Gotham Gal

Olympics on Demand

On average I watch TV an hour a week, swear.  If anything I'll watch a few sporting events on the weekend while lounging around.  Total background noise.  So for me to park myself in the family room after dinner to watch TV is a total rarity but hey, the winter Olympics are on. 

I really enjoy watching the winter Olympics.  The downhill skiing, jumping, slalom and snowboarding is awesome.  The speed skating is pretty sweet too.  But oh, how I forgot we spend most of the evening watching ads.  We also spend too much time on the 5 - 7 minute "up close and personals" with the sports casters.  It is so annoying.  All I really want to see is the competition in the comfort of my own home. 

NBC is also putting out a show from 730 - 800 called the Olympic Zone.  Pure hype with no sports.  Why don't they take that time to show us more of the races?  Who knows.

I want Olympics on Demand.  NBC is probably spending a tremendous amount of cash producing the Olympics and bringing it into our homes.  The ads pay for it so that is why we get the pleasure of watching so many.  Why don't they just set up a few camera persons at each event.  You can choose which one or ones you want to see that night and pay to see them, like pay-per-view. 

I'd be thrilled to pay for the opportunity to sit on my couch and watch the entire day of snowboarding.  No ads, no play by play, perhaps a small interview with the athlete that won the medal (small being the optimal word here) and NBC would make their money through the viewers.  My guess is, in time, that they would have more viewers and make up the costs.  They could also stream over the Internet and you could pay to have access to that too. 

As excited as I am about watching the Olympics, I dread the rat-a-tat-tat that precedes the show and during the events.  So, I tevo it and watch later so I can fast forward over all the crap.  Wouldn't it be better to make me pay for watching all the racing vs. the hand picked events by NBC. 

Is anyone out there listening?

Josh's Birthday Party

I had a great idea for Josh's 10th bday party.  We were going to go to Aqueduct Raceway, have lunch at the dining room with tables overlooking the track and do a little gambling.  The kids would have loved it.  In High School and College, my boyfriend and his family were involved in the horse racing industry (and still are).  I really loved going.  All fond memories.

But, I did not calculate into the equation that there would be the largest snowstorm to hit NYC in 100 years.  When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.  We bought 10 sleds ( we already had 3 in the basement) on Saturday afternoon, just in case. 

11 boys, 4 adults ( plus me and Fred makes 6 adults) each grabbed a sled and we took the subway uptown to Riverside and 90th.  Our good friends live right there so we had been sledding on that hill before.  They refer to it as suicide hill.  The kids were so psyched.  Walking through the streets of NYC with no cars but tons of snow.  It was the ultimate urban bday party. 

After sledding for 2 hours ( here is a pic of me and Josh after our run down the slope), we hit up the City Diner on 90th and Broadway, had lunch and then took the subway back downtown for some cake. 

A perfect bday party.  Totally original because it would be really hard to replicate.  Josh had a blast.  Hopefully next year, we'll hit up the track.

Podcast is up..

This was a fun podcast.  Good new music too.  To listen live, click here.  For more info, go to Fred's blog.

Malcolm Gladwell

Every year, a variety of New Yorkers, who support the organization PEN, open up their home to authors for intimate gatherings.  Not only is it a great way to raise money for PEN, it is a wonderful way to listen to authors talk about their books.

I went to one last night where the author, Malcolm Gladwell, spoke about himself and his books, The Tipping Point and Blink.  Malcolm is an interesting character.  Bright and articulate.  Love the hair.

I found his books sort of interesting.  He has done a great job of aggregating information about how people make decisions and think.  Alot of it is common sense but it is certainly thought provoking.  He doesn't really make a statement in his books but highlights points. 

Timing in life is everything.  I think his books have had such success because of the times we are living in.  Quick decisions.  Everything is moving so fast.  Advertising is changing the way we think.  Politicians are using these techniques regardless if the information they are pushing is true or not. 

The most interesting conversations we had last night were about his possible next book.  He is looking at studies done on education.  Is going to Harvard going to make a difference in the success of a person if they go to Penn State?  He says not.  People are either motivated or not and that is not something that can not be taught.  So, if a person applies to Penn State and U of Penn and gets into both schools, it doesn't make any difference which one they choose because the end result will be the same.  I happen to agree.  I believe you should push yourself to the highest level you can but some of the most successful people I  know didn't go to great institutions for college or high school.  It will be interesting to read this next book and read the studies that he has cited. 

I'd say the majority of the people at the table last night, at least the more verbal ones, we're not going with that hypothesis about education.  Again, timing is everything.  Coming out with a book about this subject matter in a time when most parents control their kids lives and are so neurotic, it might be refreshing to get people to lighten up.  One of the questions last night is why and when did parents become afraid for their kid to walk down the street, or ride their bike to their friends house, or not have everything structured?  It is probably the media and the access to so much information that people don't know what to believe.  Is it scarier now than it was in 1960?  I don't believe so, statistics actually says it is not, but the media plays up everything so that your perception is skewed. 

Wikipedia was brought up.  One particular article, said that all the information on Wikipedia isn't true.  So, people were saying last night that 50% of that information on that site is false.  One article and they have come up with that.  Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia with user generated content.  The site is monitored for bogus information.  It has more information by probably 10 fold than a encyclopedia you read at your local library.  My friend at Doubleday doesn't even think it makes sense for them to publish encyclopedias anymore.  The information is so vast on Wikipedia that they could never compete.  Do you know how many researchers that they would have to hire?  Also, does anyone reading an encyclopedia just assume that it is true or do they do research to confirm their facts? I would hope that my kids would use a variety of information not just one publication to form an opinion about something.  Again, how do you sift through all the information being thrown at us daily? 

All and all, interesting conversations.  I am not sure I agreed with the majority of what people said but as my father used to say, that's what makes horse races.

New York Knicks

Going to Knicks games or any NYC sporting event is great entertainment for a variety of reasons.  Invariably you always bump into someone you know and most of the time haven't seen in awhile.  Also, watching these athletes play is wild.  The level of competition is incredible regardless if the team isn't a winner this season.  Muscular bodies that get down the court in 3 large steps.  These men toss the ball in the basket with such ease. It is just great to watch.  It is fun to cheer the local team on too.

We were thrilled to see Hoops 4 Hope being promoted at the Knicks game last night.  Our friend, Eric was at the game, who sits on the Hoops Board.  Eric Scopetta and his partner in East Hampton Sports Camp, Mark Crandall started Hoops 4 Hope.  The organization has been around for 10 years.  They support youth development in Zimbabwe and South Africa through sports.  They have done wonderful work and continue to do so.  Also, both of these guys are fantastic. 

Unfortunately the Knicks lost.  They were up and down only about 5 points throughout the game and in the last few seconds, lost.  Ugh.  Being a Knicks fan these days just sucks. 

But, we had a great time...

Nobu

Nobu has created quite an empire around the world.  10 restaurants in all.  3 in NYC alone.  When Nobu began, there was really nothing quite like it in terms of high end pushing the envelope sushi.  Times has changed.  There are a variety of places in NYC and certainly around the world. 

I have been to Nobu a handful of times over the years.  I have found the initial thrill to have gone down hill because the menu never changes. 

We went this past weekend, a birthday request, and the food was really quite good.  Expensive, but good.  We went to the Nobu on Hudson, not on 57th Street where I have not heard such wonderful reviews.

There are a few things on the menu that are consistently yummy.  The yellow tail with jalapenos is one of their signature dishes.  Also, the rock shrimp tempura with the spicy sauce is quite good too.  Those are the 2 that I always order and have never been steered wrong.  There are others.  I probably have tasted the majority of them at one time or another but those 2 just reign supreme.  We also had plenty of sushi which is also fresh and tasty.

We had a great time.  Nobu is like the Four Seasons Hotels.  You know exactly what you are getting.  It is good, it is a formula and it basically works.  What can I say, I prefer the boutique hotel and something new and bold on a sushi menu. 

The Girls Battle

Growing old is wierd.  You look in the mirror and wonder who is that?  When did I start to look so old?  On the other hand, it does have the benefits of knowledge, wisdom and watching your kids grow up. 

This weekend was Jessica's 15th bday.  How that happened so quickly I have no idea, but it did.  I got to see her sister, Emily play against Jessica, head to head in basketball.  That was a serious treat.  Who do you root for? 

That is Jessica making the shot in red, and Emily attempting the block in blue.  Pretty sweet.

Coffeehouse

You never know who will get on stage at a Coffeehouse.  Some random act that is not worth watching or something absolutely amazing that nobody was expecting.  We got the latter on Saturday night.

Our kids school, Little Red Elisabeth Irwin,  has a coffeehouse a few times a year.  It is great.  Music, readings, anything you can think of.  A great jam at the end, etc. 

This past Saturday night we were treated to Jimmy Norman.  He played some blues and some jazz.  I felt like I was in New Orleans.  Jimmy was one of the original Coasters.  He also collaborated and worked with Bob Marley.  Jimmy seemed like a very cool customer.

There was also a few bands from the school.  One group, that played Mendelssohn.  Someone on piano, another on cello and another on violin.  I was mesmerized and blown away to see High School kids still playing classical music at a Coffeehouse.  The middle school band was quite good too. 

But, of course, the biggest treat for me was seeing Josh's band, our 10 year old son, rock out with his band, The Four Fellas, to Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynard.

Cookshop

When there are voids, people fill them.  In NYC, there is no lack of restaurants but there are always new ones opening.  A few have been highlighted this year as "really good".  One of those restaurants is Cookshop. 

The location is perfect if you happen to be in the ever expanding gallery area of Chelsea.  There is certainly a void of restaurants over there.  The meat market, which is becoming a huge restaurant area, is a tad farther than you want to go but I see the future of 10th Avenue with many restaurant from 14th up to 23rd. 

Cookshop is owned by the same people that own Five Points.  Five Points has been open for quite awhile so I guess it was time for the owners to expand on their success.  I have only eaten at Five Points once and I didn't think it was so great.  Supposedly they  have a good brunch but I generally don't do brunch anywhere except my kitchen. 

Perhaps I am spoiled rotten when it comes to food.  Perhaps my expectations are too high.  Perhaps I am more honest about the food than the whole experience but I did not find Cookshop that good.   Actually, it was very similar to Five Points.   Just average.

The restaurant is really good looking.  Big glass windows taking over the entire corner of 20th and 10th.  Big bar in the front room.  The restaurant is shaped like an L.  In the back corner is the kitchen which is totally open for the public eye.  Really beautiful.  Acoustically, a nightmare.  The noise is so loud in there you can barely here your dinner partners or for that matter here the waitress give you the specials. 

I will say one thing, they pour a serious drink.  There are noshes you can get for the table to begin.  We passed and just ordered dinner.  I had the escarole salad which was there take on a Caesar.  Escarole, radicchio, warm anchovy dressing, shaved Parmesan and toasted bread crumbs.  It was just OK.  Boring.  Fred had the razor clams roasted.  Again, nothing wow.  The waitress said the squid was full of garlic, so I passed on that one.

For dinner, they are "known" for the short ribs.  Short ribs braised with a spicy cinnamon rub.  Fred ordered them.  They were good but not a taste that was so incredible.  They were served with small fried onion rings which were good to sop up the sauce.  I had the special which was skate that was served with raisins, brown butter sage sauce and pine nuts.  The skate was dry, the sauce wasn't that flavorful.  I ate half of it. 

We tried one dessert.  Chocolate ice cream sandwich basically.  Again, just OK.

When we got into the cab to go home, Fred said immediately, the food wasn't so great.  I totally agree.  We had a great time with our friends, but Cookshop is not a rush back.  Actually, I am not sure I will ever go back.  Oh well.  That particular area of town does have a void and I hope someone fills it with something really good.

25 Questions for a Jewish Mother

Rarely do I sign up for getting a daily email from a retail operation but I opted in to SmartTix when I purchased theater tickets.  I get an email from them a few times a week giving me the low down on the latest off-Broadway event.  It is great because I am not sure I'd know about 80% of these if I did not get this email.

About a month ago, I got my SmartTix email announcing the play, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother with Judy Gold.  Judy Gold is a comedienne who I had actually seen a few years back.  She was hilarious.  Also, the concept of the play totally appealed to me. 

I go out with 3 of my girlfriends for a girls lunch every 4 - 6 weeks, think Sex in the City meets married women with children.  Anyhow, I figured this might be right up our alley.

Today we went.  The theater is on West 54th between 9 and 10th.  First come first serve seating, so beware.  We came in late and at least got put together but were literally in the last seats in the back corner.  Regardless, we laughed, we cried, we loved it!

Judy Gold is brilliant.  She has spent the last few years interviewing Jewish Mothers around the country and asking them 25 questions.   Is there anything that you regret?  What would you have done if you didn't have children?  Would you sit shivah if your daughter or son married outside your faith?  What are your thoughts on God? 

Judy is out there.  She tells the story of her life and how she has become a Jewish Mother.  A Jewish Single Gay Mother who lives on the Upper Westside.  How she is trying to pass down traditions to her children.  She tells many stories of the fighting/relationship between her and her mother.  Then she goes through the questions that she asks the mothers and when she tells their stories, she becomes them.  She tells their answers like they did, with their voices and gestures.  It is funny, it is insightful, it is heartfelt, it is wonderful.

You might have to be Jewish, or really understand Jewish culture to enjoy this play. This production would probably only sell out in LA and NY.  If this sounds like something that would appeal to you, go.  It really made my day.  If it doesn't appeal to you, at least sign up for SmartTix, you never know when a little gem comes across your screen that you would never have found if it hadn't been for the wonderful world of email and the web.