Saw someone lounging on St. Marks this morning.
“There are roughly three New York’s. There is, first, the New York of the man or woman who was born here, who takes the city for granted and accepts its size and its turbulence as natural and inevitable. Second, there is the New York of the commuter—the city that is devoured by locusts each day and spat out each night. Third, there is the New York of the person who was born somewhere else and came to New York in quest of something.
Of these three trembling cities, the greatest is the last—the city of final destination, the city that is a goal. It is this third city that accounts for New York’s high-strung disposition, its poetical deportment, its dedication to the arts, and its incomparable achievements.
Commuters give the city its tidal restlessness; natives give it solidity and continuity; but the settlers give it passion.
”
Here is New York by E.B. White (via Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York, marksbirch)
This quote is always worth rereading.
I went on the MTA Museum’s “Jewel in the Crown” tour of the original City Hall IRT station on Saturday. It’s a beautiful station that’s been closed since 1945 and I recommend the tour if you get a chance. I got lucky with the light that day. The tour guide said it was the first time he’s ever been there when both of the City Hall signs, at each end of the station, were lit up with sunlight.
Keith Haring’s ‘Crack Is Wack Playground’ in New York City (more info here)
I’ve driven past this place a thousand times and never knew it was called that. Some city, huh?
This is cool:
In 1986, Keith Haring got a $25 ticket for painting graffiti on a handball court in East Harlem. Perhaps sensing the crack epidemic of the 1980s reaching a fever pitch, the Parks Department contacted him months later with a request to finish the mural.
How, Exactly, the Sugary-Drink Ban Will Affect You
If You Start Your Day With Sweetened Black Coffee:
Baristas can’t add more than three to five packets of sugar to cups of coffee over sixteen ounces. If you want extra sweetener, you’re going to have to add it yourself. Unless you get your coffee at Starbucks — the company isn’t planning on changing its menu until it gauges the response from city inspectors. Starbucks baristas will add more sugar to venti- and trenta-sized drinks, but only if you ask for it first. Dunkin’ Donuts is scared of going over the limit, so it’s asking customers to add their own sugar to all large and extra-large hot beverages and medium and large iced drinks.If You Prefer a Sugary-Yet-Milky Coffee Drink:
If your big drink is at least half milk (or a “milk substitute,” which is what the government calls soy milk), your expensive latte habit can continue without interference. Drinks like caramel macchiatos and vanilla lattes are safe, but venti Frappuccinos may be endangered — they’re 60 percent ice. Dunkin’ Donuts is only selling Dunkaccinos and Coffee Coolattas in small and medium sizes. Independent shops might not want to deal with the hassle, so you might find some spots selling smaller sizes exclusively.
East Houston
