Are we talking about the southeast corner or the southwest corner of Washington Square Park? It’s the latter corner that I recall as the vital center of this scene, back in the day.
I had no idea all that is happening with the chess players. Thank you for these interviews! And all those folks who have lived in the airport! There was someone living for years in the basement tunnel at the hospital where I work. The rumor was that tenants’ rights protected them from eviction.
And then there's the mole people who were supposedly living in the tunnels eight stories below Grand Central. These stories about people living in places they're not supposed to be living in are always fascinating. I have a friend who lived for more than a year at the mall! Hoping to write a feature about her soon...
The chess interviews were great. EGGS is a great moniker. Eager for a future update with the rubber tree thriving in its new home. Based on your inflation story in previous issue, learning how to play chess and chat with a philosopher sounds like a great deal.
I have a theory about Ann the Rubber tree saver. She is you from an alternate universe also slightly in the future who has come to Henry Street to save Jacques, the Rubber tree. For reasons to be decided.
I love those Chess dudes! Thanks for sharing. Did you try to play any of them !?!
After a 30 year hiatus, I just started playing chess again. I am not yet ready to play the park pros, except for purposes of performance art. As far as Ann the RTS, I did not consider the alternate universe scenario. But her name DOES look a lot like mine, and so does her apartment building. Hmmm.
Riveting story of the chess players! Lived here my whole life and never been there, assumed I'd be intimidated. Never imagined some people had been there for 40 years!
I was most intrigued by the man who gives out puzzles and uses them to determine your skill level. If you do a follow-up I would love to know what kinds of puzzles he uses!
OMG So cool!!! Thank you! I'm so happy I "demanded" this story! I've loved this park since I first started going into the city as a teenager, like 1992? So that's THIRTY years of wondering what the deal is with these guys! Now I know :) They're pretty awesome. That's the deal. Still wouldn't play them though... maybe a lesson one day 😃
These guys have always been one of Washington Square Park's funniest features. I think they've humbled more NYU students than Fannie Mae.
True! And since the pandemic, WSP is finally fun in every corner again. It was pretty lifeless for a good long spell before that...
Are we talking about the southeast corner or the southwest corner of Washington Square Park? It’s the latter corner that I recall as the vital center of this scene, back in the day.
Oh you are right! I will make a correction. Thank you!
Loved this one! And I can’t wait for updates on the plant!
Thinking of launching some sort of prediction market hustle on the rubber tree. Will keep you posted...
Basic Information Before Leaving Earth - did Nate make that up himself?
Just found this googling... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om6YoJy199E
I had no idea all that is happening with the chess players. Thank you for these interviews! And all those folks who have lived in the airport! There was someone living for years in the basement tunnel at the hospital where I work. The rumor was that tenants’ rights protected them from eviction.
And then there's the mole people who were supposedly living in the tunnels eight stories below Grand Central. These stories about people living in places they're not supposed to be living in are always fascinating. I have a friend who lived for more than a year at the mall! Hoping to write a feature about her soon...
Your rubber plant adopter sounds like such a lovely person!
And Marcel Anderson's reflections were what I needed to read today.
Yes! She really was a sweetheart. So accommodating with life. I'm so glad she's looking after the rubber tree.
Please do keep us in the loop on the rubber tree!!
Marcel Anderson... wow.
Yeah, I love what he said about what fools will do. So true!
A wise chess player indeed.
The chess interviews were great. EGGS is a great moniker. Eager for a future update with the rubber tree thriving in its new home. Based on your inflation story in previous issue, learning how to play chess and chat with a philosopher sounds like a great deal.
Thanks Mark! I'm definitely planning on a NYC CHEAP THRILLS issue for the near future. Hoping to find more like this....
I have a theory about Ann the Rubber tree saver. She is you from an alternate universe also slightly in the future who has come to Henry Street to save Jacques, the Rubber tree. For reasons to be decided.
I love those Chess dudes! Thanks for sharing. Did you try to play any of them !?!
After a 30 year hiatus, I just started playing chess again. I am not yet ready to play the park pros, except for purposes of performance art. As far as Ann the RTS, I did not consider the alternate universe scenario. But her name DOES look a lot like mine, and so does her apartment building. Hmmm.
Riveting story of the chess players! Lived here my whole life and never been there, assumed I'd be intimidated. Never imagined some people had been there for 40 years!
Thanks Vanessa! I think there's a lot of us locals who never thought to stop for a game. Now I'm planning on at least getting a lesson...
I was most intrigued by the man who gives out puzzles and uses them to determine your skill level. If you do a follow-up I would love to know what kinds of puzzles he uses!
Rooting for the rubber tree!
Rubber tree can feel the love. Thank you Mason!
Chess *and* philosophy? I'd say you get your money's worth sitting down for a game with these gentlemen. 😀👍
RIGHT? Those chess AIs might be better at the game but they won't tell you how to spot a fool!
OMG So cool!!! Thank you! I'm so happy I "demanded" this story! I've loved this park since I first started going into the city as a teenager, like 1992? So that's THIRTY years of wondering what the deal is with these guys! Now I know :) They're pretty awesome. That's the deal. Still wouldn't play them though... maybe a lesson one day 😃
Thanks “Maria R” for requesting!
Yes! I'm totally down for taking a lesson. They can't make me any worse!