A Free New York Philharmonic Concert in Central Park and Fancy Ice Cream

I emerged from the Bryant Park subway station this morning and was greeted by the sight of … VERMIN. SO MUCH VERMIN!

That is, a giant inflatable rat sticking out of a truck bed. Talk about a way to start the morning.

I edited several fun stories today, among them the weekly “Summer in the City” Times newsletter (which I actually get in my own inbox!). It’s a guide to all the hip things to do in the city this summer, and was casually chilling at the top of the NYT homepage bar all afternoon.

I also handled the Asia and Australia Morning Briefing (that’s one way to quickly catch up on everything going on in the world), as well as a neat page two Times Insider story from an obit writer that’ll run later this week. Talk about variety!

Today was also a milestone because it marked the first time I personally hit publish on a New York Times story. Me immediately afterward:

Frances Robles, a Times national and foreign correspondent based in Miami, also spoke to the fellows today. She was candid about all aspects of the industry, from pitching stories to finding (or commandeering) a work/life balance.

There was also a fantastic Wellness Fair on the 15th floor today with organic raspberry quinoa and multiple free ice cream samples. And it was fancy mochi ice cream! Imagine biting into the love child of a bath bomb and a stress ball and savoring a chilled, creamy center. I’m a fan.

Ample Hills Creamery, which is based in DUMBO, also had fruity samples on hand of their mango, cherry, and fudge flavors.

OK, back to editing: I’ve discovered the Times style rule that drives me crazy. Here’s the deal: The Times refers to every theater as a ‘theater,’ even if the theater’s name is spelled with an 're' on the end (as in ‘Roundabout Theatre Company’ or the Majestic Theatre). You’ll never read the latter in the Times, though – it’s always the Majestic Theater. Basically, the Times is telling theaters, “We’ll tell you how you should spell your name.” It's one of those quirky rules you have to learn, but not love.

After work this evening, I headed to a free New York Philharmonic concert on the Great Lawn in Central Park.

It seemed like half the city's residents had wedged themselves into the space.

Fortunately, a symphony concert doesn’t require super close seats – you’re there to appreciate the music, which was superb (especially Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2).

Bonus view: The Met by twilight (visit coming soon!).

Today’s NYC food adventure featured Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque. I got the pulled chicken with onion, chili peppers, pickles, and coleslaw on the side, and also ordered a side of mac and cheese.

The chicken was full flavored, but the mac fell short, especially for the price. It was more like tortellini covered in haphazard cheese globs. No, thanks.

A future food adventure will definitely include a quest for pickle soft-serve, as I learned today you can get it at Lucky Pickle Dumpling Co. on Amsterdam Avenue. It reminds me of one of my favorite treats, the Dole Pineapple Whip!

And finally, the office at night. I'll be working some late shifts soon!