Trashed

Some people went crazy buying all the bread in the stores or taping their windows in anticipation of Hurricane Irene.  I went crazy by trying to find as many up-turned garbage cans as possible.


Ave B & 6th St


1st Ave & 4th St


Houston & Attorney


2nd Ave & St Mark's Place


Houston & Clinton

You can see more here.

Irene parties in the EV, gets bored, moves upstate

I shot this around 1:30am as Hurricane Tropical Storm Irene arrived in NYC.  This was really as bad as it got around my building on First Avenue.  There was some tree damage in the back yard, but as you can see, there are people in the video walking as if nothing was amiss.

The most excitement starts around the 1:30 mark.



Direct YouTube link.


I did like the way the rain blew down the avenue in waves...and I do wish the neighborhood was this empty every Saturday night.


For comparison, see footage from last December's blizzard here.

Looking back

I took this photo last Friday, a day before Hurricane Irene was supposed to pound us. Several other people stopped in their tracks to take a photo as the sky was so dramatic and brooding. I thought we'd experience even more drama with the storm, but looking back, this was as thrilling as it would get.

Preparing for Hurricane Irene in the East Village

Taping up windows around the EV.  Stay safe, everyone!









Good luck!



More Hurricane Irene photos can be seen on my Flickr page.

She's got 'em

And she knows how to use them!

...navigating the perilous streets...



...participating in a fire drill....



...kicking up those heels at the Slipper Room...



...relaxing in the garden.



Obligatory:



Direct YouTube link.

Too much of a good thing

I can't sleep because it's too quiet.

It's a never-ending quest for peace and solitude on a tiny island inhabited by millions of people, but sometimes, there are nights that are inexplicably silent.  Sirens, jack-hammers, trucks barreling over those giant steel plates in the street (ka-thunk, ka-thunk, ka-thunk) all have explanations.  But, quiet...now, that's a mystery.



Previously.

Cool town

This August has been surprisingly cool and cloudy, but I'm not complaining. Last summer was absolutely tortuous for me as I just can't handle heat and humidity.

So, I'm all too happy this summer to turn off the air-conditioning and enjoy the breeze.



After all, things could always be much, much worse...




In summer, the song sings itself.    

-- William Carlos Williams

Not creepy at all...

Corner office - must see to be believed!

Amenities include, but are not limited to:

- Fabulous downtown view
- Original French doors
- Roof access
- Dual air-conditioning
- Private porch with option to expand
- Walking distance to TGI Friday's



Greenwich & Edgar Streets

The dumpster awaits...

The big red dumpster can never contain everything that makes up the big red planet...



See also...

That old feeling

Broome & Crosby

Confronting Comfort

Saturday night, a group of activists led by John Penley, protested gentrification in the LES/EV. 

The first stop was at the Economakis 'mansion' on E 3rd Street.  You can read up on some of the controversial history of the building here.



The highlight of the evening was stopping at the BMW/Guggenhaim Lab on E 1st Street where there is an exhibit called Confronting Comfort.  It's purpose is to "...explore how urban environments can be made more responsive to people’s needs, how people can feel at ease in an urban environment, and how to find a balance between notions of modern comfort and the urgent need for environmental and social responsibility."



The protesters feel the exhibit fails to address or meet the needs of the community.



It's best to hear the speakers in their own words, so here are some video excerpts from the Lab:

Mr Penley and crew confront the comfort of the Lab staff by smoking...


Direct YouTube link

Explaining the Tompkins Square police riots of 1988 and some history of the neighborhood.


Direct YouTube link

Caveman's take on things...


Direct YouTube link

More coverage of the event can be found on these sites:
EV Grieve
Neither More Nor Less
Marty After Dark
Gothamist

You can see more photos of the protest on my Flickr page.

David Peel and The Lower East Side

This past weekend marked the 23rd anniversary of the Tompkins Square Park Police Riots.  Several bands played in the park to commemorate the event, including one of my local favorites, David Peel and The Lower East Side.



With special appearances by the Pieman...



And, LES Jewels, enjoying the show.



Have a listen - here the band sings the always- enjoyable "Marijuana"


Direct YouTube link

And, of course, "The Pope Smokes Dope"


Direct YouTube link

And now for something completely different...

Second Avenue and 3rd Street.