A TREE FALLS IN MURRAY HILL

This kind of thing would only happen in my neck of the city.  I wake up this morning and after taking care of a few work-related calls and issues, I open my window to get a sense of what the weather would be.  (It was already hot and muggy).  Everything looked normal otherwise, so I jumped into the shower and when I came out,  I get back to the bedroom only to notice a fire truck parked across the street.  So I go to the window to see what happened and.... whoa!  The tree in front of the apartment building directly across from me had toppled over for no apparent reason.  There were no signs that a vehicle had hit it or anything like that.  It simply fell over.

The FDNY were called in and they had to shut down East 35th Street while they dismantled the fallen tree.  I don't think anyone got hurt.  Still, talk about freaky....

On another note, while we were watching the the FDNY do their work, we think we may have had a minor celebrity sighting:  ROSE LESLIE, who played the character Ygritte, the mountain wilding from the hit TV series, Game of Thrones.  She was casually walking by the bar with a couple of her friends and she definitely look cute.  And definitely a redhead (my personal fav)!

The LONDON OLYMPICS are a few days away and I'm FINALLY starting to get into the mood for the event.   In years past, I'd be stoked for everything related to the Games, from the opening ceremonies, to the most obscure events.  But for some reason, I haven't caught the Olympic bug yet.  Maybe it's the lack of advertising of this year's Games (or maybe I'm just missing it)?  Who knows, I'm just not feeling it so far.

In any case, I'm looking forward to the Women's Marathon, of all things, as we know a young lady (Des Davila) who has a pretty good shot of medaling in the event.  I think she's scheduled to run on Sunday, August 5, so if you're up early and watching the Olympics on that day, make sure to pull for her!


TONIGHT: Enjoy quality craft beers from brewers like LAGUNITAS, HARPOON, LONG TRAIL, MAGIC HAT, & SHIPYARD for only $3/pint during "CRAFT BREW TUESDAYS" (5pm -close)!  And while you're here, catch Team USA's last tune-up basketball game vs Spain (4:30pm)!  Should be interesting as both teams are already shit-talking each other, and the Olympics haven't even started yet!


Cheers!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

MURRAY HILL: THE NEW WILLIAMSBURG?

The last couple of nights I couldn't help but to notice a subtle change in the crowds we've been attracting at the bar. Normally I'm used to seeing the typical Murray Hill set, consisting of frat boys, "bromance" buddies and girls who wear the exact same outfits like Stepford Wives.

However, the last few nights have brought about more individualistic types who you might find in Williamsburg, Brooklyn; the "Hipster" types. Unshaven, tight v-neck sweaters and jeans on guys, more off-beat type of outfits on the ladies (this observation was also shared by FRENCHY, who didn't mind making his feelings known about the subtle changes). More about having a drink and having conversations as opposed to fawning about, hoping to be seen or admired. Not so concerned about drink prices and haggling over buybacks like our typical Murray Hill counterparts. LITMUS TEST: When someone orders a Delirium Tremens to look cool, then making a twisted French face when they find out the cost, chances are they are a Murray Hiller. Where as the past few nights, these newfound "hipsters" would order the Delirium without batting an eye, and come back for seconds and even thirds. Interesting.

I'm not sure if it's a temporary thing; if it's simply folks being home from college for the holidays or what, but this bears observing. I'll keep you posted. Maybe the "Hill" is finally starting to get a hint of "hipness" after all. At least in the eyes of the rest of New York.



Nuff Said.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS.....

I spent the day catching up on personal errands and couldn't help but to take notice of the good ol' EMPIRE STATE BUILDING. Now we're located just a mere four blocks or so from the grand old building and I look at it every day, yet I always seem to take it for granted. But for some reason, today I took a special notice at it and realized how beautiful it really is. It's strong and majestic, and in a lot of ways, truly represents the strength of New York City. If you know anything about its history, you'll know that it was built in only 14 months and it still stands strong today. That kind of construction is unheard of by today's standards (notice it's been seven years and we've still not built anything on the World Trade Center site). The architecture of the building is decidedly "old-school" yet beautiful nevertheless. An old soul, much like myself.

Recently I've found myself hooked on a new show, TRUE BLOOD, the dark and mysterious series currently airing on HBO. HBO has always been known for its great tv series and while they have been off the mark the last couple of years (dare I say JOHN FROM CINCINNATI?), it looks like they have come up with a real winner in this case. Set in rural Louisiana, TRUE BLOOD revolves around a town of eccentric folks who are having existence issues with, ahem, vampires. It's a strange concept yet it's dark, entertaining and very addictive. If you haven't checked it out yet, I suggest you give it a try.

So, a week from now I should be up north in Canada, enjoying a break from the day-to-day trappings of Murray Hill. I haven't been to Canada in about seven years, so I am looking forward to the trip. I will also be spending my birthday away from the neighborhood for the first time in over ten years, so that will be a different experience for me as well. Now I hear that there is some betting taking place on whether or not I actually leave the neighborhood. You can be rest assured that unless you find me in the hospital in a body cast, I will be on that plane first thing Monday morning. Take that to the bank. ;) Until then, let the countdown begin!

DOLLAR DRAFT MADNESS ($1.00 mugs, BUD/BUD LIGHT) tonight!



Nuff Said