More About Mothers
Betty White, Bette Davis and Memorial Day 2010
By Bette Dewing
Because columns, like exercise, diet and relationships, need continuity, here’s an update on the Share the Talk Club (“so nobody is left out,” remember?). It’s now my answering machine message, “and a little bell will ring to tell us we’re saying too much or too little.” Oh well, who needs those callers. Read more
Candidate Feedback
To the Editor:
In your issue dated May 20, you touch briefly on Reshma Saujani’s appearance at a candidate forum in Midtown on May 16, where Ms. Saujani repeated her assertion that she is running because people in the district tell her they want someone “who looks like me.” Read more
Yorkville Dining
To The Editor:
Shani Friedman is mistaken when she “can’t find any interesting place to eat” in Yorkville’s far East Side (review, Palacio Azteca, May 6).
On a block she calls “a barren stretch” of York Avenue are two good eateries: the one she visited, and the popular, highly-rated (Zagat) Finestra. A few blocks north on York are long-established Dresner’s, Meltemi’s seafood specialties and the charming York Grill. Read more
Happy Camper
To the Editor:
Your delightful article, “Send In Snail Mail” (May 6), jogged some wonderful memories as a camper, counselor, head counselor and finally as the “matriarch” of a reunited camp group.
I remember mail call, the glee in receiving mail from home, from my mom, my aunts, my cousins and friends. I also remember one letter from my dad (normally a non-writer) generating hysteria, thinking for sure he was alerting me to some family catastrophe. Why else would he be writing? Read more
Cuomo Tackles the Albany Beast
Would-be gov’s success depends on ability to navigate Legislature
Andrew Cuomo is positioning himself to be president of the United States. His chances of getting there will be infinitely increased if he is able to turn Albany into a calmer, less venal, more reflective and genuinely representative place.
Cuomo must win the Legislature’s confidence and at the same time convince the people that he really is going to clean things up. Read more
Snobs and the City
The SATC gals are now total brands for Michael Patrick King to puppeteer (and profit from)
By Armond White
Sex and the City 2 isn’t meant to be good; it’s meant to be TV, to further change movies into junk culture where you can’t tell one medium from the other. This includes diminishing romance, friendship, work and citizenship, thereby turning female stereotypes into gay male stereotypes. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristen Davis) and Samantha (Kim Cattrall) aren’t characters anymore; they’re brands: Aged, wizened logos that writer-director Michael Patrick King doesn’t even bother refurbishing. Read more
Winespeak Decoded
Conversing with an oenophile shouldn’t require a translator
By Josh Perilo
“Just tell me how it tastes,” The Doctor said, cutting me off before I launched into my usual exuberant spiel. “And avoid words that have more than three syllables.”
The Doctor was one of our regulars at the wine store. He could be somewhat annoying, in that he only came in for the free tasting every day and never actually purchased anything. You could, however, always rely on him for blunt honesty. If he didn’t like something, he let you know. Read more
City Week: May 28–June 3
A Selective Listing of Recommended Cultural & Community Events
Compiled by Alexandra Waldhorn
Friday, May 28
Journey to Brazil—Grammy-award-winning composer and guitarist Mario Adnet and his ensemble, Ouro Negro, perform in “Journey to Brazil.” The show is in honor of Brazilian composer Moacir Santos, who influenced generations of musicians worldwide. The group performs a selection of Santos’ work and pieces from Adnet’s record, Ouro Negro. Also May 29. Rose Theater at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Lincoln Center, Broadway at West 60th Street, 212-721-6500; 8 p.m., $10 to $95. Read more
Late-Night Robbery Attempt
A 23-year-old man was the target of a robbery inside his building, on East 95th Street between First and Second avenues. Police said that May 18 at 3:30 a.m., the mugger was sitting on the stoop of the man’s building. When the man entered, the mugger followed him. The mugger grabbed him by the arm and, while simulating a weapon in his pocket, said, “I’m going to have to search you. I don’t want to have to shoot you, give me your cash.” The man didn’t have any money on him so the mugger left the building.
Subway Assault
A woman was assaulted on a northbound No. 6 train near the East 86th Street stop, at Lexington Avenue. Police said that May 15 at 5:10 p.m., the 56-year-old Bronx woman saw two men assaulting another woman on the train. When she intervened, one of the attackers, 61-year-old George Richards, allegedly punched her in the face. Richards was arrested and charged with assault.
