Time Lapse Video Of Dark Manhattan

It's been almost a week since the lights have been back on in Manhattan proper, and many places are still in the dark. Jared Levy and Michael Marantz captured an artistic version of blacked out Manhattan in this spooky and fascinating video.

Next Week's New York Magazine Cover

I want this framed.

I just got back from the newly-lit East Village, where it seemed as if every third person was dragging a suitcase behind them. The refugees have returned home! Erin C. and I cleaned out her refrigerator and then got some French onion soup on Eighth Street. I walked all the way home to Murray Hill. Buses whizzed past, the bars are full, as are the nail joints. It looks like everything is slowly getting back to normal.

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Back In The New York Groove

Source: Uploaded by user via Jocelyn Nini on Pinterest

Just got word that my building -- which was in one of the last Dead Zones -- is powered up. The doorman I spoke with seemed particularly happy.

I'll be heading back into Gotham very soon, which means it's time for some Ace Frehley.

I'm Obsessed With Photos That Contrast The Light And Dark Of Manhattan

This was taken from the top of the Empire State Building. By John de Guzman.

The New York City Marathon is canceled. Best.Call.Ever.

There is no need for a marathon -- that hands out free water and food to runners -- when there are people in Staten Island who have lost everything.

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Humor?

I wanted to post something funny and non-hurricane related, but I kept coming across political documentaries that aren't exactly funny. Informative, yes, but not exactly mood-lifting.

Instead, I found The Daily Show from yesterday, which if you haven't watched yet, you should. It may be hurricane related, but it is very funny.

There is still no power in the Dead Zone, which includes Murray Hill. I'm still in Pennsylvania. I got into the Pinot tonight, and it was right. It's been a long time since I've had a really great bottle glass of wine.

Also, who is this fool trying to suggest that New Yorkers are at risk of the plague because rats have been roused from their underground lairs? The last time I checked, we've made considerable improvement in medicine and hygiene since the Middle Ages. There is no need for this hyperbole. And people wonder why I have no desire to go back to academia...

Hurricane Got You Down? No Worries. I Made A Playlist.

By now people who don't have to be in any of the powerless areas have fled gotten out. I'm still hearing and reading a lot about downtown and Murray Hill, and none of it is particularly good. (Looting? Really?) One friend of mine called his block, 8th Street and Third Avenue, "The Ninth Ward."

If you're holed up and powerless, and no one has offered to take you in, (punks!) entertain yourself with this Hurricane playlist I put together. It's been ages since I've put together any sort of a mix tape for anyone, so indulge me in this Clinton-era exercise.

If you like guitars (and I know you do), be sure to check out the Brian Setzer's version of "Malaguena." It is a far cry from "Zoot Suit Riot", which he is best known for. I'm also a big fan of Tito Puente's version of "Take 5." I know, I know, I also laugh on the inside when someone says they like jazz and then immediately mention "Take 5." We're all a little bit music snob. But Tito's version is great. And if you don't like Tito Puente, then you officially have no soul.

P.S. I bet you didn't know that Henry Mancini wrote the theme song for "What's Happening!!" Now you do.

This City Mouse Is Now A Country Mouse

At least until Murray Hill has power again. Conditions on the 21st floor became downright Third World without power or plumbing. I made one last romp down and up the stairs to drop trash in the basement since the trash chute was bolted shut. The super didn't want the compactor to get backed up since there was no electricity. Then I packed up my laptop and defected to Easton, Pennsylvania.

A few observations:

McDonald's tastes so much better in the suburbs.

Whatever stress hormone kept me moving and grooving up and down all those flights of stairs officially ran out the minute I got out to the countryside.

The greatest feeling in the world is a shower after two days of pioneer living in a highrise. I now smell like flowers and rainbows. And it is right.

I also have Val, the sweetest little stray I ever took in, even if he did give everyone in sight ringworm.

A Whole Lot Of Inconvenience Going On

Manhattan, at least south of 39th Street, has no power. I live on the 21st floor of a building. I have made two trips already today to go up and down for supplies. Followers of this blog know that I like running and exercise, and all that training comes in handy around floor 15, when I am panting and wishing for a death that never comes.

This is me, with my new best friend, my Dora The Explorer flashlight. It was the last flashlight Walgreen's on 36th Street had in stock two days ago. It goes with me everywhere. I love her.

Apologies for not wearing any make up in these photos. But we're in a state of emergency, and I mentioned my numerous romps up and down the staircases. For some reason, I seem to be the only person I see going up. Everyone else is always coming down.

Electricity is the ultimate commodity these past 24 hours, and East Side residents, such as myself, wander like meth addicts looking for a fix. (I've seen people charging devices outside of buildings, attached to utility outlets.) A deli on 41st Street and Park had power strips set up, in the hopes that we would buy some snacks while we waited for a charge. Well played.

Now I am at Bar & Books, where I snagged a table before the joint became packed. I will be leaving soon, full of Pimm's Cups and electricity. I still need a shower. Help?

Best Photo From The Hurricane

Taken by my friend and former Columbia classmate, Stacey Young.

Empty Grand Central

Manhattan is pretty much a ghost town now, since the subways are down, New Jersey transit is closed the bridges and tunnels are on the brink of closure as well.

There are a lot of bored and restless New Yorkers today, waiting for something to happen. Anyone who was here for Irene won't be terribly jazzed if this all turns out to be nothing more than a giant rainstorm. Sure, we're prepared, but no one likes the weatherman who cries wolf. And there's been a lot of that when it comes to hurricanes and New York City.

I love photos of empty New York City. I found these on Gothamist, who always manages to find great photo collections.

View from the 21st floor at about 8:00 a.m. We'll see if this changes at all.

P.S. There was a lot of internet buzz yesterday about grocery stores in Manhattan being total madhouses with people stocking up on artinsanal cheeses and multi grain bread. At the risk of sounding smug, I don't understand why anyone would wait until 3:00 in the afternoon to stock up on hurricane items.

I happened to be up early on Sunday and went to D'Agostinos as soon as it opened. It was certainly busy at 8:30 in the morning, but there was plenty of water, cilantro hummus and fresh fruit to go around. My point: Early bird always gets the worm, or in New York City, the last case of Evian.

So True.

Follow Sloane Crosley on Twitter. Funny stuff.