A November stroll that felt like September.

Sundays are lazy, obviously. Laundry, maybe brunch, and thatttttt's about it. But today included a walk up and down the east side. It was beautiful and unseasonably warm today, and the winter-coming-soon-so-the-sun-is lower-in-the-sky situation has been producing some kick ass sunsets (even if they're happening before 5pm). Today was no exception. The sun was screaming off of the United Nations facade as the rays cut past the Chrysler Building. Really, something to see.

UN Watch 2009 - food stands are back, required to show support of US.

Back in New York, oh the lifestyle of a traveling salesman. The good news is that all of the food trucks around my building in midtown are back to their normal locations. The strange news is that many are showing otherwise unseen signs of patriotism. Maybe it's the warmer-than-fall-should-be weather. Maybe there was a sale on flags. Maybe it's because the Man said so. Whatever the reason may be, it's no secret that seeds of patriotism have been planted, watered and nurtured into wonderful little flags. All over town. We've got a while to go until Flag Day, people.

UN Watch 2009 - Lexington Ave gets the up and down treatment.

I stepped out of the office this afternoon planning to catch a cab to LaGuardia. HA! Nice try, commoner. What was I thinking?

This is what Lexington looked like - a parking lot. Apparently the President was close by so every car making its way down Lex was double and triple checked for booby traps. I was lucky enough to catch a cab over on Park Ave, where I instructed the driver to avoid everything to the south and east of us. It was a lovely ride to the airport. Next stop - Buffalo.

"I'm going to look at you while you look under the car. That's right. Great job."

UN Watch 2009 - missing garbage cans.

Seriously, if I wanted to hurt someone of political importance, I wouldn't blow up the trash bins on Park Avenue. Maybe the trains underneath, sure. But garbage cans? Really?*****

This town is known for its smells, its piles of garbage on weekday mornings, and its homeless, but one thing you can always count on (much like the above three) is being able to find a can on every corner. Finish your apple on the way to work? Kindly toss the excess into the nearest corner can. I've walked around other cities (namely Philly) for blocks with garbage in my hand, fruitlessly hoping to save the earth like I was always told.






*****Hey Big Brother, I was only kidding!

UN Watch 2009 - who stole the gyro?!

I was working overtime today as usual and needed a hearty meal to make it through the day. No, not steak and potatoes. Ma, hold the meatloaf. I'm talking street meat. No problem, right? Wrong.

Apparently street vendors are threats to national security, as EVERY FREAKIN' ONE AROUND MY BUILDING WAS MISSING. Not cool, Uncle Sam/U.N./NYPD. Not cool at all.

Completely unrelated - this was dinner. Bangin'.

UN Watch 2009 - global affairs consume midtown.

If you want to know every detail of the ongoing UN General Assembly meetings, try one of these. If you want to know how this thing seriously messes with the everyday midtown'er, stick around here.

Long story short, police are everywhere. Horses. Slick bikes. Towers (got yelled at while trying to photog one of them). This officer was out front of my office with 100+ of his best friends. Considering Park Avenue is 4 streets away from the UN, I can't imagine what the coverage is like over there.

Stay tuned for more on how this political pow-wow is affecting the common (wo)man.