Construction

On 42nd, I think:


It's a universal condition. If there's a hole in the ground, and a hole in the wall to look at the hole in the ground, you're gonna stick your face in the hole. I can think of other situations which can end with that very phrase, but I won't mention them here since this is a family website.

One Fifth Avenue

Taken from Washington Square Park:


I'm sure I have another picture of this building on the blog somewhere. I've always been a bit fascinated (obsessed? just a fan) with this building. After the opening of "Stage Two" of the park renovation, this view of One Fifth Avenue was revealed. I love the way the building towers over the scene. I've been somewhat obsessed (yes, I'd say obsessed in this case) with getting just the right shot of this scene. I think I shoot it every time I'm walking by that way with a camera. I think this one is close. The building itself needs to be a bit darker, but I think I'm getting closer. I just want to get it so it just looks so imposing over everything else. It's such a badass building (that's an architectual term, "badass").

I feel good. I just took a shower after a long day in the mines, Project Runway is on the TV (no homo), and when that's over Louie starts on FX (If you're not watching Louie, just do it already). Now all I have to do is figure out what to put in my stomach.

Such problems I have.

On 34th Street

I was walking on the north side between 8th and 9th heading towards B&H when he saw I was rolling with my Rolleiflex. I don't remember what he actually said, but he did agree to have his picture taken. It was a quick interaction with no names exchanged. Despite the look on his face, he didn't seem inconvenienced at all and we shook hands when it was over.

I'm trying to think of one more thing to say to wrap this up nicely, but I can't think of a thing.

Troy

Doing his set at the Hard Rock Cafe:


Yes, it was staff standup day at the Hard Rock Cafe for the Opie and Anthony show sometime at the end of July, and I came armed with my K1000, a 100-500mm zoom lens, and five rolls of Iford 3200 Pro. I'm sorry to say, but this might be one of the best shots I took. I'm going to have to scrutinize the other shots to see if there really is anything else halfway decent. Oh, and I still have another roll from that day that needs to be developed. And speaking of developing, I have two rolls all ready to go tonight. If I type it, that means I'll do it.

Well, it means there's a greater chance I'll do it.

Oh, you know me. There's no chance I'll do anything I say I'm gonna do on this thing.

But then again...

Rainbows at Her Feet,

Water jets at her hands:


Nope, no gold, just a girl playing in a fountain with two boys obviously much younger than her.

Today was move in day at NYU (pushed back a day due to the "natural disaster" that blew through yesterday). Soon I won't be able to walk a few steps without a young man or woman still sporting high school acne with a "Class of 2015" shirt. I'm not sure that old gag about how you get older and they stay the same age is really apropos. It seems like they get younger every year, even though I know they're still only 18.

I feel like I've written myself into a corner here. Or maybe I'm feeling just not fully clear-headed because my real lunch was hours ago and I've only had some ice cream since then. That might have something to do with it.

On the Bench

In Washington Square Park:


The hurricane has come and gone. We will rebuild. If it weren't for the sage advice of our mayor (given in both English and Spanish), I don't know if we'd have been able to weather the storm. I submit this photo as a reminder of simpler times, a time before Irene landed on our fair shores. Will we ever be able to remember what life was like before Irene? I don't know.

I just don't know.

One Man Band

From Queens, performing at the Hard Rock Cafe:


I'd like to get this shot in the darkroom to see what I could really get out of it. Maybe after the hurricane.

Yes, there is a hurricane bearing down on us here in NYC. But don't worry, I'm prepared. I have two (count 'em, two) different kinds of sorbet and a pint of ice cream. I have last night's leftovers, and a 24 hour market that will not be closing come hell or high water (it's not very often you get to use that term literally). I also have Jimi Hendrix playing (The Jimi Hendrix Experience Box Set, Disc 4), and all is good with the universe.

La bella vita!

Pool Water

Looking blue:


You know what looks better than pool water? Pool water that's in a pool 30 stories in the sky. That's right, this is a rooftop pool. Now, 30 stories isn't so high for NYC, but I wasn't in New York. You see, I snuck out for a quick dip in the sky.

But where is this pool? What major metropolitan area is it located smack dab in the middle of? When will other pictures from this rooftop be posted, and then the guessing game can begin as to where in the world where I was?

As soon as I bother to develop them, of course. And who knows when that is, what with this hurricane panic gripping the city. Remember, if we don't go out and shop, the hurricane wins.

I don't even know what that means.

Route 46

In Elmwood Park, New Jersey:


Mayor Bloomfuckshitcocksucker was on TV for half an hour today trying to scare the shit out of the City of New York, basically saying for us to get prepared for the second coming of Katrina.

Stop it.

All I'm wondering is where will be the best place to take pictures on Sunday, and which camera(s) I should use.

Roxy on the Examination Table

At the vet's office:


Now it might look like I'm holding his head up, as if to see what may be the matter with him. Or maybe it seems like he's looking up as to see what's going on. Neither is the case. I was holding him with my hand to keep him from walking off the table because he's blind. If he were a sighted iguana, I'd have taken a different approach to the shot. You know, because back when he could see he wouldn't just walk off the table and fall, which he would be in danger of doing if I didn't take precautions such as demonstrated in this picture. As you can see, was barely able to get him in focus at arms' length with the K1000.

I love that little guy.

Shine On You Crazy Cupcake

At Molly's Cupcakes in NYC:


Yes, those are the famous Ron Bennington cupcakes that I've already written about. It's true, when you have several of them together, the heavens can't help but open up and shine down upon them.

On the other hand, it might be a light leak.

I prefer to think otherwise.

Watching the Competition

At Molly's Cupcakes in NYC:


I'm not pleased with the focus in this shot, but I do like the picture. There's a lot going on to explore. There are the competitors, there are the two girls holding up signs for the official cupcake count in front of the counter, behind which the other employees are also keeping watch (except for that one on the right), and the reflection of the crowd in the mirror behind them.

I don't know why I just said all that when you could have just looked and explored it for yourself. And why does it smell like cat food in here? Or is it tuna fish? Either way, I don't have a cat or tuna fish in the apartment, and this place is relatively tidy, and it seems to be coming through the window. What this has to do with the photo is beyond me. In fact, I'd say it has nothing to do with the photo, and more with what I'm doing right now, which is smelling things.

Yes, I have a hard life.

Unidentified (l) and Bobo (r)

At Molly's Cupcakes in New York City:


The man on the left is unidentified because I didn't ask him his name. I didn't speak to either of them. I just wanted to take the picture. Actually, I wanted to take a proper profile shot of Bobo, but for whatever reason (not pulling the trigger as usual) I didn't. I'm sure I'll see Bobo again at some function and maybe then I'll do right by him.

But in case you're wondering, that is Daniel "Bobo" Kurlan. He's a big Opie and Anthony fan and has become one of the show's supernumeraries (for lack of a better term). He's also soon to be the subject of a dating game where the winning female will get $1000 and a supervised date with Daniel.

Bobo is a polarizing figure in the Opie and Anthony world. He's either loved or hated. As for myself, I absolutely love the guy. He's a sweet, innocent kid (as much of a "kid" a 28 year old could be to this 41 year old), that loves nothing more than the Mets, Nascar, and a certain radio show. I hope it all works out for him someday. I hope he wins in the end.

Smilin' Dave McDonald

Yes, you may recognize this person as Dave, who was featured in a similar shot some time ago. But in that shot, he wasn't smiling. Dave's teeth are clearly visible in this picture, thus denoting a smile. I'm also proud to say that this picture and the other are being used for the entry page for Dave's site. But like the last time, and in my tradition with only posting one link per entry (if there's a link to post), I'll post a link for the Stanley McDonald Fund.

Just go there and do a good thing for good people.

Tomorrow I'll carry on with more Molly's shenanigans, though admittedly the Molly's shots are beginning to wind down. But maybe there will be a surprise or two to come. Actually, I don't know. Also actually, I'm really tired right now. Enjoy the picture of Dave. See you tomorrow.

Pat and Mike

No, not the Tracy/Hepburn movie....


I know you already recognize Pat from Moonachie on the left. But the man on the right is Mike Caka (sp?) the man behind Molly's Cupcakes. Why they're not called "Mike's Cupcakes" I don't know. But Mike's or Molly's, they're pretty darned good. Go down to the Village and get some already why don't you.

Behind the Counter II

At Molly's Cupcakes in NYC:


Yes, another view of Molly's employees watching the cupcake eating contest. Does it seem like I'm pushing it with these Molly's shots? Maybe a little. Perhaps these rolls are winding down. But then, what will I go to next? How will I keep this Virus themed stretch going?

Foreshadowing, anyone?

Earl

I took two meter readings, and opened up my aperture a little extra, even though I knew I should have opened it all the way, and maybe even gone down in shutter speed. I should have known better when taking a picture indoors of a black man wearing all black clothes. But enough about my inadequacies as a photographer, let's talk about Earl.

This is Earl Douglas AKA "Black Earl" (a nickname borne from his wardrobe — all black all the time) He spent many years working in radio. He worked alongside the legendary Scott Muni at WNEW, and went on to work for Opie and Anthony and eventually Ron and Fez. He's also a longtime member of the Black Rock Coalition. He's also a photographer and has written a book featuring his photographs of "Black Rock" bands. His upcoming gig is amazing. It's one of those jobs where you can't believe they're paying you to do it. I'm not mentioning it here since I'm not sure he would want it spread around, but trust me, it's pretty awesome. I had a really good time talking with Earl.

Earl, you're a good man who deserves a better picture. I look forward to taking it again, and getting it right.

Behind the Counter

At Molly's Cupcakes in NYC:


They're watching the aforementioned cupcake eating contest featuring two diabetics, 19 toes, and two very overtaxed pancreases.

Fez

This is the lesser of the two crappy photos I took of Fez Whatley. For those of you who don't know, Fez is one half of Ron and Fez, who can be heard 11am-3pm weekdays on The Virus (Sirius 105, XM 206). I've been listening to Ron and Fez since they first came to NYC radio in February, 2000. But what can I say about Fez that hasn't been explored on the air? I can't offer any inside insight on the man, other than this was the second time I met him. The first time was outside the McGraw Hill Building right after he had put Dick Cavett in a cab following his Unmasked taping. It was cold, but I had to stop Fez for just a few seconds to tell him how big a fan I was. I even said something to the effect that I was having a "fan moment."

I was less gushy when I took this shot (at Molly's Cupcakes in NYC). I didn't want to bother Fez too much, so I just took two quick shots as this man dressed as a cupcake finished eating a cupcake (I'm not sure this counts as cannibalism), and then hung around shooting the rest of the days' festivities.

Fez, you're a great guy and I owe you a better picture. I hope I get the chance to take it again.

A Couple of Swingers

In Greenwich Village:


This is what they mean by "swinging," right?

Yes, that's Pat again on the right, and I'll get to that man on the left soon enough, just as soon as I figure out which of the crummy photos I took of him I want to actually make public. Stay tuned.

Pat

This is Patrick Philbin AKA Pat From Moonachie. He's a fan turned friend of the Opie and Anthony Show on The Virus (Sirius 105, XM 206 6-10am weekdays), and over the past few years has gotten involved in the ever expanding world of competitive eating, and as recently as this year chowed down at the world famous Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. He didn't win (who can against Joey Chestnut?) but we Virus fans are proud of our Pat.

He's a very funny guy (if you didn't know that already), and after having met and talked to him a little at Molly's Cupcakes (in New York), he's also really nice (dare I say "sweet," considering we were at a cupcake place. Or is calling a diabetic "sweet" in poor taste?) — but that didn't come as a surprise. He's a good guy all around (no pun intended, I swear. Okay, maybe a little).

PS: Thanks for the retweets, Pat!

Diabetics in a Cupcake Throwdown: Side View

I think title and picture are one in the same:


I do like the contrast of a white shaved head against a black-shirted background. Do I have to mention that this is Molly's Cupcakes in New York?

Yes, that is one very big, very white head. Who does it belong to? I think we'll find out pretty soon.

Two Diabetics Competing in a Cupcake Eating Contest

I think the title of this post sounds like the name of an indie rock album, or maybe some kind of Dadaist sculpture. But no, that's exactly what's going on here:


There's that man again on the left, the one dressed like a cupcake. And there's that man on the right, who we also saw in a post from a few days ago. Yes, I know I haven't gotten around to telling you about them yet. I will in due time (and that's not one of my empty promises either. I'm sure anybody who reads this blog knows all about my empty promises).

And if you've been paying attention in even the least bit over the past few days, you'll know that this was taken at Molly's Cupcakes in New York City. Oh, and they're not just eating any cupcakes, but the Ron Bennington cupcake, and let me tell you, if you don't shit your pants and ejaculate simultaneously upon taking a bite of this marvelous confection, then you probably don't have taste buds (or might just plain be dead) and should demand your money back.

But trust me, you won't be wanting a refund, you'll just be heading back for more with a box of Depends under each arm.

The Cupcake is in Focus

The pretty girl isn't:


I mean, why would I bother focusing on the lovely pastry server when I could try to get the best focus possible on a cupcake with an unlit candle sticking out of the top of it? And I didn't even do the best job getting that in super sharp focus either. If you've been following this blog for a while, or maybe even if this is your first time stumbling across it, then you know that I'm pretty much a mediocre at best photographer that gets lucky every so often if only because I take so many pictures.

Oh yeah, this was also taken at Molly's Cupcakes in New York. I have a feeling there's going to be quite a few shots from Molly's coming up in the near future, focused or non.

Jenga!

At Molly's Cupcakes in New York City:


Who is this man in the act of losing a game of Jenga? Why is he dressed suspiciously like a cupcake? Who is that bald man in the background, or the man behind the counter, or the girl with the baseball cap? I know the answer to all those questions but the last one. I don't know who she is, or the other figure whose legs are the only features visible. I'll answer all those questions (the ones I know the answers to) as more pictures from this day get developed and posted.

Here's a better question. How did I end up getting everything just slightly out of focus, like the idiot photographer that I am?

Shannon

Chivalry can be demonstrated in many different ways. You can lay your coat on a mud puddle for a lady, so her shoes won't get soiled. Or perhaps, you can simply open a door, or walk on the outside of the sidewalk (I don't think anybody's done that since Marty). My act of chivalry was to stand in front of Shannon as to shield her from the White Castle hamburgers that were being thrown around at the Bugout Society show at ABC No Rio. And boy, was she lucky I was there because I sure got a heaping helping of burgers heaved my way. Though Shannon would later point out that I wasn't just shielding her from random burgers being thrown about, but that I was an actual target for said projectiles.

All the more reason she should have been behind me, no?

Lousy Photos of a Cute Girl

Yes, once again I demonstrate my rare talent for taking a perfectly cute person and capturing them in a most unflattering fashion. And she was a nice girl. She was French (well, she probably still is French. I don't know why that would change between then and now). She works at a restaurant on the Lower East Side (then again, maybe she doesn't work there anymore. Unlike being French, that is something that might have changed between the time I took this picture in June and today). She said she hadn't been in NYC for very long, and was about to return to Paris (France, that is) for a short break. Oh, and obviously, I completely forgot her name, as if it weren't already bad enough that I took crummy photos of her (crumby? crumbly?).

But please, don't judge her looks on my crappy photos. She's much nicer looking than that, and deserved much better than this.

They Came From Florida

...to play a show on the Lower East Side. I don't remember where they said. Maybe it was Arlene's, maybe not. They told me their names and the name of their band. Obviously, I've forgotten all three. I also to the best of my ability helped to decipher the secret language of NYC's parking regulation signs (which sometimes are still a mystery to me, a seasoned NYC driver and parker).

Guys, I forgot if I gave you a card. If I did, and you happen to see this, feel free to fill in the details I egregiously (yet as per usual for me) forgot.

In the Garment District

There's a statue of this guy:


So far, the only thing I had for lunch today was a Ron Bennington Cupcake from Molly's Cupcakes which is soon to be open full time this Sunday. I took some pictures there too, and if I didn't completely fuck things up, maybe they'll end up on this blog (as opposed to where else, I have no idea).

Big Bamboo

In Battery Park:


They made these little farm plots down there, and this is a section of the fence that they use to enclose said farmed land.

PS: Big ups to anybody who gets the subject reference without having to look it up.

Legs and Shadow

In Washington Square Park:


This is a scan of an actual print. The print looks better. Trust me on this.

"Film Camera"

That's what he said when he noticed my K1000. I quickly asked if I could take his picture and as you can see he was obliging. As you can also probably see, I didn't get him in focus (why would I...).

Beans

Lots and lots of beans!

Yes, at the Farmers' Market in Union Square, you can find all sorts of beans, from green to white, though here they look dark gray, and a little lighter gray. You won't find many artists selling their work in the park anymore, but if it's beans you want, there's a plenty to choose from.

This Building

You know, the one in New York:


Yeah, that one.

Bank and Bus

On Bowery and Canal:


No, there aren't any pagoda puns to be had here. Just a little alliteration.

Emerging

From the fountain in Washington Square Park:


I went to the Pompeii exhibit at the Discovery Times center today. They're also running a Harry Potter exhibit. What they're showing, I have no idea. Like I don't know if there's props, or the giant makeup case they use for Gary Oldman. Either way, the disparity in the size and the age of the crowds was quite something.

You'll have to excuse me now, I have to stick a needle in my lizard.

Up Against The Wall

Is as good a place as any to write a quick note:


And no, I didn't take this because she has a nice ass, is wearing a see-through shirt, and holding the pen cap in her mouth. Those were just fringe benefits of pushing the button that makes the shutter go "click."

I Forgot His Name

They came in droves, each one with a camera, every camera digital. They were young and old, white and black, tattooed and unadorned. They were on the Great B&H Photo Scavenger Hunt (I added the "Great"), and were in Washington Square Park to scavenge photos of people. Someone told me that there were different categories of people, such as a hot dog vendor, a musician, and I don't know what politically correct category they would have put him in. "Street Person?"

I don't remember what I was shooting when I saw people gathering around him with their cameras. I, as I did in a photo I posted a few days earlier, took a few steps back and took pictures of the photographers shooting him. He sat on the bench enjoying the attention, when he noticed me and said, "That's an old one!"

I stepped forward amidst the sea of shooters and sat close to him. "What's your name," I asked, since I doubt anybody else did (the self-important hypocrite that I am). He told me his name which I've since forgotten, and I offered to shake hands, which we did (which made me feel even more like a self-important hypocrite, and I reminded myself to chop off my hand once I got home).

"Can I take your picture," I asked. I knew it was a silly question, but I figured I'd be formal about it.

"Look around!" he said, gesturing to the crowd around him. "I'm featured on so-and-so's blog (yet another thing I forgot)." We went on and made small talk about a vintage store in the neighborhood that has cameras in the window.

I was the closest to him of all the photographers. This was the last picture I took of him, having gotten even closer for my last shot. I left feeling all haughty and high-minded that I seemingly got this "exclusive" access, or maybe that I was willing to get so close to the, "Street Person." You can see me in the reflection of his sunglasses, there on the left. You can see my hat. Heck, here's a detail of it taken at full size:


In the end, I said goodbye and headed back home. I didn't cut off my hand, and I didn't give the man anything for his troubles. Hell, I didn't even have the common courtesy to remember his name.

I just took his photo to put it on my blog, exploiting him in the hopes that people will look at it and give me the credit for taking a good picture.

But that's in our job description, right?

Pagoda on Canal

Street, that is:


Some might think it unusual that a pagoda would be sitting on top of an otherwise nondescript building, but not in New York City's Chinatown, which has been growing ever since the middle of the 19th century. It is a rich and proud tradition that has been carried on from generation to generation, each steeped both in the culture of their homeland and this place called New York City. However, some might think it unusual that the man who owns the pagoda is named Abraham. It's Abe's Pagoda.

Get it?

ABE'S PAGODA!

You know, it's entries like this that make it all worthwhile.

Topless, Jacketless...

And a guy pointing his camera at me instead of at the topless naked painted chick:


A topless naked painted chick in Times Square in the middle of a weekday? Why not!

A Real Headscratcher

In Washington Square Park:


Any thoughts? Ideas? Do you scratch your left ear with your right hand? Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?

Working Out

By any means necessary, in SoHo:


I wish I could figure a way to have more contrast between this dude and the background. Well, maybe I'll experiment with actual printing in the darkroom and see if I can't finagle something there. Otherwise, I really like this one. And this was the only shot I was able to get off. This dude was exercising all over the street corner, much to the chagrin of a pushcart peanut vendor, and they had been having words. Actually, I was just hanging around waiting to take pictures in case a fight broke out when this dude jumped up to do his pull-ups. After that I left, possible fight be damned. I just think the exerciser was happy to be displaying his manliness not only to the vendor, but to the ladies strolling up and down Broadway. And who could blame him?

Naptime

In Washington Square Park:


No, this wasn't taken today, though I'm sure people outside didn't have the energy to do much else today. And no, I'm not complaining about the heat. I'm sure I've written on this thing before about how I despise people who complain about the weather. It's summer. It's supposed to be hot. Admittedly, it's pretty fucking hot today, but it's July for crying out loud.

It's all good, yo.

Catching a Glance

In SoHo:


I like this guy. I like his purse, not that I'd ever wear one. Then again, I'm pretty sure he was speaking some kind of European language, so that makes it okay. Also, he's of a certain age, so that's okay too.

Then again, he might be a raging lemon partier.

If you don't know what a lemon party is...well, you go look it up.

Shooting the Shooters

In Washington Square Park:


This was part of a big B&H photo scavenger hunt I just happened to happen upon yesterday. I'll probably post more about this later on, since I still have more film to develop. Oh, and I also made an actual print of this image in a darkroom (yes, I'm getting into that sort of thing now). And let me tell you, there is no substitute for real darkroom printing when compared to the scanning negatives. It's making me think I've been going about this photo thing all wrong. Hell, I'll post the scanned print below. I'm not posting the highest res scan, but I think you can even see below the difference in sharpness between the two. Like in the small details, like that woman's hair on the left, the one with the glasses who's checking her camera, the one with the striped shirt. That one. And in other places. I've been doing myself a disservice.


Maybe you can't tell from a quick glance or two, but trust me.

Oh boy.