Running Down the Streets of New York

Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The NYPD provided an escort for the mens front runners of this year's New York City Marthon.

The mens lead pack came roaring down Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn, clocking sub-five minute miles. The womens pack had passed by minutes earlier, as well as dozens of wheelchair participants.

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We live a few blocks from the marathon route, so I was lucky to witness hundreds of racers on Sunday. The streets were lined with cheering crowds.

Camera in hand, I was anxious. Helicopters circled overhead, tracking the race. People wondered aloud when we'd catch sight of the first runners. Mark sent text messages from home, where he was watching the coverage on television.

I can see that being a sports or news photographers must be an exciting job. There are no 'replay' options. You only get one opportunity to take a photo, and it flashes by in an instant.


The mens' lead pack at breakneck speed. You can see the shadows of onlookers.


Abdi Abdirahman was leading the mens pack around Mile Six of the New York City Marathon, Sunday. Some twenty miles and three boroughs later, he finished sixth.


The leading womens' runners. Paula Radcliffe of the UK eventually won the race. Fourth from the right Ludmila Petrova from Russia finished second. Third from the right, Kara Goucher of the US, finished third.

Related posts: Halloween Musicians and The NYC Marathon, Mass Mentality, and Inspiration.

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Halloween Musicians and The NYC Marathon

Photo by myself in the subway station at 34th Street, Halloween night.

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A photo from Halloween night - several musicians play jazz in the subway station, one dressed as an angel.

It seems like everything is happening this weekend - Halloween, daylight savings and the New York City Marathon.

I rode by Central Park on Friday in a cab, where they were setting up for the Marathon. Huge trucks were parked outside, laying down electrical lines. Port-o-potties were being unloaded by the dozen. Usually the grandstands lining Central Park West are set up a day ahead to be ready for the crowds at the finish line.

A couple years ago, Mark and I saw the marathon speed by in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Last year, we were trapped in Greenpoint, with the streets and Pulaski Bridge barricaded off to traffic.

Another year, I was returning from Boston on the bus. It took forever to get downtown to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. I remember looking out the window at exhausted runners walking around, wrapped up in shiny blankets.

To run a marathon is a badge of endurance. I know a few people who have done it in New York, including my uncle, who only trained a few months beforehand. Runners enter a lottery system to be allowed to run, since there are so many applicants. Over 100,000 people applied this year and over 39,000 are running.

The NYC marathon winds through Staten Island to Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx before finishing in Central Park. All five boroughs of New York City are thus represented.

Related posts: Live Music at Union Square, Music To The Ears and All That Jazz.

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CDP Theme Day - Books

Once again, it's CDP Theme Day, which occurs on the first day of every month. Daily photobloggers everywhere post photos on a different theme.

This month's theme is Books. I took the above photo in a Korean bookstore, where books about Obama, McCain and the current economic crisis have been translated into Korean.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

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I'd love to know what people did for Halloween?

Last night I walked by tons of people in costume - kids, adults and dogs. In the city people wander the street and visit delis and other stores for candy.

Mark and I didn't have any trick-or-treaters by. It depends on the apartment building, whether kids will trick-or-treat among the apartments. For some reason, even though there are some kids in our building, they keep to themselves.

Next year, when Rupert, our Boston Terrier puppy, is bigger, we'll dress him up. I think a bumble bee costume would be adorable.

Here's the list of all participating bloggers for this month's Theme Day
American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by freefalling, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Aurora, South Africa by shelagh, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Bali, Indonesia by Anak Dokan, Bandung, Indonesia by Harry Makertia, Bandung, Indonesia by Bunyamin, Bandung, Indonesia by Eki Akhwan, Bangkok, Thailand by UberSand, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Birmingham (AL), USA by VJ, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Ilse, Boulder (CO), USA by A Sterling World, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cavite, Philippines by Steven Que, Chandler (AZ), USA by PattheAZRealtor, Chapel Hill (NC), USA by missleah, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by trieulet, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Ram N, City of the Blue Mountains, Australia by Richard, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Evry, France by Olivier, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Gliwice, Poland by prado&fio, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by PPusa, Herne Bay, Great Britain by Han, Lil n Caz, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Honningsvag, Norway by J., Islip (NY), USA by Bettye, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia by Susie of Arabia, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Karwar, India by Yogesh, Knoxville (TN), USA by hope, Knoxville (TN), USA by Knoxville Girl, Lakewood (OH), USA by mouse, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lodz, Poland by wikiyu, London, UK by Ham, Madrid, Spain by Tr3nta, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Hilda, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Melbourne, Australia by John, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Middletown (MD), USA by Bernie, Milton, New Zealand by Milton Daily Photo, Milwaukee (WI), USA by karl, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by snapshutter, Molfetta, Italy by saretta, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Montréal, Canada by My Life in Montreal, Moscow (ID), USA by Sherry, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Murcia, Spain by usuahia, Napa (CA), USA by katester, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Kitty, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Palos Verdes (CA), USA by tash, Paris, France by Elsa, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pensacola (FL), USA by P J, Philadelphia (PA), USA by Stiffa, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Sharon, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Prague, Czech Republic by kakna, Quincy (MA), USA by slim, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Reykjavik, Iceland by Vírgíll, Riga, Latvia by Riga Photos, Roanoke (VA), USA by Tanya, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by pearls, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Francisco (CA), USA by Burd Zel Krai, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, Korea South by SeoulSnapper, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Singapore, Singapore by Zannnie, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tamarindo, Costa Rica by David, Tauranga, New Zealand by Lisa Sarsfield, Telluride (CO), USA by mtsrool, Tempe (AZ), USA by angie, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Torino, Italy by Fabrizio, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Toulouse, France by Julia, Trieste, Italy by Rob&Piero, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Verona, Italy by Valeria in Verona, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by D.C. Confidential, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Woerden, Netherlands by Marcel, Yakima (WA), USA by katney, Yellowknife, Canada by Arctic Dreamer, York, UK by Ruby in York

Related posts: CDP Theme Day - Lines, CDP Theme Day - Sister Cities, CDP Theme Day - Metal.

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A Much-Needed Nap

Photo by myself on the subway.

Yet another photo of a New Yorker catching some shuteye on the train. A suited passenger served as a human shield.

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Thanks for all the recent comments. Sorry I haven't been visiting many blogs recently; I've been busy and on the verge of a cold.

I'm sure everyone is looking forward to trick-or-treating and the weekend.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Related posts: Asleep on the D Train, Subway Sunset - On the Ride Home, Sleeping on the Job, and Wednesday Portraits - The New York Times.

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Fall From Above

Photo by myself high above Central Park.

I took a picture from the job site of one of my projects, a three-bedroom apartment on Central Park West, Wednesday morning. The sky was overcast, but the park below was awash in the color of fall foliage.

Not a bad view, eh?

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Happy Autumn, everyone!

Related posts: The View From on High, The Sky is Falling and Shooting (Film) in the Park.

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From The Sidelines

Photo by myself in Red Hook Brooklyn, at a pee wee football game.

Mark and I watched from the sidelines as these kids became warriors.

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Related posts: Random Shots, Tomorrow's New York Giants, On The Superbowl and Fancy Living.

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The Space of Chance Encounters

Photo by myself on the subway ride home.

I like the above photo for the man in the poster, who seemed to be a part of the scene. I also like how dark the shadows are, and how bright the highlights.

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I love the subway, but the ride to and fro can be stressful. When you can't get a seat, when the trains are late, when they seem to careen out of control, when you're 5'-3" and clinging to a pole. But the subway is also the space of possibilities.

A friend of mine met a fling on the subway. There were flirtatious looks passed back and forth. Later, my friend looked on the 'Missed Connections' page of Craigslist and found a message posted to him. (It would be a short-lived encounter).

And of course there was the story this summer about a fellow who was smitten by a woman he spotted on the subway...so much so that he created a website with a hand sketch to help track her down. The story made it to major newspapers and tv shows.

And he found her. And they dated. And they broke up.

Ah well, c'est la vie!

Related posts: Subway Sunset - On the Ride Home, Asleep on the D Train and A New York Frame of Mind.

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Cold Noodles and Hot Shows

Photo by myself in the East Village, around 10th Street and Second Avenue.

Mark and I are quite smitten by the noodle dishes at this tiny Japanese restaurant that has a handful of seats. They have a couple cold noodle dishes here that are perfect for summer days.

Alas, the cold noodles will have to wait until next year!

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Speaking of food, this season's Top Chef takes place here in New York, which premieres November 12. I'm sure I will be addicted to the show even more than usual.

And speaking of Top Chef, you can meet this season's contestants today in a Five Borough tasting event.

That's right. Between noon and 3pm, Bravo TV is hosting a tasting event at Vanderbuilt Hall, at Grand Central Terminal. Fancy restaurants from each of the five boroughs will be showing their food.

Tickets are 30 bucks and all proceeds will go to charity. The list of restaurants looks scrumptious.

I wish I had known about this event earlier. I would have taken the day off to eat well and go to the gym!

Related posts: On Japanese Food and Fish, Food on the Brain and Food For Thought.

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On Fish, Cats and Dogs

Another snapshot from the fish market in Brooklyn, Chinatown.

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The last couple weeks I've been digging into the photo stash. Our new puppy has been a handful.

Rupert, who is three months old, has been great. He's learned to sit on command, and has adjusted well. The cat and he have slept near each other, without any injuries.

The only thing is, we wake up around 5 am to take him out to pee. The cat has also been very needy, meowing late into the night. The result? Mark and I are very, very, very tired.

So we took the Friday off to relax. I slept in a little. Then we drove into Sunset Park for lunch, where I snapped a couple photos. The weekend has been pretty low key.

Hats off to all parents of human and animal children out there, who manage to care for their little ones, get spotty sleep and somehow function. I honestly don't know how you do it without going nuts.




Above, Rupert at home after an afternoon of exercise, and then on the sofa with his compadre.

Related posts: Boston (Terrier) in New York, On Bowling and Critters and Radio City and Rupert, Day Two.

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Fish Market, Chinatown

Photo by myself in Chinatown, Brooklyn.

Sunset Park in Brooklyn, around 60th Street and 8th Avenue, has a large Chinese and Vietnamese population. There, you can find open fish markets and restaurants that rival those in Manhattan.

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Thanks to Tr3nta of Madrid Daily Photo Madrid Daily Photo blog and Fredrik of Ystad Daily Photo, for awarding me with awards lately. Each awarded me with the BFF award, or 'Blogging Friends Forever'.



I am flattered. Both are wonderfully, talented photographers. Do check out their sites!

Here are the rules for the award:
1. Only five people allowed
2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog
3. One has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world
4. You must link back to whomever gave you the award

I rarely give awards because it's so hard to choose. Here goes:

1. Tammy, of Mom Knows Everything, a lovely mother of two and one of my first readers

2. Kelly, of Geneva Daily Photo, fellow Daily City Blogger

3. Tam, of It's What You See, a great photographer from the West Coast

4. Lily, of Long Island Daily Photo, fellow photoblogger out on the island, and

5. Islipian, of 365 Days in Islip, out in Islip, New York.

Congrats to my peeps!

Related posts: Live, From Chinatown, On the Sidewalk, Chinatown.

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Riding High

Photo by myself, in midtown, around 6th Avenue and 40th Street.

There's something about horses that inspire a bit of fear.

I've been told by horse people that these animals doesn't really know how big they are, so despite their size, they can be easily spooked.

Related posts: NYPD Blues, Heigh Ho.

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We The People

Photo by myself near Columbus Circle, earlier this year.

A crowd tries to get a view of a large screen television, near 59th Street and Columbus Avenue.

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For those of you not living in New York, here's an update on local news. Today (Thursday) we find out whether the mayor can extend the usual maximum of eight years in office.

Traditionally, mayors have adhered to term limits, however Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the self-made businessman and billionaire, is petitioning to extend his stay due to the current economy.

So far, I think Bloomberg has done a good job. Quality of life has remained the same for residents, and energy has been put into making the city a desirable place to visit.

We'll see today whether New York has the chance to have Bloomberg around another four years.

To those New Yorkers out there, what do you think?

Related posts: The Latest Urban Adventure, A View From The Streets and Mass Mentality.

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On Street Corners in the East Village

Photo by myself in the East Village.

A number of lamp posts in the East Village are adorned with hand made mosaics commemorating New York and 9/11.

It's nice to run into these intimate creations accidentally on a street corner.

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Related posts: Six Years Ago, Life Goes On, Almost and Code Yellow.

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Stray Cat, Brooklyn

Photo by myself of a stray cat in Brooklyn.

Between seeing homeless humans and animals, I've come to realize that one of the most important things to any living thing is the sense of 'home'.

Animal have homes, but not always ones with human guardians. These guys tend to stay within a distinct territory. Homeless humans are the same. They stay on particular street corners, subway stations or benches.

It's unimaginable to me to be completely without a home. To not have a home is to not have an identity or sense of safety.

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I've noticed a lot more stray cats recently. I'm not sure whether it's because of the areas I frequent or because of the economy.

I sometimes see homeless people sitting on the sidewalk with a dog or cat, and it's a heartbreaking aight. It's easy to assume that the homeless person uses the animal to provoke more donations, but the animal is never on a leash or held against its will.

Related posts: On Louie and What's New on TV, More on Louie, and Louie.

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Live Music, Union Square

Photo by myself at the Union Square subway station.

Jam sessions at bigger, well-trafficked subway stations are typical. Many of them sell cds of their work.

Here's a nice picture to start off the work week. These fellows were playing a feisty tune for commuters during rush hour.

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Related posts: Music To The Ears, All That Jazz, Recovering From Friday Night.

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On Bowling and Critters

Photo by myself, from the lanes at Bowlmor, a bowling alley on University Place.

There are bowling alleys in the city, but you have to know where to find them. I went to one last week for a friend's birthday party, which was fun.

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Meanwhile, Mark and I have been homebodies with Rupert, the puppy we brought home last week.

Rupert and the cat have been getting along surprisingly well. There's been some hissing and some wary looks, but generally it's been fine. The two share a love for napping and not doing much. Sometimes they will sleep on the sofa, next to each other.

Rupert is lucky to have Mark as a devoted Dad. Already, Rupert understands the idea of wee wee pads, and the words 'no', 'sit', 'come', 'good boy' and his own name. There have been some accidents, of course - but much fewer than I'd expected.

All those episodes of The Dog Whisperer have paid off!



Here's Rupert's first quick video


Related posts: Boston (Terrier) in New York, Our Extended Family

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Bright Lights, Big City

Photo by myself in Midtown.

By the time I leave the office, the sky is dark. But there are always streetlights, headlights and store lights brightly lit.

Just ahead, a street vendor sells water and pretzels. Across the street lies Duane Reade, a popular pharmacy chain in the city.

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My apologies for not writing much this week. Between trying to train the dog to poop (actually, watching Mark training the dog) and my intense work load, there's little time for anything.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Related posts: Celebrating Another Week, On Christmases Past and I Deserve A Break Today.

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Commuting, Computing

Photo by myself underground.

The ease of laptops these days means you can get your stuff done anywhere.

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It's been stressful and I've been working hard the last few days. I'm just looking forward to a weekend of hanging out with Rupert, our new puppy.

TGIF, everyone!

Related posts: Working The Streets, The Trains are Hopping and What Makes Your Skin Crawl.

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The Night Sky

Photo by myself, hurtling down the FDR Expressway.

I took a cab home from work Wednesday, since I worked late. We flew down the FDR Expressway along the East River. The city looked brightly shiny.

Ahead, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge stretching across the roadway.

Related posts: From Under The Bridge, More of the Brooklyn Bridge and Not a Bad View From Here.

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Neon Storefronts, Midtown

Photo by myself in Midtown.

The area around Port Authority and Times Square may be cleansed, but there are still gritty bits in the city here and there.

Seeing these places open and running in the mornings, I have to say, is quite weird.

Related posts: Life's Seedy Underbelly and All You Can Eat.

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The Bandshell, Central Park

Photo by myself of the bandshell in Central Park.

The shadow cast by the half dome reveals that the concrete surface is curved and coffered.

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If you're planning to visit New York soon, it's perfect timing. Not only is the weather wonderful, but the New York Times featured The City in its travel section.

One article makes some economical suggestions to those on a budget. The attempt to stick to a $500 budget for two people over a weekend proved very difficult. The hotel stay ate up most of the money, while galleries and parks provided free sources of entertainment.

The second article lists other suggestions of what to do while here.

At least we can be sure that the city parks will always be free.

Related posts: Shooting (Film) in the Park, Sundays in the Park and Welcome to New York.

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Radio City and Rupert, Day Two

Photo by myself of Radio City Music Hall, around 6th Avenue and 50th Street.

A photo taken a while ago of Radio City Music Hall. I liked the colors and curly-cue script.

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The last couple of days have been spent nesting with Mark and our new dog, Rupert. I hope to get out of the house and taking more photos soon!

Only the second day that Rupert has been with us, and already we're a family of couch potatoes - me, Mark, the cat and wee Rupert nicely ensconced on the sofa. At times the cat and Rupert sleep on neighboring cushions.

Not all dogs and cats can adjust so quickly to each other, but Rupert is a very, very mellow pup. He keeps his distance and behaves like a pickle in a jar.

I imagine it's only a matter of time before I find Dida cat and Rupert pup locked in an embrace.



Above, Rupert shamelessly asleep during one of his many long naps.

Related posts: Boston (Terrier) in New York, What the World Needs Right Now.

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Boston (Terrier) in New York

Photo by myself in Brooklyn.

The long-awaited day came Saturday. Rupert, our new Boston Terrier, came home with Mark and me. It was a day full of getting acquainted, buying a leash and attempts to pee.

I'm happy to report success on all counts!

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Yeah, yeah, this is a blog about New York, not Boston, but I can't help myself.

Rupert is eleven weeks old and a New York dog. Mark and I picked him up Saturday from his home in the Long Island suburbs.

During an afternoon walk, perfect strangers ran across the street to greet us and see the puppy. So the whole thing about attracting attention with a wee, cute animal is completely true.

There has been some nervous sniffing between Rupert and our cat, Dida. So far, both sides have been politely curious.

I'll post photos of Rupert now and again as he grows up. It's just been one puppy nap after another.





Related posts: Our Four-Legged Friends, Keeping Your Dogs in a Row, What the World Needs Right Now and Dog Days of Summer.

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On Shaky Ground

Photo by myself in Brooklyn, around Sunset Park.

I'm not sure whether the above photo shows subsidized housing or not, but you have to love the fake grass lining some of the balconies.

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At the end of another week, it feels like the sky is falling.

I hear that landlords are cutting prices of rental apartments by hundreds of dollars, in order to lock tenants into a lease. In all the time I've lived in New York, I've not heard of such a thing.

New Yorkers always talk of the real estate here as its own animal, immune to the larger economy. Not so.

I've heard that many architectural offices that have let people go. Other employees are grumbling about the pithy raises they received, being short-handed or completely overworked. Meanwhile, clients are grumbling and avoiding phone calls.

Times are scary, people. Hopefully we'll hit bottom soon, so we can make the long journey upwards.

Related posts: Rent, The Rat Race and The Sky is Falling.

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Under the Overpass, in Harlem

Photo by myself around 125th Street, in Harlem.

Earlier this year, Mark and I drove by the elevated subway line in Harlem. The sheer size of the trusses struck me as being monumental.

New York doesn't have an elevated train as they do in Chicago. The subways typically run below ground, except for moments like these in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.

Related posts: Moving on Up.

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Emailing Under The Influence...Not

Photo by myself in midtown, around 6th Avenue and 34th Street.

A small pizza place open to the sidewalk, is aglow with neon.

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Yes, you can get pizza pretty much any time of the day or night here. It's especially tasty after too much drinking.

And speaking of drinking, there's a new function available on Google email, to prevent embarrassing email gaffes when you're too eager to click 'Send' to your secret crush, or to your insane boss.

Just enable 'Google Goggles'. You'll have to pass a sobriety test before being able to send emails. Answer math questions correctly within a certain amount of time, before anything leaves your fingertips.

D'oh!

Related posts: Working The Streets, I Deserve A Break Today and Drawing The Line.

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Backstage in the West Village

Photo by myself backstage before a photoshoot in the West Village.

I had the chance to go backstage of a photoshoot recently, for a magazine. My time entailed a lot of sitting around and noshing on foods, while clothes were ironed and people were primped.

There are slews of photography studios around, many housed in the large warehouses on the fringes of the city.

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I would have loved to watch the photographer during the shoot, but I only had a sidelong view. Instead, I hung out backstage and watched the make-up artist.

I wonder whether photographer asked the sitters to say cheese?

Related posts: On Photography - Before and After and Now on Center Stage.

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Smile, It's Happy Hour

Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

A bar in our neighborhood posts funny quips to draw people in for happy hour. This one riffs on the Republican nominee for Vice President.

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One thing I've noticed is that politicians are easy targets for great humor. Mark and I were cackling last week over David Letterman's commentary on the Vice Presidential debate.

I think it's the peanut gallery mentality of laughing at those in power. I feel guilty laughing at regular people. With politicians, though, I have no problems.

I love Letterman. He's a New York institution. New Yorkers tend to prefer Letterman's humor to that of Jay Leno on the West Coast. I think Jay is much too polite for our taste.

We're lucky to witness Letterman's snarky comments nightly. And he's got so much material to work with.



Related posts: It's the Unofficial End of Summer, Step Lively, and Light 'Em Up.

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Fixing Flats in the Streets

Photo by myself in Brooklyn.

A NYC cab is repaired for a flat tire.

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'Flat fixes' specialize in, well, you guessed it, fixing flats. I'm not sure whether they exist outside New York or not. I only heard of them since moving to Brooklyn.

A whole slew of them exist here, because the streets are so terrible. Cars park in the street and have their bum tires repaired within a minute, for a nominal fee.

If you ever intend on driving in New York, good luck. Mark has gone through two tires and several puncture repairs this year.

Related posts: Taxi Driver, Safety and Taxi!.

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Live, From Chinatown

Photo by myself in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, around 60th Street and 8th Avenue.

Mark and I only recently discovered a neighborhood of Chinese and Vietnamese markets and restaurants in Brooklyn. Now we don't have to travel to Manhattan for dim sum or a hearty bowl of noodles.

Many of the open markets sell live fish and shellfish. This young girl was put off by the crabs wriggling in the bin.

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The Brooklyn version of Chinatown is located in Sunset Park. Take the N train to the 8th Avenue stop at 62nd Street.

With the fall season, vendors are selling Lichi, a delicious, delicate fruit.

Related posts: On The Sidewalk, Chinatown, One Dollar, One Dollar and Next Stop, Brooklyn.

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Subway Jam Session

Photo by myself in the subway at Penn Station.

A brass jazz group was jamming on Friday night, drawing a small crowd.

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Typically when I need a second opinion about a photo, I ask Mark what he thinks.

Usually he'll say he likes one photo over the other, and usually I agree. We're lucky to have very similar taste.

Tonight we disagreed. I liked the photo above, and he liked the one below. What's your opinion?

Neither photo is very good in terms of color, and the chrome column is confusing against the metal instruments.

It was the content that drew me - three guys obviously enjoying themselves, sharing a moment together.



Related posts: All That Jazz, Music To The Ears, and A Pedestrian City.

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Asleep on the D Train

Photo by myself on the subway.

After a long day, people will take a nap anywhere they can.

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The economic climate has definitely affected us. This morning I heard about another small design firm that laid off 6 of its 15 employees, because a couple major projects had fallen through.

Our clients are decidedly grouchy. Last night, a coworker found himself in a heated argument with an ornery client. Everyone stayed quiet, while my poor coworker found himself blamed for just about every little thing.

Wednesday morning, I talked with the decorator of the new project I'm working on, a modest renovation of a three-bedroom apartment on Central Park West. We commiserated about how clients want more for their money, while the amount of legwork remains the same.

(Yes, even the super wealthy want to save a few bucks).

The solution? Take a nap I guess, and dream sweet dreams.

Related posts: Wednesday Portraits - The New York Times, Sleeping on the Job, On The Job.

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Hidden Treasure in the Village

Photo by myself in Greenwich Village at the Washington Mews, a tiny street just north of Washington Square Park.

A couple visitors came upon this street by accident. Behind a set of black gates is a cobblestone street and tiny, historic buildings. Many of the buildings are peoples' homes. The brick building ahead houses New York University's Institute of French Studies.

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Related posts: Among Beautiful Things, The Majestic Ansonia, Architectural Detail Above.

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CDP Theme Day - Lines

Photo by myself earlier this year at the Shake Shack, a popular eatery in Madison Square Park, around 23rd Street and 5th Avenue. The line for thick shakes and hot dogs wraps around the park.

It's the monthly City Daily Photo Theme Day again, and this month's theme is 'Lines'.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

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If you spend any time at all in New York, you will stand on line.

No, not 'in line', but 'on it', on line.

The distinction can be confusing, now that being 'online' means tapping into the internet. But there you go. We New Yorkers have our little oddities.

When I first moved to New York, the term bothered me. What is being 'on line', anyhow? You are not on a line. You're standing in a line, for goodness sake.

Over time, I've come to accept the term for what it is - an understanding among us, like a code word or secret handshake. This is what we do, we crazed people who will brave extreme weather for a hot dog or a Barney's sample sale.

And this is how we say it.


Daily City Photo blogs participating in this month's Theme Day:
Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Auckland, New Zealand by Baruch, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Bandung, Indonesia by Eki Akhwan, Bandung, Indonesia by Harry Makertia, Bandung, Indonesia by Bunyamin, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Birmingham (AL), USA by VJ, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Boston (MA), USA by Ilse, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by JSB, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Cavite, Philippines by Steven Que, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by trieulet, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Ram N, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Edwardsville (IL), USA by Mdflores, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Franschhoek, South Africa by JSB, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hangzhou, China by zoe, Helsinki, Finland by PPusa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Honningsvag, Norway by J., Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Islip (NY), USA by Bettye, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Karwar, India by Yogesh, Knoxville (TN), USA by Knoxville Girl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, La Antigua, Guatemala by Rudy, Lakewood (OH), USA by mouse, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Madrid, Spain by Tr3nta, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Hilda, Manila, Philippines by Anthony, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Melbourne, Australia by John, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Middletown (MD), USA by Bernie, Milton, New Zealand by Milton Daily Photo, Milwaukee (WI), USA by karl, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Scott, Molfetta, Italy by saretta, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Muizenberg, South Africa by Pentaxjunkie, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, New York City (NY), USA by Kitty, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Palos Verdes (CA), USA by tash, Paris, France by Elsa, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Pensacola (FL), USA by P J, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Philadelphia (PA), USA by Andrew Foderaro, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Sharon, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Prague, Czech Republic by kakna, Quezon City, Philippines by ann pablo, Quincy (MA), USA by slim, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Reykjavik, Iceland by Vírgíll, Riga, Latvia by Riga Photos, Roanoke (VA), USA by Tanya, Rome, Italy by Giovanni, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by Burd Zel Krai, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Schenectady (NY), USA by Buck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Singapore, Singapore by Zannnie, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, South Pasadena (CA), USA by Laurie, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tamarindo, Costa Rica by David, Telluride (CO), USA by mtsrool, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Test City (MA), USA by , Torun, Poland by Glenn, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by D.C. Confidential, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

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What the World Needs Right Now

Photo by myself before the Fuerzabruta show in Union Square.

The audience was bathed in red light before the performance. Music thumped and we were left to look about, chit chat or display affection publicly.

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Last weekend, Mark and I visited the Boston Terrier puppy we intend to adopt. He is really, really adorable.

He's only a couple months old now, and we'll be bringing him home for good in mid-October. Right now we're facing the name dilemma.

We've been kicking around a lot of options and have narrowed it down to Rupert, Wyatt or Virgil, although other names keep popping up. I prefer more flamboyant names like Enrique, Pepe and Roberto.

We've considered Wendell, Lionel, Ziggy, Brutus and Reggie. There's Amos and Maurice and Newman and Steve. Suggestions welcomed for names!

I love all animals, and have an immense guilt complex about animals out there in shelters or without homes. I hate to single out any one...but this little face is absolutely adorable, no?







With the climate these days both economic and environmental, what the world needs are more puppies and hugs.

(Above puppy photos by Mark).

Related posts: Fuerzabruta, Now Thrilling Union Square, Sharing A Moment, Keeping Your Dogs in a Row, and Our Four-Legged Friends.

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Docked Along the West Side

Photo by myself near the West Side Highway, near 14th Street. Out of frame to the right is a giant building called the Chelsea Piers, which houses tennis courts, a bowling alley, and all sorts of sports arenas.

There are numerous piers along the edges of Manhattan, where boats can dock. Here, you can see New Jersey along the opposite bank of the Hudson River.

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Maybe this is an urban myth, but I heard that if you lived on a boat in New York, you were exempt from paying certain taxes.

City tax, perhaps? I'm not sure. I guess the rationale was that you weren't taking up land.

Whatever the case, there are intrepid folks who live on these boats, which are docked along the perimeter of Manhattan. There's a dock near 79th Street on the west side, near where I used to live. From what I could tell, the same houseboats stay there year after year, winters included.

The contractor I'm working with lives on a boat, and used to have a boat-building company. After finishing an intense project, he sets sail on a several month trip.

I'll have to ask him about his taxes.

Related posts: It's That Time of Year Again, Urban Legends and The Cost of Living Here.

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Meatpacking District in Black and White

Photo by myself in the meat packing district, around 14th Street and 10th Avenue. A visitor across the way consults a map.

There are many portions of New York that still have cobblestones on the street. A durable material that looks great, it's a little tough on high heels.

This area is known for pricey clothing stores and trendy restaurants that stay open until very late. Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen are among the designers who have their boutiques here.

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It's not hard to imagine meatpacking district looked like in pre-industrial times, with horse drawn wagons and garbage in the streets.

Though touristy in its own expensive way, this is one of the few neighborhoods in Manhattan that doesn't have a couple Starbucks!

Related posts: Confronting Reality on TV, Times Square, NYC, and Lost In A Crowd.

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