Sunday, January 29, 2012

Rally in Washington Square Park

This was the scene today in Washington Square Park as OWS rallied in support of Occupy Oakland.

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park

The People's Library...
The people's library

Knitters...
Change is in the air

The Tax Dodgers...
Tax Dodgers

The Drum Circle...
Drum circle

I had to leave before the group marched downtown. but for footage of that, see Tim Pool's video here:  Timcast

See more photos here.

Previously.

It lives!

Magic pill

We're back online!  After a week of technical turmoil, I'm happy to report we're mostly functional.  The photo archive is still trapped in a nebula, but we're hoping that will be sorted out soon.  In the mean time, let's forge ahead...

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Dead in the water

Ugh.  So, my computer up and died.  Or, more specifically, became zombified.  It's technically still alive, but its braaaaaiiiinz are mush.  This has meant being unable to upload any pictures or do much of anything.  I didn't think I was that dependent on living digitally, but I was wrong.  This is just to let you know it's not over...I will be back!


This is so not over

E. 10th Street.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

'Til we meet again

Forever, and forever, farewell . . . !
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;
If not, why then this parting was well made.

                                                                                     -- Julius Caesar


Mars Bar in the Morning VIII

For the last several weeks, I've made sure to stop by the former Mars Bar on a daily basis and document its demise.  I had plans to do a big post on the demolition, taking close to 300 photos and video.  Then, the day came recently when the building was entirely gone and I was released from my task.  But, the obsession that had driven me to get over there each day before the sun dipped below the new and futuristic skyline, had also disappeared.

Rather than a pile of rubble being my last memory of the place, I want to remember the SW corner of 2nd Avenue and 1st Street as being a spot where I had some of the best times and met some really awesome people.

Melanie and Bob

Mars Bar

Mars Bar

Mars Bar

Gary and Marty

Mars Bar

Mars Bar

Hank

Since Mars closed last July, I've stayed in touch with many Martians, but there has been nothing to replace that tiny, grungy room that brought everyone together and embodied such fun and chaos.  Nowhere else have I found a place that encourages (or allows) its patrons to express themselves with such childish glee.  Although there are plenty of other bars/restaurants/galleries/parks in which to hang out and pass the time, my heart still aches for something that has been permanently lost.

You must have been warned against letting the golden hours slip by; but some of them are golden only because we let them slip by.    -- J. M. Barrie

For those interested, you can see some demolition pictures on my Flickr page.  I've posted them at the end of the set and they're in chronological order.

Previously.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Winter on 5th Avenue

As I mentioned earlier, it's a tradition of mine to open the holiday season with a trip up 5th Avenue to see the Bergdorf Goodman windows.  I usually do this before Christmas when there are hordes of shoppers and I end up losing my temper with the crowds and running away screaming.  This year, I had the brilliant idea to trek up there after Christmas (duh!) when the streets were airier and more tolerable.

The show-stopper this year was this underwater mosaic scene (pictures don't do it justice):

Bergdorf Goodman

I really loved this one:

Bergdorf Goodman

And a detail from a display made entirely of black and white paper:

Bergdorf Goodman

Meanwhile, at Saks...

Saks

I have no idea what Lady Gaga, bubbles and creepy little girls had to do with anything, but it was fun to look at.

More Bergdorf Goodman pics here.

More Saks.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Monday, January 9, 2012

Time to hit the Stage!

So many favorite neighborhood businesses have been closing lately, it's making me nervous.  The best way to combat this anxiety is to continue to support those that still live, so here's my plug for one I could not live without:  The Stage Restaurant at 128 2nd Ave.

Stage Restaurant

Seating is limited, but when it's full, I just take a walk around the block or run an errand and there's usually a free stool when I'm done.  Or, just go at an off-peak time.  The service is great, the company entertaining, and the food is good and affordable.  I've tried just about everything here and have never been disappointed.  You can see their menu here, but they also have daily specials, so be sure to pop in and ask.

The Stage is one of the few counter joints remaining and offers a real "old school" New York experience.  The only drawback is there is no public restroom, but there's a Starbucks up the street that does just nicely...

Also, they're closed on Sundays.

See also.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Welcome to Mordor

Walking past Mars Bar (ahem, the former Mars Bar) tonight, the hair on my neck suddenly stood up and a feeling of dread spread over me.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw it:  the smoldering red eye of the future...

Welcome to Mordor

Previously.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012