Commuter Charm School: Lesson 1

Written by Laurie C., Whitestone

Why hello, ma'am. That's a very nice handbag you have there. Is it designer, or Canal Street? Well, either way, it's lovely, but do you really think it needs its own seat on the train?

No, that's fine, I understand that when you got on six stops ago, the train was almost empty, and no one was standing yet. But when it started to get crowded in here, and you saw people jostling each other for a space at one of the poles, don't you think that might have been a good time to move your pretty purse from the luxurious comfort of its own personal seat to the more considerate spot of, I don't know, your lap?

You must be pretty resilient. I know you've noticed the people standing above you, eyeing your pampered purse with contempt and giving you serious death-glares. I like how you pretend not to see them, as if you had no clue that your handbag is obnoxiously taking up valuable commuter real estate.

I mean sure, someone who wanted the seat could just ask you to please move your bag. And someone who wanted the seat could also just, for example, sit on the bag. Oopsies! Didn't even see it there. Hope I didn't crush anything.

Also, some suspicious character could, without you even realizing it, steal away with your bag. Like what if -- Hey! Where did your bag go? Wasn't it just here? I could've sworn -- ha-ha! Just kidding. I have it, right here. Wasn't that a fun joke? I'm just saying; you should be more careful. Hold on to that bag a bit more closely. People on this train can be pretty crazy.

Public House

140 E. 41st St.
Manhattan
212-682-3710
www.publichousenyc.com

Public House, a new bar/restaurant near Grand Central Station, caters to both the after-work crowd and partygoers who want to keep the night going until the wee hours. The press release states it’s “exactly what its name implies: a home where the public can gather.” We asked the Review Crew to gather and report back. (Rebecca Weiss Photography)

Not so "Public" House

Rob D., Port Jefferson Station

When I hear the name Public House what comes to mind is a highly visible place in a busy area. Neither of which describes this bar/restaurant. Actually, I am still not too sure if they're trying to be more of a bar or a restaurant. There was a small, good-looking crowd there and the initial girl/guy ratio made me think this place had some potential. But by midnight, the girls disappeared so quickly you would have thought their coach was turning back into a pumpkin. I have mixed feelings about this place. If you're in the area, feel free to check it out, but don't go out of your way.

Grade: C+

Public House

Christina, Valley Stream

All hail the red, white, and blue — patriotism is fun at Public House, which has a huge American flag painted over the bar. The bar fills quickly after 10 p.m. on weekends with a 20- to 30-something crowd of upscale, casually dressed drinkers. Specialty drinks like Red Bull Burst and Patron Cherry Margarita are delish (worth the 12 bucks) and the bartenders that serve them are just as sweet. Check to see if there's an open bar special — somehow I missed that while everyone around me was imbibing for free. Still, Public House is a convenient midtown spot for a few drinks and shouted conversation over loud music with friends. Beer-lover Ben Franklin, no doubt, would approve.

Grade: B

Public House

Bonnie, Lodi, NJ

Public House seems to still be getting their act together after opening a few weeks ago. I stopped by after work to find they were having a private party and was almost turned away. But luckily, they honored my dinner reservations. Inside the space is big and open and there isn't anything other than a short wall that separates the bar area from the dinner tables. Anyone that is looking to dine and wants to he heard by the person they are with shouldn't eat there, I had to scream over the crowd during my entire meal and couldn't hear most of what the server was saying. The typical American food was OK, but the drinks were great. If it weren't for our all-American server that had just moved from the South, the evening would have been a bust.   

Grade: C

Public House

Laurie C., Whitestone

I was eager to try a new bar by Grand Central, since most bars in the area tend to be full of commuter suits. This bar didn't break that mold. Half restaurant seating and half a bar, Public House grew packed with middle-aged corporate guys and slightly younger women. Just in case you were worried you might accidentally have a good time, a sign above the bar scolds that there's "NO DANCING," which actually wasn't hard, given the dull wordless music playing. Several huge screens played ESPN that no one seemed to be watching -- maybe CNBC would've been more popular. I felt like I fell through a portal to Boston. (Note to the suits: Even if your company is comping your drinks, it is totally rude to not tip your bartender, especially when she's doing a good job. You don't want to look like a cheapskate in front of those new paralegals.)

Grade: C-

Too public, Public House

James, Shirley

Though a bit too sterile for my liking, Public House still wasn’t lacking as far as a bar goes. I can’t imagine anyone from Long Island making the place a specific location they’d wish to commute for and hit, but as far as an after-work meeting place for the business folk in the area, the main seating area is very accommodating and pleasant. The staff was friendly and on point. The food smelled good, although I didn’t partake. Unless otherwise invited for a business get-together, I won’t ever go back for socializing. P.S. Watch out for that first step on the way out...

Grade: C+

The White Stripes, "Icky Thump"

The White Stripes, the Grammy-winning garage rock duo from Detroit, just released its sixth album, “Icky Thump.” We asked the Review Crew to tell us what Jack and Meg White are up to these days. (AP Photo)

Icky Thump

Ralph, Freeport

Jack and Meg White are well known for their simplistic approach to music. Jack once said, “Simple is not always better. For Michelangelo, no. For the White Stripes, simple is better.” It’s true! Their odes to aggression as well as the introspective lyrics of pleasure and pain complement the simple backdrop of guitar and drums. Bag pipes are also sprinkled on the CD in “Prickly Thorn, But Sweetly Worn” and “St. Andrew.” Other songs to check for:  “Conquest,” “A Martyr for my Love for You,” and “You Don’t Know What Love Is.”

Grade: A

The White Stripes

Aysha, Astoria

I needed earplugs just to get through listening to the entire album — it’s horrendous and nothing but loud street noise. At no point did their sound appear as extraordinary to me. It’s especially difficult to understand because their lyrics aren’t 100 percent audible either. I think if the music offered a bit more clarity, I’d be more engaged by it and less distracted by its strange arrangement of sound. The only thing that’s remotely appealing about this album is its political nuances and even that’s disappointing. Something tells me this is not a very good sign.

Grade: D

The White Stripes, "Icky Thump"

Erika, Dix Hills

Songs No. 1-3 on the "Icky Thump" album have the most potential with its indie punk sound, similar to Phish. If you listen long enough and hit song No. 4 — be ready to bring on one massive headache! Not sure what style music The White Stripes were trying to shoot for. Sadly, the music changes to Spanish-style lyrics mixed with hard-core Arabic rhythms. Think great music for belly dancing gone wrong. The Phish-style songs save the album from complete failure.

Grade: C

The White Stripes

Graig, Huntington

The White Stripes are currently at the forefront of this watershed period of rock music, as they have the most dominant style and sound out there right now. With their new album "Icky Thump," The White Stripes stay true to the sound which made them popular. That is, fast-paced "highly evolved" rock with often strong blues influences. The album's theme is a cynical portrayal on relationships and love with self explanatory titles such as “Conquest,” “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told),” and “I’m Slowly Turning Into You,” all with passionate lyrics to match. I didn't dislike the album, however it didn’t strike a chord with me and added to my disillusionment with the sordid state rock has been in for the past 12 years.

Grade: C+

The White Stripes

Stacey, Manhattan

“Icky Thump” was the first White Stripes album I've ever heard and the content impressed me. At first listen, I was turned off and didn’t think that the music was for me. But after listening to each song 3 to 4 times, I started to appreciate the smart lyrics and distinctive sounds. I liked how the songs were each melodically unique. Although some of the tracks were too loud for my taste, I highly enjoyed the song titled “You Don’t Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You’re Told).” I’d recommended this album as a great addition to any iPod play list.

Grade: B+

Aura

5 E. 19th St.
Manhattan
212-671-1981
www.auranyc.com

Aura, an intimate club in the Flatiron district, offers partygoers two floors with different vibes and a VIP box that hovers above the first level. We asked the Review Crew to check out the scene.

Aura

Dawn, Farmingdale

As a child, I always imagined what it would be like visiting the home of the Jetsons, but I never thought I would see their nightclub. Aura was a step into the living room of the future, neon lights and flying saucer-shaped things all around. The out of this world décor was in pleasant contrast to the early '90s hip-hop being savored by the packed crowd of grown-up Judies and Elroys. Although not as large as some of its mid-town competitors, Aura had plenty of character to make up for the lack of personal space it provides its patrons. Very positive.

Grade: A

Aura

Matt, Lynbrook

Call me square, but I’m not sure I would know a good night club from a baked ham. Aura was probably my first experience, and call me a loser, but I couldn’t round up a single friend to accompany me on my Thursday evening excursion. Alone as I was, the staff at Aura were very kind, the club small but intimate. High above, a DJ spun. Below, the dark narrow dance floor was empty. And I, with a $5 coke in hand, resolved not to return.

Grade: C+

Aura

Laurie, New Hyde Park

My biggest problem is usually trying to get into a club — am I on the list? Are the Club Gods feeling generous on this particular evening? Surprisingly, I didn't have too many issues getting into Aura. Once I got in, though, did I really want to stay? Look, nothing against this particular club, but Aura appears to be just like all of the other bar/clubs in New York City. Cheesy signature drink? Check. Trying to outdo rivals with a cool double-level layout? Check. Hipsters? Double check. I'm ready for something fresh and different, and Aura is just not that.

Grade: C

An Aura of let down

Scott, Hoboken, NJ

Based on the Web site, I thought there would be more to this club than there actually was. To be fair, the downstairs was closed the night I was there, but that still did not compensate for my disappointment. A good sound system spinning mostly hip-hop, a glowing bar and cool bathrooms were about it. The staff was friendly, but the bar was really overpriced. It might be fun to host a small party here in one of the oversized booths. But if you're looking for a large dance club, Aura is not the place. I might go back to check out the downstairs in hopes there might be something spectacular, but I won't hold my breath.

Grade: C

Aura

Monica, Manhattan

When I first walked into this place, I realized that I had been here before. The thing was that it was not called Aura back then, and it was definitely not memorable for me to remember the name. I feel the same way about it now. This place is like a lot of other New York places; it was small and overcrowded. The music was really good though with the DJ playing the current hip-hop/R&B hits. However, with the number of people, there was not enough room to dance. Overall, it was a decent time but we left early.

Grade: B

"1408"

John Cusack and Samuel Jackson star in the film “1408,” an adaptation of a short story by Stephen King. Writer Mike Enslin (Cusack), whose focus is on the supernatural, is determined to find out if a notorious hotel room is really haunted. We asked the Review Crew to check in. (The Weinstein Co. Photo)