This is some serious amounts of amazing: The multitalented Bernie Hou—a BQT regular as a member of current NYC champions Cash Cab for Cutie and a Google-Proof Question devotee as @bernieh—also runs a ridiculously popular blog called Alien Loves Predator (aww…), featuring some exceedingly clever art. And today, this…
Icons/images from popular films, placed in the appropriate spots throughout Manhattan. Ninety-one movies total, and Bernie's sending a free poster to whoever can e-mail him the names of all 91 first…though knowing ye olde Internet, I'm sure some übernerd has accomplished this feet hours ago. I'm not even going to try, though I am happy to see my favorite NYC film represented. Enjoy, and consider just flat-out buying one (support the arts, you real New Yorker, you…).
May 5, 2011
NYC film history: In color
May 27, 2010
The rare Upper West Side phone booth species
Today, I walked by this:
This is one of the very last remaining outdoor telephone booths in Manhattan—if this website is to be believed, we've got a grand total of five (this one offers some more insight). And oddly, four are on West End Avenue, three of them not far from my White Harlem 'hood (a.k.a. Morningside Heights).
Despite the world-conquering ubiquity of mobile phones, there are still a whole bunch of payphones in NYC, even if you haven't used one since 1997. It's just that they're on exposed podiums, in open-air enclosures, sheltered by skimpy overhangs. The classic American telephone booth—with the accordion door, the battered White Pages hanging from a metal cord, the inconveniently ubiquitous homeless person—is nearing extinction. That tiny piece of conversational privacy on the frantic streets of Manhattan is virtually gone, and I wish I'd had the time (and real reason) to slip into that booth and dial someone's number.
But why are the tony residents of the UWS the only ones who've felt it necessary to keep a few of these on hand? Does Superman live in this neighborhood? Are a couple dozen 1950s college students trying to break records nearby? Is a pesky sniper hoping Colin Farrell will stop by? I just ask the questions, I don't necessarily answer them.
June 10, 2009
Pimpin' for the day job
I scored a 63 on Time Out New York's big quiz this week: I belong here "only until [I] age out." Among the least surprising news I've gotten in many a moon. Although I disagree with the usage of the word temporary; it certainly doesn't feel like I'm just making a pit stop here.
Click on the bottom link to take it yourself. You have only yourselves to blame.
DO YOU BELONG IN NYC?
Only until you age out.
Sorry to say it, but you're a temporary New Yorker. Sure, this city is awesome for running around and enjoying your youth, but you came here to work and play hard and plan on jetting at the first signs of crow's feet or when your parents stop financing that party lifestyle of yours. Plus, if you ever decide to settle down and have kids, there's no way you're bringing them up in a studio. Click here for suggestions about how to really enjoy NYC.
