Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche

Enjoy the Met Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche

Washington may desire to dominate our lives, but that desire can and should be resisted.

Trump, with his airplanes and helicopters, probably would inconvenience the general public a good deal less with whatever commute he comes up with than does Joe Biden’s risible regular-guy act on Amtrak. When Regular Guy Joe takes the train from Wilmington to Washington, they clear out half a car for his use — Biden himself sits stock still, looking frail and terrified — while teams of Secret Service agents are dispatched to each and every stop along the way to swarm the vice-presidential car and prevent any incursions from the plebs. At the end of the journey, the Amtrak riders are kept on the train — at gunpoint — until Regular Guy Joe has cleared the platform, which can take a while. Do they have places to be and schedules to keep? Of course they do, but the Cult of the Imperial Presidency extends to the Semi-Divine Vice Presidency and its odd, pseudo-democratic rituals.

Trump Snubs D.C. as Millions Cheer

Ozymandias

We can all agree on one thing: the problem with America today is that everybody is too polite. It’s annoying! Everywhere you go, it’s strangers tipping their hats to you as they walk down the sidewalk, whistling a jaunty tune. Drivers on roadways insisting that you go ahead of them, and then giving you a smile and a wave. Store clerks and waiters earnestly thanking you for their business. And it’s got to stop.

Luckily, New York Times writer Nick Bilton is on the case. In an article that he will probably one day regret writing, the technology journalist rails against the habit that threatens to destroy the very fabric of American civilization as we know it:

Some people are so rude. Really, who sends an e-mail or text message that just says “Thank you”? Who leaves a voice mail message when you don’t answer, rather than texting you? Who asks for a fact easily found on Google? Don’t these people realize that they’re wasting your time?

Finally. It’s about time someone said it: basic human decency is a complete waste of time, and people who exhibit even a passing concern for others’ feelings are destroying America, not to mention personally offending Nick Bilton — which is, let’s be honest, the worst crime of all.

Thank You, Jerk: On Digital Etiquette

Oh, the inhumanity!

Nick Bilton

Ozymandias

Unfortunately, it seems that the future Aldous Huxley predicted in 1932, in Brave New World, is arriving early. Mockery, truculence, and minimalist living are best, then enjoy the decline. However, we do need a Revolving Door Tax (RDT) and to prosecute politicians and staff and their “family and friends” who profit from insider trading.

This very fine Japanese sushi establishment is conveniently located at 43rd Street between Lexington & Third Avenues…for a pit-stop to refuel your body-energy before you hit the streets of Manhattan or catching the late Jitney from 40th Street and 3rd Avenue to the Peconic Bay or if you missed the Jitney and have to wait for the next bus…about 4 walking blocks…perfect for this coming Christmas season…ho-ho-ho…
Sushi Yasuda, web site, 204 East 43rd Street, 212-972-1001 [MenuPages | NYT | NY Mag | Village Voice | Gayot | Yelp | Citysearch]

I have discovered two places for a satisfying sushi meal in Mid-town … both are very close to Bryant Park, the oasis in mid-town … one can pick-up a delicious and fresh array of prepared food and walk to Bryant Park for a lovely picnic …
Frequently, I have to go to 42nd Street & 5th Avenue to do my art-appraisal research at the Main Research Library. Crossing 41st Street between Madison and 5th Avenues, I discovered a small “Japan-town” with a book-store, a grocery-fast food shop and Cafe Zaiya and Sushi Chiyoda. They are frequented by Japanese office workers and lovers of things Japanese.
Cafe Zaiya is a department store concept with a combination of fresh sashimi & sushi, tempura vegetables and shrimps, tonkatsu, teriyaki beef, cream puffs, cakes, pastries, all ready to go or eat in. 18 East 41st Street, 212-779-0600 [TWIR (NYC Nosh) | CitySearch | Yelp | NY Mag]
Sushi Chiyoda is strictly sashimi & sushi with a sushi counter in the back-room and liquor. web site, 16 East 41st Street, between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue, 212-400-8880 [sushi NYC | MenuPages | Yelp | Salli Vates]

Grand Sichuan International Midtown … according to the menu it serves “freshly killed chicken” … what do they do when you order a half-chicken …

soup dumplings … the skins were a little too thick … contents good …

spicy chicken and noodles … excellent …

bok choy … also excellent …

Grand Sichuan International is a small chain of 4 restaurants in NYC, and is not affiliated with Grand Sichuan in Chinatown at 125 Canal Street (which has the best hot pot in Manhattan) …
Grand Sichuan International’s 4 restaurants are located at 1049 2nd Avenue, 229 9th Avenue, 745 9th Avenue (pictured above), and 19-23 St.Marks Place at East 8th Street …
web site, 745 Ninth Avenue, between 50th and 51st Streets, 212-582-2288/3071 [MenuPages | NYT | openlist | Gayot | Citysearch]
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