Archive for April, 2005
Beth Hamedrash Hagadol
Posted by: | CommentsMy parents and I were privileged to peek inside the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol synagogue, in the Lower East Side, today. It houses America’s oldest Orthodox Jewish Russian congregation (founded in 1852) and, as is obvious, is based in the former Norfolk Street Baptist Church.
The church was converted into a synagogue in 1885. Sadly, it is desperately in need of repair. More on this later, but for now follow this link for a spectacular view inside.
Diane Arbus
Posted by: | CommentsHaving visitors in town is the perfect excuse to be a tourist in New York. Yesterday afternoon I took some time out to join my parents at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Every visit is special, not least because I always discover something new. This time it was Diane Arbus.
Lady on a bus, N.Y.C. 1956
Copyright © 1986 The Estate of Diane Arbus, LLC
Two ladies at the automat, N.Y.C. 1966
Copyright © 1980 The Estate of Diane Arbus, LLC
The exhibition was huge. We spent about an hour there and only managed to cover somewhere between one half and two thirds of the photographs and displays. If you’re in New York before May 30th, I recommend checking it out. Here is the link to the exhibition on the Met website. And here are some photographs I took in Central Park yesterday afternoon. They bear no resemblance to the Arbus pics but the show did inspire me to want to keep snapping.
Man on bench by Cleopatra’s Needle, Central Park
Statue of King Jagiello, Turtle Pond, Central Park
Engage
Posted by: | CommentsYes. Yes. Yes. Engage! (Hat tip: Normblog.)
Engage was set up in response to the Association of University Teacher’s decision to take steps towards an academic and cultural boycott of Israel:
Engage opposes Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. We are in favour of the foundation of a Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel. We do not believe that Israel is an ‘illegitimate state’. We are for reconciliation between Israeli Jews and Palestinians.
1 . Engage opposes the idea of an academic or cultural boycott of Israel.·
2 . Engage aims to encourage, facilitate and publicise positive links between Israeli, Palestinian, British and global academia. Engage is for closer engagement, not boycotts.
3 . Engage stands up against antisemitism in our universities, in our unions and in our students unions.
Mailer’s Carpet, Beatty’s Fridge
Posted by: | CommentsArianna Huffington launched her new blog venture, the Huffington Post, yesterday. The site doesn’t go public until next month but it started in silent mode yesterday and a preview has been kindly republished by the Guardian. Here are some excerpts (full article is here):
Does anyone know how to get red wine stains out of a wool carpet? posted by NORMAN MAILER on Mon May 9 at 10:14 PDT
I’m screwed if my wife sees this. I’m not even supposed to drink in that room. I’ve been scrubbing but that just seems to spread the stain around. A quick answer would be most appreciated.comments 0 :: trackbacks 0 :: post a comment
I think I’m going to run for president, posted by WarrenBeatty on Mon May 9 at 10:39 PDT
You heard it here first, people. The official announcement will be on Jay Leno on Wednesday. Most of you know that I’ve been actively interested in politics for many years, but recent events in our country have finally made me realise that someone has got to take a stand. I know I can count on your support. Oh hang on, I’ve got a fridge being delivered that day. Forget about it.comments 0 :: trackbacks 0 :: post a comment
This is so blogciting, posted by Tina Brown on Mon May 9 at 11:04 PDT
Today we are entering a new paradigm: the energy and passion that I see on this mega-blog will ensure that it becomes not just the premiere electro-salon of the liberal elite, but the soul-search engine for the entire Alter-net. In today’s fast-moving, cross-pollinating media perfect storm we don’t always want considered essays or spelled-out arguments. Sometimes we just want to say “Bush sucks”. Although his wife is really sweet.comments 0 :: trackbacks 0 :: post a comment
Re: Does anyone know how to get red wine stains out of a wool carpet? posted by BarryDillerCEO.IAC/InterActiveCrop on Mon May 9 at 11:17 PDT
pour white wine over it & then blot GENTLY with a clean cloth. Rinse with warm water & repeat until gone. Whatever you do, don’t rub. Who’s got a good sourdough bread recipe, btw? The last loaf I made was like a paving stone.comments 0 :: trackbacks 0 :: post a comment
I know I’m just providing the megaphone but. posted by “Huff” on Mon May 9 2005 at 11:34 PDT
perhaps I could suggest a topic? The president’s proposals for private investment accounts are aimed at improving the long-term solvency of social security, but does it come at too high a price, namely sacrificing the commitment to guarantied benefits?comments 0 :: trackbacks 0 :: post a comment
Dear hopeless liberals, Posted by David “Axis of Evil” Frum on Mon May 9 2005 at 11:45 PDT
Unless you got to that stain right away, white wine ain’t gonna do jack. You need BLEACH and plenty of it, and you need to rub hard. Hope this doesn’t shatter your cosy little worldview.comments 0 :: trackbacks 0 :: post a comment
Whoops! The fridge is coming today! Posted by WarrenBeatty on Mon May 9 2005 at 13:09 PDT
They just called. So I guess I can announce my candidacy on wed after all, but now I don’t really feel like it. Hi Gwynnie! Hi Norman! What’s everyone having for lunch?comments 0 :: trackbacks 0 :: post a comment
May 3: What a fool! This thing was a spoof! I hang my head in shame…
Trump: The Fragrance
Posted by: | CommentsIt’s a cheap shot but I am going to go for it anyway. My mum (visiting NY for the first time) gets all the credit for spotting this in Trump Tower today. Perhaps it won’t be so amusing for US readers, but Trump: The Fragrance would not go down too well in the UK where trump means this:
