I had the most pleasant commute today, it was unnerving. The 7 express train came right as I got to the platform and it was empty! I have no idea how this happened, but it was weird...and wonderful. No being cramped into a tiny space, no elbows in my face or toes stepped on, no body odor. I could actually sit and enjoy the beautiful early morning view of Manhattan. It was smooth riding all the way to Times Square. Oh, if only every day could be like this.
Of course, the crazy Christian dude was still ranting in the corridor between the 7 and A/C/E trains. "Jesus wants to bring eternal life (light?) to your soul. He wants to be your friend but you continue to reject him and turn toward Satan." I hear that, Mr. Crazy, I sure do. Every. Single. Day.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Travel Readings
Last night, I went to The Half King for a book reading. Rolf Potts was reading from his new collection of travel stories called Marco Polo Didn't Go There: Stories and Revelations from One Decade as a Postmodern Travel Writer. I've posted about Potts before and how inspiring his book, Vagabonding, is to me. Of course I bought his new book and had it signed by him. I always go to book readings thinking I won't buy the book and then I almost always do. I'm so susceptible to marketing. Oh well, it's nice having a signed copy, I guess.
In person, Potts speaks very much like he writes, with a very straightforward, clean, and balanced prose. He has this extremely practical and refreshing way of thinking and writing about travel. He encourages travelers to slow down and take the time to really get to know a place, not just whisk through it on a whirlwind. Too often, I feel like this is what I, and many others, do when traveling. You schedule visits to three cities in one week and do a perfunctory tour of each place. It's only when you stop and really experience a place, that you allow it to sink into your skin and have the most memorable time. He also cautions against pre-conceived ideas of a culture or place, and even one's own judgments of what's right or proper or valuable. You have to be fluid, adaptable, and sensitive to what's around you. But you also have to strike a balance between that and your own honest feelings. You shouldn't sensor them or worry too much about being politically correct. If something genuinely offends you, let it offend you, but be open to seeing things you'd never have expected seeing in that particular place in time.
Like any good writer, Potts has a bit of a self-deprecating, goofy, and vulgar side. He is a self-proclaimed "travel geek." At one point, he presented a slide show of his own photos. One was a high school yearbook photo of himself sporting a mullet and Cosby sweater; another was a picture of the place he spends most of his time: a bare writing desk with an old laptop next to a bed. His point: travel writing isn't as sexy as one would think. He seemed to really want to demystify the lifestyle of travel writers and show how unglamorous it really is. He mentioned that he lives very simply, never beyond his means, and, instead of settling in an exciting place like New York, he owns a farm in Kansas near his family. Also, after ten years of writing professionally, his income is only now starting to be commensurate with his experience.
There was a bit of discussion about Elizabeth Gilbert's book Eat, Pray, Love spurred by a fellow travel writer in the audience who was "envious...of her numbers." I thought that was a pretty funny comment, especially since the guy had just gone on a tirade about how he liked that the book explored the "neuroses of New Yorkers." Potts calls the book "travel porn for women," which struck me as a little misogynistic, if not hilariously true. I actually really liked the book, but not as a piece of travel nonfiction; I never thought to classify Gilbert's book as such. It's more of a self-help book peppered with some foreign locales. It's not really an account of her experiences in a particular place. Her experiences could have happened anywhere. Potts' criticism comes from her living in an insular world of expats, not really exploring where she travels to. She reflects inwardly rather than onto her environment, which is precisely why I say it's a self-help book, not a travel piece. In any case, Potts' intriguing review of the book imagines a man in Gilbert's place, and summarizes the story to an amusing effect.
*On a somewhat unrelated note, there was a pretty cool photo exhibit on display at The Half King. The artist apparently followed Barack Obama on the campaign trail and some of the photos were really moving. One is a shot of Obama from behind waving to an audience that's blacked out, due presumably to a bright spotlight. It kind of shows his isolation, how he can't even see his audience. But his energy still comes through the photo. My favorite picture, though, is of him sitting on a pool table, taking a shot with the cue wrapped behind his back and through his arms. There are all these people standing back and watching him, which gives off more of the same feeling of isolation. But what really gets me is this very real, laid back, cool demeanor he possesses.*
In person, Potts speaks very much like he writes, with a very straightforward, clean, and balanced prose. He has this extremely practical and refreshing way of thinking and writing about travel. He encourages travelers to slow down and take the time to really get to know a place, not just whisk through it on a whirlwind. Too often, I feel like this is what I, and many others, do when traveling. You schedule visits to three cities in one week and do a perfunctory tour of each place. It's only when you stop and really experience a place, that you allow it to sink into your skin and have the most memorable time. He also cautions against pre-conceived ideas of a culture or place, and even one's own judgments of what's right or proper or valuable. You have to be fluid, adaptable, and sensitive to what's around you. But you also have to strike a balance between that and your own honest feelings. You shouldn't sensor them or worry too much about being politically correct. If something genuinely offends you, let it offend you, but be open to seeing things you'd never have expected seeing in that particular place in time.
Like any good writer, Potts has a bit of a self-deprecating, goofy, and vulgar side. He is a self-proclaimed "travel geek." At one point, he presented a slide show of his own photos. One was a high school yearbook photo of himself sporting a mullet and Cosby sweater; another was a picture of the place he spends most of his time: a bare writing desk with an old laptop next to a bed. His point: travel writing isn't as sexy as one would think. He seemed to really want to demystify the lifestyle of travel writers and show how unglamorous it really is. He mentioned that he lives very simply, never beyond his means, and, instead of settling in an exciting place like New York, he owns a farm in Kansas near his family. Also, after ten years of writing professionally, his income is only now starting to be commensurate with his experience.
There was a bit of discussion about Elizabeth Gilbert's book Eat, Pray, Love spurred by a fellow travel writer in the audience who was "envious...of her numbers." I thought that was a pretty funny comment, especially since the guy had just gone on a tirade about how he liked that the book explored the "neuroses of New Yorkers." Potts calls the book "travel porn for women," which struck me as a little misogynistic, if not hilariously true. I actually really liked the book, but not as a piece of travel nonfiction; I never thought to classify Gilbert's book as such. It's more of a self-help book peppered with some foreign locales. It's not really an account of her experiences in a particular place. Her experiences could have happened anywhere. Potts' criticism comes from her living in an insular world of expats, not really exploring where she travels to. She reflects inwardly rather than onto her environment, which is precisely why I say it's a self-help book, not a travel piece. In any case, Potts' intriguing review of the book imagines a man in Gilbert's place, and summarizes the story to an amusing effect.
*On a somewhat unrelated note, there was a pretty cool photo exhibit on display at The Half King. The artist apparently followed Barack Obama on the campaign trail and some of the photos were really moving. One is a shot of Obama from behind waving to an audience that's blacked out, due presumably to a bright spotlight. It kind of shows his isolation, how he can't even see his audience. But his energy still comes through the photo. My favorite picture, though, is of him sitting on a pool table, taking a shot with the cue wrapped behind his back and through his arms. There are all these people standing back and watching him, which gives off more of the same feeling of isolation. But what really gets me is this very real, laid back, cool demeanor he possesses.*
Monday, October 20, 2008
New York Theater
I go through peaks and valleys of loving/hating New York, as I'm sure many New Yorkers experience. My main frustration with this town usually happens whenever dealing with rush hour crowds, slow walkers who stop short for no discernible reason, and slow or non-existent trains. These frustrations mount considerably when faced with the nearly impossible task of finding an affordable apartment in the city, a headache I wouldn't wish on my greatest enemy. During these times, I imagine myself in an isolated part of the world, remote and beautiful, living a simple, yet fulfilling life. Usually, there are small-town elements: a quirky cast of locals, bucolic landscapes, talking animals, etc. I am under no delusion that I would be eternally content in such a place, as I thrive in the fast-paced and exciting New York lifestyle. But the prospect of running away is very enticing.
However, most of the time, I feel a surge of love and pride at being a New Yorker. I especially feel this way after seeing a particularly good piece of theater. It's no secret that the performing arts is robust in this city. There is such a wealth of options. The experience of live theater usually leaves me feeling grateful and a bit more alive. Even if I'm leaving a theater near Times Square, the annoying crowds don't bother me if it's been a good show.
Broadway shows aren't the only things to see in New York City that give me the warm fuzzies. I recently had the opportunity to see the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra perform at the legendary Village Vanguard when a friend was visiting from out of town. They were extraordinary, a superband with an explosive sound and exciting solos. Another favorite of mine is Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, performed by the New York Neo-Futurists. The ongoing show, an attempt to perform 30 short plays in an hour, is usually quirky, funny, and moving. Then there was the awesome short-lived Jump, a kung fu slapstick comedy that played at the Union Square Theater.
In general, my only complaint about theater is the expense. It can be costly, but I consider it a worthy investment most of the time. It's investing in dreams, music, stories, life. Still, there are many opportunities for discounts. I won't necessarily pay $100 for a musical, but I will stand on line for cheap rush tickets or a lottery. I don't mind paying for the cheapest possible seat and seeing a show from the last row, because I'm still there to experience it. For instance, when Gypsy first opened, I paid less than $50 for mezzanine seats. For such a big show, it doesn't matter where you are in the audience, in my opinion. Of course, its nice to sit up close. That way, you get more into the world of the play. But I'd sacrifice that experience to save a few bucks. Some shows have a lottery for cheap orchestra seats, including In the Heights. You submit your name 2 hours before curtain and only have to wait half an hour to see if you've won tickets. The payoff is front orchestra seats for $26.50. I plan on taking advantage of this offer.
For those 18-35 years old, the Roundabout Theatre Company offers $20 tickets for all their shows with Hiptix. Earlier this year, I saw the excellent, Tony-nominated Sunday in the Park with George through this program. Next season, the Roundabout is producing Samuel Beckett's Waiting For Godot. I can't tell you how excited I am for this, as the production will star Bill Irwin and Nathan Lane, two actors I have not seen enough of.
Perhaps the best example of cheap theater is The Public Theater's annual summertime Shakespeare in the Park. All tickets are free for this festival, with two shows per season, sometimes featuring celebrated actors or directors. I'll never forget seeing Hair this summer at the Delacorte Theater. Being in the audience felt like a gift and a triumph; the triumph of enduring a long wait on line for ticket hand-outs. The show was outstanding and was only heightened by the experience of waking up at dawn to sit on cold, hard ground for hours. It sounds silly, but it was very much in keeping with the spirit of the age in which the show originally took place. Not that I felt like a hippie or anything, but it just made sense for the show to take place outdoors, from the process of getting a ticket to the performance itself.
There is nothing like free, outdoor theater. I don't know if this qualifies, but one of my most memorable New York moments happened one night not too long ago. It was a Friday night this summer and I was in the West Village with a couple of friends. We stopped by Father Demo Square, which is really a triangle at the cross-section of 6th Avenue, and Carmine and Bleecker Streets. This is one of my favorite spots in the city because if you face away from 6th Avenue toward the water fountain in the center, it doesn't feel like you're in New York City at all. You're transported to a small, charming European city, perhaps Nice or Siena. During the summer, there's a guy who brings out his piano and plays in this "square." He does a mixture of classical, pop, and classic rock tunes. This one night in particular, he was playing a classical piece, and a few young couples started dancing. Then the male counterparts burst into ballet and danced for a good half hour. The girls were more shy and sat out most of the time, but they eventually returned to their partners for a pas de deux. We later learned that they were ballet students from the LaGuardia Performing Arts High School. They could have fooled me into believing they were professional.
However, most of the time, I feel a surge of love and pride at being a New Yorker. I especially feel this way after seeing a particularly good piece of theater. It's no secret that the performing arts is robust in this city. There is such a wealth of options. The experience of live theater usually leaves me feeling grateful and a bit more alive. Even if I'm leaving a theater near Times Square, the annoying crowds don't bother me if it's been a good show.
Broadway shows aren't the only things to see in New York City that give me the warm fuzzies. I recently had the opportunity to see the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra perform at the legendary Village Vanguard when a friend was visiting from out of town. They were extraordinary, a superband with an explosive sound and exciting solos. Another favorite of mine is Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, performed by the New York Neo-Futurists. The ongoing show, an attempt to perform 30 short plays in an hour, is usually quirky, funny, and moving. Then there was the awesome short-lived Jump, a kung fu slapstick comedy that played at the Union Square Theater.
In general, my only complaint about theater is the expense. It can be costly, but I consider it a worthy investment most of the time. It's investing in dreams, music, stories, life. Still, there are many opportunities for discounts. I won't necessarily pay $100 for a musical, but I will stand on line for cheap rush tickets or a lottery. I don't mind paying for the cheapest possible seat and seeing a show from the last row, because I'm still there to experience it. For instance, when Gypsy first opened, I paid less than $50 for mezzanine seats. For such a big show, it doesn't matter where you are in the audience, in my opinion. Of course, its nice to sit up close. That way, you get more into the world of the play. But I'd sacrifice that experience to save a few bucks. Some shows have a lottery for cheap orchestra seats, including In the Heights. You submit your name 2 hours before curtain and only have to wait half an hour to see if you've won tickets. The payoff is front orchestra seats for $26.50. I plan on taking advantage of this offer.
For those 18-35 years old, the Roundabout Theatre Company offers $20 tickets for all their shows with Hiptix. Earlier this year, I saw the excellent, Tony-nominated Sunday in the Park with George through this program. Next season, the Roundabout is producing Samuel Beckett's Waiting For Godot. I can't tell you how excited I am for this, as the production will star Bill Irwin and Nathan Lane, two actors I have not seen enough of.
Perhaps the best example of cheap theater is The Public Theater's annual summertime Shakespeare in the Park. All tickets are free for this festival, with two shows per season, sometimes featuring celebrated actors or directors. I'll never forget seeing Hair this summer at the Delacorte Theater. Being in the audience felt like a gift and a triumph; the triumph of enduring a long wait on line for ticket hand-outs. The show was outstanding and was only heightened by the experience of waking up at dawn to sit on cold, hard ground for hours. It sounds silly, but it was very much in keeping with the spirit of the age in which the show originally took place. Not that I felt like a hippie or anything, but it just made sense for the show to take place outdoors, from the process of getting a ticket to the performance itself.
There is nothing like free, outdoor theater. I don't know if this qualifies, but one of my most memorable New York moments happened one night not too long ago. It was a Friday night this summer and I was in the West Village with a couple of friends. We stopped by Father Demo Square, which is really a triangle at the cross-section of 6th Avenue, and Carmine and Bleecker Streets. This is one of my favorite spots in the city because if you face away from 6th Avenue toward the water fountain in the center, it doesn't feel like you're in New York City at all. You're transported to a small, charming European city, perhaps Nice or Siena. During the summer, there's a guy who brings out his piano and plays in this "square." He does a mixture of classical, pop, and classic rock tunes. This one night in particular, he was playing a classical piece, and a few young couples started dancing. Then the male counterparts burst into ballet and danced for a good half hour. The girls were more shy and sat out most of the time, but they eventually returned to their partners for a pas de deux. We later learned that they were ballet students from the LaGuardia Performing Arts High School. They could have fooled me into believing they were professional.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Hoftsra Debate: Obama vs. McCain
Last night's debate was such a joke! How long will it take for people to realize that McCain is all attack and no substance. Granted, he's a terrible debater, always repeating the same things over and over, and has those unfortunate beady eyes and smug look to overcome. But really, he just came off sounding like such a child, it was almost uncomfortable to watch. Obama sat there, calm and collected, with his points at the ready. And they're good points too! He didn't sound petty or disgruntled at all the mudslinging. He even went so far as to suggest they bring it on; it's all part of campaigning. He really gained my ultimate respect last night, if he didn't already have my full support. What he says just makes sense. McCain's attack is to say Obama just wants to spend more of our money. Well, yes, a country costs money to run. So does a war. Would you rather have a strong country or a strong war? I think McCain has made it clear which he prefers.
I do have one complaint with Obama. He missed the opportunity to list the many ways in which Sarah Palin is not qualified to run a country in the event that happens. I realize he was just trying to be polite and not step over the line (because unfortunately it's way too easy to step over the line when it comes to Sarah Palin). But his response to that question was kind of lame. Now only time will tell who's qualified and who's going to sink this country even further.
I do have one complaint with Obama. He missed the opportunity to list the many ways in which Sarah Palin is not qualified to run a country in the event that happens. I realize he was just trying to be polite and not step over the line (because unfortunately it's way too easy to step over the line when it comes to Sarah Palin). But his response to that question was kind of lame. Now only time will tell who's qualified and who's going to sink this country even further.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
President Obama
I went to the northeast suburbs of Philadelphia, PA yesterday with Alli, Josh, and my mom to canvass the area for the Obama/Biden campaign. That morning, Barack Obama himself appeared at a rally outside the Mayfair Diner only a few blocks from campaign headquarters. We rolled into Mayfair around 9:20am; the rally began promptly at 9:30am. I'd like to say I got a good look at the man who will become our next president but, alas, the crowd was thick and noisy, blocking Obama's signature rhetoric from reaching my ears. It was still exciting to be there and I did get some glimpses standing on my tippie toes, albeit from afar.
It was amazing weather, perfect for walking door to door asking people if they were voting for Obama. Josh and I went with another newbie, a woman named Barbara from Westchester by way of Queens. Ours was a middle-income, working-class neighborhood, Obama's prime target demographic in this swing state. Most people were not home. In fact, out of the 50 doors we hit that afternoon, only 15 people actually spoke to us. One man leaned from his window and replied, "Yeah, I'm voting for Obama. Two chickens in every pot!" To which we laughed and moved on, marking him as a supporter. "What the hell does that mean?" we later asked ourselves. We figured it had something to do with the economy. Indeed, it was a statement made by Herbert Hoover during his 1928 presidential campaign remarking on the prosperity he would bring our nation. Interesting what all that prosperity would eventually lead to, and how chillingly close we are to a similar fate.
It was amazing weather, perfect for walking door to door asking people if they were voting for Obama. Josh and I went with another newbie, a woman named Barbara from Westchester by way of Queens. Ours was a middle-income, working-class neighborhood, Obama's prime target demographic in this swing state. Most people were not home. In fact, out of the 50 doors we hit that afternoon, only 15 people actually spoke to us. One man leaned from his window and replied, "Yeah, I'm voting for Obama. Two chickens in every pot!" To which we laughed and moved on, marking him as a supporter. "What the hell does that mean?" we later asked ourselves. We figured it had something to do with the economy. Indeed, it was a statement made by Herbert Hoover during his 1928 presidential campaign remarking on the prosperity he would bring our nation. Interesting what all that prosperity would eventually lead to, and how chillingly close we are to a similar fate.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Revival
I'm hereby reviving my blog here on blogspot. It's about damn time too, as I've been craving an outlet that isn't as obscure as LiveJournal. I'm not giving up on LJ simply because nobody seems to be using it. On the contrary, one of my favorite blogs is up there: HopStopTravel.com. Read it, it's completely inspiring. I just feel like refreshing my environment, classing it up a bit--not that LJ is classless. Are blogs ever labeled as such? It's true I did originally move over to blogspot to provide a home for more high-brow endeavors. I'd just rather not juggle the two. I'm condensing, economizing, simplifying, etc. Plus, this is way more fun to play around with...
I've taken on the ambitious task of transferring all my previous LJ posts here and postdating them, because I think it's interesting to see the progression. Unfortunately, some of them have really good comments attached to them and I don't think I am able to add the comments. So if you see a post you like, maybe refer back to the original LJ post for some wonderful commentary.
This reminds me of the day I wrote my first entry, back in January 2006. It was just before I left for Australia. It's interesting how new everything was to me, how exciting. I created it as a way for my friends and family to keep track of me while abroad and it morphed into this time capsule, a way for me to keep track of me and my metamorphosis from a young, naive college grad to a jaded, world-weary vagabond (ha!). Well, maybe it didn't exactly go down that way, but I'm sure I have grown up in the almost three years since starting this. I've gone through a lot, but not in the sense that's particularly interesting to anybody but myself. It's all very a day in the life, as The Beatles once sung. But don't take my word for it, read for yourself.
I've taken on the ambitious task of transferring all my previous LJ posts here and postdating them, because I think it's interesting to see the progression. Unfortunately, some of them have really good comments attached to them and I don't think I am able to add the comments. So if you see a post you like, maybe refer back to the original LJ post for some wonderful commentary.
This reminds me of the day I wrote my first entry, back in January 2006. It was just before I left for Australia. It's interesting how new everything was to me, how exciting. I created it as a way for my friends and family to keep track of me while abroad and it morphed into this time capsule, a way for me to keep track of me and my metamorphosis from a young, naive college grad to a jaded, world-weary vagabond (ha!). Well, maybe it didn't exactly go down that way, but I'm sure I have grown up in the almost three years since starting this. I've gone through a lot, but not in the sense that's particularly interesting to anybody but myself. It's all very a day in the life, as The Beatles once sung. But don't take my word for it, read for yourself.
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