a Japanese owned and operated Italian restaurant
37 W. 17th St, NY NY
Our party of 6 had dinner last night at Basta Pasta, which was highly recommended by a family member who is not only of Japanese descent but also lived quite a few years in Italy, so he would know what he's talking about when he gives a double thumbs up to a Japanese-owned Italian restaurant. In short, great food, great atmosphere, great service!
Basta Pasta is a "chain" in that the original restaurants are in Tokyo. According to the website, the open kitchen is modeled after the Iron Chef series. In fact, in the Union Square one, the whole kitchen is the first thing you run into, and I, in my rush to get there, actually believed that I had walked in through the back.
The place was already rather busy, all the tables were full. Our party of 6 was nicely and comfortably seated in the middle row, surrounded by other parties of varying sizes - couple, trios, even a couple of solo diners. Lots of children and lots of noise but somehow it still managed to feel like an adult restaurant. The waitstaff was very attentive and running all over the place. The whole staff was Japanese, as well as the cooks and the buspersons. Our service was great, very attentive though admittedly the course came a little slow. Perhaps they were making sure all the dishes were served at once, but we did see many parties come and go during our wait there.
The menu is in three parts - appetizer, first course of pasta and second course of meat, then followed by dessert/coffee. Every dish was tasty, and we all shared bites from our plates to others at the table. Most memorable was the second course of meats, and we couldn't decide whether the salmon, the chicken, the pork, the lamb or the sea bass was the best since all were well seasoned and appropriately cooked. There were a few Japanese infusions into the traditional Italian fare, like the spaghetti served with Japanese basil and roe.
Pros: Great food, great service, great atmosphere, busy and lively atmosphere without being uncomfortable
Cons: a tad pricey, definitely dinner-in-Manhattan prices; service a tad slow for larger parties
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Bikram Yoga NYC
various locations around Manhattan
I took my first Bikram yoga class some years ago at the studio on 8th Avenue at 50th Street. They had an awesome beginner's special of $20 for an unlimited week of classes, which was great given that the classes were usually $20 each. It was near my apartment, I had a fondness for yoga and even greater fondness for heat therapies like saunas, so the combination of the two was appealing. I cannot recall the details of what motivated me to go, other than knowing I was instantly hooked at the intensity of the workout and sweating.
There's lots of controversy about Bikram, so I'll start with the cons -- first yes, it's hot. Very hot. Don't go in there without a bottle or two of water, and don't complain when you get dizzy in the middle of the 90 minute class. We told you it was hot! It took me a while to get through an entire class without having to sit and bear the dizziness and nausea. I still consider it an accomplishment when I can get through a class without having to take a break.
Second, because it's so hot, you're doing your yoga with the least amount of clothing on - meaning short pants and sports bra for women, shorts for men. The beginner may initially be embarrassed by this, but once the class starts you'll be so busy trying to keep up and do the poses and not pass out that you forget about anyone else around you, let alone your self-consciousness. And you'll be glad to have as little clothing on as possible because it's so hot. The Pro to this, at least for me, is self-acceptance. I've become much less modest about my body or the occasional display of skin. You get to see everyone in their near-nakedness, and while it's true many students will be in amazing, zero-body-fat shape, there will be many that aren't, and that's okay. You also get to see your own body, since the classes are done in front of mirrors, with you staring at your sweating, red faced almost naked self the whole 90 minutes - no hiding anything here. That extra abdominal roll might have bothered you as you came into the class, but by the end it doesn't look so bad.
Third - because it's so intense, there's this food issue of being careful not to eat two hours before the class. Go ahead and break the rule if you want, but it's like the no-swimming an hour after lunch - you'll suffer the physical pains of it. So one must really get disciplined about time and schedule if you're planning a Bikram class - no eating two hours before a class, then the class is an hour and a half long, then the recovery afterwards (cooling down, showering, slowly getting dressed again in a daze), let alone the travel time if you're coming in or out from the Bikramless burbs like your truly.
As for the Pros - I cannot think of any single workout or exercise regime that is better for you in the immediate aftermath. I've done my sampling of dance and gyms and martial arts, tai chi and various yogas, running and biking, facials and body wraps - and this is by far the best thing for you - physically, mentally, maybe even emotionally. They, he - the Bikram guy himself - claims the 26 pose series stretches every single muscle, flushes every single joint, and works every single organ in your body. I've done no scientific investigation to try and back this up, but I'll believe it. Your skin is softer all over, your complexion is glowing, your whole body is relaxed and loose and all those stresses and frustrations you brought in with you were left behind with the sweat. You just feel CLEAN, inside and out (well, at least once you wash the sweat off).
Enough about the controversy, what about the actual facilities? The Bikram I stick to is the Bikram NYC, though I know there are other studios around Manhattan (Chelsea, Soho, and Union Square at least have theirs too). The NYC guys (or gals, as it were) have four studios - 50th St/8th Ave, 72nd St, Flatiron, and 83rd(or somewhere on the Upper East Side) and your "membership" is linked to all of them. But actually there really isn't any membership required to join - you just go when you want, even once a year (like I have, recently) and you'll still be in their computer system. You can pay for a single class at a time, or buy in bulk depending on your commitment level. A class and two towels for $20, rent a mat for $5, a bottle of SmartWater for $2. There are separate gender locker rooms with showers, and I know the 8th Ave. recently renovated their showers (which look awesome). It can get a bit hectic around class sign-in time, but the workers are always friendly and trying hard to accommodate everyone.
The class numbers vary depending, as always, on time. There are a variety of instructors that rotate in and out of the schedule, but because the poses remain the same - 26 poses, done twice in the same order - the variation of instructors does not interrupt one's yoga practice all that much. In fact I've found it to be an advantage to have so many instructors, as they pick up different tips and suggestions, and I've gotten some wonderful advice from them.
Okay, look, I'll be frank - I'm not going to say a lot of bad things about Bikram. I'm a huge huge fan and completely biased. So I'll wrap and say Go! By all means go and try it if you're curious. It's amazing, it's wonderful, it's miraculous, it's fantastic, a god-send...
I will address one more issue of controversy - there is a lot of talk of the style's founder, Mr. Bikram himself - things like lawsuits, bad press, flashing his bling while sitting in his Rolls, etc. etc. Does that impact the yoga style he's honed and marketed? I can't say that it does, though it hurts the reputation of the style. That's too bad, for all the good it does, and the good, at least for me, far far outweighs the (alleged) negative personality behind it.
I took my first Bikram yoga class some years ago at the studio on 8th Avenue at 50th Street. They had an awesome beginner's special of $20 for an unlimited week of classes, which was great given that the classes were usually $20 each. It was near my apartment, I had a fondness for yoga and even greater fondness for heat therapies like saunas, so the combination of the two was appealing. I cannot recall the details of what motivated me to go, other than knowing I was instantly hooked at the intensity of the workout and sweating.
There's lots of controversy about Bikram, so I'll start with the cons -- first yes, it's hot. Very hot. Don't go in there without a bottle or two of water, and don't complain when you get dizzy in the middle of the 90 minute class. We told you it was hot! It took me a while to get through an entire class without having to sit and bear the dizziness and nausea. I still consider it an accomplishment when I can get through a class without having to take a break.
Second, because it's so hot, you're doing your yoga with the least amount of clothing on - meaning short pants and sports bra for women, shorts for men. The beginner may initially be embarrassed by this, but once the class starts you'll be so busy trying to keep up and do the poses and not pass out that you forget about anyone else around you, let alone your self-consciousness. And you'll be glad to have as little clothing on as possible because it's so hot. The Pro to this, at least for me, is self-acceptance. I've become much less modest about my body or the occasional display of skin. You get to see everyone in their near-nakedness, and while it's true many students will be in amazing, zero-body-fat shape, there will be many that aren't, and that's okay. You also get to see your own body, since the classes are done in front of mirrors, with you staring at your sweating, red faced almost naked self the whole 90 minutes - no hiding anything here. That extra abdominal roll might have bothered you as you came into the class, but by the end it doesn't look so bad.
Third - because it's so intense, there's this food issue of being careful not to eat two hours before the class. Go ahead and break the rule if you want, but it's like the no-swimming an hour after lunch - you'll suffer the physical pains of it. So one must really get disciplined about time and schedule if you're planning a Bikram class - no eating two hours before a class, then the class is an hour and a half long, then the recovery afterwards (cooling down, showering, slowly getting dressed again in a daze), let alone the travel time if you're coming in or out from the Bikramless burbs like your truly.
As for the Pros - I cannot think of any single workout or exercise regime that is better for you in the immediate aftermath. I've done my sampling of dance and gyms and martial arts, tai chi and various yogas, running and biking, facials and body wraps - and this is by far the best thing for you - physically, mentally, maybe even emotionally. They, he - the Bikram guy himself - claims the 26 pose series stretches every single muscle, flushes every single joint, and works every single organ in your body. I've done no scientific investigation to try and back this up, but I'll believe it. Your skin is softer all over, your complexion is glowing, your whole body is relaxed and loose and all those stresses and frustrations you brought in with you were left behind with the sweat. You just feel CLEAN, inside and out (well, at least once you wash the sweat off).
Enough about the controversy, what about the actual facilities? The Bikram I stick to is the Bikram NYC, though I know there are other studios around Manhattan (Chelsea, Soho, and Union Square at least have theirs too). The NYC guys (or gals, as it were) have four studios - 50th St/8th Ave, 72nd St, Flatiron, and 83rd(or somewhere on the Upper East Side) and your "membership" is linked to all of them. But actually there really isn't any membership required to join - you just go when you want, even once a year (like I have, recently) and you'll still be in their computer system. You can pay for a single class at a time, or buy in bulk depending on your commitment level. A class and two towels for $20, rent a mat for $5, a bottle of SmartWater for $2. There are separate gender locker rooms with showers, and I know the 8th Ave. recently renovated their showers (which look awesome). It can get a bit hectic around class sign-in time, but the workers are always friendly and trying hard to accommodate everyone.
The class numbers vary depending, as always, on time. There are a variety of instructors that rotate in and out of the schedule, but because the poses remain the same - 26 poses, done twice in the same order - the variation of instructors does not interrupt one's yoga practice all that much. In fact I've found it to be an advantage to have so many instructors, as they pick up different tips and suggestions, and I've gotten some wonderful advice from them.
Okay, look, I'll be frank - I'm not going to say a lot of bad things about Bikram. I'm a huge huge fan and completely biased. So I'll wrap and say Go! By all means go and try it if you're curious. It's amazing, it's wonderful, it's miraculous, it's fantastic, a god-send...
I will address one more issue of controversy - there is a lot of talk of the style's founder, Mr. Bikram himself - things like lawsuits, bad press, flashing his bling while sitting in his Rolls, etc. etc. Does that impact the yoga style he's honed and marketed? I can't say that it does, though it hurts the reputation of the style. That's too bad, for all the good it does, and the good, at least for me, far far outweighs the (alleged) negative personality behind it.
Molyvos
a Greek restaurant by Carnegie Hall
871 7th Ave., at 57th Street
When I lived in the neighborhood, I would often walk by this restaurant with its old fashioned painted stucco facade that so vastly contrasted to the sleek modern decor or even neon signage of its neighbors, and would feel a wistful desire to head on inside to what I imagined would be warm, rustic atmosphere. I finally had a chance to indulge this whim when the husband and I went in search of a last minute impromptu celebratory dinner, and settled on Molyvos.
It was a Tuesday night, so it was not very crowded though the bar area was lively and there were a fair amount of tables occupied. The hostess was sweet and gave us no problem in checking my husband's bulky guitar case. We were seated in a cozy romantic corner booth, and knew this was going to be the exact experience we were looking for.
The interior reminded me of a ship's cabin, all dark wooded walls and ceiling. It was comfortable without being crowded, and cozy without the cramped spacing. Our table was comfortably large enough for the two of us. The service was fairly attentive, and the clean up between and after each course was complete - no crumbs or dirty utensils left behind. The waitress could have stepped up the attentiveness a notch, but we did not have a problem flagging her down when we needed her.
As for the food - we stuck with sparkling bottled water, got the complimentary side of pita breads and served with a sun dried tomato spread (I think). We began with a Greek salad and split the crab cake appetizer. I went for the baby lamb chops served with a puree of eggplant and a lightly dressed ball of spring greens. He had the halibut entree, served with some vegetable sides I don't recall. Both were fabulous, well cooked and seasoned, served with appropriately complimentary vegetable sides. For dessert, we split an almond honey cake and each had a tiny cup of Greek coffee. Our bill plus tip came out to around $150.
Overall - definitely hit the spot for our desired dinner - a bit special, a bit of pampering, definitely good food, a nice energetic atmosphere without compromising our company (meaning, we could actually talk to each other without shouting). A place where both the tourist and the post-Carnegie Hall performance audience member could dine without feeling out of place. Definitely recommend it, and look forward to coming here again.
Pros: atmosphere, food, location
Con: a tad pricey - save it for special occasions
871 7th Ave., at 57th Street
When I lived in the neighborhood, I would often walk by this restaurant with its old fashioned painted stucco facade that so vastly contrasted to the sleek modern decor or even neon signage of its neighbors, and would feel a wistful desire to head on inside to what I imagined would be warm, rustic atmosphere. I finally had a chance to indulge this whim when the husband and I went in search of a last minute impromptu celebratory dinner, and settled on Molyvos.
It was a Tuesday night, so it was not very crowded though the bar area was lively and there were a fair amount of tables occupied. The hostess was sweet and gave us no problem in checking my husband's bulky guitar case. We were seated in a cozy romantic corner booth, and knew this was going to be the exact experience we were looking for.
The interior reminded me of a ship's cabin, all dark wooded walls and ceiling. It was comfortable without being crowded, and cozy without the cramped spacing. Our table was comfortably large enough for the two of us. The service was fairly attentive, and the clean up between and after each course was complete - no crumbs or dirty utensils left behind. The waitress could have stepped up the attentiveness a notch, but we did not have a problem flagging her down when we needed her.
As for the food - we stuck with sparkling bottled water, got the complimentary side of pita breads and served with a sun dried tomato spread (I think). We began with a Greek salad and split the crab cake appetizer. I went for the baby lamb chops served with a puree of eggplant and a lightly dressed ball of spring greens. He had the halibut entree, served with some vegetable sides I don't recall. Both were fabulous, well cooked and seasoned, served with appropriately complimentary vegetable sides. For dessert, we split an almond honey cake and each had a tiny cup of Greek coffee. Our bill plus tip came out to around $150.
Overall - definitely hit the spot for our desired dinner - a bit special, a bit of pampering, definitely good food, a nice energetic atmosphere without compromising our company (meaning, we could actually talk to each other without shouting). A place where both the tourist and the post-Carnegie Hall performance audience member could dine without feeling out of place. Definitely recommend it, and look forward to coming here again.
Pros: atmosphere, food, location
Con: a tad pricey - save it for special occasions
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Townhouse Spa nail service
Townhouse Spa
39 W. 56th St., btw 5th & 6th Aves.
My birthday was coming up, and I was looking for a new place for pampering. Having recently started getting regular manicures I wanted a bit more than the nailpolish sweatshop. A search for "best of...'s" led me to Townhouse Spa, a recently opened lux pad that was just a block from my office. A nice surprise, and not that much more in cost than the other express manicure places.
I called around 12:30pm and asked if I needed an appointment. Made one anyway for 1pm, for a simultaneous mani/pedi. Got there early and found a sliver of a storefront that was not so obvious given it was hidden under a scaffolding and looking like a typical nail shop - glass storefront, products arranged within the view. I walked the walk through the products to the reception desk where a minimum of four ladies were situated, talking and looking busy and when one of them greeted me another searched for my name and confirmed my appointment. They ushered me back through a hip, masculine looking lounge and bar through to a back room of pedicure thrones and other nail spa things. I begged to use the restroom, and found a most delightful bathroom - spacious, beautiful tiny glass tiles on the floor and walls. They dished out for one of those Japanese toilets - the ubermodern ones that wash and dry you and welcome you with warmed seat.
The decor of the spa catered towards men, so the colors were dark and woody, the lounge containing red leather circular booths, and everything heavy and manly, but comforting for a girl. Even the nail room was masculine in decor, but had the same sense of comfort and cleanliness.
The room was not too busy, maybe four other patrons being serviced. Both the manicurist and pedicurist were young ladies with well honed, professional manner - fast and efficient and thorough. They chatted mostly to themselves in a foreign language (Vietnamese, maybe?) but quietly, and made occasional small talk with me. I was very relaxed and zoned out, enjoying the experience. I was led to the drying machines which, for once, had instructions on what the fan and lights were for. My pedicurist disappeared after that, and I was left sort of lost after the machines turned off and my toe nails were still not dry. Feeling kinda dumb and not sure what to do, I got up and shuffled to the lounge and sat in one of the booths. Many women walked by, all asking if I was okay and if I needed anything until I said I was just waiting for the polish to dry. One offered me tea, and I refused (still being annoyed at the undone polish and neglect) but then I relented. The herbal tea was hot, served in nice white china, and I started to relax again. After 15 minutes I headed out to the lobby to pay. Got a receipt that included the services as well as the names of who did them (nice touch).
And the end result, hours after leaving the spa?? A beautiful, flawless, glossy, evenly coated set of nails. It's been about two weeks now since the mani/pedi - no chips in the polish at all, and they still hold that fresh polish gleam. The manicure does need an update because nail growth, but the pedi could probably last another week. For $22 and $45, this is a great value for what you get. I plan on returning here often for my regular nail indulgences.
39 W. 56th St., btw 5th & 6th Aves.
My birthday was coming up, and I was looking for a new place for pampering. Having recently started getting regular manicures I wanted a bit more than the nailpolish sweatshop. A search for "best of...'s" led me to Townhouse Spa, a recently opened lux pad that was just a block from my office. A nice surprise, and not that much more in cost than the other express manicure places.
I called around 12:30pm and asked if I needed an appointment. Made one anyway for 1pm, for a simultaneous mani/pedi. Got there early and found a sliver of a storefront that was not so obvious given it was hidden under a scaffolding and looking like a typical nail shop - glass storefront, products arranged within the view. I walked the walk through the products to the reception desk where a minimum of four ladies were situated, talking and looking busy and when one of them greeted me another searched for my name and confirmed my appointment. They ushered me back through a hip, masculine looking lounge and bar through to a back room of pedicure thrones and other nail spa things. I begged to use the restroom, and found a most delightful bathroom - spacious, beautiful tiny glass tiles on the floor and walls. They dished out for one of those Japanese toilets - the ubermodern ones that wash and dry you and welcome you with warmed seat.
The decor of the spa catered towards men, so the colors were dark and woody, the lounge containing red leather circular booths, and everything heavy and manly, but comforting for a girl. Even the nail room was masculine in decor, but had the same sense of comfort and cleanliness.
The room was not too busy, maybe four other patrons being serviced. Both the manicurist and pedicurist were young ladies with well honed, professional manner - fast and efficient and thorough. They chatted mostly to themselves in a foreign language (Vietnamese, maybe?) but quietly, and made occasional small talk with me. I was very relaxed and zoned out, enjoying the experience. I was led to the drying machines which, for once, had instructions on what the fan and lights were for. My pedicurist disappeared after that, and I was left sort of lost after the machines turned off and my toe nails were still not dry. Feeling kinda dumb and not sure what to do, I got up and shuffled to the lounge and sat in one of the booths. Many women walked by, all asking if I was okay and if I needed anything until I said I was just waiting for the polish to dry. One offered me tea, and I refused (still being annoyed at the undone polish and neglect) but then I relented. The herbal tea was hot, served in nice white china, and I started to relax again. After 15 minutes I headed out to the lobby to pay. Got a receipt that included the services as well as the names of who did them (nice touch).
And the end result, hours after leaving the spa?? A beautiful, flawless, glossy, evenly coated set of nails. It's been about two weeks now since the mani/pedi - no chips in the polish at all, and they still hold that fresh polish gleam. The manicure does need an update because nail growth, but the pedi could probably last another week. For $22 and $45, this is a great value for what you get. I plan on returning here often for my regular nail indulgences.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Two Little Red Hens Bakery
Two Little Red Hens Bakery
2nd Avenue just south of 86th Street
Need an awesome birthday cake in a pinch? How about three awesome cakes, for a 77-year-old, a 68-year-old, and a 2-year old, needed for a party at 3pm on a Saturday, and it's now just after 1pm? If you find yourself in a similar scenario, head on over to Two Little Red Hens bakery. In a word - Awesome! Their cakes are great, small, so beautifully decorated, in a ton of various flavors.
The space is small and cozy and busy, but not so busy that you can't breathe. My DH sat in the car outside waiting for me, and commented on how many people came in and out of the shop. Despite its busy-ness, the service I got was prompt and wonderfully attentive, as they patiently listed for me the variety of choices, even spending extra time in the back to find the cake flavor I whimsically asked for. Upon settling for three specific flavors (almond, strawberry shortcake, and gooey chocolate) I was shown a couple different versions of each cake so as to pick the "best" one. I was given ample warning that the strawberry shortcake was a day old, and when I went ahead and took it (I was desperate and my untrained eye saw nothing amiss) they gave it to me for half price. They inscripted each one beautifully, with the properly spelled names and appropriately matching/contrasting colors, packaged each one up with a white cardboard box and old fashioned string - despite the 30 minute car ride home they stayed in perfect condition, no frosting mushes on the side of the cakes.
And the taste? Awesome, again! All of them! The chocolate was a huge hit, I found the strawberry shortcake amazing and fresh despite its alleged old age, and while I did not fawn over the almond cake, most everyone else did (the taste was compared to marzipan, and the marzipan fans loved it while the marzipan-haters quietly shunned it). The true NYrs who attended the party gave the indirect thumbs up when they asked "Where did you get the cakes? Where is it located, what's the name?" and filing the info away for future reference.
Another note on the staff, all of whom were incredibly friendly and happy and smiling sincerely as if they really liked their jobs. That in turn made all the customers smiley and happy and glad to be there despite the mild chaos. Most customers did not go for the cakes but were buying the other baked goods - cinnamon rolls, crumb coffee cakes, large cookies, cupcakes.
The only criticism (and I had to think for a minute to find one) was the small space that gets crowded with merely five people in the space (not counting the seating area). Great space, great staff and service, great tasting and looking sweets - what is not to like??
2nd Avenue just south of 86th Street
Need an awesome birthday cake in a pinch? How about three awesome cakes, for a 77-year-old, a 68-year-old, and a 2-year old, needed for a party at 3pm on a Saturday, and it's now just after 1pm? If you find yourself in a similar scenario, head on over to Two Little Red Hens bakery. In a word - Awesome! Their cakes are great, small, so beautifully decorated, in a ton of various flavors.
The space is small and cozy and busy, but not so busy that you can't breathe. My DH sat in the car outside waiting for me, and commented on how many people came in and out of the shop. Despite its busy-ness, the service I got was prompt and wonderfully attentive, as they patiently listed for me the variety of choices, even spending extra time in the back to find the cake flavor I whimsically asked for. Upon settling for three specific flavors (almond, strawberry shortcake, and gooey chocolate) I was shown a couple different versions of each cake so as to pick the "best" one. I was given ample warning that the strawberry shortcake was a day old, and when I went ahead and took it (I was desperate and my untrained eye saw nothing amiss) they gave it to me for half price. They inscripted each one beautifully, with the properly spelled names and appropriately matching/contrasting colors, packaged each one up with a white cardboard box and old fashioned string - despite the 30 minute car ride home they stayed in perfect condition, no frosting mushes on the side of the cakes.
And the taste? Awesome, again! All of them! The chocolate was a huge hit, I found the strawberry shortcake amazing and fresh despite its alleged old age, and while I did not fawn over the almond cake, most everyone else did (the taste was compared to marzipan, and the marzipan fans loved it while the marzipan-haters quietly shunned it). The true NYrs who attended the party gave the indirect thumbs up when they asked "Where did you get the cakes? Where is it located, what's the name?" and filing the info away for future reference.
Another note on the staff, all of whom were incredibly friendly and happy and smiling sincerely as if they really liked their jobs. That in turn made all the customers smiley and happy and glad to be there despite the mild chaos. Most customers did not go for the cakes but were buying the other baked goods - cinnamon rolls, crumb coffee cakes, large cookies, cupcakes.
The only criticism (and I had to think for a minute to find one) was the small space that gets crowded with merely five people in the space (not counting the seating area). Great space, great staff and service, great tasting and looking sweets - what is not to like??
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Apple iPhone
It's love. First it was fascination, then a crush, obsessive some might say. Struck up the courage to engage in the commitment, and finally consumation. And it is true love.
This is not my first real PDA-type thingy, for I did have a brief affair with a Palm V some many years ago, in a pre-NYC life. It held lots of info, sure, but it never really took. Since then I've hunkered down from the fast evolving techno craze. My last phone did not even have a camera on it, let alone email or internet access. But since finishing school, becoming a licensed professional and having my own business, I figured it was time to get a real grownup techno gadget to fit the times. The iPhone contains everything I need, with that need becoming greater as I lost my orange iPod shuffle and the battery of my low-tech phone started acting wonky again.
With less than 24 hours of ownership with my new iPhone, I find the gadget has been constant source of delight. And utter coolness.
Things I love:
Not like:
The iPhone is another piece of hard evidence of the thorough and thoughtful engineering of Apple, and why I soon switched to Apple after my first iPod many years ago, when it first issued the iPod for Windows and the stock price was still under $30.
This is not my first real PDA-type thingy, for I did have a brief affair with a Palm V some many years ago, in a pre-NYC life. It held lots of info, sure, but it never really took. Since then I've hunkered down from the fast evolving techno craze. My last phone did not even have a camera on it, let alone email or internet access. But since finishing school, becoming a licensed professional and having my own business, I figured it was time to get a real grownup techno gadget to fit the times. The iPhone contains everything I need, with that need becoming greater as I lost my orange iPod shuffle and the battery of my low-tech phone started acting wonky again.
With less than 24 hours of ownership with my new iPhone, I find the gadget has been constant source of delight. And utter coolness.
Things I love:
- the usual cool out of box experience that Apple so wonderfully delivers with each new product
- the way cool alarm clock dials that resemble the spinning wheels of a slot machine
- notes to keep track of my to do's and ideas that always far exceed what I can keep in my head at any given time
- consolidation of my phone numbers, emails and addresses plus the means to utilize them in same contraption (tap to call, tap to email, tap to log on and surf)
- calendar finally all in one place, that I can sync with my computer, again on the go
- iTunes with me all the time, especially on the long subway ride to and from the burbs or when my iPod runs out on my patients mid-treatment
- a screen of beautiful colors, ease of use, nice feel of the machine in my hand
- maps! a must in NYC when one lives out in the burbs and one's office is at home in the burbs while the business takes place in the city.
- the full-on website pages
- the cool way you can magnify or diminish the view of pictures, web pages, emails, etc.
- the elimination of the stylus (yeay!)
- the keypad for the phone, because there's something ultracool about tapping on a plain smooth sheet of glass instead of a set of plastic buttons.
Not like:
- the icons on the main screen for some things I'm just never going to use, like YouTube and stocks - not a terrible thing, just a wasted 3/4ths of a square inch
- one can say "price" and it is steep, but you know, combine the iPod with phone and internet as well as computer, one would say it's quite the bargain
- can't switch the order of listed cities on the weather feature, so you either eliminate Cupertino or deal with the fact that you'll always know the weather in California before your own city [UPDATE with the iPhone software update to 1.1.1 they've fixed that issue]
The iPhone is another piece of hard evidence of the thorough and thoughtful engineering of Apple, and why I soon switched to Apple after my first iPod many years ago, when it first issued the iPod for Windows and the stock price was still under $30.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Joyce Carol Oates reading
at the Barnes & Nobel, 82nd and Broadway. Book was her new collection of short stories called The Museum of Dr. Moses
Being a free event, of a well-known author, and at the huge bookstore chain B&N, we figured it would be packed. With my flexible work time, I made a point of getting there early to grab good seats. I had heard of other popular readings where there were long lines, hour waits, need of wrist bands. This was not the case. We did not even know she had a new book out, and it did not seem like this reading about be so highly attended. Arriving an hour and a half early, the seating area was sparsely populated. I grabbed a couple of chairs in the third row, just left of the center aisle.
Slowly as the minutes ticked by, the seats filled until it was standing room only. The author soon appeared, looking tiny and frail and quite at ease in front of this eager little crowd. Applause, an introduction, another applause. JCO discusses genres, and the difference from the general literary fiction. Her new book of short stories is of the horror/gothic genre. She is a good speaker, humorous, calm. I felt compelled to take notes. It makes sense she is a college professor. She reads a bit from one of her stories, and claims the gruesome end prevents her from reading aloud the ending to us. She just knows how to keep the audience in suspense. She takes a few questions, gives lively and interactive responses. Addresses a lot of information and advice to budding writers (like myself and my fellow writing club members), before it is time for the signing.
The announcer said we were to line up according to rows, but there was no one there to enforce such instruction, and it more like a bum rush to the front of the room. We were able to get near the front, our rightful place having been in the third row, but thanks really to a kind gentleman who was sitting next to us who bravely cut the line and allowed us to cut in front of him. Being the genteel, civilized crowd it was, there was no complaint or dirty looks. The signing was quick, JCO ever the professional made quick small talk with us before gently ushering us away.
Overall a good experience. I had not read much of the book prior to the reading, but a couple of stories in, it was nice to hear some of her explanations.
Being a free event, of a well-known author, and at the huge bookstore chain B&N, we figured it would be packed. With my flexible work time, I made a point of getting there early to grab good seats. I had heard of other popular readings where there were long lines, hour waits, need of wrist bands. This was not the case. We did not even know she had a new book out, and it did not seem like this reading about be so highly attended. Arriving an hour and a half early, the seating area was sparsely populated. I grabbed a couple of chairs in the third row, just left of the center aisle.
Slowly as the minutes ticked by, the seats filled until it was standing room only. The author soon appeared, looking tiny and frail and quite at ease in front of this eager little crowd. Applause, an introduction, another applause. JCO discusses genres, and the difference from the general literary fiction. Her new book of short stories is of the horror/gothic genre. She is a good speaker, humorous, calm. I felt compelled to take notes. It makes sense she is a college professor. She reads a bit from one of her stories, and claims the gruesome end prevents her from reading aloud the ending to us. She just knows how to keep the audience in suspense. She takes a few questions, gives lively and interactive responses. Addresses a lot of information and advice to budding writers (like myself and my fellow writing club members), before it is time for the signing.
The announcer said we were to line up according to rows, but there was no one there to enforce such instruction, and it more like a bum rush to the front of the room. We were able to get near the front, our rightful place having been in the third row, but thanks really to a kind gentleman who was sitting next to us who bravely cut the line and allowed us to cut in front of him. Being the genteel, civilized crowd it was, there was no complaint or dirty looks. The signing was quick, JCO ever the professional made quick small talk with us before gently ushering us away.
Overall a good experience. I had not read much of the book prior to the reading, but a couple of stories in, it was nice to hear some of her explanations.
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