The city so BIG they had to name it twice...

Every time we go to New York, which is often these days, the city surprises us with something new.

There is always a new restaurant, historical site, jazz venue or something that wasn't on our radar before. Having spent way too many years fermenting my cynicism in the broadcast racket, this is a Big Apple plus.
New stuff to see and do!

Naturally, there are old favorite activities too. Hardly a trip goes into the history books without getting together with longtime pal "Skipper" Dave for a prowl of junk shops, cigar stores and dive bars where I watch him down whiskies that no longer love me back. Ahh, but I have my memories!

In 2006 we even discovered an eatery devoted to all things peanut butter just off Washington Square. If you go, I recommend the "Elvis" peanut butter and 'nana sandwich with bacon. (Coronary by-pass optional.)

The King would have loved this joint!

This most recent trip that Linda and I took turned up a surprise on lower Fifth Avenue. As we walked North toward Chelsea, I spied the Forbes Magazine digs right next door to the New School. Near the entrance to the building there was a sign advertising the "Forbes Gallery". Hmmm. What might that be? Well, it just happens to be one of the most fascinating FREE things to do in New York. It is a massive collection of toy boats, toy soldiers, antique games, photographs and trophies collected by Malcolm Forbes. There are hundreds of elaborately sophisticated miniature boats and thousands of toy soldiers from all over the world. The photos, trophies and paintings are historically fascinating as well.

The Forbes family charges no admission for what is truly a worthy peak at a national treasure. Put it on your "to do" list for New York City.

Probably the most unique free show we saw last week was the one that happened on the rooftop opposite our hotel on Allen Street. The Thompson Hotel is a wonderful brand new facility on the city's Lower Eastside. It is our absolute favorite place to stay because, not only is it close to our kids, but it has magnificent rooms and a staff that is superb. (It is also home to Shang, one of Manhattan's most delicious new restaurants.)

Well...last Tuesday morning, after returning to our room from breakfast, Linda and I looked out our window to see a young man on the roof of a building on Orchard Street. It took a few seconds for it to register with us that the man was naked and sitting in a lawn chair.

(Typical NYC rooftop...sans naked guy.)

Another couple of seconds passed before it became clear that he was---

Uh.....ah....let's see...He was...how do I put this? He was cranking his Evinrude. Waxing his carrot? How about, BOPPING HIS BALONEY?

(Sorry, what do you have?)

Both of us decided that this was something that may not be all that big a deal on the Lower Eastside and that maybe he would tire of it and go back inside in a few minutes. We had papers to read and some time to kill before an appointment in about an hour.

We couldn't help ourselves. Every ten minutes or so we would check to see if he was still there. He was. Only now he had moved to a standing position on the edge of the building. This went on for over AN HOUR. (This fact help me ballpark his age as definitely...under 40.)

Just before we had to head for our meeting, we saw the young man suddenly bolt for the roof of an adjoining building. It was a spectacular leap that nearly cost him some mighty important family heirlooms as he cleared an iron fence. Apparently his show had attracted the attention of enough people that a squad car containing two of "New York's finest" was now parked on the street below. Soon two fat cops were in rooftop pursuit of this new young performance artist. We don't know if they managed to shut down the show because we had an appointment, but since he failed to appear on any subsequent mornings, I'm guessing they may have nabbed their man.

Check out this neat bridge I bought. It goes all the way to Brooklyn!!

I LOVE NEW YORK!