THE POOR PERSON’S COURT
November 25, 2008
From the perspective of my office in Manhattan Family Court, the economic crisis panicking much of the city is a disaster unfolding on television, much like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. For most of the court’s litigants, the worst that can happen already has happened, giving my workplace the mood of business as usual. [Read more]
CROWDED OUT, WHILE BUDGET CRISIS LOOMS
November 25, 2008
The Lexington Avenue subways are so crowded that Erin Sullivan once hurt her elbow while trying to get on a No. 6 train. For Sullivan, who takes the 6 to work every day, commuting has become a daily battle with other New Yorkers.
“The 6 is so overcrowded sometimes, I see people pushing people in so they can fit,” she said. [Read more]
A BIG PLACE FOR A BIG DINNER
November 25, 2008
Steakhouses long ago earned a very special place in the hearts of New Yorkers, and the way new ones are appearing practically every week, that love shows no signs of waning.
In July 2005, Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse arrived in its enviable location just a block-and-a-half from Grand Central Station. But the restaurant feels as if it’s been in our midst for decades. Owned and operated with palpable pride by four brothers, Harry, Ben, Russ, and Jack Sinanaj, the restaurant [Read more]
CORNBREAD CONUNDRUM
November 25, 2008
It’s the time of year when parents of young children are forced to eat cold crumbly cornbread at annual Thanksgiving potlucks in schools across the country. While I’m thankful for the giving spirit in which these events are staged, the food lover in me dreads them. My British husband goes so far as to call Thanksgiving, “The Festival of Cold Foods.” [Read more]
JAILBAIT
November 25, 2008
Baz Luhrmann’s Australia isn’t a history of the penal colony turned commonwealth, but Luhrmann’s absurd, cliché-ridden filmmaking ought to be a jailable offense. In this three-hour chick-flick melodrama, Nicole Kidman (as Lady Sarah Ashley) goes down under where her philandering landowner husband was killed; she takes over the Faraway Downs ranch and hires the Drover (Hugh Jackman) to drive her cattle to market and [Read more]
TRANSCENDENT THRILL DRIVE
November 25, 2008
Nothing in cinema this week is more important than Transporter 3. It’s been a long time since a new movie has been so spiritually and aesthetically exhilarating. Producer Luc Besson, director Olivier Megaton and star Jason Statham work at the top of their imagination and abilities—not like they’re completing a formulaic sequel but reinventing the action movie genre. [Read more]
AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW OF PET CARE
November 25, 2008
Who do you call when Fido or Fluffy just isn’t making it, and your usual vet has done all he can?
Many owners try alternative therapies for their pets, which can range from aromatherapies, like Feliway Diffusers to reduce anxiety and behavioral problems, to Rescue Remedy, a flower essence used to relieve stress. [Read more]
BIG DEMOCRATIC PROMISES TO KEEP
November 25, 2008
To the Editor:
“A Democratic Party” (Nov. 13) confirms that the voters have spoken. Democrats have won all the marbles in New York State. Democratic Governor David Paterson, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver are now joined by the new Senate [Read more]
CAN I GET ANYTHING I WANT AT MICHAEL’S RESTAURANT?
November 25, 2008
“‘Happy birthday to you’ keeps buzzing through my brain,” says my friend Rick Angres, who is visiting with his wife Kate from sunny Santa Monica. He wears a lush turtleneck under his jacket to protect him against harsh winds.
He and I are walking to Michael’s restaurant for his birthday lunch. [Read more]
PLEASURES OF THE TABLE
November 25, 2008
Q. I have a bet with a friend that you start losing your sense of taste as you get older. She says that her taste is as strong as ever and thinks I’m wrong. Who wins the bet?
A. In general, sensitivity to taste gradually decreases with age. But there are some whose taste isn’t affected by getting older. Who wins the bet? I won’t touch that one.
The ability to taste food and beverages means a lot to seniors. Let’s face it; [Read more]
