48 Comments
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Michael Estrin's avatar

I can see how the name Mother Pigeon embodies both rats and pigeons as I’ve heard many people say that pigeons are just rats with wings. The profile was great, and then Kenneth arrived on the scene and things really took off! A lot of writers would’ve skipped his appearance, but you made a great choice to include him because it really helped me see Mother Pigeon in all her glory!👏👏👏

Now, about the mayor. While I think it’s fishy that he often dines with a criminal element, I also find it fishy that he orders FISH when his veganism was such a big issue in the campaign. If you ask me, The NY Times missed the story here. Also, Bronzino is a very tasty fish.

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Oh believe you me, the vegan-ordering-fish thing has been a huge topic in the city tabs. Alas, I didn't launch "Eric Adams Watch" until after it had died down. But I encourage you to google for some very fun reading.

I think I got pretty lucky with Kenneth coming around. Thank you Kenneth!

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Michael Estrin's avatar

You got lucky with Kenneth, but you had the tools and the talent to turn his appearance into gold!

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JudgeRoyBean's avatar

Mother Pigeon confirms both Evelyn Waugh, "...for in that city [New York] there is neurosis in the air which the inhabitants mistake for energy." AND John Steinbeck, "New York is an ugly city, a dirty city. Its climate is a scandal, its politics are used to frighten children, its traffic is madness, its competition is murderous.

But there is one thing about it - once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough."

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Anne Kadet's avatar

John Steinbeck said that? SO INTERESTING. And here I thought he was Mr. California!

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JudgeRoyBean's avatar

On the subject of John Steinbeck: the movie "Cannery Row," with Nick Nolte and Deborah Winger, is a rom-com for the ages. A perfect movie that is overlooked. Great musical score and dialogue. This may be the funniest sequence ever: https://youtu.be/aQl0r0DODcE

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Now I want to watch the whole thing!

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JudgeRoyBean's avatar

Just a fantastic, overlooked movie. It's narrated by John Huston.

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Oleg's avatar

The sledgehammer incident reminded me of a stunt by the ex-mayor of Vilnius. It involved... an actual tank. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-fWN0FmcIU

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Oh lord. This is great. Mayor Adams really needs to step up his game!

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Oleg's avatar

Sssshhhh. Don't give'em ideas!

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P Kendall's avatar

Such a delight. Thank you!

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Anne Kadet's avatar

So happy you enjoyed Patty. Thank you!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Wonderful, just wonderful! :D

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Awww thank you Rebecca. This gives me a lift!

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New Novels of C. C. Sanderson's avatar

Awesome, as always. As a footnote, I'm naming my new band MOTHER RAT.

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Thanks! And wow yeah, great BAND NAME. Some kind of metal-emo situation maybe...

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New Novels of C. C. Sanderson's avatar

I looked it up and it’s a song name from a 70’s band called Goliath and it has a funky metal vibe!

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Haha of course!

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Jillian Hess's avatar

I’ve walked by Mother Pigeon many times without knowing her story. So cool to learn more about her! And the pigeons she makes really are beautiful. Haven’t seen the rats... but maybe I just blocked it out!

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Anne Kadet's avatar

The stuffed pigeons outnumber the rats maybe 5-1. And the last time I came by she had them separated out in their own little circle. So they are easy to miss! But yes, it could also be you've had your NYC rat-blocker vision engaged.

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Jillian Hess's avatar

I wish my NYC rat-blocker vision was just a bit stronger ;)

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Mark Dolan's avatar

I read your posts with amazement. Mother Pigeon was that person who you require very few questions for, just let her roll AND YOU GET THAT! If you keep up the current trend, you will soon need a bigger table between the rubber band balls and the pigeon. I love when people go all in on nature. Here's a video I've been loving lately -- if such a mouse lived near me I'd sell stuffed versions. Kudos to the Mayor and you for identifying the non sequitor. https://youtu.be/xyVkuLUdSn4 -- props to the vegan scene in Staten Island...I'm into my food patterns but not even sure what spelt is???

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Mark! I could only watch the first few seconds of the video (For those who are curious, it's a MOUSE fighting a SCORPIAN!)

Come to think of it, I have no idea what spelt is either. Googling now...

"Spelt, also known as dinkel wheat or hulled wheat, is a species of wheat that has been cultivated since approximately 5000 BC. Spelt was an important staple food in parts of Europe from the Bronze Age to medieval times."

So many names for wheat. For chrissake.

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Mark Dolan's avatar

Anne -- when you can watch the whole video as you are burying the lead. Near the end the mouse does a rebel yell of triumph...it is hilarious...

When I go to the "healthier" grocery store that sells everything conceivable in clear dispensers like a candy store peddling jellybeans, I am sure there is spelt for sale along with twelve variations of oats.

From now on, if I see spelt on the menu I am going to ask if that is the same as dinkel wheat. So silly.

I go occasionally to the restaurant "Cafe Zupas". They used to offer their sandwiches on white or ancient grain. They now call it wheat. I realize now they didn't change anything. Thanks for the intrepid research.

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Diane Hatz's avatar

Love mother pigeon! Wished I’d seen her when I was still living in nyc. Her eats and pigeons are amazing!!

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Diane Hatz's avatar

That would be rats, not eats...

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Anne Kadet's avatar

I agree! I passed by her just once earlier in the summer and then I could NOT stop thinking about them. It's just such a NYC thing.

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Diane Hatz's avatar

It is! If I ever get back I have to find her!

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Samantha Childress's avatar

One of the funniest Eric Adams quotes was uttered on my birthday, August 17, and I choose to believe he did that specifically as a gift for me! Thanks for making sure I got it, Anne!! This newsletter continues to delight.

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Anne Kadet's avatar

I had to go back and look what you referring to, Samantha. Yep! It's a good one.

Happy Belated Birthday!!!

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Lisa's avatar

Did she turn her husband and child into a rat or a pigeon?

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Haha! It's complicated!

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Chris Shenzo's avatar

Well heck, why would someone who benefitted from peoples' "worst mistake" want to judge them?

But the notion of praying to the sun (vs. the sun preying on us, as so many fear) is a simple, yet profound & most welcome one.

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Golly yes. I should try it!

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David's avatar

What a delightful journey into Mother Pigeon's world for a few minutes! Powerhouse cameo by Kenneth! I love them both.

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Me too! Thank you David!

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

What a great article! Love Mother Pigeon 💜

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Anne Kadet's avatar

So glad you enjoyed the story Sue!

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Alex Dobrenko`'s avatar

*me trying to marry mother pigeon* so.....is there a father pigeon?

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Anne Kadet's avatar

I WISH you could come to NYC and hit on her...

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Debra Goldyn's avatar

Mother Pigeon is awesome! Glad you have one of her creations to watch over you!

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Anne Kadet's avatar

Thank you Debra! I was just telling a friend—I FINALLY feel satisfied with my shrine. I didn't know what was missing!

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