Becoming a New Yorker

Whether or not you've travelled to New York, you likely have an idea of it in your mind. Maybe it's because of the many films that have been set there, or because of the songs you've heard that evoke the city. Thanks to the artists and writers that have flocked to New York for generations, few places have been as oft depicted as the Big Apple. People from around the world have come to New York with the goal of getting ahead, and the cultural melting pot that has resulted is unlike anywhere else on earth.

My first experience of New York came when I was twelve years old. My family had booked a weeklong holiday there so that my sister could visit some of the city's museums. She was doing a degree in Art History at the time, and was writing her thesis about a group of paintings that are housed at the Metropolitan. While she wandered the stretch of Fifth Avenue known as "Museum Mile", my father, mother and I took ourselves sightseeing. We snapped pictures of the famous lights in Times Square, admired the Manhattan skyline as we walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, and explored Chinatown and Little Italy. I was left entranced by New York's grandeur. It felt to me, as it has to so many others, like a place where things "happened."

Years on, I had the chance to spend a year living in New York. My company had decided to open an office in downtown Manhattan, and a junior manager like myself was needed to set up shop. When I received an email letting me know that I had been selected, I was over the moon. The next month passed in a blur as I got everything planned. Not only did I have to book flights and find a flat, but I had a lot to arrange for the new office as well. Two days before I left, my friends took me out for dinner and presented me with an "I Love New York" t-shirt. It was a memorable evening.

I can't say it was easy adjusting to life in New York, but I loved the experience all the same. When I was there as a child, I was drawn to the hustle and bustle of the urban environment. I found it exciting to navigate the crowds, for example, and enjoyed the challenge of adapting my gait to the rapid pace of the streets. As an adult, these aspects of the city sometimes produced stress. It was hard to get used to my rush hour commute. Supermarket shopping in the company of thousands of other people – literally – was also tough. In those moments, I sought out peaceful locations where I could sit back and observe New York from a distance. I became very fond of the Hudson River Park, where locals go to walk their dogs and ride bikes.

After one year of living in New York, it came time to make a choice. Should I stay, and continue to discover the metropolis? There were huge areas of the city that I'd barely set foot in, much less get to know in the way I desired. My parents and sister had been to see me, of course, but those visits were no match for the weekly meals and catch-ups I usually enjoyed in their company. In the end, my job proposed a compromise. I would be based in our London office, but would travel to New York for two months each year. Thus, my relationship with New York has been able to deepen. The city has now become a comfortable second home.

New Programmes Bring History to Life

A. The Great War
The Great War is an excellent way to boost your knowledge of World War I. This informative programme was screened for the first time last Friday, and is the result of years of work by a group of graduate students at City University. Among its many virtues, the programme presents never before seen interviews with a number of leading historians. Of these, Anthony Farrell is particularly enjoyable to listen to. Farrell is regarded as an "expert among experts" in the field of European history. Still, he has a knack for explaining complex ideas in a way that just about anyone can grasp. Above all, viewers will enjoy his analysis of the role of submarines in the war. Perhaps the only drawback to the programme is the fact that it goes on a bit, mostly towards the end. The faint-hearted may not want to attempt this three-hour marathon.

B. Daring Seafarers
Before the release of David Jenkins' newest production, a group of critics cried that the last thing we needed was another film about the age of exploration. Sadly, the pessimism of these reviewers has been proven correct. Jenkins' work is not normally a let down. Earlier films, such as his famed biography series, are known for being quite riveting. Indeed, he has won a number of awards for previous work. Here, on the other hand, viewers are left wanting. The best part of the film is Jenkins' analysis of the psychology of famous explorers. Alas, this bold shot at originality falls flat. Rather than looking at this subject in depth, Jenkins skirts the topic with a series of bland statements. Should viewers wish to truly learn, they would do well to search elsewhere. One hopes that Jenkins has more success with future projects.

C. History's Greatest Painters
Most viewers will already be familiar with the Renaissance. However, even the most knowledgeable among us will benefit from watching History's Greatest Painters. After all, it is always pleasant to reflect on this dazzling period from the 14th to 17th centuries. The directors are a team of professors from five top universities. In the programme, they made the choice to focus on the era's lesser-known artists. Da Vinci and Michelangelo are mentioned, of course. Nevertheless, more attention is paid to other figures, ones who the public is likely to know less about. Remember your art history teacher from long ago? Even she would be certain to learn something new. Viewers will easily see why the show has already received a series of prizes. A further bonus is the fact that the programme is split into four parts. If you are strapped for time, you can watch the show little by little.

D. The Genius of Einstein
Have you always wished you understood the theory of relativity? Does the life of a famous scientist interest you? If you've answered yes to these questions, you simply must check out this new biopic about Albert Einstein. Produced together with the Global Physics Society, the programme will be aired for the first time next week. Be sure not to miss it, as it will only be screened this week. The show is less than two hours long, so if you have to wake up early for work, you don't need to stress about getting a late night. The programme makes excellent viewing for both scientists and non-scientists alike. If you tend to be put off by technical subjects, don't worry. The Genius of Einstein is designed such that even laymen can enjoy it. Alternately, if you do have some knowledge of physics, you will welcome the commentators' explanations of Einstein's formulas.