“tourist lane” joke is actually a brilliant idea

A local group of improv comedians—Improv Everywhere—set up a hilarious “tourist lane” on the sidewalk of 5th Avenue at 22nd Street recently. Check out the video for pedestrian reactions:

Now, this is meant to be a joke of course. But…maybe these guys are onto something??

Imagine how effective this would be, say, near 14th Street/Union Square!? Or how about coming out of subway exits…the dividers could start at the turnstile, go up the stairs, and diverge tourists as they gape up at tall buildings, allowing the rest of us to get on our way!

Yes…this is a brilliant idea. Now how does one submit such a thing to Mayor Bloomberg…

unlikely pairing

Need a hair cut? Or pawn off some jewelry? You’re in luck…

nyc tp – take 2!

I think the packaging designers at Duane Reade are having a little too much fun!

You probably remember this post about the toilet paper “for the big city’s little keisters.”

Well look what I found last night! Now DR has a jumbo pack of toilet paper:

“From Midtown to Flushing.” FLUSHING! Baahahaha! Oh man…man that’s good. I’d like to meet these marketing joksters.

the beloved subway

First off, apologies for the posting hiatus. I’ve started another little side project that needed some attention to get off the ground (pardon the self-promotion).

In this post I’d like to give a shout-out to our beloved NYC Subway—and all the weirdness that comes with it.

Last week, I was heading downtown on the 6 train (arguably, the most-hated line; known for excess NYU-ers, baby strollers, and that god-awful “homeless” stench) when I snapped this intriguing character:

Are those….are those toe shoes?! I didn’t think anyone actually worse those things. And on the subway, no less! What exactly is the benefit of being able to grip the flat, disgusting floor of public transport? God know what this man is feeling on the bottoms of those things…

Moving right along—today, Gawker.com reports the Unofficial Subway Etiquette Campaign. A New York City artist has re-created the MTA’s service announcement bulletins into etiquette posters, based on a poll he conducted of subway pet-peeves:

The complete poster collection can be seen here. I personally love the rules about “eating.”

Which reminds me, I came across a blog a while back that is truly hilarious: Subway Douchery is photo-centric blog that captures douchy riders doing what they do best: annoying the hell out of everyone else.

*Eyeroll.

From those damn kids trying to sell you candy for their “basketball team” to aloof mothers blocking the door with their so-ridiculously-huge-it-might-as-well-be-a-spacecraft baby stroller, this blog covers it all.

So let’s share! What do you love/hate about the subway? Happy riding!

“home delivery” in the city

Yesterday, I was on my way to visit Dexter when I noticed a rather large white blob bobbing across the street. Turns out, there was a person under this blob! What the?!

Oh…Now it makes sense…

This poor soul was lugging home a newly-bought mattress. No big thing. When stores charge hundreds of dollars for delivery services, and you don’t have any personal means of transportation, a few blocks hoisting a mattress on your head don’t look so bad.

While waiting for traffic to clear, Manhattan man contemplates a quick cat nap.

And off he went...

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t attempted something vaguely similar to this. Let’s just say—and take it from me—A/C units are a lot heavier than they look.

nyc tp

While grabbing the essentials at Duane Reade today:

just in time for Passover—the mitzvah tanks!

While out for lunch today, I spotted the elusive “Mitzvah Tanks” near Union Square!

The 'Mitzvah Tank' squad, four trucks in total

According to their wikipedia page, the vehicles are “portable educational outreach centers” and “mini-synagogues” that patrol the streets of New York City around major Jewish holidays, preaching Judaism to non-observant or alienated Jews.

I just wish I could have captured the recording of ‘Hava Nagila’ playing over the loud speaker like an ice-cream truck.

Happy Passover, my Jewish (and non-Jewish, looking to convert) friends!

*Disclaimer: This post means no harm to followers of Judaism. So don’t hate.

"Judaism to go. Welcome aboard."

Not to worry, "Shabbat Candles On Board"

she’s definitely a morning person

This is a bit outdated, but I couldn’t resist posting what originally inspired me to start this blog.

Mentoria Hutchinson is a New York City traffic cop—with moves! This lady likes to get down as she waves your car through the intersection. Check out the video below. My personal fave happens around the :20 mark in what looks like the third motion from the Hand Jive.

It’s people like this that make me stop for a second to appreciate the city.