#QuirkyNYC National Arts Club

The only thing that has ever disappointed me about traveling is that I can’t travel in time, too—especially in a city as steeped in history as New York. Since that’s the case, I decided to do the next best thing. I went to an exhibit of photos taken in 1950s by the photographers of Magnum Photos. While it was listed as a gallery show, the show was actually located in the storied National Arts Club. Ok, I don’t know the stories and strongly suspect that they’d never have me as a member (yes, it seems it really is a club), but they do welcome the public. You just need to check in.

I completely missed this fact as I breezed through the entrance wearing my vintage Armani coat, which my friend forced me to buy. (Thank you, Seth!) Apparently, I looked like I belonged, so no one stopped me. I immediately headed down the stairs—instead of up the carpeted grand staircase. I found myself in a labyrinth of galleries with not a photo in sight. But the best part was that I had, in fact, stepped back through time!

After twisting and turning through several galleries of portraits, water colors and a hallway filled with the work of artistic scribes, I found myself at a dead end. Until I spotted the hidden passageway that took me up a flight of stairs to one of those wasted spaces where there was a bust of someone, clearly unused furniture and a clash of different architecture styles. These odd spaces are often the result of two or more buildings awkwardly joined together with the hope that everyone passing through will believe they were always one.

There was one more wrong turn before I finally found the photos. Oh man! They were fantastic. The layers of current Times Square stripped to reveal a bawdier, messier, wetter place filled with both menace and promise. DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) before it was DUMBO. Elegant Harlem featuring singers, models, designers and glamour.

You better get there soon! The show is on through April 29.

http://www.nationalartsclub.org/exhibitions #nationalartsclub @nationalartsclub

#Resist – and how: The Opportunity Agenda

I confess. I have a crush on The Opportunity Agenda. Any organization whose motto is ‘Moving Hearts, Minds, and Policy for Lasting Change’ has me at hello. And that Helvetica Bold—the moxiest maven of media messaging is indeed a social justice superhero.

I stumbled across this organization quite literally. Then I read everything I could find. The Opportunity Agenda defines itself as a social justice communication lab. This David takes on the Goliath of well-financed communication efforts that support inequitable and unjust policies. This New York City based organization tackles social justice issues through communication expertise and creative engagement.

They have communication toolkits for journalists, politicians, and community stakeholders trying to make a difference. The topics they cover include poverty, criminal justice and immigration among others. Along with the toolkits, which are free and downloadable, they have internship and volunteer opportunities.

What are you waiting for? Download that communications toolkit and go out and provide some opportunity in your neighborhood—wherever that may be.

#opportunityagenda @oppagenda #socialjustice
https://opportunityagenda.org/resources

#WednesdayWomen Hallie, Conductor/Music Educator, New York City

#RevolutionaryHeroes Google

I know. Odd choice given Google’s problems with posting offensive materials next to high priced brand name advertising. Unlike many situations, I do believe that the free market will sort this one out. (For more info on the ad revenue problems, see NY Times article http://nyti.ms/2nu43Yr) BUT, and this is a very big but, they are doing something that lots of folks in Silicon Valley give lip service to and then don’t take action.

Starting this summer, Google and Howard University have joined forces to set up a satellite campus at the Googleplex in sunny Mountainview, California. Howard University is one of the largest historically-black colleges in the US. Howard computer science students in their junior and senior year of study will head from DC to Howard West to study with Google employees and Howard faculty. Talk about taking networking to the next level.

Let’s keep breaking down those barriers!

#HowardUniversity #Google #HowardWest

#RevolutionCookbook The Spice of Life

I am a spicy woman and proud of that fact! Although spice is traditionally associated with hot, that is only the tip of the iceberg (the flame?). Spices are the substance that bring magic to any dish. For me, shopping for spices is just as much fun as cooking with them.

One of my favorite spice shops in the world, International Grocery, is tucked in the shadow of the Port Authority. Not by the new, shiny front facing Port Authority that welcomes harried workers on their way home to New Jersey, but the back side, the dark side, the side where streams of buses circle like sharks.

I have never understood why everyone in the shop recognizes me and treats me like royalty every time I come in. Because of the inconvenient location—at least in my life—I hardly ever go there. Yet to them, I am queen. (A title I’m willing to share with all of the other shoppers, btw. I’m all about equality.)

I can never resist the octopus—prepared specially for me at each visit: “Would you like me to make it the way you like it?” Like they have to ask.

The next time you’re in the neighborhood—or even if you’re not—I recommend this treat for the senses. You won’t be disappointed and you won’t leave empty handed!

Check out these Yelp! Reviews: https://www.yelp.com/biz/international-grocery-new-york-2

#QuirkyNYC Yoga to the People!

I really like the way Yoga to the People operates—throughout New York City and the rest of the country.

The idea behind this organization is that as part of their training, yoga teachers need to have a certain number of teaching hours before they can be officially recognized and accredited—and paid. Honestly, everyone—yoga teachers included—has a limited number of friends who are willing to do things for us, like taking 400 hours of yoga classes in a short period of time.

Enter Yoga to the People! They rent large studio spaces in neighborhoods where there is lots of interest in yoga, but not always a lot of options—or affordable options. They even have podcasts! The teachers rotate through the studios, so you never know quite what to expect at each class. For example, my last class had me surrounded by people comfortable being pretzels. These are the moments I opt for child’s pose.

These classes are no fuss, no pressure and are funded by your donations at the end of each class. The donations go towards the rent and upkeep of the studio space. In NYC the suggested donation is $10—about half the price of a regular yoga class—but all contributions of more or less money are welcome.

Namaste.

#yogatothepeople https://yogatothepeople.com/ https://yogatothepeople.com/podcasts/

#Resist – and how: The Story of Alice

Alice in Wonderland is the most popular statue in all of Central Park. I have never seen her without someone admiring or climbing on her.

A few months ago, a study reported that by the time little girls were six years old, they doubted that women could be brilliant. At age 5, sure, anything goes and of course a woman can be brilliant. In growing older by one year, all of that changes. Girls doubt. Boys don’t. Here’s a nice summary of that study. http://nbcnews.to/2jmRQPS

Did you know that there are 29 statues in Central Park? Five of them are women and one is a dog (second most popular). The rest are men. What I propose is that you ask kids—girls AND boys—if they think this is fair. Then ask them what they think should be done. I predict the most surprising answers—and that you will have planted the seeds of gender equity. Neat.

Let me leave you with this one final thought. All of the women statues in Central Park are imaginary beings. All of the men statues are historical figures. Even the dog is a historical figure--Balto.

#WednesdayWomen -- Nicole, Chief of Staff for my local Assemblyperson, New York City

#RevolutionaryHeroes Alexander Hamilton

From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington in 1792.

"The truth unquestionably is, that the only path to a subversion of the republican system of the Country is, by flattering the prejudices of the people, and exciting their jealousies and apprehensions, to throw affairs into confusion, and bring on civil commotion…

When a man unprincipled in private life desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper, possessed of considerable talents, having the advantage of military habits—despotic in his ordinary demeanour—known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty—when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity—to join in the cry of danger to liberty—to take every opportunity of embarrassing the General Government & bringing it under suspicion—to flatter and fall in with all the non sense of the zealots of the day—It may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may “ride the storm and direct the whirlwind.”

Alexander Hamilton, Objections and Answers Respecting the Administration, Objection XIV, 18 August 1792

This is an excerpt from a strategy AH was developing to deal with the HUGE debt from the recent American Revolutionary War. His idea? The only way to pay down the debt was to avoid another war. Talk about your cuts to military spending!

Wow! Where is this guy when you need him?

#RevolutionaryCookbook Split Pea with Chorizo Soup

I cannot believe it is still winter out there. The official beginning of spring is in a couple of days. There’s so much snow on the ground. It’s freezing. I need some comfort soup!! I also need to be comforted with minimal effort. Have I got the soup.

Split Pea with Chorizo Soup

Ingredients
• Chorizo, sliced thin (I use the prepacked Goya chorizo set of 2, just under 4 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 large or 2 small chopped onions
• 16 ounces (=1 bag) dried yellow split peas
• 8 cups of chicken stock—if I don’t have that much I top up with water and it’s fine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
1. Sautee the chorizo in olive oil over medium heat until brown about 3 or 4 minutes
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 to 6 more minutes
3. Add split peas, stir, then add chicken stock and season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally (it WILL stick)
5. Voila! Enjoy and feel free to freeze any leftovers.

#QuirkyNYC #837NYC

I recognize that this is so last year and Shonda Rhimes, but I have started saying yes to absolutely everything that comes my way. Besides who could resist something in their inbox that says

BE FEARLESS

Certainly not me.

I RSVP’d and then headed down to the uber cool and trendy Meatpacking district on a frigid Friday night. Where I found myself in an alternate reality commercial. For Samsung. It was not a commercial where I will suddenly see myself on TV. Rather it was a two hour, virtual reality, 360 degree camera experience exploring the beauty, versatility and tech-responsive future that only Samsung can provide. It didn’t hurt that they handed out three (3!) free drink tickets to everyone as they walked in the door to help solidify this promise. Or that it was very, very dark. Everyone was beautiful.

After experimenting with the toys at many play stations, the crowd grew restless. Once the scramble to find seats in a set worthy of Hunger Games style interviews was accomplished, I learned that #BeFearless at #837NYC (aka #Samsung flagship store) was a contest. The winners, from around the globe, were trotted out via a video highlighting the fearlessness they had acquired.

The evening was capped by an eclectic though charming group of people who had all been extremely successful in traditional, high-powered careers (law, finance and the music industry). They each explained why they had chucked it all and were now following their dreams.

Oh, in case you didn’t know, Samsung Galaxy S8 will be launched on March 29.

#Resist – and how: Get your politics on!

Today I spoke with Nicole Migliore, Chief of Staff for my local state assemblyperson. Nicole is a relatively recent college graduate with a degree in sustainable development. Not the stuff that political dreams are made of. She says she got into politics by accident. You can, too!

After a disappointing experience at a community based organization, Nicole took a job as a policy analyst for a local politician. When you see policy analyst positions posted, you don’t entirely know what that means. If you like going out into the community to learn what’s going on (research) and that makes you curious to learn what’s going on in other places (political research) and you enjoy writing, policy analyst may be just the job for you.

If you’d asked Nicole if she thought she would be Chief of Staff for a politician even just two years ago, she would have laughed in your face. Today, when I asked her if she would consider running for political office, her immediate response was ‘Oh no!’ Uh huh. I predict that this self-identified Jack of all trades, who readily spouts sound-bite-worthy phrases like ‘high information voter’ to describe a personal goal to educate people about what, who and why they’re voting, may move up the political ladder faster than she thinks.

You can find her at Irish Stand—a St. Patrick’s Day benefit for the ACLU held at Riverside Church in the City of New York on Friday, March 17th 7:30-10p.

#WednesdayWomen Suraiy @837NYC #BeFearless Celebration, New York City

#RevolutionaryHeroes Moms

Moms are the seriously unsung heroes of this world. During this women’s history month, I celebrate my mom for making me the person that I am. She has taught me to appreciate the little guy (or gal), to clean up my own mess and to respect authority—once they prove worthy of my respect. Sure, I’ll give the benefit of the doubt in most cases, but you’ve got to earn my respect.

Who is the most popular date at the Academy Awards these days? Who knows how to bake (or purchase) the best apple pie? Who knows how to crack into your iphone—even though she claims to be out of date and out of touch with modern technology? You know who.

Let’s consider another revolutionary hero: George Washington and his famous ‘I cannot tell a lie’ about cutting down that cherry tree. Yes, it is the admission of an honest man. Who do you think guilted him into feeling the need to make that confession in the first place? You got it. His mom. (Though truth be told, the story was made up by some guy and is actually a myth, but you get the point.)

One of the things that I most like about my mom is her willingness to support pretty much every hair-brained scheme I have ever pursued. Heck! She’s even come up with hair-brainier ideas than me. Thanks mom!

#RevolutionCookbook Salmon en papillote

Sounds fancy, right? This salmon dish could NOT be easier. It takes 1 minute of prep and between 20-25 minutes cooking time. Now that’s my kind of meal!

Salmon en papillote

Ingredients
• Salmon
• Lemon pepper (prepared spice mixes are great!)

Directions
1. Place salmon on piece of foil large enough to wrap the entire piece of fish like a present.
2. Sprinkle fish with lemon pepper.
3. Wrap fish in foil making sure that no air can get in or out—that is key. I usually leave a little room in the pouch for the fish to steam in its own juices.
4. In a very hot over (500 F/260 C) cook for 20-25 minutes depending on thickness of fish. Don’t worry, you will not overcook it. Salmon provides plenty of oil to keep the fish juicy.
5. Serve with your choice of veg (green leafy is good) or salad and rice or fingerling potatoes.
6. Delicious hot or, in the unlikely event of leftovers, cold.

Most people (I suspect that I mean me) do not know that the secret ingredient in lemon pepper is…salt. There are salt-free lemon pepper alternatives, if salt is not your thing, (a reality I will never understand).

#QuirkyNYC Hey, you with the horns!

I met these enchanting creatures in Jamaica, Queens of all places. It turns out the New York City is home to live animal markets—the kind where the customer comes in and picks out the animal destined to be the evening meal.

I always associated live animal markets with exotic places like Asia or Africa. It turns out that there are live animal markets in all five boros of New York! And oh the animals you can find. While chickens are by far the most popular item for sale, in one shop we also found quail, rabbits, cows and sheep. We were told they also sold camels—but only for special occasions.

The next time you’re in the mood for a visit to a modern day petting zoo, go on line to find the live animal market nearest you. Not in the mood for petting, but craving some REALLY fresh chicken? If you play your cards right, they deliver.

#Resist –and how: Read a newspaper!

Better yet, read a lot of newspapers. Doesn’t the idea of fake news terrify you? A couple of guys in Eastern Europe telling you things that they’ve completely made up? Hey, do you think stupid Americans will believe that Robert Redford and Meryl Streep have been secretly married for years? And that’s one of the tame ones that just doesn’t matter.

You don’t have to read a newspaper cover to cover. In fact, the idea of cover to cover almost doesn’t exist. Let me warn you that a strange thing happens once you move out of Facebook and start seeing what news is out there—not just what your friends or the Romanians/Russians tell you. You develop a really healthy curiosity that grows and grows and starts to become really smart.

If you’re going to go down a rabbit hole, why not go down one where Americans are doing the research and the writing. Look at what ALL sides are saying about the same events—left, right, center, fringe. It’s time for YOU to judge the truth. YOU can only do that, if you dare to go beyond your comfort zone.

#WednesdayWomen Green Ice Cream Cones NYPL, New York City

#adaywithoutawoman working her butt off!

#RevolutionaryHeroes A Day Without A Woman

The Women’s March is working. There is a movement building and it’s not only women. The march may have been the think that kicked things off, but more and more people are organizing in their local communities to keep involved in politics.

The latest national response is a General Strike by women. A Day Without A Woman recognizes ‘the enormous value that women of all backgrounds add to our socio-economic system--while receiving lower wages and experiencing greater inequities, vulnerability to discrimination, sexual harassment, and job insecurity.’

Here’s what you can do:
• Wear red
• Only spend money at businesses owned by women or minorities
• Strike! Take the day off from paid or unpaid work

Two school districts in Virginia and North Carolina have already closed the schools for the day, since so many teachers will be out. http://nyti.ms/2n2vK8n

Oh, by the way, this also happens to be International Women’s Day, as well.

#adaywithoutawoman https://www.womensmarch.com/womensday/ http://www.un.org/en/events/womensday/ #internationalwomensday

#RevolutionCookbook The Papaya Wars

Some days I REALLY don’t feel like cooking. Usually on these days, I feel like eating junk. Happily, NYC is only too willing to cooperate! This week is the saga of the ongoing Papaya Wars: Gray vs. King

I love papaya hot dogs—with onion sauce and mustard. Forget that squeaky, sour sauerkraut. Ugh! I hate that stuff! I also love the crazy papaya drink—light orange in color with a chalk-like texture that bears absolutely no resemblance to papaya. As I kid I didn’t know, having never tasted a real papaya. Now I know better, but there are some things that a gal just can’t give up.

As an equal opportunity restaurant patron, I like to support as many small, independent dining institutions as I can. With the mall-ification of NYC (what is Red Lobster doing in Times Square?), it’s an obligation now more than ever. I always debate: will it be Papaya King or will it be Gray’s Papaya.

This week was clearly a no-brainer. The King was celebrating 85 years in business. In honor of this achievement, all dogs were 32 cents. I had two. And a papaya drink, of course.

#QuirkyNYC The St. Agnes Library Book Sale!

Now that may not sound exciting to you, but hidden treasures are to be found here. When the going rate is 50 cents to $2.00, taking chances is a joy. If you pick a clunker, aah it only cost $1.

When my ex-husband moved out, he took almost all of the books—mine included. My depleted bookshelves were a very sad sight, indeed. St. Agnes took care of all that. A few visits during their somewhat predictable sales days (one Wednesday and one Saturday each month), had the shelves filled in no time!

What makes this one of the best library sales in the entire city is that it is located in a neighborhood where everyone reads then donates all of the latest books—in book form. True, true that is going out of fashion, so get it while it lasts.

Get on their mailing list to find out dates and special collections: Stagnesbooks@gmail.com

#Resist – and how: Run for Office

No kidding! You want to change the world? Run for a political office.

Most people start local—though there are some notable exceptions. Sure, sure, politicians have a bad reputation. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Indivisible.us, a group committed to informing Americans about the value and potential of government, is actively trying to change our political culture and to train young leaders along the way through their #ImagineGov initiative and #IndivisibleInstitute.

Emily’s list (emilyslist.org) supports women in politics and provides a soup to nuts ‘how-to’ run for office initiative with full training and support (www.emilyslist.org/pages/entry/run-for-office).

All you have to do is sign up. Go ahead! I dare you.

@emilylist @usindivisible https://www.indivisible.us/ www.facebook.com/USIndivisible/ #indivisible #emilyslist

#WednesdayWomen -- Dog Walker, UWS, New York City