Catch That?

Moving on.

2010-06-21T08:55:00.003-04:00

This was fun.

No...really. This was a blast. Capturing things one picture at a time was an exciting challenge. I never would have guessed that I would become so enamored with photographing the everyday. Some pictures I loved while others left something to be desired, but along the way I was learning. I hope you've enjoyed the day-to-day.

In an effort to focus on quality over regularity, I've decided to no longer continue with the daily photos. I will now be posting on a new page, http://catchthatphoto.wordpress.com. With this new format I hope to better share my "semi-regular" photos. (Hell, I'm sure updates will be more frequent there than they were here.)

Thank you to everyone that stopped by this little page over the past year and shared your feedback, comments, and photos. I'm looking forward to hearing from you over on the new site!

Cheers,
BK

Camera shy.

2010-05-14T23:30:00.000-04:00

I followed this poor sap for a good five minutes. It was not a proud moment for either of us.

Umbrellas, sunglasses, and gyros.

2010-05-13T23:10:00.000-04:00

All for $5.

Other city staples that cost around $5:

Pashmina's

Gray's Papaya's Recession Special

Two rides on the subway (like you're ever going to hold on to the card and its remaining oddball change)

Sunday editions of the Big3 papers (Times, Post, Daily News)

100 postcards (if you shop correctly)

Good dog.

2010-05-12T19:26:00.000-04:00

I doubt this dog owner was actually trying to shield her pup's eyes from something, but the look is adorable nonetheless.

Tastes like victory.

2010-05-11T21:57:00.000-04:00

Red, please.

2010-05-10T20:24:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day.

2010-05-09T14:23:00.002-04:00

The K's were in town today for a little taste of downtown. Another walking tour moseying through the Lower East Side, Little Italy and Chinatown. Pickles included, frog lets not.

Windy weekend.

2010-05-08T16:07:00.000-04:00

Much of the day was spent people watching in New York's premier PW spot - Union Square. The square's proximity to NYU, the East Village, and Brooklyn via the L train provides an ever-changing crowd of individuals to gawk at. The downside to today's lazy afternoon was the wind. To call it strong would be nice; $%*#ing awful is more accurate. Artists struggled to keep their works weighed down, and I squinted to keep Union Square's finest dust out of my eyes.

The kite guy, though - he was having a blast.

What's scarier?

2010-05-07T13:04:00.001-04:00

So what's scarier? This cell phone picture of a building in Central Park or the fact that I'm training* for a half-marathon in a month and half?

*Training is a loose term.

Drive by.

2010-05-06T21:32:00.003-04:00

Midtown parking garage.

Unmentionables.

2010-05-05T23:15:00.001-04:00

17th street, a block west of Union Square.

Sadtrombone.com

2010-05-04T16:00:00.001-04:00

This is what a burst housing bubble looks like:

Brooklyn sunset.

2010-05-03T19:58:00.000-04:00

South Bronx memories.

2010-05-02T14:36:00.003-04:00

I took a trip up to the Bronx to see what's left of the original Yankee Stadium. Rather then imploding the icon and giving the neighborhood the park it is still owed, Uncle George and Co. are picking it apart piece by piece.

Sure, Yankee Stadium was a decrepit excuse for a stadium. The hallways were cramped with Big Bob's from Brooklyn and one too many Dip 'n Dots carts. Bathroom lines were long and the upper deck was cramped. But you know what? That's the way baseball is supposed to be. You, me, and Freddie, squeezed too tightly together in a beer stained arena watching today's Yankees playing on the same field as the Babe. Santana pitching on the same mound where Lou Gehrig made his proclamation. The right field corner that Paul O'Neil defended with such ridiculous strength. Fights breaking out acround the stadium on some idle Tuesday night when Boston is in town.

Enough of that. What's done is done. But I don't know if I'll ever get used to exiting the 4 train and not turning left towards Stan's and the bleacher entrance.

More pictures here.

A sweet taste of New Jersey.

2010-05-01T15:10:00.000-04:00

Sure signs that warm weather has arrived:

1) Bug bites
2) Later and later sunsets
3) Roadside sundaes.

Springtime at Bryant Park.

2010-04-30T13:56:00.001-04:00

"Doesn't mean me."

2010-04-29T19:34:00.001-04:00

Protest.

2010-04-28T13:08:00.001-04:00

Maybe FedEx raised the price of copies. Perhaps Dress Barn stopped selling petites. Whatever the case, nothing says lunch hour like a little protest

Subway drums.

2010-04-25T17:34:00.000-04:00

Yes, yes, another picture underground. This guy was stationed on the NRW stop at 59th Street. Crowd was into it; kids were dancing. It was a swell time.

Hotter than hell, but swell.

Hot damn, this weather is fine.

2010-04-23T13:05:00.000-04:00

Work is busy. Life is crazy busy. Best I could do on this beautiful day was snap a photo or two in midtown while waiting for my lunch-partner-in-crime. This weather is putting everyone in a better mood; let's hope it means we'll avoid another summer Rain Watch.

FDR at night.

2010-04-22T02:39:00.001-04:00

People go here.

2010-04-21T19:04:00.000-04:00

Somewhere in midtown. Atrocious bystander conveniently cropped out of view.

(Almost) never a fan.

2010-04-20T11:27:00.000-04:00

I generally loathe cats. Small cats, fat cats, and in this case oversized artistic cats. Doesn't matter. If you can't fetch, you're not for me.

There was only one cat I ever liked, and he spent most of his time chewing on a sofa cushion and living in a bag.

Enough said.

Brooklyn is

2010-04-19T07:07:00.001-04:00

Three parts brick, one part mortar. Mix.

Add two parts paint for authenticity. Splash of skinny jeans for irony.

Harlem to Brooklyn (lager).

2010-04-18T19:44:00.002-04:00

The day started off in Harlem sprucing up St. Nicholas Park, part of a friend's community service committment through an organization. One work day, a boxed lunch, and an undetermined amount of dirt-in-shoes, I was back in Brooklyn enjoying a cold one. Dinner at Sea was - per usual - loud and "scene-like" - but their pad thai and Rama the King dishes are tough to pass up. The hardest part about this place is convincing Manhattanites to leave their island for a few hours.

Spring is in the the beer aisle.

2010-04-17T00:07:00.000-04:00

Good grief, Charlie B.

Spring beers are back and they're bangin'. Whole Foods - spot on. A trip to Pony Bar is in order.

Batter up.

2010-04-16T19:22:00.000-04:00

Corporate softball - where careers go to prosper.

In a pursuit for camaraderie, high fives, and good cheer, I joined my friend's softball team. This team is on the other side of the spectrum from the team I used to play on, but I'll keep that story for another time and place (like happy hour).

Tonight's first game was against a team of Googlers in Central Park - rainy, cold, and dark - less than perfect softball weather. The perfect season came to an end, but there's nothing wrong with going 11-1.

Oh, and the horse?

I ran into him on the way into the park. He played right field. And was our best hitter.

Hey there, neon.

2010-04-15T22:13:00.000-04:00

A warehouse parking garage in an otherwise gut-renovated and luxury high rise neighborhood. Sweet sign, man. Reminded me of the one in midtown.

No, I don't want a swig of your beer.

2010-04-14T18:42:00.001-04:00

Wish I was carrying a real camera at the time for this one. This guy was great. Flirtin' with the ladies, chastizing the guys, posing for shots.

Sidewalk intruder.

2010-04-12T19:29:00.001-04:00

Anywhere New York. Anywhere Philly. Anywhere urban.

Better than strollers, tourists, and uncurbed dogs. Weeds - like subway rats, find a way.

Worst. Fan. Ever.

2010-04-11T22:17:00.005-04:00

It’s true. I effed up.

Back story – knowing I am a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey fan, my friend pulled a 13 on the Awesome Scale of 1 to 10 and scored four tickets to the last game of the regular season against the NY Islanders. Have you ever been to Nassau Coliseum? No? Good – keep it that way. What’s technically labeled a hockey arena, it should be burned to the ground, paved over, and done again. The smell of wet socks and sin permeates what is otherwise a pretty part of the Island. A palace it is not. But I digress.

So there we are, sitting corner ice; great view of the game. Sid the Kid gets his 50th and 51st goals of the season. We eat hot dogs and beers; standard. The girls get Dip ‘n Dots.

Still not sure it’s actually ice cream. And let it be known cotton candy should remain cotton candy. Worst ice cream flavor EVER.

Speaking of generally terrible things…

The game pushes to overtime after the Pens flake and lose their heads in third period. I’m nervous for a game that has zero bearing on the playoffs. I’ve yet to hit the bathroom. I’m two beers and a ginormous Coke into the game. See where this is going?

BK: Pens are playing like *%&#. I think I’m going to the bathroom.
Friend: Umm, okay.
BK: It’s right downstairs, right? I don’t want to miss the shootout.
Friend: Umm……okay.

There was no shootout to miss.

Eaton to Malkin to Leo. Boom. Game.

Sounded like a great win from the bathroom. Shame. A generous helping of I told you so’s (I was never told anything) and What were you thinking’s were served up on the ride home.

Cotton candy Dip ‘n Dots still suck.

Let’s go Pens. Senators are next. Do it.

Boston College is National Champs...

2010-04-10T01:14:00.001-04:00

...in ice hockey. Woooooooooo!

East River at night.

2010-04-09T20:37:00.001-04:00

Facing south (Queensboro Bridge).

More to come from this night.

Shoes and shadows.

2010-04-08T20:09:00.000-04:00

Somewhere in midtown.

Leftover Peeps turned arts & crafts.

2010-04-07T21:04:00.000-04:00

Clearance-priced Peeps + Rice Krispee Treats + Fruit by the Foot = Peep-ushi.

Righty tighty lefty loosey.

2010-04-06T19:32:00.001-04:00

A Brooklyn staple.

2010-04-05T21:15:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not talking about the Dodgers of old, the pizza of your grandfather, or the prettiest bridge south of the GW. I'm referring to hipsters.

Obviously.

This way home.

2010-04-04T09:56:00.006-04:00

*Click* *Click* *Click*
*Click* *Click* *Click* *Click* *Click*
*Click* *Click*

"That's my favorite sign."
"Oh yeah?"

*Click* *Click* *Click*

"Yeah, I've always *Click* *Click* loved it."

*Click* *Click*

"Hmm."

*Click*

California's burning.

2010-04-03T23:05:00.003-04:00

I woke up to blue skies and warm sunlight, but not the burst of spring that sprung New York's flowerbeds to life. I was in Valencia, California joining my friend as her plus one to a wedding.

Weeds-like setting, check.
Golf course ceremony, score.
Skinny black tie, done and done.

Picture of the day, sure.

Waiting for the 6.

2010-04-02T01:25:00.001-04:00

It should go without saying that birds on the subway platform leave the rest of the commuters indifferent.

But what if this little dude actually got on the train?

Now THAT would make rush hour interesting.

Not an April Fool's joke...

2010-04-01T11:22:00.001-04:00

There really is a naked bronze woman that greets people to my office building every day.

Evening mass.

2010-03-31T11:16:00.000-04:00

Unknown church on Broadway; somewhere between 14th and 8th Streets.

Why do I even bother with this place?

2010-03-30T19:21:00.003-04:00

This was not why I came to Macy's.

I swung by the Devil's Retail Playground tonight on a quest for the perfect white French cuff shirt. There's a wedding coming up this weekend and, well, I need a new white shirt. More on that later if/when I find it. The point of this message is to warn all spring allergy victims to avoid Macy's.

Avoid it like you avoid Black Friday.

If the ground floor wasn't hectic already, it seems as if the flower district moved a few blocks north and rooted (ha!) itself here. And there were caged birds. And water installations. Awful. Simply awful.

But a decent photo-opp.

Name these flowers and win something awesome.

More than sandwiches and smokes.

2010-03-29T20:13:00.002-04:00

For the normal day-to-day, bodegas are clutch - the horse that never loses. Twenty four hours a day, where else can you find a pack of smokes, baby diapers, a killer sandwich, and yes, flowers? Deli flowers last for days and are sans the God-awful box.

Slow Sunday

2010-03-28T19:03:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, the party split up - one to the west coast, one stayed east. Judging by this picture, it's easy to figure out where I spent my Sunday.

I meandered around D.C. with an old friend. Brunch, tourist traps, the whole 9. Although I must say, the conversation that proceeded helped to melt the crowds of incessant picture takers (worse than me, can you believe it?) into a silent mush around us.

"It's called the Metro."

2010-03-27T20:13:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: "It's called Metro. There's no the."

Noted.

It is no secret that I take too many pictures underground. Combine my hobby of people watching with the fact that my attention span is oftentimes shorter than the wait for the next train and what you get is a wandering camera lens.

I was in D.C. this weekend and experienced their Metro for the first time. Of course my camera was with me, and of course this has to be PotD. My thoughts on the ~~subway~~ Metro?

Cleaner than New York
More punctual than Philly
Faster than Chicago
Anything's better than Boston

My biased self still prefers New York's system for its fare simplicity; but then again maybe if we had a costs-more-the-farther-you-travel system the MTA wouldn't be up to its proverbial eyeballs in debt.

Additional shots have been/will be uploaded here.

Joker tested, rider approved.

2010-03-26T07:57:00.003-04:00

I noticed two kids snapping photos of this sign while waiting for uptown 6. Bahhh, tourists. Or so I thought.

Clearly, this is not one of the normal signs depicting the 48,493 weekly construction changes. Clearly, this was hilarious.

And then I realized that the joke was on us, all of us. Here comes the $100 monthly metro card.

This photo cost a buck.

2010-03-25T01:33:00.000-04:00

I remember the first time I had a subway churro. I was between transfers with a friend, maneuvering the heavy weekend crowd that infests midtown retail stores. We were lugging bags of who-knows-what after a day of shopping for God-only-knows. We trekked past a young guy manning a shopping cart of Churros on the Queens-bound side of the platform. I paused, turned to my friend, and wondered out loud...

Have you ever had a Churro?
Not from a shopping cart. Do you think they're any good?
I don't know, isn't most street meat good?
We are neither on the street nor are Churro's made of meat.
Well that settles it.

One dollar and two sets of sugary fingers later we were munching on KMart-branded Churros. And you know what? Not half bad. A little on the buttery side, but when has that ever been a bad thing?

This Churro pusher refused to stand by her cart when I started taking pictures. It was only after dropping a GW on her product that she realized I wasn't with the city permit department.

The trees of the city.

2010-03-24T18:49:00.006-04:00

I started this blog to capture the everyday, whatever and wherever that might be. In the year that this little project has progressed, my subjects have varied; with the exception of one. Well, more than one.

Her and him. You and me.

Which is weird, considering my unabashed support of the age-old sport of people watching. At first I chalked it up to wanting to capture life's inanimate side. But really, I'm finding that redundant. Life is life because of the people - both well known and stranger - that wash through the everyday. New York is New York because of it's people. Trees make the forest; people make the city.

Really though, the lack of people caught on camera (candid or otherwise) is due to my amateurish skill set. I find it borderline creepy to take pictures of strangers. But I think it's time to try and break out. I want to push my comfort zone a little farther than I'm used to. Hopefully the result will be a more intimate look at the daily.

Leather jackets, outside Macy's.

Whatever comes of this, still don't bet the farm on me ever showing up here. This and that were pushing it. Behind the camera I'll remain.

Monday morning.

2010-03-23T07:47:00.001-04:00

Just another job. Just another commute. The difference between yours and mine?

I look up.

Bryant Park livens up.

2010-03-22T16:39:00.002-04:00

Skipping out Sunday work in the office and en route to Penn Station for a last-minute trip home, I cut through Bryant Park hoping it'd be alive. And alive it was.

I've been here before. Many, many times. And I'll be back; less camera and more company next time, perhaps.

April better not disappoint.

2010-03-20T15:34:00.004-04:00

Beers and a city garden. T-shirts and a need for sunscreen. We're definitely getting a tease of spring this weekend. Not a terrible day for outdoor conversation.

And neither was the evening. I caught up with my old roommates R&M at their place in Soho. Their private backyard patio was the perfect setting for the first warm weekend to come to a close. Yuenglings and catch-up.

42nd & Madison, looking east.

2010-03-19T21:24:00.000-04:00

Arguably one of the best visuals in the city.

Southeast corner of 42nd and Madison. Put your headphones on to block out the tourists and pubic accountants crossing paths.

Be there at night.

Grand Central holds its own, surrounded by its taller neighbors. Chrysler gleams white and silver - as always - in the backdrop. Compliments, not competition for one another.

Stand there for a minute and tell me that the 14 hour work day isn't worth it.

If only it was that easy.

2010-03-18T00:04:00.000-04:00

Rice to Riches. Decadent. 'Nuff said.

Not your everyday midtown dress code.

2010-03-17T23:12:00.001-04:00

A lot of people wear green on St. Patrick's Day, regardless of their ties to the land of Guiness (romantic, hereditary, or otherwise). But this guy - well - I hope he wasn't in your office.

Reflected water.

2010-03-16T13:03:00.001-04:00

Reflection in hotel glass.

Make the light.

2010-03-15T17:38:00.001-04:00

We all do it. On the way to work; running late for appointment or dinner XYZed; last minute run to the grocery store. Whatevs. You can make the light.

Glance uptown. Psssh, I've got this.

Or

Holllllllld up, here comes the next wave of cars.

And if it's a double sign like the ones showing face all over town, definitely make a dash for it.

I was that guy, but for good reason.

2010-03-14T17:15:00.001-04:00

I've been that guy before. But once again out of what I believed to be complete justification, I had no problem being another that guy today. No, I'm not talking about another shoe switch. I'm referring to that guy with the over-sized golf umbrella on the sidewalk. Yeah, that guy.

Today was a continuation of yesterday's meteorologic Armageddon. And after yesterday crushed the remaining life out of my umbrella, I had no choice but to use the lone stormy weapon in my repertoire; the golf umbrella. Much like the one my mother used at the elementary school bus stop to keep Ted, myself, and a dozen other academics dry on wet mornings (not to mention the occasional diorama), mine was red, white, and friggin' HUGE.

For those that have walked with me in stormy weather (obvious metaphor not withstanding), you know how I am. Poor umbrella etiquette is on my top five of city pet peeves (up there as well would be dogs and/or children on leases longer than six feet, the city max). I will comment under my breath about someone's poor umbrella usage, regardless of size. A considerate umbrella-ite will raise and lower as necessary. Gentleman, show courtesy to the ladies.

FWIW, if the weather continues like it's been, I might be forced to bring back the rain watch of ohhhh nine.

May flowers should be here next week.

2010-03-13T17:04:00.001-05:00

Goodbye February snow, hello April ~~showers~~ monsoons.

Wait, what month is it?

Today's weather was one of those wicked storms that simply sucks, and there is absolutely no other word to accurately describe it. Today's rain went left, right, and right up everyone's pants. Umbrellas were futile and only added to the excess drip-age everywhere once inside.

But no, seriously. What the eff is with today's storms. There were MOATS on every street corner, and I believe I saw a young man trying to hail a cab from the safety and comfort of a canoe.

Sorry, the camera card was full for that one.

Beware of the dog!

2010-03-12T14:56:00.002-05:00

Yes, I googled it.

Time to gear up.

2010-03-11T16:47:00.001-05:00

Spring should be here sooner than later, right?

There's something about this bike/sign combination, buried in snow, that I found really poignant. Makes me miss my bike of old.

Family favorites.

2010-03-10T23:11:00.001-05:00

This probably looks like chaos, and to a degree it was. Winesday's theme of Bring the Food of Your People loosely inspired a round table of epic storytelling. My submissions were three K classicswere three stories from my past; an amuse of Kix, camping 101 stories, and of course the day I choked on a hot dog.

Details on said stories will be shared over cold beers. Time and company to be determined.

This is why we use cellphones.

2010-03-08T23:07:00.000-05:00

Enroute to the pharmacy I pass this gentleman underground. Right there in the middle of the sidewalk was this metal grate hiked up with the aforementioned Verizon worker hunkered over Alexander Graham Bell's first switchboard.

There's that saying, "they don't make them like they used to." Well in this case, thank goodness that's the case.

Regardless of spelling...

2010-03-07T21:03:00.001-05:00

...it made for an excellent frash pizza.

13.1 miles of photo-taking.

2010-03-06T22:52:00.000-05:00

Up early and in New Jersey for a half marathon today. What was my time, you ask? HA.

HAHAHAHAHAHA.

Consider me the photographic, sometimes accompanied by a vocal shout kind of support. Sure, I could post pictures of sweaty, down-trodden runners - but why would you want to see that?!

Here are a few pictures I took while wandering around the NJ hillsides.

Not quite spring.

2010-03-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

The temperatures have been teasing us lately. Warm nights. Cold lunch hours. The flowers aren't here just yet, so this subway art will just have to do for now.

New day, new job.

2010-03-04T22:35:00.001-05:00

Back to the grind.

I started a new job today. I can't quite call it my new job or my new career just yet. But it's a job. Back to a routine...a schedule for Monday through Friday. Expectations, gripes, and happy hours. Early mornings, coffee & a bagel from the corner cart. Late nights with empty subway rides home.

I really hope there are happy hours.

Winesday has a birthday.

2010-03-03T22:07:00.003-05:00

And a dance party.

Red brought cake, MS gave us a reason to have cake, and the rest of us brought wine. Happy Winesday.

I want one.

2010-03-02T13:14:00.001-05:00

Not this one per-say, but commmmmmme onnnnnnnnnn. This hairy, smelly, slobber machine of an animal...just LOOK AT HIM!

One year in the books.

2010-03-01T10:30:00.001-05:00

So here we are. It's been a year since I started this little project. There were a few breaks in the game (like the month of October...I swear I'll post it sometime soon), sure, but I held true to the concept. Fun more times than not; challenging at others, this little project has been more rewarding than I imagined it could be.

Many of you have been a part of the stories, pictures and links included within these pages; thanks for stopping by and sharing your stories with me.

Here's to another day caught.

Brooklyn sunset.

2010-02-28T17:45:00.001-05:00

I didn't inherit mom's painting skills.

2010-02-27T21:20:00.001-05:00

Snowy end to February.

2010-02-26T16:18:00.003-05:00

On my way to lunch with KFizzle.

Pink is meant for lipstick.

2010-02-25T01:21:00.000-05:00

Lipstick. Not cars. Especially not luxury cars.

Picking my battles.

2010-02-24T21:56:00.002-05:00

There are a few instances in one's life that half-assing it exposes the ugly truth.

Doing so at work will get you fired; on the golf course you'll lose credibility; when it comes to board games you will downright embarrass yourself.

I am not afraid to admit where my strengths and weaknesses rest in the latter realm. Shockingly - or not so much - I dominate at games that involve acting or talking matters out (Cranium's purple and green cards and all aspects of Catchphrase come to mind). Operation? Not made for these shaky hands. We played Life a lot as kids, but let's be real. Life was a wild card; that game is always determined the moment you spin the wheel for your "career path." Doctor? You're golden. Salesman? Might as well pack it up and call it quits.

Scrabble falls into the category of games BK should avoid at all times. It's like attempting a crossword puzzle, but instead of figuring out what 23 down is, you are slapped around by people who know how to ride themselves of a q without holding a u (the answer - qat).

So tonight, as the usual Winesday crowd complained about not enough vowels (or was it too many vowels?) I watched Olympic hockey. Yup.

Cap guns in the subway.

2010-02-23T11:45:00.004-05:00

This sideshow was set up at the Delancey F stop. Reasons he's an amateur include but are not limited to:

He's a grown man covered in Home Depot spray paint.

Who picks an F train platform at 10:30 in the morning to set up shop?

Who thinks an F platform - any F platform - is a decent idea? Twelve customers an hour (3 of them being squatters)

The cap gun did not shoot caps. Lame.

He did, however, have one of those whistlers in his mouth. Points for that. Zooot. Zoooooot.

Either a ginormous child or an unemployed basketball player.

2010-02-22T12:04:00.002-05:00

Question - Who is the mastermind behind this mammoth snowman?

No idea how long this ~~snowman~~ giant has been around, but judging by the lack of snow elsewhere (besides under the cars) my guess is sometime. No really. This this is monstrous.

Dear 'ole Abe.

2010-02-21T21:25:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay, back to the updates.

Mom, Pops, and I took a Big Onion walking tour of the Union Square and Gramercy area of town. Sunny skies, storytelling, and Honest Abe. No idea he was on the north side of Union Square.

Welcome to Brooklyn.

2010-02-20T23:24:00.002-05:00

I'm not quiet about the fact that I spend most of my time not enjoying Brooklyn's finest offerings. CW's birthday a few weeks ago was one of my first adventures into the great unknown of the skinny jean world. Not only did I survive (I'll be honest, I had my doubts), but it made me begin to think that there really is something to this place.

Tonight the bar was raised.

My friend CM and I hit the Brooklyn pavement for what turned out to be a little tour of Billyburg. We started at Spuyten Duyvil, a charming (and packed) international beer bar. We found a corner past the bar to stand out of the way of that constant artery of moving bodies. You know, the one that travels from door to bar to bathrooms and back again; it's the bar equivalent of a riptide.

ANYWAY.

We sucked down a few cold drafts here while commenting on everyone and everything. And by we, I meant me. After I had had my fill of forced irony (and two delicious brews), we were off to what would become an epic journey back to my childhood.

The second stop-off was Full Circle Bar on Grand Street. One click to their website and it's easy to see why we were there (besides the $3 cans of Genny Light) - skee-ball.

I consider myself a pretty humble individual when it comes to sport and athleticism; very rarely will you hear be reminiscing about my adolescent victories, but skee-ball falls into a category of special situation. Understand that I was raised on two things: fireworks and boardwalk games. My grandmother lived in the quiet town of Pt. Pleasant Beach, and I spent many a rainy day at the Jenkinson's boardwalk arcades. Water gun into the clown's mouth? Please, I'll win you biggest stuffed bear. The claw game? Other kids used to give me their money in order to taste victory. Skee-ball? Why don't you ask CM? She learned the hard way.

Welcome to Brooklyn.

Birthday kisses.

2010-02-19T23:44:00.000-05:00

After an open house in our apartment; after dinner; after polishing off our stock in wine and Bud Light - Sheena and I discovered we had a problem. It was only 10pm. To move off the couch or not to; the proverbial Friday night question when living in Brooklyn.

Texts about a birthday party in the village were exchanged with another friend.

Do you want to go?
I don't know, do you want to go?
Sure. We're out of beer AND IT'S ONLY TEN.

The tipping point was had. Lorimer to 6th Ave, F to West 4th. Hellllllllo Friday night Bridge & Tunnel crowd; great to see you again. And by that I mean stab me in the eye with a melting ice cycle.

Birthday party on Macdougal. LK left her post-tequila calling card on the table.

Keeping guard.

2010-02-18T20:51:00.001-05:00

Looking out.

Late night lights.

2010-02-17T23:23:00.002-05:00

Walking home, late night.

Mmm, cow.

2010-02-16T21:11:00.000-05:00

For whatever reason, it's been a while since I've had red meat. I'm not saying I usually gorge myself on cow on a regular basis, but my diet has been a little more Asian based recently (sidebar - do yourself a favor and order sesame noodles next time you're in the mood for takeout, then come back here and thank me). And I don't know about you, but I don't consider crispy beef anything close to red meat (or beef, for that matter).

So when a friend of mine suggested burgers in the East Village, I high-fived the idea and headed down to my old 'hood. We ended up at Paul's "Da Burger Joint" on Second Ave. A tiny pretentious-free grease stain in an otherwise over-marketed part of town, I was instantly excited thrilled. My cheddar bacon was a perfect medium rare, and my $3.75 Rolling Rock squared the meal off. Burgers, an Olympics-obsessed waitress, and a belly full of laughs later, it was off for a night cap.

How good is Paul's? The place was packed on a cold, idle Tuesday. Don't just take my word for it - NYMag listed them as one of the best burgers in the city. Sure, this puts them side by side with burgers from the likes of David Burke at Bloomingdale's, Minetta Tavern, and Brooklyn's Dumont. And rightfully so. A stack of napkin's and patriotic feelings come free with every bite at Paul's.

A holiday for some; for me, it was Monday.

2010-02-15T21:48:00.001-05:00

I hope your President's Day was a thrill; i.e. fingers crossed that your company went Postal and gave you the day off.

For those of you who worked today, your consolation prize can be found here.

One request New Yorkers mysteriously follow.

2010-02-14T12:03:00.001-05:00

Unwritten rules are everywhere. Yapping on the cellphone while riding the bus; working 9 to whenever-you're-done; chew with your mouth closed (PLEASE). Too many rules, official or otherwise. And New Yorkers don't feel bad about ignoring some when they deem appropriate. A few of my faves:

"Stand clear of the closing doors." What is THAT? Why even waste your time saying it? Hell, I stand IN the doors every chance I get. Why? Because I want to be the first one bolting out when the train hits the station. Why? Because I don't want to get stuck behind slow Charlie. Why? Have you SEEN the stairwells at Union Square? They make the spiral staircase in the belly of the Statue of Liberty feel like a dance floor.

Walk/Don't Walk - Even when the signs are working, no one pays attention to these. If there is a Frogger-like opening between the bread delivery truck and the Town Car, you can bet the farm that I'm taking it.

And then there's this one:

No please. No or else. Simple, straightforward, and mysteriously effective.

Un. Be. Lievable.

2010-02-13T17:11:00.000-05:00

Unbelievable.

Whole Foods - Cajun shrimp. I don't have a clue what's goes into this concoction (nevermind, thank you Google) but they are devilishly addicting. My taste buds were blown.

Smile before looking both ways before crossing the street.

2010-02-12T15:21:00.001-05:00

This character caught my eye as I was walking home from ~~work~~ who knows what. There are certainly worse kinds of graffiti, I suppose.

Just a buck.

2010-02-11T11:45:00.002-05:00

Slice of pizza on St. Marks.
Half a hotdog from the corner cart.
2.2 minutes of cellular airtime.
Tipping a musical act on the subway.
Half a Starbucks coffee.

15 postcards from touristy Herald Square.

Snowwwwww.

2010-02-10T16:25:00.000-05:00

Listen up, people. Most of you are complaining about the snow. Maybe that's because you're trapped in a cube (ahhh, one perk of temporary unemployment). Perhaps you don't have boots or misplaced your wool socks. Regardless of your ill excuse, I have this much sympathy for you.

It's February in New York. For those of you who consider this concrete jungle the center of the universe, that's fine. This proverbial center also happens to lie somewhere between the frozen tundra of Canada and the equator. Suck it up, bundle up, and wipe that scowl off your frostbitten face. Get outside and enjoy the snow while it's here. Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite if you can't be bothered to - or simply can't - leave your desk for ten minutes.

I ~~wandered~~ trudged through midtown, Central Park, and the LES this afternoon snapping away. Additional pictures (some of my favorites) can be found on my Flickr page.

Ivories on the tracks.

2010-02-09T18:26:00.000-05:00

A solo piano is a welcoming softness to the otherwise screeching nuisance that is the West 4th Street stop.

I've seen the (self-titled) Crazy Piano Guy before; looking forward to the next time as well.

Hello old friend.

2010-02-08T22:43:00.002-05:00

Bleeker Street tonight, enjoying Boston College's victory over Boston "your mascot is a lap dog" University in the Bean Cup. Walking back to the train I detoured to Washington Square Park to check out the arch, one of my favorite staples of the villages. Past the skateboarding kids taking advantage of the drained fountain I snapped a few photogs.

New Yorkers can thank the City Beautification movement of the late 1890's and early 1900's for the arch. I won't bore you with the history of the movement (boring it is not), but spend some time on Wiki if you want to know more.

Pepto, please.

2010-02-07T23:32:00.002-05:00

The Saints won. My stomach lost.

Victory points go to the ~~seven~~ six layer dip and veggie chili and Velveeta mystery combination. Both are pictured here, devoured and destroyed.

My contribution? More consumption than production.

Do not be fooled.

2010-02-06T11:03:00.002-05:00

Meet Maisy:

Say hi to Julius:

Did you ooh? Maybe awww?

Well don't. Don't be fooled. Their cute faces and matching sweaters mask their sinister plots to chew through messenger bags, hog the couch, and generally make one scream, Why are you DOING THAT?! on a semi-regular basis.

Reverse commute. In style.

2010-02-05T17:29:00.001-05:00

Sonofabitch.

Somewhere between an early dinner at 88 Orchard and a cab ride out of the LES, I received a text regarding a prior commitment for Friday. The problem? The commitment was in New Jersey. At 8:30 in the morning. The day after my birthday.

Like I said. Sonofabitch.

Luckily my friend MS came to the rescue. One extremely generous offer on her part and a trip to the East 90's later, and I had a luxury ride available to me for an early morning trip to the Dirty.

6:30am - Rise & shine
7:00am - Departure
8:27am - Arrive at high school
8:30am - Talk, babble, & ramble
10:30am - Done
10:31am - Dazed & confused

Pictured above is my graduating class's gift to the school. Most schools have some sort of monument, plaque or 4ft x8ft sheet of plywood acknowledging the existence of school pride, right? Not Lenape. Nope - we made it nearly 30 years without one. What we lacked in school pride we made up for in indifference. I mean, it's hard to rally around anything when the most successful "athletic" team in school history was the academic quiz bowl.

Yes, you could have quiz bowl on the back of your varsity jacket. And yes, there was a "select bunch" that did. No, I did not have one of these precious gems.

Another year, another blog address.

2010-02-04T17:19:00.001-05:00

Perhaps it's time I register bills26th.blogspot.com.

Thank you to everyone for the warm birthday wishes - whether on Facebook, over the phone, or in person.

It was a year ago that I tossed around the idea of this blog. It's been fun. Challenging. A pain in my (then) working ass. But I loved it. I still love it.

Cheers.

Sometimes the day can take an unexpected turn.

2010-02-03T23:53:00.001-05:00

As my day took form, I thought I'd be here writing about the fact that Staten Island Chuck seriously effed this one up:

I'm not saying Chuck should have been able to predict the Human Bird Feeder would be such good friends with the winged rats of New York; check out the snow. We haven't had that since 2009. Way to go Chuck. You lost to the Al Roker of Groundhog Day. SonofaB.

But on my way home tonight I found myself walking to the front of a six train. Not by choice.

We were stopped and forced to walk to the front car because we hit something. Or someone. Let's not talk about it. Move along. Nothing to see here.

Serious drummer envy.

2010-02-02T19:12:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that I'm a fan of street music. New York. Philly. Above Ground. Underground. Doesn't matter. Strike a chord or bang a ~~drum~~ bucket. I have a grand amount of respect for those who throw it down for all of society to see and hear. Most are decent. Some make you cringe. A small few really engage their audience.

Meet Mike Alaska.

An Alaskan from Texas? Who knows; I don't. But his drumming is nonetheless ridiculous.

In completely unrelated news, Staten Island Chuck is calling for an early spring. Sweet.

I'm one of them now.

2010-02-01T18:30:00.002-05:00

I found myself back at 88 Orchard today, this time pulling up a spot by my lonesome. Laptop out, large coffee ordered, headphones on.

Heads down, thumbs up. Seven up.

I used to be generally curious about the coffee shop cult - type type typing away with a half drank cup of cold coffee next to them. Hoarding every four top with their expansive spread of Macbook, notebooks, and various electronic gizmos. Why don't they have jobs? Is this what professional bloggers do? But here I was, struggling to find a spot near a power strip in order to feed my day-long hang out. Don't hate me; I found myself a two top to call home.

My roommate runs a great spot. The coffee is strong and fresh, and the staff is always warm and considerate. They're launching a new dinner menu this week that promises to be delicious. Check out the menu here. And they have booze now. Added bonus.

Weekend Update.

2010-01-31T23:33:00.003-05:00

I received a number of photos from you this week; thank you for contributing!

Jiggy and Gracie visited an assisted living home this weekend:

You know your Penn State obsession is a threat to society when your friends pause Office re-runs to capture PSU shout-outs on the set (courtesy of KDubs):

MS took this as the Q traveled over the Manhattan Bridge. Mine came out as all iron, no water. She wins:

Sporadic Sunday night movie leads to wine evidence needing to be discarded. Upper West Side mothers, cover your children's eyes (courtesy of Lindy):

Have a great week, everyone. If something catches your eye, share it with the rest of us. The email address is to the right.

Dancing with the Groo Grux King.

2010-01-31T22:58:00.001-05:00

There have been Grammy ads around town featuring none other than my guys (or at least the lead guy) for weeks now. Subways, bus stops, and phone booths like this one. Was this a precursor to them winning a much-deserved Grammy or two for their work on Big Whiskey & the Groo Grux King?

No. Snubbed again.

Arguably their best work since 1996's Crash, Groo Grux came after the loss of founding member and sax great LeRoi Moore. His passing brought new members to the studio, and this album and past tour brought new life to the band. They performed one of their tunes tonight after being introduced by Adam I will always dress like I'm homeless Sandler. Check out the performance here.

I've said it before - it's great to see them having fun again.