Freedom Isn't Free - And Neither Are Your Refills

There it was on the check in plain writing - $9 for iced tea. And yet, Brad was the only one who had iced tea. As it turns out, when the Manhattan waiters ask if you'd "like another" as they gesture towards your simple beverage, they're literally asking if you'd like to order the same thing - again. There's a big difference between that and a "refill."

Aside from beverage distribution, there are other major differences between mainstream experiences in Manhattan and, say, the rest of the world. Today, let's talk about going to see a movie, which we did last night.

In the rest of the world, people generally know what they would like to see when they go to the movie theatre. They at least have a genre in mind - or a list of movies they would NOT like to see. But in Manhattan, apparently, the ticket line does not require you actually make a decision when 20 people are standing behind you. In Manhattan, you debate the merits of Mamma Mia vs. Traitor, throw your hands up in the air, and after 10 minutes, finally walk away from the counter and out of the theatre.

In the rest of the world, people also have a clear understanding of the concession line at the theatre. That's because the options are generally the same no matter where you go: popcorn, soda, milk duds, hot dogs...this is the type of fare you might expect. But in Manhattan, people are mystified by the long counter of food options, unclear as to whether a large or medium is a better popcorn size - and dizzied by the concept of Coke vs. Cherry Coke.

As a result, going to see a movie in the rest of the world is a simple way to pass an afternoon or evening; while going to see a movie in Manhattan is a committment on par with your wedding.

Once in the theatre, there are other observable differences. In the rest of the world, it is understood that people must squeeze in front of you to get to empty seats in your row. So you accommodate these people by standing up from your seat, or turning your legs to the side - it all depends on how chunky those involved are. In Manhattan, however, you believe the entire row is yours once you are seated in it. So when others approach to get to seats nearby, you don't look up from your Blackberry or move your body at all. That way, people can crawl uncomfortably over you and almost fall on their faces to get to their seats. It's better that way.

Regardless of where you live, go see Tropic Thunder and remember why you ever liked Tom Cruise to begin with.