Design: The High Line - New York's Coolest New Park

By Noah Mallin

Awesome architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro unveiled more views today of what promises to be New York City's coolest new park when it opens sometime around January. The High Line is an abandoned elevated freight train track that runs along the West Side of the city. Field Operations is the group responsible for the cutting edge (heh heh) landscaping. I can't wait to see this opened!

Street Art: Turning Ads Into Art NY Style -- Phantom Cut And Paster Hits The Subway

By Noah Mallin

Readers of this blog (Hi Mom!) know that I'm a fan of clever art in public spaces (Ala anonymous Brit graffiti artist/sculptor/prankster Banksy). Blog And I Am Not Lying
has great pics of this mystery found artist's work (including the ones seen here), currently in subway stations now. Dig the Iran = Nam piece made out of the raw material of a big-budget Hollywood ad campaign above. Iron Man posters are a speciality of this phantom:


A trenchant commentary on recent baseball developments:

Mmm, cut and pastey goodness makes me feel a disturbance in the force:

Food: Another One Bites The Dust -- New York Loses It's All-Night Vibe as Cheyenne Diner is Forced to Close

New York is the city that never sleeps but chalk up affordable 24-hour-a-day mom and pop eateries as a thing of the past. Joining the meatpacking district's venerable Florent on the soon to shut down list is old school diner Cheyenne on the far west side. Named for it's far-Westerly location, this circa 1940's diner is one of surprisingly few of it's kind left in the Big Apple.



More importantly, they have an outstanding selection of excellent burgers and their shakes are top notch.



Cheyenne is leaving so that the property owner can, surprise, surprise, put up yet another high rise full of apartments that only the rich can afford. Though he's promising restaurant space on the first floor there can be no doubt that it will lack the character (and probably the affordability) of the current occupant.

Design: New York Auto Show -- Focusing in on The Micro in a Macro Show

The fender sweep with integrated air extractor on the Nissan GT-R

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the glitter, the lights, the free booze and food during the press days at an auto show. What's hard is to find those little snatches of detail or pleasing design cues that make it all worthwhile. Here are some of the nice bits that caught my eye at the New York Auto show:

The intersection of two side character indents on the massive BMW CS Concept -- one indent peters out in a slight upward flourish as the other dives just aft to echo the first one. The broad rounded shoulderline provides the metallic canvas.

The shoulder on the new Nissan Maxima joins with the a-pillar to form a plane that travels down the front end. The hood spills over the peak of the line formed by the outer edge of the pillar making an unusual undulating shape.



The wild organic looking confetti at the rear sides of Mazda's Furai concept. Though busy, they contrast nicely with the all business race car smoothness of the rest of the body. Pure decorative whimsy.

I've always been partial to Aston Martin's mirror mounts, from the metal V-shaped brackets of the Vantage (top picture) to the new carbon fiber ones below.

The superbly handled intersecting planes and shapes at the rear of Cadillac's CTS Coupe Concept. Note how well the trademark vertical taillamps are integrated into the play of sharp angles.

The rear of Toyota's new Venza crossover shows that the Japanese giant has been learning some slick design lingo. Look at the playful relationship of the upkicked bumper seam which visually points to the upper curve of the neat taillight. Meanwhile the wraparound edge of the taillight shoots off in the opposite direction to create a surface edge on the back bumper itself.

If Aston Martin is all about cool mirror mounts then Audi is the go-to brand for exciting headlight jewelry on production models such as the A5 (top) and a4(below).

Dear Nissan Forum,

I never thought this would happen to me. I attend a large Northeastern auto show and noticed your Forum Concept sitting there with it's door wiiiiiide open. I noticed the very cool relationship of the side mirrors with the front quarter window shapes when the opened door juxtaposes them. I'm a fan of curves and this effect gives us several from the mirror edge to the mirror surround to the window shape to the window trim.

When viewed from inside the spectacular leather, wood and chrome encrusted interior the mirrors echo the small pillar windows making a single lovely distended oval shape when viewed as a unit.

Design: New York Auto Show -- Scion Hako Coupe

Toyota's youthful Scion division introduced the new Hako Coupe showcar with some dude in a suit yesterday going "Blah blah youth blah blah youth, youth blah blah blah youth youth..oh and young!" So like, oldsters, stop buying Scions because their high rooflines and good visibility make them ideal vehicles for the wheelchair bound and those to tired to stoop.

Anyhoo, the Hako is inspired by the youth of Japan being inspired by youthful American hot rods etc. Scion's exec invited the press to hate on the Viagra inspired windshield angle and Zellweger-esque frontal treatment because the olds never get what the kids dig. Me, I like it.
Where it gets really dopey rather than, er...dope, is the cameras built into the sides of the car (those are the little round lenses in the front fenders). Apparently the "youths" will share video of goofy looking passers-by and questionable driving with each other. They might even download it!
From the back you can see the cool wraparound inset window line.

Design: New York Auto Show -- Maxima Overdrive

Nissan's Maxima was a sport sedan star in the early 90s but it has since been eclipsed by their own Altima in the hearts and minds of many. The outgoing Maxima shared the Altima's platform but used convoluted styling to distinguish itself. The new Maxima, unveiled today at the New York Auto Show before my very eyes aims to restore the name to glory. Design wise I'd have to say it's a mixed bag, something of a Nissan specialty. The most controversial element are the headlamp shapes which sweep boomerang like into the fender sides (see picture above). The effect is somewhat contrived. Still the detailing is gorgeous -- check out the undulating folded hood forms. The lamp clusters themselves are an elegant mixture of shapes and crystal textures. The Maxima proves to be one of those rare cars that seem undistinguished from afar but profit from a close inspection.
Then there is the roofline which is derivative of Lexus in it's similar appropriation of BMW's famed Hofmeister kink (no not chihuahuas in tutus -- the Hofmeister kink is the little bend in the rear side window of BMW's that has spread like wildfire amongst near luxury pretenders). The lower body detailing verges on dull. Yawn to the flat radius wheel arches. The sweep of the c-pillar into the kicked-up trunklid is a shout out to another more recent BMW trope as seen on the 7 Series and Mercedes' S- Class.
Again though, some of the detailing is superb. The rear hips swell suggestively from just the right angle (see above picture) while the precise lines from the side of the rear window and the edge of the roof sweeps into the trunklid together before diverging to create a broad surface form at the end of the car. I can't say all of this fine surfacing adds up to a great design but it certainly makes for a rewarding inspection.

Design: New York Auto Show -- Hyundai Smokes Out its New Genesis Coupe

Wheeeee! Hyundai treated us journalists to a life and underwear changing experience as two stuntwomen drove the new Genesis coupe into the limited confines of the Javits Center, tires squealing. The cars were flung about with abandon, and several times seemed to be making a beeline for the press stands.
The cars themselves are quite handsome, with a distinctive dropped rear quarter window and parallel side accent lines. Though just short of stunning they do offer a stylistic alternative to other big V8 powered rear wheel drive coupes like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. It's most reminiscent of an inflated last-gen Acura coupe with just a touch of BMW 6-series.
I was still hiding under the bleachers when the flashpots went off so I missed a shot of the flames shooting up. I can tell you that the Javits Hall immediately began to fill up with smoke and not a few journalists were reduced to hacking and eye-rubbing. I of course always carry a gas mask with me.
Check out the vid below for the full madness of this debut stunt, the high pitched girlish screaming is coming from me:

Design: New York Auto Show -- Pontiac Solstice Coupe and Sport Truck

Pontiac showed the G8 based Sport Truck concept which is basically an Australian market Holden given the Pontiac treatment, as is it's G8 sibling. It's also the answer to a question no-one is asking. The awkward marriage between car and pickup truck was aesthetically pleasing on some Chevy El Caminos and Ford Rancheros, but it has no Pontiac precedent and the practicality is nil. Is there really a market for people who want the performance of the very cool G8, minus a back seat and any covered secure storage space?

The Solstice Coupe makes marginally more sense (check out that guy's obstructed eyeline in the pic above -- a low roofline will do that) but looks infinitely better. GM's style guys have given the roofed version of Pontiac's already sweet looking convertible a lovely tuchus -- U-shaped rear glass and all. Pity the visibility and headroom are close to nil. At least the center panel comes off for sunny days but where to put it?

Design: New York Auto Show -- Nissan Denki Cube

Planet of Sight and Sound are lucky enough to be at the New York Auto Show this year so expect lots of neat stuff today and tomorrow.

Nissan's Cube is already on it's second generation in Japan, and the Denki Cube unveiled at this year's New York Auto show is a perforated and tweaked version of the production model with the added distinction of a lithium ion battery. So just like your laptop, the Denki plugs in at night to recharge. Just check out the mini-lightning inside the cool ionized headlight pupils above. Nissan also announced that the next Cube will definitely be coming stateside.
The production Cube is already a lot more interesting than the closest relevant models in the United States market, Scion's xB and Honda's Fit so I applaud Nissan in bringing the next-gen over.

The interior is bright enough to require sunglasses but it's smooth modernity is refreshing. In the C-Pillar below you can see that this cool box comes with it's own "cool box" ... a mini fridge.

Culture: Spitzer ?! I Hardly Knew Her ! Spitz Supporters in Fits Over Prostie Blitz, Impending Crix

There was a time when New Yorkers could look forward to the latest impending scandal with the glee that only Rupert Murdoch's New York Post, and more specifically it's outrageous headlines, would bring. Today The New York Times breaks the story online that embattled Governor Spitzer has been "involved" in a prostitution ring.

Now at this early stage of the game I can understand the grey lady hedging her bets by being vague, but "involved"? Or as their headline puts it -- 'linked"? It makes him sound more like a denizen of the Player's Ball then, say, hunky Richard Gere in Pretty Woman.

Depending on whether the Governor was pimp, john, book-keeper, prostitute or hired muscle, the Post would have it's choice of unsavory innuendo filled headers. Yet, sadly the Post seems to have taken a page from Murdoch's other NYC property The Wall Street Journal and toned it's front page down to a dull roar. On the other hand, the Daily News doesn't give them much competition (see below). Still -- lame photoshopping? Where are your standards?



The overall message in this still-breaking scandal is clear: New York Post, we'll be watching to see what you do tomorrow -- don't let us down!

The Intertubes: VLES Allows For Real Fake Experience of Cool New York No One Can Afford Anymore

Virtual Max Fish

VLES does not stand for very lesbian, rather it means Virtual Lower East Side. What it is, is a Viacom owned Second Life-like world that uses the hip coolness of New York City's Lower East Side to promote bands. But can you have cybersex there?

More importantly, will the rents spiral ever upwards replacing all of these denizens with well-heeled Wall Streeters who are another market crash away from oblivion? If some of the lovingly recreated venues like Max Fish and Katz's Deli go the way of CBGB, will they be erased here too?
Frankly this isn't my idea of cultural landmarking, and the idea of this neighborhood as a distinct melange of cultural influences has already been superceded by the relentless march of gentrification. I look forward to VWilliamsburg.

Culture: New York is No City For Old Haunts -- Greedy Real Estate Pigs Driving Neighborhood Staples From the Trough

The Ramones and friends outside CBGB during its prime

You know things are bad in New York when even Virgin's giant 14th Street Megastore looks like it will be forced out by greedy landlords looking to make more moolah. Unless you happen to be in Mayor Bloomberg's rarefied tax bracket it's harder and harder to survive anywhere near Manhattan.

The display window at Cafe La Fortuna

The latest on the hitlist is Cafe La Fortuna, a West Side survivor and favored haunt of John Lennon when he lived in the neighborhood. According to the New York Times' piece yesterday, the owners have given Yoko Ono John's favorite chair. By Sunday it will be closed.



This is added to the impending closure of Florent, the anchor of the meatpacking district's revival. Back in the 80s when the surrounding area was a mixture of tranny prostitutes and actual meatpackers it was a lone outpost of civilization. You could get a reasonably priced, delicious meal 24 hours a day surrounded by Florent's self-made maps. It's not clear how much time it has left there but the landlord has made it clear that they are looking for much more money for what has been transformed into a trendy spot.

Already the legendary CBGB, birthplace of New York punk, has closed, as has the Bottom Line.

I hereby proclaim that New York City needs to not just landmark the outside of buildings, but ought to institute a program of Cultural Landmarking to preserve important parts of life in the city. Restaurants, clubs, theatres, anyplace that is a thriving historical beacon of the city's life should be protected from rapacious land barons and the vagaries of an out of control real estate market.

The two people who can get this done are Mayor Bloomberg and Christine Quinn, Speaker of the New York City Council. Let's send them a message that our vulnerable cultural anchors need protection -- especially the ones that serve those of us with less than bulging wallets.

You can send Mayor Bloomberg a message here. For Topic use Quality of Life.

You can send Speaker Quinn a message here. For Issue use General Welfare.

New Music: Cat Power's Jukebox Stocked With Curious Covers

Cat Power gets creamy


Cat Power has done this before. In 2000 Chan Marshall (for Cat Power is she for all intents and purposes) released The Covers Record, a set of radically re-interpreted songs both classic and obscure that dramatically raised her profile in the music world. Jukebox is a similar undertaking but Cat Power is in a different musical place than she was on the earlier album.

In 2000, she was still tentative as a performer, not so much freak folk as freaked-out folk. She was known for stage shows that devolved into abject terror and whispered vocals. The arrangements -- spare, exploratory, searching -- reflect this and add to the revelatory feel of her interpretations.

Today Cat Power has become something of a classicist, her last album The Greatest having embraced classic country soul moves with the help of a group of well-versed sessioners. She has also developed a more confident stage presence and quit drinking. As a result some have found Jukebox to be disappointingly straightforward -- her confident arrangements leading to more standardized interpretations.

This is a more conventional record than The Covers Record for Cat Power but she has reconfigured these songs for the most part, many radically, to fit her bold new style. Hank William's "Travellin' Man" becomes "Travelin' (Wo)Man", and the gender shift is more than just titular. The melancholy she found in her earlier stripped down alt folk rock is still here but it's fully limbed -- fixed to her distinctive voice which is deployed with much more precision.

There are two originals here -- a reworking of her "Metal Heart" and a tribute to Bob Dylan called "Song to Bobby" that plays out as a fans mash note. My favorite track though is her opening-- a cover of the Sinatra standard "New York, New York" that shows off her newly minted swagger.

Jukebox gets 4 out 5 Fonzies:



Here's Cat Power in the studio doing "Dark End of The Street" which, despite my earlier post previewing the album, didn't make the cut. Too bad!

Film: Heath Ledger, R.I.P.

Actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment yesterday, possibly the victim of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills, though it's too soon to tell. He was 28.

Ledger along with his former fiancee Michelle Williams, were especially beloved among New York's hipsterati. They saw in the couple a reflection of themselves -- artists living in Brooklyn, raising their young daughter (only 2 years old now), fighting the Atlantic Yards development. When the couple split last year some of that luster faded, but Ledger continued to take interesting and challenging roles and to live in New York, albeit in Manhattan. New Yorkers knew him as a down-to-earth neighbor who shunned the paparazzi and the clubs.

Ledger first came to stardom with a role in the teen comedy adaptation of The Taming of The Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You. Not content to settle for a Freddie Prinze Jr. heartthrob trajectory, Ledger tried his hand at Hollywood blockbuster drama in The Patriot as Mel Gibson's son, tongue-in-cheek historical fare with A Knight's Tale and Terry Gilliam's The Brother's Grimm and an outback western of sorts with Ned Kelly.

His greatest role however has been his Oscar nominated turn as closeted gay cowboy Ennis Del Mar in Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain, a heartbreaking performance that used every facet of the actor's craft to meld performer with character seamlessly. It's a testament to strength and sensitivity of his work that Ennis Del Mar has become an iconic touchstone for the Gay community. GLAAD issued a statement on the actor's death: "Heath Ledger will forever be remembered for his groundbreaking role as Ennis del Mar in Brokeback Mountain. His powerful portrayal changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Ledger's last roles continue his artistic questing. He is currently in the Bob Dylan fantasy I'm Not There and completed photography on next summers Batman flick, The Dark Knight in which he reinvents the role of The Joker. He was currently working on a new film with Director Terry Gilliam.

Here's a great scene from Brokeback Mountain:

Art: New York MTA Bans Life Lessons, Multiple Dads

Boing Boing reports on this recently spotted switcheroo on the L Train banning the fathers from TV's Full House. Apparently Deej and the other kids are welcome but their creepy fathers have to stay home. Not that I'm complaining.

Art: The Art of Joseph

Detail from One of Joseph's "NY Cenes"

My wife has a great eye, especially for unexpected gems. Since 2003 she has been collecting the work of Joseph, an artist who lives in New York and can usually be found working freehand in subway stations. He has a number of themes and motifs that he returns to: looping trains, alien saucer attacks, streetlights, all in his distinctive style. Among the Joseph pieces we have hanging is a rare one that includes a battery powered light-up element. Here is a link to Joseph's MySpace page which has great information on him and images of his work. Many of his pieces are done on scraps of paper which he sometimes mounts on cardboard. His vivid colors are a hallmark of his style, though last night my wife and I saw Joseph and bought a new NY Cene (similar to the one above) that was totally black and white.