Flicks

The response that Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001) received upon its first showings in movie theatres was astounding, and so, it is with no surprise that the film was also nominated for an Oscar. Two wealthy teenage boys with a one-track mind, Tenoch (Diego Luna) and Julio (Gael Garcia Bernal) meet a beautiful, older woman named Luisa (Maribel Verdú) at a wedding. In an attempt to woo her, Tenoch and Julio invites her on a road trip to a secluded beach which she surprisingly accepts. The road trip would prove to be more than just a journey by car, but a quest for identity, the understanding of life, sex, love and the reality of the poverty around them. All lead up to a shocking ending.

The documentary-styled film, Manic (2001) follows Lyle Jensen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who has been newly institutionalized in the Northwood Mental Institution due to his violent behavior, and there he discovers other "troubled" youth like himself. He's surprised to find them so young and to have such a various degree of psychological problems ranging from violent behavior like himself to self-mutilation to learning to heal from domestic abuse. The patients respond to Dr. David Monroe (Don Cheadle), who pours so much of his effort in helping the kids, and whom sees potential in Lyle to heal.

The material is heavy in this film, but it is nothing short of the reality of the conflicts that disturb so many teenagers today who live with the stigma that such topics should be kept unspoken. Filmed as if a real-life documentary, the movie captures the raw emotions of each teenager, their pain, their struggles and their desire to be free.

Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001), known simply as Amelie in the United States, is about a quirky, shy, young woman named Amelia (Audrey Tautou) whom, after receiving a "sign," decided that she would embark on a life of good deeds. From repairing the broken heart of her downstairs neighbor to inspiring her father to travel the world with the help of a garden gnome, Amelie finds strange yet creative ways to change the lives of those around her. But while she's so concerned about bettering the lives of others, what about her own?

Come Down to Chinatown!

Chinatown is one of those locations in the city that offer a wide variety of places to eat as well as to explore. Simply take the D train to Grand Street or for a little farther walk, the F train to East Broadway or take one of the many trains that stop at Canal Street (such as the J, M, N, Q, R, W, Z, and 6) in order to experience firsthand what Chinatown has to offer.

A great place for a date or an intimate gathering is Pongsri, a cozy little Thai restaurant at the corner of Baxter Street. The décor is simple and makes you feel right at home. The food is affordable and comes in generous platters as well. One order of pad thai can fill two stomachs. The staff is also extremely attentive and polite.

To view the menu, visit www.pongsri.com

Pongsri Thai Restaurant
106 Bayard Street
New York, NY 10013

Not far from Pongsri, is the perfect place for dessert. Tourists often line up outside the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory during the summer because its history and delectable sweets has earned it a renowned reputation within New York City. Now that the season's getting colder, it's best to take advantage of the shortened lines whenever you can. It's almost worth it to gulp down those icy chills in subzero weather, and with one taste of their ice cream, one would understand. For more information go to www.chinatownicecreamfactory.com Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
65 Bayard Street
New York, NY 10013

One of the most packed places during the winter time is Elizabeth Center otherwise known as the Elizabeth Street Mall. The basement of the place delivers a round of stationery stores that sell more than just pen and paper. One could easily obtain pillows, alarm clocks, bathroom utensils, air fresheners, origami paper, jewelry and so much more. The stores are infamous for selling a variety of novelty items so even if you don't plan on buying anything for that particular day, it's a perfect place for browsing. Of course, it also serves as a good shopping opportunity for the coming holidays.

Elizabeth Street Mall
15 Elizabeth Street
New York, NY
(located next to the NYPD 5th Precinct)

General Tip for Getting Around the City

As a general rule of thumb whenever I venture out into a place I have never been to in the city whether I am alone or with an equally directionally challenged friend, I like to pay www.hopstop.com a visit. There, you can type in your starting locating and your desired destination, and the website determines a variety of ways for you to get there by public transportation, walking or a combination of both. They also tell you the approximate time for your travels so that you can head out at the right time without ever finding yourself ridiculously late.

It may be also helpful to familiarize oneself with the train you're taking if you find yourself taking it for the very first time. It is important to know at least two or three stops that come before and after your stop so that if there are any sudden alterations in the subway lines, you are prepared ahead of time. Thus, consult http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/ before you take a new train.