It’s a bit of an odd thing to begin with— Jeremy Lin’s “Linsanity” legacy. How often does 25 games started, one insane week, and post-season injuries and irrelevance constitute one of the most-talked-about monikers in all of sports?

photo by DvYang

Doesn’t Derek Jeter have a legacy, too? One with five World Series rings, over 2500 games, and a captaincy over the most famous sports team on earth?

So how is it that both of them have what we call a “legacy”? How is it that right now, Jeremy Lin is on the cover of ESPN.com, while Jeter, who is actually in season, and cruising to yet another AL East title, is by the wayside?

This isn’t a comparison between the two, because that’d be Linsane. But it’s a realization that this Lin attention has an extremely odd quality to it. And that’s a good thing. But now it might be over. Is that a good thing?

During the most fervent moments of “Linsanity”, New Yorkers sipped on Lintinis and Lin & Tonics, while  the Nom Wah restaurant in the heart of Chinatown held viewing parties in the midst of Time Warner’s inability to strike a deal with MSG (leaving 2.5 million New Yorkers without him, according to the Huffington Post). It was almost pandemonium. Insane, if you will? But it wasn’t always like that. And with the rush of enthusiasm that hit New York so quickly, it can be a bit hard to remember the spunky reserve that sat, all-day-in-all-day-out, at the edge of the New York Knicks bench.

For years Jeremy Lin was unremarkable. A Harvard star, but without the NBA size (Lin is listed generously at 6’3, 200 pounds), Lin went undrafted in the 2010 draft and floated around the NBA’s D-League (Development League), eventually landing on the Golden State Warriors roster. There, according to basketball-reference.com, he played in 29 games, averaged a meager 9.8 minutes per game, an even more meager 1.6 assists per game, and an even more meager 2.6 points per game.

He eventually was cut, and was picked up perfunctorily by New York.

And then, it was practically instant.

When Lin hit major minutes in the Knicks’s lineup on February 4, it marked the beginning of an 7-game win streak that carried until the 14, and, with some help from the symbol he represented —”an Asian-American in the NBA?! and he’s good?!” were the thoughts of many— marked one of the quickest rises to fame in recent sports history. Quick enough to be quantified.

Honestly, the #Knicks franchise has spent money on Stephon Marbury, Eddy Curry, and Steve Francis.Give Lin a shot to grow. #NBA

— NBA Wired (@NBAWired) July 16, 2012

According to The Hollywood Reporter (who cited a social study by company General Sentiment), in the days between Feb. 6 and 14, Lin’s Twitter account, @JLin7, was the most-mentioned NBA player in social media. Based on the study, Lin was mentioned 2,610,684 times on Twitter in that timeframe— more than second-most Lebron James, whose regal handle @KingJames, has almost 5.5 million followers.

But it wasn’t just NBA-related. During the same time, Lin was mentioned more than an account whose following amasses near 18 million people. Said handle is that of our President, Barack Obama.

And it was more than just numbers on a relatively new social media sensation. Lin was a symbol for Asian-Americans across the globe. Lin stood brighter than usual because of his NBA-unique ethnicity.

Glancing quickly at a March Yahoo! blurb, Lin is the second-best Asian-American player to ever play in the NBA, and this without ever completing an entire NBA season.

According to the list, Lin is second behind Yao Ming, a similar sensation during much of the 2000s. The other two on the list? Yi Jianlian and Rex Walters. Who?

But the amount of  followers James has, despite Lin’s week of fame, outnumbers Lin’s by 4.5 million people, and symbolizes how Lin was possibly a bright flash in an otherwise disappointing Knicks frying pan.

Letting go of Jeremy Lin is one of the smartest things the Knicks have done in the last 10 years

— Joe Perrone (@Perrone27) July 16, 2012

If it wasn’t for the Knicks’s penchant for signing starpower rather than a full squad (i.e. overpaying Amar’e Stoudemire, whose knees (and defense) are so shaky that they were actually denied insurance and letting fan-favorite Landry Fields out of their grasp), maybe there wouldn’t be so much attention. Maybe the over-the-top contract, $25 million/3 years, from Houston, which would, after accounting for luxury tax, would cost the Knicks $30 million in the third year alone, would be recognized as a cost unpayable.

i’ll miss jeremy lin, but there’s no way they can pay $30 mil

— Chris Molicki (@chrismolicki) July 15, 2012

New York and its vast Asian-American culture birthed Lin’s story, but is now making it pretty tough for the Knicks avoid appearing loyalty-less.

But, like mentioned before, what’s the middleground between salary requirements and what makes so many New Yorkers so happy?

There are guys on the Knicks better than Lin. Carmelo Anthony is widely considered one of, if not the, best pure scorers in the NBA. Iman Shumpert is a quickly-developing shooting guard. Heck, you could even argue goggle-clad Stoudemire still has more in the tank than Lin.

But how much do stats and reps matter over a guy who only “Lin, Lin, Lins!” games?

According to a February WebProNews article, during Linsanity’s birth week, MSG (the host-channel for Knicks games) ratings increase an outrageous 87%.

Jeremy Lin is not worth 30million

— Harry Fraud (@Kick_Push) July 16, 2012

A whole lot of attention for a week’s worth of winning, but then when Lin got hurt in late March, and subsequently sat for the season’s duration (including the playoffs) Lin was a large part forgotten.

Is all the new hoopla just a result of the suffocating New York publicity? Is a guy who means so much to Asian-American communities worth the money to make the fans happy? What does he mean to Asian-American communities? Is he even actually good? Will he even stay healthy?

One New Yorker, and probably to the frustration of many New Yorkers, hasn’t fully bought into Linsanity, and thinks Marcus Camby, Ray Felton, and Jason Kidd, are a step in the right direction for a franchise whose volatile, multi-coached, multi-chaptered season was a mess.

And now we wait to see what the Knicks think.

by Nick Gallinelli

The Tribeca Film Festival "Drive In" Movie Experience (Photo: Tribeca Film Festival)

In what has become an annual rite of passage for aspiring indie filmmakers, the Tribeca Film Festival – founded by Robert Di Nero, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in an effort to re-vitalize a Tribeca community that had been shaken by the events and aftermath of September 11, 2001 returns for its 11th incarnation. Playing host to Hollywood A-Listers and philanthropists and celebrities from across the globe, this year’s festival will feature 90 feature film selections (documentaries and narrative) as well as 60 shorts from 45 countries. Additionally, the festival will play host to a plethora of public programs aimed at engaging the New York and International community in a celebration of art and culture.

With so much to do and see, it’s worth considering how the festival is seen by the average Downtown New Yorker. There will be plenty of fodder for the pretentious crowd, but for the “average” New Yorker, there’s still plenty to do and see that’ll keep you both interested and involved in the festival’s happenings without things seeming foreign.

Thurs. 4/19 – FREE Tribeca Drive-In Outdoor Screening: JAWS

Tribeca Drive-In, World Financial Center, 200 Vesey St. #11 (off North End Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 8 p.m.

One of the best parts of the Tribeca Film Festival has to be the “drive in” shows. They’re a throwback to a time when movies and people weren’t so stuck on special effects and HD. More then that, though, they’re a reminder that people used to actually like being entertained together. Jaws is a classic by any standard, and the perfect ice-breaker for a date or spot to unwind with your friends on a cool April night.

Fri. 4/20 – FREE Tribeca Drive-In Outdoor Screening: The Goonies

World Financial Center Upper & Lower Plaza, 200 Vesey St. #11 (off North End Ave.), 6 p.m.

“Heyyyy you guys!” come and celebrate one of the most beloved 80’s movies of all time under the stars. The Goonies chronicles the child-gang of Data, Chunk, Mikey and Mouth seek to reclaim their home, “The Goon Docks” from Real Estate tycoons by following an ancient map to “One Eyed Willie” and his treasure. With early performances by afro-jazz pioneers NOMO, and a “truffle shuffle” contest, you won’t want to be left behind!

Sat. 4/21 – ESPN Films: Beyond the Playing Field 

SVA Theatre 2 Beatrice, 333 W. 23rd St (betw. 8th & 9th Aves.), tribecafilm.com; 2:30 p.m.,  $16.

ESPN has been an industry leader in sports television, and has helped to re-define the genre of sports film. It should be no surprise, therefore, that on the heels of their highly successful 30 for 30 series, ESPN continues to venture “outside the lines” bringing into focus the trials and triumphs of some of the world’s greatest female athletes.

FREE “KICK IT”: 2nd Annual NYFest Soccer Day

Pier 40, Hudson River Park, 353 West St. (off Houston St.), tribecafilm.com; 9 a.m.)

It doesn’t matter what your age is. Whether you call it futbal, soccer, or ‘the most popular sport on Earth’ – all that matters is that you love the game. This day long event, sponsored by NYFEST and the Tribeca Film Festival, will feature celebrities, film and media professionals, and pro. athletes as they celebrate soccer with skills clinics, games and competitions, and street team soccer demonstrations.

Sun. 4/22 FREE Pen to Paper

Barnes & Noble, 33 E. 17th St. (betw. Broadway & Park Ave. S.), tribecafilms.com; 1 p.m.

This discussion carries an enormous amount of relevance today: with the tremendous success of book-to-film adaptations like Harry Potter and Hunger Games, this expert panel will discuss the art of turning a successful book into a blockbuster film. You’ll learn what translates successfully, what won’t carry over, and where the industry as a whole is headed in the future.

Mon. 4/23 Jackpot

We’ve all wondered what would happen if we won it big. But what about winning it just big enough? In this film, it’s a wakeup call as Oscar Svendsen comes to over a dead body and a room full of corpses in what used to be a respectable strip club. Naturally, he’s taken in, and when questioned, reveals how a winning soccer lottery prize that was supposed to be shared wound up destroying everything.

Tues. 4/24 Deadfall

Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 5, 260 W. 23rd St. (at 8th Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 6:30 p.m., $16.

What happens when casino-robbing siblings on the run forCanadacross paths with a troubled boxer just released from prison? It’s a classic tale of morality and redemption, and Deadfall promises to provide all of the action and suspense without any of theHollywoodclichés we’re all so used to.

Wed. 4/25 FREE Short Films, Big Ideas

Tribeca Cinemas Theatre 2, 54 Varick St. (at Laight St.), tribecafilms.com; 3 p.m.

Three short films might change your perspective on the capabilities of people. It may not seem miraculous to discover a facility that harvests garbage for energy. But what about a man who lives without a beating hart, or a paraplegic who sailed the English Channel alone? Leave your pessimism at the door and let these films inspire you.

Thurs. 4/26 FREE Tribeca Talks Industry: Does the Cloud have a Silver (Screen) Lining?

Listen in on the panel discussion as experts weigh in on the impact and evolution of “the Cloud” – the almost imaginary space that was created as a response to consumer demand and usage pattern shifts. Coupled with the emergence of the tablet as a serious “screen”, filmmakers and distributors are hoping to take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect with audiences in new ways.

Fri. 4/27 2 Days in New York

Apple Store, 401 W. 14th St. (at 9th Ave.), tribecafilm.com; 7 p.m., $16.

2 Days in New York, the sequal to the critically-acclaimed 2 Days inParis, to the screen. The film’s writer, director, and lead actress, Julie Delpy will discuss the film, and the inspiration behind the movie’s plot: cultural differences between her new American boyfriend (Chris Rock) and her family as she attempts to deal with the stresses of her career.

Sat. 4/28 FREE Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day

N. Moore Street (from Greenwich St to West St), tribecafilm.com; 10 a.m.

It’s a hands-on afternoon when some of the most iconic mascots and athletes in the city turn up for an afternoon of sports. You can learn how to throw a perfect pitch, pick up a sword and take your first fencing lesson, shoot hoops with some of the borough’s best ballers, or just come for the outdoor atmosphere in a celebration of the spring!

Sun. 4/29 Death of a Superhero

AMC Loews Village VII-2,66 Third Ave. (betw. E. 11th & 12th Sts.), tribecafilm.com; 1 p.m., $16.

While the rest of the avant-garde New Yorkpopulous gear up for “Awards Day” – you might better spend the final day of the Tribeca film festival catching one last foreign film. After all, you won’t see one for the next twelve months. Death of a Superhero, which is a German film, follows Donald, a typical teenager with an exceptional talent with art and imagination. But he’s put to the test when he’s diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, and must learn to live in reality if he’s going to have a chance at living.

The week of events kicks off with LES is More for the Holidays, a Shop Local promotional event that asks Lower East Siders to do their holiday shopping in at neighborhood stores. 40 shops have joined the event to promote local businesses.  If the spirit of local camaraderie isn’t enough to draw in shoppers, participating stores will be offering discounts of 30%, 50%, and even 75% along with promotional freebies and refreshments.

Following the shop-apalooza guests of the LES Shop Local promotion are invited to recoup from all the holiday shopping madness at the Holiday Oasis Lounge at the Mark Miller Gallery.  The lounge will feature complimentary gift-wrapping, a bag check station for shoppers to unload and unwind, refreshments, free back massages from licensed massage therapist and lookbooks with great gift ideas from participating merchants.  LES Shop Local goes from Sunday, Dec. 11, to Sunday Dec. 18, and the Holiday Oasis Lounge will be open Dec. 10-11 and 12-18 between 12-8pm.

If you are one of the lucky few who has finished all your holiday shopping, then fret not, there are still two events that are right up your alley.  Now that the shopping is all done why not partake in another time-honored holiday tradition and have a few well deserved drinks? Brandsway if offering two events where shoppers can shake off their post-traumatic holiday stress. Lifestyle, nightlife and style blogger, Mel Debarge, is hosting a launch party for his new blog, Bow Times and Good Times.  The event will take place on December 13, at Sons of Essex from 9:30-11:30 p.m.  RSVP at rsvp@brandswaycreative.com.

At the other end of the party spectrum, sports fans will find their scene at the Monday Night Football party hosted by Steven Porter of ESPN.  Head down to Bounce Sporting Club on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. enjoy yet another favorite holiday pastime, football and beer.  RSVP at LT@branswaycreative.com.