ACTIVITY: +Pool, an Eco-driven pool

I subscribe to Kickstarter, an innovative company that gives entrepreneurs a platform to raise money for whatever project they've dreamed up. That's how I got my klutz-proof iPod wristband, the Lunatik, that turned my iPod into a watch and made sure I didn't murder yet another mp3 player.

This week, they featured a project called +Pool. Three brilliant gentlemen are on a mission to build a cross-shaped pool in a New York City river, using the river as a source and filtering it to make it swim-able (and of course accidentally drinkable). The center strip would be a lap pool for serious swimmers and fitness addicts; one side would be the kiddie pool, and the other would be the lounging/cooling off pool.

They've already been approved by Parks & Recreation, and done the research that proves this is totally doable. They've already raised enough money to test prototypes, but they still need $75,000 to test the more complicated structures and disinfection methods for the people and the river. Depending on how much you donate, you get complimentary gifts, like a cozie, sunglasses, a beach ball, a tank top, a towel, a tote bag, an engraving of your name on a pool tile, or a permanently reserved poolside lounge chair. Check out there presentation:

I think it sounds really cool. Of course, I have my concerns. New York is a very large city, with hundreds of thousands of people. This all sounds totally Utopian, but they're going to need security, life guards, cooperation from the Coast Guard, an on-site doctor, time limits for pool-hogs, a mandated maximum capacity, and a cap on the amount of food carts that will undoubtedly crowd the coast. Regardless, I like how innovative our generation is...even though I'm terrified of fish and I won't be going in there. ;)

TASTE TEST: Chocolate Baby Back Ribs at Ember Room

Hidden on 9th ave. between Hell's Kitchen and the Theatre District is an Asian Fusion restaurant known as Ember Room. As usual, I read about it in my Thrillist newsletter. It mentioned ribs. I love ribs. So I was totally game. However, when I got there I took a closer look at the menu and discovered that the "ribs" were actually Chocolate-covered Baby Back Ribs. Chocolate? On my ribs? (shakes head)

I like chocolate on my sundaes. I love Dunkin Donuts hot chocolate--only from the Bronx, where they add milk. I only eat chocolate cake. Crumbs makes the sickest triple chocolate Blackout cupcake that is mind-blowingly good. However, I don't really like chocolate candy, or chocolate sprinkles, or chocolate ice cream, and if someone suggested that I try putting chocolate on my ribs, I'd say that was gross and that they're insane...and I'd be wrong.

First off, it's important to clarify that while these ribs are dripping in dark sauce, it's not all chocolate. Most of it is barbecue sauce. You can taste and smell some of the chocolate, but it's not a completely jarring experience. It eases you into the flavor. However, if you're not a fan of chocolate, I wouldn't recommend it. After the second rib, you'd have your fill.

The companion dishes I'd recommend are the BBQ Short Ribs and the Roasted Oxtail. The latter is super salty and I could feel my blood pressure rising with every bite, but it balances out the sweetness of the chocolate flavor.

I've been to the restaurant twice already in two weeks and I plan on going again this Friday before I see The Motherfucker With Hat, due to my new theater kick. But I must force myself to try other places all summer. I cannot have a repeat of last summer, which consisted of me gorging myself on BonChon Monday through Saturday. After all, I didn't make a list for nothing.

647 9th Ave, Btwn 45th & 46th St