Christmas Dance Moves

Happy Holidays all! I'm getting ready to head home tomorrow to celebrate Christmas with the family. Enjoy the below video - it'll help you come up with some bitchin' dance moves for the various holiday parties.

The One-Two Punch

New York City is a coy mistress. This is certainly not a profound statement - realistically, it probably lands somewhere between old New York adage and screenwriter's cliche (which is worse? You decide). But while I'm aware of this, it still surprises me when she hits.

I spent the week in a very "over New York" slump. I finally succumbed to a stomach bug this weekend, spending nearly the whole of Saturday and Sunday in bed. Also, my parents' Christmas card - harmless and honest - which summarized my year succinctly, stating: "she’s in a different apartment now with one roommate, and she’s still working the restaurant job" led me to question what exactly I was doing here. I felt tired of the city and ready to head home.

Then came the one-two punch. And yes, I can use sports analogies, thankyouverymuch.

First came New York Magazine's year-end "Reasons to Love New York" issue. The article was littered with reasons why I do love living here. And why I feel at home in a big city. Second, as I sat in my favorite coffee shop in Williamsburg this morning, writing Christmas cards and waiting for my laundry, mammoth-sized snow flakes began to fall. Everyone in the small cafe became giddy and several employees and patrons went outside to capture the giant flakes on their tongues and look up at the sky. There is nothing like snow to make you love a city again.

Briefly going back to the "Reasons to Love New York" issue - the reason that stuck out most to me was one a reader had emailed in. Eric Greer wrote that he loves New York "because I moved to LA almost two years ago, and I've read six books in the time since. In New York, I'd read on the subway and finish a book in a week (at least!). There are millions of reasons to move back, but I'd do it just for the books."

Amen.

I have expounded to friends, family and, um, strangers, on multiple occasions about the amazing partnership between public transportation and literacy here in New York. Living in Bed-Stuy, especially, where my daily commutes were at least 45 minutes each way, I was never behind on a New Yorker subscription. It's so refreshing to have that forced separation from technology (excepting, of course, the equally transit-friendly ipod) for that bit of time each day. It was also always so reassuring to see people from all walks of life reading. And reading all types of newspapers, books and magazines. It's so apparent what a strong correlation there is between public transportation and literacy. Clearly, stronger public transportation systems are the answer to nearly all of societies woes, right? Literacy, the fall of print media, the environment - um, those are all of societies woes, correct? But absolutely without any irony or cheekiness, I really do believe that it could solve so much. So someone needs to start digging out there on the West Coast.

Discuss.

My penchant for ordering take-out Thai has been duly noted here (although to be fair, I think it's just that I mention what I'm eating when it's Thai - today I ate a Waldorf-esque salad and kept mum about it because it wasn't all that inspiring). However, equally high on my "things Alice adores" list is New York Magazine. I read this magazine nearly cover to cover every week and, of course, complete its' crossword puzzle. I know it's crazy from a financial standpoint, but I don't actually subscribe to this magazine. Every Monday, on my way to the bank to make the deposits for work, I plunk down the $3.99 for my copy. The articles provide a good distraction while Narissa at Chase bank counts the tens of thousands of dollars spent at Vento and Level V over the weekend. I think that magazine does a beautiful job of matching the "intellectual" with the light and fun. I find the writing to be some of the best, because it's rarely lofty and pedantic (which, you really can't say without sounding lofty and pedantic - ah, irony); opting for honesty and even employing the use of first person. Anyway, longest intro ever. The moral is: read New York Magazine.

That whole big windup was for an article that I'm not entirely sure how to respond to. I will say it evoked an extremely strong emotional and intellectual reaction for me. The article is called "Gender Bender" with the stirring subhead: "More women are drinking, and the women who drink are drinking more, in some cases matching their male peers. This is the kind of equality nobody was fighting for."

This is an article that was written about my peer group of women - or at least the peer group I'm growing into: Young, educated, professionals. The woman who wrote the article is herself a part of this group:

"Most of [my female friends] do drink - and not just in a glass-of-wine-with-dinner way. Drinking is our go-to activity. Meeting a friend implies going to a bar. Having a meal implies a round of cocktails beforehand. A party implies a serious hangover. Drinking feels like our prerogative - if we want to get blasted at the company Christmas party or nurse a bottle of scotch through the holidays, no one should, or can, stop us."

What the article incited in me, besides a lot of terrifying self-reflection, was a desire to discuss its' contents. Perhaps this is the true indication of a great article. So, here it is: my feeble attempt to turn the naval-gazing of my blog into a discussion board. I would love it if people read this article and could share their thoughts, if any, here. This may be wholly unsuccessful, but here's my attempt. If nothing else, I really encourage everyone to read the article.

(Photo stolen, without permission, from Stephanie Layton. Check out more of her work here.)

A Blank Sheet of Paper

New York Times guest columnist today, Timothy Egan, wrote about Joe the Plumber publishing a book this month. Egan is, justifiably, incensed by the mere prospect of JTP (like Jonathan Taylor Thomas!) being paid to write. "I have a question for Joe:" he writes, "Do you want me to fix your leaky toilet? I didn’t think so. And I don’t want you writing books. Not when too many good novelists remain unpublished."

I am not quite as outraged by JTP's book deal as Egan; when I read about it, my first reaction was to laugh and shake my head - similarly to when I found out Brody Jenner has a show, "Bromance," airing on national television. But when I read this column, I did find myself saying "yeah! so true!" outloud and shaking my head, although this time more angrily. Although I fully understand we live in an era of celebrity, it's still frustrating to be a struggling writer - watching those who aren't even really interested in writing take a book deal for granted. Just as struggling actors, I'm sure, are frustrated to see celebrities floundering through a leading role in a Broadway show. We're living in a time when Tila Tequila will star as Roxie Hart in Chicago and publish a popular-but-panned memoir before qualified individuals. But I don't think that means the rest of us should give up on the pursuit.

P.S. Photo credit for the picture in Wednesday's post goes to Michael Gacetta. Check out his daily photography, along with Stephanie Layton's at http://365.nickgaswirth.com/

Who wants to ride the subway alone?

On the ride home from drinks with Stephanie tonight, I finally opened my much-neglected New York Magazine from last week. There was an article in it about the myth of loneliness in New York that I had been interested in reading. I know about the cliches of being alone in a city of millions - but for me, I rarely feel lonely here. In stark contrast, when I lived in the small town of San Juan Bautista,with a population of just over 1000, I often felt much more isolated. Perhaps this was because despite the fact that it was one of those places where "everyone knows everyone," I didn't know everyone.

The article talked about new research indicating that people are actually less lonely in large, urban areas. Although many New Yorkers live alone (1 in 2), they go out, socialize, and establish complex networks of mere acquaintances. The article has multiple grafs talking about the importance of these so called "weak ties." I, for one, have always found these daily interactions invigorating and humanizing. While having a deep conversation with a close friend is incomparably wonderful, the "hi, how-are-yous" with the bank teller and "what-are-you-doing-for-the-holidays" with the barista aren't vapid small talk, they also help you feel a basic human connection.

"There is even evidence that weak ties simply make us feel better...the advice your mother gives you when you’re depressed—Get out of the damn house, would you?—turns out to be right. For most people, being in the simple presence of a friendly person helps us reregulate our behavior if we’re feeling depressed in our isolation. We are naturally wired not just to connect with them but to imitate them—which might be a good idea, if our impulses at that moment are self-destructive."

It was nice to read the article as I rode home from hanging out with a good friend. Although they are scattered around the U.S., I know I'm very lucky to have as many close friends and family members I do (according to the article, on average Americans feel they have 2 people they can discuss important matters with). But I also feel lucky to be living in such an invigorating city. I've always loved the subway, because it gives a sense of togetherness. In the movie "Crash" they discuss how LA is inherently lonely because it's a city where people live in their cars. They are constantly encased behind glass and metal. It's a metaphor, get it? Juxtapose that with New York, a city where we are consistently shoved together creating a shared community - whether we want it or not.

"{Living in New York] shows us, in trillions of invisible ways every day, that people are essentially nothing without one another. We may sometimes want to throttle our fellow travelers on the F train. We may on occasion curse our neighbors for playing music so loud it splits the floor. But living cheek-by-jowl is the necessary price we pay for our well-being. And anyway, who wants to ride the subway alone?"

Magic!

Today on the subway, a man came on pushing a decorated cart. I assumed, correctly, it was performer and continued listening to my This American Life podcast. But when I realized he wasn't orating, singing or playing an instrument I glanced over: he was performing magic tricks. I've always loved the kitsch of magicians. I find their illusions at once both hilarious (G.O.B. on Arrested Development encouraged this idea) and fascinating. In Elementary School, Dana had a magic kit and we spent many hours reading through and practicing the tricks. This man on the train was slightly more advanced than I ever became. He was by far one of the most entertaining performers I've seen on the subway. He did about 9 quick tricks (illusions!) between the 1st Ave. and Bedford stops. One involved a dove and the other had a disappearing rabbit. It was fun to see everyone smile and, in the end, open their wallets. If nothing else, the man deserved a few bucks just for juggling live animals on a moving subway: no small feat.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know I haven't posted in forever - my little sister has been in town. For now, enjoy some lovely Thanksgiving pictures put together by Slate.

Today, I'm thankful for my family and friends, the New York Times 'Modern Love' column, Thai food (predictably), Portland coffee available in Brooklyn, New York Magazine on Mondays and New Yorker on Tuesdays, gchat, crunchy fall leaves, Arrested Development, little kids in rainboots and my orange wall.

Fuerzabruta

Tonight my friend Anna got me comp tickets to go see Fuerzabruta in Union Square. I had heard about this play/theatrical experience before from other people, but I didn't exactly know what to expect. I was blown away. You stand for the full 70 minutes of the show while the action happens around you, in front of you and on top of you. It was kind of a Cirque de Soleil meets...I don't even know! At one point this thick, plastic ceiling is lowered and these women are swimming and moving through this shallow water - all above your head. The ceiling is lowered so much that you can actually touch it and feel their bodies through the plastic. It's an insane experience. Here is a preview for the show, but it doesn't even begin to describe the experience of seeing it live.



It's nights like this that I feel so grateful to be living in such a vibrant city full of culture and excitement - and great friends to hook you up with free tix!

Prop. 8

I can't begin to talk about how distressing I find the passing of Prop. 8 in California. I found it particularly disheartening the fact that San Benito County - where I used to live and report from - voted for Prop. 8. For taking away a basic, human right.



The Daily Show, as always, recognized the absurdity of opposing gay marriage in a 2005 episode. Watch and enjoy... then go out and do something, anything to show your support for the rights of all to get married.

Mochas and New York Magazine

A few random rants to start off my Tuesday morning post:

First of all, why does iTunes make it so easy to spend $17 on songs in the same number of minutes? Has anyone else discovered iTunes MyGroove playlists? Pre-selected songs are grouped as "study rock" or "90s memories" or "bachelorette parties." Last night I found myself downloading songs from their "Autumn" playlist (I told you, I'm on a fall-in-New-York-City-bender.) Gah, I could spend hours - and hundreds - reminiscing over old songs and discovering new ones.

Secondly, I'm convinced I'm going to be attending the presidential inauguration this year. I was never too much of a sucker for raffles. I’m usually able to rationalize that there are tens of thousands of people out there with the same odds of winning as me. Plus, beyond winning a giant, stuffed Sylvester cat in fourth grade I’ve never been that lucky. That was, until New York Senator Charles Schumer announced a lottery to win tickets to the presidential inauguration. I’m convinced my luck will change for this, and I’m bound to win. Tell you what: if I win, I’ll take you, as long as you promise you’ll take me if you win. Deal.

Lastly, the real reason I even wanted to post this morning:

I read an interesting article in New York magazine last night. I’m not going to tell you what food I was eating while reading it, but I’ll admit it does start with a t and end with an i and yes, Megan, I have an addiction. The article, The 'Bitch' and the 'Ditz', was about what women lost, not gained, from the 2008 election season.

There was a lot to celebrate with the election of Obama this month. But I found there were also a lot of tough moments during the entire election season for me, as a woman – as a feminist – to swallow. First was the realization that the country was not ready to elect a female president. I say this with a simultaneous counter that I was no Hillary supporter. But the blatant sexism that shadowed her campaign, not only from conservative pundits, but also from male friends of mine, made me sick and frustrated. People I knew and thought respected women, clearly did not believe one was capable of running this country. The introduction of Sarah Palin to the scene seemed to reinforce the belief that many had that a woman could not handle this position. The article did a really articulate job of highlighting how Clinton and Palin were played as caricatures of women in power:

"Among the darker revelations of this election is the fact that the vice-grip of female stereotypes remains suffocatingly tight. On the national political stage and in office buildings across the country, women regularly find themselves divided into dualities that are the modern equivalent of the Madonna-whore complex: the hard-ass or the lightweight, the battle-ax or the bubblehead, the serious, pursed-lipped shrew or the silly, ineffectual girl."

To be fair, I think SNL did a really good job of mocking the two stereotypes, thanks – no doubt – to the witty female minds of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

The article ends: “Many will say we’ve come a long way this year. The truth is we have a long way to go.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Print is Over (If You Want It)

The New York Times had an article Saturday about how industries survive change - but specifically looking at how newspapers could overcome the current trend toward becoming obsolete. The article cites the example of bicycles and radios - both of which have reinvented themselves over the years to remain something people desire, despite new technologies (cars, TV...) Still, the article doesn't really answer HOW newspapers will remarket themselves successfully. I think this is the problem: no one knows exactly what changes will help and what will harm print media.

Although much of the article was a downer (um, incidentally most articles about the current state of journalism are), the last graf left me with some hope:

"... Perhaps the destruction will lead to more creativity. Perhaps the people we now know as journalists — or, for that matter, autoworkers — will find ways to innovate elsewhere, just as, over a century ago, gun makers laid down their weapons and broke out the needle and thread. That is, after all, the American creative legacy: making innovation seem as easy as, well, riding a bike."

The answer is not going to be cutting everything and eliminating creativity, it's going to be up to editors and journalists to create a product that people want and are interested in.

Fall in the City

It's days like today that make me think I could live in New York for the rest of my life. Don't worry parents, around mid-February when it seems there's no end to the sub-zero temperatures and again at the end of July when "lip sweat" has re-entered my vocabulary, I'll be looking to more temperate climates. But right now, in the heart of fall, I can think of no place I'd rather be than New York City. This morning, I walked to my local coffee shop (which serves Stumptown coffee. No one does caffeine better than the PNW!) with my jacket unzipped and New Yorker in tow. The second I stepped outside my apartment I was immediately in a great mood. The sun was out and the air was crisp and autumny (yes, I'm using it as an adjective). There were leaves EVERYWHERE: littering the sidewalks, crushed in the streets and a few clinging to the near-barren tree branches.While Washington definitely has seasons, with all the evergreen trees, you just don't see the same amount or caliber of leaves. Red and orange are everywhere here and make me crave glasses of red wine and egg nog lattes.

On an entirely separate note, for those of you who either share my love of icanhascheezburger or just don't get it, today salon.com had an article about how the best posts on icanhascheezburger depict basic human emotion. It also explains why the sad ones are always my favorite. Enjoi. Kthxbai.

Greenpoint Rite Aid

Today I took a jaunt over to Greenpoint's Rite Aid to pick up some much-needed shampoo and garbage bags. My itty bitty apartment (which I love!) is on the border of the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods in Brooklyn. I'm also nicely sandwiched between Italian and Polish enclaves...with a healthy smattering of hipsters throughout. The short stroll to Greenpoint transports you to a Little Poland complete with storefronts in Polish and old men cursing at you in Polish (true story.) It also reminds me of the New York from movies - 1960s, pre-gentrification New York. But despite this, it still has a Dunkin' Donuts and a Rite Aid - what doesn't?

I walked in to find that the hair dyes and contact solution were not housed in your typical Rite Aid store. I had actually walked into what appeared to be an old ballroom. The heart of the store is in a large, sunken room with a vaulted ceiling with ornate detailing along the side. The best part was the giant disco ball in the middle. The whole scene made me legitimately laugh outloud and desperate to know the history of the place. The second I got home I hopped on the Internet to do a little research on the place. Turns out I wasn't the only person who found it hilarious/interesting. Apparently it was originally the Meserole Theater before it was transformed into a skating rink (hence the disco ball, I suppose) and finally a drug store. Anyway, while it made me sad that it's not still there as either of those things, I'm glad they've at least maintained the building.


Also, next time I need shampoo I'm definitely bringing my roller skates.

Laser Cats!

Today I ordered Thai food (my fridge is broken so it's been a lot of take-out lately) and have been watching old episodes of The OC on hulu. God, I love that site. I also re-stumbled upon one of my favorite SNL moments.



Enjoy.

Brunch, etc.

I've never been ashamed to admit how little I know about economics. My grasp of the subject is very elementary - sure! supply and demand! got it! I think a younger me, who remembered the rules to Pit, may have understood stocks better than I currently do. I for sure never thought I would see the day when I would be discussing the current state of the economy and it's impact on my life. I was naive enough to believe if I didn't think about the economy, it wouldn't affect me. Ah, 2008. How amazing to learn that what goes on Wall Street and with that guy-who-shouts-at-me on CNBC and with the housing foreclosures Anthony was writing about at the Free Lance would impact my life. But it does, and it has, and suddenly the economy is something I think about on a daily basis. In terms of my life, mostly it's caused me to feel a little stuck. I'm at a job that doesn't even hint of the industry I want to be in - but I don't foresee myself leaving any time soon. In fact, I'm more concerned about getting laid off and being forced to leave sooner than I can afford. But I know I'm not the only person in the situation. It's scary for those of us who are fairly fresh out of college and trying to find ourselves and a career that is challenging and engaging. Because, really, what is out there? And can I afford to leave what I have now to find out?

A recent article in The New Yorker tied a lot of the current challenges with our economy to the health care system:

"American businesses often can't afford to hire as many employees as they would like because of rising health-insurance costs; employees often can't afford to quit to chase their better-mousetrap dreams because they can't risk going without coverage. Add to this the system's moral failings: about twenty-two thousand people die in this country annually because they lack health insurance. That is more than the number of Americans who are murdered in a year."

This, to me, was one of those chopstick-dropper quotes (I was eating Thai food at the time). Who knows if a restructuring of our current health care system would solve all or any of the current financial crises, but it definitely is something worth thinking about.

On a completely different note, I ate at Chez Oskar in Fort Greene today. I braved the G-train and the rain to meet up with my friend Dinelle, who shares my love of the weekend brunch. Anyone living in the Brooklyn/New York area should really familiarize themselves with this restaurant. I'm convinced they have the best eggs benedict I have eaten ... perhaps ever. And I feel pretty knowledgeable on the topic, as I will eat this pretty much any time it's on the menu. Their bloody marys aren't anything to scoff at, either: cilantro-y and spicey-tastic. Which leads me to wrap up my blog post with a question: Has anyone heard of putting salt on the rim of your bloody mary? Please. Share your thoughts/feelings.

Looking Forward

So I'm still a little too stuck in the post-Election euphoria to have much to say. On Wednesday, New York almost felt like a different town. There was an understood collective feeling of joy and pride and it felt really good to be a part of it. After work, I went to meet up for dinner/drinks with Stephanie to celebrate her birthday (Happy 25, my friend!) I stopped to pick up champagne and while I was at the store a woman came in looking to buy a celebratory bottle. She was bedecked in Obama paraphernalia and just started chatting with everyone there about how it was a day to celebrate. The response was not 'who's this crazy??' (as it typically would be in Manhattan), but instead people were really receptive - sharing their own feelings and enthusiasm. I left the shop smiling, walked out and looked up to see the empire state building, which had been red & blue for the election on Tuesday, all blue. What a beautiful image.

Anyway, my concern Tuesday for the sanity of Obama volunteers should he lose did not come true. But I am certain there will still be a sense of let down for those who contributed so much for the cause. The Onion, apparently, was certain too. Check out the video and watch for my friend Moses, who does their video editing.

Yes. We. Can.

Watching the returns last night, I truly felt like I was a part of history. When the projected win and McCain's concession were announced, I couldn't do anything but cry and grin and think to myself : I never, ever, imagined we would be electing a black president in November 2008.

More tomorrow, once I've had a chance to digest. These are pictures at the party I attended 11/4/2008 right after Obama was introduced as the President Elect. We ran to the porch to shout at cars and passers-by on the Williamsburg bridge. I think everyone here is shouting OBAMA! View other reactions to the win here.

The First Post - Election 2008

The idea for starting a blog has been rattling around in my brain for a while, now. Above all, I wanted something to push me back into writing, but I was also looking for a way to get back into critically consuming and thinking about media. It's amazing what you don't do when you're not prodded by college professors. Somehow a blog seemed like the best - and most appropriately self-indulgent - outlet. I woke up this morning, unable to sleep in despite having the day off, and thought 'what better time to start than now.'

The idea of this is nothing too profound. It's a chance for me to share interesting things I read, watch or see throughout my day. It's also a lesson in sticktoitiveness for me: to see if I actually write more than one entry. So bear with me.

At any rate, I decided to write today because of (cross your fingers) the importance of this date. I've been thinking about the election a lot and while many people are extremely confident, I can't fight off the air of dread. Gawker had an article yesterday on liberals going through this exact feeling. The article chalked it up, essentially, to superstition and misremembering the past:

"Basically we've all psychologically collapsed the entire last month or so of the 2004 campaign into that tiny window between polls closing and results coming in, when the "exit polls" looked great. That was just a couple hours of false hope, after weeks of superstitiously hoping "undecideds" would magically break to our guy even though he was down in the polls. In other words, it was like being a John McCain supporter, this time around."

I'm not saying, on a rational level, I don't disagree with this. Clearly, my fear does have a lot to do with watching Bush steal the election in 2000 and then win yet again in 2004. Despite the optimistic results the polls are projecting , I just can't shake the feeling of dread. But doesn't it make sense for me to feel this way? After all, all of my experiences with elections as a voting, semi-functioning adult have been let downs. But I'm not denying that 97 percent of my fear of a loss is superstition.

But also, I'm just thinking of how much we have to lose. What if the results come in tonight and trickling back tomorrow and Obama is not, in fact, a victor? I think the impact would be devastating. Last Tuesday's This American Life made me choke up on the train yesterday. The episode looked at all these people who had worked so tirelessly on the campaign. In a magazine journalism class in college I wrote about post-election depression for those young people who had worked on the Kerry campaign. I just can't help but wonder what will happen to these people's feelings about the electoral process if Obama - a candidate who people put so much of their hope into - loses.