Originally Posted By: Capo de La Cosa Nostra
Architecturally, NYC epitomizes 'The American Dream' as a concept; it's excessive, gratuitous and unwarranted. Just look at the post office building on 33rd and 8th - it's insanely beautiful, sure, but a post office? There seems to be a formula whereby making a city look beautiful encourages its people, morally, culturally, etc.

The Main Branch Post Office was a grand twin to the old Pennsylvania Station right across the street. The two were among the finest expressions of an era when Americans considered cities the epitome of civilization. The old Penn Station was torn down to make room for Madison Square Garden, to the horror of anyone with taste.

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Going back to Times Square, I ought to have noted the sheer scale and colour with which it declares itself, especially at night. Some of the banners and advertisements are simply overwhelming; you can't turn the corner without being impressed by just the size. It's very hyperreal. Well-known faces and house-hold names stare at you; it's at once foreign and familiar. This is even more so when you've studied maps before you go; as soon as I got there I knew where to go and what streets to take - but it's still foreign.;

Until about 15 years ago, Times Square was the epitome of tawdriness and sleaze, a place of XXX movies, ripoff souvenir shops, abominable restaurants, flea circuses, etc. Disney bought up a lot of properties, and with the city's help, transformed it. But, if you find it hyperreal, Mick, you will probably go into complete shock at Las Vegas, which makes Times Square look like a kiddy playground.

BTW: When we visited London in 1998, we were struck by two differences with NY (and most US cities): Everyone smoked, and the air quality was abysmal. Did you notice any differences in NYC?


Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu,
E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu...
E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu
Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.