SoHa To SoHo

My staycation

2009-05-07T00:13:00.006-04:00

Elephant parade

2009-05-06T23:19:00.006-04:00

How do they get the elephants to the circus in the middle of the big city? They walk them right through town late at night so that no one sees.

(Except for the thousands of us waiting with cameras, that is.)

Virgin no more

2009-05-06T21:22:00.007-04:00

I never thought I would be so sad to see the closing of a major corporate establishment, but the death of the Times Square Virgin Megastore is truly a significant loss. Not only was it my favorite place to go in the area, it was also the largest music and entertainment store in the world. Fitting for Times Square.

Now that the Virgin Megastore in Union Square is closing too, there will be no major music retailers left in all of New York City. Will this help the many struggling independents left in the area? Or is the passing of Virgin a sign of more to come?

DC in NYC

2009-04-25T01:19:00.009-04:00

The picture on the right is of a fire hydrant I found in a Brooklyn alley. It kinda reminds me of the United States Capitol Building.

Here's an idea for some guerilla art:
1. Spray paint a hydrant white.
2. Put a little plastic figurine on top.
3. Bring a little DC to NYC.

Today I got a new umbrella

2009-04-11T16:35:00.010-04:00

In the fall of 2000, my mother purchased a small black Totes© umbrella for me in San Diego, California. That umbrella accompanied me through the streets of Mexico City, the hills of Pachuca, Hidalgo, the corridors of Brigham Young University, and the avenues of New York City.

In the spring of 2009, a man at the entrance of Argosy Book Store on 59th Street in Manhattan picked up that same black umbrella--now worn and breaking. He looked at it with puzzled eyes. And, mistaking it for his, walked away with it--leaving behind his own small black Totes© umbrella.

How I spent my vacation days

2009-03-29T22:33:00.004-04:00

The lines drawn here represent every footstep I took during my time off. Each day is a different color. From afar I think they look like the Nazca lines in Peru. Or maybe constellations or something.

Supposedly when you don't travel anywhere for your vacation it's called a staycation. But as you can see, I didn't really do much staying around at all.

Pictures coming soon.

Run, Walk, Explore, Run

2009-02-14T12:55:00.000-05:00

02/14/2009 Route
Find more Runs in New York, New York

Changefest '09

2009-01-22T00:20:00.000-05:00

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Changefest '09 - Obama's Inaugural Speech

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Extemporaneous Eve

2009-01-01T12:34:00.005-05:00

Last night I decided to conduct an experiment. How close could I get to seeing the ball drop in Times Square if I left home at 11pm. The answer: not very close.

Here is a map of my three-mile investigation. I popped out from underground at 40th St. I could actually see the ball from behind at this spot, but not the celebration. So, I headed uptown. Block after block was already barricaded by police. It wasn't until 58th St. that they actually let us in. From there getting back down was next to impossible. By the time the ball dropped I was still stuck at 53rd. Fortunately, they had nice big screens to show us the action from afar. Once 2009 began, I continued heading downtown wherever the police and barricades would let me.

NYE 2009
Find more Walks in New York, New York

It wasn't until 12:30 that I actually got to Times Square proper. Though most of the people had gone, I did get to witness the gorgeous confetti twisters blow about. It was good enough for me.

For some great photos of what I saw, click here.

Save the Spur!

2008-12-01T00:55:00.006-05:00

The High Line is an amazing strip of elevated rail line built in the 1930s that used to be used to transport goods from Midtown down to the Meatpacking District. Over the course of the century, it fell into disuse and was close to being torn down. Fortunately, the local community fought to protect it, and in a couple months, a section of it will open as a brilliant elevated walkway/park.

I'm going to a forum tonight to help save the last part of the High Line still left unprotected. It's called "The Spur." (When you see a map of it, you'll understand why.) "Friends of the High Line" want as many people as possible to show up at this meeting to demonstrate public interest in keeping this fascinating part of NYC history alive.

If this moves you as it does me, try to attend tonight.

Mon, Dec. 1, 6:30–8:30 PM 520 West 49th Street

More info here. Be sure to RSVP.

2008-11-17T03:23:00.006-05:00

Interesting Words from Elton John

2008-11-15T02:41:00.009-05:00

"We're not married. Let's get that right. We have a civil partnership. What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriage. Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word marriage.
I don't want to be married. I'm very happy with a civil partnership. If gay people want to get married, or get together, they should have a civil partnership. The word 'marriage,' I think, puts a lot of people off.
You get the same equal rights that we do when we have a civil partnership. Heterosexual people get married. We can have civil partnerships."

Full story here. Interestingly enough, I just purchased my first Elton John record (unless you count The Lion King) a couple weeks ago. It was about time.

The Real Hate of Prop 8

2008-11-15T02:11:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure who's actions are more upsetting: the disrespectful protesters, or the newscaster summing it all up with "hate on both sides." It looks like a pretty one-sided attack to me. Then again, this Christian woman could have had a hate-filled message on her sign. Let's hope not.

Now what?

2008-11-06T20:32:00.007-05:00

After many months of speculating what an Obama presidency might look like, we can now stop wondering. Like it or not, change is here.

After an emotional victory speech, Obama hit the ground running Wednesday by asking Rahm Emanuel to be White House chief of staff. While we obviously can't expect complete bipartisanship in all of Obama's selections, it's difficult to see how Emanuel will be able to help the president-elect fix or unify our broken government. Emanuel is known as a fowl-mouthed, highly-partisan Washington insider. While this in itself isn't necessarily an offense, his connections to Freddie Mac are.

What you probably won't hear reported in the news is that, like Obama, Emanuel has been heavily funded by this corrupt government-sponsored agency that played a role in our current financial crisis. (McCain also received money, but not nearly as much as Obama.)

Now, for some reason, when it was discovered that McCain's top advisor was receiving money from Fannie and Freddie, it was big news at the New York Times. Don't expect the same scrutiny for this new leader of Obama's "post-partisan" reformation, though.

The news media helped elect Obama; now they have to do their best to keep him popular.

Read more about Emanuel and Obama here and here.

2008-10-29T20:14:00.000-04:00

Only in Harlem

2008-10-23T20:14:00.004-04:00

Says a solitary young man holding a picture of Obama above his head as he walks down Lenox Ave.:

Change! Change! We're gonna change this!

Woman walking by:

We aint gonna change s***!

Late last night

2008-10-15T13:42:00.002-04:00

10/14/2008 Route
Find more Walks in Chicago, Illinois

Video Explosion

2008-10-06T23:54:00.009-04:00

Election Day 2008 is now officially less than a month away, and both major candidates (and their followers) are on the attack. I've posted below a variety of videos (mostly of the anti-Obama persuasion) that I find especially interesting. Topics range from anti-Obama African American sentiment, the quasi-religious fanaticism of Obama-mania, and the roots of our current economic crisis. The views expressed in these videos are not necessarily my own. Please enjoy, and also, please feel free to enlighten me with your views on our economy. I think it's key to understand where fault lies in order to understand how to to prevent another situation like this from happening. For a rather unexpected analysis of the crisis, check out this article from the Washington Post. What do you think?

2008-10-06T21:22:00.001-04:00

2008-10-06T00:23:00.000-04:00

2008-10-06T00:13:00.001-04:00

2008-10-06T00:07:00.000-04:00

2008-10-06T00:02:00.001-04:00

2008-10-05T23:57:00.001-04:00

2008-10-05T23:48:00.000-04:00

2008-10-05T22:31:00.000-04:00

2008-10-05T22:28:00.001-04:00

2008-10-05T22:23:00.000-04:00

2008-10-05T22:05:00.001-04:00

2008-10-03T00:54:00.002-04:00

2008-09-28T00:49:00.000-04:00

2008-09-23T14:42:00.006-04:00

Let's be honest

2008-09-22T23:57:00.009-04:00

Photo by Associated Press

While I am finding this election season to be particularly entertaining, I have to admit that the lying, stretching, distorting, and omitting is really getting to me. John McCain appears to be the worse of the two major candidates on the integrity front, but Obama aint no saint either.

This chart put out by TIME magazine paints a detailed picture of the legions of lies put out so far by both campaigns.

For those who really want to get down to the bottom of things, I recommend factcheck.org for detailed analysis of each and every claim made. While "change" is the mantra of both campaigns this year, so far all I can see is "more of the same."

Attack of the sugar people

2008-09-12T00:17:00.000-04:00

Check out my nephew Samuel in this newscast about Utah children creating books for the less-privileged in Peru. The person you don't see in this video is my sister Sasha, who is spearheading the project. Way to go, Sasha!

9/11/08

2008-09-11T22:52:00.011-04:00

Today was one of those days that made me want my camera so badly I almost decided to shell out the $150 it would cost to fix it.

Almost.

I woke up early to get a good spot outside the metal barricade protecting the September 11th Commemoration Ceremony downtown. After being moved several times by cops while getting serenaded by a Mennonite choir, the event finally began. I could see it pretty well from my spot, but I was only able to make it halfway through the letter "B" in the reading of the victims before I started to get restless. I wandered over to Trinity Church to sit in quiet for a moment before making my way to a more secluded vantage point where family members were entering the ceremony. I wanted to stay longer but work was calling me. Fortunately Hillary Clinton walked by before my time was up.

After work I made it back downtown just in time to sign one of the steel beams that will be used for the foundation of the new WTC memorial building. It will be a time capsule of sorts. I also got to write a note to be catalogued for access once the memorial opens.

From there I made it to the Staten Island Ferry to see Tribute in Light from the harbor. (This year could be the last for the lights.) Back in Manhattan I couldn't resist finding the source of the giant beams. It turns out they are projected from the rooftop of a parking garage south of the actual WTC site. Who knew? Once back in Harlem, I got on my rooftop to see how well I could see the tribute from afar. It felt much closer than I thought it would.

Today I was able to better process the events of 9/11. I was also able to better imagine what life would be like having the towers back as landmarks. They may be seven years gone now, but for me they've never felt closer.

Summer Streets

2008-08-18T10:53:00.001-04:00

Summer Streets
Find more Runs in New York, New York

Julieta Venegas @ Central Park Summerstage

2008-07-25T17:13:00.003-04:00

My favorite thing about going to Mexican concerts is that I can always see over the crowd. (And what a view it was.)

Obama in the Office

2008-07-24T18:37:00.005-04:00

There is a generally-accepted rule in American corporate culture that says not to bring politics into the workplace. Certainly political posters fit into this category of "off limits" material for the office.

But for some reason with Barack Obama things are different. It seems the rule is now politics = bad, Obama = good. A few months ago I was surprised to see the Shepard Fairey-designed Obama "Hope" poster up in an office down the hall from me. And now the cubicle a few spots over is sporting the Obama Rolling Stone magazine cover shot.

This brings our grand total up to two--a number I can only assume will grow as November nears. It's got me curious to know what things are like in other parts of the country. So, how many Obamas in your office?

Tragically, my camera stopped working.

2008-06-26T00:52:00.016-04:00

Insert photo here.

And here.

Caption. Caption. Caption. Blah. Blah. Blah.

And here.

Kid's Television Celebrity Sandwich

2008-06-19T01:08:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I had our producer call in Steve Burns do the voice-over talent for an animatic I'm working on. In case you don't know, Steve was the host of the popular kid's show Blue's Clues from 1996-2002. I'm more of a fan of his career as a rock musician though.

As luck would have it, Roscoe Orman was also called in to help out yesterday. Roscoe has played Gordon on Sesame Street since 1972.

I thought I would be the one who was most star-struck. But when Steve realized who Roscoe was, he was more than a little excited himself. It was a priceless moment in kid's TV history.

Reunions

2008-06-19T00:53:00.004-04:00

This weekend I snuck off to Utah to see my family. It'll be a while till we're all together again, seeing as that my brother and sister-in-law are moving to Munich.

Our visit also coincided with a big Lunt family reunion. (That's my grandma's line.)

Family history gets more and more interesting the older I get.

Three Cheers for Stringer!!!

2008-06-19T00:07:00.002-04:00

It's no secret that small business is suffering here in Manhattan. So I was elated when I found out that Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer wants to do something about it. Last week I went to his small biz forum where he and a panel answered questions and took suggestions from the locals. It was heartbreaking to hear the stories of many long-time business owners who are struggling to survive in our new "strip-mall city." It's nice to know that someone cares though. First order of business: stop national chains from getting local subsidies here in Manhattan!

Happy Birthday Reagan

2008-06-18T23:58:00.002-04:00

Franklin Place

2008-06-18T23:42:00.003-04:00

Learning to Row with Harlem River Community Rowing

2008-06-18T23:36:00.002-04:00

The Moving of Hamilton Grange

2008-06-18T23:15:00.005-04:00

In 1802, Alexander Hamilton had this house built in upper Manhattan. He lived there for two years before being killed by Aaron Burr.

Two weeks ago, Hamilton's house was moved for the second time in its 206 year history. I was proud to be in attendance for the event. Read more about it here.

Playing the Building by David Byrne

2008-06-18T22:14:00.009-04:00

Music visionary David Byrne has done it again. This time it's an interactive exhibit at the Maritime Building downtown. (I'd walked past this building a while back and tried unsuccessfully to get in, so just having it be open to the public was a treat.)

Once you get to the second floor, you find an old organ with several cords attached, stretching to the farthest regions of the auditorium. As you play the organ, the cords actually use parts of the building to create sound. Pipes whistle and metal clanks--creating an eerie sonic blend. Brilliant.

Outside the event were my friends from the Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream company. I met them in line for the Regina Spektor concert months ago before they were open for business. As promised, their truck is now packed full of gourmet ice cream and hitting the streets. I must say, the ice cream is fantastic. The packaging is eco-friendly. And could their ride be any sweeter? Nope.

Congratulations to the Musical of the Year!

2008-06-18T21:05:00.001-04:00

The Center of Something by Chris Rubino

2008-06-18T01:21:00.006-04:00

Times Square is filled with NYC-centric souvenir shops, but never has there been one quite like this. "The Center of Something" was a two-week exhibit by artist Chris Rubino that sold merchandise highlighting a great irony of our city: that the NYC charm that tourists crave (and that feeds our economy) is actually being destroyed by NYC itself.

This NYC charm I speak of is precisely what Times Square souvenir shops advertise with their trinkets. Yet sadly it is in danger.

How is it in danger? Skyrocketing rents due to out-of-control development. Where luxury and working class once coexisted in Manhattan, the balance has long been thrown out of whack.

This imbalance is seen in Rubino's work. Above we see the storefront, featuring a cockroach contrasted with the stiletto. I'll leave the interpretation to you.

Here we see the ugly new face of the Meatpacking District: a designer purse.

The "neighborhoods" of Manhattan as designated by developers and real-estate agents.

One of the last fries sold by Florent, a 23-year-old diner going out of business next week.

Me with the artist

Birthday Bridge

2008-06-18T00:40:00.002-04:00

Last month the Brooklyn Bridge turned 125 years old. They threw lots of festivities for the occasion, like movies in the park and this cool light show. It's not everyday you see the bridge decked out in neon.

The Müllers

2008-06-18T00:15:00.004-04:00

Last month my friend Stephan and his family came to visit NYC from Germany. Check out their adorable daughters. We had a great time. I took them to eat at Florent down in the Meatpacking District before it closes it's doors forever. Now that Simon is moving to Germany, maybe it'll be my turn to visit them next over in Frankfurt. I need to learn German.

Wax

2008-06-05T23:43:00.005-04:00

One day I found a little art gallery by my office. One of the pieces in it was a giant heart made out of a rusty pipe covered in burning candles of various colors.

A few days later I saw some guys loading the installations into a truck and asked what was going to happen to all that wax. It was my job to save it from the trash.

I think the Saatchi Health + Wellness neon green makes a nice backdrop for these unusual scraps.

Kinda reminds me of when my brother and I melted crayons on the kitchen stove. Our technique wasn't quite so good though.

Tower of Toys 1985-2008

2008-06-02T00:21:00.005-04:00

This decrepit piece was one of the first things I fell in love with in New York City. It was a glimpse into the bohemian spirit of the East Village of yesteryear. Last month it was taken down for safety reasons. (You can't tell from the photo, but it looked like it was going to fall over.)

As with most losses to the city, I am saddened by its passing. But hey, at least this time wasn't a victim of condos or Starbucks or anything. In fact, I was told by an insider that the artist himself would have wanted it taken down. Rest in peace my beloved sculpture of trash.

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

2008-06-01T23:20:00.003-04:00

w/ Erick and Reagan, May 10, 2008

Yes, this is Brooklyn.

Half-Handed Cloud

2008-06-01T23:05:00.004-04:00

@ Cake Shop with Adrienne and Christina, May 6, 2008

Freeman Alley

Wanderlust finds me in Queens

2008-05-15T21:31:00.009-04:00

If you haven't seen it yet, the new Bjork video for 'Wanderlust' is fantastic. A couple of months ago I got to see the premiere at the Deitch Studios in Queens. The free screening came complete with a gallery full of props from the shoot and sketches from the creative development. The actual video is in 3D, so they handed out glasses for us to watch it. Check out the Times report on the making of the video here. Watch the actual video here.

Me + Saatchi Building = Rock Legends

2008-05-15T00:24:00.003-04:00

As I was leaving work one night in December, I ran into Michael Stipe and Patti Smith on their way to an event happening in my building.

As if that wasn't cool or random enough, I now have a new musical sighting by the Saatchi building. Last Monday I stepped out to get some fruit around 3pm. Just as soon as I left the building heading down Hudson Street--there she was. Yoko Ono.

With her was a younger woman wearing a matching hat and a few other men who I assume were her bodyguards. Because there were so many others, I didn't think it appropriate to stop them all. I did, however, flash her a big smile which she returned to me.

I pretty much melted.

So I don't know who is putting these rock heroes in my path, but whoever you are, could you please send Wayne Coyne next? Thanks.

Revisionist History for those who voted for the Pope

2008-05-14T23:12:00.003-04:00

My dad sent me this lovely picture in an email the other day.

For the rest of you who are also disappointed that I chose to see a pop star over a pope, allow me to explain myself. Had I gone to see Pope Benedict, I would have been one of many thousands of New Yorkers packed into a stretch of only a few blocks hoping for a mere glimpse of the man as he rode by.

As for the Regina Spektor concert, I was one of only several hundreds of New Yorkers trying to pack into a tiny club. As it turned out, I didn't even make it inside to see her while she played. (But she sure sounded great from right outside the open door.) Lucky for me I was able to squeeze my way in after her performance to meet her, thus validating the choice I made to pass up the Papacy.

I think the patron saints will forgive me.

The Winner

2008-05-11T02:15:00.003-04:00

Sorry to keep you all in suspense like that. It was a tough fight with the pope, but Regina came out on top. She put on a great show. And Sasha was right--she's the most humble rock star I think I've ever met.

Support your local independent record store today.

2008-04-19T04:53:00.001-04:00

Click on the picture to find out more.

A Night in Tribeca

2008-04-18T17:00:00.002-04:00

I'm having a hard time deciding.

2008-04-12T11:46:00.003-04:00

Next Saturday there are two free events going on at the same time. I can either see Regina Spektor or Pope Benedict XVI.

Decisions, decisions.

See this.

2008-04-12T02:43:00.008-04:00

Katie wuz here

2008-04-06T14:41:00.005-04:00

We had a great time together. I'm not sure what was more magical--winning front-row center-stage tickets to In The Heights, or running into Mandy Gonzalez, one of the lead actors from the show later that night in Williamsburg.

The Armory on Park

2008-04-06T12:53:00.001-04:00

is amazing.

Exploring after Pete's Tavern

2008-04-05T11:25:00.002-04:00

Jason L. and I go exploring after Pete's Tavern
Find more Walks in New York, New York

Favorite things we saw: Washington Mews and Will Smith's house in I Am Legend

Chatter

2008-03-31T00:20:00.002-04:00

Here

Not so super blocks

2008-03-30T18:59:00.006-04:00

Home from church 03.30.08
Find more Walks in Manhattan, New York

Today I walked home from church through a neighborhood I know very little about. It's the area between the Upper East Side and Spanish Harlem. While I still found the place to be interesting and wonderful, I got a strange feeling while walking through. The area seems to have almost completely embraced the "super block," which isn't so conducive to foot traffic or community building in my opinion. I'll refrain from criticizing as I struggle to form an official opinion. I would love to have seen what the place looked like before it was gutted though.

Los jovenes emo

2008-03-30T11:48:00.002-04:00

This report is fascinating on so many levels.

Meatpacking

2008-03-29T18:14:00.003-04:00

Meat
Find more Walks in Manhattan, New York

We all know The Meatpacking District is well past it's prime, but it's still got some charm to it. AND. It's still got meatpacking. (I checked.) There's not a lot of things to do there unless you have thousands of dollars to go clothes shopping, but I found the remaining decay of what once was there to be still quite enthralling.

A couple of finds along my walk:

The corner of Washington St. and Bank St.

Westbeth artists housing complex

an old hotel sign along the West Side Highway

an old restaurant in ruins that appears to have been called Shak

Automatic Slims

Weehawken St.

Gavin Brown's enterprise

Just an old building in New York

2008-03-29T01:41:00.004-04:00

On the left is Joanne Hendricks Cookbooks. It's located in an amazing old 2-story building on Greenwich Street. The lady in the store told me there is nothing special about the building's history. But I think just about anything that old surviving in Manhattan is special.

Quitting before the sun does

2008-03-27T00:57:00.008-04:00

As I was leaving work today, I realized that it was still light enough--and warm enough--to go exploring. (Thank you Spring.) So, given the circumstances, I did what any sensible human being would do. I walked right past my usual subway portal and straight down into Tribeca for some good old-fashioned urban exploration.

Highlights of my journey included:

Joanne Hendricks Cookbooks--a tiny bookstore in an old colonial house, books about food only

Johnson Trading Gallery--currently showing the work of architect Mario Dal Fabbro

Greenwich Street--a dream for any fan of vintage Manhattan

Barnes & Noble--where foreign affairs expert Samantha Power was speaking about her latest book (She's the one who recently called Hillary Clinton a "monster" and got kicked off of Obama's team.)

"Survivor Staircase" at Ground Zero--A vital piece of WTC history. It's been moved from it's original location to a new home at the end of Greenwich Street.

Alexander Hamilton's grave--my favorite plot of land in all NYC

One year in New York

2008-03-06T23:40:00.006-05:00

Today marks my one year anniversary of moving to New York City. It really snuck up on me fast.

What did I do to celebrate, you ask? I purchased the PBS New York documentary box set, of course. (Who knew Amazon sells it for so cheap?)

At this milestone in my life, my thoughts are with the people who were so instrumental in helping me get out here last winter. I'd like to honor Mom, Dad, Sasha, Scott, Derek, Aaron, Bishop Freedman, Marty, Zelig, and Jon. Thanks a million guys! I could never have done it without you.

Lapses in Hibernation

2008-02-24T20:38:00.059-05:00

This winter has seen me at my most reclusive. It's so cold outside that I don't really leave the house unless there's something I absolutely have to go and do. Here are some of the things that have made the cut:

___________________________________________________

Closing of Cafe La Fortuna
69 W. 71st St., Upper West Side
February 16, 2008

For 32 years Cafe La Fortuna was owned and operated by Vinny Urwand and his wife Alice. The cafe was made famous during the late seventies when John Lennon became a regular there. He was known to sit in the front of the restaurant and write songs. Sometimes Yoko would join him there. You can read more about Cafe La Fortuna here and here.

The restaurant had it's last day of business on Sunday, February 17, 2008 for reasons mentioned here. I was lucky to have my first and last meal there with my friend James the day before the closing.

This is Randy. We sat next to him and found out that he lives upstairs and was the one who tipped the story to the press.

Vinny

Both The Dakota (Lennon's old home) and Strawberry Fields are in the same neighborhood.

___________________________________________________

Pete Hamill at Broad Street Ballroom
41 Broad St., Financial District
January 17, 2008

Pete Hamill is a famous writer. He's also one of the major Gothamists featured in the 8-part PBS documentary on New York City. Nick, Richard, and I went to a free lecture he gave on his book Downtown: My Manhattan.

As you can see, we hit it off smashingly.

___________________________________________________

Advance screening of Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?
66 3rd Ave., East Village
February 20, 2008

Where in the World is Osama bin Laden? : trailer
Uploaded by Cineblogywood

A guy in my ward had hookups for a free screening of an upcoming film called Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? It's made by Morgan Spurlock, the guy who brought us Supersize Me. Basically the title says it all. Morgan goes on a hunt to find the world's most wanted man. I liked it. Very interesting film.

The best part was getting to fill out a survey and be part of a focus group after the screening. I hope they use my opinions. After having my work attacked by focus groups, it sure was nice being on the other side of the testing process for a change.

___________________________________________________

New York New York New York at Flux Factory
38-38 43rd St., Long Island City
January 12, 2008

Flux Factory is a group of artists in Queens who rent out a space for working and events. It's what I imagine Andy Warhol's Factory must have been like in the 60s.

So, the New York New York New York exhibit was created in response to the famous Panorama at the Queens Museum. Rather than being a highly accurate, scale model of the city, it's a dreamlike vision of an imaginary New York. It's a model of New York on acid.

An armadillo posing as the Brooklyn Bridge

Taxis on a treadmill

The Little Red Lighthouse

New York harbor

___________________________________________________

CPH Experiments at Storefront of Art and Architecture
97 Kenmare St., No Man's Land (or Little Italy)
Late November

The Swedes have some pretty great architectural ideas for more communal living. Oh, and their miniature people are pretty awesome too.

___________________________________________________

The Maps by Paula Scher at Maya Stendhal Gallery
545 W. 20th St., Chelsea
Late November

Paula Scher is a designer at Pentagram. She also likes to paint maps. Love it. (These photos are taken from the gallery site.)

___________________________________________________

Rob Sheffield at McNally Robinson
52 Prince St., Little Italy
January 16, 2008

___________________________________________________

Florent
69 Gansevoort St., Meatpacking District
January 5, 2008

___________________________________________________

Julian Schnabel at Apple Store, SoHo
103 Prince St., SoHo
November 28, 2007

So there's this town in Japan that shares its name with one of our presidential candidates.

2008-02-19T12:01:00.003-05:00

Sneak peek performances begin this week!

2008-02-10T23:50:00.000-05:00

Closer than it seemed

2008-02-09T16:30:00.000-05:00

There are many missteps Romney made that cost him the nomination. I pretty much agree with the 10 mentioned here.

That said, Romney came far closer to winning than most people think:

After Iowa, New Hampshire, and Wyoming, Mitt was winning the race. This went almost completely unrecognized; the media grossly underplayed Romney's lead. In my opinion, their favoring of McCain could have been what gave McCain the lead. (People voted for who the media said was the leader, even when McCain wasn't the leader. As a result, McCain became the leader.)

After those three states, Romney won Michigan, Nevada, and Maine, and McCain won Florida and South Carolina. (Florida, being the most important of course was a close race...36% to 31.1%.

Romney was robbed by the following factors...

1. The media bias

2. Many of the other GOP candidates, who dislike Romney and teamed up against him...he is not a Washington insider like them

3. The Huckabee/McCain/Ron Paul scandal in West Virginia that Romney really won. Being that it was the first Super Tuesday state result, Romney's win here could have really helped him have a stronger showing for rest of Super Tuesday.

Even after all that abuse though, Romney still did tremendously on Super Tuesday.

McCain: 43.1% (3,611,459)
Romney: 35.4% (2,961,834)

If the GOP counted delegates like the Democrats (instead of winner-takes-all) the race would be VERY different right now. Romney is a smart guy though, he suspended his campaign for the good of his party. Be looking for him to rise again either as VP running mate this year or president 2012.

Mittness

2008-02-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

The first time through it's kinda dumb.
The second time through it's amusing.
The third time through you'll be LOLing.

Ron Regs!

My Man Mitt

2008-02-08T00:27:00.000-05:00

He may not be headed to the White House, but to me Mitt Romney is still a success.

He will forever go down as the man who inspired me to take a deeper interest in political issues--and to have more genuine concern about the future of our country.

Watching the CPAC today, I was as sad as the next Mitt fan to see him go. The way he did it, though, couldn't have been classier. He really took the high road by putting his party ahead of his own self-interests. This shows what a man of vision Mitt truly is.

And as for the speech--it was probably one of the most inspired and authentic moments of his campaign. I partially attribute this to the fact that, perhaps for the first time, he told his audience exactly what they didn't want to hear.

As Mitt learns from his mistakes and finds his voice in the coming years, I am confident Americans will gain a new appreciation for him.

We've not seen the end of Mitt Romney.

Exposing the Huckabee/McCain/Paul Scandal

2008-02-07T05:27:00.000-05:00

Mike Huckabee won the West Virginia GOP primary fair-and-square. At least, that's what he'd like you to believe. While his tactics Tuesday may have been legal, they certainly were not ethical. Isn't he supposed to be the candidate of morals?

Here's how it went down:

To win the West Virginia caucus, a candidate had to have at least 50% of the vote. After the first vote, the numbers looked like this:

375 - Huckabee
176 - McCain
118 - Paul
464 - Romney

Mitt had 47% of the vote. Clearly the winner, yet not enough to take the victory. So what did Huckabee do? He hired Ron Paul supporters to come to his camp so he could beat Romney. In exchange, Huck promised to give Paul a cut of his delegates--three to be exact.

As for Mr. McCain, his campaign simply told his supporters to not vote for him and instead vote for Huck. Here we see a picture of an embarrassed McCainer showing her true colors.

So in a nutshell, Huckabee cut a back-room deal with Paul, while McCain played the dirty game of politics shamelessly.

The second vote looked like this:

524 - Huckabee
479 - Romney
11 - McCain

So basically, it took all three candidates to beat Romney.

When asked about his scandal, Huck said:

“I have not talked to Senator McCain or people on his staff about West Virginia. You know, every time we win something, somebody tries to figure out a way to explain it away. Truth is people voted for me. They had a chance to vote for somebody else. And when they didn’t vote – when their candidate -- either John McCain or Ron Paul didn’t get the votes on the first ballot and they had to pick somebody else, they picked me. It’s as simple as that. I think it shows that when this party wants to come together, it looks to somebody they know can carry the message. People in WV believed I can do it. Yesterday, Mitt Romney was saying don’t be a whiner. Yesterday, he was against whining. Today, he’s for whining. So I think we just need to say we won WV and he’ll just have to deal with it.”

Notice how he doesn't mention Ron Paul. While it's possible that McCain instigated his own role in the scandal, Huckabee definitely approached Paul with the deal. Paul's campaign spokesperson said this:

"We struck a deal with the Huckabee people. They came to us and dealt with us honorably and with respect. And so we told them that if Dr. Paul didn't make it through the first round, that we would go for their man. They pledged us three delegates to the republican national convention."

So Huckabee may not have "talked to Senator McCain or people on his staff," but he certainly did conspire with Paul. On top of that, he was able to avoid lying about it while still not acknowledging his shady trick.

Mr. Huckabee, you may have won the West Virginia nomination, but we'll always know who the real winner was.

(To watch a newscast on the event, click here. Select the 6pm coverage.)

Hold the press

2008-02-02T02:58:00.001-05:00

If there is one thing my degree in communications taught me, it is to recognize bias in the media. Everywhere I look I see news sources either endorsing John McCain or painting a picture of him as the clear front runner in the race for the GOP nomination.

The truth is that before Florida, Mitt Romney was leading in the delegate count. What did most media outlets do? They declared that McCain was in the lead because he had won in states that were more vigorously contested. When Mitt took Nevada in a landslide win, they disregarded it because no one else (besides Ron Paul) had campaigned there. Now, I understand that head-to-head campaigning certainly scores high in newsworthiness. But how about the fact that McCain, Giuliani, and Huckabee all stayed clear of Nevada because they knew they didn't stand a chance against Mitt? Where were the media then? They were too busy talking about McCain's win in South Carolina.

And then came Florida--a McCain win I feel was largely created by the false perception that the man was already in the lead. And where did people get that idea? From a liberal press doing whatever it takes to keep a real conservative out of the White House.

With that said, I'm providing some links here below to some great articles written in support of Mitt. You have to dig harder to find this stuff, but it's worth it.

Rally for Romney by Mark Levin

A Call to Conservative Action by Vin Weber

Why I Am Endorsing Romney Now - Obama A Strong Second Choice by Dan Riehl

The fat lady won't sing on Super Tuesday by David Sparks

This pretty much sums up what I dislike about McCain. John McCain Hates Me by Michael Reagan

And here's a good analysis of the GOP situation going into Super Tuesday. Intransigent Huck Voters by Hugh Hewitt

I could save $60 a month.

2008-01-25T17:01:00.000-05:00

True Strength For America's Future

2008-01-21T00:19:00.000-05:00

It's taken me a while to come to a place where I feel comfortable endorsing a political candidate. In my history I've never cared much for politics. I've always felt so overwhelmed by issues I couldn't understand that it seemed foolish for me to even vote.

Well, times have changed. I guess joining the workforce will do that to a person. (And working in an industry so reliant upon the economy.) Not to mention just living in Manhattan has forced me to think about issues that were perhaps not so apparent to me before.

I think Hillary said it best when she declared at a rally, "There is so much at stake." During her famous first display of public emotion, she also said, "When we look at the array of problems we have and the potential for it really spinning out of control, this is really one of the most important elections America has ever faced." With my limited experience, I have to say I agree.

To top it off, the wide array of candidates leading the race fascinates me. We've got a woman. A bi-racial man. A Mormon. A Baptist. It's never been such a diverse crowd. With each primary and caucus result I learn something new about our country. Each moment in this crazy contest speaks volumes about who we are as a people.

So, after spending perhaps too many hours up at night researching, reading, thinking, watching, feeling, talking--it is with great excitement that I choose to support Mr. Mitt Romney for president in 2008.

I would be lying if I said my being Mormon doesn't influence my opinion of Mr. Romney. Still, I have done my best to not fall into what I call the "blind sheep" category. While my lifelong experience with Mormonism does give me more motivation to support Mr. Romney, it is mostly because it gives me more faith in the good character that he advertises on TV.

But what really gets me pumped about Romney is his record as a businessman, his stance on the issues, his experience fixing things, his ability to motivate and unite, and his optimism for America's future.

I predict that Mitt will win the Republican nomination, and Hillary Clinton will win the Democratic (though I'd much rather have Mr. Obama). The fighting will be fierce, but Mitt will come out on top as our new president. Right now Mitt is in the lead on the Republican side, but we still have a long way to go.

I just found out that New York's Republican party doesn't allow non-Republicans to vote in the primary. Why did I register undeclared? Why? I'm pretty upset about this.

So I figure that if I can't vote, then at least I can help Mitt out by getting the word out about him. To many out there I think he is still an enigma. So, if you've made it this far in my post, check out this opinion piece I found in the Times. If you're still undecided, vote Mitt! If you've got a candidate you feel passionately for, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Mom & Dad in New York [Day Nine, 12/28/07]

2008-01-20T22:58:00.000-05:00

Day nine we explored Gramercy and West Village.

Here I am opening the gate to Gramercy Park, the only private park in Manhattan.

And for our final night we dined at the Stardust Diner, where my other roommate Ryan is a singing waiter.

Mom & Dad in New York [Day Eight, 12/27/07]

2008-01-20T18:47:00.001-05:00

On day eight we celebrated our inner immigrant but visiting the famed Ellis Island museum.

This is a cool 3D bar graph that illustrates all the waves of US immigrants that have come from all the regions of the earth. Here Dad stands behind the bar representing European immigrants coming from 1841-1860. That's when his family came from England.

And here Mom stands behind the bar representing Latin American immigrants from 1961-1980. She came to the US in 1970.

After Ellis Island we met up with Erik at Fraunces Tavern, one of George Washington's old haunts.

Mom & Dad in New York [Day Seven, 12/26/07]

2008-01-20T17:19:00.001-05:00

On day seven we got to see something I'd been eyeing for a long time: the Tenement Museum of the Lower East Side. During the 1800s the LES was the most densely populated region on the planet--chock full of immigrants from all parts of Europe. The tenement museum seeks to recreate what life was like in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for immigrants living in these packed tenement buildings.

After the museum we dined at Gramercy Tavern where my roommate Aaron was a pastry cook up until a couple weeks ago. Gramercy Tavern is currently ranked by the Zagat survey as the second best restaurant in New York City. It was easily the finest dining experience I've ever had. And it didn't hurt that Aaron surprised us with four free desserts at the end! Incredible.

Mom & Dad in New York [Day Six, 12/25/07]

2008-01-17T23:03:00.000-05:00

Christmas day, after sleeping in and opening some presents, we walked the Brooklyn Bridge. Both ways. I was a very proud tour guide.

To top off a great holiday, we went to a place where Christmas day is just like any other: Chinatown. Apparently Chinatown is something of a tradition for non-Christians on Christmas. Go figure. BTW Christians like it, too. We managed to find a sweet Vietnamese restaurant on Doyers Street (one of my favorites) right where it bends.

Mom & Dad in New York [Day Five, 12/24/07]

2008-01-17T22:41:00.000-05:00

Day five was all about la Noche Buena con mi familia Peruana en Nueva Jersey. It's a Christmas Eve tradition. Thanks Dad for the photos.

Mom & Dad in New York [Day Four, 12/23/07]

2008-01-16T00:16:00.001-05:00

Day four was all about relaxing to holiday jazz music in Marjorie's living room. It was a true Harlem experience for my folks. Watch this jazzy rendition of "Santa Baby."

Mom & Dad in New York [Day Three, 12/22/07]

2008-01-13T20:04:00.000-05:00

The last time we were together as a family in Manhattan, the twin towers were still standing. This time around, we visited the office of a friend of mine who is working on the engineering of the upcoming Freedom Tower and neighboring buildings. What you see here is a model what Downtown will look like in 2013. The office overlooks construction happening now in Ground Zero.

After our visit, we toured some other downtown sites like Trinity Church, St. Paul's Chapel, and Financier patisserie for hot chocolate. In the evening we moved all our stuff from my apartment in Harlem down to Gramercy Park, where we stayed for the rest of our vacation.

Mom poses with a statue in front of Tower 7.

A pigeon I made friends with in front of Federal Hall.

With George Washington

Mom & Dad in New York [Day Two, 12/21/07]

2008-01-13T18:53:00.000-05:00

On day two I took them in to see where I work in the Saatchi building. Then we did a little SoHo. Favorite discoveries were Jacques Torres Chocolate store, El Paso Mexican restaurant, Purl knitting supplies, and Evolution.

The Christmas tree at the Law Firm of Schnabel & Hill (Thanks, Sasha!)

Mom taking a break at the Saatchi building

Getting some yarn at Purl on Sullivan St. (Mom made me a scarf for Christmas.)

The real Knitting Factory

Mom & Dad in New York [Day One, 12/20/07]

2008-01-13T18:34:00.001-05:00

This Christmas my parents decided New York was the place to be. We had a great nine-day family vacation here in Harlem and in Gramercy. It was awesome.

The next nine posts will cover our day to day activities.

After a red eye flight, my parents came ready to hit the ground running. Day one was all about the classic "Christmas in New York" experience. We walked across 34th St. and up 5th Ave. to see the elaborate holiday displays. Next we strolled through Rockefeller Center. To top it all off, Mom and I surprised Dad by taking him to see Les Miserables. We got him good, too. He didn't even see it coming!

Mom in front of the largest store in the world, Macy's on 34th Street

A Macy's "Miracle on 34th Street" window display

At one of my favorite places in Midtown, Giggles

In the Map Room and the Fifth Avenue Library

Old old old New York

The nativity at St. Patrick's Cathedral

The first-ever solar powered Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center

Two angels

Dad thought we were going to go home to relax. Then he saw the marquee.

A Panorama of New York @ The Queens Museum

2008-01-07T00:02:00.000-05:00

Gotham

Where I go to reminisce about old New York

Where I live

Where I work

Where I go to church

The Unisphere 01/05/08

2008-01-06T17:30:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from Gramercy

2007-12-25T13:28:00.000-05:00

Best of 2007: Internet Stars

2007-12-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

That's me on the corner, shaking hands with Michael Stipe and Patti Smith.

2007-12-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

Last night there was a charity auction launch party at the Saatchi building. I saw it advertised a couple of days ago in the cafeteria, but the $50 suggested donation dissuaded me from going.

So leaving work last night there was a big swarm of paparazzi in our lobby. Tempted as I was to stick around to see the stars arrive, the thought of spending more time at work was just too much.

So as fate would have it, walking to the subway I pass by Michael Stipe (lead singer of R.E.M.) and Patti Smith (legendary singer). After letting them pass me by I knew I would regret not at least saying hi. So I did a 180 and headed back to the building. On the corner right outside Saatchi I make my attack. Tapping Mr. Stipe on the shoulder, I say hi, shake hands, and point them on their way to their party.

Cool. Confident. Comfortable. One of my best star sightings to date.

NOTE: This picture was taken just moments after our run in.

Yes indeed, it's Lou Reed

2007-11-29T11:04:00.000-05:00

And his wife Laurie Anderson.

Thanks Johnsons!

2007-11-27T11:17:00.001-05:00

Thankful for: Roommates who cook

2007-11-26T23:15:00.000-05:00