Its probably been 25 years, since I first heard of Hell's Kitchen. The name offered furtive interest. I recall about 5 or more years ago, the area was settled by contemporary pioneers and home steader"s. A walk on W 46th clearly indicates Hells Kitchen of yore is only in the memory of earlier residents. New restaurants flanked both North and South sides of W46 St. 9th Avenue reminds me of A and B of East Village in the 80's. 9th Avenue has a distinct immigrant flavor, many Brazilian and Thai restaurants, a Greek, Puerto Rican and Mediterranean eateries, and frequently overheard Arabic, Persian, and Spanish languages. There is a mix of trendy, bordering on trendy bars, clubs, and downtown restaurant satellites. VNYL has a branch, Eatery resembles a brethren on 6th Avenue made infamous by the serial Sex in the City. It is conceivably the Chelsea annex of the under 30 gay/bisexual/questioning young people.
I recall Therapy was perhaps the first Lounge outpost, likely to have visited in the late 90's. Now there is Vlada, Ritz, Posh, and Pacha, across the street from the Hudson Terrace. With the first warm and dry day of my visit, I trekked 5 blocks (Avenues are regular street block, 4 = 1 mile)and stood in line at the Terrace. It had sweeping views, 3 glass walls enclosed the edge. The third floor is an open terrace dance floor. Crowded from its buzz, celebratory New Yorkers and friends enjoyed the anonymous though "group" oriented socializing. After an hour and a $13 TnT (Tanqueray and Tonic, no cover), I proceeded up street to Therapy.
Therapy, was well maintained, it was as I remembered. Sleek with its wood walls and stainless steel accents, a stairwell that invites you to the 2nd level loft. I liked it for its thoughtful use of material and space. I would characterize it as quiet sophistication in how it occupies time and space. This is in contrast to my responses to other venues, whereby quickly turning around and leaving Vlada (shrill with intoxicated fruit flies), Ritz (intolerable loud music) and passed Bamboo.
Hells Kitchen is a neighborhood to consider living in. An asset is its closeness to the Hudson. It will necessarily grow and evolve its architectural style, a mix of contemporary and few post 30's structures, hopefully with not too many uninspired boxes. Perhaps residents will plant more trees, move the city to provide bike lanes for both uptown and downtown thoroughfares. I can imagine a few multi-national chains setting up small retail outlets: Zara, BR, CB2. The current residents fit those profiles. I wish that it won't be sanitized as other neighborhoods have become.
I'm curious what my next visit will bring.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Impressions of a privileged life
Today's lunch at Docs on 3rd, with an acquaintance of 11 years, was both somber and disquieting. John lost his beloved sister nearly two years ago. He stated not having fully recovered from a grueling tour with the light opera company, and requested a rain check for the high line park walk we planned. He also shared a picture of a watercolor painting, a female nude, that won him a prize at the guild.
Somber in that we both shared our observations of how Manhattan has changed. The conversation started with an observation of all the closed businesses lining the avenues and streets of what many know to be the heart of the city's shopping and theater district. John paused at a point and uttered "this is not the New York I remembered moving here for. It is depressed."
During the course of my walk across town, hoping for no rain to come, a reflective mood visited me. At my destination, climbing the steps on W23rd Street for the elevated train tracks and seeing the Hudson river to my immediate right along with the Chelsea piers, a new vista of a familiar area greeted me. Over the 20 plus years of visiting the city, there were feelings of enchantment and discovery.
Something new has sprung in an old place, once invisible to many who never venture across these parts. What some considered as off-off Broadway, the Meat Packing District, West Village and the ballyhooed Chelsea district is in the midst of regeneration. In a sense, a park signals a new area has settled. An urban oasis.
New York over my lifetime, seem to have gone through a renaissance beginning in the mid 80's.
As it became "cleaner/safer," bringing in more tourist; as neighborhoods "gentrified" the lower east side especially near Thompson Square, as the wealth of late 20th Century amassed, the city drew like a magnet those who wanted to live a good life.
Approaching the plateau of what is the mid point of my life, during my stroll memories that are uniquely New York came. Among them the Picasso/Matisse exhibit in MOMAQueens, Suleiman exhibit at the Metropolitan, my first look at the Sargent portraits at the Frick. Yes, I travel for art, the highest of my privileges.
New York museum hops was never a pilgrimage, of sort, bred from excess, more so wanting to recharge in being at a place rich with artifact and pleasure.
I had not stayed in midtown during the summer for many years. Recent visits brought me twice to Brooklyn, once during fall and a winter weekend in Chelsea. Midtown is central with its close proximity of modern walkable New York, the MOMA, Rockefeller Center, museum mile, and Central Park. Places I visited regularly when staying in town.
Can one count memory bytes as signifier for the quality of a life? Perhaps this is a topic I can begin to explore in this very public journal.
Somber in that we both shared our observations of how Manhattan has changed. The conversation started with an observation of all the closed businesses lining the avenues and streets of what many know to be the heart of the city's shopping and theater district. John paused at a point and uttered "this is not the New York I remembered moving here for. It is depressed."
During the course of my walk across town, hoping for no rain to come, a reflective mood visited me. At my destination, climbing the steps on W23rd Street for the elevated train tracks and seeing the Hudson river to my immediate right along with the Chelsea piers, a new vista of a familiar area greeted me. Over the 20 plus years of visiting the city, there were feelings of enchantment and discovery.
Something new has sprung in an old place, once invisible to many who never venture across these parts. What some considered as off-off Broadway, the Meat Packing District, West Village and the ballyhooed Chelsea district is in the midst of regeneration. In a sense, a park signals a new area has settled. An urban oasis.
New York over my lifetime, seem to have gone through a renaissance beginning in the mid 80's.
As it became "cleaner/safer," bringing in more tourist; as neighborhoods "gentrified" the lower east side especially near Thompson Square, as the wealth of late 20th Century amassed, the city drew like a magnet those who wanted to live a good life.
Approaching the plateau of what is the mid point of my life, during my stroll memories that are uniquely New York came. Among them the Picasso/Matisse exhibit in MOMAQueens, Suleiman exhibit at the Metropolitan, my first look at the Sargent portraits at the Frick. Yes, I travel for art, the highest of my privileges.
New York museum hops was never a pilgrimage, of sort, bred from excess, more so wanting to recharge in being at a place rich with artifact and pleasure.
I had not stayed in midtown during the summer for many years. Recent visits brought me twice to Brooklyn, once during fall and a winter weekend in Chelsea. Midtown is central with its close proximity of modern walkable New York, the MOMA, Rockefeller Center, museum mile, and Central Park. Places I visited regularly when staying in town.
Can one count memory bytes as signifier for the quality of a life? Perhaps this is a topic I can begin to explore in this very public journal.
Friday, August 14, 2009
From David Axelrod: Health Care Reform
Dear Reader is part three of three.
****************************************************************************
8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now
1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that12.6 million non-elderly adults - 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market - were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage
when they became seriously ill. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage
job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less
coverage. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women's reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured - 13 million people - are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf
Visit WhiteHouse.gov
This email was sent to gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Please do not reply to this email.
Contact the White House
The White House * 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW * Washington, DC 20500 *
202-456-1111
****************************************************************************
8 Reasons We Need Health Insurance Reform Now
1. Coverage Denied to Millions: A recent national survey estimated that12.6 million non-elderly adults - 36 percent of those who tried to purchase health insurance directly from an insurance company in the individual insurance market - were in fact discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition in the previous three years or dropped from coverage
when they became seriously ill. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/denied_coverage/index.html
2. Less Care for More Costs: With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage
job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less
coverage. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hiddencosts/index.html
3. Roadblocks to Care for Women: Women's reproductive health requires more regular contact with health care providers, including yearly pap smears, mammograms, and obstetric care. Women are also more likely to report fair or poor health than men (9.5% versus 9.0%). While rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are similar to men, women are twice as likely to suffer from headaches and are more likely to experience joint, back or neck pain. These chronic conditions often require regular and frequent treatment and follow-up care. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/women/index.html
4. Hard Times in the Heartland: Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. The past several decades have consistently shown higher rates of poverty, mortality, uninsurance, and limited access to a primary health care provider in rural areas. With the recent economic downturn, there is potential for an increase in many of the health disparities and access concerns that are already elevated in rural communities. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/hardtimes
5. Small Businesses Struggle to Provide Health Coverage: Nearly one-third of the uninsured - 13 million people - are employees of firms with less than 100 workers. From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. Much of this decline stems from small business. The percentage of small businesses offering coverage dropped from 68% to 59%, while large firms held stable at 99%. About a third of such workers in firms with fewer than 50 employees obtain insurance through a spouse. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/helpbottomline
6. The Tragedies are Personal: Half of all personal bankruptcies are at least partly the result of medical expenses. The typical elderly couple may have to save nearly $300,000 to pay for health costs not covered by Medicare alone. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction
7. Diminishing Access to Care: From 2000 to 2007, the proportion of non-elderly Americans covered by employer-based health insurance fell from 66% to 61%. An estimated 87 million people - one in every three Americans under the age of 65 - were uninsured at some point in 2007 and 2008. More than 80% of the uninsured are in working families. Learn more:
http://www.healthreform.gov/reports/inaction/diminishing/index.html
8. The Trends are Troubling: Without reform, health care costs will continue to skyrocket unabated, putting unbearable strain on families, businesses, and state and federal government budgets. Perhaps the most visible sign of the need for health care reform is the 46 million Americans currently without health insurance - projections suggest that this number will rise to about 72 million in 2040 in the absence of reform. Learn more:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf
This email was sent to gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Please do not reply to this email.
The White House * 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW * Washington, DC 20500 *
202-456-1111
From David Axelrod: Health Care Reform -- beyond the smear campaign
Dear Reader is part 2 of 3 on this critical issue.
**********************************************************
8 common myths about health insurance reform
1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;
ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It's a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult
family decisions.
4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously
excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary
subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut"
hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or
by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.
Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq
**********************************************************
8 common myths about health insurance reform
1. Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it: It's a myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.
2. We can't afford reform: It's the status quo we can't afford. It's a myth that reform will bust the budget. To the contrary, the President has identified ways to pay for the vast majority of the up-front costs by cutting waste, fraud, and abuse within existing government health programs;
ending big subsidies to insurance companies; and increasing efficiency with such steps as coordinating care and streamlining paperwork. In the long term, reform can help bring down costs that will otherwise lead to a fiscal crisis.
3. Reform would encourage "euthanasia": It does not. It's a malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors. For seniors who want to consult with their family and physicians about end-of life decisions, reform will help to cover these voluntary, private consultations for those who want help with these personal and difficult
family decisions.
4. Vets' health care is safe and sound: It's a myth that health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget significantly expands coverage under the VA, extending care to 500,000 more veterans who were previously
excluded. The VA Healthcare system will continue to be available for all eligible veterans.
5. Reform will benefit small business - not burden it: It's a myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses, provide tax credits to help them pay for employee coverage and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.
6. Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform: It's myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform will improve the long-term financial health of Medicare, ensure better coordination, eliminate waste and unnecessary
subsidies to insurance companies, and help to close the Medicare "doughnut"
hole to make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors.
7. You can keep your own insurance: It's myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.
8. No, government will not do anything with your bank account: It is an absurd myth that government will be in charge of your bank accounts. Health insurance reform will simplify administration, making it easier and more convenient for you to pay bills in a method that you choose. Just like paying a phone bill or a utility bill, you can pay by traditional check, or
by a direct electronic payment. And forms will be standardized so they will be easier to understand. The choice is up to you - and the same rules of privacy will apply as they do for all other electronic payments that people make.
Learn more and get details:
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck
http://www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck/faq
From David Axelrod: Health Care Reform -- The Facts
Dear Reader: This is the first of 3 parts on this critical issue.
Truth has to rise above fear and political dogma.
*********************************************************************************
From: David Axelrod, The White House [mailto:info@messages.whitehouse.gov]
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 6:39 AM
To: gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Subject: Something worth forwarding
The White House, Washington
Dear Friend,
This is probably one of the longest emails I've ever sent, but it could be the most important.
Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back - even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.
As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, "where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed."
So let's start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you'll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.
Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what's below. So what are you waiting for? Forward thisemail.
Thanks,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
P.S. We launched
www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies
that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below,
and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann
DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check
it out:
Health Insurance Reform
Reality Check
8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without
coverage
1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details:
Truth has to rise above fear and political dogma.
*********************************************************************************
From: David Axelrod, The White House [mailto:info@messages.whitehouse.gov]
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 6:39 AM
To: gilgerald@gilgerald.org
Subject: Something worth forwarding
The White House, Washington
Dear Friend,
This is probably one of the longest emails I've ever sent, but it could be the most important.
Across the country we are seeing vigorous debate about health insurance reform. Unfortunately, some of the old tactics we know so well are back - even the viral emails that fly unchecked and under the radar, spreading all sorts of lies and distortions.
As President Obama said at the town hall in New Hampshire, "where we do disagree, let's disagree over things that are real, not these wild misrepresentations that bear no resemblance to anything that's actually been proposed."
So let's start a chain email of our own. At the end of my email, you'll find a lot of information about health insurance reform, distilled into 8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without coverage, 8 common myths about reform and 8 reasons we need health insurance reform now.
Right now, someone you know probably has a question about reform that could be answered by what's below. So what are you waiting for? Forward thisemail.
Thanks,
David
David Axelrod
Senior Adviser to the President
P.S. We launched
www.WhiteHouse.gov/realitycheck this week to knock down the rumors and lies
that are floating around the internet. You can find the information below,
and much more, there. For example, we've just added a video of Nancy-Ann
DeParle from our Health Reform Office tackling a viral email head on. Check
it out:
Reality Check
8 ways reform provides security and stability to those with or without
coverage
1. Ends Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
2. Ends Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
3. Ends Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
4. Ends Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
5. Ends Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
6. Ends Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
7. Extends Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
8. Guarantees Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.
Learn more and get details:
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