Weekend Update: Coney Island, Pasties, and Harry Potter Thwarted
Ahhhh…and the countdown to my jump into the Hudson begins.
Hudson River from Bear Mountain Bridge, courtesy of Wikipedia
Saturday I dived into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island to prepare for the open water swim portion of my upcoming triathlon. As you should know by now, I’m participating in the Nautica New York City Triathlon as a member of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. Click here to make a donation.
The swim was pretty decent, but I don’t know how I am going to deal with a million people being on top of me at the race start. I had a brilliant idea to just hang back a little bit, but I am afraid that is going to be everyone else’s brilliant idea too and that more undesired congestion will ensue. I guess we’ll have to just play this one by ear.
I then skipped the run portion of our workout to go home and get ready for my trip to the NEW Yankee Stadium!!! I have mixed feelings about how necessary it was to spend all of that money on the new stadium. Undeniably, it was a minimum of bad timing on the City’s part, oh with the economic crisis and all. But enough of my political ramblings, and onto my observations regarding Alex Rodriguez’s bum… I mean, the new Stadium.
We first took a quick browse through the Yankee’s Museum before heading over to the concessions stand. My feelings on the museum are generally ambivalent. While some of the older memorabilia was interesting, like the jerseys of Babe Ruth and Lou Gherig, for example, the newer memorabilia was frankly redundant. As my friend Lauren appropriately pointed out — why do I need to see Mariano Rivera’s mitt in the Yankee’s Museum, when I can see it on the field. Indeed.
Ugh, $6 hot dog
Now onto the concessions. According to a Yankee’s press release, they were keeping their $3 hot dogs and soft drinks as a commitment to “affordability”. Well after going to the Hebrew National stand, the Johnny Rocket’s stand, and standing in line at the Nathan’s Hot Dogs stand for about 15 minutes, said $3 hot dogs were nowhere to be found. It took about that long for me to realize that they were actually the “kid’s hot dogs”, which by the way were not available at that time. Outrageous!! Now if anyone knows if there are actual adult sized $3 hot dogs to be found at Yankees Stadium, please correct me. Similarly outrageous was the $10 I paid for a Miller Lite draft (albeit in a souvenir cup), and the $9 I paid for a BOTTLE of Miller Lite in the stands (remedied only by the fact that I didn’t have to get out of my seat to get it. I did, however, have to practically give the guy next to me a lap dance trying to get my IDs over to the vendor. Score for him.)
All in all, it was worth it to see A-Rod’s bum … I mean…. the Yankees beat Detroit (although it did take until about the Sixth inning for anyone to score).
Me & Abby @ Yankee Stadium
Joshua Dean in Action
Saturday night, my friend Abby, myself, and a bunch of my coupley friends went to the Galapagos Art Space for the Floating Kabarette (Main Street at Water Street, Brooklyn, NY). The Floating Kabarette is hosted by a pair of interesting characters who call themselves Olga and Bjorn, who sport a wardrobe consisting mostly of leotards and bathing suits from American Apparel. Olga was so thin I think I saw her internal organs. Over the course of approximately three hours, they introduced various acts including Burlesque dancers (one of whom had a wardrobe malfunction and exposed her nipple Janet Jackson style), aerial acrobatics, a magician, and a trapeze artist.
Olga and Bjorn left nothing to the imagination in their sexually charged dialogue, disposing of innuendo and going for the obvious. At one point, Olga, who sports a faux Eastern European accent slipped into a Midwestern accent.
Although it was generally entertaining, the best parts of the show were for one the space (Galapagos Art Space’s bottom level is a pool over which banquettes are suspended, making several “islands”), and second the aerial acrobatics performer, Joshua Dean who incredibly talented. After taking an aerial acrobatics class, I truly appreciate how difficult it is to accomplish those feats (and painful the next day). Joshua Dean is performing again on August 14th in his show Suspended Cirque: Urbanopolis at the Galapagos Art Space, and while I probably would not return for the Floating Kabarette, I would go back to see him.
A free drink, either the signature apricot lemonade or a draft beer, was included with the admission price ($10). The apricot lemonade, served in a martini glass, was too cloying, and although it purported to have alcohol in it, I didn’t feel a thing. It was a waste of calories.
Sunday was a lazy day. Abby and I had planned on seeing Harry Potter in IMAX 3D, but we failed to plan ahead and by the time we went to buy tickets the morning of the performance, they were already sold out.
Yesterday (Monday) I had my first aerial acrobatics class at the New York Circus Arts Academy. Its ridiculously fun, but ridiculously hard. We climbed up the silks, and did some inversions. My entire body (especially my crotchal muscles and my hands), is in pain. The most significant pain is in my inner thigh muscles and my hands. I am just hoping I get better at this soon, because otherwise I’m going to essentially be torturing myself every week.
What’s on the Agenda for this Week?
Tomorrow (Wednesday, July 22nd) I am going to the Restless Legs Reading at Lolita Bar (266 Broome Street @ Allen Street, 212.966.7223). Restless Legs brings travelers, travel writers, and the like together for book readings which focus on sharing tales from the road.
Tomorrow’s reading is called: the Holy Foreskin vs. Amazon. One of the readings will be from David Gann, a staff writer at The New Yorker, who’s new book, The Lost City of Z, is an account of exploring the Amazon. From the New York Times: ”The Lost City of Z is at once a biography, a detective story, and a wonderfully vivid piece of travel writing that combines Bruce Chatwinesque powers of observation with a Waugh-like sense of the absurd.” The second reading will be from David Farley (the creator of Restless Legs), who’s book An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church’s Strangest Relic in Italy’s Oddest Town which is about his search to find the foreskin of Jesus.
And for the rest of the week? A whole lot of nothing quite frankly. Since Sunday is the New York City Triathlon, I’m going to be resting a lot and attending various pre-race meetings as it gets closer to Sunday. I might try to catch up on some movies that I have been meaning to see (i.e., Year One, The Hangover, &c.).
If anyone wants to come and watch me to swim you can go to these locations. My swim wave goes off at either 6:20 and 6:23 AM (Yes, that’s AM):
Swim Start – Riverside Park & 98th Street on the Hudson River.
Swim Exit - Riverside Park & 79th Street on the Hudson River.
Run Course - along 72nd Street from Henry Hudson Parkway to Central Park West
Race Finish – Dead Road in Central Park near the band shell off the 72nd Street Transverse
I’m just hoping that my experience wont be like this guy’s.
Cheap: Floating Kabarette, Saturday July 18th at 10:30
Hailing all freaks and geeks! Galapagos Art Space is hosting a Floating Kabarette featuring burlesque, comedy, trapeze, music, and magic! Yay! And it fits right into my new exit strategy which is basically joining the circus (my aerial acrobatics class starts on Monday!)
Trapeze Artists, Lithograph, by Calvert Lithograph Co., 1890
Here’s the info:
Floating Kabarette
Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY (at the corner of Water Street)
Saturday July 18th, 10:30PM. Doors open at 10PM
Featuring:
Burlesque by Amber Ray
Trapeze & Comedy by Trixie Little
Magic & Mentalism by Vanishing Vinny
Vocals by Lady Rizo
and…
Aerial Feats by Joshua Dean
The event is hosted by Olga & Bjorn and a free apricot lemonade is included in the admission price (hopefully you can get them to pour a little vodka in there if you know what I’m sayin’.)
They are also offering free “haircuts” by the lake, but that sounds kind of sketchy to me. I would observe before you jump in and let someone scalp you.
Tickets are $10 and you can buy them here, and pick them up at will call.
The Office: Barnes & Noble Review
I finally got out today to test out some places for my new “office”. Today I went to the Barnes & Noble (150 East 86th Street bn Lexington and Third Avenues). When I was studying for the bar exam, I occasionally went to the Barnes & Noble in Lincoln Center (1972 Broadway). It was enormous and expansive, but there was little pressure to buy snacks to sit in the cafe, and there was a ton of table space. Since I took the Bar in July 2006, I have been back to the cafe to sit and read the occasional book, and for one (very bad) date.
Here’s the info:
Name: Barnes & Noble
Location: Various. I went to the one on East 86th Street between Lexington and Third
Overall Score (out of 10): 5.5
Cost of Food: $4.35 for grande iced coffee and small red velvet cupcake
Pros:
- “Free” Reading material (you can read the books and magazines at the cafe without purchasing them)
- Plenty of seating
- Lack of pressure to purchase coffee or snacks
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi
- No Electrical Outlets
- Loud
- Lack of ability to leave personal belongings to go to the bathroom or to get additional snacks
- Tons of tweens, crazy people, and other such asshats
Verdict: Not recommended. I have to say that I do love the new Barnes & Noble. Its huge, has tons of book selections, and is very clean and modern looking. The cafe is a fine place to stop for a drink with friends, which is probably its overarching purpose, but it is not a place to park yourself all day. There’s no free wi-fi, outlets to plug in your laptop computer, or cell phone service in the cafe, which makes it difficult to stay connected. Moreover, I had to endure the schizophrenic ramblings of a crazy homeless guy, and a conversation between two tweens about orgies (I hope they weren’t talking from first hand experience). On the positive side, there is something to be said about the fact that even though I didn’t have wi-fi, I was able to research the writing style of the articles in Bicycling magazine and look up a map of Western Europe.
Cheap: I’d Like to Introduce You to My Little Friend…
Meet my friend the Red Nosed Mexican Bulldog.
Isn’t he adorable?! It’s the world’s best invention, and New York’s best drink deal: a frozen margarita, sangria swirled in, and a coronita turned down upside down into it. That means that it contains all three major food groups: booze, beer, and wine. It costs $7.50, which might seem like a lot, but trust me, one of these little guys will run you ragged. You won’t be needing a second… unless you’re a glutton for punishment.
The Bulldog also comes in a regular version with a shot of Sauza instead of Sangria. Grrr!
Get them at Blockhead’s Burritos. Click here for locations all around the city.
Museum of the Week: Rose Center for Earth and Space
I actually went to the Rose Center for Earth and Space (located inside the Museum of Natural History and included in admission; W. 81st Street bn Columbus and Central Park West, 212.769.5100; Hours: Daily 10am-5:45pm), approximately two weeks ago, but I haven’t had the opportunity to blog about it.
I love thinking about the universe. I love contemplating the Big Bang, and I love thinking about what it must have been like in the primordial ooze. When I was younger, my parents got me a set of children’s reference encyclopedias. I remember reading in the science volume that the Sun would one day (granted, billions of years from now) become a Red Giant and that all of the water on earth would boil. I was at the same time scared out of my gourd and fascinated (I was convinced it could happen any day — apparently I was neurotic even then). If being an astronaut didn’t require some kind of technical math and science skills I would be all over it. Unfortunately I am only slightly above average on the math front — writing and the liberal arts are really my strong point.
So I am fascinated by the question of where our universe came from and where its going, and this is why I love the Rose Center. The information is up to date, but it reminds me a little of the Bronx Zoo inside — even though the information is still technically accurate and relevant, the entire place has an aura of “please update my interior” about it. In order to get to the Rose Center, I paid a reduced admission fee (suggested admission is $16, but I chose to pay $5).
You start with a short video about the Big Bang narrated by Maya Angelou. The video plays onto a concave round screen in the middle of the floor of the theater. The room reminds me frankly of that ride at Great Adventure where you squish yourself up against the wall and as it spins faster and faster, you’re stuck to the wall. This theater is about 100 times less fun because there’s no defying gravity, but the movie is very informative and Maya Angelou is a powerful narrator.
Once you exit the theater, you take a trip down a ramp known as the Cosmic Pathway. The first plaque lets you know that you are now 13 billion years in the past. By the end you arrive in modern time.
The floor of the Center is known as the Hall of the Universe and is filled with display boards describing the properties of the planets, stars and various other astrological bodies. The Hall is divided into four categories of exhibits: the Universe, Galaxies, Stars, and Planets. Aesthetically these could use some updating, and the entire display could be more interactive.
Eagle Nebula, November 2004, Hubble Telescope
My absolute favorite, however, is the Scales of the Universe. At random points on the floor the museum has installed scales that are calibrated to measure weight (as opposed to mass) as it would be on various planets and stars. My conclusion from this is that I should move to a Red Giant Star beacause I weigh about 0 pounds and felt very svelte as I was weighing myself. Apparently I should avoid a Neutron Star at all costs as my weight there is in the trillions.
Off of the main hall is the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth, which featured exhibits on the evolution of thought regarding the age of the universe, starting in the 17th Century, which James Ussher who attempted to date the age of the universe by counting the begats in the Bible, to Claire Patterson who in 1953 estimated that the Earth was approximately 4.55 billion years old. Modern understanding has changed little since this time. There is also an interactive exhibit on Climate Change, which explains the ozone layer, and shows how levels of ozone have declined rapidly, especially over the Artic regions, in the past few years.
My main complaint about the Center is that you have to pay extra to watch the Space Show (which plays in the Hayden Planetarium and costs an extra $8). I didn’t pay to go in, but I have seen it before and it is fantastic. The theater is surround sound and the seats vibrate like a ride at Disney World. Its worth the extra cost if you can afford it.
Whirlpool Galaxy, January 2005, Hubble Telescope
All in all, the Rose Center gets my recommendation for something to pass the time in New York. Although I don’t cater to children on this site, it would be a good place to take them. They can touch and jump on practically everything in there. If you’re going to go, I would get there with plenty of time to also see the rest of the Museum of Natural History’s collections.
As I was exiting the museum, I saw this on one of the displays:
Indeed.
Tips and Tricks:
- The museum is suggested admission, so you don’t have to pay the entire $15 that they have listed. However, if you want to see anything besides the permanent galleries and the Rose Center at the museum, you will have to pay an additional fee. If you do this, keep in mind that you can still pay as you wish for the base admission.
- Splurge on the Space Show if you can. It is completely worth the extra $8, especially for those who can’t get enough of imagining what’s out there, and where we came from.
- Bring sunglasses. The architects of the Rose Center designed it with 360 degree glass windows, and it gets extremely bright in the room. Sunglasses will help you from squinting.
- Give yourself at least an hour to go through the Rose Center. Obviously you will need more time if you wish to go through the other galleries at the Museum of Natural History.
Weekend Update: Upper East Side Bars, Row Boating, &c.
So I just looked at the list of my posts, and I realized that I haven’t blogged in almost a week. Unacceptable. I have to apologize, and unfortunately I have absolutely no excuses except for the fact that I am a delinquent.
Now that that’s out of the way — this weekend was pretty low key. Friday my friend Sharon and I guest bartended to raise money for our Triathlon (Ah! 12 days until the big day) at Dylan Murphy’s (1453 Third Avenue @ East 82nd Street). We had “The Nook” in the basement which is absolutely adorable. With its wood paneled walls and cozy sitting nooks it reminds me of my parents living room. I like going to Dylan Murphy’s because its low key, its not a meat market, its super close to my apartment, and I love the owners (Blake Dillon and Jack Murphy — get it Dylan Murphy’s). I’ve known them for a few years now, as Blake used to bartend at Trinity Pub which is on my street.
Later that night we went over to Jock Tamson’s Bairns (in Scottish Gaelic it means “Everyman’s Children”) (1609 Second Avenue bn 83rd and 84th Streets). This is a new Scottish (Yes! Scottish!) bar that just opened about 6 weeks ago, in the space formerly occupied by Bar Vespa (which I actually loved very much and was very upset to hear of its demise, but this will do as a replacement). The bar is owned by my friend Gavin who also used to bartend at Trinity Pub (are you sensing a trend here?). The bar is decorated beautifully with rich black colored walls and chandeliers. It has a very pubby feel inside in the sense that it is very friendly and warm, but it doesn’t look like a pub — more of a lounge, which the Upper East Side NEEDS desperately. There’s also a fireplace in the back. Before Bar Vespa took over, the space was occupied by an antique shop, and this certainly contributes to the architectural feel of the place. My only complaint is that there was a surly woman sitting in the corner that demanded that I remove myself from her seat. I complied because I was afraid of getting punched in the face. That, however, is certainly not the fault of the management that I attract attention from surly women.
(c) Alaina Morgan, 2009
Saturday Kelly, Joe, and I went to Central Park and went row boating on the Lake. We initially waited on a line that looked deceptively long (by the time I went to the bathroom and came back we were already at the front), and paid $12 total for one hour ($3 each additional fifteen minutes). The lake is surrounded by lush green trees, (including my favorite, the weeping willow), with mallards and turtles inhabiting its shores. The water is a bit suspect, but as I am swimming in the Hudson River later this month, I am not really that concerned about the water quality. Joe did splash me a couple of times, and I haven’t grown any extra appendages or anything, so it must be okay. The Lake, is a reminder that even in the middle of high speed, hectic New York City, its possible to take a moment to relax and enjoy nature (even if it was planted there by the Central Park Conservancy).
(c) Alaina Morgan, 2009
(c) Alaina Morgan, 2009
Unfortunately for everyone else, we brought our own tunes (courtesy of my iPhone), and subjected everyone to New Kids on the Block, Biggie Smalls, and Michael Jackson for about an hour. You know you’re from New Jersey when you can’t even get in a boat without bringing your own mix tape.
The rowboats can be found next to the Loeb Boathouse (enter the park at East 72nd Street and turn right). They are $12 for an hour, and $3 for each additional 15 minutes. 4 person maximum per boat.
So what’s on the agenda for this week?
Tomorrow (Wednesday, July 12th) I am going to the opening of the Speakeasy at the Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue, $10 for members; $12 for non-members; 6-9PM). The price includes access to the first floor galleries of the museum, and one drink. I’ll probably use that as an opportunity to report back on the museum for my Museum of the Week column.
Other than that, I haven’t begun my search for an “Office” yet, so I will be doing that starting tomorrow. Friday I’m swimming a mile in preparation for my triathlon (eek!), and Saturday I will be going to Coney Island for our group swim. I might also attend the Siren Music Festival (Coney Island Boardwalk b/n West 10th Street and Stillwell Avenue; 1PM-10PM) while I’m out there. Click the link above for more information, including the line up and directions.
Looks like there’s not a ton on the agenda for the week. But the great thing about freedom is — you never know what’s going to happen…
Relatively Inexpensive: The Speakeasy at The Museum of the City of New York
Speakeasy – definition – a secret, illegal establishment where liquor was served during Prohibition.
The Speakeasy at the Museum of the City of New York (formerly The Terrace) is not much of a secret, but who cares? Its a great way to celebrate art, culture, and the greatness that is New York City in the summertime. And tomorrow it opens for the season with a bang — $12 gets you into the Speakeasy, includes a drink, and gets you access to the museum’s first floor galleries. That’s a three for one right there — socializing with new and old friends, booze, and culture.
I’m only giving this a “Relatively Inexpensive” classification because you and I both know you’ll be having more than that one complimentary drink they give you (wink, wink).
Here are the details:
The Speakeasy
Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue
Wednesdays from July 15-August 26, 6:00-9:00 PM
Admission: Museum Members: $10; Non-Members: $12 (includes one drink and access to the first floor galleries)
Justice Reigns! My Staples dispute has been resolved
Here ye, here ye! The squeaky wheel indeed gets the oil. I’ve been a little delinquent, as I got this a while ago, but I received a response from the office of the President of Staples apologizing for my experiences, and (even better) offering me a $15 gift certificate. Staples and I have, therefore, made up, because apparently I can easily be bought. I used it to buy padded envelopes and other such boring necessities.
Anyway, here’s the letter:
NYC Museums: Free and Suggested Admission
So every since I started my plan to see one museum a week, I’ve noticed that I simply cannot find a reliable, comprehensive list of museums in New York that are free/suggested admission. This makes it especially hard when your plans to go to the Whitney go awry (grrrr!) and you can’t find a replacement museum, so you just end up going to the same old places over and over.
Well Alaina to the rescue! I’ve put together such a list, and because I am so sweet and helpful, I’m sharing it with you! Enjoy!
I’m also putting together a list of museums that are free/pay-as-you-wish on specific days of the week. I will post it later this week.
Museums that are Always Free
- American Numismatic Society (Broadway at West 155th Street, New York, NY, 212.234.3130; Hours: Tu-F 9am-4:30pm) – exhibiting coins, medals and related objects, including Hellenistic artifacts, as well as Roman Republican, Islamic, Far Eastern, United States, and Latin American coinage.
- Artists Space (38 Greene Street, 3rd Floor, 212.226.3970; Hours: Tu-Sat 11am-6pm) – providing an exhibiting space for unknown art and artists.
- Drawing Center (35 Wooster Street b/n Broome and Grand Streets, 212.219.2166; Hours: Tu-F 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm) – a not-for-profit institution dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary and historic drawings.
- Forbes Galleries (62 Fifth Avenue, 212.206.5548; Hours: Tu-Sat 10am-4pm) – The home of Malcolm Forbes’ personal collection, housed within the Forbes Magazine building.
- Goethe Institut (1014 Fifth Avenue, 212.439.8700; Hours: M, W, F 9am-5pm, Tu, Th 9am-7pm, Sat 12pm-5pm) – Exhibiting German language and culture.
- Hispanic Society of America (613 W. 155th Street at Broadway, 212.926.2234; Hours: Tu-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Su 1pm-4pm ) – offers a survey in Spanish painting and drawing from the Middle Ages to the present.
- Municipal Art Society (Urban Society, 457 Madison Avenue @ 51st Street, 212.935.3965; Hours: M-W, F-Sat 11am-5pm) – The mission of the Municipal Art Society is to promote intelligent urban design and architecture. Its exhibits focus on New York City architecture.
- Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (Seventh Avenue at 27th Street, 212.217.4558; Hours: Tu-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat 10am-5pm) – The museum is dedicated to advancing knowledge of fashion and fashion studies. The museum’s permanent collection consists of more than 50,000 garments and accessories, some dating back to the 18th century.
- National Museum of the American Indian (1 Bowling Green, 212.514.3700; Hours: Su-W 10am-5pm, Th 10am-8pm, F-Sat 10am-5pm) – This Smithsonian Institution museum is dedicated to the culture and diversity of the native people of America. Exhibits include native fashion, modern mixed media art by Native American artists, and carvings.
- New York Public Library – The New York Public Library hosts exhibitions at its main library in Bryant Park, as well as its branches throughout the city. There are multiple locations in all boroughs. Check here for times/locations/areas of interest.
- Sony Wonder Technology Labs (550 Madison Avenue at 56th Street, 212.833.8100; Hours: Tu-Sat 10am-5pm, Su 12pm-5pm) – The museum is dedicated to science and technology, and provides a hands on experience that is directed towards children, but that adults who are really just big kids will enjoy as well. The Lab boasts a personalized experience for each visitor by having each person log in and create a profile upon entering.
Museums that have Suggested Admission
- American Museum of Natural History (Central Park West and West 79th Street, 212.769.5100; Hours: Su-Sat 10am-5:45pm, Space Show M, Th-F 10:30am-4:30pm, W 11am-4:30pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $16, Students/Seniors: $12) – The museum is one of the world’s pre-eminent science and research institutions. There are 42 permanent exhibits, and many temporary ones relating to biology, anthropology climatology, astronomy, and geology. Adjacent to the original museum building is the Rose Center for Earth and Space. If you wish to see any of the temporary exhibits or the space show, and additional (non-negotiable)) fee must be paid. You can still pay as you wish for the general admission portion.
- Bronx Museum of Arts (1040 Grand Concourse at 165th Street, Bronx, NY, 718.681.6000; Hours: Th, Sat-Su 11am-6pm, F 11am-8pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $5, Students/Seniors: $3) – The art of the museum focuses on the diversity of the area, in particular the African American and Latino populations with an emphasis on twentieth century and contemporary works.
- The Cloisters (Fort Tryton Park, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive, 212.923.3700; Hours: Mar-Oct Tu-Su 9:30am-5:15pm, Nov-Feb Tu-Sun 9:30am-4:45pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Students: $10) – The museum, which displays medieval art and artifacts, is housed in five medieval cloisters from France. The gardens are also impressive.
- Dia Center for the Arts (545 and 548 W. 22nd Street, 212.989.5566; Hours: W-Su 12pm-6pm; Suggested Contribution: Adults: $4, Students/Seniors: $3) – The center is located at the Hispanic Society of America. Dia is a non-profit institution whose mission is to initiate, support, and present art projects. The New York City location presents projects by contemporary artists.
- El Museo del Barrio (1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th Street, 212.813.7272; Hours: W-Su 11am-5pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $6, Students/Seniors: $4) – The museum is New York City’s only museum dedicated to Latino art and culture.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue, 212.535.7710; Hours: Tu-Th 9:30am-5:30pm, F-Sat 9:30am-9pm, Su 9am-5:30pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Students: $10) – One of the largest art galleries in the world, the permanent collection includes an eclectic mix of works, including a sizeable Ancient Egyptian art gallery, and paintings and sculptures from almost all of the European masters.
- Museum of Biblical Art (1865 Broadway at West 61st Street, 212.408.1500; Hours: Tu-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $7, Students/Seniors: $4) – MoBIA exhibit religious art related to the Bible and the Christian and Jewish traditions.
- Museum of the City of New York (1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street, 212.534.1672; Hours: Tu-Su 10am-5pm (Free Su 10am-12pm); Suggested Admission: Adults: $10, Seniors/Students: $6; Free for residents of East Harlem) – The museum explores New York City’s history and investigates current and future City trends.
- New York City Fire Museum (278 Spring Street, 212.691.1303; Hours: Tu-Sat 10am-5pm, Su 10am-4pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $5, Seniors/Students: $2) – Located in a renovated firehouse, the museum houses an extensive collection of fire related art and artifacts, some dating back to the 18th century.
- P.S. 1 Contemporary Art Center (22-25 Jackson Avenue @ 46th Avenue, Long Island City, NY, 718.784.2084; Hours: Th-M 12pm-6pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $5, Students/Seniors: $2) – A non-profit institution associated with the MoMA, P.S. 1 is more of a site specific exhibiting space than a collecting gallery. It displays mostly experimental art and installations.
- Queens Museum of Arts (New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY, 718.592.9700; Hours: W-F 10am-5pm, Sat-Su 12pm-5pm (Summer Hours: W-Su 12pm-6pm, F 12pm-8pm); Suggested Admission: Adults: $5, Seniors/Students: $2.50) – This museum and educational center in Flushing Meadows Park is located in the New York City building, hich was constructed for the 1939 World’s Fair. The museum focuses on contemporary art exhibits reflecting the diversity of the area.
- Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences (75 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY, 718.727.1135; Hours: M-F 12pm-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Su 12pm-5pm; Suggested Admission: Adults: $2, Seniors/Students: $1) – New York City’s only general interest museum, the Staten Island Museum focuses on the scientific and cultural heritage of Staten Island.
Musings: Myself in 50 Years
I saw myself in about 50 years today at Staples (I’ve recently reconciled with them), only I was white (I did have the same haircut though).
As I entered the floor, a woman was wielding a battered stapler at the store manager, insisting that he giver her a new one, as her current model was broken. From the gist of the conversation, she didn’t’ have a receipt or a box. From the looks of the stapler, it was about as old as I am.
The store manager at first was wary.
“But it saaaays Staples on the side,” she pleaded. “Can’t you just give me a new one?”
The store manager looked around desperately for an out. He unsuccessfully avoided eye contact, as her cloudy blue eyes darted about, meeting his at every turn.
“Ehhhh…. Ehhhhh… Ummmm….” he uttered, before sighing grandly, and turning to walk down the stapler aisle, old lady in tow.
I saw her in line returning some previously used ink cartridges about 10 minutes later, and I approvingly noted her brand new shiny, blue stand-up stapler. I was likewise enjoying the fruits the spoils of my war against poor customer service, as I was using my recently obtained $15 gift certificate from the office of the president of Staples.
God bless America.
And with that, I wish you all a happy Fourth of July! I will be at the Jersey shore swimming in the Atlantic and sunning myself amongst guidos. Can’t wait to meet up with Seaside Tony this weekend. I haven’t seen him in a bit.
