It’s easy, especially as an adult, to think I have enough friends. Or take it even farther, I have too many friends. After a life time of making friends, who now in adulthood live near and far, the numbers add up. I have 900 Facebook friends. What does that mean? Not much, aside from a staggering statistic. It’s New York! Every one is so busy, all the time. Who has time for friends we already have, let alone making new ones? Have you caught yourself in such thinking? I am guilty of it. It took a particularly awesome friend to shake me out of it.

I met Phinestro at an event we worked together in October. I have since worked with him at 3 other events. The more I get to know him, the more I realize how freakin’ cool this guy is. I noticed him the first day of training. And how could I not? Aside from his tall stature and winning smile, the man has impeccable fashion sense. From his signature vintage glasses to his killer footwear. To be notably fashionable in New York City is saying something. So he looks cool, and then he opens his mouth.And you discover the most warm-hearted, open person. Who laughs at all your jokes. I’ve never met any one so friendly and open-minded.

I was a little intimidated, to be honest. I hang out with cool people, but he’s in a league of his own. When he suggested we hang out, I took it with a grain of salt. New Yorkers say that all the time, “Oh we should get coffee sometime!” Nine times out of ten, nothing comes of it, mere small talk. Yet, Phinestro was sincere. I should’ve known, he’s the real deal. Lucky for me (and you!) he was persistent. Now I have a new friend AND a new featured Other New York cliché! 

Name/preferred pseudonym: PHINESTRO

Borough and neighborhood: Brooklyn NYC, MIll Basin

They say no one who lives in New York is actually from New York. Where are you from? Born and Raised in Brooklyn! Specifically CANARSIE.  

You totally saw something weird on the subway or street today (you may not have registered it was weird because you are jaded), what did you see? I was in a car parked on 125th street, a lady came to the window and asked for change. I politely declined (as of course I don’t carry money when I got to Harlem *cough cough*:).  She got really mad, went to the side of the car, took down her pants, and pooped right there on the side of passenger seat! I was traumatized. And she didn’t wipe or nothing… all I saw was a bright orange substance on the side. I didn’t actually see her in process, just after. And I saw the Oil Scent guy across the way barfing at the sight of the lady doing that. I cringed the whole day after. 

What is your favorite fictionalized New York?  My favorite fictionalized NYC would have to be Gotham City. I’ve always considered myself the Dark Knight with a nice smile. 
How does it compare with reality? No different except the fact that Gotham uses coins and our metro cards are expensive! I’m sure that crimes were a bit more dramatic then the MTA going on strike and raising the fares, and police brutality. Well Gotham has better days I guess.

And featured on http://coast2coastmixtapes.com/audiodetail.aspx?audioid=227082 

Thanks, Phinestro for being part of my Other New York clichés feature! I can’t wait to catch one of your shows, and I’m sure we’ll work together on some silly event in the near future!

What do you think of this series? Love it so much you want featured? Fabulous! Email NewYorkCliche@yahoo.com.