Mazzini Dance Collective and Dances Patrelle Make It Short and (Hopefully) Sweet

Chloé Sherman and Alexander Castillo as the title characters in Dance Patrelle's "Romeo & Juliet. Photo by Eduardo Patino.

BY TAMARA BECK

ONE tends to assume that the season of a production will be at least a few months.

Occasionally, however, it can pass as quickly as a schoolboy's summer. Such will be the case next month when two dance companies will showcase blink-of-an eye seasons, condensed into just a few days.

The Mazzini Dance Collective (MDC), founded by former Paul Taylor Dance Company principal, Annmaria Mazzini, is an interdisciplinary, multi-generational troupe. It defines itself as a family collaborative of young dancers inspired by veterans to reach new levels of excellence in technique and choreography.

MDC's goal is to integrate visual and performing arts in emotionally accessible productions,

Several premieres will be presented during the inaugural season on 6 and 7 Sept. One of note is "Playing with Angels," a reflection on the relationship between mothers and sons, choreographed by AM with music by MDC composer-in-residence Robert Paterson.

Performing the score live are members of AME: Billy Hestand and Billy Short on bassoon and Bryan Wagorn on piano.

"When We Rise," a piece choreographed by longtime MDC collaborator Orion Duckstein with music by Zoe Keating and performed by OD and AM, premieres as well. Another new creation from AM is "Criminal Commoners." It is set to music by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, St. Vincent, Phantogram, Cold War Kids, Pulp and Goldfrapp.

Anna Maria Mazzini Photo by Sarah Sterner.

The venue for the two-day program is the Ailey Citigroup Theater in the Joan Weill Center for Dance.

Elsewhere, Francis Patrelle of the eponymous Dances Patrelle (dP), home to the FP-choreographed annual "Yorkville Nutcracker," presents a season in honor of dP's 25th anniversary.
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He offers his take on the immortal story of young love. His "Romeo & Juliet" is set to Prokofiev's score. Unlike Baz Luhrmann, FP doesn't modernize it. This is a classicist version in celebration of Shakespeare's 450th birthday. (See video above of dP 1993 "Romeo & Juliet" revival)

Mazzini Dance Collective will perform several new works in its inaugural season. Photo from Mazzini Dance Collective Web site.

The featured performers in this evening-length revival are Alexander Castillo, a transplant from New York to the West Coast, and Chloé Sherman, journeying from Los Angeles especially to dance with dP.

The performances, 11-14 Sept., are planned for Hunter College's Kaye Playhouse.

Visit http://www.mazzinidancecollective.org to learn more about the Mazzini Dance Collective.; visit http://www.dancespatrelle.org/ to learn more about Dances Patrelle.

'Here Comes the Sun The Remixes': Sir Ivan Lets His Little Light Shine

Sir Ivan Wilzig emerges from his Peacemobile right before his performance of a single from "Here Comes the Sun The Remixes." Photos from Getty Images.

IT is a really dark late August night. But the sun is shining.

Caught in the sun's rays is a gothic-style castle and grounds situated along a heavily treed winding road in the Hamptons. It is the compound of Sir Ivan Wilzig, businessman, philanthropist, bon vivant, entertainer and recording artist.

Visitors who are admitted through the massive gates are swept into a sunny paradise, greeted by a stand of sunflowers and other bright sights. It is a happy place.

The occasion, the official record release party for Sir Ivan's latest, the EP “Here Comes the Sun The Remixes.” Here are five different versions of The Beatles' popular ditty recast in the techno style with various riffs from other genres, including disco and sundry instrumental, or rather, computer-generated flourishes.

If nothing else, Sir Ivan is a showman. Why have a record release party in a dingy, dark, dank nightclub or nondescript event space when you have sprawling digs on which there is a bridge, moat and arresting views? And so he has not. In keeping with the theme of “Here Comes the Sun,” the host strongly urged guests to dress in colors of the sun.

To that end, yellow, red and orange abound. This being New York – even in the Hamptons part of it – a few settled for black. Young, hot things in five-inch dresses are navigating five-inch heels, oblivious to the reality that they will come to regret their decision, through the prism of back and foot complaints, before they are out of their 30s. For the most part, though, revelers have adhered to the theme, which even extends to the food.

Sunflowers, a welcome sight at Chez Sir Ivan's.

Breakfast comes in the form of eggs sunny-side up. Awaiting the famished set for brunch is a wonderful poached salmon. The accompanying dill sauce is a bit difficult to explain away but pairs perfectly with the fish, as does a green salad. A body can take a theme only so far, reason enough to make a case for a green salad with slices of chicken, though even in the dark a sun-dried tomato can be glimpsed.

Until Sir Ivan makes his appearance sometime near midnight guests can dance, mingle and praise and/or pillory outfits. If overtaken by thirst, whistles can be whet/wet with a passable rose sparkling wine and sun-colored Slovenia Vodka cocktails.

Later, Sir Ivan's imminent arrival is heralded by several events. The drone that has been hovering for a couple of hours is behaving like a swerving dervish. Lights on the grounds and some inside are furiously blinking. And faint strains of “Here Comes the Sun” are wafting out into the sunny night.

"Here Comes the Sun The Remixes': Five different versions of one song.

His familiar stretch limousine, the psychedelic-colored Peacemobile, is turning a bend in the drive, destination poolside, across the path from the concert stage on the ground floor of the castle, where it comes to a stop. A lackey opens the door to reveal Sir Ivan, stepping out like a conquering hero, got up in a yellow suit with matching cape and red silk shirt. His eyes are wide and he's singing or lip-syncing to a techno mix of “Here Comes the Sun.”

The crowd closes in around the man of the hour as he makes for the stage. It's another light show, as flashes from cameras wink in a fury; videos are recording … It's a spectacle, a little corny. Diverting and mildly amusing. And it is rather … brief.

A big buildup to a little event, that is until one does the very basic journalistic research to discover that there is more than one remix of the song. Sir Ivan does tend toward the grand gesture, after all.

In New York, wags like to make a bit of fun of this congenial man, invariably referencing his rumored wild parties (orgies) and general wild lifestyle. This is certainly not the place or the time to attempt to distill truth from hearsay, gossip and … frankly, a bit of envy.

Sun worshippers at Sir Ivan's record release party.

Call the man what you will, he does take his music seriously, though his music may not be considered serious. The rows he hoes are “remixes of '60s love songs.” That's his schtick, his music branding message, his hook.

Judging “Here Comes the Sun The Remixes” by that yardstick, one has to concede that it is a professional affair. Here is a man with the means to make it so. This is not amateur hour, and lest one forget, Sir Ivan has several hits and records under his belt.

“Here Comes the Sun The Remixes” is not for music purists. Here is not high or deep art, grave meditations and serious contemplation. Yet one will be challenged not to walk away feeling a little better after listening to all five versions. Publicly anyway, Sir Ivan embraces peace and love and positivity.

Lovebirds attracted to the sun?

Indeed, he uses the party as the occasion to disclose that he will take a roadtrip to Los Angeles in the Peacemobile to publicize his new anti-bullying campaign. In LA, the plan is to film a video for his song, “Kiss All the Bullies Goodbye.” Co-written by Sir Ivan and produced by DJ Paul Oakenfold, the single features Taylor Dayne on vocals.

Royalties from remixes of “Kiss All The Bullies Goodbye” are to be donated to various LGBT anti-bullying organizations, including The Trevor Project, one that has already benefited from Sir Ivan's goodwill. (http://www.thetrevorproject.org/)

Peace and love and positivity, they're all in there on “Here Comes the Sun The Remixes.” Mixers include DJ Escape, Tony Caluccio and Josh Harris. The EP is catchy, dancey, thoroughly techno and engaging. Feel good music. No crying in your beer on this one. Granted, nothing new or earth-shattering but charming. And utterly optimistic.

“Here Comes the Sun The Remixes” … and I say it's all right.

Visit http://www.sirivan.com/ to learn more about “Here Comes the Sun The Remixes”; visit http://www.bit.ly/VVlLCQ preview, buy and download any part of the EP at iTunes.

Victorinox I.N.O.X.: Despite Near Herculean Efforts to Kill It, the Watch Just Won't Die

The Victorinox I.N.O.X. watches tick away ensconced in a week-old block of ice. Photos by Yours Truly.

IN boiling water, it keeps its cool. Trapped in a block of ice, it is unfazed (and unfrozen) – not even shivering.

The Victorinox I.N.O.X. watch is no wimp. Indeed, it is an iron man. The new ticker made its North American debut last night at the Sir Stage 37 event hall in Manhattan's Midtown West.

Introducing the Victorinox I.N.O.X. suite.

Before unveiling the I.N.O.X. suite, timed to coincide with the 130th anniversary of Victorinox, the marketing folks talked it up with a video, featuring firefighters from Switzerland and members of the NYFD (New York Fire Department).

In attendance were NYFD firefighters, fire engines – in the house and curbside – and New York City Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. The crowd listened somewhat inattentively as the virtues of this three-watch series were ticked off.

The Victorinox I.N.O.X. watches may need washing from time to time, but perhaps not in the washing machine.

However, in the moment that video footage showing a tank running over the unbowed watch, a chorus of oohs and aahs swept across the showroom. It was rather incredible, reminiscent of years ago when a Mack truck ultimately – after a Herculean effort – destroyed a Volvo.

Two of the watches have a Monobloc Dial feature and one has a Signal Mode feature. All have a Quartz movement and are 43 millimeters in diameter. Their leather wrist bands come in black, muted green and muted blue.

Why are those I.N.O.X. watches in hot water? Because it is time for a coffee break, of course.

The I.N.O.X. family has more brawn than beauty, but this is a product from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, therefore more consideration and technology have been allocated for durability. Simply put, the watches have been designed to take their licks. As the Victorinox pr says, “(nearly) indestructible.”

It is no surprise, then, that an I.N.O.X. can weather the sustained turbulence of a mere washing machine.

Visit http://www.bit.ly/1sJWZjP to learn more about I.N.O.X.

Not so Short '...Shorts' From Throughline Artists

Henny Russell and Will Dagger in "Napoleon in Exile," one of six plays in the "Summer Shorts" festival presented by Throughline Artists at 59E59 Theaters. Photos by Carol Rosegg.

BY TAMARA BECK

FASHIONS change, but as the song says, "We wear short shorts." Covering everything with a tight little pair is a challenge.

The challenge is mostly met in the 2014 "Summer Shorts" festival, currently playing at 59E59 Theaters through 29 and 30 Aug. There was a time not so long ago when the Throughline Artists-produced series featured truly pithy plays. (http://www.summershortsfestival.com/throughline-artists.php)

This season, some are more a Bermuda shorts length. Only one is of a below-the-knee style. None would be considered really short shorts, which is not to suggest that most of the "Summer Shorts" in repertory on two bills – Series A and Series B – are anything but crisp and stylish.

The set design by Rebecca Lord-Surratt is all-purpose clever. It serves for the six plays with only minor alterations made by stagehands between playlets.

"Sec 310. Row D, Seats 5 and 6," written by Warren Leight, is of the comfortable, if casual style. Over many painful seasons watching the New York Knicks, three become friends, framing the story in "Sec 310..."

Miriam Silverman and Adam Green in "The Riverbed."

It's funny and extremely well-played by Peter Jacobson, Geoffrey Cantor and Cezar Williams under the direction of Fred Berner. This one is a genuine crowd-pleaser.

Neil LaBute's "The Mulberry Bush" captures the spirit of less is more. It is a neat and well-orchestrated one-act drama directed by Maria Mileaf. Victor Slezak and J.J. Kandel (also executive producer of " Summer Shorts") unravel a fascinating tale with finesse and understated daring.

Another highlight is "Riverbed,” written by Eric Lane and directed by Matthew Rauch. It uses alternating monologues to give witness to tragedy. Adam Green and Miriam Silverman imbue the story with life in admirable performances.

Peter Jacobson and Geoffrey Cantor in "Sec. 310, Row D, Seats 5 and 6."

This reviewer's favorite is "Napoleon in Exile,” written by Daniel Rietz and directed by Paul Schnee. The drama is a moving exchange between Henny Russell and Will Dagger as mother and son at a crisis crossroad.

Visit http://www.59e59.org/moreinfo.php?showid=180 to learn more about "Summer Shorts.”

Erickson Beamon and LeSportsac Want to Be Wherever You Are

Pieces from the Winter 2014 Collection of Erickson Beamon and LeSportsac. Photos by Yours Truly.

HEADS UP: Here we are, negotiating summer. What does this signify? Too many things to name. In the rag trade, however, one aspect of the season is the round of press previews of designer and brand fall-winter collections that end some time in August. Team VEVLYN'S PEN has not had much to say of late about fashion. We take this time, however, through late August to break our silence to jaw about what select brands and/or designers will have in store (literally) beginning in a matter of a few weeks through to the end of the year. Do bear with us, this is our maiden voyage into these waters outside of fashion weeks. Anchors aweigh!

WHAT happens in a mashup of Erickson Beamon and LeSportsac? An easy moniker along the lines of Urbo (Urban Bohemian) or Kimye(Kim Kanye) does not immediately emerge.

This bag has a message for you.

But what does materialize from this first-time collaboration is a 36-piece bejeweled (actual and print) travel accessories collection that is utterly fashionable and functional. The Winter 2014 collection, available beginning in October, has an answer for just about every occasion. Repurposing opportunities abound.

Visit http://www.ericksonbeamon.com to learn more about Erickson Beamon; visit https://www.lesportsac.com/ to learn more about LeSportsac/.

PURE Study on Salt Has Critics All Shook Up

According to some, salt is at the root of many evils. Archive photo.

TALK about stirring the pot!

It's a four-letter word. Salt.

The medical community and the food community have doubleteamed over the last 30 years or so, damning salt, pillorying salt at every turn and telling everybody who has ears that too much salt is bad – very bad; very, very bad. Too much salt can make you ill. Too much salt can kill. Talk about character assassination!

Seemingly, everybody with ears got the memo: High-salt intake has been implicated in just about every ailment known to humanity with the possible exception of athlete's foot.

But imagine that the world is so consumed with avoiding salt that it is now consuming too little salt. And if that is the case, what are the consequences, particularly if high blood pressure is not involved?

Salt intake is intertwined with high blood pressure. Photo courtesy of WebMB Web site.

According to new thinking – published in no less a rag than “The New England Journal of Medicine” – that is not a good thing. Too little salt, like its polar opposite, can also cause problems.

In an article title, Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion, Mortality, and Cardiovascular Events, a group of researcher suggests that consuming too little sodium can also cause “cardiovascular events.”

What's that noise? The hue and cry. Talk about stirring the pot! … More shortly

Visit http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1311889 to read “Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion, Mortality, and Cardiovascular Events.”

Expending a Lot of Energy Trying to Shoot Sly Stallone, 'The Expendables (3)' One

Sylvester Stallone and his public. Photos by Yours Truly.

SYLVESTER “Sly” Stallone, welcome back to the top.

It's official with “The Expendables 3,” opening today in U.S. theaters, headlined by and co-written by himself.

The film – not high cinema nor aspiring to it – is purely an action flick as is its predecessors. Action film fans will likely be in heaven, too, with this entry that follows the now-familiar group of mercenaries of the film's title.

On this assignment, the specialists are tasked with keeping separated a Somali warlord from bombs he's bought from one of their own – a former co-founder no less, previously thought dead. (See trailer below).

SS and cast have been on the promotional grind the last week or so, burning up the late-night talk show circuit and other venues.

Last night, DuJour magazine cover boy SS ("The Expendables 3" costar Kellan Lutz brightened the door, too) attended the magazine's Summer 2014 issue cover party (read tidbits from the magazine interview interspersed throughout this humble report) at Provocateur, a hotspot in the Meatpacking District section of Gotham.

Yours Truly was in the house, hardpressed to get a decent photo in a crush that included Marla Maples, a former Mrs. Donald Trump, and her daughter, Tiffany Trump.

DuJour dish: SS met action film predecessor the Duke at the 1977 "People Choice Awards." “Here is the guy, coming across to me. Let me introduce myself. My name is John Wayne. Welcome to Hollywood.”

World travelers Marla Maples and Tiffany Trump stop by Sylvester Stallone's Dujour magazine cover party.

“The Expendables 3 is the one that officially gives birth to a franchise, dating to “The Expendables” in 2010. The first two films (Co-written by SS, “The Expendables 2” is the second.) have grossed nearly $600 million worldwide.

DuJour dish: Once upon a time, SS collected weekly unemployment benefits to the tune of … gasp … $30.

With each installment of "The Expendables," an interesting consideration is who will be added to the original cast of SS, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke and Jason Statham.

It is not surprising that “The Expendables” script was not met with a groundswell of enthusiasm. At the time, circumspect suits considered SS, who co-wrote and directed the original, washed up.

DuJour dish: Even Jean-Claude Van Damme initially balked, cautioning SS that the material was beneath him.

J-CVD is right, of course. Much is forgiven in Hollywood, though, if much is profitable.

DuJour dish: “I used to be vain. And very competitive.”

“The Expendables 2” brought onboard the once reluctant J-CVD, as well as Liam Hemsworth, Chuck Norris, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis.

DuJour dish: To this day, SS who displayed Duke benevolence to Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio with less effusive results, has a photo of the JW meeting on his iPhone.

A first in the history of the franchise, with “The Expendables 3,” a female team member – Ronda Rousey – joins the cast. Others in her class are Robert Davi, Antonio Banderas, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Kelsey Grammer, the aforementioned Kellan Lutz, Victor Ortiz, Glen Powell and Wesley Snipes.

SS has often been viewed as, perhaps, not that bright, this misconception based mainly on his film roles. One must remember, however, that this kid from Hell's Kitchen wrote “Rocky.” Sure, he made some bad films and some bad film choices.

DuJour dish: SS is an avid painter, whose work was featured in a solo show last year at the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.

Yet SS was never just a dumb actor whose glory days were behind him, though for a spell in the late 90s and early 2000s it appeared thus. The writer and painter were in there, too, a notion he touches on rather philosophically in DuJour.

DuJour dish: “I believe we suffer two deaths,” he begins. “If you feel you're a creative person, you die twice in this life. And the creative death is a horrible one that can linger for 30 years. You realize you're done. And you have no outlet for it. It's a horrible thing."

If SS experienced a death, then “The Expendables” franchise represents his resurrection. There is little doubt that “The Expendables 3” will kill at the box office. And there is to be “The Expendables 4.”

Long live (again), Sylvester “Sly” Stallone!

“The Expendables 3” is rated PG-13 for violence, including intense sustained gun battles and fight scenes, and for language; visit http://www.theexpendables3film.com/hq to learn more about the film. Visit a newsstand or store where magazines are sold for the Summer 2014 issue of Dujour; visit http://www.dujour.com/ to learn more about the magazine.

Pommes Frites. This Is How Fries Are Done.

A paper cone of fries and sauces from Pommes Frites. Photos from Pommes Frites Web site.

CRUNCHY on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Beautiful golden brown, cut the old-school way.

That's how they roll at Pommes Frites, an emporium that deals solely in fried potatoes or – as we erroneously declare in the good ole USA – French Fries, and once upon a time boiling with anger, Freedom Fries.

Yours Truly discovered Pommes Frites, one week after my auspicious 'cue birthday lunch at Mighty Quinn's Barbeque (http://www.bit.ly/1vIUrrZ). At the time of my discovery, I was in search of a falafel sandwich and fries. To that end, I took myself off to the East Village again, my good luck of a week before still fresh on the brain.

Here I am after leaving Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant, (http://www.mamouns.com/) because there was nary a fry on the menu, hopefully strolling down Second Avenue between St. Marks Place and 7th Street. That's when I hit paydirt at a space a hair bigger than a storefront with very limited inside seating.

Struck by the name on the sign, I reverently approach the doors of Pommes Frites, first standing outside reading the menu and eyedropping on what the diners taking up the lone outside table are eating. That's when it hits me that the joint sells fries only, in regular ($4.50), large ($6.25) and double ($7.75), all served in paper cones – how cool is that!!! – with some pretty nifty sauces and garnish, most for a little bit extra, including free Frites Sauce (traditional European Mayo).

In deference to its location in the United States, Pommes Frites does offer Ketchup as a free sauce. But among exotic choices for $1.50 are Pomegrante Teriyaki Mayo, Blue Cheese, Sambal Olek – Hot Chili Paste, Peanut Satay and Bordeaux Wine, Figs & Sage Mayo. For $2.25, truffle lovers can get down with Oganic Black Truffle Mayo.

Pommes Frites has been doing business for nearly 18 years.

I know: decisions, decisions. To facilitate decision-making, Pommes Frites offers samples of potatoes and sauces. I select the Frites Sauce with my potatoes sample. Delicieuse!

Fried potato lovers, welcome to a little piece of culinary heaven. And heaven appears to cater to the party set, with Sunday-Thursday hours from 11:30 a.m. to 1.a.m. and Friday & Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.

Between swallows of my sample, I ask the counter guy how long Pommes Frites has been in business, fully expecting him to say six months or a year and a half or two years. Are your ready?

Omer Shorshi, a former Israeli army paramedic and graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education, opened Pommes Frites 17 years – nearly 18 – ago. Apparently, the place is so popular that it sells the world over merchandise along the lines of Frites Tossers, Salt Shakers, Paper Cones, Cardboard Cones and Cone Inserters.

Pomme Frites! Serioulsy, who knew? How is it that I, a devotee of fries, could have lived in Gotham for eight years and been wholly ignorant of Pommes Frites. And, and, and, all of those times that I wanted on my fries Canadian Cured Cheddar Cheese & Gravy, I could have stopped in for a Poutine ($5.50-$11.00)! Clearly, I have to get out more.

Fresh cut potatoes at Pommes Frites are twice fried to achieve the crunchiness and softness for which they are known.

The fries remind me of the homemade variety I had coming up. Pommes Frites is able to master that golden brown crunch on the outside and soft (as well as done) on the inside because they fry their fresh-cut potatoes twice (in high-quality, gluten-free vegetable oil). The first time they are cooked through. The second time to achieve the golden color and crispness. Yum and yum.

Let those who have ears and a love jones for fries take themselves off to Pommes Frites for a transportive experience!

Visit http://www.pommesfritesnyc.com/ to learn more about Pommes Frites.

You're So Vain, You Probably Think This Article Is About You

"Echo and Narcissus" by J.W. Waterhouse. Archive image.

POOR Echo … If only she'd asked Narcissus a simple question before she went traipsing after him in the woods.

Indeed, had the lovestruck nymph inquired whether he of great pulchritude was egotistical, self-focused and vain, he may have answered in the affirmative, sending her scurrying along her merry way, preventing the tragedy that would befall the both of them.

Echo became but an echo of her former self, of course, and is remembered to this day. Later, in an unrelated incident, Narcissus would commit suicide. Literature and popular culture, particularly film, are chockful of narcissists.

Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" (see video below) represents the most referenced occurrence in music. Look no further than reality TV to see manifestations of narcissism played out in real time.

Echo is no more, but in time to save countless others a lot of botheration, a team of scientists has hit upon a methodology that can identify narcissists.

If you have suspicions just ask a single question along the lines of, “Are you a narcissist,” with Echo's meaning in mind.

Based on nearly a dozen experiments of more than 2,000 people of various ages, it was revealed that narcissists are quite open about their condition. The findings of the study, titled Development and Validation of the Single Item Narcissism Scale (SINS), are published in the journal, “PLOS ONE”

“People who are narcissists are almost proud of the fact,” says study co-author Brad Bushman, professor of communication and psychology at Ohio State University.

“You can ask them directly because they don’t see narcissism as a negative quality – they believe they are superior to other people and are fine with saying that publicly.”

BB and colleagues discovered that in using the new SINS (Single Item Narcissism Scale) method, that is a single-question survey, the results were closely aligned with those of reliable, multi-question surveys such as the widely recognized, 40-question Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI).

Narcissist Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer) has the tables turned on him by his wife, Paula Alquist (Ingrid Bergman), in “Gaslight.” Archive photo.

Bearing that in mind, how narcissistic are you? Come now, we all harbor a little narcissism just as we do envy. Take the test, http://www.bit.ly/X1xjpC.

Visit http://www.bit.ly/1qWAeIw to read an abstract of “Development and Validation of the Single Item Narcissism Scale (SINS)” or to read the article it in its entirety.

At Mighty Quinn's Barbeque, It Is Mighty Slow and Mighty Good

Mighty Quinn's Barbeque birthday special: beef brisket, dry&vinegar claw combo, burnt end baked beans and pickled red onions and pickled cucumbers. To wash it down, a wheat beer. Photo by Yours Truly.

FOLLOWING is the account of how Yours Truly discovered in Mighty Quinn's Barbeque some powerfully good eats – in New York City:

It's Saturday morning, around 9:30, on the second of August. I note the time because I am not in the gym where one can normally find me at this hour on this day. Today is different. It is my birthday.

I slept a little late because I started celebrating at 12:02 a.m. with some words to my Maker and some horseplay with a sly cat. Then I decide, because it is my day, to watch some TV, specifically a western on the cable channel, Encore Westerns. Was it about 5 a.m. when I turned in?

But now it's almost time for me to get going, except that I don't, because it is my special day. The next hour or so is dedicated to reading birthday wishes and generally lazing about. Then my stomach emits a low growl.

So what to eat? I decide against a burger, something French and brunch, before I settle on 'cue, barbecue (aka Barb-q, BarBe-Q, BBQ, Barbeque, etc.) for the uninitiated. Not sure whether the 'cue thing dates to an Independence Day craving or a recent article on the science of it all (http://www.bit.ly/1pZKwFW).

But where to get good BBQ in NYC? Two cuisines that do not exist in good abundance in Gotham are barbecue and Mexican.

What would I do without Google? How have I survived these years?! I googled “Best Barbecue in New York City.” Of the myriad links that pop up, I choose one that leads to a Gothamist article from last year (http://www.bit.ly/1oLjIN7).

A careful reading strongly suggests that the casual dining joint, Mighty Quinn's, is the best bet. It is geographically desirable and culinarily enticing.

According to the Gothamist taster, much of the best BBQ in NYC is in Brooklyn. It just so happens that Mighty Quinn's has two locations in Brooklyn as well as one in Clifton, NJ. There are three in Manhattan, including the East Village location where I am standing in, what is to my mind, a long, cafeteria-style line.

Meats at Mighty Quinn's Barbeque are cooked long and slow. Photo from Mighty Quinn's Barbeque Facebook page.

It is the mini chain's first brick and mortar venue, constructed to alleviate the long lines that were customary at that first Brooklyn stand. I am thinking that those lines must have stretched to Philadelphia at about the same time that I spy a coven of people with hungry eyes standing in a corner not far from where I am taking up real estate. Soon enough, I learn that that is the end of the line and to where, to be fair and very likely to avoid fisticuffs, I must relocate myself.

Grudgingly, I mumble my excuse mes until I am at the end, then realize I can use this time to vet the menu. In my mind's eye, dancing are images of Louisiana and Texas 'cue plates – main dish and two sides for a reasonable price. At Mighty Quinn's, however, it seems to be an a la carte affair and it ain't nominally priced.

Immediately, I am disgusted and distrustful, thinking that like too much in Gotham, here's yet another hustle. Somebody learned how to smoke barbecue Texas-Carolina style, named it Texalina 'cue, then decided to charge a bunch of yankees (not the baseball team) an arm, a leg and two holes in the wallet for what I am certain will be a pedestrian eating experience.

Before I tumble over the cliff, though, Better Judgment hauls me back. It is my birthday. And I am hungry, after all. It is now nearly 2 p.m. And I am in no fit mood to go huntin' up lunch elsewhere. Besides, I want 'cue and I ain't going to Brooklyn – on a weekend!

All unpleasant thoughts are banished. I will pay the people the high price they want for their 'cue and never come back again. Self-intervention complete, I consider the menu.

It is what one should expect from a 'cue joint, with a few interesting departures. Here are Single Serving and One-Pound quantities, naked or covered (no sandwich or sandwich), of Beef Brisket, Burnt Ends, Pulled Pork, Spare Ribs, Half Chicken, Wings and whatnot. And then there is the Brontosaurus Rib, which an inquiry reveals is a long, rather than short, beef rib. I declare, the meat-bone combo can be a lethal weapon!

Sides run to Slaw (Dry and Vinegar), Burnt End Baked Beans, Sweet Corn & Edamame Salad, as well as Buttermilk Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple & Pecans. In a category called Pickled Add-Ons are Cucumber, Celery, Red Onions and Chiles.

I decide on the single serving beef brisket ($8.95) and a small side of slaw ($3.10) and burnt end baked beans ($3.10). First, I confirm my worst suspicion that everything is a la carte. True that, mutters the laconic Meatcutter. Inhaling, I remember the intervention. Only in New York!

But when I get to the loquacious Sides Guy, I learn that the slaw and one pickled add-on (red onions, plus a cucumber thrown in by Sides Guy as a gesture of hospitality) come with the meat.

Subtract at least $3.10. Things are looking up, back on really good mood. Pep has returned to step. Song in heart is a ditty, not a dirge. Varnish is returned to happy. Birthday girl can eat a horse, or rather, a cow! Picking up my meal tray, I proceed to the Drinks Station.

Who is that masked man? Mighty Quinn's Barbeque Pitmaster Hugh Mangum hiding behind a Brontosaurus (Beef) Rib. Photo from Mighty Quinn's Barbeque Facebook page.

The FireStone: Union Jack IPA (CA) is a beautiful muted, gold color with a slight bitterness. It's good, but my palate doesn't want the bitter edge. A sample of the wheat beer reveals a brew more the hue of what one would expect of an IPA. It is lighter, with a more even, less bitter finish. Sold! (drat, I don't remember the name)!

Final stop before seating is the register where I part with around $20. Not bad for 'cue meat, two sides, add-on and a beer in New York City, but bad for the East Village a fellow diner and longtime villager gives me to know.

A moment of silence (and grace), please before the birthday lunch … It must be noted that MQ's is not stingy with its portions. In fact, part of that beef brisket was the star attraction of my lunch on Tuesday.

During the initial tasting, I try the beef brisket without the barbecue sauce. It is tender, succulent and bursting with understated flavor. It's as MQ's p.r. puts it: “the perfect harmony of smoke, flavor and time emerges.” Pitmaster Hugh Mangum, who spent some formative years in Houston, knows what he's about.

Now for the sauce: smokey, a bit sweet – subdued, not overpowering; I appreciate that it is not too salty, though for this palate it is a touch sweet. Yet, the sauce is quite delicious.

The slaw is merely competent. It would have been wiser to have either the dry or vinegar instead of half&half. Palate-pleasing pickled parts. The burnt end baked beans – yum. I learn while diving into them that they contain meat – I don't need to ask, for I know it is pork.

From the sound of it, the Mighty Quinn's Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple & Pecans can go savory or dessert. Photo from Mighty Quinn's Barbeque Facebook page.

In theory, I do not eat pork and do try to avoid it on all occasions. But sitting here on my birthday with this very satisfying meal, I am not removing the battery of napkins protecting my garments from 'cue residue in pursuit of porkless baked beans. After all, I do like pork, and this pork goes in the direction of the sublime. I just don't eat pork – in theory.

Before I pick up my romance novel, I spend a few minutes more savoring my birthday lunch, sans interruptions from damsels and dukes, basking in my good fortune in finding such fine BBQ, served by a friendly and courteous staff, in NYC. Thank you, Gothamist.

And thank you, Mighty Quinn's Barbeque. You do Texas and the Carolinas proud.

Visit http://www.mightyquinnsbbq.com/ to learn more about Mighty Quinn's Barbeque.

Life Won't Be as Short if You Go for a Little Run

Give the park a run for its money. Photo courtesy of National Park Service.

YOU know how to run don't, you? Sure, you do, so run, Baby, run!

Because in doing so, according to a new Iowa State University study, you will prolong your life.

"Every day is a good day when you run." – Kevin Nelson

In findings in an article titled Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk, published in the “Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers found that daily moderate running can reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

“Most people they say don't have time to exercise or to increase their physial activity,” asserts lead researcher DC (Duck-chul) Lee, an assistant professor of Kinesiology at ISU. “But I think almost everyone can find five or 10 minutes per day to run for health benefits, so I believe more people will be motivated by this study and hope that they can start running and continue to run.”

DCL and his team followed approximately 55,000 adults between 18 and 100 over a 15-year period. They found that runners had a 45 percent less chance of dying from heart disease than nonrunners. Also, on average, they lived three years longer. (See video above).

“There are many different type of sports, exercise and physical activities, but running is one of the most convenient leisure-time physical activities,” DCL says. “People don't need to buy any equipment, they can run anywhere – in the park, of course at the gym or any place.”

The Academy Award- winning "Chariots of Fire" recounts the Olympic experiences of two British marathoners. Archive photo.

For skeptics conjuring up images of superfit, uberhuman marathoners and sprinters, think again. DCL&Co. discovered that slowpokes are not at a disadvantage to regular folk who run like the wind.

“We found that even running less than six miles per hour was good enough to reduce – again their risk of death by any cause or cardiovascular disease.”

"For a long time I thought that being relaxed meant you were running slow, but it's the contrary. When you're fighting against your body instead of letting go. Relaxation was the key." – Florence Griffith Joyner

Chart shows how moderate running can prolong life and stave off disease.

Similarly, and perhaps open to debate, running under 60 minutes a week, researchers found, can be as beneficial as running several hours a week. Put another way, running more does not mean that one is less likely to die from cardiovascular disease than someone who runs less or even significantly less.

Explains DCL: “It doesn't really matter their speed or amount or the duration of running, because we also found that people who run less than an hour per week had the same amount of mortality benefits compared to people who run three hours or more per week.”

He adds, “So it might be true that the more may not be the better in terms of running and mortality, based on this study and population.”

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for 20 years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." – John Bingham

DCL ventures to suggest that there is even in the leisure-time running study food for thought for the public health community.

Slow your roll. You need not run as fast as Olympic great Flo-Jo aka Florence Griffith Joyner. Photo from Florence Griffith Joyner Web site.

“These days I think a lot of people think obesity is a health risk and they try to lose their body weight, but in this study we found also promoting running is as important as reducing the smoking rate, obesity or hypertension from a public health prospective.”

To that end, run a little and run a little slow.

"Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Edward Stanley

Visit http://www.bit.ly/1uCAvqh to read an abstract of “Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk” or to obtain the article in its entirety.

In 'Get on Up, Becoming James Brown With Every Murmur, Milestone and Mashed Potato

Chadwick Boseman as James Brown in "Get on Up." Photo from "Get on Up" Facebook page.

MR. Chadwick Aaron Boseman is on trend to becoming a household name. His journey started with “42,” playing Jackie Robinson.

In “Get on Up: The James Brown Story,” opening today in U.S. theaters, the South Carolina native portrays another legendary, history-making figure. The moment CB shows up on screen, speaking in that rapid-fire rasp, he morphs into “The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.” (See video below).

The film, directed by Tate Taylor, tracks JB's life from his difficult childhood in Georgia to the early 1990s, around the time he begins to make a comeback after a stretch in prison for failing to stop for police and leading them on a two-state car chase.

CB delivers an electrifying performance, exquisitely capturing JB's hubris, in what is sure to be considered one of the best films of the year. And perhaps, the best biopic of the year from a story by Steven Baigelman, Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. It was adapted for the big screen screen by JB and J-HB.

“Get on Up” will not be forgotten during awards season. CB is sure to see his name on some Best Actor lists … More shortly

“Get on Up” is rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug use, some strong language, and violent situations; visit http://www.getonupmovie.com/ to learn more about the film.