Today I electrocuted myself. And it took a record 18 minutes flat for my dad and I to get from our house in Montclair to the entrance of the Lincoln Tunnel.
Chelsea!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Breakfast POTATOES with a side of TOAST
Today was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL day, so my family and I decided to walk around Central Park, near the American Museum of Natural History (prolly like, one of my favorite museums ever). Walkin' down Columbus, we passed a farmer's market selling possibly the largest variety of everything imaginable -- the most diverse mushrooms, the weirdest looking potatoes, the most colorful carrots, etc. Kinda weird, huh? We're living in the "concrete jungle," but there are literally farms on the sidewalks.
ANYWAY, on the corner of 77th and Columbus is this flea market that takes place every weekend. Just Googled it. Apparently it's called the GreenFlea. GreenFlea : NYC as Eastern Market : DC.
So we were just crusin' through the flea market when we came across this old guy wearing Harry Potter glasses, a bowtie, and a sweater vest. I was intrigued. Then I saw what he was selling. I was super intrigued.
This guy sells vintage toasters.
Working vintage toasters.
Working vintage toasters like, from the '20s and stuff. While I silently ogled from the front of the stand, my sister, not one to shy away from things, marched right up to the Mr. Harry Potter Glasses and demanded to know how the toasters worked. And so he gave us a demonstration, putting the toast in, waiting till it was golden brown, then flipping it so the other side could toast, too. "Flipping" toast to the other side in these working vintage toasters, however, comes in all forms and mechanized styles. One toaster had a lever you pulled to the other side, which would cause the toast-holding part to detach itself from the main toaster body, flip 180 degrees, then fall back into place. Another toaster had a lever you pulled down, which would cause the toast to take a trip down a mini-slide; when the lever was pushed back up, the bread would flip, causing the opposite side of bread to be toasted. My favorite could toast four pieces of bread at the same time -- each piece of bread formed a "wall" of the toaster, and when a lever was pulled the four walls would fan out, flower style, and rotate to the other side.
(Disclaimer: In reality, the toasters are extremely easy to work. My descriptions of 1930's mechanics are just super convoluted.)
We left the stall, scoped out some other stands, but somehow found ourselves back at the toaster stall. We saw a woman chatting up Mr. Harry Potter Glasses, and she was obviously smitten. Vintage toaster salesmen are clearly P-I-M-Ps.
And you know what, I can't say that I'm the world's biggest toast fan, or that I am a big collector of vintage kitchen appliances, but I think I'm smitten, too.
-Lida
ANYWAY, on the corner of 77th and Columbus is this flea market that takes place every weekend. Just Googled it. Apparently it's called the GreenFlea. GreenFlea : NYC as Eastern Market : DC.
So we were just crusin' through the flea market when we came across this old guy wearing Harry Potter glasses, a bowtie, and a sweater vest. I was intrigued. Then I saw what he was selling. I was super intrigued.
This guy sells vintage toasters.
Working vintage toasters.
Working vintage toasters like, from the '20s and stuff. While I silently ogled from the front of the stand, my sister, not one to shy away from things, marched right up to the Mr. Harry Potter Glasses and demanded to know how the toasters worked. And so he gave us a demonstration, putting the toast in, waiting till it was golden brown, then flipping it so the other side could toast, too. "Flipping" toast to the other side in these working vintage toasters, however, comes in all forms and mechanized styles. One toaster had a lever you pulled to the other side, which would cause the toast-holding part to detach itself from the main toaster body, flip 180 degrees, then fall back into place. Another toaster had a lever you pulled down, which would cause the toast to take a trip down a mini-slide; when the lever was pushed back up, the bread would flip, causing the opposite side of bread to be toasted. My favorite could toast four pieces of bread at the same time -- each piece of bread formed a "wall" of the toaster, and when a lever was pulled the four walls would fan out, flower style, and rotate to the other side.
(Disclaimer: In reality, the toasters are extremely easy to work. My descriptions of 1930's mechanics are just super convoluted.)
We left the stall, scoped out some other stands, but somehow found ourselves back at the toaster stall. We saw a woman chatting up Mr. Harry Potter Glasses, and she was obviously smitten. Vintage toaster salesmen are clearly P-I-M-Ps.
And you know what, I can't say that I'm the world's biggest toast fan, or that I am a big collector of vintage kitchen appliances, but I think I'm smitten, too.
-Lida
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday Night Adventures
With most of my homework finished and nothing pressing due today, Thursday, Lulu and I decided to forgo a night of catching up on TV on Hulu and go to a random free concert downtown. The concert was at Bowery Electric, a bar in Noho/ East Village with exposed brick and a modern bar filled with artsy, hipster types. There were three bands playing, Jangula, Ambassadors, and The Postelles. The concert was 18+ so when we got to the door, we pulled out our regular licenses and gave them to the intimidating looking bouncer. Lulu handed over her horizontal California license, the guy looked at it, back at Lulu, then back at the license and gave her a wristband. Then I gave him my vertical New Jersey license, (thanks dirty jerz for making it so obvious that I'm under 21) he gave it back to me and stamped my hand. I didn't think much of it at first until we went into the venue and I noticed every person holding a drink had a wristband on. I pointed it out to Lulu, she pulled out her ID and we inspected it. It said very clearly, in red font, "Age 21 in 2013". Point: the bouncer was a dumbass.
Anyway, Lulu and I got there in the middle of Jangula, a kind of electro, punk, pop band (http://www.myspace.com/jangulanyc) with a lead singer sporting a shirt with the most ridiculous fringe shoulder pads. I took out my camera and snapped a couple totally out of focus pictures, it was really dark and I just don't know how to use my camera. After Jangula was over, the guy sitting next to me leaned over and said "Hey, I write a music blog, would you be willing to let me post your pictures?" I e-mailed the recent Dartmouth graduate named Max a couple pictures, noting that weren't very good, but maybe they'll appear on another blog. Buildin' a portfolio liiiiike.
Anyway, Lulu and I got there in the middle of Jangula, a kind of electro, punk, pop band (http://www.myspace.com/jangulanyc) with a lead singer sporting a shirt with the most ridiculous fringe shoulder pads. I took out my camera and snapped a couple totally out of focus pictures, it was really dark and I just don't know how to use my camera. After Jangula was over, the guy sitting next to me leaned over and said "Hey, I write a music blog, would you be willing to let me post your pictures?" I e-mailed the recent Dartmouth graduate named Max a couple pictures, noting that weren't very good, but maybe they'll appear on another blog. Buildin' a portfolio liiiiike.
After Jangula was Ambassadors, my new obsession (http://www.myspace.com/ambassadorsband). First off, the lead singer was a hipster, skinnier version of Jon Hamm.  Legitimately. They played about 7 songs, each one as catchy and interesting as the next. Listen to: Bodybag, Mirrortalk, and Unconsolable. Bodybag has been playing on repeat since I got home from dance this morning. Their music was infused with Local Natives-esque harmonies and funky electronic keyboard by a blind keyboard player. Definitely keeping an eye out for them.  The Postelles were next (http://www.thepostelles.com/). Some songs were really catchy but a lot sounded the same. They're very pop-rock, catchy melodies and catchy lines (I keep singing "It's a long way down in New York City.." from White Night). For a free concert on a Wednesday night, they were awesome. Listen to: White Night, 123 Stop, and Hey Little Sister.   After the concert, we wandered around the area looking for a coffee shop or a pizza place. I ran into an old friend who goes to Cooper Union on the street at about midnight, this is just how small New York City can really be. Lulu and I walked all the way to 11th St. and 6th Ave. to an adorable Parisian-esque bistro called French Roast. It's open 24/7 and was totally packed on a Wednesday night, well I guess Thursday morning, at about 12:15. We had sunny side up eggs, french toast, coffee and great conversation then headed back to Morningside Heights. Lulu and I made a deal to get off campus waaaaay more often than we have been and do random things like this. There are so many free concerts and events happening around the city that we poor college kids need to take full advantage of. Plus it's great to hear new music, discover new places and meet new people. Also learn how to use my camera..again. Chelsea! |
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Television at the College Level
You know what is kinda funny (but not really but yes)? So here I am, in kawledge, supposed to be getting some higher education and blazing a trail in life or something, and, somehow, I'm watching so much trash TV. More so than ever before. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT*?
Well, I don't personally watch TV. I don't have a TV in my quad, and for some reason I can't sit down and watch episode after episode on Hulu or something (although the link I provided is on Hulu... lame). The only DVDs I brought are seasons 3 and 4 of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which you cannot even possibly begin to argue is trashy TV.
So you know what it is? It's the TV in Hewitt Dining Hall.
In the mornings, it's Rachael Ray. As my sister knows, my hatred for cooking shows literally knows no bounds. So that's not cool. Did I mention Rachael Ray might be cray-cray? In conclusion, she's a crazy person running a cooking show. Meaning she's automatically my arch-nemesis.
The afternoons are a little more exciting. In the afternoons, it's soap operas. Super dramatic ones, too. I think the one episode I sat through during a lunch period involved a father dating his daughter's best friend, who's grandmother was hooking up with the girl's boyfriend, who was an abusive alcoholic. Or something like that. I actually just made that up, but I'm guessing it's actually pretty close to the true plotline. Anyhoo, I'm including a photo I took of the dining room ladies chilling out and watching some soaps (I know, the photo is so old. It was on Facebook like, 3 weeks ago). It's their fave.
OR, if you're really lucky, sometimes during lunch hour the TV is turned to the Maury channel. Meaning you can sit there at an Ivy Leave university dining hall and watch four people claim that one guy is the father of their twelve children. It's practically like an anthropology course in and of itself. A case study in complex human relationships and really bad fashion choices.
This photo is not the same episode that I saw. In case you're wondering about the one I did see: a DNA test will later prove the guy is indeed the father of all twelve children. Riveting.
In the evenings, it's a free for all. Mixed bag. You never know what you're gonna get. Yesterday it was the BET awards.
So that's my exciting collegiate TV situation. I don't really know what I was expecting. Maybe the news on TV 24/7? Or the History Channel? I don't know. In any case, I got Maury. And you know what? After working nonstop all day, reading the Popol Vuh or doing EKG labs or learning the locative case in Ukrainian grammar, Maury's kinda alright with me.
-Lida
*http://www.hulu.com/collections/392/132878 (featuring my main man, RJ Sizzle)
Well, I don't personally watch TV. I don't have a TV in my quad, and for some reason I can't sit down and watch episode after episode on Hulu or something (although the link I provided is on Hulu... lame). The only DVDs I brought are seasons 3 and 4 of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which you cannot even possibly begin to argue is trashy TV.
So you know what it is? It's the TV in Hewitt Dining Hall.
In the mornings, it's Rachael Ray. As my sister knows, my hatred for cooking shows literally knows no bounds. So that's not cool. Did I mention Rachael Ray might be cray-cray? In conclusion, she's a crazy person running a cooking show. Meaning she's automatically my arch-nemesis.
(My arch-nemesis in her super trendy Downtown Manhattan faux loft kitchen with the vintage blue fridge.)
The afternoons are a little more exciting. In the afternoons, it's soap operas. Super dramatic ones, too. I think the one episode I sat through during a lunch period involved a father dating his daughter's best friend, who's grandmother was hooking up with the girl's boyfriend, who was an abusive alcoholic. Or something like that. I actually just made that up, but I'm guessing it's actually pretty close to the true plotline. Anyhoo, I'm including a photo I took of the dining room ladies chilling out and watching some soaps (I know, the photo is so old. It was on Facebook like, 3 weeks ago). It's their fave.
OR, if you're really lucky, sometimes during lunch hour the TV is turned to the Maury channel. Meaning you can sit there at an Ivy Leave university dining hall and watch four people claim that one guy is the father of their twelve children. It's practically like an anthropology course in and of itself. A case study in complex human relationships and really bad fashion choices.
This photo is not the same episode that I saw. In case you're wondering about the one I did see: a DNA test will later prove the guy is indeed the father of all twelve children. Riveting.
In the evenings, it's a free for all. Mixed bag. You never know what you're gonna get. Yesterday it was the BET awards.
So that's my exciting collegiate TV situation. I don't really know what I was expecting. Maybe the news on TV 24/7? Or the History Channel? I don't know. In any case, I got Maury. And you know what? After working nonstop all day, reading the Popol Vuh or doing EKG labs or learning the locative case in Ukrainian grammar, Maury's kinda alright with me.
-Lida
*http://www.hulu.com/collections/392/132878 (featuring my main man, RJ Sizzle)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Secret Garden, Enchanted Grove, Narnia. Lol.
Friday night, Kate and I were supposed to meet friends at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe on the Lower East Side. In typical fashion, we left too late and the F train took forever so we decided to skip the slam poetry and wander. We wandered down E. Houston between 1st Ave and Ave D saw some dive bars, tattoo parlors, a tall gated empty lot turned creepy sculpture garden and finally stumbled upon a small community garden. Le Petit Versailles. (It's so trendy it has its own blog http://www.lpvtv.blogspot.com/) We peered in, wondering if it was a restaurant or someone's backyard. A man appeared and invited us in. This sounds a lot creepier than it actually was. There was a table and chairs, mirrors against the adjacent buildings, lights and ceramic art.
Love, Chelsea
 |
| Kate! |
It was peaceful and quaint, artistic and idyllic. The ceramics scattered throughout were made by a local artist, Kate has a business card, gotta get that name from her.
Lida and I decided that we need to do things like this every weekend. Wander around a part of New York and find interesting spots like this one. We sound like an old married couple. Heh.
Also note to self, learn how to use my camera.
Happy Monday!
I'm procrastinating real hard right now on an essay about the balance between freedom and order in Euripides's The Bacchae. Love, Chelsea
Meet Mr. Balloon
This is who I'm talking about. A casual balloon man walking around Lincoln Center. No further explanations are necessary. Maybe just the fact that this was taken on my phone, so sorry it's not in trendy sepia-tone, high-contrast fisheye.
-Lida
-Lida
#1
What up, snitchez. Welcome to Strug in the City. This idea came kind of randomly. We were just taking a casual Sunday afternoon stroll, and we saw a man on the subway with balloons attached to his backpack. I took a picture. We wanted to post it somewhere other than Facebook. Then I commented on the time I almost tripped and killed an NYC pigeon. Then Chelsea said something like, "What if we compiled all the random and struggle-ish and funny shit that goes on?" And I did the Spongebob grin.
And so, Strug in the City was born.
This isn't going to be profound. They won't make a movie about this blog, a la Julie & Julia or whatever it's called. We just hope it brings a smile to yo face and maybe spreads some good cheer. (Chelsea wants to note that if we happen to write a really depressing post, you should come cheer us up... )
We want to write about everything - DIVERSITY, Y'ALL. Chelsea wants to write about cool classroom ideas and new music and trendy photography. I want to write about pigeons and balloon men and non-trendy hipsters and random poems about New York City.
We hope you like this. Truly and sincerely.
Peace and blessinz. Peace and blessinz.*
Lida and Chelsea
*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtkU2ch0sRI
And so, Strug in the City was born.
This isn't going to be profound. They won't make a movie about this blog, a la Julie & Julia or whatever it's called. We just hope it brings a smile to yo face and maybe spreads some good cheer. (Chelsea wants to note that if we happen to write a really depressing post, you should come cheer us up... )
We want to write about everything - DIVERSITY, Y'ALL. Chelsea wants to write about cool classroom ideas and new music and trendy photography. I want to write about pigeons and balloon men and non-trendy hipsters and random poems about New York City.
We hope you like this. Truly and sincerely.
Peace and blessinz. Peace and blessinz.*
Lida and Chelsea
*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtkU2ch0sRI
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