An American Classic

The Diner.

Ted and I were on a mission yesterday. We were craving those old school hashbrowns. You remember the kind from when you were a kid at Denny's or IHOP? Where the potato's are hashed, thin and crispy? Yumm. Naturally our mission lead us to look for a diner, and here in this amazing city, there are PLENTY of diners. While we don't frequent any one in particular, We have walked by "The Square Diner" a zillion and one times before, located on the corner of Varick and Leonard St. in the heart of TriBeCa.

You might ask the same question I did "How has this place survived the test of time and How has this post-deniro neighborhood allowed it to stay here ?????"

WELL NOW I KNOW WHY !!!!

'The Square Diner" - appears to have been at one point a dining car on an amtrak train. It's small in size but buzzing with wonderful energy. The service was great, the check was cheap and while they did not have the hashbrowns we were looking for, the food was FANTASTIC.
I had an egg white omelet, with goat cheese and portobello mushrooms! AND THEY HAVE HAZELNUT COFFEE !!! WE WILL BE BACK !

This ole' neighborhood favorite isn't going anywhere ! If you are on Leonard and Varick down in TriBeCa stop in and grab some grub !!! Tell them we sent you !

It's not them, it's US !

February 27, 2010

You'd have to live under a rock not to know about all the chaos that's happening in the world. Last Month, the quake in Haiti, and just this morning, the 2nd largest earthquake in history (an 8.8 on the rictor scale) hit the Republic of Chile in South America.
As I type this post, all eyes are on Hawaii as scientists are expecting a Tsunami of paramount proportions to hit any minute now.

Do you ever sit back and say, "Whoa, Thank God, Me and My Family aren't effected by that ..."?

Well, if you are (and most of us have been at some point) I invite you to think bigger. Every one of us is effected by the great disasters that are taking place in the world these days; A big sign that we aren't doing enough about it ...

Whats required of us is more than just the reactive relief aid we rush to send at first sound of such catastrophes. What is required of us is a call to action, not just in the physical level, but on a metaphysical, spiritual level.

How so, you ask ...? Ever heard of the Butterfly Effect ? (A butterfly flaps it's wings in Japan ...)

Simply stated, Our own selfish behavior - our doubt & uncertainly, our reactive nature and Me first mentality plants direct seeds for chaos in the world.

Use this example (from the Zohar); imagine that the world is a scale. Each one of our actions, words and thoughts tips the scale. Positive actions, words, and thoughts, tip the scale to the right towards mercy, compassion and love. Negative actions have the direct opposite effect, Tipping the scale toward pain and suffering. Every word, every thought, every action is but a grain of sand. Therefore, in the grand scheme of things, that one choice we make toward our selfish nature could tip the scale in an unfavorable direction.

Huge responsibility huh? Yes, but not for fear's sake friends.
Again, we are given an opportunity to wake up to begin to take personal responsibility for the state of the world.
While we can not change what is in the past, we can meditate and pray for those who are directly effected by these disasters.

It starts now.
May we all begin to tip the scale in the positive direction.

God Bless.

Subway Series

Snow capped stairs make for some slippy slopes.
A Seven Train full of dopes.
My Luggage rack,
Lonely Tracks ...
Express to somewhere,
Cautions Glare.
Tripped out
Ugly Pout.
Arrival at destination,
Betty... on Vacation.

Wake Up; Without Your Selfish.

Every Thursday night I have the great merit to mentor a Power of Kabbalah, Level 3 Class. Without a doubt, The greatest blessing has been watching the same 6 or so people grow and transform. However, one of the side perks of this opportunity is that I get to go through the process myself, allover again. The great thing about Kabbalah is that you can keep doing the same class over and over and over again, and you will learn something new each time, given your soul is ready to apply the wisdom.

My Teacher and Friend, David Ghiyam, leads the class and last night he revealed a secret that was so simple, yet so challenging in the same. He revealed the power of having a truly miraculous day.

The Instruction;

1) Set the time you are going to wake up in the morning. By doing so, you create a contract with your soul and the Universe that you agree to.

2) Wake up at that time; and do NOT hit the snooze button. When we hit the snooze button we already are giving over to the body consciousness. Giving in first thing in the morning sets you up for failure for the rest of the day. Giving in tells the universe "Me First". In a "Me First" day you become subject to chaos that does nothing but clog your day with challenges.

3) Immediately after waking up, do something sharing, for someone else. Doing this creates an affinity with the Light, and you become like the Light. In doing so you proclaim that you want to share and you want the Light to share with you.

So simple, right?

Now that I know this little trick, I intend tput it into practice.

Today, I am happy to say, I met the challenge by texting my Mom and telling her that I love her and to have an amazing day. She was SHOCKED. Couldn't get that I was up at that hour ! (6:45am)

So far, the day has been seamless. I should note that as I type there is a HUGE nor-easter storm outside. about 2 to 3 ft. of snow on the ground and a tremendous amount of delays. I, however, was not victim to any of that.

Let's see what else the day has in store, and try it yourself tomorrow and come back and comment on the results.

Have a blessed day. Namaste.

I pledge ALLEGIANCE !!!!

allegiance |əˈlējəns|noun

loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause : those wishing to receive citizenship must swear allegiance to the republic | a complex pattern of cross-party allegiances.
Last night I had the opportunity to attend a staged reading of a New Musical called Allegiance;A New Musical (Music & Lyrics by: Jay Kuo and a book by Jay Kuo and Lorenzo Thione) Themusical is described by it's creators as;"A groundbreaking, original musical about a family's love, loss, and heroism during the Japanese American Internment"

It's pretty rare to get the opportunity to get a glimpse into the future of Broadway. It's even rarer that when you do get a glimpse - IT'S EXCITING!

Last night's staged reading, held at Playwrights Horizon, blew the roof off the main stage. With an audience full of people from the professional New York theater community, including potential producers and backers, there was not a dry eye in the house after the shows finale; "Obon". Led by Lea Salonga and George Takei.

While every performer in the reading was well cast, I have to make mention of several performances that really made me raise my brow. "Young Sam" played by Telly Leung (tellyonline.net) particularly blew me away. Telly's emotional range and wide eyed youthful demeanor give "Young Sam" the heart that makes you want to care for him as your little brother, but smack him just the same with his rose-colored-glasses outlook on being an "American". Leung really thrives when he sings the Act 1 Finale; My Time Now.

In a sweet moment during Act II a little Romeo and Juliet action happens between "Young Sam" and "Hannah" (A "White" Girl) when they sing "Taught Me To Breathe". Together they leave not a DRY eye in the house! One of my favorite moments in the show is when Hannah expresses to her adverse father "God wouldn't reveal something so beautiful, unless it was meant to be shared".

I was also moved by the performance of Sam's mother "Kimiko", played by Tamlyn Tomita. She was so perfectly Japanese in every nuance of her delivery. Moving both in her moments as a mother and as a human who goes through ultimate sacrifice for those she loves. I was also VERY fond of Paolo Montalban's character "Mike Masaoka", the antagonist vaudevillian comic relief of the show who delivers just the perfect amount of razzle dazzle to a show that demands plenty of you emotionally.

Mr. Kuo and Mr. Thione's beautiful story, though taking place nearly seventy years ago, is so relevant today. It makes you question how far we have really come in our own Allegiance; both personal and global.

Please keep an eye out for this one. I am certain it will be a huge hit. I'll bet on it!!!

www.allegiancemusical.com for more info.

A Dragons FIre ! My exploration of Chinese Astrology!

In celebration of the Chinese New Year; I have decided to take on a new adventure. In my previous post I mentioned that I have lived in Chinatown, NYC, for over 3 years. While I am appreciative of it, I have felt OVER it as of late.

Ready to move on.

It's usually this time of the year that I get even more overwhelmed by my 'hood.

Why? you ask ?

It's CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!

The streets are disgustingly dirty and overcrowded with people. The noise level is insane, due to the drums and symbols and people throwing off personal firecrackers.

If you can't beat 'em ... Join em! In my spiritual study, I have learned that if something bothers you or annoys you, you have something to learn from it.

So it's sent me home to my computer to do a little research on Chinese Astrology. Having been a firm believer in lunar astrology (I do charts, so if you are interested inquire within!) and it's influence on our physical day to day lives, my curiosity was piqued to learn about the Chinese sister of the stars.

What I found (at first glance) is rather astonishing. First of all, I am born under the influence of The DRAGON. In 1976, The Dragon's Dominant element was FIRE.

Here are some of the key points that I gathered;

- Dragon's are the mightiest of all signs !

- We are Dominant and Ambitious

- Dragon's are better left alone, and when allowed to do so they thrive!!!

- They prefer to live by their own rules!

- Dragon's love to help others, but hate asking for help.

- Attracted to other Dragon's and colourful personalities.

- WE LOVE to be ALONE.

- Overall we are healthy people, who LOVE Yoga and forms of mild activities that stimulate both the mind and the body.

- In Carrer's Dragon's are Leaders. Do NOT like to be led.

- Extremely Creative

- We will give into love, but won't give up our independence.

There you have it. Quite a portrait of me.

Check back soon, for my next Chinese New Year exploration; "Year of the Tiger Predictions" !

thanks www.chineseastrology.com for the resource.

Through A New Lens; My Pillage Through The Village !

I've lived in Manhattan nearly half my life. Every day I thank god for granting me this huge merit to thrive here and to forever expand my desire to learn and grow in this magical city.

As you can imagine, It's pretty easy to think that after living here for so long I might begin to say "I've seen it all", but that's so cliche. Maybe in Ocala, but not Manhattan baby.

If you've ever wondered along the short narrow streets of the west village you have, surely, made conversation about it's "quaint & quiet" disposition.
Maybe even fantasized about living there.
Well, I got lost in it last night. And I would have been completely content, to put up my cardboard prada shoe box and call it home.

There's that ole Robert Frost poem "2 Roads ..."
I think I get it now.
I traveled both, but found more. Another road, another nook, a shop with books. A place to cut my locks, a store or two to buy my frocks.
Each and every one a gem, which I have never seen before.
I have walked these same streets, time and time again. While sometimes stumbling, sometimes freezing, but clearly never with the lens I have on now.
I love that about New York. Just when you think you've seen it all, God grants you the ability to see more.

As posted previously, I am tired of the same four walls I've been staring at for the last 3 years here in Chinatown. While I am excited to "change the scenery" ultimately I want to change the location. SO ... I've been shopping for a townhouse! Huge leap from Chinatown flat to 4 floor home I know, (not to mention about 9.8 more million dollars than my current humble tofu palace) But, as I once heard in a movie "If you build it, they will
Come"
Maybe if I move in, the money will come!

In my walking meditation I have been led to exactly what I am looking for! (or has been looking for me).
Nestled at the heart chakrah of the area, an adorable, sexy little chalet on, aptly named, Bank Street.

Located conveniently conjunct to TWO Marc Jacobs (count them, TWO Men's Mark Jacobs) boutiques! I can hear the relief in your sigh that I will never have to worry about what to wear to the next gallery opening that has requested my company!

As a matter of fact, I am so confident that this place is perfect for me, that i have already filled it with children to adopt from south America!! (yes, there's room for Mary Poppins and Mommy Poppins too!!)

So, of my new neighborhood, I've discovered plenty of places I am sure that will fulfill my day to day needs.

Here they are:

1. Grounded; a grass roots coffee/tea shop with delicious nibbles and studious young filmmaker types.

2. The Ink Pad; an entire store dedicated to the art of hand crafted stationary.

3. House of Cards- I will call this place a card shop, but that's an understatement. It's more of a chochky shack in which i found the following reminder "Jesus hates it when you smoke"

4. ... The most delicious perfumery in the WORLD. It boasts such untouched and sought after lines such as, Santa Maria Novella, L'Artisian, By Killian, Diptyque and so many more I've never ever discovered.

5. Hair Salon / Barber shop. - this amazing little shop has been perfectly preserved back to it's 1960's origins. Everything, from the chairs to the combs, from the soda machine to the door knobs. I can't wait to get my hair cut here. (and it's only $35! For a guys cut)








That's not even the restaurants!!! I'll get there next time!

Here's to seeing old things with a new lens !!!


Sent from my iPhone

Daniel's Discourse on Doubt

Doubt is inevitable.

Doubt in the people around us.
Doubt in our current life situation.
Doubt in ourselves.
Doubt in our spiritual path.
I could go on and on about doubt. I am a doubter.

Yes, Mr. "So Sure" is a doubter. Coming clean, out of the closet.

I doubt myself, mostly. I wonder how much longer I can fool myself in this pretty little world I live in. I mean, who am I to live on this road to success? Better yet, when someone compliments me, I doubt their authenticity. I even doubt my own partner when he promises me he will marry me one day and we will live happily ever after, three children in tow.

Every time I get too excited about my spiritual work, I am reminded of my childhood days in church and how rediculous all those holy rollers around me looked. That makes me doubt the existance of a creator.

Wrong. (most of the time)

Doubt is a beautiful thing. Not for it's confusion, or for it's ability to make us lazy or complacent. Not because it pushes us away from doing what we are really meant to be doing (which is more than we ever could imagine).

Doubt is beautiful, because it allows us to beg for the truth. When we start to beg for the truth we build the capacity to trust. Then trust no longer becomes logical, it becomes intrinsic. When you know, you know. Heard that before?

So all those Doubts that I have, I am putting to the test. Each and every one of them.

I doubt they will hold up.

10 things that inspire me, for now.

10. The Snow.

As a born Floridian, I didn't have much of this growing up. I think it's beautiful and it encourages me to see the thoughts in my mind as those in a snow globe. With certainty, they will settle - eventually. Only to be shaken up again.

9. Rock Musicals. I am listening to Spring Awakening again, and am VERY excited for "American Idiot" (The Green Day Musical). I feel in my gut that this is the way to the next generation and a way to bridge the gap between the old theater and the new. www.americanidiotonbroadway.com

8. Real Man Fashion.
Many years ago, I loved the look of John Bartlett. It's contemporary but with an authentic rugged man style. I re-discovered him again, by virtue of his new boutique on 7th Ave. South. (He was actually there). The plaids and patterns are sexy, the materials are comforting and almost intoxicating, as if you never want to take them off.
www.johnbartlettny.com

7. Maripol. Maripol was the stylist that "invented" Madonna's very first "look" back in the 80's. She revolutionized the style of a period that will live forever. She is back. Marc Jacobs has asked her to do some accessories and t-shirts for him, with nothing less than the JELLY BRACELETS !!!! www.marcjacobs.com

6. 1920's
Off and on for the last 6 months I have had the merit to work on a new HBO show called "Boardwalk Empire" and it takes place in the 20's. The wardrobe and hair department has done an amazing job of making every detail look authentic and perfect. I am now exploring how I can translate that style to everyday. (see John Bartlett !!! he has some pieces th

at make me crazy)
http://www.hbo.com/boardwalk-empire/index.html

5. Everyday Valentines Day, and hand written notes.
I Love Valentines Day. I love that people stop what they are doing in their day to day life to reflect on love. But, my sadness begins the day after, when everyone forgets the love they had in their heart yesterday. So why not make Valentines day everyday? I'm gonna try. I am writing personalized hand written valentines to send out to the people special to me. I use my grandmothers Mont Blanc Pen, complete with stationary by Vera Wang and Christan La Croix !!!!
http://www.katespaperie.com/

4. My Kindle
It takes me FOREVER to read a book. the problem is I will carry it around with me EVERYWHERE, until I finish it. However, a long the way, I pick up several other books that I start and read in tandem. My kindle allows me to carry them all with me and address them when I need. Currently I am reading "A Warrior's Life; A Biography of (my favorite author) Paulo Coelho" and DANTE'S INFERNO!!! (don't ask .. I saw it on the history channel)
www.amazon.com

3. Making what is old new again.
I am sick of my apartment. It's stale and everything in it hasn't changed in the last 4 years. SO ... I am devising a plan to repaint and redecorate. This will be a huge task I know, but it's effect will be very rewarding.

2. Saturn.
The planet and all it's influence on me and the world right now. Easily neglected, but needs to be addressed. Saturn is the planet of judgment. It's effect, both personally and globally is huge. It's placement indicates where we are most challenged. Do you know where yours is? www.yehudaberg.com but and read his book "The Power To Change Everything"

1. Bikram Yoga.
I started doing Bikram back in 1999. A dear friend, Raffael, introduced it to me. He became obsessed. I did not. I did it, because to me at the time, it was luxurious (as twisted as that sounds) and a status symbol. It was the first time in my life that I lost a significant amount of weight. When I no loner had the money for this luxury, I stopped doing it. I went back from time to time, like once a year - maybe. Then last month, I realized that I needed it in my life. I have been going on average 4 to 5 times a week, and the results are not only luxurious, but necessary.
www.bikramyogamanhattan.com