Gothamist
Washington Square Park Vigil For Virginia Tech Victims April 20, 2007 02:28 PM
Hundreds of Virginia Tech alumni, NYU students and other New Yorkers gathered for a candlelight vigil in Washington Square Park last night. Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, who had traveled to Virginia Tech earlier in the week, brought back a candle from a vigil there and used it to light candles last night. And today, many people are also wearing orange and maroon, Virginia Tech's colors, for "Orange and Maroon Effect" day to show support for the school.
Meanwhile, NBC is defending its decision to air Virginia Tech gunman Cho Seung-Hui's "multimedia manifesto." While Virginia State Police criticized NBC's decision, an unnamed FBI official said that NBC did receive te news. The Times notes that ABC and CBS "led their newscasts last night with the backlash against the use of the images from the mailing." By yesterday morning, NBC did announce it was going to "limit" the airing of the materials, and Newsday points out that many news organizations (including Newsday) got complaints about using them. The Daily News' David Hinckley writes:
The video "has value as breaking news," ABC News spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said, "but then becomes practically pornographic as it is just repeated ad nauseam."
Sorry, but to most people pornography is a matter of content, not repetition. If it was porn Thursday morning, it was also porn on Wednesday night...
From almost any perspective, the networks looked bad, as if they were either seduced by sensationalism or simply had no clue America didn't want to see this.
Personally, though I didn't have a vote, I wouldn't have shown the video at all. To me, it played like a gratuitous taunt at the victims and it "rewarded the behavior," as they say in the child-raising business. It told the next disturbed killer he, too, can get his video on television, which is today's ultimate mark of validation.
Still photos and transcripts can convey the information without the visceral impact or any suggestion of incidental glorification. On TV, no matter how carefully you lay out the context, you make a murderer, on some level, into a TV star.
All that said, however, it's a tough call. I think TV execs weighed it seriously. I don't think NBC opened this package and thought it had won the lottery.The Washington Post's Howard Kurtz looks at other opinions about NBC's airing. And 41% of our readers thought NBC's release of the manifesto was deplorable; 34% understood the airing, but thought NBC could have limited the materials even more, while 24% felt seeing the manifesto was useful.
Other: NY Times has an op-ed about building a better lockdown, the Post looks at how Cho was bullied in the past, the Daily News has an editorial "Nutty gun laws kill all" and the Sun has an editorial that looks at the "legal juggernaut" that added up to "paralysis" in dealing with Cho.
Photograph of Washington Square Park vigil by New York Daily Photo
Gothamist
Taking Out the Trash: The Week in Theater April 20, 2007 02:28 PM
The Sanitation Chronicles, a new play by and about New York’s Strongest, premiered on Wednesday. Actor/playwright Paul Brno, who’s been moonlighting for the Department of Sanitation for the past 17 years, says “every day is still a great day to be on a garbage truck.” The “slice of life” play explores the daily prejudices, anger and violence faced by “Sanmen”, all of which is exacerbated when one of the guys shows up for work dressed as a lady. [Tickets.]
The Pulitzer Board trashed the three obscure, artsy plays nominated by its five member jury and pulled Rabbit Hole out of its hat. (This is the play that gave Time Out NY’s David Cote theatrical food-poisoning: “Sitting through yet another living-room drama about the endlessly fascinating troubles of suburbanites, you find yourself longing for pirates to crash through the kitchen window or zombies to shamble through the front door and chew the protagonist's face off.”) The Playgoer points out that the Pulitzer Board does not have a single artist or art critic on it; our overall impression is that the Pulitzer Prize for Drama has become something of a joke – last year the board didn’t even award a prize to any of the nominees.
It was also disclosed this week that the Virginia Tech shooter wrote plays; aspiring playwrights can probably start looking forward to much nicer rejection letters.
Someday soon, Broadway producers promise to sling a musical adaptation of Spiderman at the masses, with the help of director Julie Taymor and U2’s Bono and the Edge. Will this project go the way of the stillborn Batman musical? Or, ala Legally Blonde, are we living in the golden age of pop-culture musical adaptations? Can Archie: The Musical be far behind? (Sigh.) N.P.H. is the obvious choice for Jughead, and since U2's taken, we only have one band in mind for the score. (Any thoughts on Veronica?) And it was just confirmed that Harry Potter will be coming to Broadway, too.
Gothamist
Bloomberg's Guide For Political Donations April 20, 2007 02:23 PM
For the second year, Mayor Bloomberg has unveiled the New York City Card, which serves as a list of the qualities he is looking for in any politicians, be they Republicans or Democrats. And therefore, those with the money to put behind politicians can use the card to see if the politician's interests line up with what the city needs.
Bloomberg said, "The City Card is not about conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat - it is about being right for New York City. The City's donor community pumps millions of dollars into political campaigns each year, and the card helps donors understand which politicians support the interests of the City - and which do not." And remember: The city pays $11.1 billion more in State taxes than it gets in State funding and pays $10.9 billion in Federal taxes than it gets in federal funding.
Here's what's on the card:
- Lower Manhattan Tax Trade-In: The City is seeking to trade-in $2 billion in Federal tax credits in exchange for $2 billion in Federal funds for the rail-link between John F. Kennedy Airport and Lower Manhattan - a crucial project for the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan.The first two were on the 2006 card (pictured); two things from last year's card, blocking federal eminent domain legislation and raising the State's charter school cap, are considered off the list, thanks to card-members who contacted "key members of the State Legislature and Congress."
- Homeland Security: All federal Homeland Security funding should be allocated based on threat, and not pork barrel politics.
- Competitiveness: Congress must ease the impact of restrictive visa and immigration policies and complex Sarbanes-Oxley regulations in order for New York City to remain the financial capital of the world.
- 9 /11 Worker Health: The City is requesting $150 million in annual federal funding to ensure health treatment and monitoring for all individuals affected by the catastrophic 9/11 terrorist attacks.
- Affordable Housing: State and federal financial incentives need to be expanded as part of the City's largest municipal affordable housing program in the nation's history.
- 2030/Climate Change: As part of the City's plaNYC 2030 long-term sustainability plan - to be released this Sunday - the City is asking the State Legislature to enact legislation that would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions; ensure that there is a more reliable, efficient brownfields program; promote the use of mass transit; and ensure that our energy infrastructure meets the City's long-term needs.
The NY Times notes the 2007 version of the card was introduced during a power lunch, which included GOP fund-raiser Georgette Mosbacher, businessmen Leonard Lauder and Sanford Weill, and lobbyist Ben Barnes. And former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who spoke during a panel at the lunch, said, "The survival of New York’s financial district as the leading financial district in the world is important in every town in the United States."
NYC Photo Bloggers
the morning wheels April 20, 2007 02:11 PM
lensjockey posted a photo:
outside my apartment building this morning
NYC Photo Bloggers
so so beautiful. can't wait to see it all fixed up April 20, 2007 02:11 PM
lensjockey posted a photo:
one of my anonymous little favorites
NYC Photo Bloggers
Sally in the German forest April 20, 2007 02:01 PM
pixietart posted a photo:
I've started running the last few months... I am looking forward to going to Germany this Fall and running in the forest with the dogs. :)
NYC Photo Bloggers
lush April 20, 2007 02:01 PM
pixietart posted a photo:
bring on the green!
Gothamist
Bill Wadman, Photographer April 20, 2007 01:15 PM
Park Slope-based photograher Bill Wadman isn't content to stay idle for long. After picking up his first SLR (single-lens reflex) camera in 2004, he quickly developed a passion for the art. Though he received his degree from Berklee College of Music, photography is now his full time career (and "first love"). January 1st, 2007 saw the launch of his latest, and perhaps most ambitious project thus far, 365 Portraits, a website which will feature a new portrait each day of the year. The catch is that the photos must be taken by Wadman on that same day. Thus far subjects have included former Daily Show writer Chris Regan, writer Grant Stoddard, comedian Jon Friedman, animator Odd Todd, fellow photographer Ryan Brenizer, yours truly, as well as people whose titles range from "Smiler" to "7 days new" baby Maura Grace McDonnell. At the conclusion of the project, Wadman plans to make the entire set of photos available as a gallery exhibition. He recently emailed with Gothamist about his favorite camera equipment, his wish list of subjects, and why New York is a "perfect" place to scout for new faces to immortalize.
When did you first get into photography? Did it quickly move from casual hobby to something more serious?
I got my first digital SLR in 2004, so I'd say that it became a serious hobby around then. I guess about a year ago is when I started considering making a career of it. So it wasn't too quick, more gradual but steadily.
365 Portraits is not your first year-long project. What appeals to you about these extended projects versus doing free-form, spontaneous photography? Is your approach to each different?
The first two year-long projects consisted of all kinds of things. I wrote and recorded music, wrote essays and terrible poetry, took random pictures, coded screensavers, made mini movies, and other random crap. This all started because I'm a chronic procrastinator and I was trying to find a way to have myself make something every day. Years of my life were passing by with little or nothing to show for them. I'd sit there and tell myself that I was a musician or a photographer or whatever so I made myself put my money where my mouth is. The first 365 project and the 52 project were fun because each day or week was something new and hopefully different. And while the same can be said of 365 Portraits, there are obviously more constraints. The object of the game is to keep it interesting and fresh while living inside those walls. Every jazz musician who plays "All of Me" plays the same chords; it's what you do inside those chords that counts.
This is a highly New York-centric project, since you live and will be taking most of the photographs in New York, of New Yorkers. Are there specific aspects of the city and its population that you're trying to capture?
Yes and no. New York is perfect for a project like this because there are so many people of every category, and I'm up for shooting every kind of person out there. That said, I'm not going to heavy-hand the project and hunt out people to ensure complete diversity. It's got to be organic; my goal is not to make a Benetton Ad. It'll end up being what it is. The people that volunteer are part of the art and that's what makes it special-⎯seeing what kinds of people show up.
Where are most of your photograph subjects coming fromæare they people you know or referrals or strangers?
Initially it was about half people I knew and half strangers, but as the project has progressed, most of my submissions come from strangers who visit the site and contact me to be a part of it. I also seem to end up getting at least one referral from everyone I shoot. So it could become very incestuous if I'm not careful.
When photographing a famous (or semi-famous) person, is your approach different? Do you study photographs of the person and deliberately try to do something new and different?
Well, let me say that I'd like to have the chance to shoot more well-known people. That said, I don't intentionally look at photographs of the person before the shoot, other than the one or two that they send me. That goes for everybody whether they get their picture taken a lot or not. And I'm constantly trying to do something new and different, but it's normally about coming up with something new and different with regards to the project as a whole and not the individual that I'm shooting that day. There are some days where the photo I choose isn't the best of that person, but it fits the best in the larger work.
You said in the comments on your site, "I try to capture who that person is and not put a layer of my creative process on top of it." How do you go about capturing a person's essence? How much research do you do about them? What instructions do you give your subjects?
Yikes, that quote makes me sound like a jerk. To answer the question, I do very little research. The big trick is making the subject feel comfortable through conversation before and during the shoot. That's where I think a big part of my style is. Some of the time we discuss ideas for the shoot beforehand, which includes wardrobe, location, etc. and sometimes the subject has an idea of what they'd like to do. For example, Jacob Klein from March 26 mentioned a fedora he recently bought, so we centered the shoot around this great hat and all the situations and imagery it could conjure up. So we shot him in alleyways like an old 30's gangster. During the shoot, I'll direct if I have to, but most of the time I like to see what comes out naturally because if it's too forced then it's not a real portrait.
How many photographs do you typically take of each subject? As you're photographing them, do you know which one will be the one you choose, or is that decision made later?
The number of photographs varies from 2-500 depending on whether I am shooting expensive large format film or cheap digital and as to whether I get what I'm after quickly or not. Sometimes I'll have a "Ah, Ya, Ooo, Don't move! " moment while shooting and those tend to be the ones I like in the end, and sometimes I cull it down to a handful of shots by 11 pm and ask for the input of a few close friends of mine. Even then, most of the time I'm only looking for confirmation that the one I liked is the best.
What effects do you do to the photographs after you've taken them?
Mainly selective curves, saturation, a bit of retouching if necessary. The odd photo will have a lot done to it in Photoshop, but I'm not a photo-artist. Some people are as much about post-processing as they are about taking the photo. I am generally not one of those people. I would rather get it right in the camera than try to make something of it later. Then polishing it in Photoshop can only make a good picture even better
Who's on your wishlist of people you'd like to photograph?
I've got a small list right now: Actor Bill Nighy, physicists Michio Kaku and Brian Greene, author Richard Dawkins, musicians Jonatha Brooke, Jeffrey Gaines, and Jill Sobule. But I've really just started to think about who I want to actively pursue. I'm sure some of them would be up for it, the problem is getting to them through layers of reps, people, and handlers. Not to mention making them understand that I'm not a complete nutjob.
Why did you set up your two rules that models can't pose twice and that photos need to be taken on the same day they get posted?
Well, meeting and shooting a different person every day is what makes it so much fun, or at least interesting. That way I end up with 365 different portraits. not 365 portraits of 315 people. And posting them right away keeps the whole thing fresh and leaves me with a small bit of finished work each day before I go to bed. Plus, I can't get behind because the next day I've got another new person to shoot and edit and another the day after that. I work better under pressure, and having to work with a new person each day only adds to that.
What makes a person someone you'd like to photograph? How many requests do you get in an average day and what is your screening process?
At the beginning it was anybody who would sit for me, but over the past few months I have gotten enough volunteers that I can be more choosy. I like shooting different looking people. Different ages, ethnicities, careers. The new plan is to take pictures of people who are really good at what they do, thus my wishlist above. So if some lady is the foremost geologist in the world or some guy is an award-winning playwright, that's the person I want. If someone wants to participate, I ask that they tell a little about themselves and send along a picture. I get about one or two submissions a day right now and I am booked until the middle of May, but I stopped adding people to the calendar about a month ago. So I've got a backlog of over 50 people that want to participate, some of whom I may have to turn away so that I don't have too much of the same thing. For example, as you can imagine, I have a glut of twenty-something actresses. In the beginning when I needed volunteers, I didn't mind shooting people who wanted free headshots, but that's not what I'm looking for now.
What's been the most interesting shoot so far?
There are so many that it’s hard to single out one most interesting shoot, but there are a few that stick out in my memory. For example, back in February I shot a woman named Margot Stevenson on her 95th birthday, or the time I introduced myself to and shot Ken Ficara in Prospect Park, or this past Monday when I shot director Michael Kang in Washington Square Park. Each day is a different little story and I think that adds to the project. I've also become friends with a number of my subjects, which is a nice ancillary benefit.
You call your Eizo CE240W monitor the best thing you ever bought. Why is it so special?
Let me count the ways...The hard thing about digital photography is that your main connection to the photo is your computer screen, so you have to be able to trust that what you see is what it really looks like and that you're going to get what you want when you print it out. The Eizo lets me do that without second guessing myself. That sounds like a bad infomercial but it's true. As my father once said, "buy the best, you'll never be sorry.”
You shoot mainly digital photos, though occasionally use film. What makes you opt for one over the other, and, barring expenses, what would your ideal setup be in terms of cameras?
Digital or film depends on my mood and the subject. With certain people if I know beforehand the picture I want and know I can get it in one or two frames I'll shoot film. Lately I have been addicted to shooting in my studio or on the roof with my 4x5 large format camera, usually with Polaroid 55 which gives me a very high resolution black and white negative right out of the camera. But at $4 a frame the cost is prohibitive to do every day. I would shoot more film or chrome but because I need the pictures right away, usually I don't have the luxury of hours to bring it to a lab. Plus scanning film can be a pain in the ass. The Canon 5D digital camera that I use most of the time is fairly ideal as it's small and fairly hi-res, although I always want more resolution, so if someone wants to donate a 1Ds MkII I'd gladly use that.
You've left your photos open to comments by the public. Do you screen the comments at all? Does the feedback you get influence how you go about shooting?
I haven't deleted any yet, but there have been a couple of occasions where I have responded to rude comments directed toward the subject. Feel free to make fun of me, but these people were kind enough to get in front of my camera, so be nice. Sometimes people write in with constructive criticism, which I encourage and try to address going forward. Things like diversity of age and location and that kind of thing. So I read the comments and if they make sense I'll take them to heart but it's my project and in the end I do what feels right to me. It's not a democracy.
Do you have any specific shoots planned in the coming months? Are there any New York City locations you'd especially like to shoot?
While I have people on the schedule for another month out I rarely make plans more than a few days before the shoot. The spontaneity adds to the fun. That said, I am sure I will be traveling to London where my girlfriend lives and maybe out west, in which case I'd set up shoots accordingly or find people as I go. As for New York, I'd like to shoot at The Cloisters, The Observation Deck at The Empire State Building, on a subway train, Coney Island maybe, Staten Island ferry when it gets warmer.
You've also photographed landscapes and architecture. What's the main difference between those kinds of photos and portraits?
Most of my landscapes and architecture shots are done while traveling so it's more about me recording something or trying to make a beautiful painting. Portraits are different because there are two people involved. I've come to the realize that you've got to get the subject involved in the moment. They have to let you in or it just doesn't work. It's definitely a two-man operation. The cheesy analogy would be a dance, that's trying too hard but you get the point. It may sound silly or strange to say but I've had some really intense shoots where the subject and I have shared something I can only closely equate with sex, except without all the mess and birth control.
Visit 365 Portraits at www.365portraits.com and Wadman's photography site at www.billwadman.com.
Gothamist
Suspected Rapist Arrested During Queens Break-In April 20, 2007 01:15 PM
The man police believe raped and tortured a Columbia graduate student last week for 19 hours was arrested last night. Police officers saw Robert Williams trying to break into a building in Hollis, Queens and was taken to the 103rd Precinct, where he was recognized from a police sketch released earlier this week.
So far, Williams has only been charged with burglary but remains in custody as the Queens police sent him to Manhattan for questioning. The Daily News and Post go over Williams's long criminal history, including an alleged murder at age 15, a robbery arrest in 1990, shooting someone in 1996, and a fight at the Union Square L station that left someone with a broken wrist.
The 23-year-old victim is undergoing surgery; the rapist slit her eyelids. The Daily News says the woman, who is scheduled to graduate from Columbia's Journalism School next month, lives in a building a few blocks away from Williams' father's house.
Last night, the Columbia community held a Take Back the Night march that drew 600 participants. Given the recent rape, many news organizations were present, which upset some participants. One Barnard student told the Columbia Spectator, "It is ridiculous.... There are girls literally breaking down and they're trying to get interviews during the march."
There is also a Sexual Assault Yearly Speak Out organized by the NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault today at Union Square Park.
Photograph of the Take Back the Night event by Linda Carrion/Columbia Spectator
NYC Photo Bloggers
Hudson Sunset II April 20, 2007 12:55 PM
Atomische.com posted a photo:
Larger / Detail : Atomische.com
NYC Photo Bloggers
Fifth floor window, Brooklyn College April 20, 2007 12:41 PM
daltonrooney posted a photo:
Don't tell anyone, but this is from the bathroom window of Boylan hall. If anyone had walked in and caught me with my camera out in the bathroom, I might have been a bit embarrassed.
Wasn't the light just beautiful last night?
NYC Photo Bloggers
Virginia Tech 2 April 20, 2007 12:33 PM
NewYorkDailyPhoto.com posted a photo:
This is the candlelight vigil which took place 4/19/07 in Washington Square Park to honor the 32 victims, families and friends of the those affected by the Virginia Tech massacre.For complete story, click here to go to NewYorkDailyPhoto.com
NYC Photo Bloggers
Virginia Tech 1 April 20, 2007 12:33 PM
NewYorkDailyPhoto.com posted a photo:
This is the candlelight vigil which took place 4/19/07 in Washington Square Park to honor the 32 victims, families and friends of the those affected by the Virginia Tech massacre. For complete story, click here to go to NewYorkDailyPhoto.com
Paul Frankenstein
links for 2007-04-20 April 20, 2007 12:29 PM
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Harper’s has just relaunched their website, including every article ever published by the magazine. Which isn’t bad, considering the print version was first published in the 1850s…
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The wikitravel entry for Hell.
Blue and White Blog
They Found Him April 20, 2007 09:58 AM
The Daily News reported at 4:00 AM and Spec picked up later that the prime suspect in last Saturday's brural rape was apprehended in Queens at about 5:45 PM yesterday. Barnard students were notified by e-mail at 9:00 AM.
According to the article, "Robert Williams, 30, is a violent ex-con who attempted to kill his neighbor, beat a stranger on the subway and threw feces at prison guards."
Read all coverage here.
Blue and White Blog
They Found Him April 20, 2007 09:47 AM
The Daily News reported at 4:00 AM this morning that the prime suspect in last Saturday's brutal rape was apprehended in Queens at about 5:45 PM yesterday. According to the article, "Robert Williams, 30, is a violent ex-con who attempted to kill his neighbor, beat a stranger on the subway and threw feces at prison guards." Read all coverage on the crime here.
NYC Photo Bloggers
downtown sunset April 20, 2007 07:03 AM
f.trainer posted a photo:
NYC Photo Bloggers
many April 20, 2007 06:45 AM
...neene... posted a photo:
NYC Photo Bloggers
one April 20, 2007 06:45 AM
...neene... posted a photo:
Gothamist
Last Night's Action: Rodriguez Settles Into Hero Role April 20, 2007 05:01 AM
- Yankees 8, Indians 6: All that talk of Alex Rodriguez's problems in important -- so-called "clutch" -- spots seems to be a thing of the past. So did the Yankees third baseman suddenly discover the ability to perform when it matters, or did people give him too hard a time to begin with? He doesn't seem to care. The Yankees entered the ninth inning down by four runs, and the first two men in the inning made out. Then they scored six runs. That they won despite that seems more amazing than that the winning homer came from Rodriguez, one of the two best players this decade. He appears headed for a season free of the scrutiny that the media unfairly applied last season.
- Mets 11, Marlins 3: Everyone got in on this party. Carlos Beltran stole the show with a 4-for-6 night, but all nine Mets starters got a hit. That includes pitcher Orlando Hernandez, who struck out 10 to pick up the win. The Mets seem to be enjoying themselves in the National League East, and they return home to face the Braves for a three-game series starting Friday. They outscored the Marlins 20-5 over the two games in Miami.
NYC Photo Bloggers
DSC_2211 April 20, 2007 04:33 AM
aboutmattlaw posted a photo:
NYC Photo Bloggers
east chinatown night no. 1 April 20, 2007 03:54 AM
nschaden posted a photo:
Larger at ashotapart.com
NYC Photo Bloggers
www.vovakart.com - Day 180 April 20, 2007 03:49 AM
VOVAK ART posted a photo:
I converse and you converse. We are all stars.
NYC Photo Bloggers
www.vovakart.com - Day 179 April 20, 2007 03:49 AM
VOVAK ART posted a photo:
I was always confused by the chains on the large trash cans in New York.
NYC Photo Bloggers
www.vovakart.com - Day 178 April 20, 2007 03:49 AM
VOVAK ART posted a photo:
A sculpture at MOMA.
NYC Photo Bloggers
www.vovakart.com - Day 177 April 20, 2007 03:49 AM
VOVAK ART posted a photo:
A wall in Tribeca.
NYC Photo Bloggers
S,M,L April 20, 2007 03:11 AM
Jeffrey Docherty posted a photo:
Belgian Fries. Avenue A, between St Marks Place & 7th
NYC Photo Bloggers
Jeffrey Docherty posted a photo:
Belgian Fries. Avenue A, between St Marks Place & 7th
MetroPlus
Pell Street and Doyer Street April 20, 2007 12:28 AM
One of the more narrow streets of Chinatown.
Gothamist
Extra, Extra April 19, 2007 11:15 PM
- 90-floor hotel at the Javits Center? That'll be great for the West Side Stadium - oh, wait
- Huh: Kean University hires former NJ Governor James McGreevey to teach ethics, law and leadership - we sort of understand it because they're just paying him $17,500, but STILL
- He's ready: Suspected sexual attacker Peter Braunstein was found mentally fit to stand trial
- Former Montessori school headmistress Lina Sinha's 14 year sentence for seducing a student is one year more than the student's age at the time
- Biggest non-shock: Duane Reade being ranked #7 out of 7 pharmacy chains surveyed
- It's Brooklyn "zipper pin" designer versus the Gap; maybe she can complain about the Williamsburg jeans while she's at it
- 11 Spring Street is busy getting buffed
- The Department of Transportation may tear down or renovate the Kosciuszko Bridge because it has "narrow lanes, insufficient shoulders and limited sight distance"
- ...and in other DOT news, Streetsblog has the agency's plans for Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza - which makes you wonder why the DOT can't put them up on their site for the public to see (Streetsblog also looks at what the Grand Army Plaza Coalition's ideas are)
Photograph by jackie.berg on Flickr
Gothamist
NY Pols on Supreme Court Abortion Stance April 19, 2007 10:05 PM
Yesterday, the Supreme Court voted 5-4 to uphold the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act. Immediately, politicians weighed in with their reactions, including two notable presidential wannabes from our area. Senator Hillary Clinton calling it a "dramatic departure from Supreme Court rulings that upheld a woman's right to choose" while former mayor Rudy Giuliani said the Supreme court came to the "correct conclusion." Which the Daily News points out is a reversal from his 2000 position, when he opposed a partial-birth abortion ban.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn issued a statement about the decision. Here's the first paragraph, via the Empire Zone:
Today is a dark day for women’s health. In upholding the Federal Abortion Ban case, the United States Supreme Court has affirmed the Bush Administration’s efforts to criminalize abortions in the second trimester of pregnancy and is moving toward stripping away the protections established in Roe vs. Wade. In making this decision, the United States Supreme Court has taken a giant step backwards in a woman’s right to choose and to have control over her own body.Speaker Quinn spoke at a Union Square rally yesterday, where Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer also appeared.
Photograph by martha martha martha on Flickr
Blue and White Blog
The Night, it has been taken April 19, 2007 10:01 PM
Hundreds stood, their fists raised, ringed by police, silent. And then, the cries went up.
"Together we unite to take back the night!"
"Hey hey, ho ho, Sexual Violence has got to go!"
The crowd, about 90% women and the most popular men on campus, lurched forward, flooding across Broadway and down 116th street to
Riverside. Shouts went up in disunison, adding to the cacophony of rape whistles in a joyous celebration of girl power--especially urgent in light of last Saturday's rape. They wound their way back up 114th street, past frat row, where brothers (and sisters) hung signs out their windows in support of the march. Passersby looked bemused, some slightly stunned, all quietly watching.
Bwog left feeling slightly less snarky than usual.
- LBD, bottom photo by Karen Kwan from the Quad
Blue and White Blog
The Night, it has been taken April 19, 2007 10:01 PM
Hundreds stood, their fists raised, ringed by police, silent. And then, the cries went up.
"Together we unite to take back the night!"
"Hey hey, ho ho, Sexual Violence has got to go!"
The crowd, about 90% women and the most popular men on campus, lurched forward, flooding across Broadway and down 116th street to
Riverside. Shouts went up in disunison, adding to the cacophony of rape whistles in a joyous celebration of girl power--especially urgent in light of last Saturday's rape. They wound their way back up 114th street, past frat row, where brothers (and sisters) hung signs out their windows in support of the march. Passersby looked bemused, some slightly stunned, all quietly watching.
Bwog left feeling slightly less snarky than usual.
- LBD, bottom photo by Karen Kwan from the Quad
Gothamist
July in April and May April 19, 2007 09:52 PM
This May filmmaker/musician/actress/performing artist/writer Miranda July is going to unleash her book, "No One Belongs Here More Than You: Stories", upon the world. She'll have several events lined up in New York, one with her biggest fan - David Byrne.
In his online journal, he wrote:
"I had recently read her book of collected short stories which is due out in about a month — No one Belongs Here More Than You— which are so good I was both inspired and jealous. Why jealous, I don’t know, I don’t aspire to write fiction. They are sweet, tender, innovative and sexy in a sometimes slightly disturbing way. It’s almost shocking to read something that is contemporary, post-modern, whatever, but also full of tenderness and appreciation for the subtle, funny and delicate connections between people."
Can't really ask for much more than a glowing review from Mr. Byrne. To top it all off, she's got an amazingly quirky little website for the book, mostly comprised of photos of text written on kitchen appliances that resemble white boards.
Here's a list of her upcoming New York events:
• A Believer Nighttime Event/ A Night of PEN World Voices 2007
Featuring Miranda July, Niccolò Ammaniti, John Hodgman, Uzodinma Iweala, Yasmina Khadra, and Eric Bogosian.
Saturday, April 28th // 6–7:30pm // Tishman Auditorium at The New School [66 W 12th St] // Free, open to the public
• An evening with Miranda July at 192 Books in support of her debut collection of stories.
Wednesday, May 23rd // 7pm // 192 Books [192 10th Ave] // Call 212.255.4022 for reservations
• Miranda July with Becky Stark, and a conversation with David Byrne.
Friday, May 25th // New York Public Library [Fifth Ave and 42nd St]
Grid Skipper NYC
NEW YORK: Chaat in New York April 19, 2007 09:30 PM
This week's Dining section in the New York Times featured a great article on the Indian street food called chaat. Found in dozens of varieties, chaat is most often a mess o' fried something (dough, or potatoes, or some other starch, or something else entirely) flavored all kinds of ways -- sweet, spicy, salty, soft, crunchy, sour, and nutty. As we mentioned yesterday, Delhi is considering a ban on all street vendors as a way to improve the general cleanliness of that city. Fortunately, there are many many health-certified indoor establishments to get deliciously unhealthy chaat in New York. After the jump, our chaatly suggestions.
Bengali Sweet: The owners of Bengali Sweet come from a long line of bakers, or halwai. Their bakery in Jersey City produces and displays hundreds of sweet specialties and savory snacks. Sweets are the real showstoppers here, but they also serve tasty homemade chaat as well.
Bombay Talkie: An upscale Indian spot in Chelsea, Bombay Talkie serves a number of chaat in addition to their full menu of creative Indian dishes and unusual cocktails. The section of their menu labeled "Street Bites" features a number of chat, including beggars' purses, crab cakes, and bhel for $6 to $10.
Chowpatty: These folks sell over 16 different kinds of chaat in addition to Indian salads, raitas, vegetable dishes, and sweets. You can buy the snacks to go or just have a bite in one of their sit-down restaurants.
Delhi Palace: This Jackson Heights establishment serves traditional northern Indian fare, but it's far superior culinarily to the bland Midtown and Little India restaurants that claim to serve the same. Chaat cede the show to main dishes like shrimp vindaloo and kadai gosht, but the chaat still manages to hold its own.
Dimple: The ambiance is nothing to rave about, but Dimple serves excellent curries and chaat. They offer a dozen different varieties of chaat all day, each deliciously unhealthy and only $5.50. As an added bonus, the restaurant plays Bollywood hits from the 1970s on their sound system and provides Indian newspapers.
Maharaja: A fairly standard midtown Indian joint, Maharaja traffics does the usual heavy delivery trade in tandoor specialties. But the real reason to come here is to sample their chaat. Though the choices aren't as prolific as others on this list, they still offer excellent starchy fried snacks.
Masala Bollywood: The menu at this Upper East Side resto is meant to capture the "profligate acting, rapturous dance, and eclectic music" of Bollywood. Whether the dishes encapsulate these qualities is doubtful, but we appreciate the effort. The chaat here are named after areas in Mumbai, such as Khaaudra Gali samosa, Church Gate aloo, Juhu Beach bhel, and Parle Groves sev dahi puri.
Rajbhog: What started out as a small mom-and-pop bakery in Jackson Heights selling homemade Indian treats has turned into a chaat and sweets empire. Rajbhog, meaning a king's offering to the gods, has multiple locations in New York and New Jersey, and they now sell sweets, chaat, frozen food, ice cream, and beverages in grocery stores and via Fresh Direct.
Sukhadia's: Sukhadia's sells an extensive array of Indian specialties over the net but they also have a restaurant and retail location in Midtown (among other cities). These outposts should be visited especially for their "Chaat Corners," which feature aloo papri chaat, samosa chaat, and pani poori, among other choices.
-- Amanda Kludt
[Photo: uqbar!]
Gothamist
25% Of NYC Men Binge Drink April 19, 2007 08:47 PM
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released findings about New Yorkers' drinking habits and finds that 14% binge drink. That translates to 900,000 New Yorkers, and binge drinking is defined as five or more drinks on one occasion.
As April is Alcohol Awareness Month, the Health Department "urges New Yorkers who regularly binge drink or think they might have a drinking problem - as well as people with friends or loved ones who may have a drinking problem - to get help by calling 311 and asking for LifeNet, or by talking to a doctor."
Other stats:
- 23% of NYC men binge drink (vs. 7% NYC women)
- One in four Hispanic and white males binge drink, versus one in six black men and one in eight Asian men.
- White women are more likely to binge drink than black, Hispanic or Asian women.
- Binge drinks are more likely to smoke heavily (43% vs. 37%), use drugs (19% vs. 7%), and have multiple sexual partners (17% vs. 6%) than those who don't binge drink.
Here's the city's How Much is Too Much health bulletin about drinking (PDF).
NYC Photo Bloggers
BIG RAT CITY April 19, 2007 08:46 PM
lensjockey posted a photo:
I'm fond of the negative space in this picture
Gothamist
Bad News for Vandals: Graf Prosecution Goes Hi-Tech April 19, 2007 08:46 PM
Up until now, the only way for a graffiti artist to get charged with a crime was to actually be caught in the act-- painting a piece, putting up a poster, or catching a tag. Even the most prolific all-city vandals could only be charged for the pieces they were doing while arrested-- which meant that serious jail-time was generally not a risk. For instance, after a five-borough graffiti spree in 1995, Cost was busted for putting up a sticker in Queens, but only got 200 days of community service.
Relatively light sentences for graffiti crime might be a thing of the past, however, if some of the local District Attorneys get their way. In a groundbreaking case, they've charged the legendary Alan Ket with crimes that could land him in the clink for decades-- crimes that no one ever witnessed him committing. The Times has a report:
Relying on computer evidence seized from his Manhattan home last October, the district attorneys in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens have charged Mr. Ket under his real name, Alain Maridueña, with 14 criminal counts, including trespass, criminal mischief and making graffiti. If convicted, he could potentially face decades in prison and huge financial penalties.Mr. Maridueña is charged with painting several recent images on subway cars, a form of graffiti vandalism that has largely died out since the early 1990s. But his case, and his recent professional history, underscore how graffiti has been propelled from the shadowy corners of the subway system into a global genre of virtual images circulated on the Internet, and become a powerful influence in design, fashion and graphics.
The case could pose an important test for prosecutors and the police, since Mr. Maridueña was never caught in the act and has no previous criminal record in New York City. Instead, the government’s case appears to be based largely on what prosecutors say is the unmistakable detail of his graffiti signature — his “KET” tag — and the fact that the tag is visible on photographs of illegal subway graffiti that were entered into Mr. Maridueña’s home computer only hours after identical work was discovered on subway cars.
Ket is a bit of a graffiti celebrity, because of his connection with Mark Ecko's business interests, but graffiti artists have always documented their own work-- and with the advent of the internet, many share photos on sites like Artkrimes and Saster. If Ket gets convicted and the conviction stands, many of those artists could be prosecuted-- not just for the pieces they were caught doing, but for ones that they've photographed and stored on their computers. And a logical next step is to try to prosecute people for pieces that have been documented by themselves and others online-- and that could have some serious repercussions for anyone who's ever taken a picture of graffiti and uploaded it to Flickr.
Related:
Discussion about the case at Streetsy
Ket pieces at Flickr
Ket painting in 1991 on Youtube
Bucky says the case against Ket is weak
Ket piece from Saster.
Gothamist
On the Plate: Upcoming Food and Wine Events April 19, 2007 08:40 PM
April 20-21: Wine Rave NYC
Wine Rave NYC is an event designed to take away the stuffiness from wine events. There will be tastings galore, plus "Sips of Wisdom," brief presentations from experts, and the "Hip Sips Lounge," where you can talk to wine industry insiders. Friday, April 20 from 6 to 10 pm and Saturday, April 21 from 5 to 10 pm. $65 general admission, $100 VIP tickets, available online, by calling 212-352-9900 or at the door. Guastavino’s, 409 East 59th Street.
April 21: A Taste of Chinatown
It's time again! For a mere $1 or $2 per plate, you can enjoy tastes of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean, Japanese, and Asian Fusion cuisine at the Spring Taste of Chinatown. Visit the Taste of Chinatown website for a full listing of restaurants and what they'll be serving so you can plan accordingly. Baxter St to Bowery between Canal and Worth Sts. Noon – 6pm.
April 22: Earth Day at Bottlerocket
Bottlerocket Wine and Spirit brings in the big guns for Earth Day. Environmental Defense's Chief Scientist, Dr. Bill Chameides, Dale Bryk, Senior Attorney from Natural Resources Defense Council, Dani Simons from Transportation Alternatives and NRDC media & communications expert Jon Coifman will all be on hand to spread some wisdom and answer questions about what we can do do reduce our carbon emissions. And of course, there will be wine. 3 - 6 p.m., free. reservations not required. 5 West 19th Street at 5th Avenue, 212-929-2323.
April 22-23: Free Pedicab Rides and "Green Goody Bags"
In honor of Earth Day, 70 Park Avenue Hotel will offer guests complimentary pedicab rides. In addition they're offering Green Goody Bags filled with organic snacks and educational material on green living to members of the general public who hail pedicabs outside their hotel. 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
April 23: Free Champagne at Balthazar
To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Balthazar will be serving free champagne. And not just any old champagne, but Champagne Gardet Premier Cru, Balthazar 10-year Anniversary Cuvée Brut NV which is imported exclusively for Balthazar and is available in the US only at the restaurant. Here's how it works. At breakfast, you can get a complimentary glass of champagne or a Mimosa, with a meal, and during lunch, late lunch, dinner and supper, they'll offer a complimentary bottle of champagne for parties up to 5 people, with a meal, and two bottles for parties of 6 or more. 80 Spring Street, between Broadway and Crosby, 212-965-1414.
April 25: Jimmy's Brew Ha Ha - Chocolate Tasting
Join tastemaker Chris Cuzme as he leads a evening of pairing beer from Sixpoint Craft Ales with cheese from Saxelby Cheesmonger and with chocolates from Jacques Torres and others. $20, 7-9pm in stage room at Jimmy's no.43, 43 East 7th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, 212-982-3006.
Photo of Peking Duck House from Taste of Chinatown by Tien Mao.
NYC Photo Bloggers
I watched it die April 19, 2007 08:38 PM
lensjockey posted a photo:
*silence*
NYC Photo Bloggers
I kindof wish this is what the Macy's parade would be like. April 19, 2007 08:38 PM
lensjockey posted a photo:
Big rats, roaches, huge dog poops, um, pigeons, maybe a inflated homeless person... the cartoon character/superhero thing is so played out. where's the edge?
Blue and White Blog
You Don't have to go to White Castle to get White Castles April 19, 2007 08:12 PM
Because Bacchanal is giving them out on the steps right now--enjoy the boxes of greasy goodness while watching everyone's favorite stoner movie, Harold and Kumar go to White Castle!
Blue and White Blog
You Don't have to go to White Castle to get White Castles April 19, 2007 08:12 PM
Because Bacchanal is giving them out on the steps right now--enjoy the boxes of greasy goodness while watching everyone's favorite stoner movie, Harold and Kumar go to White Castle!
Gothamist
The Cinecultist's Weekly Movie Pick: Packin' Heat Edition April 19, 2007 08:04 PM
Hot Fuzz (directed by Edgar Wright): The love of a good car chase, a bloody gun fight and the affection between two straight men is not celebrated nearly enough. The team behind the hilarious rom-com-zom Shaun of the Dead, director/writer Edgar Wright and co-writer/star Simon Pegg are attempting to rectify this in their new homage to the cop movie genre, Hot Fuzz. Pegg plays Nicholas Angel, the best officer on the London beat, whose squad ships him off to the tiny village of Sandford because, frankly, he's just too damn good at his job. An incredibly picturesque hamlet, Sandford prides itself on being the nicest village in England but when residents start dying in grisly, mysterious deaths, Angel and his new partner (played by Nick Frost, Pegg's co-star from Shaun) must put their policing skills to the test. Most movies that spoof film cliches (like the Scary Movie franchise) seem to be poking fun at genre out of spite but not Wright and Pegg's film. Hot Fuzz joyously celebrates cop movies, and in the process delivers some hilarious jokes and displays a real finesse with action sequences. The whole cast of British character actors including Bill Nighy, Timothy Dalton, Paddy Considine and Jim Broadbent is really strong, but the best exchanges are between Pegg and Frost, two longtime friends and former roommates in real life. They seem to really be having fun together on screen, and their enthusiasm is totally contagious. Even if you're not usually a fan of the Jerry Bruckheimer or Richard Donner oeuvres, there's still a lot to love in Hot Fuzz.
Other new movies hitting theaters this weekend include Amber Tamblin and Tilda Swinton in the drama Stephanie Daley, Ryan Gosling going head to head with Sir Anthony Hopkins in Fracture, Adam Brody looking for love in In the Land of Women and Kate Beckinsale checking into a creepy hotel in Vacancy.
NYC Photo Bloggers
¡MITZVAH TANK! April 19, 2007 07:42 PM
lensjockey posted a photo:
love seeing that almost as much as big blow up rats - so NYC.
NYC Photo Bloggers
the blow up rats April 19, 2007 07:42 PM
lensjockey posted a photo:
I know they are supposed to be bad, but I love seeing one. and today I saw two together. nice.
Gothamist
Bus Fare Cheaters of All Ages April 19, 2007 07:22 PM
Earlier this week, the Post reported on a new trend that even "grandparents, baby boomers and even mothers with carriages" are getting in on: not paying bus fares by using the back door. Dunh dunh DUNH!
Now, bus drivers tell the Post that fare-ducking riders have become more common because more people are using mass transit. Which makes some sense - sometimes those lines just to get on a bus are insane!
One bus driver lamented the problem, "The part that bugs me is that I have a 92-year-old woman who keeps coming in through the back, and when I call her to the front, she tells me, 'Shut up! I'm a senior citizen. I'm supposed to ride for free.'" Ha! Not so ha: A Queens bus driver was beaten in February when he tried to confront a "habitual bus hopper. "
The police tend to focus on subway fare jumping, versus bus fare duckers, but something is out of whack when people are giving excuses like "I'm doing it because everyone else is doing it." We bet unlimited Metrocard holders don't feel it's necessary to swipe, but we suspect some bus-only commuters might not even have Metrocards, when they can game the system so easily.
Have you ducked paying a bus fare?
Update: Free Metrocards near Grand Central tomorrow, as per the MTA:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will celebrate public transportation’s role as the “pollution solution” at an Earth Day celebration. MTA Executive Director and CEO Elliot G. Sander will kick off Earth Day by discussing the agency’s sustainability achievements and directing transit riders to the agency’s exhibit – a working hybrid-electric NYC Transit bus – where a limited number of free MetroCards will be distributed. The event will take place at 44th Street and Vanderbilt Avenue at 12 noon on Friday April 20, 2007.
Photograph by specmotors on Flickr
Gothamist
Pencil This In April 19, 2007 06:32 PM
SPORTS: It's time to get in shape for a summer of dodgeball at McCarren Park Pool. What better way than with PartyDodgeballNYC? Get together one night a week for "socially competetive coed dodgeball, and partying that goes on at the bar afterwards." Sign up deadline for the 7-week season is today! Of course, for much less money you could just buy a dodgeball and head to the park.
7 to 10pm // PS 116 [33rd St between 2nd and 3rd Ave] // $75 for the season
THEATER: With real-estate rapacity on a lot of minds, the new play ARDEN: The Lamentable Tragedie of a DUMBO Real Estate Mogul seems timely as ever. Watch with glee as a politically connected condo developer is made a cuckold and finally murdered by his business enemies and adulterous wife. The play is largely adapted from the 18th century play Arden of Feversham; the story comes from the real-life contract killing of a wealthy English landlord in 1551. The show’s DUMBO creators provocatively wonder, “Are the conspirators' actions against Arden properly placed social justice and vigilantism?” - John Del Signore
8pm // Spring Theatreworks Loft [25 Jay St, #203 in DUMBO, Brooklyn] // Email arden@springtheatreworks.com to reserve tickets, which are free but limited to 25 per performance
EVENT: The Dave Hill Explosion, hosted by writer/comedian/musician...Dave Hill, is tonight. Enjoy as Dave "talks, reads, sings, dances, shows a short film or two, and just sort of touches hearts in general for up to but no longer than 35 minutes straight." Oh, and tonight he's joined by Rufus Wainwright and Dick Cavett.
Some tickets will be available at the door.
9:30pm // UCB Theater [307 W 26th St] // $5
MUSIC: Tickets are still on sale for The Postmarks and Die Romantik at Union Hall tonight. The latter has a new cd coming out that will deliver more of their amazing Parisian (by way of Brooklyn) moodrock.
Listen: Narcissist's Waltz.mp3 - Die Romantik
Goodbye.mp3 - Postmarks
8pm // Union Hall [702 Union St, Park Slope] // $10
Photo from hseikaly's flickr.
Gothamist
Lesbians Found Guilty of Attacking Straight Man April 19, 2007 06:19 PM
A Manhattan jury found four women guilty of gang assault for attacking a man outside the IFC Center last summer. The man, Dwayne Buckle of Queens, said that the group of lesbians attacked him because he was straight, while the women contended Buckle had used slurs and threw a cigarette at them - and that another man stabbed him.
Patreese Johnson, who claimed Buckle said, "I'll f--- you straight" to her, was found not guilty of second degree attempted murder, but was found guilty of first degree assault. She faces 5-25 years of prison time, while Renata Hill, Terrain Dandridge, and Venice Brown were found guilty of second degree gang assault, which means 3.5-15 years of prison time. Three of their friends pleaded guilty before trial to lesser counts.
The women were jailed without bail, and the AP reports that State Supreme Court Justice Edward McLaughlin explained to their lawyers, "There's simply no point in talking. They're out of state residents facing mandatory prison time." The women, who are from NJ, called out, “No-oo!” “Mommy!” and “I didn’t do it!” as they were led from the courtroom, and the Post reports that "some of their friends and family members threw water bottles and spat at photographers." Buckle told the Daily News, "I'm stabbed and I have a scar that will be with me for the rest of my life. They have their jail sentences, but they'll be out soon. This is what I get for being a nice guy." Uh, nice guy who called them names, though.
The women's lawyers said they will appeal and defense lawyer Susan Tipograph added, "These are seven decent and nice young women who came into the city to have a good time. They were hit upon by an abusive homophobic man. Now they're all going to state prison."
NYC Photo Bloggers
Pell Street and Doyer Doyer April 19, 2007 06:17 PM
ixtayul posted a photo:
Blue and White Blog
Hotttt Body Contest April 19, 2007 06:11 PM
You may have seen him on college walk, or maybe you somehow haven't.Either way Jeffrey Hunter Northrop III will soon be coming out to display his sexiness in the warm weather. For now, you can track him through his consistently ballin'facebook updates:
Jeffrey is in the gym at Trump Tower. 4:33pm
Jeffrey is at Trump Tower. 12:29am
Jeffrey is beverly hills bungalows in your underclothes. 6:49pm
Jeffrey is smoking some hookah. 1:25pm
Jeffrey is admiring the view from the 42nd floor. 5:18pm
Jeffrey is at Trump Tower. 6:57pm
Jeffrey is thinking someone should get him a t mobile sidekick or the blackberry pearl for his birthday. That would be the sweetest gift. 12:45am
Jeffrey is laughing all the way to the bank. 1:00pm
Jeffrey is starting to think about his birthday because its only like 15 days away. 6:53pm
Jeffrey is island hopping off the Amalfi coast. 7:45pm
Blue and White Blog
Hotttt Body Contest April 19, 2007 06:11 PM
You may have seen him on college walk, or maybe you somehow haven't.Either way Jeffrey Hunter Northrop III will soon be coming out to display his sexiness in the warm weather. For now, you can track him through his consistently ballin'facebook updates:
Jeffrey is in the gym at Trump Tower. 4:33pm
Jeffrey is at Trump Tower. 12:29am
Jeffrey is beverly hills bungalows in your underclothes. 6:49pm
Jeffrey is smoking some hookah. 1:25pm
Jeffrey is admiring the view from the 42nd floor. 5:18pm
Jeffrey is at Trump Tower. 6:57pm
Jeffrey is thinking someone should get him a t mobile sidekick or the blackberry pearl for his birthday. That would be the sweetest gift. 12:45am
Jeffrey is laughing all the way to the bank. 1:00pm
Jeffrey is starting to think about his birthday because its only like 15 days away. 6:53pm
Jeffrey is island hopping off the Amalfi coast. 7:45pm
Gothamist
Do Mayor's 2030 Plans Include Congestion Pricing? April 19, 2007 05:24 PM
The NY Sun is reporting that Mayor Bloomberg will unveil details of his plan to make New York City sustainable through the year 2030 this Sunday. The announcement, which will coincide with Earth Day, will elaborate more on the plaNYC outline he gave in December. The Sun says that the plan includes more than 100 initiatives, but the most controversial one could be congestion pricing, which Bloomberg's plan is expected to include.
While sources tell The Sun that the mayor's plan is not finalized yet, there are rumors of a $8 peak-time price for driving south of 86th St. in Manhattan. If approved, the money from congestion pricing could be as high as $500 million a year. The plan is also supposed to be similar, yet "more moderate" than London's congestion pricing.
Other items that may make Bloomberg's plan: initiatives for the city's energy and infrastructure, green development, and building emissions. plaNYC addresses three issues that New York City will face by 2030 - an increase of 1 million people, the deterioration of infrastructure, and making the city more environmentally friendly.
A November survey found that New Yorkers could be receptive towards congestion pricing, and maybe foes to congestion pricing have it wrong.
Photo of crazy NYC traffic by anniebee on flickr
Grid Skipper NYC
NEW YORK: Yelo Nap Salon April 19, 2007 05:20 PM
Between riding cramped and noisy subways, dashing from point A to point B on foot, and dealing with the general bustle of urban life, spending time in New York City can wear a person out. The folks at Yelo, a "power nap salon" on West 57th Street, are out to solve the problem. Can't put a price on a good night's sleep? Maybe not, but it seems you can price a cat nap. Along with some typical spa offerings (reflexology etc.), naps in a YeloCab (or "nap cabin) run from $12 for 20 minutes to $24 for 40 minutes. Though there's no explicit restriction, we doubt they'll allow multi-person napping. You'll have to keep patronizing those by-the-hour hotels if you're not really interested in sleeping.
Yelo [via Apartment Therapy]
-- Diane Cohen
Gothamist
Hip Hop's Secret Meeting April 19, 2007 05:03 PM
On Tuesday "The Oprah Winfrey Show" became a platform for the Hip-Hop community to respond to the Don Imus controversy with a panel discussion featuring Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Kevin Liles, Common and more.
Should musicians lose their jobs or their contracts for using words that are considered racist and sexist? As seen in the video clip below, the former EIC of Essence Magazine thinks so. She is met with many who disagree, however, one of which is Russell Simmons. He thinks actions like this will only make the artists more popular, stating "Pointing at the conditions that create these words from the rappers...should be our No. 1 concern."
He goes on to say that "We're talking about a lot of these artists who come from the most extreme cases of poverty and ignorance ... And when they write a song, and they write it from their heart, and they're not educated, and they don't believe there's opportunity, they have a right, they have a right to say what's on their mind." Conversely, many believe Don Imus's comment came from a place of racist and sexist tendencies.
After the Oprah appearance, these and other high-powered music-industry executives met privately yesterday at the New York home of Lyor Cohen (chairman and chief executive at Warner Music Group) to discuss the state of rap lyrics. Many of Imus' critics have been pointing towards offensive language in rap music, and with his recent fall - what kind of across-the-board standards should be set when it comes to dealing with freedom of speech?
The summit, essentially a gathering to "discuss issues challenging the industry in the wake of controversy surrounding hip-hop and the First Amendment," lasted several hours. Originally a news conference was scheduled at a Manhattan hotel to discuss initiatives agreed upon at the forum, however, it did not result in any specific initiative. The conference was postponed and Simmons' publicist released a statement that described the topic as a "complex issue that involves gender, race, culture and artistic expression. Everyone assembled today takes this issue very seriously." Simmons and Chavis, who called the meeting, lead the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network with the motto: "Taking Back Responsibility," and while this looks good on paper - it's clearly proving to be a much more complex issue.
Rev. Al Sharpton also has the rap community on his radar. After being a key figure in protesting Imus, he announced he has suspended his plans to honor L.A. Reid during his National Action Network convention in New York this week. Reid's label Def Jam has several artists who use racist and sexist lyrics in their songs.
More video available here.
Gothamist
Piloncillo -- Sweetness in a Cone April 19, 2007 04:22 PM
A cone shape, that is. Piloncillo (pee-lon-SEE-yoh), is an unrefined cane sugar that is traditionally used in Mexican cooking and has been in existence for at least 500 years. It is made from pure sugar cane juice from cane that has been hand cut, crushed by machine, and then heated to reduce its water content. The name refers to the cone shape in which it is produced. Although Piloncillo can be used in any recipe in which sugar is called for, it is much harder than brown sugar -- in order to use it, it needs to be either scraped with a serrated knife, crushed with a mortar and pestle, or melted.
We had the pleasure of being invited to taste a piloncillo-based menu created by Chef Richard Sandoval at one of his restaurants, Maya. The smoky, molasses-like sweetness was infused in everything from the spicy-sweet chile vinaigrette on the salad, to the adobo-piloncillo short ribs perched on a crispy corn tostada, to the Café de Olla (pictured), sweet Mexican coffee with cinnamon and orange zest as a cap to the meal. These dishes, and others laced with Piloncillo, can be found on Maya's menu.
Piloncillo is available at Mexican grocery stores or online.
Maya
1191 First Avenue, Between 64th & 65th
212-585-1818
Gothamist
Brooklyn's Sludgie the Whale Dies April 19, 2007 04:10 PM
Sad news about Sludgie the whale: The baby minke whale, who captivated our attention as he frolicked in the Gowanus Bay, died yesterday afternoon. He beached himself near Clinton Street around 5PM.
The Riverhead Foundation's rescue program had been monitoring the whale and did not believe he was in trouble when he first appeared yesterday, since he seemed to be swimming normally. Rescue director Kim Durham told WCBS 2, "it suddenly began heavy splashing, hit the dock and then just went quiet." She said, "It was a very young whale that became confused and disoriented." There will be a necropsy performed on the whale - apparently it had fresh cuts on its head.
The NY Times spoke to Debra Clarke, who arrived too late to catch sight of the whale:
"We just came hoping for good news,” she said, noting that she and her friends had spent most of the day watching broadcast news of the Virginia Tech massacre. “After Virginia, you come here rooting for the whale. You hope that something good has to happen, because it turns out these are days for tears.”Gowanus Lounge's Robert Guskind had told the press, "People are concerned about the creature's ability to survive. Quite honestly it could not have picked a worse spot." Even Mayor Bloomberg agreed; before the whale died, he said, "My thoughts are with the whale."
Photographs by Amy Langfield/NewYorkology
Gothamist
DUMBO Hearing Could Initiate Landmark Process April 19, 2007 03:54 PM
The future development of Brooklyn's DUMBO district could be shaped by the results of a public hearing scheduled for today at 1 Centre Street in Manhattan. Although the Landmarks Preservation Commission's online calendar does not list such a meeting, the Gowanus Lounge and DumboNYC are spreading the word about this important first meeting, which could initiate the process of protecting DUMBO as a historic preservation district. Such a designation would require property owners to obtain special approval for renovations, demolitions, or additions to existing structures.
Parts of nearby Brooklyn Heights and Vinegar Hill are already protected under similar designations. But what would the hypothetical DUMBO historic district be called? Gairville? Olympia?
The players: Developers such as Two Trees Management, who wish to build new high-rises, are expected to oppose preservation measures, while certain residents and groups such as the Dumbo Neighborhood Association are expected to support landmarks designation. What do you think is best for the area?
More: LPC - Download Historic District Maps; DumboNYC - Dumbo Landmarking Meeting on Thursday at 10am; Gothamist - Dumbo Gets Smarter?.
Map courtesy Dumbo Improvement District
Blue and White Blog
Spring Chickens April 19, 2007 03:53 PM
If you heard the happy shouts of children outside Philosophy this afternoon, here's why.
We're not perverts, we promise--just innocence-deprived.
- LBD
Blue and White Blog
Spring Chickens April 19, 2007 03:53 PM
If you heard the happy shouts of children outside Philosophy this afternoon, here's why.
We're not perverts, we promise--just innocence-deprived.
- LBD
NYC Photo Bloggers
far far away April 19, 2007 03:35 PM
brainware3000 posted a photo:
Village Voice Power Plays
R.I.P, You Noble Whale April 19, 2007 03:20 PM
Thar s/he blew, in Gowanus Bay, on Tuesday. The minke whale that wandered into our foul urban stew this week has died. Weighing as much as 5,000 pounds and leaving one heck of a carcass to haul out, the...
Gothamist
NBC Airs VT Shooter's "Multimedia Manifesto" April 19, 2007 03:11 PM
Yesterday, NBC News revealed that Virginia Tech shooting gunman Cho Seung-Hiu sent them a package of photographs, writings, and video - a "multimedia manifesto." The network turned over the materials to the authorities but also shared the package's contents during the evening news last night and on its website.
Quickly, the images of Cho holding guns in both hands, pointing a gun at his head, pointing a gun at the camera, and more, started to be seen everywhere as video of Cho's words played on TV and online (CBS News offers a Flash slideshow of the photographs on the homepage). The Washington Post reports that the letter sent to NBC, sent Express Mail but misaddressed, was similar to the letter found in Cho's room.
While photographs, ramblings and video of Cho are part of the story, we wonder if it's too much. The NY Times has a short article about NBC's decisions. Well, it describes NBC's actions, but doesn't illuminate exactly why the network decided to air and release much of the contents. There's only this quote from Brian Williams: “This was a sick business tonight, going on the air with this,” he said. The Washington Post's Howard Kurtz had some more insight: Apparently NBC wrestled with the decision about what to air (Kurtz also references the NY Times' and WP's decision to print the Unabomber's manifesto), but decided to air much of it, though Williams tried to warn viewers. The Daily News has an article titled, NBC Delivers Final Sick Message, while a forensic psychiatrist told Good Morning America that showing the video on news networks was a "social catastrophe."
As more details are revealed about Cho's mental health history (being hospitalized at one point after complaints he was stalking two women on campus), some suggest the school should have done more while other news outlets are trying to offer "warning signs" on how to spot a killer. The South Korean community, both in the U.S. and in South Korea, voice their sympathies as well as concern about a backlash against them. And Cho's parents continue to be described as a nice, quiet, hardworking couple by neighbors, who managed to send their children to college (Cho's sister graduated from Princeton and is currently a State department contractor).
Professor Liviu Librescu, an engineering professor who students say helped save them by standing in front of a door as they escaped out windows, was remembered yesterday during a funeral in Brooklyn. Assemblyman Dov Hikind gave the eulogy, and while Librescu had no "known connection" to Borough Park, the Sun reports that hundreds paid their respects.
Mayor Bloomberg has ordered all city flags to be flown at half mast through Sunday. Local politicians are asking that colleges and universities to have a summit about security responses (the News points out that the NYPD has close relationships with the city's colleges). And the Manhattan Hokies have planned a candlelight vigil for tonight at 7:30 PM, Washington Square Park. They are also collecting donations for a memorial fund.
Photographs of restaurant diners in Blacksburg, Virginia watching the the NBC Nightly News last night by Amy Sancetta/AP
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Triple-Murder, Suicide In Cambria Heights April 19, 2007 02:53 PM
When the police arrived at a Cambria Heights house 13 minutes after receiving a 911 call from a distressed woman, they found four dead bodies. Twenty-year-old Jimmie Dawkins shot his mother, her boyfriend, and the boyfriend's health care aide before shooting himself.
The police say that hospital worker Sonia Taylor called 911 at 11:38AM, fearing for her life when her son arrived. She told the operator, "A terrible thing is going to happen." But Dawkins and Taylor's fight escalated when Dawkins shot Taylor and then health care aide Syndia Jean-Pierre. Dawkins then broke into a bedroom and shot Taylor's wheelchair-bound boyfriend, Arnold Lawson. Lawson's nephew Laurice Johnson, who was visiting from Jamaica to help his uncle recover from a recent stroke, hid in the closet to escape Dawkins' bullets. After Dawkins left the room, Johnson escaped out a window and ran for help.
Taylor had apparently called the police twice on Monday, but the police said since the incident were disputes and because there were no crimes committed or weapons present, they could not arrest him. From the NY Times:
Mr. Dawkins was taken to Long Island Jewish Hospital for emotional disturbance in October, after his mother, who worked at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, called the police, saying he was throwing things around the house. In that instance, too, the police said there was insufficient evidence to arrest Mr. Dawkins. It is unclear whether he was admitted to the hospital. But Ms. Taylor filed a complaint with the Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau because she thought that he should have been arrested, the police said.
Ms. Taylor’s sister, Ann Taylor, lashed out at the authorities yesterday, saying her sister had called the police seven times in recent days — the police confirm only the three — because she was desperate for protection against her son.Taylor's sister also told NY1, "My sister pleaded to the Police Department. My sister even called the internal affairs when they wouldn’t cooperate, but no one wanted to cooperate. No one wanted to get the crazy boy – the boy who was obviously suffering from a mental disorder. No one would get him out of the house. He was threatening my sister. The internal affairs wouldn't do anything. She exhausted every method, and nobody did anything – until this tragedy happened.”
Jean-Pierre's husband told the Daily News, "There were some arguments there, but I figured it was some internal thing with the family."
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I beg you ... April 19, 2007 02:47 PM
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