sabotage sarah

Toe

2011-11-26T19:07:00.000-05:00

We on tv

2011-11-26T19:05:00.001-05:00

Josh in the wild

2011-11-26T16:33:00.001-05:00

Park

2011-11-25T11:26:00.001-05:00

Blinded by the light

2011-11-08T13:57:00.000-05:00

Sickness

2011-11-01T14:07:00.001-04:00

Surviving Zuccotti Park: How the Protesters Stay Warm, Fed, and Cheery

2011-10-18T12:17:00.001-04:00

Sent to you by Sarah via Google Reader:

Surviving Zuccotti Park: How the Protesters Stay Warm, Fed, and Cheery

via Daily Intel by Tim Murphy on 10/18/11

This weekend, after nearly a month of following Occupy Wall Street from a laptop in the bourgeois comfort of my rent-stabilized Lower East Side studio, I decided to forsake the plush extravagance of a clean, warm, Pillow Pet–filled office cubicle to live with the protesters for a day and find out how they have been able to thrive without shelter or running water. Herewith, the secrets of survival in Zuccotti Park.

1. They don't need any money. Many kids told me they spent their last dollars getting to New York, but since then, they haven't had to spend a cent to eat well or acquire basics like a sleeping bag, warm clothes, clean socks and underwear, primary medical care, and even the occasional shower and good night's sleep indoors. The protesters have built a very well-run services infrastructure, aided by countless New Yorkers who are offering food, supplies, health-care expertise, and the periodic use of their apartments. Hunky Jewish nerd Michael Glazer (Chicago) and petite, hug-dispensing black woman Sparrow Kennedy (New York via Detroit) are among the protesters running the Comfort Station, sort of a freegan's Wal-Mart made up of plastic tubs full of toiletries and freshly cleaned blankets and clothes. Sparrow (reachable at sparrowkennedy@gmail.com) is looking for more donations, but the protesters do not need any more thongs or high heels. For some reason (Occupy Scores?), they've received tons of those.

2. Bedbugs are not a problem, but trench foot might be. My biggest fear going down to Zuccotti was bedbugs — all those unwashed people and communal fabrics huddled together in such a small space. But the folks in the Health Care Station, such as flight nurse Aaron Highfill, said they have not seen the classic sign of "three-in-a-row" bedbug bites. The biggest problem they've seen is yucky feet, from the cold and the wet and people not cleaning their feet or changing their socks enough, not to mention all the marching. This is why they need donated pairs of new, warm socks, and foot powder.

Despite the hysterical warnings of the Zuccotti Park owners, the park does not appear squalid. Far from it. But it's hard to avoid the appearance of a shantytown when, everywhere, you see plastic blue tarps, cardboard boxes, sleeping bags, plastic storage tubs, and backpacks. Where are the space-organizer volunteers to jujj the place up with some smart, stylish storage solutions? (Occupy the Container Store?)

3. Sleep is possible, but not easy. I wondered how the kids were managing to sleep amid the cold (the weather's been mild, but it gets chilly at night), intermittent rain, crowds, and noise. Well, they aren't, at least not much — anything between a half-hour catnap and a "good night's sleep" of five or six hours between, say, midnight and 7 a.m. There is actually a cozy hush that settles on the park after dark, when the gawking crowds and visiting supporters clear out and it's just the kids strumming on guitars, having their umpteenth political conversation and (adorable!) snuggling with newfound friends.

The secret to sleeping is to make a "sandwich" — first put down cardboard, then a yoga mat, then your sleeping bag. Then get in it wearing many layers, stuff earplugs in your ears (available at the Comfort Station), tie a headband over your eyes, and pull a tarp over the whole thing. Also, even though the city has said it won't tolerate tents or structures of any kind, the truth is that many of the kids have constructed some elaborate and ingenious makeshift houses. I asked a few to show me their abodes and they told me to go away, slamming their tarps in my face.

4. The food really is good. The protesters eat delicious, healthy, and above all free food, thanks to the well-oiled volunteer machine that runs the kitchen — ferrying uncooked donations into the park, to a nearby church to cook it all up, then back into the park to be served around lunch and dinner. I had some yummy kale-garlic-black-bean thing, spinach-Feta quiche, roasted sweet potatoes, and a variety of hearty baked pasta dishes, and not one but two desserts: a crustless apple-ginger pie and a rustic bread pudding. The food pantry is run by Eo, a Judy Collins lookalike from Woodstock, with an iron but loving fist, like every anarchist kid's dream hippie mom.

5.No fighting Every night at 7 p.m., at the east end next to Mark di Suvero's towering, red-beamed Joie de Vivre statue, there is a General Assembly meeting that hashes out the business of the day. Even during a super-prickly meeting Friday on the alleged preponderance of "straight white male" faces going before the media, order prevailed. Heated political conversations abound. "The only rule is, don't touch anybody," a rare older geezer like myself told me. There is a certain degree of young male testosterone energy afloat, but I was also struck by how easily gays and transgenders wove into the mix. In the ceaseless drum circle, one of the strongest loci of the testosterone energy, some of the biggest love came for two crazy queens who vogued each other down to the ground.

6. There is Wi-Fi. There is a special cell- and laptop-charging area with two power strips that run on a generator that is shared by the Media Center, where you can borrow a laptop to go online and check your e-mail, etc. There are always volunteers at the charging center now, since it appears this was one of the few areas where thefts have occurred. There is also free Wi-Fi, thanks to one of the occupiers, Isaac Wilder, 21, a Grinnell drop-out who runs The Free Network Foundation, devoted to providing free wireless service. Wilder has rigged up a free Wifi tower at Zuccotti as well as at Occupy Austin, Kansas City, and Chicago. Drinking carrot juice and lying by his girlfriend, Anna, who is still at Grinnell, Wilder assured me that, though the other Occupy sites were impressive, "New York is the cynosure."

7. Cigarettes are free. One of the mini-legends in the impromptu village of Occupied Zuccotti is Nick Long, 22, from White Plains, who is known by all as "Nick at Night." Despite his nocturnal nickname, Nick in fact spends day and night sitting at a stone table not far from the drumming circle on the park's west end, expertly rolling cigarettes for anyone who asks. That means up to 6,000 rollies a day, paid for with a collection he took up independent of Occupy's finance arm. Long, shaggy-haired, and good-looking, he has found his niche at Zuccotti. But isn't dispensing free nicotine unhealthy, not to mention supporting Big Tobacco? Long said that people were sending up bulk donations of tobacco from North Carolina, and the cigs served a crucial purpose because "they calmed people down."

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Imagine peace on Wooster street

2011-10-13T10:45:00.000-04:00

Yoko Ono put this together.

Food we made

2011-10-13T10:44:00.001-04:00

Part of a fall harvest medley.

John Lennons art work

2011-10-13T10:44:00.000-04:00

Now

2011-10-09T18:15:00.001-04:00

August!?

2011-10-08T09:58:00.001-04:00

Sunset

2011-10-01T11:21:00.002-04:00

Jazzy Josh

2011-10-01T11:21:00.001-04:00

Subway in midtown

2011-10-01T11:21:00.000-04:00

Dirty dog

2011-10-01T11:20:00.001-04:00

Kristof's opening at the bk museum

2011-09-18T17:36:00.002-04:00

Studio visit

2011-09-18T17:36:00.001-04:00

Tweeeeeens

2011-09-18T17:35:00.000-04:00

NYTimes: G.O.P. Gains House Seat Vacated by Weiner

2011-09-14T09:27:00.000-04:00

Bad news.

Bob Turner, a retired cable executive, channeled discontent with President Obama into an upset and won the New York City district last represented by Anthony D. Weiner. http://nyti.ms/qkDhqZ

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Luke

2011-09-12T09:51:00.000-04:00

So many juanderful things from Josh!

2011-09-02T16:48:00.001-04:00

Really beautiful flowers

2011-09-02T13:29:00.001-04:00

scary

2011-09-02T08:40:00.000-04:00

2008

2011-09-02T08:28:00.001-04:00

Rabbi statues in Zach's studio

2011-09-01T07:53:00.001-04:00

3 years!

2011-09-01T07:52:00.000-04:00

As I was falling asleep my calendar alert went off...

NYTimes: Electric-Car Makers’ Quest: One Plug to Charge Them All

2011-08-29T15:48:00.001-04:00

As more electric vehicles come on the market, the need for a common standard for fast-charge connectors is growing. http://nyti.ms/oOZijo

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UPDATED: All Boroughs, All Subways, Hurricane Irene

2011-08-29T08:49:00.001-04:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Subway-Bus@alerts.mta.info <Subway-Bus@alerts.mta.info>
Date: Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 7:37 AM
Subject: UPDATED: All Boroughs, All Subways, Hurricane Irene
To: MTA Alerts Subscriber

All subway service has resumed but customers are advised to expect
longer waits and slightly more crowded trains.

Hamptons

2011-08-29T08:48:00.000-04:00

is this mom or mariel?

2011-08-29T08:36:00.001-04:00

our family

2011-08-29T08:30:00.000-04:00

video chat

2011-08-26T19:09:00.001-04:00

the guy in poland

2011-08-26T09:06:00.001-04:00

Key stuck in the mail box

2011-08-26T07:22:00.000-04:00

hurricanes

2011-08-25T11:48:00.001-04:00

miss this guy

2011-08-25T11:31:00.001-04:00

5 Boroughs, All train lines, Earthquake

2011-08-23T22:27:00.001-04:00

From: Subway-Bus@alerts.mta.info <Subway-Bus@alerts.mta.info>
Date: Tue, Aug 23, 2011 at 10:06 PM
Subject: 5 Boroughs, All train lines, Earthquake
To: MTA Alerts Subscriber

No earthquake-related service changes. There are no signs of damage.
Precautionary inspections will continue tonight. Visit www.mta.info
for details.

NYTimes: Family’s Claim Against MoMA Hinges on Dates

2011-08-23T21:28:00.000-04:00

A lawsuit filed by heirs of the painter George Grosz highlights the statute of limitations for claims of wartime theft. http://nyti.ms/mSAJEz

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NYTimes: 5.8-Magnitude Quake Strikes East Coast

2011-08-23T21:26:00.000-04:00

The earthquake, based in Virginia, sent tremors from the nation's capital to New York City and New England Tuesday afternoon, officials said. http://nyti.ms/qEIqfT

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UPDATED: 5 Boroughs, All train lines, Earthquake

2011-08-23T16:38:00.001-04:00

From: Subway-Bus@alerts.mta.info <Subway-Bus@alerts.mta.info>
Date: Tue, Aug 23, 2011 at 4:29 PM
Subject: UPDATED: 5 Boroughs, All train lines, Earthquake
To: MTA Alerts Subscriber

Due to an earlier Earthquake in Virginia, there is no effect to train service.

Just found another note!!

2011-08-23T13:34:00.001-04:00

This one has been in my wallet for almost a week

Sunset. Right now.

2011-08-22T19:33:00.000-04:00

sunset in BK

2011-08-22T16:15:00.001-04:00

do you remember the time?

2011-08-22T16:13:00.001-04:00

Ericas bridal shower

2011-08-22T08:31:00.003-04:00

Dune

2011-08-22T08:31:00.001-04:00

Hamptons debacle

2011-08-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

NYTimes: Israelis Hit Gaza and Militants Fire Rockets After Deadly Attacks

2011-08-19T07:33:00.001-04:00

Israeli raids overnight followed the multiple attacks near the Red Sea resort of Eilat on Thursday, while Gaza militants on Friday fired rockets at southern Israeli cities. http://nyti.ms/qBYnxZ

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Friday august 19th

2011-08-19T06:55:00.000-04:00

Thank you

2011-08-18T23:09:00.000-04:00

Take us back!!

2011-08-18T22:13:00.000-04:00

Hamptons man

2011-08-18T22:12:00.000-04:00

Cameo gallery.

2011-08-18T22:11:00.002-04:00

93 degrees

2011-08-18T22:11:00.001-04:00

Josh and Luke reading

2011-08-18T22:11:00.000-04:00

Sky before a storm.

2011-08-18T22:10:00.001-04:00

Evening. East river state park.

2011-08-18T22:10:00.000-04:00

Steppers. Midtown.

2011-08-18T22:09:00.001-04:00

Train. Sunset. Bridge. Williamsburg.

2011-08-18T22:09:00.000-04:00

Sunset and the Williamsburg bridge

2011-08-18T22:08:00.001-04:00

BBQ Josh

2011-08-18T22:08:00.000-04:00

Waited for the train for 10 minutes

2011-08-18T22:07:00.001-04:00

Found some notes in the apartment

2011-08-18T22:07:00.000-04:00

@villagevoice, 8/17/11 7:41 PM

2011-08-18T22:03:00.000-04:00

Village Voice (@villagevoice)
8/17/11 7:41 PM
Your Rude Coworker Is Giving You Social Herpes http://t.co/X6wFaLI

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Music in cancun?

2011-08-18T12:44:00.001-04:00

We didn't think it was so great...

Turtles last day!!

2011-08-18T09:42:00.001-04:00

Gallery full of Josh

2011-08-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

Soho is quiet after the rain

2011-08-18T09:41:00.001-04:00

Mac party last week

2011-08-18T09:41:00.000-04:00

Cuddler!

2011-08-18T08:39:00.002-04:00

Note from Josh

2011-08-18T08:39:00.001-04:00

August 18th

2011-08-18T08:38:00.000-04:00

NYTimes: Protests Force Israel to Confront Wealth Gap

2011-08-12T09:35:00.000-04:00

Protesters in Israel complain that a country once seen as a model of equality now has one of the largest gaps between rich and poor in the industrialized world. http://nyti.ms/nC0X60

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NYTimes: Film Hitches a Weird Ride on Kesey’s Bus

2011-08-01T09:29:00.001-04:00

"Magic Trip: Ken Kesey's Search for a Kool Place," a film by Alex Gibney and Alison Ellwood, reconstructs footage of Kesey's 1964 cross-country bus trip. http://nyti.ms/ofUhDE

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The sky before the storm last night

2011-07-27T08:58:00.000-04:00

NYTimes: Scientific Advances on Contraceptive for Men

2011-07-25T09:53:00.000-04:00

Male contraceptives are attracting growing interest from scientists, who believe they hold promise for being safe, effective and, also important, reversible. http://nyti.ms/nQennY

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Me cancun

2011-07-22T07:04:00.001-04:00

Josh by the pool

Hot hot hot

2011-07-22T07:03:00.001-04:00

6:25 am. Feels like 96!?

NYTimes: A New High-Tech Assault on Midtown Traffic Jams

2011-07-19T18:38:00.000-04:00

New Yorkers have heard this before: officials said the system would not only locate tie-ups, but also alter traffic signals to ease them. http://nyti.ms/rfa564

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NYTimes: What Happened Between Cantor and Obama?

2011-07-15T21:38:00.001-04:00

A look at competing versions of what happened between President Obama and Representative Eric Cantor on Wednesday night. http://nyti.ms/nEpjDZ

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NYTimes: Subway Crush No Longer Gets Weekends Off

2011-07-11T09:57:00.001-04:00

The rush speaks to improvements in a transit system once seen as a national symbol of urban blight, but it also points to the shifting cultural and economic picture of New York. http://nyti.ms/ntBG0m

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NYTimes: Central Park Cyclists to Get Wish to Share Shortcuts. Going Slowly.

2011-07-09T09:31:00.001-04:00

Two pedestrian paths across the park will be opened up to bicyclists, who will be required to ride at a very slow pace. http://nyti.ms/r4pG1I

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Little guy

2011-07-07T10:58:00.000-04:00

Panna

2011-07-04T18:29:00.001-04:00

Sunday nigh sunset

2011-06-29T09:42:00.000-04:00

Monday night sunset

2011-06-29T09:41:00.000-04:00

NYTimes: New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming Largest State to Pass Law

2011-06-25T07:54:00.000-04:00

The law will take effect in 30 days, making New York the largest state where gay and lesbian couples will be able to wed and giving the gay-rights movement new momentum. http://nyti.ms/k0kp6X

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NYTimes: Baby Makes Four, and Complications

2011-06-20T18:52:00.001-04:00

This is the worst article I have ever read in the nytimes. Terrible writing. No story line. Subject could have been interesting but is not in this context.

A woman, her son, her sperm donor and his lover are bridging two households in Brooklyn and redefining the definition of the American family. http://nyti.ms/l7AP1k

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NYTimes: F.D.A. Unveils New Rules About Sunscreen Claims

2011-06-14T19:57:00.001-04:00

Products must protect equally against UVB and UVA rays before they can claim to offer "broad spectrum" protection. http://nyti.ms/kiOO7Y

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New color in the living room

2011-06-13T13:19:00.001-04:00

Teal Zeal in the living room

2011-06-13T13:19:00.000-04:00

Cake prebaking

2011-06-13T13:18:00.000-04:00

NYTimes: F.B.I. Agents Get Leeway to Push Privacy Bounds

2011-06-13T09:19:00.000-04:00

The F.B.I. plans to issue a new edition of its manual giving agents more leeway to search databases, go through household trash or use surveillance teams to scrutinize people. http://nyti.ms/ilbSZR

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Location shoot

2011-06-10T21:09:00.001-04:00

On location again

2011-06-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

NYTimes: Does This Swimsuit Make Me Look Fat?

2011-06-10T09:38:00.000-04:00

A no-longer youthful shopper seeks Jude Law perfection on a Weber Grill-like body. http://nyti.ms/iyWBgs

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He's nuts

2011-06-07T19:55:00.001-04:00

I made this cake

2011-06-07T19:54:00.001-04:00

NYTimes: So Much More Than Plasma and Poison

2011-06-07T19:48:00.001-04:00

Jellyfish have long been dismissed as so much mindless protoplasm with a mouth. Now, in a series of new studies, researchers have found that there is far more complexity and nuance to a jellyfish than meets the eye. http://nyti.ms/klovZK

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