that the store apparently opens on August 21st. I may have to go there on opening day.

Today marks the 5th anniversary of the famous (and last) blackout of 2003. We were at work and trudged back on foot from Cooper Square to Clinton Hill in Brooklyn.

Things have not changed too much since the last blackout. Bush is still in power and energy policies are next to non-existant. Hopefully 2009 will bring about the much needed change.

HopStop has become the MapQuest for those without a car, needing to get around the city. I use it all the time but had never checked their ratings of trains feature before today. And what do I notice but superbly stereotypical, nearly racist & vulgar statements in the comments section.

Luckily there’s a button that allows you to request removal of comments. But in one of the most diverse cities in the world, it’s difficult to imagine that this sort of idiocy still runs rampant.

An example of a comment for the F train is below:

Cleanliness 10 out of 10

Yo Lamar is that you. Its Jerome whats happening my man? You gots your self a job at McDonalds that be real nice. I bets you be eating good. I is still smokin the rock man, tryin to gets clean but it aint easy. Yo you be ridin the F thats where I stay some nights. You got to show a brother some love and say what up. Can i get 5 dollar?

Fri, Aug 1, 2008, by Jerome Whitmen

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