on New York

Ye Goode Olde Daze, "Round II"
 

The 2013 Festival date is September 29th
from 11:30AM to 6 PM.

What Is The Medieval Festival? The Medieval Festival brings to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages. Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market town decorated with bright banners and processional flags. Performers, guests and festival goers dress in medieval costume. Visitors are greeted by authentic medieval music, dance, magic, and minstrels, as well as jugglers and jesters. The afternoon is concluded with a thrilling joust between four knights on horseback. Costumed vendors will be on hand to demonstrate and sell a wide variety of medieval crafts as well as food and drink.
The festival is free -- there are no charges for admission or entertainment. Donations at our wishing wells are welcome, however!
Where Will the Festival Take Place?
The festival is held in the area surrounding the world famous Cloisters, a magnificent museum of medieval art located in Fort Tryon Park near the northern end of Manhattan Island. The park offers vistas of the Hudson River and the picturesque Palisades: a setting reminiscent of Europe eight centuries ago.
When ?

The 2013 Festival will be held on
Sunday September 29th, 2013 from 11:30AM to 6 PM.

Who Produces The Festival?
This years festival will be the twenty-ninth presented by the Washington Heights & Inwood Development Corporation, a privately and publicly supported not-for-profit corporation. The event is produced in conjunction with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
How Is The Festival Supported?
The City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation, in recognition of the importance of the festival to the City and to the entire metropolitan area, is providing half the total budget for this years faire, and has given substantial support since 1983. Past festival sponsors have included: the office of the Manhattan Borough President, Con Edison, David Rockefeller, WNCN Radio, the Lila Acheson Wallace Fund, the Samuel Newhouse Foundation, major New York City banks, the New York State Council on the Arts, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and the Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center Neighborhood Fund. Additional support comes from craft and food vendor fees and individual donations by festival visitors.

Who Attends? Average attendance of the Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park has been sixy thousand(60,000) people for the past five(5) years.

on New York [harbor]

 

Here's a subject/headline/phenom big enough for its own blogpost:

  WHALES!

in QUEENS!

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/09/24/humpback-whales-hanging-out-near-the-rockaways/ 
(Go fullscreen for the full experience.)

The humpback whales are from "up North", probably around the Gulf of Maine, "gaining weight" - Who doesn't? - according to Dr. Caterina Penzeca, a marine environmental scientist. They stopped by NYC for a snack - Why not? - and will probably be around for a few more days before they take their annual Caribbean vacay.

[Apologetic]

 on New [Fashion] York

Yes, I heartily apologize for being so "Fashion Weak". It's not that we don't need to, literally, gear up. And need to hear about entertainment because we certainly deserve a day or night - or weekend - off! But I really am an optimistic idealist. (Not redundant!) So, with all these causes, the mayoral primary, and 9/11, I didn't have the to simply chit-chat about anything else.

So, I owe you a re-Cap!

 

Suze, your blushing blogger, at the French'Chic MeetUp pre-Fashion Week Coco Chanel 130th Birthday Party hat contest. (She won! To be fair, her hat had a veil...)

I'll just slip into my Louis Vuittons, and strut to it!

Fashion Week-and-a-Half

First up: Style 360, in it's infinite wisdom (and style), invited me to 

a fashion show by Rev. Run-DMC's lovely and maverick daughter. (http://angelaiam.com/iam) The fashion was terrific: see for yourself.

 And a little fun.

Doesn't everyone wear red faux fur coats over a swimsuit? It is outrageously fun-n-glam - so, why not? Go, Angela!

Then, there were the goodie bags...

...and the celebs - some wearing anime hats...

  And some not.

And to finish out the Week

Uptempo Magazine Candice Wu with French'Chic MeetUp - Ooo, la-la!

on New York

    

Blessings today, friends. May love, peace, and a bright future be yours.

on NEW YORK

Yes, the image in the "I" is an eye of a storm/hurricane. It's primary election time in NYC, and are the candidates ever gathering like clouds over the issues this go-round!

BUT

FINALLY, PEOPLE IN NYC ARE PUBLICLY GATHERING TO OBJECT TO THE BOMBING OF SYRIA

THE VIGIL

Well, I showed up at Washington Park in Fort Greene, Brooklyn: my first vigil. This one, against bombing Syria. We were peaceful, friendly, companionable, informative - neighborly, even ("Hey, I'm from Cobble Hill, too!" "Williamsburg? Who else is here from Williamsburg?"). We held signs, sang songs, someone read from the works of Gandhi, and we discussed what we'd heard and what we thought about it. A real vigil.

And then a woman tried to get us to shout slogans. When that fell flat - because it was a vigil, not a rally or protest march - she got up and started reciting her "credentials." "Well, I'm old! I protested the Vietnam War..." Which was fine. Until she started calling out racial slurs. About our president.

I left. And wrote an email to MoveOn.org, the activist group that announced the event to those of us on their mailing list: why weren't there people there who would ensure that this peaceful vigil didn't turn into something ugly? Why weren't THEIR people there, to monitor the event for the public that they seem to want to inform and rally? Well, I hope they learn from this: I did. I'll raise my voice to sing again - but in hope and peace only.

It was a good idea, but somebody's gotta think it through a little more. Let's give peace a chance - even in NYC.

Oh, and please vote today!

I ON [VOTE] NEW YORK

LOTS to do around NYC!

BUT 

 

Plain talk this morning, people. THE most important NYC event this week:

 MAYORAL [AND OTHER] PRIMARY TOMORROW!!!

(green for hope)

No messing around: read, talk, make your choice. Then please -

VOTE!!! 

on NEW YORK

FROM KITTENS TO KITTEN HEELS

Some kittens snuck onto the subway tracks at Church Street, Brooklyn last Thursday. They were chased away (Who at the MTA's job description includes cat wrangling?), but were later seen cat-napping under the third rail...until they were rescued.

"You lost your mittens?/You naughty kittens!/Then you shall have no pie!"

FASHION WEEK BEGAN TODAY

I will be reviewing some amazing fashion presentations and after parties next week, courtesy of Style360, etc. However, since this blog is so new, *apparently* Mercedes-Benz decided to wait until next year to bestow upon me a coveted media pass - potentially. So, besides my own fashion show (Fall-season shopping and modeling same for friends at work), I am watching the shows on the MB website: http://www.mbfashionweek.com. 

And here's some "other folks" doing the work for us: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/spring-2014-designer-inspirations-new-york-collections-part-one-7106074?navSection=issues

ONE MAJOR PROBLEM: HOW TO OBSERVE WHILE THE MODELS STRUT?

Fashion Week coincides with the Jewish High Holy Days this year. The dates for FW couldn't be changed. DVF and Michael Kors, CFDA President and Vice President, respectively - and Jewish - asked in a memo last May "that everyone please work with us to make this situation work as best as possible." Sure! Chabad of the West 60s, across the street from Lincoln Center, is opening its doors for everyone to just drop in.

The only thing left to say is: may your New Year be sweet and fashionable, and may you be encircled by loving family (mishpachah) and friends! L’Shana Tova.

 

 

on New York

The only excuse I have for such a get-up is Steampunk Day at the NY Renaissance Faire ("Renn Faire"), the sort-of reenactment/fantasy edition of jolly old England - and any other culture from vaguely around that time period. Ok, ok: it was a fun day, and it inspired your intrepid editor to feel the need to "make an effort." (And, astonishingly, I got compliments!)

The look is *supposed* to be a cross between Victorian gothic dress and the Industrial Revolution. (Think: the Sherlock Holmes movies with Robert Downey, Jr.) And the Renn Faire, in its efforts to bring in new audiences and keep the usual one interested, likes to introduce themes: their Pirate Day is such a perennial favorite that some folks dress-like-a-pirate any old time there. "Steampunk" is a much more elaborate - and expensive - look than "pirate" (unless you have a real cutlass/sword or genuine gold doubloons): gold pocket watches, brass-encrusted goggles, antique pistols, brass spyglasses, hand-tooled leather holsters, and so on are used as decoration on fancy dresses and suits, hats, etc. So, the key (also used as decoration) to getting that Steampunk ensemble together - unless you're very wealthy or compulsive - is to buy a piece or two at a time.

Anyway, here are some pix of the picks:

And a very scarey-good video of a star attraction: "Cast in Bronze" - a quirky carillon, played by a masked and silent golden crow spirit. An excellent YouTube of this act is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVu6IVlchwA
 

FAB WEEKEND PARTY-PARADES

By far, one of the most popular New York party-parades is the annual West Indian Day Parade - on Labor Day, in a little borough called Brooklyn.

 

 

I'M A LITTLE AD-DLED

Why is a grey-haired or head-shaved (Vin Diesel) or hirsute/scruffy-bearded (even a Willie-Nelson lookalike-type) or beaten (Wolverine) male STILL considered exciting, sexy, and appealing when the go-to ad image of a woman is young, shaved, rested, buff, and just-slightly helpless or needing approval...notably of a man? You think I'm beating an old drum? Consider this ad from DSW, the online shoe heaven. (Apologies for the extra homework: this website would not link directly. Hmm.)

http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/promotions/banner11.jsp?cm_mmc=emmkt-_-20130902_clblkgold-_-V1-_-bdy2

COULD IT BE...

...that the Brits have it right?

Headline: Judi Dench Shows Sexy Side

"Dame Judi Dench showed her sexy side in a side-split dress at Venice Film Festival."
Why is a 78-year old British actress considered a "model", role model - oh, really a national icon? Because she earned it! Who else could have won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for a 10-minute appearance in an American movie?! [Shakespeare In Love - and let's not be catty and say it's because she was the only one with the gravitas and acting ability to pull it off...k?]

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/judi-dench-shows-sexy-side-010000437.html

 

UPCOMING

 

The mayoral candidates: do they have Patience and Fortitude?

DON'T SHHHHH!

 

Why did the WSJ publish a benign, aw-shucks type of piece on the New York Public Library ("NYPL") "becoming enlightened" and deciding to roll three libraries into one - the "dilapidated" Mid-Manhattan Library as well as the Science, Industry and Business Library into the Schwartzman Library across the street - instead of tearing apart the historical bookshelves (which, oh yeah, are the structural support holding up the ceilings) and rebuilding the...well, buildings? It is smarter than having to defend their actions against two lawsuits brought by scholars and preservationists, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, aiming to block the stacks' destruction. I *think* they're trying to say "We're listening [after we've been legally wrestled to the floor]." But does the NYPL honestly think we don't know how valuable NYC real estate is - and we won't wonder how much the "dilapidated" library buildings will sell for?

"Mr. Marx [Anthony Marx, President of the NYPL] has said such a project would require closing the busy Midtown branch for two years—a scenario that would cause significant disruption for patrons. But in the documents provided to the state, the library acknowledged that it could renovate the branch while keeping it open. That would increase the estimated cost of renovating that building to $180 million from $130 million, it said."

So, where are all the people who need the library supposed to go for the next two years? (Could this be the time to discover the "Outer Boroughs"...? *smirk*) And, given the cost, I have to wonder how many more proposed alternatives there'll be. And where the $ from the building sales will go. For an interesting take: google Citizens Defending Libraries and see "The Truth About the Central Library Plan": www.savenypl.org/the-truth-about-the-central-library-plan/

NOT EVERYONE OWNS A COMPUTER - OR A KINDLE OR NOOK OR SMART PHONE

And, considering the attempted closing and sales of numerous borough libraries [to condo builders, etc.], this is not the most important subject heading on Dewey's decimal list - at least for all of NYC. But then, Mid-Manhattan is a more high-profile branch than those in the outer boroughs - which makes it sexier news. Explain that to a new immigrant's kid who can't do her homework because her family can't afford a computer at home and her library is closed. (And both her parents work, so they can't take her to Manhattan every day to do her homework.) Or a senior who lives on a fixed income and wants to keep active in life while doing everything to ward off Alzheimer's - like using his brain by reading.

  PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Anyway, if you're angry over the idea that there might not be libraries anymore or tired of politicians messing up what works for NYC, here's the 411 on things to do:

Citizens Defending Libraries ("CDL") and The Committee to Save the New York Public Library are cosponsoring a 

MAYORAL FORUM ON PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Friday, August 30, 8:30-10:30 AM
Doors open at 8:00 AM, first come first serve
Kane Street Synagogue
236 Kane Street, Brooklyn (Between Court St and Tompkins Pl. F or G trains to Bergen, or any train, East or West Side, to Borough Hall, plus a 10-minute walk.)

Candidates will be asked to explain their positions on the Central Library Plan, the sale of publicly-owned library buildings for private development, and the reduction in library services across the city. CDL needs you to show up so you can tell the candidates to save our libraries!

CDL is excited to have confirmed a space for a public advocates and comptrollers forum with one candidate accepting so far for Wednesday, September 4th, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

NAKED!!!

Is this another Miley Cyrus stunt? [And why would CNN and the WSJ think Miley Cyrus was important enough to comment on...? Like I said in my previous post, the Summer - and the op of hearing anything remotely interesting - is definitely winding down. Eek.]

No. It has to do with the lawsuit won against Naked Juice that claimed to be "natural", but wasn't. If you purchased Naked Juice, you can file a claim: https://www.nakedjuiceclass.com/FileClaim/UnknownClaim

RAW!!!

Is it sushi? No.

It's a trend in food. Don't "ick" until you try it. Gourmet dishes that tickle the tastebuds and are so filling even football players would - well, the entrees would probably make fine appetizers for the gridiron folks, but definitely satisfy our hunger. So go ahead and eat dessert!

My fav: Rockin' Raw on Sullivan Street!

FASHION PREVIEW?

As we New Yorkers anticipate Fashion Week (September 5-12), I thought I would bring you a preview. So I attended a "Mix and Mingle" MeetUp the other night at the sensational Skyroom Rooftop of the Fairfield Inn & Suites, ostensibly to see and photograph their fashion show. Really. Now, MeetUp is hardly a New York-centric phenomenon, but it is a way for intensely-focused careerists to unwind and *possibly* meet someone of like...mind, I guess. But the idea of actually meeting someone was a vague thought - really - compared to my zeal to get us all primed for the big doings next week.

Weeeell, here is the best shot. You tell me... 

And, funny enough, I did meet someone. It just goes to show ya - 

JUST SHOW UP!

     I

    
       on


                                New York

This is the perfect time - even if a lot of New York City and most of Europe are on vacay - [Jon Stewart: the movie you are making is very important, but you weren't here during the first Democratic mayoral candidates debate?! Where is our satire on the not-so-dog-daze of August?!] for the NYC primaries - and my new blog "I on New York." Hey, we've pretty much run out of things to talk about at the water cooler, anyway...(Tennessee Woody Williams' A Streetcar Named Blue Jasmine? Are the Yankees and Mets gonna be in the playoffs? Snow White and the Huntsman looping through the HBO channels? Does anyone even remember hearing about the Shakespeare-in-the-Park this Summer - Hamish Linklater played a lead.)

 

As previously mentioned, we have the primaries coming up and, in a last-ditch effort (before he's finally ditched), lame-Scrooge McDuck Mayor Bloomberg is getting his last corporate "quacks" in by encouraging voters to de-fund and de-Friend[s of] the NY Public Library. Why close public libraries? Well, in the case of Brooklyn Heights, Clinton Hill, and Pacific Street, they want to build condos - and that's just in Brooklyn. ("Follow the money.") Disappearing libraries, shrinking libraries, disappearing school librarians - and now Bloomberg is pushing for a waiver so schools won't have to have librarians in their libraries any more. Citizens Defending Libraries ("CDL") is a grass-roots committee of dedicated, passionate people who work on campaigning and petitioning, among other efforts, to save New York City's libraries from de-funding, shrinkage, and sell off to developers. 

Check out their website (http://citizensdefendinglibraries.blogspot.com/2013/07/citizens-defending-libraries-questions.html), then head over to the Mayoral Forum on Public Libraries at the Kane Street Synagogue, 236 Kane Street, Brooklyn on Friday, August 30th, 8:30-10:30 am. Candidates will be asked to explain their positions on the Central Library Plan, the sale of publicly-owned library buildings for private development, and the reduction in library services across the City.

Jobs are coming back - yes, they are...slowly - and even reasonable (well, over $1,200/ month) apartments are opening up.

And then, Fashion Week is just around the corner. Might as well look like the savvy, put-together people that we truly are while we sign petitions, vote, and job hunt. Now, I've actually invested in the high-low (short in front, long in back) skirt  fashion, but folks need to really work at the "simple short skirt under the filmy maxi skirt" look. Otherwise, it just looks like they're wearing a slip. Now, if you're gonna go there, wear a lacy one: at least it's interesting. Military jackets are back. And I'm getting a kick out of those over-the-knee boots (Shades of "Kinky Boots," the Tony-award winner...) and "new" laced-up, heeled boots: just in time for this early Fall weather. But watch out for the ones that resemble the ugly black clunkers that went with the old nuns' habits! Structured handbags, both large and small, chain-strapped mini purses, and large-and-small clutches round out the picture.

Aren't subways strange enough without some I'm-a-sun-bleached-blond-Yalie-sculling-type-college-boy getting all up in my lap because he offered me the seat in front of The Map, sat next to me, did the I'm-a-man-ling-with-broad-shoulders challenge thing (I'm petite...he had the agenda.), and then proceeded to twist his body all over his seat -and me - until I got skeeved out and left. Really?  ON A SUNDAY NIGHT?

Ok, foodies: squash blossoms are in the farmers' markets all over the City. Try 'em in an omelet. And there's a little booklet called "Union Square 2013 District Deals" that they're giving out in - where else? - the Union Square/14th Street area that has nifty little coupons to places like the Gramercy Terrace and City Crab, among other places.

And don't be too disgruntled when you hear your office mate's recitation of every little pit stop on her/his trip. Not only do New York State hiking and vineyards and Long Island beaches beckon, you can still fit in a long weekend - conveniently, one is coming up - at the newly rediscovered Toronto. *Perhaps* it's the new Europe? Many places to see and things to do, including the Royal Ontario Museum ("ROM"), Saks [Fifth Avenue]'s Canadian store, the Entertainment District (which draws upwards of 30,000 clubbers on any given Saturday night) - and don't miss the "beaches."               
                                                            
So, as I endeavor to inform and amuse, inspired and in awe of Aaron Sorkin's amazing HBO offering The Newsroom (Stick with it: it grows on you.), I say: Go forth! It's a long Winter.