A brief summary of my Saturday activities follows. It is only a brief summary because I have told the story in person so many times, I do not think I can bring myself to go into full detail in print.
Basically, as a result of participating in the anti-war protest/march down Manhattan on Saturday, I was almost arrested twice, one instance of which actually included me running away from police, and calling my roommate ArtStudent to tell her that if she did not hear from me for a while, she should start checking into how to bail people out of jail. The best part is that I had already left the march and was just going to meet some friends for pizza (honest, officer!), and apparently got caught in the middle of some very silly people deciding to run up and down the side streets off Broadway, where the cops had very nicely asked everyone to not go. But when a mob of people in masks comes running up a street at you, screaming "Run! Run! They're picking up stragglers!!!" and you see cops sprinting down the street and motorcycles with sirens blaring chasing people, well. You run. I am intensely amused that everyone who heard about my possible incarceration reacted with incredulity ("Ful?!? No, not FUL. He's too harmless to get arrested."), and the statement that all I'd have to do is smile at the cops and they'd let me go.
(Also, for the record, I would like to say that while I do not think any of the anti-war protests are going to have the slightest effect in government policy -- I mean, they did absolutely no good beforehand, why should during be any different? -- I think it is still incumbent upon the people who disagree with these actions to make their feelings known. Anything else is implicit approval. "Dissent without resistance is consent.")
Anyhow. After losing the fuzz, I had a truly amazing meal at Mario Batali's new pizza place, Otto, and I do not think I can adequately explain how truly inspired this place is. Appetizer of three cheeses (chunks of gorgonzola, parmesan, and taleggio) served with cheese-condiments (bitter marmalade, cherries soaked in brandy, and black truffle honey). Porcini, artichoke, prosciutto, and Swiss chard pizza. And French Vanilla gelato with blood orange slices, olive oil, and a sprinkling of sea salt. Plus a double espresso and a few glasses of wine. Yes.
Also seen at the march: Signs hoisted by the Glamericans, trimmed in faux-fur and glitter, with inspirational phrases such as "Peace is the New Black," "Foreplay, Not Warplay," and "Makeup, Not War." The "Tranny Brigade" also made an appearance, singing slogans such as "We're sexy, we're cute! And anti-war to boot!" Bring It On references will always win my love and admiration.
Seen on the streets of midtown today: Some intensely hot rockstar wearing low-slung boot-cut jeans, a french-cuff tuxedo shirt, a cockatoo mohawk, and aviator glasses. Oh wait! That was me!
Received a few moments ago: An anonymous email from an anonymous coworker telling me to cut out the foot-tapping already.