City Portrait - BBQ Block Party, Madison Square Park

Photo by myself outside Madison Square Park, at 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue.

The 7th Annual BBQ Block Party took place Saturday, around 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue. Above, a food preparer proudly showed off a rack of pork ribs.

Some of the best barbecue purveyors from all over the States were present. Trucks were hauled in from Texas, Alabama and Nashville, among other places.

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Mark and I wound up at the BBQ party, Saturday. He'd seen the trucks setting up Friday night, and called me excitedly to say that entire carcasses were being roasted overnight. We're not huge meat eaters, but we will do just about anything for good barbecue.



It turns out a kajillion other people knew about this too, so when we arrived around noon, it was insanity. Long lines snaked in front of each truck. Picnic tables lined the street so that people could eat ribs the right way, with two bare hands.

We weren't able to deal with the crowds, though, and left early after a delicious (and pricey) pulled pork sandwich and ribs.

The trucks will be there Sunday, from noon to 6 pm. Bring your wallets, patience and appetite.












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Off in the Distance, 59th Street

Photo by myself at Columbus Circle, around 59th Street and Broadway.

A sculpture of Christopher Columbus stands atop an obelisk in the middle of Columbus Circle. This entire area has been revamped and landscaped in the last few years.

It's pretty amazing that Manhattan manages to have a rotary in the middle of the city. This one allows traffic to navigate the intersection of several streets - Broadway, Central Park West, 59th and 60th Streets.

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Happy weekend everyone!

Related posts: All That Glitters, 1 Central Park at Night and On Crossing the Street the New York Way.

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Marching to the Beat of Your Own Drum

Photo by myself in Union Square.

These photogenic fellows were busy looking cool on a sunny day.

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I love collecting stories about creative people who find their way away from convention to their life path. I find their tales inspiring.

Today I listened a segment of Fresh Air on NPR. Demetri Martin was the guest, a young comedian who has his own show on Comedy Central and was a correspondent on the politically provocative Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

After graduating from Yale, Martin had a full scholarship to New York University's law school. After a very short time he wanted to quit. He eventually did, only to perform his first stand up routine at the comedy club down the street from the law school.

Martin's family protested his departure from school. Here's what he had to say:

'It’s weird to make a decision where everyone in your life disapproves, pretty vocally and directly. They said, 'You've got one year left. Just do it.' I had a full scholarship so I didn’t have to pay for it. I ignored them. They asked, 'Why don’t you just get the degree so you can have it?' And I said, 'You don’t understand. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do and now I know. I have the answer and it’s dumb to waste any more time.'

My boyfriend Mark and I watched part of his show tonight and thought much of it was funny and original. It's hard to believe that at one point, this quirky fellow was wondering what he wanted to do.

To hear the Martin's interview on Fresh Air, click here.

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The Jazzman, 34th Street

Photo by myself underground, at the 34th Street subway station.

I've seen this fellow a couple times but never stopped to take a photograph until Wednesday.

This elderly gentleman sits hunched over an electronic keyboard. A couple mechanical dolls are duct taped in front of him. On the ground nearby, another mechanical doll dances the hula.

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Yes, we have a lot of kooky people here. I can't explain why.

Perhaps the kooks are drawn to larger cities, which are more diverse and usually tolerant of difference.

In cities too, you can be 'with' people without really interacting with them. Therefore you can function as a kook in your own world without becoming lonely. The running joke is that all New Yorkers have altars decorated with human heads in their apartments.

A small crowd of curious onlookers gathered around the fellow above. He was definitely 'a character'.

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On Chrystie Street and Photography 101

Photo by myself in Chinatown, around Bowery and Chrystie Streets.

I took this photo from the car, as Mark was driving.

I like it for its timelessness. The signage is really what makes the photo, as well as the nondescript fashion of the pedestrians.

The telephone number on the sign only has 7-digits, as it was back in the day when Manhattan was limited to the (212) area code, and Brooklyn was (718). Now with faxes, 800-numbers and cellphones, telephone prefixes have lost much of their exclusivity.

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Lately I've been looking into the International Center of Photography in Midtown. I've visited the museum there, which exhibits all types of photography. One of their current exhibits featuring Richard Avedon's fashion photography runs through September.

The ICP also offers dozens of amazing photography classes on digital, film, retouching and documentary photography for students of all levels. I'm planning to take a course this summer. The only question is which one?

I have to say, I'm a little nervous. It's easy to be pursue photography on my own time in isolation. Standing in the same room as other serious photographers is a different story. But I'm eager to learn as much as I can, so any experience is bound to be positive.

Flipping through the school catalogue is absolutely impressive. You can take a seminar on digital photography, get criticism from a photographer from National Geographic, focus on portraiture or even street photography. They also have a one-year intensive program toward a degree.

I'll keep you updated on whether I wind up taking a class this summer and how it goes!

For a look at the ICP coursebook, click here.

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Looking Up at Times Square

Photo by myself in Times Square, around 47th Street and Broadway.

It's not uncommon for people to walk around this area of town pointing.

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Yes, starting a couple weeks ago, a large portion of Times Square has been closed to traffic.

Broadway has been shut down between 42nd and 47th Streets, to create a pedestrian zone. For now, the area has been dubbed Bloomberg Beach by the New York Daily News, after our mayor, who made the change. The area is also littered with lounge chairs.

According to my boyfriend Mark, the change has been for the better. Broadway runs diagonal at this point, and runs into Seventh Avenue. Pedestrians tried to cross the street while cars tried to make their turns. It was an absolute mess that drivers learned to avoid.

I have to wonder, though, whether this city is headed toward becoming completely pedestrian. Only time will tell.

For a video showing the traffic-free zone, click here.

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On Tippy Toe, Union Square

Photo by myself in Union Square.

A contortionist kept a small crowd enthralled while he twisted, turned and stood on tippy toe.

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My friend's wedding last weekend wedding in Cape Cod was a smashing success, and a prime example of weddings suited to the culture of the times. He's an architect, she an aspiring artist. They're saving their money for a down payment on a home.

The dresses for the bride and bridesmaids were from J. Crew. The wedding cake were cakes, plural, actually sponge cakes from Trader Joes, spruced up with fresh fruit. A buffet dinner for well over a hundred guests meant fewer waitstaff. The bar sported only beer and wine, no hard liquor.

And instead of a band, the music was assembled on the groom's ipod, and the dancing went on for hours.



Related posts: The Guy with a Cat on His Head, Not Your Average New Yorker and On A Public Mugging, or a Gimmick Gone Wrong.

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Union Square is Where It's At

Photo by myself in Union Square.

A man beseeched listeners to repent for their sins. The man in the background preached for another cause.

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It was very rainy Friday, but Saturday turned out to be sunny and beautiful. I went into the city for a little bit, stopping at Union Square. Can I tell you, it's the place to be in New York in the summer?

The vibe struck me as joyful and folksy, like a current-day Woodstock. The farmer's market was in full swing, selling cheese, farm fresh meat and vegetables. A man on a microphone demanded that everyone repent. Another man announced that the Swine Flu was a conspiracy.

Then a free form art performance started, where women wearing white leotards started painting each other with bright colors. Nearby, a group started singing and Capoeira, an acrobatic Brazilian dance set to drums.

Tables of men played chess. Young people held up signs saying 'Free Hugs'. Vendors sold their artwork. People sunbathed on the steps. Others milled about with cameras.

The place was absolutely nuts.

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Worthy Causes

Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.

You often find the homeless tucked away in public places.

They can be found on sidewalks, in subway stations and on park benches. Sometimes panhandlers will walk through subway cars and ask for help, but generally they keep to themselves.

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Here's a follow-up to an earlier post about a worthy New York cause.

The Fresh Air Fund brings inner city children out to the country to experience a break from their harsh surroundings.

From now until June 30th, donations to the Fresh Air Fund will be matched by corporate donors. Yup. Perfect timing, since everyone's a bit tight for cash right now. So every precious dollar you donate will in essence be doubled.

Fresh Air Fund is also looking for nearby host families, who can host a child for a week or two, ages six to twelve.

What an opportunity to make a difference?

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Soap Bubbles, Chinatown

Photo by myself on Canal Street, in Chinatown.

A couple of guys were selling soap bubble guns for $5 each, the other day.

As Mark was driving by to get to the Manhattan Bridge, I snapped a quick photo.

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For some reason, Chinatown is synonymous for 'cheap stuff' in many peoples' minds.

Along Canal Street, the most accessible drag, open storefronts line each side of the street, selling famous-label handbags, hats, jewelry, fake license plates and other doodads. Visitors wander down the sidewalk in packs, checking out the merchandise, while hawkers show off their goods.

There are other neighborhoods that offer inexpensive items as well, but Canal Street has a reputation as the place to go. And so the sidewalks are usually impassable because of the crowds.

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Public Art and Other Freebies

Photo by myself at the Time Warner Center. around 59th and Central Park West.

Two huge bronze Botero statues of a nude man and woman stand in the atrium of this large high-end mall. There are pricey restaurants and shops here, as well as the ticket booth for Jazz at Lincoln Center. Above are two towers of expensive condominiums.

While I was there, a little girl ran up, touched a certain body part, and ran off.

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Like window shopping, there are many, many other free things to do in the city. Just the experience of walking around each neighborhoods is enough for me.

If you're in need of things to do, check out the current issue of Time Out New York. They've published a whole list of over a hundred free things to do in New York.

Of course it helps to have money to enjoy the perks of this expensive city. But there are also weekly free movies, concerts...even food and drinks. But only if you know where to go.

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Images of Hope

Photo by myself in Union Square, around 14th Street and Broadway.

One of several tables chock full of Obama items in this public space known for political expression.

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Tuesday I didn't feel well, so I left the office early and walked to Union Square. On the way, I saw multiple storefronts and office space seeking tenants. You wouldn't notice the trend unless you were looking for the signs.

So many buildings are under construction and repair right now that the city still looks like it's humming along. For the past several years, there has been scaffolding everywhere...so much so that it's useless to cross the street to avoid it, since the buildings across the street have scaffolding, too.

When I arrived in Union Square, I was struck by how many vendors were selling posters, t-shirts and other items with Obama's likeness. The contrast between the empty storefronts and the images of hope struck me in a deep way.

It's been months since the economic downturn has taken hold. Companies are struggling, and many people I know are out of work. If there is any a time that we need hope, it's now. And these emblems and images are it.

There were no tables full of Yankees insignias, images of 9/11 or even New York City. Instead, tables were filled with images of the President of the United States and the First Family.

How surprising and appropriate and moving is that?

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On Bridges and Changing Times

Photo by myself at the base of the Manhattan Bridge on the East Side.

It was early and not many people were about, when I visited this bridge a short while ago. At least one woman was all dressed up and ready to go.

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Monday I heard that Kim's Video, 'the' place in the East Village to find all the esoteric music and film you'd ever need, is no longer. Kim's has long symbolized New York's love of arts and quirky history.

Apparently most of Kim's collection is being donated to Sicily (!). So if you have a hankering for cult movies, you'll have to grab your passport and hop on a plane. Having to compete with Netflix, the store had met its match.

As an Upper West Sider and Brooklynite, I never rented from Kim's. But I think just about every New Yorker knew it as the place to go. Now the store will figure as yet another mythical piece of New York's past, when small independent stores were all there were.

For more about Kim's sad demise, click here

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On the Subway Platform and Late Night TV

Photo by myself on the subway platform in Times Square.

It's funny to think that drumming could amount to much music, but it can. A group of West Indian musicians captivated a small group of onlookers recently. Everyone just stood around, bobbing their heads to the beat.

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Among New Yorkers, the news on the street has been quiet. The only large-ish item of interest is the fact that our Conan O'Brien has been transplanted to the West Coast.

New Yorkers are proprietary about their people, and Conan is considered one of them. Both he and Dave (Letterman) have that special combination of snarkiness and goofball charm that represent our view of life.

Can Conan maintain his intensity out yonder in the bright sunshine? Only time will tell.

Monday night marks the first episode of the Tonight Show with Conan as host. Guests for the first show include comedian Will Ferrell and Pearl Jam.

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Reasons to be Pretty, Times Square

Photo by myself in Times Square, around 44th Street and Broadway.

Neil LaBute, who wrote 'In the Company of Men' and 'Your Friends and Neighbors' has a new play out.

Often you'll find ticket hawkers in Times Square selling tickets to new productions or comedy shows. You'll also sometimes find human signs.

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Tudor City, in Detail

Photo by myself in Tudor City, a gorgeous building complex around 40th Street and First Avenue.

I'm a sucker for pretty architectural details.

This very cool set of tall buildings is raised up from 42nd street, near the United Nations complex. As a pedestrian you have to climb a set of steep stairs to a separate level. The complex has two pretty parks, its own post office and amazing views of the East River.

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Waiting on Line, Fifth Avenue

Photo by myself, around Fifth Avenue and 18th Street.

I'm not sure why this line of young women wound around the block. It looked as if they were waiting for a celebrity sighting or for some sort of audition.

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I'm off to a wedding in Boston this weekend, but I'll still post photos from New York.

Happy Friday, everyone!

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At the Foot of the Manhattan Bridge

Photo by myself at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge.

The ornament looks somber and funereal to me - the details are very spare. What looks like a door isn't a door at all.

Perhaps the giant concrete supports reminded the designer of ancient tombs and pyramids?

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Taiwanese Festival, Union Square

Photo by myself in Union Square.

This weekend I encountered a Taiwanese festival in Union Square.

Groups of performers danced to traditional music, wearing brightly colored costumes. There were crowds of onlookers and vendors selling Taiwanese food.

One performer stood on a chair to get a better view of the dancers on stage.

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One of the best things about New York is its cultural diversity.

Somehow, various cultures are able to co-exist and thrive. Various neighborhoods are identified by their inhabitants - there's a large Russian community in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. Meanwhile Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Chinatown in Manhattan, are known for their Chinese, Taiwanese, Malaysian and Vietnamese populations.

There's a Koreatown, there's Little Italy, there's Little India. The Hassidem have settled near WIlliamsburg.

In a large city, it's easy to feel lost. But here, you are however you define yourself - a student, a businessperson, an artist, a member of a religious group, a member of an ethnic group, a New Yorker.

Related posts: The Dragon Parade on Mott Street, Peace to All and A Careful Choice, in Chinatown.

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On Street Photography and Grand Central Station

Photo by myself at Grand Central Terminal, at 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue.

Above, possibly one of the most breathtaking spaces in the New York, and certainly one of my favorite. The main waiting room at Grand Central is successful because of the lighting.

The main space is lit with the warm glow of incandescent lights, while frosted glass skylights provide a white light in the background. The gigantic columns are backlit by the skylights in a dramatic yet subtle way.

On Monday, the space was filled with people, most of them there to gawk at the architecture.

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For those interested in Street Photography, do visit this site belonging to Dave Beckerman, a fine New York photographer.

In this latest post, Dave shares his techniques to getting great candids out on the street. I definitely picked up a couple tricks! Dave is a longtime NYC resident, who seems to have taught himself photography. He takes a beautiful array of photographs, from landscapes to cityscapes to street candids.

Most of Dave Beckerman's images are in black and white, but you would never notice that anything was missing.

You can purchase prints of Dave Beckerman's photography, as well. To view his work, click here

Related posts: On Looking like a Tourist on a Holiday, On Grand Central and Tall Tales and Queuing Up at Grand Central Terminal.

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Sunday Morning, along the East River

Photo by myself near the Manhattan Bridge, along the east edge of Manhattan.

A man practiced Tai Chi Sunday morning, looking out onto the East River and Brooklyn beyond. To the right is the Manhattan Bridge. Downstream, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge.

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Sunday I walked around the area near the Manhattan Bridge, the Lower East Side and Alphabet City.

It was crazy sunny and the streets were vaguely deserted.

Along the East River, some joggers and cyclists were at their morning exercise. A couple sat on a park bench and enjoyed the water. Two men practiced Tai Chi 50 paces from each other.

A typical Sunday morning.

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Night View, the Village

Photo by myself in the village, around 12th Street and Broadway.

This photo was taken a while ago, when it was colder. For some reason I like it, perhaps because it shows the gritty side of the old New York City.

Yes, I am nuts. I have a strange nostalgia for those days when New York was much more dangerous, gritty and 'authentic'.

In comparison, the city is very safe now. You can park shiny SUVs on the street without worrying if it will be intact in the morning!

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Related posts: Life on the Edge of a Very Big Precipice (in my little head), Night View at the World Trade Center and Lighting the Way.

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The Throngs in Union Square

Photo by myself in Union Square.

This public area is constantly filled with people, performers and vendors. At times, the space is used for vigils or public protest.

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Hurrah, a long weekend! Mark and I are looking forward to a restful few days, though Mark has to work.

The city is always a bit quieter on the holidays. Usually, since so many people take the long weekend off, the trains and streets are emptier. My commute to work on Friday was desolate by comparison.

Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone! Do you have any special plans?

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Tough Times, Midtown

Photo by myself at a Midtown crosswalk.

I liked this photo for the various expressions.

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Not all New Yorkers are so glum. Most are excited for the long weekend and the good weather.

Related posts: In the Blink of an Eye, Midtown, Candid, Midtown and Father and Son, Brooklyn.

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On the Steps of the New York Public Library

Photo by myself at the New York Public Library, at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue.

The main branch of the New York Public Library is well known, for the pair of reclining lions flanking the steps. The steps are quite wide and provide a place to hang out on a nice day.

I liked this image for the people at different sizes and the architecture behind them, which is massive.

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Mark comes back from Buenos Aires tomorrow, which is great.

In the time that he's been gone, our puppy Rupert has
-eaten his own poop at least three times
-eaten part of a snake plant, which is considered poisonous to dogs
-tripped me onto the pavement. Ouch.
-unintentionally bitten my arm (he was excited, my arm was in the way)
-challenged my authority in every way possible

Lol, fortunately dogs grow out of this stage!

Related posts: The Latest in Un-Model Behavior, Mass Mentality and Snowing in the City.

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Zzzzzzzzz

Photo by myself on the N train.

This couple showed signs of obvious exhaustion on their ride home.

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One of the most common conversations among New Yorkers involves the commute - what train do you take, how packed is it, can you get a seat during rush hour, yadda yadda.

And if you don't take the train, how long is your walk? Or do you simply live large and cab it into work?

I know a handful of people lucky enough to walk to work each day. Some walk for exercise, others walk to reduce stress. Walking saves a bit of money, too. If you walk to work for a month, you save $108 dollars!

Related posts: A Much-Needed Nap, Sleeping on the Job and Asleep on the D Train.

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On The Times and The People

Photo by myself in Union Square.

These folks look more like the characters on a TV show than mere commoners. Union Square was packed the other day when the sun was out.

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This weekend, the Times unveiled a new photoblog on its website, called Lens, with a focus on photography and photojournalism.

One of the benefits of an internet-based newspaper is its unlimited size. Now the paper can have loads upon loads of photographs. What I especially love about the blog is its layout. You can simply click through big images if that's your mood or read the accompanying text if you have more time.

In its first weekend, Lens has richly illustrated 'articles' from all over the world, and all over history. Choose from a post about the Oval Office, gorgeous images taken in Pakistan by a Times photographer, and the rich images taken by a large format camera, among others.

The Times has always had stellar photography. Now, we readers can enjoy even more of it.

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Who's Playing, the East Village

Photo by myself, somewhere in the East Village.

Multiple billboards announce musical venues going on in the city.

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New York is a great place to live for music lovers, whether your interest be jazz, classical, rock or house music.

I personally prefer the smaller stages, like The Mercury Lounge, which is just a room. You just stand there and nod to the beat, with the performer just an arm's length away.

Aretha Franklin is performing at Radio City Music Hall this September. Tickets available here.

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Running Atop the Brooklyn Bridge

Photo by myself from the Brooklyn Bridge.

The sun was setting as I took this photo. There were cyclists and runners and tourists and strolling people all enjoying the air.

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I went into the city briefly on Saturday and can I say that it was completely filled to the gills with people?!

Union Square was filled with the regular market crowd and there was a Dance Parade that travelled down Broadway, stopping all sorts of traffic.

This was the first Dance Parade, celebrating the art of dance. I only caught the tail end of it, which is too bad. It would have made some great photos.

For photos of Saturday's Dance Parade, click here

Related posts: Running Down the Streets of New York, From Under the Bridge and More of the Brooklyn Bridge.

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Free Advice, Union Square

Photo by myself in Union Square.

A man offered free advice to those in need of it, Friday afternoon.

You have to wonder - what was the question and what was the advice?

Related posts: Playing in the Rain, Union Square, Father and Son, Brooklyn and On The Job.

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On a Stoop, in Soho

Photo by myself on Prince Street in Soho.

A mother and child sitting on a stoop, in front of the Calvin Klein store. Both are wearing funky boots.

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Yep, it's the end of the week once again.

TGIF, everyone!

Related posts: Running Amok in the Streets, Father and Son, Brooklyn and Art, for Public's Sake.

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Walking the Brooklyn Bridge

Photo by myself on the Brooklyn Bridge, looking toward Manhattan.

There are lanes for pedestrians and bikes on the Brooklyn Bridge. The cyclists ride very fast, so it's best not to stray from your lane. I was almost bowled over a couple times.

The pedestrian walkway is elevated above the level that carries cars. You can see the traffic whizzing by through the gaps in the floorboards. Looking up, you can see a panoramic view through the diagonal cables, from the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan in the South to the Manhattan Bridge and Lower East Side, to the North.

Many people were snapping photos Wednesday evening, posing or just enjoying the view. Once across the bridge into Brooklyn, you're in Brooklyn Heights. You can also visit Dumbo, an area named for being 'Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass', which has a waterfront atmosphere.

For those interested in walking across, take the N/R to the City Hall station. You'll find the pedestrian entrance near the eastern side of City Hall.

Related posts: On the Brooklyn Bridge, Fall From Above and More of the Brooklyn Bridge.

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Way Up on the Upper East Side

Photo by myself from Fifth Avenue, around 90th Street.

I've posted several photos from the Upper West Side looking out to Central Park. Now for a view from the Upper East Side.

The view across Central Park is stunning, especially on a sunny day. I was visiting a job site and took this photo through the window. Ahead lies the Reservoir, a small body of water surrounded by a popular running path. A complete loop around the Reservoir is a little over a mile.

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New York news has been scant, which is not a bad thing. So here's the latest on our little family.

Mark is away for a week in South America for a project, so it's just me and the animals (cat, dog and fish). The cat is now getting saline treatments for her kidneys. The dog had a booboo on his paw and requires medication. The fish...well, the fish are okay for the moment.

On top of it, I was exposed to chicken pox the other day at my doctor's office. My physician came down with it a day after my appointment, and I've never had the chicken pox. So I'm crossing fingers that all of us, four-legged, two-legged and no-legged creatures, will be intact on Mark's return.

In the meantime, there's more work to be done and more photos to take!

Related posts: The View from On High, Fall From Above and The Sky is Falling.

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In the Blink of an Eye, Midtown

Photo by myself in Midtown, around 34th Street and Sixth Avenue.

Yet another candid photo showing the crowds in this busy neighborhood. I can't get enough of the characters you find in this highly-trafficked area.

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Here's a tantalizing offer for photobloggers and non-photobloggers alike: document your life in 24 frames with a disposable camera. Have your photos exhibited alongside those of 999 other photographers from all over the world.

How so, you ask?

A Million Little Pictures is sending out 1,000 cameras this summer. An exhibit will take place in September in Atlanta, Georgia. Another exhibit will take place in the city with the most participants. (At this writing, California is in the lead, followed by New York).

This isn't the first time this organization has done something on a grand scale. Nay.

The same group is gathering 10,000 artistic interpretations of a word (what lucky word, I'm not sure). In another project, artists swap 20 prints of their artwork for 20 random prints from other artists.

Take care, these project aren't free. But what is, these days? In return, you get to participate in a communal art project.

Click here to participate in A Million Little Pictures. Deadline to enter is July 1st.

Related posts: All A-Shiver on the Streets, Mass Mentality and There's a Moon Out Tonight.

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What's Black and White and Red All Over?

Photo by myself of Rupert at home.

The answer: a mischievous, sneaky dog.

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A couple nights ago Rupert woke up as he often does, in the middle of the night.

Usually he gets up to pee, get a drink or a bite to eat. When we hear that he's up, we'll get up with him, to make sure he doesn't eat the cat food or that he pees on his wee wee pad.

There are times when he gets up unnoticed and wreaks havoc - eating the cat food, or gnawing on a pillow, or in this case, finding a red pen and chewing it up until it was utterly destroyed.

Well, you can imagine what happened - we woke up to Rupert sound asleep in bed with red all over his front paws and belly. Mark had a start and thought we had to take him to the animal hospital.

Thank goodness it wasn't blood, just the result of a late night rampage. The dear pup was the laughing stock at the dog run.

Related posts: Unleashed in Long Island, A New York Mascot and On Fish, Cats and Dogs.

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Watch Where You're Going in Soho

Photo by myself in Soho, on Prince and Mercer Streets.

After a week of rain, the weather was wonderful this weekend. Woohoo!!! The sidewalks were absolutely jam-packed with passersby and vendors.

You can get art, jewelry, movie scripts, clothing and all else on the street.

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You'd never think there's an economic crisis going on if you were walking around Soho.

The streets are filled with people shopping, making it difficult and near dangerous to walk. And the Apple Store was sheer madness, as it always is.

Related posts: Italian Ice, East Village, Taxi and Chin Chin.

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Ramen Noodles in the East Village

Photo by myself in East Village around 10th Street and 1st Avenue.

Rai Rai Ken is a tiny hole in the wall that seats just a handful of people, right next to a tiny open kitchen. Some of the walls are covered in Buddhist or Shinto text.

Rai Rai Ken specializes in delicious ramen noodles in broth. In the summer, they have two cold ramen dishes, that are topped with treats like cucumber, sliced apple, sun-dried tomato, seaweed, scallions, pickled ginger and shredded lettuce. You are served your food by its cook as soon as it's done.

Here's photo of the exterior that I posted earlier.

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Happy Mother's Day, everyone!

Mark and I will lunch with his mum (not at the above restaurant, but somewhere in Brooklyn). What are you up to today?

Related posts: Italian Ice, East Village, Taxi and Chin Chin.

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Visions of a Cheeseburger, Midtown

Photo by myself in Midtown, around 34th Street and Sixth Avenue.

A fellow with a sign, seeking help from passersby. He stood a few steps away from several delis and a McDonald's.

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I usually do not give money to people on the street. I guess it's just hard for me to trust that the money would go toward food or shelter and not be used for drugs or alcohol.

I did give money to the fellow above, since he graciously allowed me to take a photo. He preferred that his face not be shown.

I haven't seen more needy people on the streets but I have seen more needy people bearing signs, for some reason? The signs say different things. Some are clever, like the one above. Some are descriptive, letting passersby know the needy person's history. Signs help the sign bearer connect with the world.

The Times wrote that Gay Talese, a well-known writer, handed out special signs to people in need, that said "Please Support Pres. Obama’s Stimulus Plan, and begin right here … at the bottom … Thank you." I haven't seen these particular signs, but now I'll be on the lookout.

You can read the Times article here.

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Happy Hour, 12-8

Photo by myself in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

A couple of chums just hanging out on the street.

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The sight of people just biding time is restful. I especially like the illustrations of pigs, and that happy hour spans from 12-8.

TGIF everyone!

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The World Above Central Park

Photo by myself from a high floor above Central Park.

The buildings angled along the right are located along Central Park South, while the buildings directly ahead are located along Fifth Avenue.

The short white building in the corner of the park, to the right, is the Plaza Hotel.

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Some of the most expensive properties in New York are located along Central Park - notably on Central Park West and Fifth Avenue.

Generally, Upper West Side apartments go for $1,000/sf (back in 2008, at least. Not sure what it is now). That means a 1,000 sf apartment sells for $1 million dollars.

That figure has been much higher for apartments overlooking the Park. The price goes up too, the higher you go.

Apartments on Central Park West have cost as much as $2,500/sf, which means that 1,000 sf apartment costs $2.5 million. At the height of the boom, prices have been as high as $4,000/sf, which means the same 1,000 sf apartment sold for $4 million.

As recent as January, 2009, a 448 sf studio was bought for $880,000, which is $1,800/sf. That's a studio, folks, and 448 sf is not big. A few months later, the same studio was sold for $1.55 million. Granted, the studio was located in a full-service condo building (full time reception desk, olympic-sized pool, private gym), but it had a courtyard view and was originally designed as a maid's room.

Anyway, back to Central Park. The nice thing is that buildings are located across the street. The entire park is contained by a low stone wall, with openings at various points for cars and pedestrians. Central Park has an open, public feel to it.

I'm not sure why Park Avenue isn't located next to the park. Despite its name, Park Avenue is a couple blocks to the east. The real estate there is also expensive, however in my opinion, there is nothing like living above a continually changing natural landscape.

For more about the $1.55 million studio, click here.

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Lichee Stand, Sunset Park

Photo by myself in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, around 55th Street and Eighth Avenue.

It's been raining for the last several days here in New York. I took the above photo last year, when lichees came in season.

This juicy, Asian fruit is harvested each Fall. The fruit is encased in a green shell, which grows red as they ripen. Lichee has a subtle flavor that is not too sweet.

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Speaking of food, it's been tough during the off-season of Top Chef.

Curious to see what's going on with the ex-contestants? A recent article in the Times catches up with Hung, Leah, Nikki and Harold, all pursuing their cooking dreams in New York.

I suggested going to Harold's restaurant to Mark, who was only mildly interested. Harold competed during Season One, whose Italian-inspired food and self-deprecating demeanor won over judges and fans alike.

Hmph!

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Candid, Midtown

Photo by myself in Midtown, around 34th Street and Sixth Avenue.

I love taking candid photos of crowds. People are so naturally expressive.

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When I took the above photo, I was standing in the midst of a crowded sidewalk on 34th Street, which I usually avoid.

Kajillions of people streamed around me. Beyond, I could see a kajillion more people. It was overwhelming.

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Abandoned Lot, East Village

Photo by myself in the East Village, around 13th Street and 2nd Avenue.

Despite the gentrification of New York, there are still some vacant blocks in Manhattan. This piece of property is located in a fairly nice neighborhood, filled with restaurants, bars and apartment buildings.

Mark saw this photo and says that 'Kuma' is perhaps the most prolific graffiti artist in the city. Kuma's tags are everywhere.

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Carriage Horse, Central Park South

Photo by myself on 59th Street, near Sixth Avenue.

There are always carriage horses standing along Central Park South, waiting to take visitors out for a spin. Some wear feathers and pull decorated cars. This horse was trying to enjoy a meal, but for the pigeons.

This photo commemorates the Kentucky Derby, which ran on Saturday.

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Animal lovers will be happy to know that humane laws protect the carriage horses in New York. The ASPCA ensures that the horses are not worked more than nine hours a day, and never work in weather under 18 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are many animal rights advocacy groups trying to eradicate the carriages, at war with the carriage drivers, who care for their animals. I'm glad there are people looking out for the horses. It's surprising how often I think about the horses, on the very hot and very cold days.

To view the humane laws protecting the carriage horses, click here.
To read about the carriage trade from a driver's point of view, click here.

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Crowded Sidewalk, Midtown

Photo by myself in Midtown, during rush hour.

Friday morning, I emerged from the subway, as I usually do, half-asleep and late for work.

People were dodging this way and that. Some were in a hurry, some were taking their time. A blaring siren went off, and all traffic stopped to let a fire truck pass.

New Yorkers are so accustomed to all the distraction along the streets, that the people and noise don't seem to phase us. At street corners, crowds weave into each other at high speed, as if choreographed.

Even the dogs in New York are unflinching in the face of such chaos!


By the way, my Meal O'bama photograph is featured as the photo of the week on the Manhattan Young Democrats site.

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A Beer Garden in Brooklyn

Photo by myself in Boerum Hill Brooklyn, at Pacific and Smith Streets.

This outdoor beer garden was bustling the other night. You would never know that it's located in a bustling Brooklyn neighborhood, full of brownstones, fine restaurants and little stores.

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Earlier this week, the New York State Mega Millions was up to $180 Million dollars!

I usually don't do these things but I bought tickets with some friends. No one bought the winning ticket, and now the pot is up to $220 Million. The drawing is today.

I won't start celebrating yet, since the odds are 1 in 175,711,536. You can still get your tickets before 11pm today!

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