Comments for Gotham Girl

Comment on Bright Star: a Stunningly Beautiful Film by GlenwoodNYC

GlenwoodNYC — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:38:23 +0000

If the film is even slightly as lovely as the poems you have listed here, then it undoubtedly must be seen. Now I really, really want to see it. Is it directly inspired from the poem of the same name (did it get Jane’s creative juices flowing?). Sounds absolutely fantastic.

Comment on Monet’s Water Lilies at the MoMA by Avivah

Avivah — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 19:37:31 +0000

I am so, so glad the MoMA has seen fit to hang these works together. The Water Lilies room was one of my favourites at the old MoMA. You could sit and dive into a painted pool, or walk towards it watching the dappling of the light on the water and want to warn anyone standing too close that they were about to slip of the bank.

Now turning to the rest of the paintings floor. The last time I was there (2006) I found the arrangement quite disturbing, yes disturbing. The works were hung by category/subject: flowers, bathers, still life, &c. There would be an Impressionist next to an Abstract Expressionist next to a Lyrical Abstractionist with a couple of Fauvists. Imagine this as a walk through someone’s mind. This would be a person who knew they wanted to look at a flower but could not decide on which one to focus: that’s a lovely rose, just like these asters here, oo irises and carnations, but the flowering herbs. Just a jumble of species and scents and seasons. Very confusing. My companion and I ran, almost screaming.

Still my favourite museum.

Comment on LimmudNY 09, an Avoidable Disaster by Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:57:42 +0000

As a Limmud NY volunteer who has been involved with the conference since before its inception in 2004, I can assure you that Limmud NY has taken the legal steps necessary to ensure that the Nevele management pays for breach of contract and for the physical and financial damages that resulted.

Turning to the participants’ perspective for a moment:
1. Physical Comfort—Akiva is absolutely right—There were buses provided all weekend for those who wanted to leave. Furthermore, as someone who was there already on Thursday night and who was bussed to the Honor’s Haven / Fallsview for one night, the Limmud NY Staff and Steering Committee did its utmost to ensure that the Friday arrivals had all important information regarding heating and cancellation policies. There were at least 4 emails that went out within just 2 hours on Friday morning. They did everything in their power to ensure that all participants had the most updated information and the maximum number of options available to them, even if that meant staying in New York City for the weekend and missing the conference.
2. Effort—As someone who worked for 12 months to make sure the 2009 conference went off without a hitch, you can imagine the grave disappointment in finding the heating situation in the state it was in. We had had perhaps our most successful conference at the Nevele the previous year, and we had no reason to suspect anything would be different. After 20 very stressful hours of touch-and-go at both the Honors Haven and Nevele, I was truly overjoyed that the leadership to keep the ship afloat for the whole weekend. Those who were willing to rough it till the heat returned on Saturday morning, did so. But, by far, no one was obligated to. However, those that stayed on, I feel, experienced the true spirit of Limmud—community, volunteerism and fellowship. It was truly an amazing weekend.

Comment on The Bacchae at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park by ProfeJeff

ProfeJeff — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:33:13 +0000

Hi, Lily,

I really enjoyed your comments and agree with your perceptions entirely. While I was watching the play, all sorts of connections between the Dionysian cult, Christianity and Judaism kept ebbing and flowing through my mind: I thought of the rites of Christianity with their emphasis on the death and rebirth of Jesus, as well as on the virginity of his mother. reveries were brought to a dramatic climax by the sudden turn in the weather at exactly the point that Dionysus was making his final soliloquy from atop the mountain – a soliloquy filled with references to Zeus, god of thunder – Lightning was leaping from cloud to cloud and then an ominous zig zag lightning bolt flashed southward from the clouds to earth. At the beginning, I thought, “Wow! The producers have really attained new heights of effects,” but then I, of course, realized what they had to be: phenomenally coincidental occurrences of nature – or, were they? I will certainly recall this play the next time I raise my glass.

Comment on “Waiting for Armageddon” at the NY Jewish Film Festival by amliw

amliw — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:15:03 +0000

What is the difference in the make-up of a Muslim terrorist and a Christian fundamentalist? Only the religion they practice. If given the chance a Christian Fundamentalist will turn violent i.e. the bombing of many abortion clinics several years back!
If the Fundamentalist movement to take over our government isn’t stopped, one day there could be an Armageddon only fought here in the USA; another Civil War between the main stream populations fighting to keep our freedom and the Christian Fundamentalist trying to impose their will on us.
I was indoctrinated by parents that grew up with this worthless doctrine themselves. You are right to be concerned what kind of parents these people make. States like Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia the Deep South filled with Church of England Henry VIII Evangelicals sent over to this country to spread their doctrine back in the late 1600’s. A church established so King Henry could divorce one wife and marry another otherwise this country’s primary religion would be Catholic.
We should be very worried about the enemy within our borders than the one outside it! Hope this film will wake some up, thanks for making it!

Comment on “Waiting for Armageddon” at the NY Jewish Film Festival by Aaron

Aaron — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:34:25 +0000

I’m profoundly horrified by fundie Evangelicals believe in this nonsense. I fully expect Waiting for Armageddon to scare the daylights out of me when I see it.

Comment on Wild Turkeys, White Tail Deer and Bear tracks by James Mann

James Mann — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:56:57 +0000

I was walking through our city the other day. It was a gorgeous sunny day and somehow a flock of about 9 or 10 Canada Geese snuck up on my and scared the crap out of me.

I don’t know they could get that close without me hearing them they make so much more. They must have come around the corner of building.

They were so low that I could almost count the feathers.

Then a couple of days later I was in the same area and heard a Canada Goose. I looked up and there was just one single goose flying over head. I have never seen a Canada goose flying alone. Must have gotten lost I guess.

I see lots of black bear tracks where I fish for Atlantic salmon. One day I was fishing with friends. They had moved up the river a ways and I was by my self.

I looked up to see how they were doing and noticed they were jumping up and down and waving their arms.

I turned to see what they were waving about and there it was. A big ole black bear just sitting there, only a few feet away, waiting for me to bring him a nice fat Salmon.

I must say I was a bit scared. Fortunately when I looked at the black bear it got up and wandered back into the bush.

Comment on Preparing for Passover 2009 and the Blessing of the Sun in New York by Israel

Israel — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:50:45 +0000

*friends of the family are making an Event & got a PERMIT from the Mayor & are having a gathering @ 7:00 (sharp) in CENTRAL PARK BAND SHELL NYC EAST 72nd Street minyan / Siyum & Bracha(for ALL First Borns) music & hosted by: PAY DALID speakers to be announced on site:
MEN Women & Children invited
*this is a ONCE in 28 years Mitzvah

Comment on 535 West End Avenue Quality Issues by K Wilson

K Wilson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:30:49 +0000

Here we go again. Mr NYCGuy, you really know nothing about brick construction – the seam you are referring to is called a control joint, it is found on all modern brick buildings, it is there to allow movement which would normally cause the exterior to crack. these are normally found to line up with window jambs etc you will find 3 on each side of this building. What you are saying is really embarrassing so give it up,

Comment on The Broadway-96th Street Station Remake, and 535 West End Avenue Construction Update by Josh

Josh — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:44:45 +0000

Any idea if they’ve changed their floorplans to reflect the fact that no one in their right mind is paying 20M for a 7 bedroom apartment, real brick work or not…

Comment on The Broadway-96th Street Station Remake, and 535 West End Avenue Construction Update by K Wilson

K Wilson — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:57:26 +0000

Mr NYCGuy
You are absolutley wrong about 535 West end ave being 1″ thick prefabricated masonry panels. The building is comprised of solid block interior walls and Real brickwork laid by real bricklayers, I will take your comment as a compliment as this suggests that the brickwork looks too good to be true, I know this as I am the bricklayer foreman on this building, also the exterior stone work is real limestone not cast concrete as what appears on most city buildings

Comment on A Visit to the Martin Guitar Factory by The Guru

The Guru — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:24:25 +0000

you can’t beat a D28!

Comment on A Visit to the Martin Guitar Factory by Road Series

Road Series — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:32:47 +0000

Sounds like you had a blast! Great pictures, too.

Comment on The Broadway-96th Street Station Remake, and 535 West End Avenue Construction Update by NYCGuy

NYCGuy — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:48:20 +0000

It’s so funny that Mark would respond. BTW, I don’t know how I wrote vertical banding when I meant horizontal (e.g. cornice lines).

Comment on The Valmadonna Trust Library at Sotheby’s by Caroline

Caroline — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:09:23 +0000

he did actually acquire the land and he saw it AFTER WORLD WAR 2 . I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article – thank you .

Comment on LimmudNY 09, an Avoidable Disaster by Akiva

Akiva — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:47:01 +0000

In all fairness, I think the comment about “intention to defraud” is misplaced. The *Nevele* was awful, unresponsive, and I will not be going back there again for any reason.

The Limmud team did the best they could with the hand they were dealt (I am not associated with Limmud, I’m just an attendee.) Buses were provided for those who wanted to leave. The conference that went on was cold, but wonderful. The spirit that has been such a joy at previous Limmud events was there.

There are two aspects to the event, and one can make their decision as to which to focus on. I’m choosing the positive. I have no doubt that some people had an awful time. My young daughter, pregnant wife, and I can’t wait for Limmud 2010 as long as it’s in a different venue.

Comment on Another Film Festival! The 13th NY Sephardic Film Festival by mark

mark — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:30:24 +0000

please give my birthday greetings to mr. loring, the gotham guy

Comment on LimmudNY 09, an Avoidable Disaster by midwestmoma

midwestmoma — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:31:34 +0000

It seems to me that there is a violation of a classic Jewish principle here- not to intentionally defraud. Those who paid for a conference and accomodations had the reasonable legal and moral expectation that they would be able to enjoy what they paid for without undue stress. They were clearly promised double rooms, not having strangers imposed on them. There is also a reasonable expectation of environment which was clearly not provided here. This does not even begin to take into account how dangerous the conditions were for people with disabilities and compromised immune systems. There is also an implied expectation with precedent of a reasonable environment in which to learn.
If Limmud is a fund-raising organization, the question must be asked: raising funds for what? I would strongly suggest that if refunds are not made for those who requested them that the NY State attorney general step in and, at the least, look at this incident in lilght of a continuance of their 501C3 status.

Comment on LimmudNY 09, an Avoidable Disaster by NYCGuy

NYCGuy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:18:39 +0000

It’s distressing to learn that this British import that was immediately popular, has taken a perhaps terminal turn for the worse in of all places, New York. It’s sad that a once famous Catskill resort – albeit, it’s heyday ended 3-1/2 decades ago – reaches its nadir in this Limmud slide. .

On the upside, the 18th annual NY Jewish Film Festival has a week to go & there are still some tickets. It’s too late to see “Emotional Arithmetic,” a unique story of three Holocaust survivors set in Quebec’s Eastern Townships. Susan Sarandon is a gift to American cinema & when Max von Sydow appears, its heard not to think of Ingmar Bergman. They are part of a faultless ensemble performance that fortuitously is available on DVD.

Also passed are the delightful, Berlin comedy, “Max Minsky and Me;” the uplifting doc of a blinded boy who learns to sail, “Facing the Wind” and the stark investigation into Argentina’s dark junta years, “Our Disappeared.” This last one will be broadcast May 29 on PBS’ Independent Lens series.

Comment on Saigon Grill Owners Arrested by Christopher Marlborough

Christopher Marlborough — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:55:46 +0000

I am a labor attorney in NYC. I was not involved in the Saigon Grill case, but I am glad to see some employers being held accountable for their egregious crimes. Hopefully, a few criminal convictions can serve as a wake up call to employers everywhere. You had better start paying your workers what they deserve, or at least what you are required to pay them by law.

Regarding your questions about nail salons, a few years ago, the Brennan Center published a report about overtime violations in NYC and noted that nail salons are some of the worst offenders. The report, Unregulated Work In The Global City, is available online at this location: http://www.brennancenter.org/content/resource/unregulated_work_in_the_global_city_full_report/

There has been help for these exploited workers. The organizations Justice Will Be Served! (a coalition composed of the Chinese Staff and Workers’ Association, National Mobilization Against Sweatshops, and 318 Restaurant Workers Union have worked with nail salon employees in NYC to fight for their rights. In addition, The Asian American Legal Defense Fund has taken on several nail salons and gotten significant recoveries for exploited salon workers. See http://www.aaldef.org/article.php?article_id=345.

I just finished reading a fantastic new book on the subject of employment exploitation called titled Wage Theft in America: Why Millions of Working Americans Are Not Getting Paid and What You Can Do About It by Kim Bobo. Kim is the Executive Director of Interfaith Worker Justice, Inc. a non-profit organization that works to improve working conditions in America on all levels. Her testimony before the U.S. Senate can be found here: http://www.wagetheft.org/

Comment on A Visit to the Martin Guitar Factory by John Bowden

John Bowden — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:51:44 +0000

Still the best acoustic guitars on the planet!!!!!

Comment on Election Day in Manhattan – A Day Like No Other by patrick

patrick — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:32:39 +0000

it’s awesome that there has been this “problem” of long lines all over… people taking a greater interest in public issues is always a good thing

Comment on A Few Notes on the New Season by arnie draiman

arnie draiman — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:42:46 +0000

great thought. think about other stuff, especially tzedakah! in fact, i would even say that tzedakah is the only antidote to the world’s evils….

check out: http://www.mitzvahheroesfund.org for some great tzedakah ideas.

arnie draiman
http://www.draimanconsulting.com

Comment on Twisted Spitzer or Former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer’s Hubris by NYCGuy

NYCGuy — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 04:21:30 +0000

The Spitzer revelation was certainly a shocker.
An interview with a Village Voice editor posed a number of questions, most pointedly: Would this have happened with a Republican governor & who are the other nine clients? In addition to feeling for Silda Spitzer & their daughters, I wonder when this actually began & if there was more to it than a man with power. After more than a year of attacks from NYS Attorney General Cuomo, NYS Senate Majority Leader Bruno & NYC Mayor Bloomberg + a hostile press … this reads more like a political suicide.

Comment on LimmudNY at the Nevele Grande in the Catskills by Matthew Grob

Matthew Grob — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:59:09 +0000

I’m so glad that you enjoyed your experience at Limmud NY 2008!! As one of the Steering Committee members who helped plan the conference, reading your entry helps reinforce that we are doing things right. What you wrote epitomizes so much of what we stand for, especially diversity and choice. That there were some sessions that did not appeal to you but did appeal to others demonstrates that you can’t please all the people all the time, but more importantly that such diverse options were available (in spades!) and you chose to try something that was different than what you are accustomed to. It is with this variety of backgrounds and perspectives that we weave the rich tapestry that has become Limmud NY community. And you are right as well when commenting that you can’t always rely on hotel review sites – the Nevele suited our purposes for a clean and comfortable environment for 870 attendees. Thanks again!!