NY rights of passage

Since I arrived in the Big Apple, I have had two experiences, which I felt, were rights of passage.

The first occurred when I was walking in a subway tunnel near Grand Central Station. I noticed that a large crowd had formed to the left of me, accompanied with the feel-good groove of Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" echoing against the tunnel walls. My curiosity got the best of me, so I went over to take a look.
There, before my very eyes... was a midget MJ impersonator. I joined in the energy of the group and had a good laugh (took a couple of phone pictures as well). His schtick ended abruptly as the song came to a close, and he walked (more like waddled) around to gather his nominal fee in a bucket. Only in NY folks!

The second event happened at lunch during my first week. I was wandering around Greenwich Village, looking for a good place to eat, and I remembered that a co-worker had told me about a Japanese restaurant called Monster Sushi. I decided to check it out since Elissa does not share my same enthusiasm for raw fish (I have to get my fill when I can ;) I brought along the book I am supposed to read for my internship (The Tipping Point), and was having a nice time eating my teriyaki when I noticed that 3 patrons, out of the 8 total people in the restaurant, started talking to the two women adjacent to my table. "I am your biggest fan, I loved you in Brokeback.....I don't normally do this, but can I get a picture with you?" Apparently, the woman who had her back to me was none other than Anne Hathaway. I'll have you know that she and her mother have a completely normal relationship. At one point, I remember her mother saying "You owe me $50 for the contacts." I think Anne is good for the money.
She was very nice and courteous to her fans, and graciously accommodated their request for a photo and a signature. When they were posing, I could have reached out and poked Ms. Hathaway in the butt. It's an interesting experience to have a famous person's behind in your face as you are trying to eat lunch. I didn't finish the page I was reading. Who wouldn't eavesdrop on a celebrity if they had the chance?