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"In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention.”
Pico Iyer
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There's a line in Come From Away that’s been resonating recently. It comes, if memory serves, in the opening number, and is spoken by the police chief, giving out tickets to speeding drivers. On the warning, the ticket reads: STFD.

Slow the fuck down.

I took my parents to see the life-affirming musical when they were in town recently (thanks, by the way, to all those who suggested elderly parent-friendly activities – you guys are the best!), and it, in a way, set the tone for their stay.

Dad has had two knee replacements. He walks with a stick and struggles to get in and out of cabs – his legs just don’t bend the way they used to. And he tires easily – the effort of putting one foot in front of the other taking every ounce of his energy. 

He walks slower than I thought it was possible for any human being to walk. He takes up physical space on the sidewalk. And the subway stairs? Forget about it.

Let me tell you, you see the city differently when it takes you about 45 minutes to walk three blocks. You take time to notice the details. To marvel at the sights you never noticed when you were walking at warp speed with your eyes locked dead ahead. 

You see people. And they see you. So, to the young men who offered my parents a seat on the packed subway car; to the other passengers who took the time to acknowledge them and smile, I thank you. 

To the people on the sidewalk who didn’t rush us, who let us take our time, you are this city’s beating heart.

I learned patience this week. I learned to see my city through the eyes of my parents, seeing it for the first time with a sense of dismay and wonder. I learned to slow the fuck down. I can recommend it.
WE CAN BE HEROES
The October issue of W42ST is out now. Woohoo! It’s packed with stories about everyday people doing extraordinary things, helping to make the world a better, more equitable place. And, of course, there’s all the usual fun stuff in there about food, fitness, and dogs. You’ll be wanting to pick up a copy? Get one in any of these fabulous spots across the city and take it home for some guilt-free, phone-free down time. You're very welcome.
BEST LIFE CALENDAR

TODAY
Kehinde Wiley in Times Square

At 2pm, the artist will unveil his first monumental public sculpture, Rumors of War, in Broadway Plaza, where it will remain until December, before it moves to its permanent home in Virginia. Find out more.

Free fun on the Intrepid
It’s Free Friday on board the magnificent aircraft carrier (there are only two more to go before the end of the year). Tonight, find out about NASA’s journey to Mars, and, in the shadow of the Space Shuttle, hear the latest on how New York State is helping drive the new space economy. Find out more.

Square dance at Bryant Park
The annual barn dance runs from 5pm to 7pm and is free to take part. Bring your own cowboy. Find out more.

TOMORROW
Get submerged
Marine science comes to life – but not in a weird, Shape of Water way – as Pier 84 hosts the day-long Submerge Festival, filled with catch-and-release fishing, kayaking, and experiments. Find out more.

Scorsese’s new movie
The New York Film Festival opens with The Irishman, an epic story of American crime starring Joe Pesci, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro. Find out more.

Follow your nose to the Guggenheim
Before the New Group’s world premiere of Cyrano, its director Erica Schmidt, actor Peter Dinklage, and composer Aaron Dessner will talk about the creative process behind the new adaptation of the classic tale. Find out more.

No cellphones allowed
As Venezuelan performance artist, DJ, and singer Arca takes over The Shed for her series called Mutant;Faith. Find out more.

SUNDAY
Feeling sleepy?

Lullabies from around the world will be performed at the Irish Arts Center’s family concert Too Ra Loo Ra, transporting kids to the land of nod in Irish, French, and Yiddish. Find out more.

Puppy pop-up
An immersive experience for humans and their canine bestie, with a pup-friendly ball pit, downward dog yoga, styling and crafting workshops, and a snuggle lounge. And, for those without a wagging tale to call their own, there will be adoption opportunities. Find out more.

Art for all
The Affordable Art Fair is back – a chance to pick up an original piece for that blank space on your wall at a not-nose-bleed-inducing cost. Find out more.

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK

Yes, people, I have vouchers to give away for the musical Rock of Ages, an epic night of spandex, handlebar mustaches, and rock classics. Each voucher is for the performance of your choice, and is valid for two people (worth $220). You want to win them? Of course you do. Go to w42st.com/rockofages and they could be yours.

MONDAY
Debbie Harry

The Blondie frontwoman is joined by Chris Stein and Rob Roth as she launches her memoir Face It, at the Town Hall. All ticket purchases include a signed book. Find out more.

Awesome improv
Improvisors and actors, from Broadway, 30 Rock, Conan, SNL, and beyond, perform in scenes from Stoppard to Sophocles, and everything in between. The actors know their lines; the improvisors improvise. Find out more.

TUESDAY
An all-star line-up
I took my folks to this – Susie Mosher the host, was an absolute gem, and the talent was incredible (and diverse). This week, she’ll be joined by Hadestown's T Oliver Reid, singer Marissa Mulder, and vocal powerhouse Amy Lynn. Find out more.

WEDNESDAY
No Joke
A special screening of Joker, followed by an extended discussion with director Todd Phillips and star of the movie Joaquin Phoenix, covering the evolution of Batman’s arch enemy. Find out more.

THURSDAY
Afro soul at Lincoln Center
A free concert from 47Soul and AfrotroniX combining funk, hip-hop, and rock. Find out more.

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