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Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened this week:
For a President who literally doesn’t work, he still manages to threaten a new basic human right every week (and Fox News can’t get enough).
The Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting is heartbreaking in every single way, and sadly so very American.
Surprising no one, Silicon Valley parents are terrible.
Things to do in New York this week:
There is a great maps exhibit at the New York Transit Museum, on display until September 2019 so you have some time.
This weekend is the opening of Canstruction at Brookfield Place—here are my photos from 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
The New York City Marathon is this Sunday—here’s how to prepare if you’re in it, where to cheer on the runners or which streets to avoid.
Things I’ve discovered recently:
Jerry Seinfeld is the number one celebrity I’m dying to see on the streets of New York, and this interview made me love him even more.
Aren’t we all just fifty-eight weasels in a trench coat?
After years of searching for the perfect black oxford, I think I finally found it.
My second Halloween as Grandmother’s Predictions was a rousing success, and David even joined in on the fun as Grandma’s Coney Island neighbor, Zoltar. We rode the subway, marched in the Village Halloween Parade, shopped at Duane Reade and were interviewed for the local New York news. Despite missing half of October, I still feel like I’m satisfied with my Halloween celebrations but maybe that’s because in my apartment it’s basically Halloween year-round.
This weekend David and I are headed to Ithaca for his son’s parents’ weekend and I’m already thinking about the beautiful fall foliage and diner breakfasts in my near future. I had my first day of jury duty yesterday and if I get picked it looks like I might be settling in at the court house for a few weeks. This is my first-ever jury duty so I’m still kind of fascinated by the process, and hopefully I’ll have a lot of time to smash my reading challenge for the year. Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
My five seconds of Internet fame | Thumbnail illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
Trump critics are getting sent bombs, Chinese and Russian spies are listening to our idiot President’s conversations, superfoods are a lie and even escalators are going rogue—but at least the second season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel finally has a release date (look for my apartment in the background of the last episode)!
A man’s body was behind the wheel of a parked car for a week before it was discovered that he had been dead the entire time.
Things to do in New York this week:
Sunday you have not one, but two dog costume events to choose from: the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade, held at the East River Park Amphitheater located along side the FDR at Grand Street in East River Park from noon - 3pm, and the 20th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest, beginning at 11:30 am in the Fort Greene Park monument plaza.
Wednesday is Halloween and you can catch me recycling my costume from last year (hey it got me on Gothamist, can you blame me?) at the 45th Annual Village Halloween Parade.
If the parade is not your thing, maybe you’d like to help impale the most pumpkin heads ever on a Cobble Hill fence (from 3-7pm on Halloween)?
Things that I’ve discovered recently:
I’m obsessed with this National Parks-inspired custom wallpaper. See it in action here.
Halloween is obviously my favorite holiday, but it’s never too soon to prepare for what’s next.
I just finished Martin Short’s incredibly funny (and heartfelt) memoir, and I spent my lunch break crying with hysterical laughter while watching this Jiminy Glick compilation. Why is Primetime Glick only available on DVD—and why is it so expensive??
We have plans (and non-refundable tickets) to visit Sleepy Hollow on Saturday, and I’m hoping that the weather isn’t as frightful as they’re predicting. Thankfully, two out of the three ticketed events are indoors, and I’ve been dreaming about a Horsefeathers burger since our trip last year. I’m glad I’m not just imagining that these early wintery days feel more brutal than actual winter days with similar temperatures (because science!), but I’m still glad that I’m not sweating every single second of the day. October through March is my favorite time to be in the city. I didn’t go overboard with Halloween preparations this year (me? go overboard? never!) but I still have to make sure my costume is street-ready before Wednesday. I hope you have a great spooky weekend and if you’re in the northeast try to stay dry!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances | Purchase some of her city prints here
Things that have happened recently:
Surprising no one, our President is as classy as ever and (probably) knowingly covering up a murder but relax, ladies. Don’t be so uptight. You know you want it.
Two more things we should all be outraged by: the Sackler family getting rich while people die, and the shady student loan business; and one thing to be excited about: the new season of The President Show.
Imagine hating Trump so much that you pay nearly $250,000 to have his name removed from your condo building (oh wait, I do hate him that much).
Things to do in New York this weekend:
Saturday is the Ghost of Uncle Joe’s music fest at the Historic Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery. It’s a great place to explore on its own, and they always have interesting events, the proceeds of which benefit the cemetery directly.
It’s Giant Pumpkin Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden. “Monstrous pumpkins from around the country—some weighing in at more than a ton—once again arrive at the Garden, arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth.” The Spooky Pumpkin Garden is also open until Halloween.
It’s the beginning of not-terrible movie season, and I already have plans to see A Star is Born and Can You Ever Forgive Me. I still want to see The Hate U Give (the book was incredible) and I hope Lizzie is streaming soon since it was only in theaters very briefly (I’m currently reading this book, which is perfect for this time of year).
Things I discovered recently:
My very favorite artist, Cat Power, has released her first new album in six years and it’s fantastic. She just added a New York City date to her tour list—Brooklyn Steel in December—and I’ve already bought my tickets.
I literally cannot stop thinking about this tortoise wearing pants.
Elin Thomas makes the most beautiful (and maybe the only?) crocheted petri dishes and mold specimens you’ll ever see.
We had a great time in Egypt and saw so many wonders that I will be processing it (and going through my photos) for a long time, but I’m definitely glad to be home. I’m not an adventurous eater, I have real flying anxiety and ultimately I just don’t think I’m cut out for frequent international travel. I’m incredibly grateful to have seen what I’ve seen, but I’m happy to only have domestic trips in my near future. Fall (or more like early winter) has finally come to New York, and I don’t remember ever being as excited for midterm elections as I am this year—somehow I still have hope for Democratic victories. Don’t forget to make sure you’re registered and most importantly, VOTE on November 6th! My calendar is blissfully open at the moment, with a few fun things to look forward to including a trip to Sleepy Hollow (my fifth time?) and, of course, the end-of-year holidays. I don’t have the energy to have a Halloween party this year, but I think I’ll be recycling my costume from last year because I spent far too much money and time on it to just limit it to one outing (after which maybe I’ll be able to actually get rid of it and free up some valuable space in my studio apartment). Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday
Illustration by Lindsey Frances | Buy a print here
Because I’m currently in Egypt for two weeks, I have been (hopefully and blissfully) disconnected to current events, so I’m doing a different type of “Happy Friday” post this week with some fun things that I own or want to own.
I’ve had these three prints for a few years, and they’ve held prominent spots on the walls of my last two apartments. They were unavailable for a while, but Brave the Woods brought them back this fall. You can buy them individually, but they really shine when displayed as a set. I love all of their artwork, but I’m also partial to this Bunyan and Blue print for obvious reasons.
I wanted a pair of light and comfortable pants that I could wear in Egypt, and you can’t beat this wide-legged drape pair from Uniqlo for just $14.90. I actually thought I was ordering the green pair, but ordered black instead and liked them so much I just decided to keep them (but I might also have to buy the green?).
I have tried many different daily sunscreens, but this is by far my favorite. It’s cheap, smells great and doesn’t leave my face shiny or oily like some other sunscreens. It’s currently sold out, but keep checking back—it’s worth the wait!
New York Target’s are notoriously terrible and devoid of anything that I want, but if you live somewhere with a blissfully suburban Target, drop everything and go get these adorable planters.
I bought a black iPhone recently for the sole reason that I wanted to get this starry see-though case from Sonix. I had a similar case on my last iPhone and I loved it so much, but this was a fun change.
I barely have enough plants to justify owning a dedicated watering can, but if I did it would definitely be this one (look at those googly eyes!).
Birthdays are for getting gifts that you definitely want but don’t need, and nothing fits that category more than Cornelius the plush corn dog (thanks Francesca!), who fits right in with my sausage links and Greek coffee cup.
This is the most comfortable, breathable shoe I’ve ever owned and the black sole and metallic details make it a bit less dorky-looking than a traditional athletic shoe.
Happy Friday!
Things that happened recently:
I still believe Christine Blasey Ford (despite yet another idiotic attempt by Trump to distract us). Oh, and if you’re a man and you’re worried that you’re going to be accused of sexual assault, here’s a good hack: don’t assault women. And women? No, this is not normal.
All men might still be trash, but at least there have been some small victories lately (and for fuck’s sake, VOTE).
No, this wasn’t me but yes, I wish it was.
Things to do in New York soon:
The Film Forum is currently showing a film about compulsive street photographer Garry Winogrand, and his photos are just so good.
The annual Medieval Festival is being held this Sunday at Fort Tryon Park in northern Manhattan.
I’m bummed that I’ll be away for most of the Merchant’s House Museum’s spirited October events. I guess I’ll just have to wait until next year for their 1865 funeral reenactment.
Things I’ve discovered recently:
I recently finished this fascinating (true) account of Dr. Martin Couney, a man who saved an estimated 7,000 premature babies by exhibiting them in incubators at World’s Fairs and Coney Island. This puts me six books ahead in my reading challenge for the year, and I’m wondering whether I should increase it just a bit.
Creepy Co. just released their Beistle Halloween collection for the year and it’s so good (I might have to get this pillow).
Does anyone else watch This is Us? The season three premiere was on Tuesday and I’m already dying to know who “her” is!??
After talking about it pretty much my entire life, my uncle and I are headed to Egypt tomorrow for two weeks! We’ll be taking a pretty bougie tour, which includes almost every famous monument/temple/museum you can think of, including a cruise down the Nile. I’ve gotten flu, Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots, stocked up on memory cards and granola bars and I’m prepared to fully lean into the retired, luxury travel life. I’ve planned a few posts to publish while I’m gone because I’ve still somehow not finished blogging about all of my past adventures, but also prepare yourselves for the onslaught of Egyptian posts upon my return. I’m a bit sad to miss the first two weeks of my favorite month, but after what feels like years of insane humidity, I’m actually looking forward to the dry desert heat. My last international trip was less than ideal so wish us luck and have a great two weeks!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
I believe Christine Blasey Ford and I still believe Anita Hill. But will it matter? Here’s a spot-on (and depressing) look at the glaring differences between how we treat the men accused of sexual assault and the women who they assault.
Ok, ok, maybe all men aren’t trash.
A Buffalo man who had been in prison for 26 years for a murder he didn’t commit was recently exonerated due in part to his artwork, which was featured in Golf Digest.
Things to do in New York this week:
The Tribeca TV Festival started yesterday and runs until Sunday. We have tickets to the premiere of season three of The Tracey Ullman Show tonight, followed by an interview of Tracey by her real life bff Meryl Streep.
The Queens County Fair is this weekend, featuring blue ribbon competitions in produce, livestock, and arts & crafts; pie eating and corn husking contests; pig races; hayrides; carnival rides; midway games and the Amazing Maize Maze.
Sunday the Merchant’s House Museum is hosting a Garden & Graveyard Walk through the green spaces of Little Italy, NoHo, Bowery and the Lower East Side. The event is free and sold out, but you can get on a waitlist here.
Things I’ve discovered recently:
I’ve always not-so-secretly wanted a micro pig but my hopes and dreams were crushed when I found out that that’s not even a real thing.
I have terrible listening comprehension but I’m always trying out podcasts to see if one will catch my attention. Dr. Death, the story of a spine surgeon who operated on 38 people—33 of whom were left either dead or with some form of permanent paralysis—had me riveted and I’m impatiently waiting for the sixth, and final, episode.
A full trailer for Mary Poppins Returns has debuted and although I have an aversion to movies that mix humans and animation, I’ll have to see this for Emily Blunt and the blink-and-you-miss-her cameo by Meryl Streep.
I’m excited to see Meryl Streep interview Tracey Ullman today—the first Meryl event I’ve attended since I moved to the city five years ago (how can this be??). Friends from Portland are in town this weekend so we have early breakfast plans on Saturday, and I have tickets to the graveyard walk on Sunday in lower Manhattan. Next Saturday I leave for Egypt for two weeks and yesterday I was properly vaccinated (no typhoid or hep A for me!) so I just have to buy a few last minute clothing items (that fit into the casual desert tourist lewk I have in mind) and start the daunting task of packing. The crushing humidity finally seems to have gone away (hopefully for good) and I can’t believe October will be half over when I get back. Fall moves much too quickly, but I’m determined to squeeze in as many delights as possible (I just bought Haunted Hayride tickets for Sleepy Hollow). Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
Hurricane Florence was downgraded to a Category 2 storm, but apparently category number is not a great indicator of a hurricane’s potential danger. Despite the warnings, 84-year-old retired sea captain Skippy Winner isn’t scared, and yes, our President is still an incompetent monster.
Author of “How To Murder Your Husband” might have done just that, but all men are trash so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
If you’ve been in New York since March you’ve probably seen posters up for Norman the missing Chihuahua. He was lost by the “Uber of dog-walking” Wag, and he may or may not have been run over by a car but he’s definitely not the only dog Wag (or their competition, Rover) has lost or mishandled recently.
Things to do in New York this week:
The Feast of San Gennaro began Thursday in Little Italy on Mulberry Street between Canal and Houston, and lasts through next Sunday.
The (definitely haunted) Morris-Jumel mansion, built in northern Manhattan in 1765, is hosting a paranormal investigation on Saturday.
I already have plans for Tuesday night, but Madame Morbid’s Death Becomes Her lecture at Caveat about women serial killers looks fun.
Things I’ve discovered recently:
I’ve been on a good streak of books lately (all from the library) and you can see a few of my most recent book reviews here. I’m currently reading this book about the opiate crisis and while I read this book not too long ago, Dopesick is full of new and fascinating (and heartbreaking, and infuriating) information. Oh, and Purdue Pharma, makers of OxyContin just received a patent designed to treat opioid addiction.
Grab tissues before you read this from a daughter caring for her dying mother—and then go out and buy this book for yourself and every other future corpse you know.
I’ve never seen a more accurate description of the NYC subway than this one.
Well the temperature appears to be dropping to a more habitable level but I continue to feel personally victimized by this humidity. When I was in New Mexico, it was so dry that I had a massive nosebleed, but there has to be a happy medium between the two extremes. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is filming around my neighborhood today, including right next door to my apartment tonight. I fully intend to (respectfully) stalk the production and try to convince them to hire me to do anything because—despite that very bad title font—the entire show is my dreamworld (if you haven’t watched it, you should!). I have an appointment to get new glasses on Saturday which I’m excited about since I’m 33 going on 103. If you’re in the path of Florence, stay safe and have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
Who do you think wrote that anonymous New York Times op-ed? This theory is my favorite.
This story about a man who has been bussing tables at Walker Bros. Original Pancake House in Chicago for 54 years is sweet but also heartbreaking (and just one more reason why we need Medicare for all).
I wasn't familiar with Joyce Maynard's story before reading this article, but now I want to read her 1998 memoir about her relationship with J.D. Salinger (he was 53 at the time and she was 18). Side note: men are still the worst.
Things to do in New York this week:
Saturday is the 11th Annual Beard and Mustache competition at Coney Island.
Dodie, one of my favorite singer/songwriters, is playing at Brooklyn Steel on Saturday. I'll be there, even though I'm 100 years old, don't like concerts and the last time I went to Brooklyn Steel I almost wasn't allowed in because of my "suspicious" pill container (which contains contraband like—gasp—Advil).
Sunday is a New York Adventure club tour of Woodlawn Cemetery where some of their opulent family mausoleums will be unlocked (hopefully it's not rained out three times like the last Woodlawn tour I tried to take).
Things that I've discovered recently:
I received a lot of very thoughtful birthday gifts (thank you friends and family!), but I couldn't help but laugh when I picked up a box from my friend Jim via UPS that said "hippo storage ottoman" (and contained exactly that).
I have a pile of library books that I'm working through and I cried when I finished this very excellent book. I can't wait for the movie, which looks equally as good.
iAmMoshow the Cat Rapper is my new favorite Twitter follow— can you even handle Cat DJ Ravioli??
Looks like we're finally getting a break from the horrible, miserable heat but we're also maybe getting a hurricane too? David and I have plans to go to our (semi)regular bar tonight which means I'll be eating the world's best mac 'n' cheese (seriously, it's last-meal good) so I'm excited about that. Tomorrow I hope I can stay up late enough to enjoy the Dodie concert (we'll probably/definitely be the oldest people there—she's a 22-year-old Youtube star) and Sunday my mom and I will be peeking inside of mausoleums at Woodlawn (hopefully the rain holds off). My big Egypt trip is rapidly approaching so I'm trying to enjoy a few weeks in the city before I leave it again for a while. Starbucks is already selling the Pumpkin Spice Latte, I've spotted Halloween stores popping up and I am very, very ready to slide head first into fall, when my spooky aesthetic is temporarily in style again. Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances | More from Arthur Avenue
Things that happened recently:
Despite his claim that he was only going to hire the best people, Trump's former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, was charged on Tuesday with eight counts of fraud at the same time that Trump's former lawyer, Michael "the fixer" Cohen plead guilty to tax evasion and bank fraud. Here's what that means for Trump—is it too soon to whip up a batch of these?
I think it's pretty obvious by now that Melania can't stand her husband (join the club) but has she actually been trolling him all along?
Meryl Streep is selling her New York City penthouse, if anyone has an extra $24.6 million to loan me (and I just bought tickets to see her interview Tracey Ullman at the Tribeca TV festival).
Things to do in New York this week:
Saturday is another Jazz Age Lawn Party at Governors Island, but if the ticket price is too steep just go to the island and watch/listen from outside the fence.
Cole Escola is currently preforming a few shows at the Public Theater and the entire run is sold out but sometimes tickets become available the day of the performance (we're going this Saturday night).
Sunday is the third annual goat beauty pageant at Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island (how did I miss the first two??).
Things I've discovered recently:
I will literally read anything remotely related to Samantha Irby, and if you haven't read her first or second collection of essays, remedy that immediately.
Just a friendly reminder that my birthday is in exactly one week.
I've definitely been in a post-road trip depression this week, but the cooler weather has been helping to lift my mood. I have plans to see the New York Historical Society Summer of Magic exhibit tonight (it's pay-what-you-wish on Fridays from 6-8pm). I'm also planning on seeing Crazy Rich Asians—even if I didn't love the book—and maybe I'll even make it out to Staten Island for the goat beauty pageant. Next Friday is my birthday and we're taking another little road trip for a few days so I'll mostly just be enjoying my couch (and forced Mozart snuggles) this weekend. I have an enormous stack of library books to start working my way through (I started this one yesterday) and is it even a weekend if I don't have at least one diner breakfast?? Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
There are currently (at least) two "Instagram experience" spaces open in New York right now: Candytopia in midtown and Color Factory in SoHo (a few blocks from where I work). I love taking photos but there's something about these places (and anything that is made exclusively for social media) that just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's the fact that people are ruining beautiful places and even dying just to get that 'gram. Instagram didn't make people assholes, but the time we spend online is definitely changing our brains.
RIP to the Queen of Soul.
Last week I mentioned this crazy story about how the McDonald's Monopoly game was rigged, and I wasn't the only one who thought it would make a great movie—the article ignited a bidding war, and it was optioned for $1 million by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's production company. Speaking of crazy stories, they might have figured out the real identity of notorious plane hijacker DB Cooper (here's a great book about the case, if you're not familiar).
Things to do in New York this week:
It seems like I'm always missing the Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest, which is happening this Saturday between the beach and the boardwalk (I'll be out of town, sad!).
Also in Coney Island on Saturday: Tessa Fontaine will be at the Coney Island Sideshow reading from, and signing copies of, her excellent memoir.
Does anyone want to figure out how to get to the New York Renaissance Faire—running on weekends until September 30th in Tuxedo, NY—with me? I went to one in Texas once and it was so much more fun than I had expected.
Things that I've discovered recently:
I can't wait for the second season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (but I still hate the "retro" typeface they use in the promos).
I want to live the life of Jerry and Rita Alter, an unassuming couple that somehow traveled the world on one teacher's salary and died with $1 million in the bank. Oh, and they had a stolen Willem de Kooning painting valued at $150 million hanging behind their bedroom door because they were probably art thieves (make sure to watch the video, which has strange production values but is fascinating—and someone please make a movie about the Alters).
I most definitely do not need more books to read, but I'm saving this list of the 100 best thrillers of all time.
My mom and I are (hopefully) on the road—or on New Jersey transit on the way to pick up a rental car from Newark—as you read this. Since I no longer get most of September or October off work due to the Jewish holidays, I'm taking advantage of my second-to-last (😩) summer Friday and we're hitting the road until Sunday. When we got back from our trip last October, I realized that we missed this amazing place by literally ten minutes and I've been planning how to get back ever since. We'll be staying in Gettysburg tonight and stepping back in time at the Kookwink Motel tomorrow night with a lot of fun stops in between. I'm never happier than when I'm hunting down silly roadside attractions, and you can follow along via my Instagram stories if you're interested (or just wait for the onslaught of blog posts in the coming weeks). Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
Diner illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
The Ohio special election is still too close to call, but I'm holding out hope that Ohio won't disappoint me (despite nearly 33 years of evidence to the contrary).
This Kathleen Turner interview is giving me life this week and making me want to watch this again. Other things making me happy this week: Lucy Sparrow's felt grocery store (I was obsessed with the New York iteration, her felt bodega); the Coney Island sideshow is about to sell its millionth ticket and it's one of only two remaining stationary sideshows in the country (a fact that I learned this week while reading this excellent memoir); this article about working in a sex toy shop was surprisingly thoughtful (and lead me to read this article about the female price of male pleasure, which I think should be required reading for literally everybody).
Apparently part of the plan to Make America Great Again is to bring back asbestos, a known carcinogen and all-around bad thing.
Things to do in New York this week:
It's Honey Weekend at Wave Hill, but honestly any weekend in the summer is a good time to visit this gorgeous spot in the Bronx.
I have plans on Monday to see The Spy Who Dumped Me, and I've been preparing by watching and reading all of the Kate McKinnon interviews I can find (here she is recently on Today, an oldie but goodie episode of Ellen, and, of course, this beyond brilliant Carol parody).
I keep seeing photos of Aloha Nights at the New York Botanical Garden (an after-hours celebration in conjunction with their current exhibition, Georgia O’Keeffe: Visions of Hawai‘i) and it looks like it's a lot of fun. The exhibition runs until the end of October, but the last Aloha Night is September 1st.
Things I've discovered recently:
This Daily Beast article about how an ex-cop rigged the McDonald's Monopoly game (for years!) and stole millions is long, but it's such a crazy story that I hadn't heard about even though I worked at McDonald's (for four years!) while this was all going on.
I recently started reading this book in anticipation of the movie and I was hooked from the very beginning.
Sabrina passed along this trailer for Lizzie, an upcoming movie about Lizzie Borden staring Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart and I can't wait for it. I still think about our trip to the Borden house (and Oak Grove Cemetery) all the time, and I hope to stay overnight someday.
I actually have zero plans for this weekend as of right now and I'm totally fine with that. It's been so hot and humid here that I have no motivation to do anything except sit inside of an air conditioned room, hating every single piece of clothing I own. Next weekend my mom and I are headed out on a little three-day road trip, so I'm putting the finishing touches on our plans and looking forward to all of the diners, big things and abandoned delights in my future. The weather forecast is showing high 80's for the foreseeable future, but I'm over here like. Have a great weekend and I hope it's less oppressively hot wherever you are!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that have happened recently:
A gay couple was forced to move seats so a straight couple could sit together on a plane recently. The two men refused, left the plane and Alaska Airlines has vowed to make it up to them. Meanwhile Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III has announced a "religious liberty task force," conservatives are using plastic straws to "own the libs," and everything is fine.
Three people tried to kidnap a shark—Miss Helen!—from the San Antonio Aquarium by sneaking it out in a baby stroller. Apparently sharks are the "it" accessory now for rich people and I can't possibly see how that could go wrong.
After 30 years of living in the Montauk Lighthouse, Margaret A. Winski is retiring. They've already found her replacement, but if the Little Red Lighthouse ever needs a resident, I'm available.
Things to do in New York this weekend:
Tonight is a Mystery After Dark candlelight tour of Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island. I've been to Richmond Town once, during the day, but I love spooky nighttime tours.
Murray's Cheese will be serving cheese ice cream (sounds delicious tbh, unlike mayo ice cream) at all of their New York locations until Sunday.
Saturday is the first of three Summer Streets days in August. Between 7am and 1pm, nearly seven miles from 72nd Street to City Hall are free of cars and open to pedestrians and bikers. Here are my photos from last year.
Things that I've discovered recently:
I love (and want) all of these Polish movie posters, especially this poodle one.
This new bridge in Vietnam looks like something straight out of my strange dreams.
My uncle and I have finally solidified our Egypt plans and so far I've read this book, purchased my first nice set of noise-cancelling headphones (it's a 10-hour flight, yikes), and I'm stocking up on memory cards. I still feel as if I have a million little things to do before we leave (in just two months!) but mostly I'm just looking forward to this view.
I have today off and for some reason I scheduled a dentist appointment at 9 am (😩). I'm also going to brave the DMV to renew my license, so maybe I'm actually doing this summer Friday thing all wrong (or very right?). Tomorrow three friends and I are going to take a tour of the Bartow-Pell Mansion in the Bronx, followed by a day spent exploring the delights of City Island. I've been to both before (mansion photos here, Pelham Cemetery and City Island in 2014, 2015, 2016) but I love revisiting places and seeing how they change (or stay the same). I'm sad they replaced the cute bridge, but I'm mostly interested in what became of this charming welcome sign (I'll report back). The weather looks a little iffy, but hopefully the rain holds off. I hope you have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
Pattern by Lindsey Frances | Download it for free here
Things that happened recently:
I won't link to that garbage piece about how libraries should be replaced by Amazon, but obviously I (and my fellow millennials) think that's a terrible idea. In fact, I think we need more socialist-based programs in this country, not less.
It's been another awful (and sweltering) week in Trump's America, but there have been some bright spots.
Locally, the subway still sucks, it will soon cost even more to use and some Air India flights out of Newark are infested with bed bugs.
Things to do in New York this week:
There are several show times Friday-Sunday for See/Saw, an interactive evening of sleight of hand with illusionist Siegfried Tieber. I have magic on the brain since I finished this book recently and started this one, and I have plans later in August to see the magic exhibit at the New York Historical Society.
On Sunday there's a Central Park scavenger hunt hosted by the Museum of the City of New York and Untapped Cities, where participants race to match historic images of the Park to their present-day locations (I think I'd be very good at this).
Also on Sunday, my mom and I are going to take this New York Adventure Club tour of a Brooklyn apartment that has been called New York's greatest liveable cabinet of curiosities.
Things I've discovered recently:
I'm very comfortable in my decision not to have kids, but sometimes it's nice to hear that I'm not making a terrible mistake. Speaking of incredibly personal life choices, you do you.
This guy is very slowly animating Donald Glover's This is America dance using very old computer technology (floppy disks!).
I waited far too long to watch Hannah Gadsby's emotional Netflix special, Nanette, but I'm officially obsessed with her. Here's a good profile of her, here she is on Seth Meyers explaining why the special is called Nanette and these three Renaissance Woman videos are so great I'm sad she never made any more.
I think I've reached that point in every summer where I'm so over the heat and humidity and so ready for light jackets and fall delights. This is my 32nd summer on Earth and I still haven't figured out what to wear when there's 100% humidity (these are awesome although it's hard to find summery dresses that I don't hate). Before the tour on Sunday I think we'll grab brunch at Diner in Williamsburg—which surprisingly I've never been to. It may be insufferably "cool" but I can't pass up a chance to eat in a vintage Pullman dining car. I'm caught up on most of my TV watching (and impatiently waiting each week for a new episode of Sharp Objects), so I think I might finally tackle Friday Night Lights. I'm a huge Parenthood fan and I've heard good things even if I'm always years behind what's popular. Have a great weekend and stay cool wherever you are!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
Have you seen the new Sacha Baron Cohen show, Who is America? I was lucky enough to see an advance screening of the first two episodes and I've never watched something that made me laugh out loud at the same time that I was so deeply uncomfortable. The Kinderguardian segment is wholly disturbing, but I think my favorite of his characters is Billy Wayne Ruddick, Jr. The admissions and outrage from people crying that they were duped by Cohen only add to the impact of show.
Trump continues to be a threat and an embarrassment, Republicans continue to do nothing about it, and we could all learn a thing or two about shade from Queen Elizabeth's brooch game. Oh and if that's not enough, the unfolding story of Russian operative Maria Butina is equal parts terrifying and fascinating.
A baby rat crawled out of a sink in a Brooklyn apartment and everything is totally fine.
Things to do in New York this weekend:
Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again comes out in theaters today and I'm definitely going to see it even if Meryl is hardly in it—but I saw the first one 13 times in the theater, so how could I not go?
Saturday is the Mid-Summer Oddities Flea Market at the Brooklyn Bazaar in Greenpoint. I haven't had much luck at past Oddities markets and I'm annoyed by the admission price but it's always fun to look.
On Tuesday, the New York Historical Society is hosting a parlor mind reading by mentalist Kent Axell.
Things I've discovered recently:
Have you watched Sharp Objects on HBO? I read the book so I already know who killed the girls, but you know I love spoilers. The director of Big Little Lies is an executive producer on Sharp Objects, and the soundtrack and production values are just as good—I'm very impatiently awaiting the next six episodes.
I've never wanted anything more than I want the US to adopt a four-day workweek.
I got super excited about two sculptures recently—this enormous statue of Jeff Goldblum and Ron Mueck's skulls—only to discover that they are in England and Australia, respectively. I'm holding out hope that one (or both! 🤞) will come to the US eventually.
David and I are currently on an Amtrak train to Buffalo today for his high school reunion. We'll only be there until Sunday, but I'm always happy to get out of the city in the summer. I already have a few abandoned places on my list, but if you know of any good Buffalo spots, let me know! Hopefully we'll have time for some frozen custard and beef on weck from Anderson's or a Ted's hot dog (too bad we just missed the 91 cent dogs for #nationalhotdogday). Yes, that also means that I'm going to miss opening night of Mamma Mia 2, but fear not—I already have plans to see it Monday after work. Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
This is the best explanation of the Russia/Trump connection that I've read, and it made me feel very hopeless about the future of America—oh, and the pee tape totally exists.
Maybe we should all just move to Canada?
RIP plastic straws. I think it's a step in the right direction, but also maybe now we should focus on banning the things that hurt us the most?
Things to do in New York this weekend:
Yesterday was the last Manhattanhenge full sun date for 2018, but tonight will be half sun—avoid the crowds on 42nd Street and grab your sick Instagram shot from one of my favorite parks in Long Island City.
Does anyone want to go see the '90s classic Blank Check with me on Saturday? I had the clamshell VHS and loved it so much that I upgraded to DVD, but I don't think I've ever seen it on the big screen. I still talk about this movie more than I probably should but I love that the premise is that a kid gets a blank check and writes in one million dollars, which today wouldn't even get you a studio apartment.
This is the last weekend to see the David Bowie Is exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. All advance tickets are sold out, but if you don't mind waiting in a crazy long line (a favorite pastime of New Yorkers) there will be limited tickets available in person.
Things I've discovered recently:
Despite my love for New York City, I am constantly annoyed by all of the noises, but maybe that's a good thing?
I've been using my new camera for a while and I've been frustrated by my not-so-sharp images. I'm embarrassed to admit how long it took me to research this issue, but the fix was surprisingly simple.
How great are these wheelchair wheel spoke guards? The company was started by two sisters and they're the cutest. I discovered their company via my new favorite person on Instagram, Rebekah Taussig, and I love anyone who tries to make a utilitarian object whimsical and joyful.
We're going to see the second part of Angels in America on Broadway tonight and I'm excited because the first part was extraordinary. I'm not normally a play person, but this production was riveting (you only have until Sunday to see it, sorry—but if you haven't already, read the play!). I wasn't a huge fan of Andrew Garfield's portrayal but Nathan Lane was even better than I expected and the staging is fantastic. I'm making my way through this book right now and it's a bit slow going but I've been reading this as well so I don't fall behind in my reading challenge. I suddenly feel as if there are a ton of things I want to watch on TV (Nanette, The Vietnam War, Sharp Objects) but the weather has been pretty lovely so I'm in the mood to get out and explore (I've been talking about a return visit to this abandoned hospital since I first went two years ago). Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
"All The People of New York City" illustration by Lindsey Frances
Things that happened recently:
Our country is still in the toilet, this weather is trash and Ohio continues to be a constant disappointment—but in happier news, these women are giving me hope.
I am so very here for Michael Cohen—not a criminal lawyer, but a criminal lawyer—flipping on Trump, and I'm still holding out hope that Trump's ultimate downfall is all due to American Hero Stormy Daniels.
This is a really fascinating look at the rise and fall of public housing in New York.
Things to do in New York this week:
My former roommate hosts a monthly poetry reading in Brooklyn and it's always wonderful. I remember when she first mentioned it and I was so resistant because I'm a stubborn idiot, but once I finally got over that, I realized that poetry readings aren't as boring or strange as I had originally thought (life lesson: don't be a judgmental turd like me and try new things!). I don't go as much as I should, but I'm excited to go again tonight like old times.
The brand-new Sharks! pavilion, filled with hundreds of sharks, is finally open at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island.
If you're not sick of fireworks by now, Coney Island has a show tonight, and there's no better place to watch fireworks, IMHO, than the boardwalk.
Things I've discovered recently:
I wish I had space to try something like this—built-in bookcases to house my out-of-control book collection is a lifelong dream of mine.
Here's a fascinating look at what happened to Natalie Jean, aka Nat the Fat Rat, who was once on top of the Mormon mommy blogger world (a world with which I am very, very obsessed).
I've mentioned before that I was trying to get a skincare ritual that worked for me, and I think I might have finally found one—every night before bed I wash my face, do a swipe of witch hazel and finish with this moisturizer, and it seems to be working. In the morning I just rinse my face in the shower and apply this sunscreen. I'm still far from being an expert, but consistency seems to be the most important element.
My friend Jim is in town this weekend from California and I'm so excited to have my New York adventure buddy back, if only for a brief time (until I can convince him to move back for good, that is). We'll be going to the poetry reading tonight back in our old Brooklyn 'hood and I really want to take him back in time to Sam's in Carroll Gardens (I've been craving their giant meatballs for months!). Tomorrow we're headed to Coney Island and I'm trying to figure out how to cram as many diner breakfasts into a few short days as possible. The summer always goes by so fast after July 4th, and I'm trying to enjoy it (despite this crushing heat). Have a great weekend!
A few shameless promotions:
Society 6 is currently having a huge sale, and you can get 40% off of everything (like ... my prints maybe, or Lindsey's illustrations?) with the code HAPPY4TH
If you download the Sweetgreen app, you'll get a $3 credit (and so will I, which is like one piece of lettuce but help a girl out)
If you still haven't bought the world's best no-show socks, you can get 25% off with this link (and I'll get free socks, which I most definitely would be happy about)
Happy Friday!
Illustration by Lindsey Frances \\ Buy prints here
Things that happened recently:
Every week I think the news can't get worse, and then ... it does. On that note, fuck the calls for civility, and FUCK TRUMP: "Don’t behave in a way that will make them turn away from you with sadness. Don’t tell them you stood by silently while atrocities occurred. For God’s sake, don’t say that you happily served these people food with a smile on your face. Be able to say that you said something. Even if it wasn’t especially eloquent. Even if it was just, 'Fuck Trump.'"
In happier news, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the hero we need right now. Here's why she won her primary on Tuesday—if you don't tear up while watching that, or think that these campaign points are bad things, I don't know how to help you.
Another Spanish work of art has been "ruined" by a overzealous restoration (still not as bad/good as this one, though).
Things to do in New York this week:
The Broadway Restaurant on the UWS reopened on Wednesday—they had been closed since New Year's Day after a devastating fire. My mom and I were regulars and never found a replacement when it closed (we last ate there the day before the fire). I'm so happy that we didn't lose yet another classic diner forever.
Despite the National Moron signing an Executive Order to halt the horrendous policy that his administration started in the first place, the immigration crisis in this country is far from over—there are protest marches in every state this weekend, including one in New York on Saturday.
Speaking of loss, after 116 years in business, the family-owned UES bakery, Glaser's, is closing for good at 3pm on Sunday (or whenever they sell out of treats, so get there early if you want one last black and white cookie).
Things I've discovered recently:
Have you ever wondered why all thrift stores (and the clothes in them) smell the same? Yes, the reason is as gross as you think.
This is a great profile of plus-size model Tess Holliday, written by one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram, Ashley C. Ford.
I've been trying to cut down on buying useless crap recently, but I couldn't resist buying the cutest photo album for my Instax prints and this very necessary jackalope (I named her Waffles). While searching for taxidermy, I came across this very reasonably-priced Etsy store full of beautiful specimens—I wish I would have known about this shop when I was in the market for a bat (maybe I need another one?).
I have no plans this weekend, but it's supposed to be oppressively hot for the foreseeable future (ugh). Sitting in an air-conditioned theater with a huge popcorn and Jurassic World sounds very appealing to me (I saw Won't You Be My Neighbor last week, and it's so good—bring tissues!). I have some pretty exciting July 4th plans—and I only work one and a half days next week—so this weekend seems like the calm before the (exciting) storm. On thing for sure is that my mom and I will be grabbing breakfast at the newly-reopened Broadway Restaurant and thanking the diner gods for not taking it from us permanently. Have a great weekend!
Happy Friday!
Happy Birthday Meryl Streep! // Photo from the incomparable Simply Streep archive
Things that have happened recently:
It's really exhausting to live in 2018, where every week yet another atrocity worse than the last rolls out of the Trump administration's evil playbook. This week we found out who amongst us could actually justify keeping babies in cages, I found myself once again in the bizarro world where I agreed with a member of the Bush family, and the comparisons of the US to Nazi Germany are no longer hyperbole. Here are a bunch of ways that you can help.
A bright spot amidst the darkness.
The New York Times sent their travel writer to Buffalo and she was as impressed as I was when I visited a few years ago.
Things to do in New York this week:
Today is Meryl Streep's 69th birthday. Here's something I wrote a few years ago about what it means to be a fan, and I once reviewed all of her movies—the list is missing more recent movies, but here are parts one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and eight if you're bored.
Saturday is also the Prospect Park Soiree and David and I have tickets. It's held rain or shine, so pray the rain currently in the forecast holds off!
The Pride Parade kicks of at noon on Sunday, and it has a new route this year—here's a map.
Things that I've discovered lately:
The New York Times profiled the Grandmas of Instagram, and of course they mentioned my favorite Instagrandma, Baddie Winkle.
John Derian's 18th-century sea captain's house in Provincetown is literally my dream house.
I finished this book this week and started this one (I didn't realize how similar the two titles were until I took a photo of the two for an upcoming Recent Reads post). The latter is so good that it made me buy last-minute tickets to see both parts of the Angels in America revival before it closes in July. TodayTix has some reasonably-priced tickets, and the fees aren't as astronomically high as Ticketmaster.
I have today completely off—thank you Summer Fridays!—and I haven't decided if I should take the train somewhere or just have a city adventure today. I feel so much pressure not to waste such a gift, but watching a million episodes of Breaking Bad also seems appealing. Tomorrow David and I are going to the Prospect Park Soiree—rain or shine 🤞—and I'm wondering if I want to brave the crowds for the Pride Parade (The Mermaid Parade was probably better). I'm sure there will be a diner breakfast at some point, and I really want to see the Mr. Rogers documentary and of course Jurassic World (David and I watched The Lost World a few weeks ago, and it's terrible but I love it, and Jeff Goldblum). Have a great weekend!
The most fantastic thing about the New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Show is the orchids themselves