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Peace prize questioned after Obama award
The surprising decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to President Barack Obama, less than a year into his first term, has raised questions about the meaning of one of the world’s most sought-after honors.
“It demeans the prize,” said David Almasi, head of the National Center for Public Policy Research, a conservative think tank. “They’re giving the prize to him for what he might do, not for what he has accomplished.”
Both critics and allies were quick to question the motivations of the Nobel committee that named Obama the world’s premiere peacemaker on Friday, suggesting it was more about politics than his actual record.
The five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee voted on the prize in February, just weeks into Obama’s presidency.
The committee cited Obama’s “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples” and his administration’s emphasis on diplomacy and curbing nuclear weapons.
But many believe the honor was more a swipe at the previous administration, whose frequent disdain for international institutions rankled many in Europe and elsewhere.
“The reason, in the end, simply boils down to the fact that he’s not George W. Bush,” Robert Shapiro, a political science professor at Columbia University, said. “They wanted to basically give Obama a boost.”
Some argued the committee was trying to discourage Obama from escalating the war in Afghanistan.
In New York, where Obama remains extremely popular, even some of his supporters said they were puzzled.
“I like Obama, but I’m not really sure what he’s done to deserve this,” said Russel Stopek, 38, of Manhattan.
Joe Scalafina, 49, also of Manhattan, said the prize has been “diminished.”
“If you look back through history at the people who have gotten it, they really did something,” he said. “He’s been a decent president but I don’t see why he would get a Nobel Prize.”
The chairman of the Nobel committee, Thorbjoern Jagland, defended the choice, saying no one has done more in the past year for peace.
“Some people say — and I understand it — 'Isn't it premature? Too early?' Well, I'd say then that it could be too late to respond three years from now," he told the Associated Press.
Obama himself appeared a bit puzzled, saying he was “deeply humbled.”
“To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who’ve been honored by this prize,” he said last week.
Republicans were already seeking to make political hay out of the award, saying the president was honored more for speeches and aspirations that reality, a familiar knock on Obama.
In a fund–raising letter sent out after the announcement, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele called the prize “meaningless” and the Nobel committee “international leftist allies” of the Democratic Party.
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Station agents still working in closed booths
The MTA closed 100 station agent booths last month — or did they?
Some agents are still staffing the booths because of a glut of workers on the MTA’s payroll. Other agents, meanwhile, are idling away at stations waiting for NYC Transit to give them work, union leaders said.
“They have a lot of people sitting around to do nothing,” said Andreeva Pinder, a union representative for the stations division.
In total, the MTA plans to cut 772 of the red-vested agents who roam stations helping customers, and close 158 booths in the next few years. The cuts will save the cash-strapped agency $52 million a year.
The MTA eliminated 282 station agent positions in September, but attrition takes time, and about 75 extra workers a day aren’t getting full-time station duties, Pinder said. The agents, who are paid $25 an hour, wait at stations until they are sent to fill in for an absent worker, or reopen one of the closed booths. Some pass the time by wiping down the MetroCard machines or helping customers, Pinder said.
Transit spokesman Charles Seaton said the extra workers allow the MTA to avoid paying overtime when a station agent calls out.
“This was done to maximize savings from the program,” Seaton said. “Extras with nothing else to do will be assigned to help out in stations.”
The MTA estimates that 10 station agents retire or quit a month, but Pinder says the numbers have dropped with the poor economy.
Meanwhile, the empty booths have made for lost tourists and inconvenienced passengers, according to station workers.
“The customer service situation is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Marvin Holland, a cleaner running for union office. “I’m getting yelled at a lot.”
Agency officials said that at least one booth operator will be on duty in each subway station at all times, and straphangers stuck on the opposite platform can call the worker through an intercom.
Transit started the station agent program in 2005 at 158 locations, more than half of them in Manhattan. An internal study found that the activity level of most of the agents was “low.”
Next year, the MTA plans on spending $5 million to install 83 tall turnstiles typically used at exits not manned fulltime, according to agency documents.
Tags: mta, station agents
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Off the chain: New York's boutique chain restaurants
The Pump Energy Food on Pine Street.
Fast food doesn’t simply mean a quick stop under the Golden Arches. New York City has no shortage of boutique chains that can give you tasty, healthier fare in a matter of minutes. Just don’t call them fast food.
The Pump Energy Food
thepumpenergyfood.com
Adam Eskin was such a loyal customer that in 2006 he led a group of investors to buy the chain. “I have always tried to live healthy and what I eat is important,” he said. Four locations still have the original menu, but the two newest locations, at Pine and Pearl streets, and Madison Avenue and 40th Street, allow customers to create their own dishes. They pick a base — a wrap, salad or brown rice — then choose a protein, vegetables and other toppings. Prices are between $7 and $9. A new midtown location is set to open soon.Kolache Mama
kolachemama.com
The newcomer of the bunch, Kolache Mama, offers Central European-style yeast rolls in 25 varieties. Meat lovers should try The Dorian, made of corned beef, mushrooms, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese; veggie options include spinach, feta and olive; and sweet choices include baked apple or chocolate ganache fillings. Two kolaches and a drink are $8. There is one location outside the Roosevelt Hotel in midtown, but at least two more are planned for this year, with one announced at 35th Street and Park Avenue.
Energy Kitchen
energykitchen.com
Founder and owner Anthony Leone has created a restaurant where nothing is more than 500 calories. “We take the thinking out of health,” he said. Some of the best-selling items include the $8 Bison Cheesesteak Wrap and the $5 Energy Breakfast Sandwich. By the end of 2010, Leone hopes to expand from nine to 26 locations.
‘Wichcraft
wichcraftnyc.com
’Wichcraft looks to offer fine dining between two pieces of bread. Everything is made by hand, with local, seasonal ingredients. “Nothing served in our restaurant is made in a factory,” President Jeffrey Zurofsky said. Innovative sandwiches cost less than $10 and can be made into a salad for the same price. ’Wichcraft has 11 locations, some stalls and some full restaurants. A dinner menu is available at the 20th Street location.
Maoz Vegetarian
maozusa.com
Launched in Amsterdam, this Middle Eastern spot has four locations in New York. A complementary salad bar offers toppings and sauces to spice up your falafel. “The average meal is around $7.50,” said Yair Marinov, U.S. chief operations officer. “Hummus is our most popular add-on,” he said, “which is healthy because chickpeas have a lot of vitamins.”Chop’t
choptsalad.com
The food here is defined by the belief that “better sells better,” meaning that all ingredients are always under scrutiny. You can choose your own combinations or go with a 60-day menu specialty such as the Jamaican Jerk Cobb. Co-founder Tony Shure recommended the po’boy salad with panko-fried chicken. Most salads cost about $8. There are four stores in New York, with another one in Times Square set to open soon.
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What's in a phrase? For some, irritation
Whatever, at the end of the day, it is what it is, you know?That could be the most annoying sentence in America, according to a poll released Wednesday that ranked irksome words and phrases commonly used in conversation.
Clocking in at No. 1 was the ubiquitous “whatever,” which 47 percent of those polled by Marist College found to be the most annoying. “You know” came in second, with 25 percent saying it was the worst, while “it is what it is” was chosen by 11 percent.
“Anyway” (7 percent) and “at the end of the day” (2 percent) rounded out the five choices.
“They’re such ditzy phrases,” said Josh Campos, 27, of Manhattan, who was not involved in the survey. “(They) sound stupid.”
Experts on speech patterns say most of those phrases serve as verbal tics or space fillers; in other words, things to say when you don’t have anything to say.
“When people say ‘you know,’ they’re not really listening to what they’re saying,” said Jezra Kaye, a speech coach based in Brooklyn. “They don’t know what they want to say. It’s really unconscious.”
Kaye said she tells her clients to ask a friend to tap them on the shoulder every time they use insidious phrases such as “you know” and “like” and try to break themselves of the habit.
“It’s just something you have to do cold turkey,” she said.
The opinions of those surveyed varied by region, with people from the Midwest – 55 percent – taking most umbrage at “whatever,” while Northeasterners found “whatever” and “you know” about equally annoying, 32 percent and 35 percent, respectively.
Mary Azzoli, of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, attributed those numbers to the frequency with which the phrases are used. She said Marist staff came up with the list and asked people to rank them.
“These were words or phrases that were dismissive,” she said.
Among the most famous recent examples of the use of such grating phrases is Caroline Kennedy, whose interviews shortly after being mentioned as a potential Senate appointee earlier this year were loaded with “you knows,” a habit many say helped sink her chances.
“She came across as not having confidence,” said Jeffrey Davis, who advises executives on public speaking.
Tony Johnson, 22, of Brooklyn, admitted he is a prime offender when it comes to irritating speech.
“I’m a big ‘you-knower’ and I always thought ‘whatever’ would just be a fad but it has stuck around,” he said.
Phoebe Kingsak contributed to this story
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For foodies: This week's dining briefs
Last year's chocolate fashion show at the Chocolate Show.
The 12th annual Chocolate Show comes to NYC: Throw away your Halloween candy and head over to the Metropolitan Pavilion later this month for some gourmet chocolate. From Oct. 30-Nov. 1, some of the world’s most renowned chocolatiers will show off their stuff. Guests will be able to enjoy chocolate snacks paired with chocolate liquors and coffees in a chocolate lounge and cafe. The show will also feature a chocolate beauty pavilion with treatments such as chocolate masks, wraps and manicures. For more, visit chocolateshow.com.
Madison Square harvest market: Starting tomorrow, many famous food vendors will prepare autumn fare along the western perimeter of Madison Square Park. Zak Pelaccio will sell his signature Fatty Dog and chicken satay skewers from Fatty Crab along with kegs of his famous Fatty Sidestepper Ale. Chefs from Carbrito will also be on hand with heartier options such as tacos al carbon and chorizo tacos. Other canned beers and white and red wine by the glass will also be available. The “Mad. Sq. Mark’t” will be open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week until Nov. 1. Visit madsqmarkt.com to learn more.
Peanut butter sandwiches can pay for college: Test your sandwich skills and win $25,000. Until Nov. 13, the eighth annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest is accepting entries from kids ages 6-12. Last year’s winner created a Po’Boy Peanut Butter Chicken Cheesesteak sandwich, which mixed togetherJif peanut butter, chicken and mozzarella cheese. For rules of entry, visit jif.com.
Rioja Restaurant Week: Spain’s Rioja region is known for great wines, and at the upcoming Rioja Restaurant Week you can have your fill. From Oct. 18-25, some of New York’s hottest eateries, including Dos Caminos, La Fonda del Sol and Kittichai, are offering special deals and pairings. For specific menus and promotions, visit riojarestaurantweek.com.
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Q and A with Angelo Sosa of Xie Xie
Xie Xie is a hip new 300-square-foot sandwich shop in Hell’s Kitchen. We spoke with chef/owner Angelo Sosa.
Where did the name come from? Xie Xie means thank you in Mandarin.
What was your vision? It’s the sandwich shop you want do dine at. I took dishes and transformed them into sandwiches. We offer a healthy component too — every sandwich can be made as a salad.
Are you jumping on the banh mi bandwagon? No. We’re closer to a ‘Wichcraft than a banh mi shop. We’re more of a chef-centered sandwich shop. We’re an Asian sandwich shop trying to appeal to the Western palate.
What are some standouts? The lobster is amazing — it comes from Nova Scotia. It’s served on brioche with a hint of dill, tarragon and Japanese mayonnaise. We’re working with ingredients you’d find at a four-star restaurant.
You helped open Spice Market and Buddakan. How is this different? It’s much easier to run a 3,000-square foot place than a 15-seat place.
What are your plans for the future? We’re focusing on quality. The infrastructure is first and foremost and then we’d like to expand.
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Pierogi Day giveaways
On Thursday, in honor of the inaugural National Pierogy Day, Mrs. T's is sending life-sized
pierogies (yes, you read that right) out and about across the city. Spot one and you can grab a voucher for free pierogies. Don't worry, you're unlikely to miss one!
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Magic, martinis and Mario tonight!
Tonight Mario Batali will be hosting an intimate food-themed fundraiser for his charity, the Mario Batali Foundation, at his own Del Posto restaurant (85 10th Ave).
VIP guests like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mark Seliger and the band R.E.M. will be attendance to support this great cause — as well as to fill their tummies.
Batali will show off his culinary talent by demonstrating each of four courses as they are being served. Then, Tony Abou-Ganim, of the Fine Living Network, will make cocktails that he has created especially for this event to pair with Batali’s delicious dishes. To round the evening out, Billy Harris will amuse guests with his wildly entertaining magic tricks.
In addition to the demonstrations, there will be both a live and silent auction.
The Mario Batali Foundation has always strived to feed, educate and empower children to in an effort to encourage them to dream big and become an active force in today’s world. To do so, the Foundation looks to ensure that all children are well read, well feed and well cared for.
The cocktail hour starts at 7 and dinner service starts at 8. The four-course dinner with wine pairings and entertainment costs $600 per person.
To learn more call 630-618-4756 or visit mariobatalifoundation.org.
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Eight years in Afghanistan
With the war in Afghanistan reaching its somber eight-year mark Wednesday, President Barack Obama is on the cusp of a decision that could redefine his presidency.
He faces a clamor of opinions from military advisers, Congress, the American public and even Vice President Joe Biden — all clashing on whether to escalate the fighting or refocus efforts on Pakistan or elsewhere.
A withdrawal, however, seemed to be off the table.
“The president is going to make a decision — popular or unpopular — based on what he thinks is in the best interests of the country,” said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday, adding that Obama is focused on the right strategy, not on “who’s for or who’s against what.”
Nevertheless, Obama met Tuesday with a bipartisan group of congressional leaders at the White House to help him with the call.
The president added 21,000 U.S. troops to the war earlier this year. Since then, public opinion of the military effort has eroded and Biden and others have voiced their concerns with raising troop levels again.
This week alone, Defense Secretary Robert Gates called for a more limited war debate and national security adviser James Jones said that military advice should be relayed through the chain of command. Jones’ comments were an ostensible rebuke to Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, who has lobbied for a troop increase.
(With AP)
Tags: President Barack Obama, Afghan war, military, Defense Secretary Robert Gates
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Zagat releases its 2010 survey
They’re dining out less, seeking out better deals, and even eating more healthfully because they’re apparently scrimping on dessert and booze.
But Tim Zagat’s more than 38,000 volunteer foodies are still haunting the city’s toniest spots, and they’ve rated Le Bernardin as the city’s No. 1 restaurant in the Zagat 2010 NYC Restaurant survey, which hits bookstores today.
Daniel is No. 2 followed by Jean Georges. Last year’s top-ranked Per Se fell to No. 4.
This year’s Newcomers list shows off New Yorkers’ wide-ranging tastes. High-end Italian seafood resto Marea, on Central Park South, was voted No. 1, and East Village Italian sandwich shop Porchetta came in at No. 2.
The good news …
Even with the worst economy in decades, the city still saw more openings than closings — 157 versus 102, according to the latest edition.
That resiliency isn’t a surprise, said survey founder Zagat.
“There are over 600 places in the guide where you can eat lunch for less than $20 and dinner for less than $30. They are designed to compete with your ability to shop, cook and clean, and have been the fastest-growing part of the sector for a long time,” he said.
According to this year’s survey, 56 percent of surveyors report finding better deals; 37 percent say it’s easier to land a table; 38 percent feel “more appreciated”; and 18 percentare eating more healthfully.
… and the bad news
The survey shows a dramatic drop in dining out, with surveyors eating out an average of 3.0 times per week, down from 3.3 to 3.4 times per week during the four previous years.
“I didn’t expect to see that drop to that degree. That’s really serious,” Zagat said. “Many major corporations have cut back on high profit margin parties,” he noted. “And about 85 percent of all meals are leisure. That’s changed,” he said.Another element that surprised Zagat was this year’s inflation of prices— 2.5 percent to be exact. “I thought it would be flat,” he said. “We’ve had several years — between 2001 and 2007 — where New York restaurant inflation was about 1 percent. I would have thought more than any other year, that it would be have been flat.”
According to the survey, when they do dine out, 43 percent of surveyors are being more attentive to prices; 41 percent are eating at less expensive places; 21 percent are skipping appetizers and/or dessert; and 19 percent are cutting back on alcohol. In fact, only 22 percent of New Yorkers say their dining habits have been unaffected by the economy.
“There are many more casual places,” Zagat said. “Even the top chefs have been going to things like DBGB, Bar Artisanal, that are less expensive and more casual. But then you have expensive places too, like SHO Shaun Hergatt and Marea, which are top rated,” Zagat said.
And despite the fact that formal spots like Chanterelle, Café des Artistes and Rainbow Room have shuttered, Zagat warned against thinking that it’s a upscale dining apocalypse.
“It’s obvious that fine dining isn’t dead, look at the top spots — Daniel, Le Bernardin, Jean Georges. Does that look like fine dining in New York is dead?”Most popular
Zagat surveyors are asked to rank their favorite spots. Here are the top 10:
Gramercy Tavern, 42 E. 20th St.
Union Square Café, 21 E. 16th St
Peter Luger, 178 Broadway (Driggs Ave), Brooklyn
Le Bernardin, 155 W. 51st St.
Babbo, 110 Waverly Pl.
Daniel, 60 E. 65th St.
Balthazar, 80 Spring St.
Gotham Bar and Grill, 12 E. 12th St.
Eleven Madison Park, 11 Madison Ave.
Bouley, 163 Duane St.
