The First Time I Attempted to “Hack,” I Was Almost Branded As “A Spy”

Yes, I went to a hackathon this weekend.

No, I did not breach security.

I did, however, try to “hack” and got accused of being a “spy.”

The story begins in the tiny but top-secret area called MyCubicle…

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Thursday, 11/10/11:
Setting the “Plan-of-Action” in Place

I glanced around nervously. I couldn’t let anyone else see what I was doing.

Things could get dangerous—real dangerous—if people saw the small device constantly updating with new information and lying in the palm of my hand. “A breach of security,” they would say.

Good. I am alone.

I pulled down the information I needed from the Twitter server. Tweets started to appear. Mashable, AdAge, TechCrunch, HuffPostTech… Then, something caught my eye. The NYC’s Chief Digital Officer Rachel Sterne had retweeted an event called NYC BigApps 3.0 Hackathon.

For some weird reason, I felt compelled to click on it. So, I did.

Crap. Only three types of tickets existed. Developer: nope. Designer: nope. Other: yes.

With the clock ticking, I had to pull the trigger. I feared I would stand out like a sore thumb at this event, but something pushed me to go for it.

So, again, I did.

I should have felt relieved, but instead, my blood turned to ice as I read the details:

[H]ere’s what you can look forward to:

• Develop ideas, brainstorm, explore NYC Open Data
• Find teammates and contribute your skills
• Build something amazing to help NYC
• Talk to representatives from companies providing APIs
• Compete for $2,500 in prizes for the best hacks!

Oh, crap! “Contribute”??? I was going there to learn. What could I contribute? I am only a techie@heart, not a tech expert!

I immediately called an agent (aka expert in the tech field), Ben.

Techie@Heart: I’m going to a hackathon tomorrow…
Agent Ben: Wait… what? You? Uh… you’re not a developer or a designer, you know…
Techie@Heart: I know. Don’t blow my cover already.
Agent Ben: Okay. But you know they’ll be coding all weekend long, right? I mean, that’s a ‘hackathon,’ a marathon of coding. What are you going to do there?
Techie@Heart: I’m gathering information!
Agent Ben: Wow. Even I don’t go to hackathons.
Techie@Heart: Sh*t.
Agent Ben: Yeah…
Techie@Heart: But… so many interesting people will be there, including Rachel Sterne, NYC EDC, developers, designers, and more.
Agent Ben: Yeah… to CODE all weekend. What are you contributing, aside from your contagious excitement for all things tech?
Techie@Heart: I don’t know… we’ll see.

I hung up the phone with Agent Ben and glanced back at the details. Hmmm… “contribute”…. Whatever. I can go as an ideator, if all else fails. Hopefully, my cover won’t be blown…

[ "Secret Agent 79" image source: Toon Pool by mostro ]

NEXT –>

Post-MoMA Party Recap: Celebrities, Exclusivity, Sketchiness & More

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As expected, the MoMA party a few weeks ago was full of crazy surprises, including  Kanye’s performance of his hit singles “Jesus Walks” and “E.T.” followed by a finale of “Empire State of Mind” with a guest appearance by Jay-Z.

Of course, Michael Douglas and Aziz Ansari showed up too, among other stars.

But let me start at the beginning of the journey:

8:45pm (registration starts @ the MoMA).  I set out to find my way to the MoMA on a Tuesday night.  The air was crisp and not a lot of people  lined up for the 53rd and 6th Chicken & Rice.  I walked briskly passed what smelled like a delicious heart-attack waiting to happen.

9:00pm. As soon as I got to the MoMA, my jaw dropped.  The line had already begun to form along the Ronald S. and Jo Carole Lauder entrance.  Actually, it went as far as 5th Ave.  People who walked by stopped and stared.  What are all these well-dressed youngsters doing lined up by the MoMA on a Tuesday night? They wondered.  We just smiled and waved… and took lots of pictures.

9:55pm.  We continued to stand outside the entrance way, moving ever so slightly.  I couldn’t believe I had paid and still had to wait over an hour.  My friends became restless—one even developed a headache.  The rest of us developed an unquenchable thirst…

10:15pm.  It took forever, but we finally entered the place.  Immediately we were ushered to the Garden area.  The scene was… ”chill.”

• Chill temperature, since it was in the low 50s.  The women shivered in their short cocktail dresses.  The men kept their blazers on.  The bartenders were the only ones working up a sweat, as we all bombarded the bars to keep warm.
• Chill people, since people were so focused on waiting for Kanye to perform that nobody really mingled.  And, trust me, that’s all I really wanted to do.  Sadly, things remained very calm and collected.

11:15pm. Kanye came out on stage and the crowd went nuts.  My friend kept saying “He’s so hot!” the whole time while a bunch of eager fans pushed past us, trying to get to the front.  In the process, they knocked over a few drinks and angered a few hammered individuals.  Luckily, the music diverted everyone’s attention and avoided a fight.

12:30am. The performance ended with Jay-Z busting out from behind the scenes to rap to “Empire State of Mind.”  Another friend, who was clearly seeing double at this point, kept asking me why Kanye was singing this song when it’s clearly not his song.  Finally, he realized that he wasn’t seeing double of Kanye on stage, but Kanye AND Jay-Z together…

1:00am.  We finally left the MoMA and decided to check out SL, one of the hottest clubs in New York.  Unfortunately, given our large party, the abundance of men (albeit, good-looking men) and the lack of bottle of service, we had trouble at the door.  Disappointed and coming out of my buzz, I looked around us in Meatpacking.

“Where else should we go?”

The girls looked back and nodded towards the tall structure in the distance. I turned in that direction.  The Standard Hotel shown like the North Star, guiding us towards the top.

One of the girls turned to the group and casually suggested Boom Boom Room, the most exclusive club in Manhattan.

“Right… all of us… get in?  We couldn’t get into the second hardest club in New York, so we’re going to try the hardest club?”  My friend said slowly, enunciating each word.

The club was notorious for its door policy.  You either had to be doling out benjamins or host the MTV Music Video Awards or walk the runways of Paris and Milan.  (However, sometimes even celebrities have been turned away.)

“Yes.”  The girls nodded vigorously.

The rest of the group looked at one another in disbelief.

“Alright…”

Yes, it was difficult to get in. We had to name-drop like crazy… and lose a few people (don’t worry, no hard feelings).

1:45am. We got in through the red rope and up the elevator to the top floor.  As the elevators opened, all we saw were more doormen and another hostess.  She took the golden tickets from our hands and motioned nonchalantly to the double doors.

The doors opened to one of the most magnificent views you could ever have in Manhattan—huge floor-to-ceiling windows lined the sides, almost a full 360 view (aside from the entrance area).

Beautifully tall and lanky models lingered by the bar; several chic fashionistas and fashionistos strutted their stuff in another corner; and lo-and-behold, Aziz Ansari, stood at the end of the bar, drinking quietly.

Before I knew it, we were downing Macallans and Geese left and right.  Then, the sketchiness commenced.  First, my gorgeous Russian friend got whisked away by an adorable gay.  Next, another beautiful friend exchanged numbers with several cougars.  Finally, I had my hand kissed a million times by an old gent of the (perhaps… most likely?) gay persuasion.  He claimed he wasn’t, and yet, he kind of was.

The night ended around 4am.  All I remember was drinking, dancing, and dodging (sleeze).

All in all, a fabulous Tuesday night!

MoMA, Kanye, Party, Booze, & Hot People: What More Do You Need on a Tuesday in NYC?

Yes.  The title says it all.  MoMA, Kanye, party, booze, and lots of well-dressed good-looking people.  What a typical Tuesday night in Manhattan!

I will be attending the After-Party at MoMA’s ”Party in the Garden” tonight.  I’m not sure who to expect, aside from Kanye.  And, let’s be real, what’s the likelihood that I’ll actually get to meet this guy?  Slim to none.  But, based on my google search, in previous years lots of celebrities have attended, including DVF, Hugh Jackman, M.I.A., Estelle, etc.  Thus, I am excited to catch an eyeful of celebrities tonight (even if they might be goggled).

Of course, I’m not going  just to dress-up, meet people and party hard on a Tuesday.  No.  I’m also there for charitable reasons.  My ticket is going to a good cause… which cause, I’m not sure… but I’m sure I’ll find out tonight…  right?

Anyways, I’ll try to take lots of pictures and post a recap of what should be an AMAZING evening tomorrow… that is, if I’m functional.

A bientôt, mes amis!

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Follow up: Post-MoMA Party Recap: Celebrities, Exclusivity, Sketchiness & More

Finding An Apartment, pt 3: The Heart Wants What It Wants…

Previously on “Finding An Apartment…”

After the first break-up, I fought my desire to quit the search and found a potential that was a bit… well… small… for my liking.  But I sucked it up and dealt with it.  After two weeks of going back and forth with the management company, I was told with no explanation (and over EMAIL!) that the landlord decided to “break up” with me!  Me!!!  What?!?!

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Central Park and the Dakota

I didn’t know what to do anymore.  I had a list of previous apartments-of-interest, so I decided to call them back.

One by one, I got the “I’m sorry, it’s been rented…”

My heart winced each time, almost like I was getting rejected once more.

Thankfully, an apartment a few blocks north of the Lincoln Center one appeared on NYBits.

The place, again, was situated right between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.  I couldn’t help myself but begin to feel giddy.

As I approached the place, a feeling of trepidation started to settle in.  What if I’m too late?  What if this place is already taken?  What if…

When the doors opened, the first thing I said: “Wow, it’s not 12×15!”

The current tenant laughed and motioned to her living space.  She had a full bed, a couch, a TV plus stand, a dresser, a table, and lots of walking space.  All this on top of the separate kitchen and bathroom!

Unfortunately, the only downside was that only half the apartment had windows, aka, only half the room had sunlight.

I walked away unsure of what to do.  This place had its own problems, like lack of light, but it sat in the perfect location… I mean… it could be a potential.

As soon as I said the “p” word I felt my blood vessels constrict. What if this ends up being another flawed attempt? What if I get screwed by the management company or landlord again?  What if this place has bed bugs or drug dealers hiding by Trader Joe’s?… Or… could the third time really be the charm?

I took a deep breath and put in an application the next morning.

In the next few days I continued to look. (You just never know with these New York landlords.)  Again, I lowered my standards.  I considered living in a small windowless place or a ridiculously expensive all-service place… but nothing seemed right.

Then, as I almost made up my mind to just take the apartment in Upper West Side, my friend, a broker,  showed me an apartment in Murray Hill.  The place was large, renovated, full of amenities.  The only downfall—it faced 2nd Avenue and lots of traffic.

Sadly, I am a light sleeper and so I knew it would become an issue.  Yet, everyone I spoke to said I could get used to the noise.  The operative word there being “could.”  What if I couldn’t?

I went home that night torn.  I went from not having anything decent to having two very good prospects.  At the end, I would be happy with either choice, but which one would make me happier?

It was like choosing between two lovers: one, whose whole is better than the sum of its parts while the other one has magnificent parts but one defect thus blemishing the whole.  What to do?!?!

I spent the rest of the evening (until 3AM!) trying to figure it out.  My brain decided to look at things logically.  I wrote down pros and cons.  I re-watched the videos I took.  I even made a full expense model for each apartment.  But still I couldn’t make my decision.

Something was holding me back.  Something my heart refused to give in to my brain.  I knew logically, the apartment at Murray Hill made better sense.  Aside from the noise level that I may or may not get used to, the apartment fit all my needs.  However, my heart seemed set on Central Park West.  Nothing I did could persuade it otherwise.

The morning came and I awoke with a light heart.  I knew my choice.  The heart wants what it wants…

I signed the paperwork the following day.

So… By the end of this month, I will be living in my dream location… Central Park West, here I come!

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From the Beginning…

“Finding An Apartment In NYC, pt 1: Like Finding A Significant Other”

Finding An Apartment, pt 2: Wait, You’re Not Into ME?!

Previously on “Finding An Apartment…”

I began my apartment search with high spirits like finding a significant other.  Sadly, the happy search quickly changed for the worst.  I watched with horror as my first love turned from a “good” deal to a drug-and-bug-infested tenement of crap.

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Lincoln Center

I looked and looked everywhere, from Lower East Side to Upper West Side.  Nothing.

Until…

One day, as I looked on StreetEasy, I found a potential right by Lincoln Center.  Almost immediately, I felt my heart flutter.  I love the area.  Like pure unadulterated love LOVE.

I jumped into a cab and headed right there.

The apartment complex sat right in between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.  What a dream come true!

I could see myself writing at Lincoln Center, strolling through Central Park, and enjoying my Upper West Side life.

But, nothing is perfect…

As soon as the leasing agent opened the door to the studio, my jaw dropped.  I could practically touch the other side of the wall.  It was tiny!!!  (12 x 15, to be exact—yes, the size of four normal size work cubicles… including the kitchen… and closet…)

Noooooooooo!  This can’t be happening!

Could my potential second love be too small?  I tried desperately to wrap my brain around the small size. I mean… I could work with it, right? Size doesn’t really matter… does it?

I debated for a few days and finally decided to suck it up and put in an application.

Within a day, I got approved.

Since the apartment was vacant, I went back to do a walk-thru so the management company (Orsid Realty) could relay what needed to be fixed before I moved in. There were a lot of issues that had to be dealt with before I could move in. For example, the bathtub drain was clogged, the windows and screens fell off the sill, the gas stove was not even put together, etc. I made a few notes and went to the signing a week later.

At the signing, I presented to the Orsid agent my list of concerns. He understood and said he’d talk to the landlord (G&F Realty) for me. The next day, I get a response from him stating the landlord “may or may not” do all the things I requested.

Wait… what?! I was shocked. The place was the size of a shoebox! If they didn’t fix all those things before I move in, there would be no way they could maneuver around my stuff. So, I stressed again that it was critical I could shower and open/close my windows once I moved there.

Things seemed normal… until I got the email—yes, email—a few minutes later.

“You are no longer approved.”  It read.

That was it. Nothing more. No explanation of what that meant. No “sorry…” Nothing. Just a straight up fat rejection EMAIL!

For the second time in a two week period, I felt the blood boil beneath my skin. I immediately called the leasing agent to clarify the situation.

“What happened?” I asked, barely containing my frustration.

“The landlord just decided to not go through with the application.”

“What?!!??! We spoke this morning and everything was a ‘go.’ I got my cashier’s checks [for first month's rent and security deposit]. I booked my movers and told my current management I would be moving in a week. What do you mean the landlord decided not to go through with this app?!?!”

“I’m sorry. I’m just the messenger.”

“Uh… so what happened? What’s the reasoning? I mean… I spent 2 weeks working with you guys back and forth, getting documents and everything ready. I withdrew all my other applications and I have to move out in a week… I deserve at least an explanation.”

“Don’t know.”

“Was it because I asked the landlord to fix the tub and windows? Was that too much to ask?”

“No. I told him it seemed reasonable. I don’t know why. He just no longer wants to go through with this.”

“So… did someone else apply for this apartment?”

“I don’t know.”

The anger within intensified.  What did he know then?

“Aren’t you guys exclusive with this landlord?”

“Yes…”

“But you don’t know anything?”

“No.”

“Can you ask for me?”

“No.”

“So this is it?  You guys just wasted two weeks of my time and now I have to incur the cost of extending my lease and finding a new apartment?”

“Yes.”

“What the…”

Click.

I was livid!

There could only be two reasons the landlord decided not to go through with this process: 1) he didn’t want to fix the things I asked him to because he’s a stingy landlord and didn’t want to spend money; or 2) they accepted a new applicant on the apartment even though they told me they would take it off the market for me.

Either way, the landlord and management company screwed me over. Once more, I felt jaded. I couldn’t believe my luck. First, the hard break-up and now this pure rejection.

I wanted to give up on my search. I was never going to find the right one, so might as well start settling. My friends encouraged me to look further, comforting me with “if it’s not meant to be, it’s not meant to be.”

For the next week, I wallowed in my sorrow. I couldn’t believe I had been rejected. I mean, I was willing to overlook the size problem because everything else seemed good. Now, after I had forced my brain to overcome the small size, I was left with nothing but a folder of papers and two cashier’s checks.

Worse yet, I had to extend my current lease at a ridiculously high market rate.

Oh, perfect apartment, where are you?!

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Next time…

“Finding An Apartment, pt 3: The Heart Wants What It Wants”