When Jeff Bezos was a precocious little whippersnapper, he read an informative article about the effects of smoking. Both his grandparents were smokers so, the next time he saw Grandma light up, he made use of his new-found smarts, telling her: “At two minutes per puff, you’ve taken nine years off your life!”
Boom!
Grandma was devastated and burst into tears. Which is when Grandpa gently pulled young Jeff aside and told him: "One day you’ll understand that it’s harder to be kind than clever."
I've been on the receiving end of some clever-not-kind comments over the past week or two and, let me tell you, it cuts deep. The knowledge that the other person is right just twists the knife. Lazy, unintelligent, ignorant hack? Ouch!
But being right is not enough. Having the facts on your side is not an excuse to be cruel. And I've delivered more than my fair share of smart asides so, you know, taste of my own medicine. But, as we head into the weekend, I'm challenging myself to be more accountable. To bite my tongue when the temptation arises to make a clever quip, and treat others with humility, respect, and kindness. Join me?
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TONIGHT
Calling all Francophiles
The Crossing the Line Festival opens – appropriately enough – with Opening Night, adapted from John Cassavetes drama, starring the stunning Isabelle Adjani. Tonight’s performance is followed by a conversation with the director and producer. Find out more.
Hear immigration stories
A series of dances, music, and stories based on the true experiences of people relocation to the US. Find out more.
Learn about the birds and the bees
Well, actually, just the bees, and how they can teach us to make the world a better place. You’ll need to RSVP for this lecture and film screening from Japanese bee keeper and environmentalist Mr Funahashi. There will be sake. Find out more.
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TOMORROW
See Anna Sui
The designer’s first major retrospective in the US is now open at MAD – and you can meet Sui herself in a series of conversations with her collaborators, starting today, the first Sui Saturday. Find out more.
Get STEAMy
Rockefeller Center’s Saturday School introduces children to all manner of free STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) activities, demonstrations, and live performances. Find out more.
Join the New Americans
Immigrant artists, comedians, authors, and chefs – including Padma Lakshmi and Dr Ruth – take part in the New American Festival, starting today. Find out more.
Find yourself in France
The French Institute has an open house today – a chance to learn how to flirt in French, do yoga in French, and drink wine like the French. Find out more.
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SUNDAY
Get well
Bryant Park’s first ever Wellness Experience features free yoga, cardio, dance, and stretching classes, plus discussion panels and all the latest from the health and fitness industry. Find out more.
The best things in life are free
Like W42ST. And this stand up festival that runs all week, with events at Therapy, the Ace Hotel, and more. Find out more.
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MONDAY
Watch films about home
The Hell’s Kitchen Film Festival is a four-day feast of shorts and feature-length films on the theme of home and the diaspora, including The Feeling of Being Watched, Assia Bendaoui’s documentary about an FBI surveillance that took place in her Arab-American community in Chicago. Find out more.
Hear abut the Women’s Movement
A free (and most likely lively) discussion about the American Ballet Theatre’s Women’s Movement, which supports the creation, exploration, and staging of new works by female choreographers. Find out more.
See Marina and more
Marina Diamandis (remember Marina and the Diamonds?) is described as the musical progeny of Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani. She'll be performing in Central Park with Hideaway singer Daya. Find out more.
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TUESDAY
Join the Lineup
The very splendid Susie Mosher is joined by Broadway stars and talented up-and-comers in this anything goes night of music, song, and hilarity. Find out more.
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WEDNESDAY
Take the weight off
Happy hump day. Take the evening off. Eat some vegetables. Call mom.
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THURSDAY
Learn double Dutch
Free jump roping sessions for all levels of expertise. Find out more.
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