Tuesday, December 29, 2009

This Does Not Bode Well for Law & Order

The Times reports today that NYC is on track for the fewest homicides in a 12-month period since 1962. Pretty remarkable in such a bad economy (yes, traditionally lack of money makes people trigger-happy). But what about our dearly beloved NBC drama? Will the "ripped from the headlines" plots of the next few months be reduced to golf scandals and foiled plane bombs? Yawn.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

The Mayoress's 2009 Arts Picks

Like those who write them, I have a love/hate relationship with top ten lists. I love lists, but favorites rarely come in tens. Still, always one full of opinions, The Mayoress presents her "what I can remember seeing right now" lists:

Film
  • Precious - if it's endorsed by both Barbara Bush and Oprah Winfrey, you know its message is far-reaching. Lovely performances by every single actor.
  • Sin Nombre - beautifully shot, gritty, and genuine, Cary Fukunaga's gipping story follows emigrants toward the border.
  • District 9 - allegory at its best.
  • The Last International Playboy - a fun crash course in New York socialite-ism.

Theater
  • Post No Bills (Rattlestick Theater Company) - brilliant drama where everything was pitch-perfect.
  • Jump Jim Crow (Subjective Theater Company) - everything off-off-Broadway should be: provocative, funny, sad, inspiring, and not using an intimate venue for an excuse not to bring quality.
  • Hair (The Public) - though it's a bit tourist-ized for this downtowner, a thoroughly joyful night of theatre.

Television
  • Law & Order: SVU (NBC) - another glorious season of the best drama on network television. Note to writers: enough with the preachy scene in each episode though, ok?
  • True Blood (HBO) - Alan Ball has created a world I never thought I'd find so addicting.
  • Modern Family (ABC) - Hilarious - best new sitcom.
  • Jersey Shore (MTV) - When the Kardashians are starting to seem smart.
  • Yo Gabba Gabba (Nick) - The kids' show that makes me want kids. Well, for 30 minutes anyway.

So what are your favorites of '09?

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Who Us, Unhappy? Fuggedaboudit!

It was so funny to read this article today about NY ranking lowest on the happiness scale out of all 50 states and DC. I was feeling particularly happy for no reason (other than the fact that I have a pretty awesome life full of pretty awesome people) today, although if I'd read it last week I'd probably have bawled my eyed out. Oh, being human. Anyway, the author's explanation for the "unhappiness" of New Yorkers is nothing short of... well, New York.

Another Act of PR Briliance from Google

Talk about a win-win. A cool $20 million to charity. Nice work Google.



Saturday, December 19, 2009

A Church & State Were All Snug In Their Beds

Why does the Senate have a prayer before the Pledge of Allegiance when convening? Can someone explain this to me?

Monday, December 14, 2009

You Too Can Create a More Boombastic Environment

Lo and behold, The Mayoress is all busy posting about the environment when right to her inbox flies this gem. (Thanks Adam.) See? Even if your opinion is about hybrid aesthetics or the "greenery" (ahem) of the Caribbean, you can make your voice heard.

In related news, I hear Shaggy has a kickass website in the works created by Brooklyn's newest, hottest marketing firm. Just sayin'.


Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Hypocrisy Continues

Remember how much I used to hate Bloomberg? I still do! Continuing today's theme of environmental personal responsibility, check out this report from the Times:

The average New Yorker uses one-half to one-third the electricity of other Americans. Our carbon footprints are just 29 percent of people who live outside the five boroughs, and City Hall has practical plans to reduce even that amount by nearly a third over the next two decades. No wonder that this month, in a talk at the New York Academy of Science, Rohit Aggarwalat, the mayor’s chief adviser on sustainability, said the city was “the most environmentally efficient society in the United States.”

So it makes perfect sense that Mayor
Michael R. Bloomberg is going to Copenhagen on Monday and Tuesday to address the international conference on climate change: his administration is working to head off problems that will not emerge until long after he is gone. A strong case can be made that when it comes to energy and climate issues, Mr. Bloomberg is the most visionary public official in the country.

And a strong argument can also be made that on a personal level, he ranks among the worst individual polluters ever to hold public office.

Mr. Bloomberg owns a helicopter and two jets, both Falcon 900s. He flies everywhere on private jets, by far the least efficient form of transportation on or above the earth. He takes his jet to Bermuda many weekends. He has flown around the globe on it. He uses it to go to Washington. He is planning to get to Copenhagen for the climate conference by private jet, too.


Seriously, you have to see the full article.

Man, I can't stand that guy. If I ever see him in person again I don't even know what I'd do! It's not like he's have to listen to anything I said, because unlike every other single government official in our entire city and state, we don't pay him. So he doesn't work for us. Perhaps he works for the producers of the movie 2012, ensuring all that catastrophe will indeed come to pass by personally destroying the environment. Just sayin'.

But the article is actually about the moral relativism that comes with money. It's easier, the article posits, for me to sit here and point a finger because I can't afford a private jet. I don't know. I'd like to think most of my standards of social responsibility will stay in place as I become more established. Time will tell.

Talk vs Action

Big shout out to all the protesters who took to the streets in Copenhagen to encourage world leaders to act aggressively on climate change.

It's great to have opinions and even convictions, but so much better to DO something. No, you don't have to fly to Copenhagen, but you do have to do something about the issues you care about; I feel very strongly about this. Your something can be big or small, but doing something isn't hard, it feels good, and has the power to affect change.

Environment is the easiest place to make a difference on your own. It's easy and can save you money to:
  • Walk or ride a bike or take mass transit instead of driving
  • Recycle
  • Compost
  • Use those pretentious reusable bags when you grocery shop
  • Buy local
  • Buy local organic (not Walmart organic, which still leaves a big carbon footprint)
  • Shut off water while you're brushing your teeth
  • Are you seriously still buying bottled water? What is this, 1997?
  • Use energy saving light bulbs (this is a big money saver)
  • Unplug stuff when you're not using it (energy is still sucked out even if that appliance isn't in use)
  • Make sure your next car gets excellent gas mileage (see beyond the marketing - a hybrid SUV is still worse for the environment than a lot of sedans)
  • Eat vegetarian once a week
  • Flush your toilet less (unless I'm coming over)
Here are a few easy things that take less than 5 minutes and can apply to almost any issue:
  • Email an elected official when an issue affects you
  • Donate to a nonprofit you believe in
  • Put an article link on your Facebook page
  • Give change to a homeless person on the street
  • Sign up to volunteer in your community
  • Call someone out when they say something sexist/racist/otherwise setting us back decades
  • Email your friends/family about your thoughts around an issue
  • Read/listen to/watch a reliable news source to get informed about what's going on
  • Bookmark Meet the Pressler and read often
From environment to health care to human rights, you can make a difference.

But the Wealthy Want Their Tax Cuts

Although I think we have a moral obligation to get health care for everyone in this country, some people think money is more important than, oh, people's lives.

Those people are invited to check out the editorial in today's Times:

Over the next two decades, the pending bills would actually reduce deficits by a small amount and reforms in how medical care is delivered and paid for — begun now on a small scale — could significantly reduce future deficits.... A trillion dollars is still a lot of money, but it needs to be put in some perspective. Extending Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy would very likely cost $4 trillion over the next decade. And the Medicare prescription drug benefit, passed by a Republican-dominated Congress, is expected to cost at least $700 billion over the next decade.

Friday, December 11, 2009

A Reason to Like the Bushes

Babs Bush is on NPR right now plugging the movie Precious and giving great solutions for helping kids in rough situations. The Bushes even sponsored a screening of the film in Texas. She says everyone should see this movie. I can't wait.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

And Now Cycling is Anti-Semitic

Thanks to Stephen for this one:

The New York Post reports that "hipster vigilantes" are repainting the bike lanes on Bedford - reportedly taken away at the request of the Hasids in South Williamsburg because bikes and cyclists "pose a safety and religious hazard."



I'm sorry, but this is the last straw.

I am a Brooklyn taxpayer. That means allllll of Brooklyn. And if my 11211 stretches south, you best believe I'm gonna ride my bike through it and expect some safety. This is America, and we're governed by the Constitution, not the Torah, and I will not have people endangering my rights and safety because it's "difficult for them to obey the law about not looking at women." Tough stuff, buttercup. What next, I can't own stuff because the Christians might covet it?

Why is The Mayoress so heated up? Because, as you know, my religion is Runner. And until Mile 10 of the New York City Marathon -- yes, Hasidic Williambsburg -- is not the only one where people don't cheer, I withdraw my support of South Williamsburg. Except Moto, that place is awesome.

Now I will go organize a topless ride down lower Bedford Avenue. Thanks to Yvette, I now know it's within my rights as a New Yorker. Now that's a protest everyone can love!

In Which Obama Acts Like a President

Is everyone listening to Obama's speech right now? He is kicking all the ass we've been needing him to! This is so so exciting!!

He's shutting down TARP, criticizing the people (ahem, Republicans) that cut taxes when they couldn't pay for it, cutting the deficit, creating jobs in the biggest way since the Depression, investing in infrastructure, directing money toward new business, repeating his vow to get us health care without raising the deficit, and reminding the critics that he inherited all these problems, not created them.

Full transcript.

What a beautiful close, too - you can't help but feel he's on the common American's side, and believes in this country more than the majority of us do:

Everywhere I've gone, every stop I've made, there are people like this, men and women who have faced misfortune, but who stand ready to build a better future. There are students ready to learn. Workers eager to work. Scientists on the brink of discovery. There are entrepreneurs seeking the chance to open a small business. And once-shuttered factories just waiting to whir back to life in burgeoning industries. There is a nation ready to meet the challenges of this new age and to lead the world in this new century. And as we look back on the progress of the past year, and look forward to the work ahead, I have every confidence that we will do exactly that.

These have been a tough two years. And there will no doubt be difficult months ahead. But the storms of the past are receding. The skies are brightening. And the horizon is beckoning once more.

I literally have goosebumps. Seriously guys. Yes we can.

In Which the Mayoress Criticizes Obama for the First Time

I still just love Obama. The hope that brought us all together last year got under my skin in a profound way, and I'm glad that optimism is still part of my outlook over a year after that historic election.

That said, I understand why people are frustrated. The economy, the war, health care, terrorism, environment, and our perceptions of whether

One thing I do give our high-up leaders credit for is that they know far more about what's really going on that we do in areas like international relations and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. That's why I don't comment a lot on those topics here. I hate that the wars are still going on, and I'm not crazy about this surge news; but I also don't have any understanding of war strategy or how to effectively end one.

Where I do criticize is on matters where I have first-hand knowledge or experience, or where my day-to-day life is directly affected. (Again, why I'm also active in local politics.) So, health care, economy, taxes, and equal rights are the issues I care about most.

My biggest complaint with the Obama Administration so far is lack of oversight in the financial industry. It's criminal what the banks have gotten away with.

And second, but much less, other economic stimuli. But he's addressing that now, and has done some pretty great immediate things, like helping me pay my COBRA and extending unemployment. And I think it's very long-term visionary of him to work so hard on health care and will ultimately make this a better country in many ways.

But when it comes to most everything else, let us not forget that he's not even been on the job for a year, and he was left with a despicable mess by a disgusting administration.

So I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt. I have faith; I still think he's up to a whole lot of good.


Friday, December 4, 2009

I Am Annoyed at the Dept of Labor and Media

Excuse me. The US lost "only" 11,000 jobs in November, according to the NY Times headline. I'm so tired of hearing these crap statistics out of the US Dept of Labor. We all know the real story behind what they call a 10% unemployment rate. It's so misleading. Do you really think only one of out ten people are hurting from the recession? How about:

  • People who are employed but were forced to take paycuts
  • People who can't get a job in their chosen field
  • People who can't even get a survival job
  • People whose unemployment money has run out
  • People who are going back to school because the job market sucks
  • People who got severance so they maybe aren't claiming yet
  • People who kept their jobs but now have to do two more people's jobs on top of theirs because the rest of their department was laid off
  • People who don't get their raise this year
  • People who won't get their bonus this year
  • People who can only get part-time work
  • Families whose overall income has gone down
  • People whose benefits were cut in lieu of a layoff
  • People who can't afford COBRA
  • Service people who don't get tipped appropriately because people are cutting the wrong corners
  • Businesses making less money
  • Businesses closing altogether
  • Less taxes the government is collecting because we aren't making any money to tax
  • Retirement funds no longer getting contributions, making these problems reach on for decades
  • And there goes your inheritance too
  • Girls who no longer get bought drinks because guys aren't making money anymore or are too scared to spend it
And in the other category:
  • People who work at Goldman Sachs

My first guess is that in my own circle, at least half of us have been screwed by the financial mess. And my demographic is the young, upwardly mobile, college educated, mostly white set. Not representative of our nation as a whole.

So, the media: stop repeating these hollow numbers without telling the rest of the story.

Meet Diana Savino

Reposted from Jezebel, thanks Pam.



Out of yesterday's NY state gay marriage setback has emerged a new icon: Sen. Diane Savino, whose brilliant, off-the-cuff speech in favor of same-sex marriage has made her an overnight internet star. Just watch this. (Savino for President 2016!)

Some choice quotes:

"I'm over the age of 40 and that's all you're going to get from me, but I have never been able to maintain a relationship of the length or the quality that Tom and Lewis have."

"Turn on the television. We have a wedding channel on cable TV devoted to the behavior of people on the way to the altar. They spend billions of dollars, behave in the most appalling way, all in an effort to be princess for a day. You don't have cable television? Put on network TV. We're giving away husbands on a game show. You can watch The Bachelor, where thirty desperate women will compete to marry a 40-year-old man who has never been able to maintain a decent relationship in his life."

"That's what we've done to marriage in America, where young women are socialized from the time they're five years old to think of being nothing but a bride. They plan every day what they'll wear, how they'll look, the invitations, the whole bit, they don't spend five minutes thinking about what it means to be a wife. People stand up there before god and man even in Senator Diaz's church, they swear to love honor and obey, they don't mean a word of it. So if there's anything wrong with the sanctity of marriage in America, it comes from those of us who have the privilege and the right and have abused it for decades."

A former labor activist, Savino was elected in 2004 and serves Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Gay Marriage Vote in NY Senate RIGHT NOW!

Guys! This is so exciting! Check out the totals here: http://tools.advomatic.com/24/nyequality/totals?.

I just emailed my senator to say thank you for supporting equality for all.

Here's where to find your New York State senator: http://www.nysenate.gov/senators

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

What.

Pretty much the only thing I had to respect about Palin was that she ran a marathon. But now that the HuffPo reported this, I can go back to respecting absolutely nothing about her! Thanks guys!
r

Sarah Palin dropped out of a 5k race on Thanksgiving Day in Kennewick, Wash. The former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor quit the race because she wanted to avoid the crowds that were waiting for her at the end, according to The Tri-Cities Herald.

Palin was 1 of about 3,000 participants. The paper reported that her presence drew a "mass of onlookers." Palin announced that she would be running the race on Twitter.