Mind-Boggling Change of Season

It is autumn in NYC again. The rate with which it arrives from summer is mind-boggling. How do we know it has arrived? We take a walk around lower Manhattan. Among the signs of autumn are:

The changing colors of the leaves in the parks. There are a few trees, believe it or not, in this concrete jungle.

The hot humid, smog filled atmosphere has been replaced by blue skies, clear air and a chilly 30 mph wind from the northwest racing down the Hudson River. The dirty brown water froths with white waves.

Increased tourist traffic is everywhere. It seems that the fall colors of the northeast and the cooler weather rejuvenate the tourist trade.

The lines to board the tour boats to the Statue of Liberty are several blocks long. They are urgent visitors who only have until Oct. 28^th when the Lady will close for a year during her renovation.

The beautiful display of Geraniums in Battery Park is gone. Park crews have taken them somewhere and are busy mulching and trimming for the winter.

The clothes of the throngs on the streets and sidewalks have transitioned from t-shirts and shorts to fleece jackets, sweatshirts and topcoats. The garment colors of summer are gone with the advent of fall. Everything worn is black.

The Weather Channel is reporting a foot of snow in Denver this morning that will be arriving in upstate New York tomorrow with rain and flood warnings elsewhere in New York. Temperatures are in the 40s and 50s instead of 70s and 80s.

Halloween shops and goodies are available everywhere.

Turkeys are hiding out, not wanting to be part of our upcoming Thanksgiving feast.

New car models for 2012 are out and being promoted. On display on Broadway yesterday was the new little Fiat 500. We’re trying to decide between a Mazda and a MINI or if we win Powerball maybe a Maserati.

And a sure sign it is autumn and that winter is coming quickly: We are dreaming of Florida, California, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii or Belize. Which one will it be this winter. Thanksgiving will be in Florida, we know that much.

A mind-boggling surprise this fall is that the demonstrators down the street who are Occupying Wall Street are still there in force after more than a month. We didn’t think they would last that long. There is no sign yet that the weather will deter them.

Another mind-boggling sign of fall is that the World Series is underway and the Yankees are on vacation. The Giants and the Jets are playing but where are the Knicks?

Finally, so-called progress continues as 1 World Trade Center continues its climb to the sky, adding at least one new floor every week.

Stan the Man & Katherine the Great

Mind-boggling Occupation on Wall Street

Returning from Florida to New York City we find that the “Occupy Wall Street” demonstration, movement or whatever we should call it now is surviving and well. Anybody who watches the news or reads newspapers is well informed about what’s happening. We have a window on Zuccotti Park which is a block from Wall Street. This is the birth place of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement. Yes, I think that’s what I will call it. Of course it all started here one month ago today and has now spread throughout the country and has gone global. These folks have been expressing their message in primarily peaceful demonstrations and marches. In Rome, I understand things got out of hand and became violent with demonstrators doing an estimated $1.4 million dollars worth of damage to property. That is unfortunate and certainly has not been the mood or intention here in New York City, at least from my observations. I walk among the “occupiers” and feel no threat of violence but rather a sense of persistence that comes out of real commitment to their causes. When the owners of the park and the City stated they would have to temporarily vacate to allow the area to be cleaned what happened? They gathered brooms, mops and other cleaning utensils and cleaned it themselves. They were not forced to leave.

The “Occupy Wall Street” folks are growing in number daily. Over this last weekend they moved their occupation to Times Square. Several thousand participated peacefully. Yesterday (Sunday) we walked through the park. There must be close to a thousand camped there with others milling around. The conservatives of our country would have us believe they are simply a bunch of young hippy types. That is not true by any stretch of the imagination. Spend a little time with them and it becomes obvious. Yes, the main issue is what they call the greed of Wall Street Banks and Corporations but there are many other causes. There’s an 87 year old veteran of World War II who opposes the current wars we are engaged in. There’s a 57 year old retired teacher who is there with her daughter, an engineer. They want to set an example for emerging democracies. There’s a 23 year old homeless man who simply see’s a need for unity. There are seniors who want to insure that Medicare and Social Security are maintained. People of all ages that fear the loss of their jobs and retirement are there as well. This could be the seeds of revolution

According to the New York Times, Wall Street Bankers generally dismiss the protesters, saying they are gullible and unsophisticated. Not many are willing to say this out loud for fear of drawing public ire. According to the Times, one hedge fund manager stated, “Anybody who dismisses them is putting a bulls-eye on their back.” I’d say, apparently the “Occupy Wall Street” movement is working if it has initiated that kind of fear amongst the Wall Street Bankers who have never really been challenged in any meaningful way before now.

I had wondered why there had been no marching in the streets, no demonstrations. Just a month ago I wondered if any one cared about the condition of our economy, unemployment, the right-wingers threatening to take over and much more. I found it mind-boggling that nothing was being done. There didn’t seem to be any resistance. Now the “Wall Street Occupation” has energized and focused the resistance. More power to them!        

Stan the Man

A Mind-boggling NBA Lockout!

I have been a mind-boggling basketball fan for as long as I can remember. I played guard on my grade school, junior high and high school teams and loved every minute of it. I remember sitting at the dinner table talking with my family when my Dad looked at me and said, “Is basketball the only thing you can talk about?” He meant please shut up about it. Basketball and fishing were my life.

Later I pursued a degree in history and coaching. In those days you had to teach history or math in order to coach at the high school level. Somehow I got sidetracked and became a psychotherapist. In spite of that I coached high school summer leagues and boys club leagues. Continuing my basketball career, I played at every opportunity for years and still would if an opportunity arose.

I remember watching the Boston Celtics on TV as they won nearly every NBA championship in the 1960s. Then the Seattle Sonics came along and became my team. I was there for every game at the Seattle Kingdome in 1978 when the Sonics lost to the Washington Bullets in the NBA championship series. I cried after game seven when it was all over. But then I was elated the following year when the Sonics beat the same Bullets in 5 games for the championship. In 1996 I watched every game of the championship series between the Sonics and the Chicago Bulls on TV from Arizona, Montana and Mexico. Michael Jordan won it for Chicago in game 7 of course.

Some business tycoon from Oklahoma City came to Seattle and stole my beloved Sonics away. He took them to Oklahoma and re-named them Thunder. Boo! That happened the year I moved back to Seattle. I would have bought season tickets. I am still angry and disgruntled about that theft.

There are many more disgruntled basketball fans these days. Yes, I am referring to the current state of affairs: The mind-boggling NBA Lockout. The Billionaire owners and the Millionaire players can’t agree on how to split the financial take from the fans. In the process they are losing fans, dollars and further damaging our economy. One or the other or both have to give in. We need basketball.  Not only for the opportunity to watch superb individual and team efforts but many businesses in NBA cities rely heavily on the games for income during the 84 game season. 

In the Miami area, where I am currently, the Heat fans were looking forward to the NBA season. Having lost out in the finals last year they wanted to see LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh come through this year. Also disappointed are many local hotels, restaurants and bars that have already cut staff, lost income and face more of the same.

Four thousand fans were able to see a benefit game last Saturday night…but when will it start for real? The benefit was at Florida International University where the head basketball coach is Isiah Thomas, former NBA star. Proceeds from the game went to Isiah’s foundation that serves disadvantaged youth and families. The teams were made up of NBA players. Miami Heat players actually played against each other. Also playing were such greats as Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks. Also playing was Kevin Durant of the Thunder. I wish I had been able to get tickets but no such luck. Dwayne Wade’s team won 141 to 140 in overtime. I presume the focus wasn’t on defense. The point is these guys love to play basketball. Fans love the game and seeing them play. Come on Commissioner Stern. Make it happen!

But no, instead the Commissioner of the NBA, David Stern on Monday canceled the first two weeks of the NBA season that was slated to begin on November 3^rd. The preseason was already canceled. That’s mind-boggling and crazy. It’s all about money. If this keeps up I might lose interest and turn to something else like fishing perhaps. After all, a day of deep sea fishing out of Miami Beach is about the same cost as going to a game at Madison Square Garden or Miami.

Stan the Man

Mind-boggling Experience

Mind-boggling food, service, ambiance and prices. That sums up our experience at Delmonico’s Restaurant at 56 Beaver Street in the Financial District of Manhattan, NYC. As previously mentioned it was Katherine’s 60^th birthday (I’d swear she doesn’t look a day over forty). She picked Delmonico’s for her special birthday dinner. We had walked by the restaurant many times and thought we would save it for a special occasion. I had actually thought of having lunch there once but Rachael Ray was on-site filming her cooking show and I didn’t want that kind of exposure. We have enjoyed Delmonico’s Spiced Apple Marinade and Chipolte Steak Sauce which is sold in a few local grocery stores. You can also purchase these and other items including their special steak knives on line.

Katherine, Adam and I all ordered steaks. They offer other fare such as Chicken Al La Keene ($28) or Seared Atlantic Halibut ($33) but since Delmonico’s, we had heard, is renowned for their steaks we opted to go that route.  Adam ordered the Delmonico’s signature rib-eye steak ($44), Katherine chose the Filet Mignon ($44) and I went for one of my favorites, the New York Steak, medium rare ($43). These steaks come with nothing on the plate except the piece of meat. We ordered sides of grilled asparagus ($14 per plate.)

Next, the wine list.  It provided pages and pages of wines. It was most impressive. I think the wines ranged in price from about $50 to $1500 a bottle. I like wine but the list was overwhelming.   We settled for the only Washington State Wine listed. It was a wonderful Cabernet at $54.

Many places we have eaten in New York City are so noisy it is impossible to have a reasonable table conversation. Delmonico’s was like an oasis in the city. The dark wood, the elegant paintings and the fact everyone isn’t crammed into small spaces together creates an ambiance that is quiet, staid and subdued. The effect on us was very relaxing. The service was excellent but not overbearing or intrusive like some restaurants I have experienced.

The steaks were perfect I would say. Succulent, cooked to perfection as ordered and with wonderful flavor. The price, for our budget, was astronomical but for another celebration I would go back just for another one of those steaks. Maybe the Double Porterhouse ($90) next time.

Unless you are one of the millionaires on Wall Street you probably would not be eating at Delmonico’s on a regular basis. But I would recommend it for a special occasion dinner every 10 years or so. Maybe to celebrate Katherine’s 70^th.

There is a lot of interesting information on the History of Delmonico’s and stuff to buy on their website. Check it out @ delmonicosny.com

Stan the Man             

Mind-Boggling Tidbits

Our President says he is the underdog? The Republicans despise him, treat him with no respect which our president not only doesn’t deserve but impedes his ability to carry out his national and international responsibilities. The President of the United States of America should never see himself as the underdog nor should he be made to feel that way by anyone. It only damages our country’s image and thus all of us.

Amanda Knox is acquitted of murder charges in Italy and is on her way home to West Seattle, our former home. I’m glad to hear it. I also hope she is actually innocent.

Chris Christie says “no” to running for president. He was thought to be a heavyweight for a few days but backed out. He still looks like a heavyweight. Good for him. Mitt Romney is leading the Republican presidential polls????????????? Not impressive but then who else is there?

The “Occupy Wall Street” movement is getting bigger here in NYC and I understand it is spreading across the country. Police arrested 700 trying to cross the Brooklyn Bridge. This seems to energize the participants rather than discourage. Their numbers are growing and they are becoming more assertive.

My young, beautiful, talented  wife, Katherine turned 60 years old on October 3^rd.  We both qualify for senior rates now. We took advantage of that new status by seeing Moneyball last night. We enjoyed the movie and the ticket prices. We’ve actually celebrated for several days since it is a milestone birthday. The birthday celebration will culminate tonight with a dinner at Delmonico’s Restaurant with Adam, Katherine’s son, who will be here from Philadelphia. Delmonico’s is a historic and famous restaurant just off Wall Street. Rachel Ray does her show from there at times. Stay tuned for our impressions of quality, service and price.

It has been chilly and wet in New York City. Fall is here and winter isn’t far behind. Tomorrow I fly to Ft. Lauderdale to enjoy warmth, sunshine and the beach at Bal Harbour. Katherine will join me on Saturday.

Stan the Man