With the winter weather system moving through Washington DC and New York City, it's only appropriate that a discussion be held about the way each city handles inclement weather.
Before we begin, let me be honest--this is actually going to be a discussion about how Washington DC cannot handle inclement weather. New York's tough guy attitude actually holds true when battling Mother Nature.
Washington DC is a great city that can handle many things. The nation's capital has faced corruption in local politics, underperformance in public schools, and deterioration in neighborhoods. It has weathered through an inauguration with unbelievable attendance as an administration filled with bloopers and blunders was escorted out. Resilient and determined, it is and will always be the backbone of our nation.
But when it comes to dealing with a little bit of snow or some heavy rain, my money is on any other city.
Here are the top three reasons why DC falls to the bottom of the list during a storm:
3) CLOSURES - While this may be favorable for students, so many DC businesses calls quits the minute flurries start picking up. So that means, no food deliveries, no dry cleaning, no nothing. Don't get me wrong; I am a huge fan of the couch potato lifestyle. But when I can't get my traditional chinese food delivery in celebration of the first snow of the season, I begin to question why I have the day off in the first place.
2) ROADS/SIDEWALKS - Along the same lines, DC administration does not have the capabilities to properly plow and salt streets. While other cities (ahem, NYC) are ready within hours, DC slips into Lucille Ball mode. You know, that episode when she works at the chocolate factory and as the assembly line moves faster, she freaks out and begins stuffing the chocolates in her pocket, her shirt, her mouth. DC, that is you.
1) DRIVERS - DC automobile users lose all control when it is anything but clear. Snow, drizzle, cats, dogs, men--it doesn't matter. All the DC/Virginia/Maryland drivers tuck their common sense away in the dashboard. With their feet constantly on the break pedal, they tap it every two seconds. No one knows what to do during 4-way stops, yellow lights become red lights, and the speed limit drops to 10 mph. Oy gevalt.
Even the most popular new kid on the block feels the same...
http://www.politico.com/blogs/anneschroeder/0109/Obama_girls_cant_believe_school_cancelled_.html
I can picture NYC saying to DC, "How you doin'?"
29 January 2009
22 January 2009
WHAT A WONDERFUL (WASHINGTON) WORLD
If anyone ever thought that Washington DC does not know how to party, these past few days have surely turned them into believers.
It was the most exciting, most genuine, most joyous place to be in the entire world. No other city could compare to the warm spirits, despite the cold weather. There were very few conflicts and complaints--everyone just wanted to have a good time.
People from all over the world shared in the celebration of the inauguration of a man we can all believe in. Mr. Barack Obama already accomplished one of his campaign promises and bridged people from different backgrounds.
I was glad to be in the middle of it all. Between all the public events (We Are One Concert, Swearing-In, riding the Metro) in which I stood with strangers tolerating the miserable conditions to the private parties (Youth Ball, Google Party, Installation of the HOPE image) where I danced and drank with A-listers, DC was a gracious host. This was possibly the most fun five days I have ever had in the nation's capital.
Yes NYC may have celebrities and parties any given day. But when it came for DC to step up to the plate, not only did they step up but they hit a homerun.
Three cheers to Washington, DC!
It was the most exciting, most genuine, most joyous place to be in the entire world. No other city could compare to the warm spirits, despite the cold weather. There were very few conflicts and complaints--everyone just wanted to have a good time.
People from all over the world shared in the celebration of the inauguration of a man we can all believe in. Mr. Barack Obama already accomplished one of his campaign promises and bridged people from different backgrounds.
I was glad to be in the middle of it all. Between all the public events (We Are One Concert, Swearing-In, riding the Metro) in which I stood with strangers tolerating the miserable conditions to the private parties (Youth Ball, Google Party, Installation of the HOPE image) where I danced and drank with A-listers, DC was a gracious host. This was possibly the most fun five days I have ever had in the nation's capital.
Yes NYC may have celebrities and parties any given day. But when it came for DC to step up to the plate, not only did they step up but they hit a homerun.
Three cheers to Washington, DC!
07 January 2009
AMERICAN, F$*% YEAH!
The last few minutes of my day at work is spent anxiously counting down the minutes until I attend a networking event at a bar in Midtown Manhattan.
Not really, but the excitement is actually there. The networking event is hosted by my Alma Mater, American University. The invitees are current undergrads taking time from their winter recess to see what working in NYC is all about and wildly successful Alums from the area. Wildly successful may be an overstatement, but you know what they say..."If I can make it there [the Big Apple], I'll make it anywhere." ANYWHERE? Nice. Because I feel like I'm kinda making it here. Mind you, I'm dreaming about my work and when my salary and living expenses don't really equate. But really, Frankie Blue Eyes would say I'm making it.
What truly makes this first ever Alumni event I am attending so exciting is that I can badmouth my grad school -- Columbia University. Sure there are tons of areas that Columbia shadows American. But as of this Tuesday at Bender Arena where dreams are made a reality, the Eagles beat, beat, beat the Lions.
So let's all join in and give a yell for AU and victory!!
Not really, but the excitement is actually there. The networking event is hosted by my Alma Mater, American University. The invitees are current undergrads taking time from their winter recess to see what working in NYC is all about and wildly successful Alums from the area. Wildly successful may be an overstatement, but you know what they say..."If I can make it there [the Big Apple], I'll make it anywhere." ANYWHERE? Nice. Because I feel like I'm kinda making it here. Mind you, I'm dreaming about my work and when my salary and living expenses don't really equate. But really, Frankie Blue Eyes would say I'm making it.
What truly makes this first ever Alumni event I am attending so exciting is that I can badmouth my grad school -- Columbia University. Sure there are tons of areas that Columbia shadows American. But as of this Tuesday at Bender Arena where dreams are made a reality, the Eagles beat, beat, beat the Lions.
So let's all join in and give a yell for AU and victory!!
26 December 2008
HOLIDAYISH
Some holiday images, courtesy of Flickr.com, celebrating the season...
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York City
College Walk, Columbia University
Northside, American University
National Menorah, District of Columbia
...Oh, what a wonderful world. Happy Holidays everyone!
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York City
College Walk, Columbia University
Northside, American University
National Menorah, District of Columbia
...Oh, what a wonderful world. Happy Holidays everyone!
24 December 2008
CHRISTMASTIME FOR THE TWOS
With Christmas just a few hours away, I figured that I can take a break from my non-work work and update about this special time of year.
...and I guess I'll discuss the merits of both cities during the holiday season.
Let's start with the District. No other place--at least to me--can compare with the Holiday parties that happen in Washington. I do not know of any other city in the United States where, if enough effort is applied, a person can eat and drink for free, starting Black Friday. With all the different companies and societies throwing holiday parties, it's a smorgasbord for free libation and mastication. If you're in the know, you can walk into almost any holiday party at a hotel or bar, say you're with a general constituency and you will be welcomed with open glitter-and-chiffon laden arms. Everyone is so deeply imbibed that they cannot see pass a Texan saying they're from a district in California. Not to mention, so many downtown hotels are hosting company functions that they can not keep track after the initial check-in. Not to mention, my favorite girls throw the best, most legendary holiday parties in DC.
Manhattan, while it's holiday party scene lives in the shadow of DC, can flex their holiday muscle to some attention. First off, it is the city of lights. And everyone knows, the holidays are about lights. ALL ABOUT LIGHTS. I've even dragged myself to Herald and Times Square--places that I usually swear against. Everyone comes to shop, to see the sights, to be part of what 30% of holiday songs are about. And as emotionally disconnected as a city New York tries to be, this lovely place can' t help but warm up to holiday feelings. And everyone gets involved. The MTA runs a vintage car, neighborhoods throw block parties, stores have sales, bars are adorned with garland. New York City...Tifanny's...Macy*s...New York Public Library...LES shopping. SO HOLIDAY!
To keep this short and sweet, New York City (not just Manhattan) has the lead. The tree at Rockefeller trumps the tree at the White House. Even the tree lighting ceremony whoops its ass. Even the tree at Bryant Park whoops its ass. And even the most hipster bars in Brooklyn decorate for the holidays. And, I'm no worker of Santa's workshop but any place that breaks through their tough exterior in honor of the holidays gets my vote. I mean, even my most anti-social coworker baked carrot cake and helped me wrap gifts. HELLO.
But, while I say NYC has the lead, this is the time for a truce. In the words of Wyclef, "No fighting, no fighting." There is no battle here, just celebration. And while I love me some Mr. Jean, John Lennon put it best into song & rhyme:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8jw-ifqwkM
Happy Christmas. No War.
***Even though Manhattan trumps.
****Trumps HARD.
...and I guess I'll discuss the merits of both cities during the holiday season.
Let's start with the District. No other place--at least to me--can compare with the Holiday parties that happen in Washington. I do not know of any other city in the United States where, if enough effort is applied, a person can eat and drink for free, starting Black Friday. With all the different companies and societies throwing holiday parties, it's a smorgasbord for free libation and mastication. If you're in the know, you can walk into almost any holiday party at a hotel or bar, say you're with a general constituency and you will be welcomed with open glitter-and-chiffon laden arms. Everyone is so deeply imbibed that they cannot see pass a Texan saying they're from a district in California. Not to mention, so many downtown hotels are hosting company functions that they can not keep track after the initial check-in. Not to mention, my favorite girls throw the best, most legendary holiday parties in DC.
Manhattan, while it's holiday party scene lives in the shadow of DC, can flex their holiday muscle to some attention. First off, it is the city of lights. And everyone knows, the holidays are about lights. ALL ABOUT LIGHTS. I've even dragged myself to Herald and Times Square--places that I usually swear against. Everyone comes to shop, to see the sights, to be part of what 30% of holiday songs are about. And as emotionally disconnected as a city New York tries to be, this lovely place can' t help but warm up to holiday feelings. And everyone gets involved. The MTA runs a vintage car, neighborhoods throw block parties, stores have sales, bars are adorned with garland. New York City...Tifanny's...Macy*s...New York Public Library...LES shopping. SO HOLIDAY!
To keep this short and sweet, New York City (not just Manhattan) has the lead. The tree at Rockefeller trumps the tree at the White House. Even the tree lighting ceremony whoops its ass. Even the tree at Bryant Park whoops its ass. And even the most hipster bars in Brooklyn decorate for the holidays. And, I'm no worker of Santa's workshop but any place that breaks through their tough exterior in honor of the holidays gets my vote. I mean, even my most anti-social coworker baked carrot cake and helped me wrap gifts. HELLO.
But, while I say NYC has the lead, this is the time for a truce. In the words of Wyclef, "No fighting, no fighting." There is no battle here, just celebration. And while I love me some Mr. Jean, John Lennon put it best into song & rhyme:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8jw-ifqwkM
Happy Christmas. No War.
***Even though Manhattan trumps.
****Trumps HARD.
11 December 2008
MR. EASTLACK GOES TO MANHATTAN
New York wins today.
One of my best pals in the world will be in town for a brief meeting at an undisclosed location. He is en route via train and will be leaving 6PM. So, I won't see this Maryland man at all. But, I just wanted to share.
And here he is spreading holiday cheer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ec2hiDZ_A
One of my best pals in the world will be in town for a brief meeting at an undisclosed location. He is en route via train and will be leaving 6PM. So, I won't see this Maryland man at all. But, I just wanted to share.
And here he is spreading holiday cheer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ec2hiDZ_A
08 December 2008
WHERE'S YOUR HOOD AT?
Long time no blog, I know. But listen, life's been busy. With work and school--and of course, the holidays--I've had absolutely no time to facilitate a fight-off. Now I'm back and this week, we are gonna talk territory.
Best collection of neighborhoods: DC or Manhattan.
First, a caveat. I am not going to write about every single neighborhood in both cities. Instead, here's a quickie of the best that each contender has to offer. Think of it as the best combination of kids chosen to represent their school at the County Trivia Bowl.
On DC's team of three is Friendship Heights, Penn Quarter, and Adams Morgan.
Friendship Heights, often referred to as the District's own Fifth Avenue is as much of a shopping destination as Paris for the stylista or Tokyo for the harajuku in you. Sure, DC is not known for its style, but the row of stores in Friendship Heights would make any patron think they can be on the pages of Vogue or Esquire. With stores like Brooks Brothers, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany's, Friendship Heights can help you burn plastic.
The Penn Quarter is a mix of old and new Washington. The attractions of the Verizon Center, Newseum, and International Spy Museum are paired with Ford's Theater, Portrait Gallery, and the Smithsonian. Sandwiched between the White House and Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter is a great reflection of what Washington means to everyone--a national city that works hard and plays hard.
Speaking of playing hard, Adams Morgan is the hardest playing among its counterparts. Not only is Adams Morgan a place I like to call home, but it's a bustling few blocks during the day and night. And that's a claim not very many neighborhoods can live up to. Influenced by acceptance and diversity, this neighborhood is jovial and festive. With buildings covered in the brightest paints and businesses of all sorts, Adams Morgan welcomes everybody, and has something for everyone.
Manhattan has a strong hand to counter: Harlem, Hell's Kitchen, and Loisida.
Harlem is the mecca of African-American culture. Everything from music to style to food has deep roots in Harlem. In this area, the people rule and who they are is on proudly on display. The best sweet potatoes. The best Nike air force ones. The best jazz. Anything in Harlem is going to be the best you'll find in Manhattan. While its obviously not the best area in the City, they satisfy damn well in what they do.
Hell's Kitchen, the former go-to for porn and gang fights, is another deeply rooted neighborhood in Manhattan. Movie after movie have been based on this area--my two favorites being Sleepers and West Side Story. Known for fire escapes and legendary (but usually illegal) hydrant parties, Hell's Kitchen is now the residential neighborhood for a range of talented folk, from Alicia Keys to Jerry Seinfeld. It is a neighborhood of entertainers and entertainment--Alvin Ailley and Jon Stewart put on shows in, what many people consider, the backbone of Manhattan.
Loisida is a play on the high Spanish-speaking population and their vernacular pronunciation of the "Lower East Side." This is a most unique neighborhood since it has embraced its rough and rowdy look, diverse population, and resistance to giving into the gentrification machine. Fueled by modern bohemians and the truest of true New Yorkers, Loisida is not only a place to live, but a living place--one that will not go without a fight. The people fighting? Dedicated citizens of leather punk rockers, too-cool for school NYUsies, and families who have been there for decades. All happily coexisting and hating the Manhattan.
So straight to the point, New York wins. While I only compared three versus three, there is one reason why New York wins. The people living in New York neighborhoods are so loyal to their little patch of green (re: concrete), that if I didn't give them the trophy, they'd probably send their children to kick my shins. Take into account the numbers of neighborhoods, the variety and the history, it's obvious that DC would get served in this round. But other DC districts within the district to consider--Columbia Heights, Eastern Market, U Street--do put up a worthy effort.
Congratulations NewYork, please don't beat me up.
Best collection of neighborhoods: DC or Manhattan.
First, a caveat. I am not going to write about every single neighborhood in both cities. Instead, here's a quickie of the best that each contender has to offer. Think of it as the best combination of kids chosen to represent their school at the County Trivia Bowl.
On DC's team of three is Friendship Heights, Penn Quarter, and Adams Morgan.
Friendship Heights, often referred to as the District's own Fifth Avenue is as much of a shopping destination as Paris for the stylista or Tokyo for the harajuku in you. Sure, DC is not known for its style, but the row of stores in Friendship Heights would make any patron think they can be on the pages of Vogue or Esquire. With stores like Brooks Brothers, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany's, Friendship Heights can help you burn plastic.
The Penn Quarter is a mix of old and new Washington. The attractions of the Verizon Center, Newseum, and International Spy Museum are paired with Ford's Theater, Portrait Gallery, and the Smithsonian. Sandwiched between the White House and Capitol Hill, Penn Quarter is a great reflection of what Washington means to everyone--a national city that works hard and plays hard.
Speaking of playing hard, Adams Morgan is the hardest playing among its counterparts. Not only is Adams Morgan a place I like to call home, but it's a bustling few blocks during the day and night. And that's a claim not very many neighborhoods can live up to. Influenced by acceptance and diversity, this neighborhood is jovial and festive. With buildings covered in the brightest paints and businesses of all sorts, Adams Morgan welcomes everybody, and has something for everyone.
Manhattan has a strong hand to counter: Harlem, Hell's Kitchen, and Loisida.
Harlem is the mecca of African-American culture. Everything from music to style to food has deep roots in Harlem. In this area, the people rule and who they are is on proudly on display. The best sweet potatoes. The best Nike air force ones. The best jazz. Anything in Harlem is going to be the best you'll find in Manhattan. While its obviously not the best area in the City, they satisfy damn well in what they do.
Hell's Kitchen, the former go-to for porn and gang fights, is another deeply rooted neighborhood in Manhattan. Movie after movie have been based on this area--my two favorites being Sleepers and West Side Story. Known for fire escapes and legendary (but usually illegal) hydrant parties, Hell's Kitchen is now the residential neighborhood for a range of talented folk, from Alicia Keys to Jerry Seinfeld. It is a neighborhood of entertainers and entertainment--Alvin Ailley and Jon Stewart put on shows in, what many people consider, the backbone of Manhattan.
Loisida is a play on the high Spanish-speaking population and their vernacular pronunciation of the "Lower East Side." This is a most unique neighborhood since it has embraced its rough and rowdy look, diverse population, and resistance to giving into the gentrification machine. Fueled by modern bohemians and the truest of true New Yorkers, Loisida is not only a place to live, but a living place--one that will not go without a fight. The people fighting? Dedicated citizens of leather punk rockers, too-cool for school NYUsies, and families who have been there for decades. All happily coexisting and hating the Manhattan.
So straight to the point, New York wins. While I only compared three versus three, there is one reason why New York wins. The people living in New York neighborhoods are so loyal to their little patch of green (re: concrete), that if I didn't give them the trophy, they'd probably send their children to kick my shins. Take into account the numbers of neighborhoods, the variety and the history, it's obvious that DC would get served in this round. But other DC districts within the district to consider--Columbia Heights, Eastern Market, U Street--do put up a worthy effort.
Congratulations NewYork, please don't beat me up.
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