Flatiron District
Stand-Up With an Edge: A Taste of Cringe Humor at The Stand Comedy Club and Restaurant
January 25, 2013 | Paul HerzichOriginally Published in Town & Village
Southern Manhattan is not lacking in full-time comedy clubs and bars.. Until now, however, it has not had a stand-up venue quite like The Stand Restaurant and Comedy Club. This thoroughbred comedy club was sired by Patrick Milligan, founder of Cringe Humor, which garnered the reputation of presenting excellent stand-up comedy shows in several NYC comedy venues as well as colleges around the country.
New York Times’ Louis David Seidman Right to Oppose Constitutional Originalism, Wrong to Trash U.S. Constitution
January 7, 2013 | Eric ShapiroOn December 31st, The New York Times published an editorial titled: “Lets Give up on the Constitution.” The Flatiron Hot! Pundit respectfully disagrees. Whether you consider yourself an adherent of Constitutional Originalism or subscribe to the notion of a living Constitution, America’s founding document is a bedrock of U.S. politics that has done more good than harm over the course of nation’s history. The Founders, particularly Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams and George Washington designed it to be highly adaptable, and it is this adaptability that has allowed it to keep pace with historical change.
Flatiron Hot! Review: Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained
January 4, 2013 | Eric ShapiroThere’s something to be said for an artist who is out to please only himself. But when the product of the ensuing creative narcissism is so arcane as to be unfathomable to those who do not share the artist’s fetishes, then it is deprived of a certain universal quality present in the greatest of art. It has long been said that Quentin Tarantino has abandoned making movies in the traditional sense and has instead taken up the postmodern indulgence of making movies about movies.
To an extent, this has been the case since Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs. Tarantino’s most critically acclaimed and greatest cinematic achievements possessed more than a few elements of pastiche. But beneath all the allusions and arcane stylistic flourishes, one could still discern a beating heart. With Death Proof, which Tarantino correctly deemed his creative low point, the director completely abandoned any pretense of traditional cinematic ambitions with breakneck style over substance.
Flatiron Hot! Pundit: Obama Fiscal Cliff Deal a Loss for Liberals, a Rout for G.O.P.
January 3, 2013 | Eric ShapiroA decisive election victory. An increased Democratic majority in one house of Congress and substantial gains in another. An automatic expiration of the Bush tax cuts. Leading up to the election, many expected Barack Obama to be a one-term president. But a mere few months later, he could hardly ask for better conditions to start out his second term (adjusted for the recession, of course).
The Stand Comedy Club and Restaurant Hosts New Years Bash feat. Judah Friedlander
December 29, 2012 | Eric ShapiroWhat better way to start off the New Year than with a hearty laugh, a good drink and a delicious meal? The Stand Restaurant and Comedy Club will provide all of that and more on New Years Eve. Come watch comedians Todd … Read More
Flatiron Hot! Q&A: Madison Square Park Christmas Tree Lighting
December 7, 2012 | Eric ShapiroFlatiron Hot! had a chance to chat with Bertie Downs, one of the organizers of Madison Square Park‘s 10th annual Christmas tree lighting, just in time for the holiday season. It required more intense planning than one might think. While you’re at it, check out our video footage of the event, courtesy of Craig Fletcher.
Dos Equis Brings “Most Interesting Man in the World” to Flatiron
November 21, 2012 | Eric ShapiroThink you know everything the Flatiron District has to offer? Think again! On Thursday, November 15th, that irrepressible oddball Dos Equis celebrity who goes by the moniker of “Most Interesting Man in the World” took the neighborhood by storm – at 71 West 23rd Street, to be exact – by launching a full-blown promotional masquerade bash, fueled by 750 cases of Dos Equis’ finest brews and the endless energy of as many as eighteen hundred invited guests.
Flatiron Hot! News & Bulletin Now on Facebook
November 14, 2012 | Eric ShapiroFirst and foremost, thanks so much for all your support and attention thus far! We couldn’t have made it this far without you. Now, help us build our social media presence by liking our new Facebook page. And if you haven’t already, follow us on Twitter (@FlatIronHot & @EricShapiro3). Read on to find out all our Facebook page has to offer, including special deals and discounts on local office space, dining and nightlife venues.
Superstorm Sandy Shut Down Your Business? Have no Fear, NYCSCC is Here!
November 13, 2012 | Eric ShapiroFor many, Hurricane Sandy was more than just an inconvenience. Survey the wreckage of seaside communities such as Long Beach, the Jersey Shore, and Fire Island for first-hand evidence of the havoc natural disaster can wreak. However, take a closer look and it becomes clear that residential areas were not the only places affected by the storm. In Manhattan, many businesses were put out of action, whether due to flooding, loss of electricity, or an overall sense of panic. In the midst of a recession, any loss of revenue is bound to sting entrepreneurs, non-profits and corporations alike.
The Dilemma of the Brainy Sci-Fi Blockbuster (BSFB) Part 1
November 8, 2012 | Eric ShapiroThe Flatiron Hot! Critic deconstructs the Sci-Fi Blockbusters – Part 1 …
One can select any number of summer blockbusters to support the cliched assertion that Hollywood has lost its magic. Loud, flashy, and utterly bereft of such cinematic staples as storytelling, characterization and directorial vision, the films in question are unashamedly tailored to deliver the biggest possible adrenaline rush to the widest swath of the testosterone-fueled young male demographic.