Ride Like a Gentleman, the Video
I had the distinct pleasure of being the subject of a new short video from the fine folks at Streetfilms in NYC.
The September 2020 Playlist: I Happen to Like New York
As I sit here writing this, alone, in the middle of one of the scariest periods in our lifetime, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.
“New York, New York”
"New York, New York" belongs to Frank and to Liza. Recording a cover of such a sacred and iconic song is a daring prospect. This new interpretation by Daisy Dash hits it from a very unexpected angle, with a tone very reflective of our current moment.
I moved back to New York at the worst possible time, and I’m so glad I did it.
After three years in Cleveland, I moved back to New York City in mid January, just when the coronavirus was in out-of-town previews. For two months, I reveled in the joy of being back in my beloved Gotham and had a brief flirtation with a hologram known as “job security.” Since the shit really hit the fan after my last paid workday in March, I’ve been basically staring out the window in between meals, phone calls, virtual gatherings on Zoom, naps and dog walks, wondering what the fuck.
Alden and Church’s at CitiShoes, NYC
A shoe store that not only sells superlative shoes, but they include cedar shoe trees with the purchase.
Another Op’nin’, Another Show, Another Reason to Dress Up
I have a friend named Kelly who works as a wardrobe supervisor and dresser for Broadway shows. Over the years, she has invited me to be her plus-one date for several opening nights on the Great White Way, including the parties that immediately follow. Because of Kelly, I’ve had the privilege of attending the opening nights of The Seagull with Kristin Scott Thomas, A View from the Bridge with Liev Schreiber and Scarlett Johannson, Death of a Salesman with Philip Seymour Hoffman and An American in Paris.
Kelly’s current gig is the wardrobe supervisor for the new production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses with Liev Schreiber and Janet McTeer, and she invited me to attend what would be my last opening night as a New Yorker. As is our way, Kelly and I like to bring a sense of occasion to the affair, since we’re talking about an opening night in American theatre’s most prestigious form.
Rear Window (1954)
It’s been hot as hell here in New York City, and I’ve been thinking about some of my favorite “hot in the city” movies that take place here. Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” (1989), Sidney Lumet’s “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), Billy Wilder’s “The Seven Year Itch” (1955) and Jules Dassin’s eternal classic “The Naked City” (1948) come to mind. But my absolute favorite is “Rear Window.”
Podcast N.36: Leaving NYC, Dog Attacks and My Funny Cousin Kathryn
In this episode, I follow up on the insane feedback from a post I wrote last week about leaving New York. The comments and anecdotes that readers have shared have been absolutely incredible. I had no idea that so many people had experienced the same thing. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone and that the world won’t end if you leave New York City.
Last week, my dog Lenore was attacked by a vicious English bulldog. It was scary. She required minor surgery and an overnight at the vet, complete with sutures, staples and the dreaded Cone of Shame. And on Monday night, I witnessed another dog attack that fortunately ended with all parties intact. My patience for irresponsible dog owners who don’t know their dogs, don’t have control of them and refuse to have them neutered is below the basement.
Finally, I attended the New York premiere screening of my cousin Kathryn Hahn’s new movie “Bad Moms.” While it’s a light, easy and fun summer comedy, the real treat is Kathryn. She possesses an unteachable and unlearnable gift that makes her the one you want to be watching on the screen. She steals every scene.
The Unfortunate Fear of Being “Too Dressy”
A friend invited me to be his plus-one for a concert of Brahms at Carnegie Hall this past weekend, with a supper in a fancy restaurant immediately following. Though I certainly appreciate classical music and often listen to it while working, the classical music scene is not my world at all. I basically feel like Tom Ripley in these situations. The music, however, is always gorgeous, and my friend is smart, funny and fantastic company.
The combination of classical music and Carnegie Hall says suit and tie to me (and my friend, thankfully). As I looked around the audience before the performance started and at intermission, it was obvious that the combination of fine musical art and an iconic Manhattan venue inspires something quite different in other people’s sartorial inclinations. Of all the men in attendance that evening, I’d say about 40% were in a suit or jacket, with even less wearing a tie. For a classical music performance. At Carnegie Hall.