Although I’ve spent ample time in New York City for the past 6 years that I’ve lived in Westchester (or as some like to reluctantly call it, the Bestchester), being there this summer has truly reminded me of NYC’s irresistible quirks and gems. However, I particularly love that there are certain unspoken rules unique to the island of Manhattan.

Example A: One day during my first few weeks at BU, I couldn’t help but notice two students on the escalator. Although their conversation about lawlz-worthy cats was weirdly intriguing, I was more perplexed by the side of the escalator they were standing on. Of course, some of you reading this may be wondering, “I dont get it…who cares what side of the escalator you stand on…?” New Yorkers- they get it. Well…most of them.

Let’s say it’s around 5 pm at Grand Central Station, and you have that really important thing at that place you have to go to, and your train is leaving at 5:02. There is a massive line of other commuters going down the escalator to where your train awaits. No problem! You can just run down the escalator and pass the line….that is…if noone is committing the deed, one that makes the Manhattanite masses cringe, unofficially known as…….”Escalefting”..aka, standing on the left side of the elevator so noone can pass the people on the right. 

Although I’m admittedly a little apathetic when it comes to following this unspoken rule, it’s amazing at how frustrated NYers get when people disobey it. Unfortunately, poor tourists entering subway stations tend to be subjected to this anger, for, according to them, since when does escalator etiquette matter that much? The tourists say “Can’t we all just have long hair, sing ‘Kumbaya’ and stand on both sides of the escalator?” …and in response, the NY natives say “Um, I just got my hair cut, and I’m late.” 

Fortunately, despite how this all may sound, New Yorkers aren’t always this bitter. Although I’ve found Boston to be similar in this respect, the New Yorker attitude towards food is especially satisfying. I can’t help but feel at home when I see a line a block and a half long just for a food truck’s savory crepes, or numerous people grinning with anticipation while taking mobile pics of their Shake Shack burgers (omnomnom). 

Lastly, where else, other than NYC, could you take a picture with a Naked Cowboy? If you can name another city, your life is definitely more exciting than most.

…Maybe too exciting.

When I saw that Crackle.com had posted the movie, Husbands and Wives, I figured I’d post my review of the film that I wrote a bit earlier this year, along with the link, since it’s a solid film IMO. If you’re procrastinating or bored (which, if you’re reading this post, you probably are), then check it out. 

Woody Allen’s dark comedy “Husbands and Wives” portrays a small group of New Yorkers whose relationships intertwine in a cynical and unexpected manner. With a dab of “Annie Hall” ’s eccentric charm and “Crimes and Misdemeanors” ’ captivating promiscuity, Allen presents a convoluted love story that satiates the contemporary palate.

The film highlights the dysfunction and predicaments of two couples’ relationships. ‘Gabe’ Roth, played by Allen himself, is a respected writer and professor who questions his love for his wife Judy (Mia farrow) and guilty attraction to his student Rain( Juliette Lewis). On the other side of Manhattan, couple Sally (Judy Davis) and Jack (Sydney Pollack) are torn between desire for each other and outside temptations, business man Michael Gates (Liam Neeson)—who is emotionally confused after a recent divorce — and flighty twenty-something Sam (Lysette Anthony) who believes horoscopes reign over personal connection. 
Amongst the plethora of romantic films,“Husbands and Wives” is a distinct gem that replaces store-bought affairs and starry-eyed romance with the disheveled grittiness and varying sentiments of authentic relationships. The characters are skillfully shot, even during highly personal and emotional conflicts, with a handicam as to indicate that we, as viewers, are crossing the lines of privacy and learning the couples’ most intimate details. Between these scenes, characters participate in “mockumentary” style question and answer sessions that provide viewers with an omniscient point of view that is uncomfortable, yet thrillingly raw and forbidden. 
Allen’s stunningly accurate use of vernacular and genuine dialogue coupled with Davis’ acting dexterity prevented “Husbands and Wives” from being what could have been a watery and insincere film. Although all the characters are vital to the plot’s appeal, Judy Davis powerfully delivers the full range of emotional textures that accompanies modern relationships. Davis portrays Sally as, rather than Hollywood’s typical menopausal and whiny middle-aged woman, a sophisticated wife who’s distraught and confounded by her husband’s infidelity. In one of the final scenes Sally pauses and says “I’ve learned that love is not about passion and romance necessarily…it’s also about companionship. It’s like a buffer against loneliness.” It’s at this point when the average viewer remembers that true love isn’t the heart shaped box or the caramel filled bonbons, but merely the strength to live without them. 

Summer has arrived once again, and the Tumblr blog is resurrected! What summer typically means for Liz Lieber:

1. iTunes debt. Summer= my Pandora stations running on overtime. I typically open a TextEdit (same as notepad for you PC users) document during every listening session (probably the only time I ever use textedit) and type in any song that makes my ears smile. The indirect relationship of my stations’ increasing win and my quickly withering bank account can be problematic (I should really stop listening to my MUSE station). 

2. Hulu and Youtube. If there was a job that paid me to watch excessive amounts of Hulu and Youtube during the summer, I’d be the first to apply. I’m sure evidence in my internet history would have me hired on the spot. I can’t resist watching those adorable cats.. or people who sing like them (fun fun fun fun….).  Also, a friend of mine introduced me to a British show on Hulu, called “Spaced,” and I’m currently on the fourth episode. Gotta love those Brits and their irresistible dry humor.

3. Books. To prevent myself from plowing through all the 80’s movies Hulu offers, I’ve begun to read “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell after hearing my friend reference this book during my trip to Boston (or Bahstun as I habitually call it). The book discusses how true stories of success aren’t solely rooted in intelligence and ambition, but also in factors that are completely out of our control, such as family or birthdays. This is one of those reads that refreshingly takes your current perspective and bends it in every direction. Solid thus far.

And now….for a PopTart cat.

http://youtu.be/h-tVpSGrzAM

I want Pac Man cupcakes.

WOW.