Oceans of wisedom and boring thoughts,
Rivers of silence and endless hopes,
Forests of shadows and sour tears,
The house of deep feelings or unexpected dreams.
Fathers of Earth are dying today,
Stars and the Sun are going to fail,
Mysterious faces beyond my sight
Still keep the truth
Still keep it inside.
Water won't see nor will it believe,
It'll always roar and show memories,
And the generous wind is going to dry
Her eyes full of tears - the remembrance of Light.
/2004/
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
" A Moveable Feast "
" A Moveable Feast" by Ernest Hemingway is one of my favorite stories. I travelled a lot between Europe and Japan, living in different cities every year. And I found it was interesting experience in my life.
I wrote an essay during I stayed in Paris, and when I came back to my hometown, my friend gave me this book, " A Moveable Feast ", because she said my essay reminded her his works. At first I confused this title, but I found a message from Hemingway inside the book which said,
" If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast" Ernest Hemingway to a friend, 1950
This book was based on Hemingway in Paris from 1921 to 1926 as a young American expatriate writer and it was his memoir describing city landscapes, cafes, society, people and life. It was published posthumously in 1964. ( He died in 1961)
His acquaintances in the story were Gertrude Stein, F. Scott Fitzgerald & Zelda, Ezra Pound, Ford Maddox Ford, James Joyce, Sylvia Beach, and other prominent writers, poets, and artists. His approach of writing was cubist prose, which means keeping clipped short sentences and free from adjective in writing. It was different from metric expression of verse. He was developing his fiction writing style during this early period. It was narrative, simple and short straightforward. He also read many of great Russian writers stories at this period, in special Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Dostoevsky. These authors books he borrowed from Sylvia's book store, "Shakespeare and Company" is located at 12 Rue de l'Odeon. This interest leaded him writing about the Wars. His first novel " The Sun Also Rises" was published in 1925.
In his memoir he observed their characters, conversations, attitudes, behaviours, tones, dresses, figures, appearances, and interactions with his acquaintances. At the time he was a young journalist who wanted to be a fiction writer to make a name for himself.
After Hemingway came back in America and resided in Key West and travelled different countries, such as Spain, Cuba, Italy, Africa and finally he settled in Ketchum, Idaho.
As you know he shot himself in 1961 suffering from bushfire accident(1954), life-long alcoholism, depression, ETC treatment, and memory loss. Some others believe it was caused by his hereditary disease called Hemochromatosis, because other members of his family, for example, his father, his siblings, and his grand-daughter were all committed suicide.
G3
04/11/07
Theater at Madison Square Garden
MSG witnessed on Wednesday night THE event of the year in the guitar world : a G3 show! You could bet that 80% of the audience, mostly male, were guitar players. The line up, that changes every year and that consists of putting together three of the best guitars players, was prestigious : Joe Satriani, (as usual), John Petrucci (from Dream Theater) and Paul Gilbert (ex Mr. Big). A recent poll of the Top 100 greates rock guitarists ranked Satriani #7, Petrucci #11 and Gilbert #14.
Continuing with the same successful formula as in years past, fans would be treated to individual sets by each with their own band, before joining Satriani on stage for an all-star jam session.
Gilbert opened first and played mostly material from his latest album "Get out of my yard" which is entirely instrumental, although he sings on his previous solos records. But of course, tonight was not about singing ! He popped out for a minute the famous electrical drill he used at the time of Mr. Big (copied that one on Eddie Van Halen), and was without a doubt the most technical dude on stage that night. Accompanied by his wife on keyboards and his usual musicians, he started the show on a very energetic note, almost ... poppy.
John Petrucci followed and played a little longer ; a new style, more atmospheric, less classical, great musicianship here, especially with fellow Mike Portnoy on drums, considered today as one of the best drummers in rock n' roll. Petrucci played songs from his solo album "Suspended Animation".
Then came the main man Satriani, the master of masters, the guy everybody was waiting to see, the guy who gave lessons to Metallica's guitarist (ok, that's what the legend says...)! In his usual black tshirt and black jeans with shades on, looking truely like an alien while playing, you get to wonder where does all these notes come from and how in the world can such a thing happen ? Keeping on pushing the envelop of modern rock guitar playing, from "Mystical Potatohead Groove Thing" to "Cool n*9", he played what all the audience had came to hear. And when they all came on stage together, to cover Hendrix's "Foxy Lady", "Purple Haze", and the Stones "Jumping Jack Flash", making the songs last ten minutes, you could bless your ears for having the privilege to hear those three masters together. 4 hours of amazing guitar playing, not for the average and uneducated ear...
Thursday, April 12, 2007
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Last year, I read (OK, I had to read) one of the British classics by the famous English writer, Emily Bronte. The book is entitled ‘Wuthering Heights’, and it was first published in 1847. The novel is more than a love story; it is about hatred, cruelty, delusion, frustrated yearning, obsession, deep despair and vengeance. Furthermore, ‘Wuthering heights’ contains certain elements from the Gothic tradition.The action of the book is focused on two Yorkshire families who live in the remote Pennine Hills of England's North Country. ‘Wuthering Heights’ opens with Lockwood, a tenant of Heathcliff’s, visiting the home of his landlord in 1802. Back at Thrushcross Grange, Lockwood asks Nelly Dean, a servant who grew up in Wuthering Heights and now cares for Grange, to tell him about the history of Heathcliff. Nelly is the main narrator in the book. Mr. Earnshaw, a Yorkshire farmer and owner of Wuthering Heights, brings home an orphan, Heathcliff, from Liverpool. The boy grows up with the Earnshaw children, Hindley and Catherine. Catherine loves Heathcliff but Hindley hates and despises him. Catherine and Heathcliff are inseparable until the girl moves to the Lintons’ Grange. Heathcliff cannot stand the fact that Cathrine spends more time with Edgar so he leaves Wuthering Heights. Catherine marries Edgar, however, their happiness is short-lived because they are from two different worlds. After three years, Heathcliff returns and marries Isabella, Edgar’s sister, which is a part of his revenge. Soon after Heathcliff’s marriage, Catherine gives birth to Edgar’s daughter, Cathy, and dies. Heathcliff desires to gain control of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange, and destroy everything Edgar Linton loves. He forces Cathy to marry his son, Linton. By this time he rules the Heights and with Edgar’s death, he has control of the Grange. The ghost of Catherine haunts Heathcliff and they are united in death at the end of the novel. At the same time Cathy is going to marry Hareton, Hindley’s son.
‘Wuthering heights’ is teeming with symbols, themes and motifs, nevertheless, the conflict between nature and culture is a leading subject. Bronte plays these two things against each other all the time. Nature is represented by Catherine and Heathcliff (the Earnshaw). The characters are full of passion and wildness just like Wuthering Heights. On the other hand, the Linton family and Trushcross Grange symbolize culture, sophistication, tradition and development. The destructiveness of love is a very important theme, too. Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship is the source of the conflicts in the novel. Furthermore, their passion is stronger and more lasting than any other emotion because it is based on a conviction that they are similar. Their hearts and souls are made of the same materials.
‘Wuthering Heights’ is an intense story of love, hate, and passion. There is no real happy ending but the book does take along an interesting path that deals with race, class, and religious issues. Moreover, it can take into a world of the most eloquent emotions, and the deepest ties between the characters. The novel is compelling and displays the best and the worst of our own human nature. I think the ending is appropriate because the younger characters do not repeat the mistake of their elders. Surely, the book is a masterpiece with unforgettable characters despite the fact that I found it confusing at the beginning.
‘Wuthering heights’ is teeming with symbols, themes and motifs, nevertheless, the conflict between nature and culture is a leading subject. Bronte plays these two things against each other all the time. Nature is represented by Catherine and Heathcliff (the Earnshaw). The characters are full of passion and wildness just like Wuthering Heights. On the other hand, the Linton family and Trushcross Grange symbolize culture, sophistication, tradition and development. The destructiveness of love is a very important theme, too. Catherine and Heathcliff’s relationship is the source of the conflicts in the novel. Furthermore, their passion is stronger and more lasting than any other emotion because it is based on a conviction that they are similar. Their hearts and souls are made of the same materials.
‘Wuthering Heights’ is an intense story of love, hate, and passion. There is no real happy ending but the book does take along an interesting path that deals with race, class, and religious issues. Moreover, it can take into a world of the most eloquent emotions, and the deepest ties between the characters. The novel is compelling and displays the best and the worst of our own human nature. I think the ending is appropriate because the younger characters do not repeat the mistake of their elders. Surely, the book is a masterpiece with unforgettable characters despite the fact that I found it confusing at the beginning.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The Cambell Apartment
The Campbell Apartment
ADDRESS: 15 Vanderbilt Avenue. New York, NY 10017
BUSINESS: Bar & Lounge
HOURS: MON-SAT 3 pm-1am SUN 3 pm-Midnight
CLIENTELE: @@@@
SERVICE: @@@
DRINK: @@@@
PRICE: $$$$
ATMOSPHERE: @@@
MUSIC: n/c
The Campbell Apartment is located in the Grand Central Terminal Building in Midtown.
It is a cocktail lounge bar. This is my second visit. The previous visit was a couple years ago for my ex-senior designer's retirement corporate party. We cerebrated his retirement at this lounge. But I didn't remember there so much because there were almost two hundred people at the party. I just remembered the pool we played while we were here with drinks. This time I have a chance to observe more. I think the Interior is definitely an old school Medieval style such as an English Tudor.
There are a big bar along with a side wall, a tinted antique glass window behind the bar, seating areas, a big screen wall, and a balcony area in the space. Inside is very dark like a medieval castle or a church. There are lot of business people having drinks and conversation one another. The circulation in the bar is very fast, because of the time around 6pm-7pm in a weekday. I barely have a seat at the bar, and order a glass of wine. It is good. I give the bartender a credit card for a tab and wait for my friend arrival. The waitress doesn't give me a lounge seat at fist because of the time frame and my friend hasn't arrived yet. The first comes the first serve at the lounge. I feel that busy New Yorkers come here for drinks during waiting for the train to rush to home. For business people they need this type of environment to refresh themselves after hectic days in the office. If someone likes an old style of bar, such as ex-Oak room in the Plaza or Harvard Club bar at 44th street, this lounge fits his/her taste. It has a similar atmosphere, dark, traditional, and something smoky. The price of drink is mid-average; It is not extremely high price.
I will come here at a different time next, on weekend or an early hour or a late hour at the bar. It might be a different situation.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Taqueria y Fonda
Taqueria y Fonda
968 Amsterdam Ave. Between 107th & 108th
Tel. (212) 531 0383 – 531 0325
968 Amsterdam Ave. Between 107th & 108th
Tel. (212) 531 0383 – 531 0325
Menu:*****
Atmosphere:*****
Service: *****
Price: $
If you are looking for authentic Mexican flavors La Taqueria y Fonda is the right place. Very tiny, cheap, not trendy, clean and familiar, it is run by a very nice and friendly Mexican man, who gave importance to the quality of the food more than to the fashion of the place. And the result is great! When you seat you are served some tacos with spicy sauces and you can start ordering the drinks: they have amazing margaritas and Mexican beers. If you don’t want to drink alcohol I recommend their Orchata: it matches very well with the spicy plates. While you wait for the food you can put some music in their kind old fashion juke-box which plays only Mexican music…if you close your eyes the music and the smell will make you believe you are not in New York but in Mexico! The quesadillas are their best plate. The giant burrito is really big and very good. Two people can eat with only one of that! The plates with shrimps are also very good: don’t miss the “Camarones a la Diabla” if you like spicy food.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Cheap and trendy in NYC !!
"Oh myyyyy God! Emma you are just the most influent, talentive person
in the fashion world!! I need your advice. I am moving to NYC next month as
I've got a job in Vogue. Although I love clothes, I don't have the NYC look,
I live in a little town in Arkansas!! I think I need a makeover! Fashion
emergency Emma! I would like to buy new clothes to go to work to Vogue but
until I don't receive the first salary I am sort of bankrupt...Anyway, I've
saved a few bucks and I want to use them to go shopping. Is there any trendy
but cheap store I can go to? Which are the basic clothes a woman definitely
has to have in her closet? What is most appropriate to wear for work? I have
so many questions....so little answers...HELP, HELP, HELP!!"
Rose ( from a little town in Arkansas)
Hi Rose,
Don't panic !!! There are a lot of cheap stores in New York City, the problem is to know which ones and where they are !
Believe it or not, it happened to me too when I first arrived here, coming from a small town in the mountains, I thought I looked like a lumberjack !
So, scrap off the little money you have, and head straight to Conway. There are two stores in NYC. Lots of interesting things there. Do you dream every night of those leopard ballerinas you've seen everywhere since last year ? Well, you can find them here for less than $7 ( over $20 at Prada) ! And the leggings to go with it ? Here too, for less than $5 !! From jeans to blouses, tshirts to underwear (great choice of sexy undies for very little price, check out the sales department !!), you can dress like a real New Yorker ; a whole outfit for less than $30 (including shoes, though not a big selection, and lingerie). You can also find nice handbags. Men and children clothing as well.
Another really good and cheap store is Old Navy. They have three store in the city. A little more expansive than Conway but still very affordable ! Classy or cool, you can find the right clothes for the right thing !
Since you say you are going to work for Vogue, I guess you can find heaven in those stores to dress for work ! Jeans are the basics to have in your closet, because nowadays you can put them on with a nice pair of high heels to look fantastic. A cool tshirt or blouse, a nice jacket and there you go ! Choose clothes not too revealing and not too flashy, that could agress your co-workers' eyes ! Don't forget to accessorize, the secret is here ! You can find nice and cheap jewlery (don't get to attached to them, there are cheap in the real sense of the word !), belts and hats at Accessorize, there are a lot of them in NY.
So throw away your old cowgirl clothes and give you a makeover!You have no more excuses now !
CONWAY : 34th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway
1333 Broadway
OLD NAVY :34th Street, between 8th Avenue and Broadway
18th Street and 6th Avenue
Broadway, between Spring and Broome Street
Pilar's Advice Column
Hi, my name is Angely, 25 years old. I have a big formal party coming up, and I am becoming very nervous because I've never been to this "Black-tie" thing before. I managed to get a decent black cocktail dress, but my biggest worry is a make-up. I always have a very natural look, which means I don't wear a make-up. I really want to look sexy at a party, like Angelina Joile. My eyes, lips, face itself are not even close to hers, though. I am a brunet with brown eyes, and have a pale complexion. I feel very desperate. What is the beauty secret to look like a sexy
Dear Angely,
You are unique just like Angelina Jolie, so let’s try to find Angely’s look instead of Angelina’s one!
As many girls will be wearing a black dress like you at the party, you should make the difference with the make up. Let’s follow this steps:
1- Make sure your skin is clean and moisturized. The make-up will last longer if so.
2- Apply a FOUNDATION all over your face. It has to be the same tone as your skin (never darker or lighter). Note that you can apply the foundation with a foundation sponge , brush or just your fingers. The foundation will help you to give you a flawless look.
3- If you need to cover dark circles, spots or skin flaws, use a CONCEALER one tone lighter than the foundation.
4- The next step: EYE SHADOW. Add a touch of highlighting using a light satin eye shadow (try to avoid a white eye shadow, vanilla will be better) just under the browbone. Then, according to your brown eyes and your pale complexion, I will suggest to use another eye shadow, this time: dark brown, dark violet or dark green. Apply this new colour all over the eyelid, except where you’ve applied the first eye shadow (see the figure) As you are coping with dark colours, make sure you apply it very carefully and in few amounts (try to avoid spoiling dark eye shadow on the face, if it happens, then try to remove the stain with a dry cotton). Line the whole eye with black liner, try to avoid a thick line and apply it as closer as you can to the eyelashes. To top off, apply (as desired) black mascara on your top eyelashes.
5- LIPS: line your lips with a pencil. Make sure it’s the same colour as your lips. If your lips are thin and you want to make them look like Angelina’s, you can ONLY line them 1mm above its natural shape. Then fill in with a natural lipstick and if you still want to give your lips a sexiest look add a clear lip gloss on the center of your lower lip. As your eyes are the principals tonight, your cheeks and your lips should be accompanying them, that’s why we use natural colours for them. Otherwise you are going to look like a painting and that’s what we want to avoid. We want to give you a sexy and sophisticated look!
6- CHEEKS: apply on your cheek bones a natural powder one tone darker than your skin (brown tones). On the “apples” apply a shimmering powder blush (rose tones).
I will suggest to try many times before the party…. Practice make perfect!
You’ll rock!
Pilar
Saturday, April 7, 2007
STONE SOUR
04/06/07, Roseland Ballroom
239 west 52nd street
The Roseland was quite full Friday night to welcome the Jagermeister Tour. Most of the audience was there for Corey Taylor's new band, Stone Sour, which was headlining (Scott Ian from Anthrax was spotted in the VIP corner), with bands Til December, Lacuna Coil and Shadows Fall opening . It was Stone Sour's first gig in NYC since the release of their second album, "Come what (ever) may". And it looked like a Slipknot show (for those who don't know, Slipknot is that metal band with nine members that wear masks, and the frontman is no one else than... Corey), stage-diving, crowd-surfing and headbanging like mad (believe your humble journalist, who was in the pit all night long, hardly standing up on her own two feet), even though the sound of SS is much more mellow. The band opened with the two first tracks of their new cd, "30/30-150" and the song that gave its title to the album, getting the crowd going. The musicians played pretty sharply, with no pretention, standing a little bit in the background : no guitar heroes here, even though there was a lot of solos ! A pretty fit and newly bald Corey was controlling the stage, and had his fifteen minutes of fame when he picked up a guitar and played alone Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game", Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet home Alabama", "Bother" (from their first album, that got the crowd chant "Corey" for 2 good minutes), then launched the band into their hit "Through Glass". A hit that gave them a gold record this very same day , that he brought on stage. It was also their drummer's birthday, and the audience chanted some more, a "Happy birthday" version punctuated by fart noises by Corey. They alternated songs from their first album with some new songs for a little less than one hour and a half. Very good show, though a little short. But great energy, by both the audience and the band. If you didn't get a ticket, they promise they would come back !!
Friday, April 6, 2007
THE OFFICE
If one of these nights you have some spare time to spend at home and you feel like doing nothing but watch TV, you should definitely rent the DVD of the British version of “The Office”. This is among the top funny TV series I’ve seen in my life! The series was made in England for BBC in the form of a documentary (though is a work of fiction). It is set in a typical office, the most plain and boring working place you can imagine, in the most insignificant and depressing little town we can think could exist in England, namely Slough. This doesn’t sound so funny, and I admit the first time I saw the first episode I was thinking the show being even kind of painful! Someone could state that the mediocrity it depicts and the British humour end up making it almost depressing but if you give it a chance and get into the jokes, you realize how funny the characters and the dialogs are…Hilarious!
David Brent is the boss. He is the worst! He thinks he is the funniest guy in the world but his jokes are terribly bad! He thinks he is doing his job in the best way but he’s just hopeless and really self-conscious! The everyday interaction of the employers-actors in the office creates very realistically funny sketches like the fights for the stapler between Gareth and Tim or the uncomfortable meetings of the all staff meant to improve the company’s outcomes.
The Office is built in a very sophisticated way as sophisticated its character and the script are, you can watch the same episodes over and over again finding new nuances every time that make you laugh and reflect about life and the importance of escaping mediocrity as much as possible!
David Brent is the boss. He is the worst! He thinks he is the funniest guy in the world but his jokes are terribly bad! He thinks he is doing his job in the best way but he’s just hopeless and really self-conscious! The everyday interaction of the employers-actors in the office creates very realistically funny sketches like the fights for the stapler between Gareth and Tim or the uncomfortable meetings of the all staff meant to improve the company’s outcomes.
The Office is built in a very sophisticated way as sophisticated its character and the script are, you can watch the same episodes over and over again finding new nuances every time that make you laugh and reflect about life and the importance of escaping mediocrity as much as possible!
BE FORWARD!
Dear Sandra,
Hi, my name is Nicole. I live in New York City taking a language course. It's been almost 6 months since I was here, and I am getting bored with the English course. So I am thinking about getting an internship in New York. It would help me improve English and meet more friends.
My first question is, is it possible for non-native speakers like me to be an intern? And how can I find opportunities? What would be the first step to take? I am so clueless. I feel very overwhelmed and intimidated even before I try. Please help me.
Dear Nicole,
First of all: stop feeling intimidated by the idea working as an intern in New York, it is not so hard to find opportunities but you need to be in a forward mood!
The first step to take is to decide in which field you would like to gain expertise: are you interested in an art administration internship? Would you like to do community and social work? Is your field of interest Human rights? Journalism?
It would be better if there is a relationship between your studies, your experience and the internship you apply for because you have more possibilities to be accepted. If you want to try something completely different you can of course but you will have less chance to be selected, especially if the internship is prestigious.
Once you decided the field you can start looking on the web: you can look directly at the organizations or institutions that work in that field and see if they offer internships. For example if you are interested in museum work you will find in the Moma website or in the Met website all the information you need to apply for an internship position. If the place you are interested in don’t offer these opportunities you can try to send an email attaching you CV and ask if they are interested in having an intern. Sometimes it is good to take a chance!!
I would also suggest you to look at two website where you can find ads for internship positions: http://www.craigslist.org/ and http://www.idealist.org/, where they have jobs and internships offers.
Don't worry about not being a native speaker...in many cases if you speak good English and some other languages it is considered as a plus!
Remember: being an intern means to work for no money or for very little, so you should figure out how to sustain yourself while you are doing this working experience. It is therefore important to choose something that you think will be useful for your future career goals, otherwise could be a waste of money and time!
Hi, my name is Nicole. I live in New York City taking a language course. It's been almost 6 months since I was here, and I am getting bored with the English course. So I am thinking about getting an internship in New York. It would help me improve English and meet more friends.
My first question is, is it possible for non-native speakers like me to be an intern? And how can I find opportunities? What would be the first step to take? I am so clueless. I feel very overwhelmed and intimidated even before I try. Please help me.
Dear Nicole,
First of all: stop feeling intimidated by the idea working as an intern in New York, it is not so hard to find opportunities but you need to be in a forward mood!
The first step to take is to decide in which field you would like to gain expertise: are you interested in an art administration internship? Would you like to do community and social work? Is your field of interest Human rights? Journalism?
It would be better if there is a relationship between your studies, your experience and the internship you apply for because you have more possibilities to be accepted. If you want to try something completely different you can of course but you will have less chance to be selected, especially if the internship is prestigious.
Once you decided the field you can start looking on the web: you can look directly at the organizations or institutions that work in that field and see if they offer internships. For example if you are interested in museum work you will find in the Moma website or in the Met website all the information you need to apply for an internship position. If the place you are interested in don’t offer these opportunities you can try to send an email attaching you CV and ask if they are interested in having an intern. Sometimes it is good to take a chance!!
I would also suggest you to look at two website where you can find ads for internship positions: http://www.craigslist.org/ and http://www.idealist.org/, where they have jobs and internships offers.
Don't worry about not being a native speaker...in many cases if you speak good English and some other languages it is considered as a plus!
Remember: being an intern means to work for no money or for very little, so you should figure out how to sustain yourself while you are doing this working experience. It is therefore important to choose something that you think will be useful for your future career goals, otherwise could be a waste of money and time!
Happy Birthday to My Puppy!
Dear Sue,
It’s my dog’s 2nd birthday in 2 weeks and I’d looooove to organize a little party for him and his puppies, just like for a baby or something. I have a couple of ideas, like the food we’d like to have (same for adults and little ones). Do you know how I can arrange something like this? Do I need to rent a venue? Can I do it in Central Park or do I need a special authorization? I need to hurry up. It’s coming up soon! Thank you in advance.
Paris H.
Dear Paris H,
It’s always happy to plan a party for your loved ones. Throwing a dog party is now a new trend and is becoming very popular here in New York. Let’s take a look at what you need to prepare in advance.
First, you need a place. Like you mentioned, Central Park would be a perfect venue especially for a dog party if the weather permits. No prior permission or reservation is required to use a spot throughout the whole park unless you want an indoor space. I would recommend a cozy area near any meadow or pond in the park, where you can have both nice green grass underneath and cool tree shades.
Secondly, you must prepare for treats (for both humans and doggies) including your dog’s birthday cake. You can always buy a good cake at any bakery you run into on the street corner in Manhattan, but why don’t you add a little more pleasure by ordering a custom-made birthday cake? A dog specialty bakery is a good place to get one. You can find it in the city or online. Then, you can set up a table with some simple finger food and drinks. For you and your friends, anything works. For doggies, there are plenty of biscuits and cookies that puppies will love, but make sure it contains dog-friendly ingredients.
Next, don’t forget the decoration. Sometimes good decoration is all it takes to make a party a success. Since the party will be held outdoors, it might be a little difficult for balloons or any wall-hanging decorations. Two things I would recommend are personalized doggie bowls and personalized doggie T-shirts. Buy some inexpensive plain bowls and T-shirts from any store. Then, using paint pens, glitter glues and felt fabrics, give the bowls and T-shirts fashionable new looks with the dogs’ names on them. These also can be good party favors for your guests to take home.
At last, what you must not forget is to have something that entertains everybody. Prepare toys and plenty of balls for dogs to play with. Any fun addition that you can think of will be fine. It’s you who know best what your dog loves. Now, it’s time to have fun. Make sure to bring your digital camera to capture the precious moments. The more pictures you take, better the memories you’ll have. Good luck with your lovely doggie’s birthday party.
Sincerely,
Sue
It’s my dog’s 2nd birthday in 2 weeks and I’d looooove to organize a little party for him and his puppies, just like for a baby or something. I have a couple of ideas, like the food we’d like to have (same for adults and little ones). Do you know how I can arrange something like this? Do I need to rent a venue? Can I do it in Central Park or do I need a special authorization? I need to hurry up. It’s coming up soon! Thank you in advance.
Paris H.
Dear Paris H,
It’s always happy to plan a party for your loved ones. Throwing a dog party is now a new trend and is becoming very popular here in New York. Let’s take a look at what you need to prepare in advance.
First, you need a place. Like you mentioned, Central Park would be a perfect venue especially for a dog party if the weather permits. No prior permission or reservation is required to use a spot throughout the whole park unless you want an indoor space. I would recommend a cozy area near any meadow or pond in the park, where you can have both nice green grass underneath and cool tree shades.
Secondly, you must prepare for treats (for both humans and doggies) including your dog’s birthday cake. You can always buy a good cake at any bakery you run into on the street corner in Manhattan, but why don’t you add a little more pleasure by ordering a custom-made birthday cake? A dog specialty bakery is a good place to get one. You can find it in the city or online. Then, you can set up a table with some simple finger food and drinks. For you and your friends, anything works. For doggies, there are plenty of biscuits and cookies that puppies will love, but make sure it contains dog-friendly ingredients.
Next, don’t forget the decoration. Sometimes good decoration is all it takes to make a party a success. Since the party will be held outdoors, it might be a little difficult for balloons or any wall-hanging decorations. Two things I would recommend are personalized doggie bowls and personalized doggie T-shirts. Buy some inexpensive plain bowls and T-shirts from any store. Then, using paint pens, glitter glues and felt fabrics, give the bowls and T-shirts fashionable new looks with the dogs’ names on them. These also can be good party favors for your guests to take home.
At last, what you must not forget is to have something that entertains everybody. Prepare toys and plenty of balls for dogs to play with. Any fun addition that you can think of will be fine. It’s you who know best what your dog loves. Now, it’s time to have fun. Make sure to bring your digital camera to capture the precious moments. The more pictures you take, better the memories you’ll have. Good luck with your lovely doggie’s birthday party.
Sincerely,
Sue
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Trapped and frustrated
Dear Magda,
Hi, I am an Au pair in New York City. It has been 2 months since I started, and I recently realized that I do not like children at all. I take care of two boys, 6 and 9 years old, They don’t have any problem. They are well behaved, very nice to me. Just whenever I see them, I feel trapped and frustrated. I don’t want to quit because I really love to live in the city, and I think being an Au Pair is the only way for me to legally stay here right now. What should I do?
Hi, I am an Au pair in New York City. It has been 2 months since I started, and I recently realized that I do not like children at all. I take care of two boys, 6 and 9 years old, They don’t have any problem. They are well behaved, very nice to me. Just whenever I see them, I feel trapped and frustrated. I don’t want to quit because I really love to live in the city, and I think being an Au Pair is the only way for me to legally stay here right now. What should I do?
Dear Au Pair,
When you work as a babysitter or an au pair, you must like children. Can you imagine a good driver who doesn’t like driving, or a good cook who doesn’t like cooking? Naturally, there are kids who can be very rude, moody and picky, and your job is not easy then, however if the boys you’re taking care of are nice, the problem really lays in you. I don’t know how old you are; perhaps you’re too young to take a part is such a program. Didn’t you like the children you had babysat in your own country before you came to the US? I know the life in New York City is pretty exciting for most of the au pairs, but you must be aware of the fact that you have to take your job seriously. If you really feel trapped and frustrated (as you said) when the kids are around you, you should quit. Contact your community counselor and tell this person about your problem. You can’t keep doing this only because you want to stay in NYC. Instead of being an au pair, you may try to change your visa to a student visa (F-1) and study at an American college. I think it would be the best solution to your problem. Start searching for a school in the area you would like to stay in, and choose the program you’re interested in. Maybe you’ll have the chance to start your studies immediately, if not, you’ll have to go back to your country and apply for a place at one of the American universities from there. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck:)
Magda
Advice by Yoko
To get Master Degree in America & work as a teacher's assistant.
Q: I've been in the US for a few months and I'm thinking of applying for a student visa and continuing my studies at one of the American Universities to earn my Master's degree. As far as I know, studying in the US is very expensive that's why I would like to work as a teacher assistant. Such a position could not only cover my tuition, but also help me get some experience. I haven't chosen any university yet, however I would like to study somewhere close NYC. What should I do to start working as a teacher assistant? Also, do I still have a chance to get a scholarship despite the position?
A: I am a little surprised that you haven't decided the university you would like to go. I don't know your speciality or experience in your country.
To be admitting the master degrees
1) You have to submit application at least six month before the class starts. It is including your academic(GPA) & graduation records, and an essay. you are able to submit the application to several schools at the same time.
2) You should submit TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT scores to the university depend on its requirement.
3) Recommendation from your teachers, or employment. It is not required, but if you have It looks good.
I am not sure if you can find easily as an assistant job while you are an international student. But after you are admitted at the university, you are able to get F-1, or J-1 visa( both full-time student) These visa status allow you to work minimum hours on-campus employment, internships, or post-completion career option.
We may look at the NY Times Job Research Column, school Bulletins.
You can look at NYU and Teacher's College, Columbia university web sites as an example of the employment. please check the following web site.
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/international/
http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/
http://www.internationalstudent.com/immigration/
or ask career office personnel at your school and your professors. You may look at the NY Times Job Research Column, and public Library's posted column. Asap you find the appropriate job, send your resume attached with a good cover letter.
Scholarship, Grants, and other Financial Aids are not eligible to international students according to New York States and Federal. But some private institutes sometimes offer the special scholarship to the student who has higher standards.
You'll also check out if your home country, such as states, city, provides its official Scholarship and Fellowships.
In US it may be a little hard to find the job as an assistant to foreign students. But it always has an opportunity in this country. If you find the job and start working, but it is not enough money to cover your tuition and expenses to live( boards, clothings, transportation, and health insurance ). I am a little negative, but it is reality. So prepare the money before you get in, otherwise you will be broke or extremely exhausted to study.
Prepare your proficiency of communication skills and speciality. Good luck.
Q: I've been in the US for a few months and I'm thinking of applying for a student visa and continuing my studies at one of the American Universities to earn my Master's degree. As far as I know, studying in the US is very expensive that's why I would like to work as a teacher assistant. Such a position could not only cover my tuition, but also help me get some experience. I haven't chosen any university yet, however I would like to study somewhere close NYC. What should I do to start working as a teacher assistant? Also, do I still have a chance to get a scholarship despite the position?
A: I am a little surprised that you haven't decided the university you would like to go. I don't know your speciality or experience in your country.
To be admitting the master degrees
1) You have to submit application at least six month before the class starts. It is including your academic(GPA) & graduation records, and an essay. you are able to submit the application to several schools at the same time.
2) You should submit TOEFL, GRE, or GMAT scores to the university depend on its requirement.
3) Recommendation from your teachers, or employment. It is not required, but if you have It looks good.
I am not sure if you can find easily as an assistant job while you are an international student. But after you are admitted at the university, you are able to get F-1, or J-1 visa( both full-time student) These visa status allow you to work minimum hours on-campus employment, internships, or post-completion career option.
We may look at the NY Times Job Research Column, school Bulletins.
You can look at NYU and Teacher's College, Columbia university web sites as an example of the employment. please check the following web site.
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/international/
http://www.nyu.edu/oiss/
http://www.internationalstudent.com/immigration/
or ask career office personnel at your school and your professors. You may look at the NY Times Job Research Column, and public Library's posted column. Asap you find the appropriate job, send your resume attached with a good cover letter.
Scholarship, Grants, and other Financial Aids are not eligible to international students according to New York States and Federal. But some private institutes sometimes offer the special scholarship to the student who has higher standards.
You'll also check out if your home country, such as states, city, provides its official Scholarship and Fellowships.
In US it may be a little hard to find the job as an assistant to foreign students. But it always has an opportunity in this country. If you find the job and start working, but it is not enough money to cover your tuition and expenses to live( boards, clothings, transportation, and health insurance ). I am a little negative, but it is reality. So prepare the money before you get in, otherwise you will be broke or extremely exhausted to study.
Prepare your proficiency of communication skills and speciality. Good luck.
No Smoking Outdoors?
New York City already started smoking ban indoors. There are some people complaining about it, but smoking ban is getting more common nationwide. We are becoming more conscious about our health issues, so maybe it is about time to talk about outdoor smoking ban. What is your opinion?
a. No way. America is a free country. No smoking even outdoors? That's too much!
b. I'm all for it. Cigarette smoke and smell on the street is bothering me.
"58 %"
That's the percentage of people that said outdoor smoking ban would be a little too much. There were only few people who think this ban would work even if they support it.
"Where do I smoke then? I can't even smoke in my apartment building right now. Comm'on, outdoor is outdoor."
- Lisa, New York City
Conducted by Yoko and Sue
a. No way. America is a free country. No smoking even outdoors? That's too much!
b. I'm all for it. Cigarette smoke and smell on the street is bothering me.
"58 %"
That's the percentage of people that said outdoor smoking ban would be a little too much. There were only few people who think this ban would work even if they support it.
"Where do I smoke then? I can't even smoke in my apartment building right now. Comm'on, outdoor is outdoor."
- Lisa, New York City
Conducted by Yoko and Sue
Should we kick them out?
Contrary to California, immigrants in NYC are protected: the police are not allowed to check somebody's ID for no reason. Should the law in New York be also changed?
a) YES. People can't stay illegally in the US.
b) NO. We need immigrants!
91% NO
"Everybody deserves a chance!"
a) YES. People can't stay illegally in the US.
b) NO. We need immigrants!
91% NO
"Everybody deserves a chance!"
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The House
CA, 94133
Open days:
Lunch: daily, except Sundays.
Dinner: every night.
Menu: ˜ ˜ ˜
Atmosphere: ˜ ˜
Service: ˜ ˜
Price: $ $
Asian and American cuisine. Simple, casual and not sophisticated restaurant. The space is limited and it tends to be packed, but it’s worth waiting if every table is taken upon your arrival. Excellent food at reasonable price. Great Chinese beer.
The service is standard, do not expect much of it, but the food is great. Try the spicy tuna with rice: delicious!
There are not many courses to choose from the menu, but it covers all tastes: pasta, seafood, meat, salads, etc. So don’t dismiss this nice place for its short menu. It’s the perfect place to go after a long day walking up and down through
The House is a “must-go” if you are in SFO! It won’t let you down!
Thai Places in New York City
SriPraPhai 6413 39th Ave (Between 64th St and 65th St)
Woodside, NY 11377
718-899-9599
Thu-Tue: 11:30am-10pm
Wed: Closed
Thu-Sun: 11:30am-10pm
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Price $~$$
This is an ultimate hidden jewel in New York City. Due to its inconvenient and somewhat secluded location in Queens, it is relatively less known to people who narrow their restaurant search to within Manhattan. At SriPraPhai, rated #1 for Thai food in Zagat Survey for many years, you can have the best and the most authentic Thai cuisine in the Tri-State area. They offer hundreds of selections from starters to soups to curries to entrees. If you have trouble figuring out what is what - all dishes are named in Thai – simply ask for a picture-edition menu. There is no fancy decoration or other special pleasure for eyes, but with their food, they will just beat any fancier restaurant in the city hands down. It’s worth it to endure their cash-only, no-reservation policies as well as the ride on the 7-train.
60 University Pl (Between 10th St and 11th St)
New York, NY 10003
212-982-3758
Sun-Thu: 11:30am-11pm
Fri-Sat: 11:30am-12am
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Fri-Sat: 11:30am-12am
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Price $~$$
Atmosphere @@@
Service @@
Price $~$$
Among its five locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, this west village branch, a few blocks down from Union Square, is a perfect place for those who seek for both trendy ambience and cheap eats. Step into this modern and futuristic place, and you will be served happily priced delicious Thai dishes. Reasonable price, good location, sleek interior. No wonder why this place is always crowded with young New Yorkers. Good for lunch and casual dining.
166 8th Ave (Between 18th St and 19th St)
New York, NY 10011
New York, NY 10011
212-691-0299
Mon-Thu: 11am-11pm
Fri: 11am-12:30am
Sat: 10am-12:30am
Sun: 10am-11pm
Clientele @@@@
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Fri: 11am-12:30am
Sat: 10am-12:30am
Sun: 10am-11pm
Clientele @@@@
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Atmosphere @@@@
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Price $$
Decorated like a chic boutique hotel, Room Service is a trendy Thai restaurant in Chelsea. Once you pass the entrance covered with dark colored velvet drapes, a vibrant yet private bar/dining scene unfolds. They serve decent Thai cuisines while not losing its Chelsea-like style. Staff members are well-dressed and kind, but not quite helpful for your menu selection. It is a good spot to steal a glance at swanky New Yorkers, but don’t be too surprised if you are surrounded only by stylish male-male couples. That’s Chelsea. They also run happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm, in which you can get half off on drinks.
El Dorado Kitchen
405
Hours:
Lunch: 11.30 am to 2.30 pm daily
Dinner: 5.30 pm to 10.00 pm nightly
Bar: 11.30 am to 11.00 pm daily
Atmosphere: ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜
Service: ˜ ˜ ˜ ˜
Price: $ $ $
El Dorado Kitchen is located at “ El Dorado Hotel” in
The service is excellent, also the food.
Comfortable, sophisticated but at the same time, simple.
There is an array of seating options in which you can enjoy a meal or a good wine (there is a large list of wines at good price): from a table for two people to a large wooden table for up to 22 people in the middle of the dining room, a private cavana or just a table in the patio.
Regarding the food, you will find that despite the short, there are diverse dishes for every taste. There is also an option at $65 for a tasting menu which includes six different courses.
An open kitchen will allow you to see the chef and cooks doing their excellent job which can help you choosing the dish you crave for. However, waiters are always willing to help you when you don’t know what to order.
Dress code: casual dress
Corkage policy: a fee may apply if you come with your personal wine.
Cool Record Stores !
REBEL REBEL
319 Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday >> 12pm/8pm
Thursday to Saturday >> 12pm/9pm
Choice : ♥♥
Atmosphere : ♥♥♥
Service: ♥
Cleanliness: ♥
Price: $
Your typical “crouch down, dig out, get dirty”, promo posters covered walls record store. Very small, cellar-looking room, cardboard boxes underneath the shelves (and sometimes on top of them). Mainly vinyls and cds, lots of music magazines. Classic rock, punk, reggae, large import section. Stock varies from day to day. Typical “Ali Baba cave”. Used and new. Reasonable prices.
BLEECKER STREET RECORDS
239 Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village
Hours : Sunday to Thursday >> 11am/10 pm
Friday to Saturday >> 11am/1am
Choice : ♥♥♥♥
Atmosphere : ♥♥♥
Service : ♥♥
Cleanliness : ♥♥♥
Price : $
Mainly rock, blues and jazz. A real gold mine for bootlegs, and for a good price ! LARGE section of musical dvds. Vinyls downstairs, but the room is closed sometimes ! Good alternative to retail chains ; clear and tidy. Used and new.
GENERATION RECORDS
210 Thompson Street, Greenwich Village
Hours : 11am to 10pm everyday
Choice : ♥♥♥
Atmosphere : ♥♥♥
Service : ♥♥
Cleanliness : ♥♥♥
Price : $$
Heaven for punks, metal heads, hardcore fans and underground scene junkies ! Big musical dvds section, new cds upstairs ; vinyls and used cds, lots of tshirts and hoodies, posters and dvds downstairs. Great bootlegs selection, you can even ask to play a cd to check the quality before buying. Watch out for the cats !!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Fig Cafe
The fig Café
Glen
Open every night from 5.30 pm
Saturday & Sunday brunch from 9.30 to 2.30
Menu: ˜˜˜˜
Atmosphere: ˜˜˜
Service: ˜˜˜
Price: $$
If you are planning to go to the winery country, make sure you stop at the Fig Café to enjoy a lovely meal with your partner, your friends or just yourself!
The fig café is a nice, cozy restaurant located in the heart of Glen Ellen (
No corkage policy applies in this restaurant, so enjoy bringing your own bottle of wine, the one you bought in the vineyard you’ve just visited during the day or the one you kept at home for a special occasion. Nevertheless, you will find a list of more than 20 different wines at reasonable price.
The service is good, performed by young women who are always smiling and willing to help you.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
NYC Venues and Punk Rock
IRVING PLAZA
17 Irving Place (between 15th and 16th Streets), NYC
212-777-6800
www.irvingplaza.com
Open hours/box office: 12.00 pm – 6.30 pm (Monday – Friday); 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm (Saturday)
Price: $
Drinks: **
Band choice: ****
Atmosphere: ****
Merchandise: ****
Irving Plaza is a really good place to see a punk-rock concert. Mostly American bands like Pennywise, Anti-Flag or Circle Jerks with their support give performances there. The venue has a perfect size, that is, small but not poky. During the gig, you can stay either on the main floor and follow wild pogo dancers or see the whole show from the balcony that seems a little bit safer. Before and after concerts you can purchase CDs, fancy T-shirts or hoodies with the name of your favorite band. Don’t expect to see a spectacular show at Irving Plaza; the venue has more intimate atmosphere.
17 Irving Place (between 15th and 16th Streets), NYC
212-777-6800
www.irvingplaza.com
Open hours/box office: 12.00 pm – 6.30 pm (Monday – Friday); 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm (Saturday)
Price: $
Drinks: **
Band choice: ****
Atmosphere: ****
Merchandise: ****
Irving Plaza is a really good place to see a punk-rock concert. Mostly American bands like Pennywise, Anti-Flag or Circle Jerks with their support give performances there. The venue has a perfect size, that is, small but not poky. During the gig, you can stay either on the main floor and follow wild pogo dancers or see the whole show from the balcony that seems a little bit safer. Before and after concerts you can purchase CDs, fancy T-shirts or hoodies with the name of your favorite band. Don’t expect to see a spectacular show at Irving Plaza; the venue has more intimate atmosphere.
Open hours/box office: 12.00 pm – 6.00 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Price: $$
Drinks: *****
Band choice: ***
Atmosphere: ****
Merchandise: *****
Nokia Theatre is an amazing venue. The sound quality is clear, almost unbeatable and this makes concerts extremely amusing. People who looks for something rough like the Bowery Ballroom will be disappointed seeing that the place is clean, spacious and has a logical layout (VIP section included). Although Nokia Theatre is located in Times Square, it is not too big and not too small. Everyone should find something attractive there.
Price: $$
Drinks: *****
Band choice: ***
Atmosphere: ****
Merchandise: *****
Nokia Theatre is an amazing venue. The sound quality is clear, almost unbeatable and this makes concerts extremely amusing. People who looks for something rough like the Bowery Ballroom will be disappointed seeing that the place is clean, spacious and has a logical layout (VIP section included). Although Nokia Theatre is located in Times Square, it is not too big and not too small. Everyone should find something attractive there.
B.B. KING BLUES CLUB
Open hours: 11.00 pm (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday); 11.00 pm – 5.00 am (Wednesday); 11.00 pm – 3.00 am (Saturday)
Price: $$
Drinks: *****
Band choice: ***
Atmosphere: **
Merchandise: *
Located next to Times Square, B.B. King Blues Club and Grill seems a little bit pricey taking into account drinks and cover. On the other hand, the good choice of punk-rock bands like Rancid or Me First and The Gimme Gimmes makes you pay for the ticket as much as it is necessary, especially if this is the band you simply adore and you don’t expect to see it again soon. The place is pretty crowded inside, but when you come at the beginning of the gig, you have a chance to find yourself very close to the scene and admire your favorite band.
Price: $$
Drinks: *****
Band choice: ***
Atmosphere: **
Merchandise: *
Located next to Times Square, B.B. King Blues Club and Grill seems a little bit pricey taking into account drinks and cover. On the other hand, the good choice of punk-rock bands like Rancid or Me First and The Gimme Gimmes makes you pay for the ticket as much as it is necessary, especially if this is the band you simply adore and you don’t expect to see it again soon. The place is pretty crowded inside, but when you come at the beginning of the gig, you have a chance to find yourself very close to the scene and admire your favorite band.
The Sky is the Limit!
Let’s go back in time! Just remember when you were born, when you were a child, even a teenager, think about how you used to communicate with someone who wasn’t just in front of you or living with you.
If you had just returned from school and realized that you forgot to tell your best friend on a Monday afternoon what were you planning to wear for next Saturday’s party , what would you’d done? I am sure if your friend did not live next door, you would have picked up the phone, call her and be on the phone for an hour and a half talking, just when you’d spent the whole day with her at school. Am I wrong?
Think about that person you met from Russia and that you got on with each other very well, but you were living in Denver so every time you wanted to communicate with her you knew that a phone call would have cost you half of your salary, and sending a letter would have finished in wondering if she have ever received it.
Do this things sound familiar to you? I think so. And if you have only suffered from those, you are lucky! Do not even think about natives communicating with smoke signals or drums!
Telecommunications are nowadays the most advanced industry in the world, with billions and billions of earnings every year.
Telephony has rapidly changed from the analog telephone, which still works, to the digital telephone, the cell phone, the blackberry, the I phone, etc… In such a short time we have seen many different technologies and devices developed as people we ever met in our life. Whenever you think you have acquired the latest “thing”, something new is launched in the market.
Technology does things easier, but also cheaper. Twenty years ago, in Argentina, for instance, those who wanted a fixed-line installed at home would have paid US$ 1.000 and waited for many months to have the technicians working in your home!. Now for US$50 and three days waiting, you’ll get it. On the other hand, cell phones companies used to charge you with US$ 1.500 only for the telephone itself, which actually was like a brick, so big, so heavy! The good thing is that you would have ever noticed if you forgot it somewhere because you would have felt 3 pounds less to carry! Today you only pay for the line, and the equipment is for free or for less than US$ 150. Besides that, it fits wherever, even in the smallest pocket and sometimes it is difficult for you to know if you are carrying it, it is so light!
In some countries, like Italy for instance, many people have more than one cell phone company and only one equipment, they only change the chip and get the advantage of different prices per minute offered by the different companies, depending the day, the hour, etc…
In many countries cell phones outnumber fixed-lines. That’s easy to understand, if you think in a house with four inhabitants, it’s probably that everyone has a cell phone, but there is only one or two fixed-lines at home.
The Internet, what an invention! Who will ever thought about receiving, or even writing, a hand-written letter instead of an e-mail? What is best, now you can contact your friend from
The TV is also improving, now, the cable companies are offering not only, TV but also telephony and internet! The different players in the telecommunication market are playing not only in their own field, they are playing in their “neighbor’s” field!! See what’s next, it seems like the sky is the limit!
Good Place to eat & drink in UWS.
There are many place to go out for eats and drinks in New York City. I picked up the place in my neighbour 70's of UWS.
You may visit these places with your friends, and tell me the different from my reviews.
Cafe & Restaurant in 70's in UWS.
Cafe La Fortunate
69 west 71th street
(Between Columbus & CPW )
212-724-5846
Open 7 days: Sunday -Thursday Noon-Midnight
Friday Noon-1 a.m. Saturday Noon -1:30 a.m.
Clientele @@@
Menu@@
Service@@
Price $-
Atmosphere@@
Music @@
I visited at Cafe la Fortunate for a couple times. I did recording audio tour this place.
My impression in this place is nothing special except the favorite place of John Lennon & Yoko. It is a cafe where you can find in little Italy or in East Village where serving light snacks $ Italian sweets in the menu. You can not expect any fancy foods and romantic environment here. It is very dark inside, and there is garden seats. You can listen to the Opera music all the time. The weekend is more people, but it is quiet in regular days. Chairs are not comfortable.
Cafe Ronda
249 Columbus Avenue,
Between 71st & 72nd Street
212-579-9929
Cuisine: Mediterranean/ Spanish & American
Hours: Mon-Thur. 9am-11pm, Fri-Sat. 9am-midnight
Sun. 9am-10pm
Clientele @@@
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Price $$
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Cafe Ronda is serving Argentine foods, but I confused what is Argentina Cuisine in this place.
Anyway this place is opened from morning to midnight. There are morning menu, lunch menu, and dinner menu everyday. It is reasonably priced tapas and good foods, such as Emanadas $7.50, Seafood Paella $22, and steaks $28. Wines are from Argentina, Spain, and domestic U.S. The interior is painted in ochre color and it has exotic wall sconces and ceiling lights. The Space is a little tight in weekends. Serving area is not large.
Cafe Luxembourg
200 West 70th Street
Off Amsterdam Avenue & 70th Street.
212-873-7411
Cuisine: French & American
Open: Mon- Fri. 8 am-midnight,
Sat, Sun. 9 am-midnight
Clientele @@@@
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Service @@@@
Price $$$$
Atmosphere@@@
Music
Cafe Luxembourg is a french bistro. New York bistros are more expensive than those are in Paris.
I really like atmosphere and interiors in this space. The service is very comfortable. The menu is mixed American and French. The ingredients are well selected and decorated in the plate. The volume of foods is not large. If you are looking for nouvelle cuisines and the restaurant like Balthazar in Soho, this is the place you can come and spend in UWS.
The entree menu costs about $ 28 and above. Wine is $9 - $15 a glass. The customers seem like in their thirties and above. The serving people is younger. Prix-Fixe Dinner which included appetizer, Entrees, Deserts, and Coffer/Tea is $ 42 everyday and served from 5:30pm to 7 pm. Better make appointment for dinner & brunch.
Arte Cafe
106 West 73rd Street
Between Columbus & Amsterdam Avenue.
212-501-7041
Cuisine: Italian & American
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri. noon-4 pm
Dinner Sun-Thur. 4 pm- 11pm
Fri- Sat. 4pm-midnight
Brunch Sat & Sun. 11pm-4pm
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Price $$$
Atmosphere@@@
Music
Arte Cafe has a large seating area and a bar. It can serve more than 100 people. Menu and atmosphere are great. I was so surprised that there is good variety of Italian and American foods in the menu. I like sea foods, such as Fried Scallops $ 19, Linguine and sea foods $17. Oven-brick pizza is crispy and good, too, price $12-$15. Prix Fixe Dinner which serving from 4 PM-6 PM is very reasonable from $13.99- up includes salad, Entree, dessert, and Tea/Coffee. I can choose any entrees, but the price is added $1-$5 depends on the entree you order. Service is comfortable, and the decor is good. You can bring your parents or relative, too. Large group is OK. I recommend to everybody.
Isabella's
359 Columbus Avenue. at 77th Street
212-724-2100
Cuisine: American
Hours: Mon-Fri Noon-11pm
Sat.- Sun 11am-10pm
Sunday Brunch 11am-4:30pm
Clientele @@@@
Menu @@@
Service @@@
Price$$$
Atmosphere@@@
Music
Just steps from the Museum of Natural History and the History Museum of New York. Interior is a French Bistro type. The Small bar is near the entrance and lots of serving people in weekend.
Food, Service, Menu are good. It is very busy on weekend. Sunday Brunch is reasonable, $10-$18, includes drink, entree, and Coffee/Tea. I ordered Bloody Mary and Crab-cake Benedict on Sunday Brunch, $ 13.50. Dinner serve after 5:30 pm and good place to bring your boy/girl friends.
It is not intimate. Sometimes it is filled with tourist.
You may visit these places with your friends, and tell me the different from my reviews.
Cafe & Restaurant in 70's in UWS.
Cafe La Fortunate
69 west 71th street
(Between Columbus & CPW )
212-724-5846
Open 7 days: Sunday -Thursday Noon-Midnight
Friday Noon-1 a.m. Saturday Noon -1:30 a.m.
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I visited at Cafe la Fortunate for a couple times. I did recording audio tour this place.
My impression in this place is nothing special except the favorite place of John Lennon & Yoko. It is a cafe where you can find in little Italy or in East Village where serving light snacks $ Italian sweets in the menu. You can not expect any fancy foods and romantic environment here. It is very dark inside, and there is garden seats. You can listen to the Opera music all the time. The weekend is more people, but it is quiet in regular days. Chairs are not comfortable.
Cafe Ronda
249 Columbus Avenue,
Between 71st & 72nd Street
212-579-9929
Cuisine: Mediterranean/ Spanish & American
Hours: Mon-Thur. 9am-11pm, Fri-Sat. 9am-midnight
Sun. 9am-10pm
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Cafe Ronda is serving Argentine foods, but I confused what is Argentina Cuisine in this place.
Anyway this place is opened from morning to midnight. There are morning menu, lunch menu, and dinner menu everyday. It is reasonably priced tapas and good foods, such as Emanadas $7.50, Seafood Paella $22, and steaks $28. Wines are from Argentina, Spain, and domestic U.S. The interior is painted in ochre color and it has exotic wall sconces and ceiling lights. The Space is a little tight in weekends. Serving area is not large.
Cafe Luxembourg
200 West 70th Street
Off Amsterdam Avenue & 70th Street.
212-873-7411
Cuisine: French & American
Open: Mon- Fri. 8 am-midnight,
Sat, Sun. 9 am-midnight
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Cafe Luxembourg is a french bistro. New York bistros are more expensive than those are in Paris.
I really like atmosphere and interiors in this space. The service is very comfortable. The menu is mixed American and French. The ingredients are well selected and decorated in the plate. The volume of foods is not large. If you are looking for nouvelle cuisines and the restaurant like Balthazar in Soho, this is the place you can come and spend in UWS.
The entree menu costs about $ 28 and above. Wine is $9 - $15 a glass. The customers seem like in their thirties and above. The serving people is younger. Prix-Fixe Dinner which included appetizer, Entrees, Deserts, and Coffer/Tea is $ 42 everyday and served from 5:30pm to 7 pm. Better make appointment for dinner & brunch.
Arte Cafe
106 West 73rd Street
Between Columbus & Amsterdam Avenue.
212-501-7041
Cuisine: Italian & American
Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri. noon-4 pm
Dinner Sun-Thur. 4 pm- 11pm
Fri- Sat. 4pm-midnight
Brunch Sat & Sun. 11pm-4pm
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Arte Cafe has a large seating area and a bar. It can serve more than 100 people. Menu and atmosphere are great. I was so surprised that there is good variety of Italian and American foods in the menu. I like sea foods, such as Fried Scallops $ 19, Linguine and sea foods $17. Oven-brick pizza is crispy and good, too, price $12-$15. Prix Fixe Dinner which serving from 4 PM-6 PM is very reasonable from $13.99- up includes salad, Entree, dessert, and Tea/Coffee. I can choose any entrees, but the price is added $1-$5 depends on the entree you order. Service is comfortable, and the decor is good. You can bring your parents or relative, too. Large group is OK. I recommend to everybody.
Isabella's
359 Columbus Avenue. at 77th Street
212-724-2100
Cuisine: American
Hours: Mon-Fri Noon-11pm
Sat.- Sun 11am-10pm
Sunday Brunch 11am-4:30pm
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Just steps from the Museum of Natural History and the History Museum of New York. Interior is a French Bistro type. The Small bar is near the entrance and lots of serving people in weekend.
Food, Service, Menu are good. It is very busy on weekend. Sunday Brunch is reasonable, $10-$18, includes drink, entree, and Coffee/Tea. I ordered Bloody Mary and Crab-cake Benedict on Sunday Brunch, $ 13.50. Dinner serve after 5:30 pm and good place to bring your boy/girl friends.
It is not intimate. Sometimes it is filled with tourist.
HUNGARIAN PASTRY SHOP1030 Amsterdam Ave (between 110th and 111th)
Open: Monday-Friday 7.30 am-11.30 pm, Saturday 8.30 am-11.30 pm, Sunday 8.30 am-10.30 pm
Menu:*****
Atmosphere:****
Service: ****
Price: $$
The Hungarian Pastry Shop is located across the street from the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. It is a great place where to rest if you are visiting the Church or if you just find yourself walking around this area of the city. Very close to Columbia University, this pastry shop is always crowded with Columbia students with their computers (you have wireless access in there), and their books, drinking a cup of coffee and enjoying the delicious pastries. Woody Allen used this café for his Wives and Husbands.
They have a great choice of any kind of pastry: croissants (plain or with delicious jam and butter), a variety of danish, tarts (they have amazing strudel and tiramisu’), and cookies. Their cappuccino ($ 3.50) is among the best I have experienced in NYC! The cream on the top is thick and doesn’t disappear if you touch it with the spoon!!! If you don’t like cappuccino, their regular American coffee is also very tasty and the hot chocolate is good and served with a side of whipped cream.The atmosphere is warm. When you enter they take your order immediately at the bar on your left side and ask for your first name. You can then take a seat. You’ll be reading your book or talking to your friend and you suddenly hear them calling your name! Your order is ready and the waitress brings it to your table as soon as you answer the call with your hand! The atmosphere is cosy and familiar, waiters talk with different accents and the clientele range from kids to adults, New Yorkers and visitors to the city.
The style is of an old-fashion European bakery with nice contemporary art paintings on the wall. If you look carefully you notice that not only paintings fill the walls but also dozens of books’ covers…all those books were conceived by their authors in the Hungarian Pastry Shop! If you are in search of creative inspiration…this is the right place!!
The Hungarian Pastry Shop is perfect for reading but only if you don’t mind noisy in the background. The morning is actually quite calm but during the day the atmosphere becomes more lively and, even if there is no music, people’s talking make the room quite noisy!
A final recommendation: If you are not in the mood of pastry, right next door you have the Sandwich Shop. The same owner runs this place where you find delicious eastern-European style sandwiches: don’t miss the baguette with Roast-beef and horseradish sauce! You can take your baguette from the Sandwich Shop and enjoy it sitting at a table in the Pastry Shop…
GOOD FILMS VS. BAD FILMS. HOW DO WE TELL THIS DIFFERENCE?
By Magdalena Markiewicz, NYCIt frequently happens that spring break makes people do nothing but sit in front of TV which, in fact, is teeming with dull sitcoms and reality shows. I did experience that last week when my mood was overcome by laziness which forced to kill the time in the evening through watching everything that was on television. At that time I started to think of films I consider the best and the worst, and why I placed them into these two extreme categories. Was it because of plot, characters, main themes or maybe setting? At first glance all of these are essential and have a great influence on the whole of a film. Nevertheless, the more I was thinking about that, the less I knew. As far as I remember, I used to dislike black-and-white films which seemed too monotonous, lifeless and unimaginative. What is more, I had the impression that all old movies possessed some specific features which made them look so similar. In addition to this, I tended to associate these films with certain funny scenes repeated over and over again. For instance, the main character is driving a car (it is obviously is shot in a studio) turning the steering wheel energetically from left to right and glancing constantly in the rear-view mirror. I had had such an image about black-and-white movies in my head until I watched Casablanca for the first time. Nevertheless, are contemporary films really so interesting, exciting and colorful?
I have always wondered what made people love Casablanca so much. According to Umberto Eco (1994: 260), ‘the question is a legitimate one…Casablanca is a very mediocre film. It is a comic strip, a hotch-potch, low on psychological credibility, and with little continuity in its effects’. If I had heard this comment a few years ago, I would have been completely discouraged to watch the movie. “A hotch-potch”…What does it mean? I solved the mystery as soon as I saw Casablanca. Indeed, this old film is brimming with everything: love, intrigue, suspense, drama, gambling, smoking, drinking, money…Perhaps such kind of mixture can attract people of different likings; everybody may find something interesting in the movie. Casablanca is not deprived of an excellent cast (Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Claude Rains), however, is it the real source of admiration? It took me a few years to understand and answer this question, although I could not make myself to like the movie at the beginning. Now, it seems to me that the popularity of the film is connected with its exceptional atmosphere, place and time. Furthermore, there is a beautiful and affecting romance, some war-time intrigue, and last but not least, a memorable screenplay. Yes, Casablanca contains unforgettable scenes and quotes. I still remember one moment when the Germans start singing ‘Watch on the Rhine’, and Laszlo orders the band to play ‘La Marseillaise’, and then the crowd at Rick’s drowns out the Germans. I also bear one dialog in my mind: ‘You played it for her, you can play it for me. Play it!’, Rick said / ‘Play it, Sam. Play ‘As Time Goes By’, Ilsa adds. This short conversation impressed me somehow, and even now, I can see Ingrid Bergman saying that. In spite of all these uplifting aspects, there is one more crucial theme in the film – the Second World War – the most important event in the whole human history that we cannot compare to any other conflict. Due to the fact that Casablanca was made in 1942 is not meaningless; it was the hardest time for mankind and that is why it so noteworthy. For the previous generations the movie functioned as a mirror reflecting the tragedy and pain of the war. For us it is a reliable piece of history which will not make us forget about the past.
War is also the question in Braveheart (1995), the story of a Scottish rebel, William Wallace, who led an uprising against the cruel English ruler, Edward the Langshanks, in order to set Scotland free. Despite the fact that the battle against England is the leading motif and the fighting scenes look extremely realistic, these characteristics were not the only reason for bringing tears to people’s eyes. Obviously, the bloody and violent battle clips are remarkable, yet, these are not the main cause for winning Oscar for the best film and director. ‘It’s an ambitious film, big on simple emotions like love, patriotism and treachery, and avoids the travelogue style of so many historical swashbucklers’ (Ebert 1995). Indeed, feelings play a key role in Braveheart; the film is very powerful, emotional and deeply affects audiences. One of the most poignant moments can be seen at the very end when Wallace’s body is stretched on the rack and he slowly dies yelling “freedom!” at the same time. The movie, however, is full of such scenes which make people shed tears. Apart from this, the film has many other features which make it so genuine – the soundtrack. From the opening track, the listener understands that Horner has tried to produce a romantic, melancholy, and mysterious atmosphere. Then the mystic sound of the bagpipe is heard, and at this point, anyone with a true soul begins to break down. It is very rare that music can really touch the soul. Surely, this soundtrack can. Even though the film has so many virtues, it is not deprived of some vices. Some critics state that Braveheart is teeming with historical inaccuracies. For instance, Wallace was never interested in freedom from English rule for Scotland; he was interested in Scottish rule for himself. It seems that the reviewers reproach Mel Gibson, the director, for his lack of Scottish history knowledge. Ebert opposes such judgments explaining that:
‘Gibson is not filming history here, but myth. William Wallace may have been a real person, but "Braveheart" owes more to Prince Valiant, Rob Roy and Mad Max. Once we understand that this is not a solemn historical reconstruction (and that happens pretty fast), we accept dialogue that might otherwise have an uncannily modern tone…’ (1995).
The film is seen as very powerful, moving, violent and exceptional by millions of people. The plot, acting and music delight everybody. Do we need, then, more proofs to believe that Braveheart is one of the best films ever? I suppose it is not necessary.
Speaking of the difference between good and bad films, I must take into account documentaries. As far as I am concerned, this type of movie was not my favorite on the grounds that it usually presented apparently monotonous political, social, or historical subjects. Clearly, I was wrong. Documentary films can be extremely informative, influential and true because these do not tell lies but show the world as it is. There are no breathtaking special effects or soundtracks. Moreover, it frequently happens that the quality of such broadcasts is low and we may not derive any pleasure from watching them; yet, a documentary still has its virtues. Why? There are many movies of this kind which have made a big impact of my life. One of them is Super Size Me by Morgan Spurlock. The filmmaker described his crazy idea of taking on a 30-day diet of nothing but McDonald’s. The man, however, did not want to go to war with McDonald’s, but he tried to draw people’s attention to the biggest health problem in the United States. ‘I wanted to illustrate dramatically what is happening in America. The fast-food culture has utterly changed how we eat and, more important, how much we eat. It has helped make us fatter – especially children – and sicker. I wanted to see (and show) what it would do to my body’ (Spurlock 2004: 104). Super Size Me revealed the painful truth about the human way of life which has become extremely destructive. It also motivated people to overcome the manipulation of corporations such as McDonald’s and start to educate themselves. Spurlock’s film made most of us aware of such a negative impact and resisted the temptation to buy those large fries and Coke, otherwise we would lose control over our life.
To my way of thinking, it is difficult to say what the difference between good and bad movie is, owing to the fact that any clarification would be too subjective. Sometimes it is a matter of characters, setting or main themes. It also happens we do not like a film, however, we are not able to explain why. Unfortunately, it is impossible to create some general rules according to which we could analyze particular aspects of a film, and state whether it is excellent or not. Naturally, we can listen to other people’s opinions and compare them with ours, yet, does a constant depending on somebody’s comments make sense? Instead of trying to see your friend’s point of view, you should stop for a while and think of your own emotions and feelings about Casablanca or Super Size Me which may turn out completely different from his. Apart from this, such a pondering gives you a chance to get know something new about yourself, even if it takes some time…
References
Eco, U. 1994, The Hollywood Sign, Macmillan, Boston
Spurlock, M. ‘The Dumbest Diet Ever’, Men’s Health, June 2004
Rogerebert.com, Movie Reviews 2006, ‘Braveheart’. Retrieved 4 Jan. 2006 from
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19950524/REVIEWS/505240301/1023
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