New York vs. Washington D.C.: Tale of 2 Cities
Scarlett Johansson was born in New York City while Katherine Heigl is a native of Washington D.C. Credit: Getty Images (Johansson & Heigl)
In honor of the playoff series between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals, we see how the two cities match up in a different approach.
MONUMENT/STATUE
Washington D.C.: Washington Monument
New York: Statue of Liberty
While the Washington Monument is taller than the Statue of Liberty (555 feet vs. 456 feet) and older, Lady Liberty means much more to most Americans. It's an iconic statue that welcomed millions of immigrants to America in the early 1900s. The views from the crown and torch over New York Harbor only add to the mystique. Plus, the Washington Monument is boring looking with very little detail on its exterior.
Edge: New York
NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Washington D.C.: Smithsonian
New York: Museum of Natural History
Both museums were featured in the Ben Stiller movie franchise, and we have to go with the Smithsonian, which is actually 19 museums.
Edge: Washington D.C.
FALLEN POLITICIAN
Washington D.C.: Marion Barry
New York: Eliot Spitzer
Marion Barry was mayor of D.C. from 1979-91 but was arrested after a videotape surfaced of him smoking crack cocaine. A little time in prison didn't hurt his image as he was once again elected mayor in 1994. Former New York governor Eliot Spitzer has had a nice comeback of his own after getting busted with high-end escorts but has yet to return to office.
Edge: Washington D.C.
HOT DOG
Washington D.C.: Ben's Chili Bowl
New York: Nathan's
Nathan's has been a hallmark of New York City eating since 1916 in Coney Island. Ben's Chili Dog has been endorsed by none other than President Barack Obama. He ate at Ben's Chili Bowl a few days before Inauguration Day. But does Ben's Chili Bowl have a hot dog eating competition that attracts thousands of people each year and is nationally televised? We don't think so.
Edge: New York
MOVIE THAT FEATURES A NEWSPAPER
Washington D.C.: All the President's Men
New York: The Paper
When it comes to the plot of the movie, "All the President's Men" wins by a mile, evidenced by the four Academy Awards it won. We love the adorable Marisa Tomei in "The Paper," but her good looks are not enough to get by Hollywood heavyweights Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.
Edge: Washington D.C.
BUILDING WITH A POINT
Washington D.C.: The Capitol
New York: Empire State Building
The Empire State Building may be taller, but The Capitol has been around since the late 1700s. The Capitol gets bonus points for surviving the War of 1812 where the British set the building on fire. Plus, if we don't pick The Capitol we may come off as un-American. Edge: Washington D.C.
COLLEGE
Washington D.C.: Georgetown
New York: St. John's
When you think of these two colleges, sports fans point to their rivalry in the Big East Tournament. Patrick Ewing and the Hoyas defeated the Red Storm in 1985 in their only head-to-head matchup in the final. Georgetown has won a total of 7 Big East titles while St. John's has only won three. When it comes to alumni in the NBA, Georgetown wins in that category as well: Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutombo and Ewing. St John's: Ron Artest, Chris Mullin and Jayson Williams. Sorry Johnnies, the colorful and charismatic Lou Carnesecca isn’t enough to get you over the hump here.
Edge: Washington D.C.
RAIL SYSTEM
Washington D.C.: Metro
New York: MTA
The MTA may not be popular on Long Island or New York City at the moment with rising fares, numerous delays and other such delights. But can any New Yorker survive with the MTA shutting down service after 11 p.m. every night like the Metro? No way.
Edge: New York
SPORTSCASTER
Washington D.C.: James Brown
New York: Marv Albert
When you think of Marv Albert it's okay if you shout "Yesssss, and it counts." When you think of James Brown, you think of the legendary singer, not the sportscaster from CBS and Fox.
Edge: New York
ALFONSO SORIANO
Washington D.C.: Nationals
New York: Yankees
Alfonso Soriano spent his first five seasons in baseball with the Yankees, crushing 98 homers and batting .284. He was a tremendous leadoff hitter and finished third in the MVP voting in 2002. He spent only one year with the Nationals and hit a career-high 46 home runs. He also became the first player to have 40 homers, 40 steals and 40 doubles in a season. Despite the great achievement for the Nats, he will be remembered more as a Yankee for hitting a 9th inning homer against te Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series.
Edge: New York
LINCOLN
Washington D.C.: Lincoln Monument
New York: Lincoln High School
Of course the Lincoln Monument is an American icon visited by millions of people each year. We get it, it is by far more important than Lincoln High School. But consider this before giving the edge to D.C., Lincoln High School has some very notable alumni such as Mel Brooks, Marv Albert, Neil Diamond, Harvey Keitel, Stephon Marbury, Arthur Miller, Sebastian Telfair and John Forsythe.
Edge: Washington D.C
LAVERANUES COLES
Washington D.C.: Redskins
New York: Jets
Laveranues Coles spent seven seasons with the Jets in three separate stints. Even though he made he made his only Pro Bowl appearance as a Redskin in 2003, he always found his way back to the Jets.
Edge: New York
BLONDE BOMBSHELL
Washington D.C.: Katherine Heigl
New York: Scarlett Johansson
Heigl has had success with "Knocked Up" and "Grey's Anatomy," but seems to be playing the same role recently in every movie. Johansson has distinguished herself as a serious actress with a wide range of movies. She consistently ranks high on all the important lists when it comes to looks.
Edge: New York
STAR WARS ACTORS
Washington D.C.: Samuel L. Jackson
New York: Natalie Portman
Even though Portman is not originally from Long Island we're going to claim her as our own for this. As Mace Windu, Jackson sat by Yoda for almost the entire "Star Wars" franchise. The one time he left Yoda's side, he was killed. Portman's character, Queen Amidala, dies while giving birth to Luke and Leia Skywalker, a much more noble way to pass on.
Edge: New York
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