The Gay-Marriage Debate (debate!? really?)

So below I posted a song that Maddy Wyatt wrote for a benefit we did in July called Broadway Stands Up For Freedom for the NYCLU. Two years ago Maddy wrote a song about Barack Obama and we sang it at the NYCLU benefit and then he got elected. So I asked her to write a song about gay marriage hoping to achieve the same result. The song was a big hit, and you must check Maddy out because not only was she my college roommate for two years but she is a really wonderful songwriter and human being. I've done a lot of thinking about gay marriage and I'm a little conflicted. There is a big part of me that knows it is inevitable. Gay marriage will happen, it's just a matter of time. I get frustrated when I hear people say they are mad at Obama for not doing more on the issue. But my friend Joe sent me this article and it makes a good argument for why we need to make the push now. I don't agree with everything he says, but I love Dan Savage and I think it's good to expose yourself to other perspectives, especially from people who you respect.

A-Duh.

A Big Hiatus

So, it's summer and I have been out of town a lot. A little work and a little pleasure. I thought I would take a bunch of pictures and blog about the different places I've gotten to visit in the past few months. But it turns out, I am terrible at taking pictures. And when I'm busy, I'm less motivated to blog. I don't love this about myself, but I do think it's true. I do encourage any of you who have thought, "I should go to the Highline" to DO IT. I went and thought it was really wonderful: relaxing, beautiful, peaceful, well designed. It's a new spot to enjoy the outdoors in NYC. Enjoy this summer and I'll try not to take so long with the next post.

Pedestrian Walkways

I have heard a lot of opinions about the new Broadway pedestrian walkway in Times Square. I have to say, I love it. It's a little thrown together right now with the big orange cones and lawn chairs, but I think it could become something really wonderful. I just read this great article in New York magazine about Department of Transportation Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan, whose idea it was in the first place. Her position is that New Yorkers are desperate for space and these public gathering spots will create a greater sense of community while allowing people to get out of their apartments and breathe. One of my favorite spots in NYC is Madison Square Park and right in front of it on 5th avenue is a pedestrian walkway. There are always people sitting at the tables or chatting with friends and I think if there was more of that in the city we'd all be better off. 

(Madison Square Pedestrian Walkway)

The Department of Transportation website also has a lot of details about creating more bike lanes, improving traffic flow in midtown, and the greening of NYC.  

Sweet Trucks

I love dessert. More than anything. On my way home from yoga last week I walked past the Treats Truck on 5th avenue and 22nd. I'd read about these mobile sweet suppliers that choose different spots in the city to park and feed whoever walks by. I decided I need to see what it was all about. This truck had fresh baked cookies and brownies with some milk/coffee beverage options. I decided on a caramel creme sandwich (two brown sugar cookies with vanilla cream frosting). It was delicious. Also, this truck runs on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which is very environmentally responsible. This led me to do some more research and I found another option called the Dessert Truck. This one sounds a little fancier with menu items like creme brulee and warm chocolate bread pudding. You can find out both truck's schedules on their websites. If you're not so into the sweets, there are a bunch of these trucks all over the city preparing everything from korean bbq to waffles to tacos. I plan to find out where all of these trucks are parked and eat my way up and down the streets this summer.

Mike Birbiglia

John and I just got home from Mike Birbiglia's one-man show Sleepwalk With Me. This is the last weekend he's performing so if you have a chance, you really should check it out. He is a stand-up comedian, storyteller, monologuist extraordinaire. He is hilarious and heartbreaking. He has this amazing ability to stay consistently funny and still hold the audience's attention for an hour and a half. I first heard about him on This American Life and he just did their live show which you can listen to here. He is also going out on tour so if he's coming to your city you should see what he's all about. I love a good story and he's got some great ones.

Laughing Lotus Yoga

"If we practice the science of yoga, which is useful to the entire human community and which yields happiness both here and hereafter - if we practice it without fail, we will then attain physical, mental, and spiritual happiness, and our minds will flood towards the Self." -Sri K.Pattabhi Jois

I am on something of a yoga kick right now. In the past, I've found it really easy to practice outside of NYC and then as soon as I get back, I can't get into it in the city. I don't know if it's the timing or the place but I am loving my monthly unlimited-membership to Laughing Lotus Yoga. It's on 19th street between 5th and 6th and it's a really spirited, loving place.  So far, my favorite classes are taught by Bryn, Stacey, and Mara Dana (who just left but also teaches at Sankalpah). I've been considering doing a teacher training in the fall mostly because I've felt so good since I've been doing yoga in NYC.  I highly recommend checking this, or any yoga class, out.