December 3, 2008
Beware of the Bear
You don't have to worry about the football Bears, but on occasion you have to watch out for bears walking the streets of NYC. Or drinking beer in NYC.
Posted by tien mao in Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 6:07 PM
December 2, 2008
Dante in Brooklyn
I've never met Dante and the last time I saw Mike and Rion was a year ago, but over the weekend, they brought Dante to Brooklyn to meet everyone. Even though Dante's everywhere on the Internet, meeting a baby in person is still totally different. I mean, I've never seen him fall, hit his head on the floor and cry in pictures, but in person I was able to see it three times! And he managed to stop crying soon after each time.
Posted by tien mao in Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 6:12 PM
November 26, 2008
Subway Entrances/Exits
I want to start taking photos of the entrances/exits to the subway. I'm sure it's been done already, but I just thought it would be fun. Not really all the stuff actually at street level, but looking up the stairs, down the stairs, stuff like that. It's kind of similar to an idea Shannan had a few years ago, to take a photo of every station in the subway system, but that never got off the ground. I'm not nearly as ambitious -- I just hope to take photos of a few stations here and there when the opportunity arises.
This photo is from the Nassau Ave. G stop at the southwest corner of Norman and Manhattan Avenues.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 5:12 PM
November 25, 2008
Hope is Not Copyrighted
November 24, 2008
Tacos Matamoros in Sunset Park
Saturday night, we went out to Sunset Park to check out Zach's new apartment (very nice and it seemed to have a woman's touch) and to have some good Mexican food. We went to Tacos Matamoros, which Peter Meehan of The Times said, "were some of the best, if not the best, tacos I’ve had in New York." Pictured (not that you can see the meat) are two carne asada tacos (left, center) and a chorizo taco (right). I actually liked the chorizo one better, though the carne asada tacos were pretty good.
So much for hating Mexican food, huh? Well, I still hate the bean aspect. And I'm not so into all that enchilada business.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 6:35 PM
November 13, 2008
Who Likes Beer?
November 12, 2008
Empire State Building is in Christmas Mode
November 11, 2008
Submarine in the East River
I had never seen a submarine moving in the waters of NYC. Until last week, that is. The U.S.S. Growler was returning to the Intrepid Museum via the East River last week when we spotted it in our office.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 3:30 PM
November 10, 2008
No Dumping (Poo) in Chinatown
November 6, 2008
Best Halloween Costume from 2008
As usual, there were several great Halloween costumes, but I think this is the best one I personally saw. Dan is dressed up as the Gorton's Fisherman. Well done, Dan!
Posted by tien mao in Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 5:54 PM
November 5, 2008
And The Winner Is...
It felt really good to open The Times this morning to this cover.
Posted by tien mao in Culture, NYC, Photos at 11:27 AM
November 4, 2008
I Voted in 2008, Though It Looks Like 1978
I've never voted anywhere but in New York City. In 1996, I voted in the presidential election by absentee ballot from Michigan, but the voting system in NYC is the only one I know. And photo #2 is what it looks like. I've used them since high school school, when we used them for school-wide elections (class president, etc). NYC is so old school.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 11:31 AM
November 3, 2008
The 2008 New York City Marathon (Congrats Calvin and Maggie!!)
Sunday was the best sporting yearly sports event in the city, the 2008 New York City Marathon. Almost 40,000 people from around the world participated - top-notch athletes, wheelchair athletes, blind athletes, and regular people. Even entering a marathon and running is impressive, but finishing it? I can't even imagine doing that.
Paula Radcliffe (right in the first picture) won the women's race for the second year in a row and third time overall in a time of 2:23:56. Marilson Gomes dos Santos (yellow shirt in the second photo), not leading at mile 12 where I was, won his second NYC Marathon title in a time of 2:08:43. Very impressive on both parts.
More impressive? Calvin and Maggie both ran the marathon...and finished. Calvin finished in 4:15:28, beating his goal of 4:30 despite a leg injury that almost kept him from running. I suspect he finished early because he didn't stop to pee. Maggie, who had lots of energy at mile 12, finished with a time of 4:26:17. Congratulations to both and all the people that competed (and finished) yesterday. To celebrate, Calvin had some White Castle.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos, Sports at 9:46 AM
October 29, 2008
In July, Ugly Betty
Way back in July, we saw this scene in Long Island City. I would find out later that they were filming Ugly Betty with Lindsay Lohan at this fast food joint. I think the episodes that they were filming then have been airing recently. At least, that's what I gather from the commercials I've seen on ABC.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 5:07 PM
October 28, 2008
Before It's Too Late?
October 27, 2008
Congratulations Jori and Matty!
Last night at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard Jori and Matty got married! The wedding reception had the most dancing at a wedding that I've seen in a long time. I think there was maybe one song the band played that wasn't danced to. It was crazy.
And the table I was at had an insanely large centerpiece (it didn't even fit in the picture). The most popular food related item last night had to be the chocolate fountains. Right after I took this picture, people swarmed the fountain - like bees to chocolate, if you will.
Posted by tien mao in Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 3:53 PM
October 23, 2008
Manhattan From the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Everytime I finish up a checkup at my orthodontist, I walk to work via the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. And whenever I do this, I try to take a picture. This photo is from today. I wonder what it will look like in January when I have my next appointment. I'm guessing it will be so cold that I won't want to stop to shoot a photo.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:27 PM
October 22, 2008
Yes! I Can Move Your Car
With Shannan away on vacation for 10 days, I was given the task of moving her car. That's no easy feat considering it's a stick shift (something that I'm pretty bad at driving) and that finding parking in NYC is never easy. But the other night when I got home, I noticed 5 parking spots on my block! I figured that no matter how many times I stalled driving the car around back to our block, there was a good chance that there would be a spot for me.
Lucky for me, I didn't stall once and the spot I pulled into was actually two spots so I didn't even have to parallel park.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:40 PM
October 21, 2008
Double Shack Burgers Do Not Travel Well
They don't travel well, especially from the Upper West Side all the way to DUMBO. Though it would have still been really good if I didn't already eat lunch.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 6:57 PM
October 20, 2008
Vendys Under the Brooklyn Bridge
Saturday, the Vendy Awards took place at the Tobacco Warehouse in DUMBO. It was a fun, tummy filling event that resulted in the Calexico Carne Asada cart winning the Vendy Cup.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 7:22 PM
October 16, 2008
Big Cloud Over DUMBO
I didn't want to leave work until the above cloud passed. Thankfully, it moved north, so I can now leave. I just hope I don't catch up with it by riding the subway.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 5:57 PM
October 15, 2008
The Leaves They Are A-Changin'
October 14, 2008
Dusk in DUMBO
People seemed to really like this photo on flickr, so here it is on the site. When I took it, I just thought it was "eh", but what do I know.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:52 PM
October 13, 2008
More From Banksy's Village Pet Store and Grill
In the top photo, chicken nuggets are dipping themselves in BBQ sauce and a just hatched nugget is drinking egg whites. On the bottom, a rabbit is grooming itself in its display.
Posted by tien mao in Culture, Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 6:45 PM
October 9, 2008
Now Open in NYC: Banksy's Village Pet Store and Grill
Banksy recently opened a new exhibition up in the West Village at a storefront he's named The Village Pet Store and Grill. Pictured is fish sticks in a fish bowl. Brilliant!
See the full gallery over at Gothamist.
Posted by tien mao in Culture, Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 6:38 PM
October 8, 2008
Photographers LOVE Michael Phelps
From Bowlmor Lanes' 70th Anniversary Party last night.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos, Sports at 6:25 PM
October 7, 2008
Daytime Sleeping in Greenpoint
This was over the weekend, but in the summer, people just sleep in the park all night.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:34 PM
October 6, 2008
"Bum Rush The Show" - Chuck D
Guess who won the Chuck D Cup in Brooklyn Kickball yesterday? The Bacon Bits! We beat the John Cougar Mellencamps in thrilling fashion, 8-7. It was a tense 9-inning game that featured a few lead changes and several ties.
The other side of the ball features Hillary Duff's signature. Cool, I suppose, but she's no Chuck D.
The Bacon Bits have come a long, long way in three seasons. Congrats to all the other people on the team.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos, Sports at 3:54 PM
October 2, 2008
REVS: Death From Above
September 25, 2008
The Sun Sets on Shea Stadium
I've been a Mets fan for 20+ years and this week (maybe early next week) the final regular season game will be played out at Shea Stadium. I think most Mets fans will agree that they won't be missing the stadium, but it's still the place the Mets have called home since 1964. Next year, the team will move into the sparkling Citi Field (cost, $610 million) leaving their $28.5 million stadium to become a parking lot.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos, Sports at 2:30 PM
September 24, 2008
C215 in DUMBO, B/W
Jake's got it, and plenty more C215 in color over at Streetsy.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 5:18 PM
September 23, 2008
My Best Friend's Girl Gets a Makeover
The stars of 'My Best Friend's Girl' get a makeover in this movie ad in the NYC Subway system. From left to right, that's Kate Hudson, Dane Cook, and Jason Biggs. The poster with the original photo is on IMDB.
Posted by tien mao in Movies, NYC, Photos at 6:08 PM
September 22, 2008
Two Bridges
September 18, 2008
Sunset Steeple
September 17, 2008
Dumpster Borf
September 16, 2008
Wide Angle Grandma Syle Pie From Drigg's Pizza
Grandma style pizza from Driggs Pizza with pepperoni and pesto. It was quite delicious, but also quite oily.
What's grandma style, you ask? Adam's got a pretty good description:
"Essentially a thin-crust Sicilian. I've gotten guff for saying that in the past, so if any of you out there want to correct me and argue for a workable definition of this style, please comment. It was sort of a Long Island thing until the past couple of years, when it started making inroads into the boroughs of New York City. Typically has a fresh, lightly seasoned sauce."
In fact, Sliceboy lists out many regional style pizzas. I didn't get an upskirt for the pizza-perv though.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 5:59 PM
September 15, 2008
Sunflower From the Greenmarket
Randolph generally likes to chew on flower petals, and I thought he would at least investigate the sunflower petals. But to my surprise, the sunflower hasn't experienced a nibble yet.
Posted by tien mao in House and Home, NYC, Photos at 5:17 PM
September 11, 2008
Seven Years
It's further and further away, but still remembered by all in New York City.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 3:12 PM
September 10, 2008
Under the Manhattan Bridge
Recently in DUMBO, the city opened up a passageway under the Manhattan Bridget that makes it easer to walk from one side of the bridge to the other. It's nice, but I don't really understand the artwork. It's like DOT fencing on leftover DOT steel. I suppose it does add some color to the dreary archway.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 7:05 PM
September 9, 2008
Another Trip to Spicy & Tasty
A couple weekends ago, we took another trip out to Spicy & Tasty with my parents. I thought it was better this time than it was previously. Also, that 3rd photo is some strange pork dish covered with rice. It was pretty strange looking and I didn't love the taste. I liked that fish dish (last photo) the most.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:31 PM
September 8, 2008
Sunset in DUMBO the Friday Before Hanna
September 2, 2008
Stonecutters
August 28, 2008
The MS Caribbean Princess in Red Hook (It's Ginormous)
While we were taking the Water Taxi between Manhattan and Red Hook, we saw the MS Caribbean Princess. Launched in 2004 at a cost of $500 million, the boat is 951 feet long and holds 3100 passengers (plus 1200 crewmembers).
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:14 PM
August 27, 2008
Carts a Plenty at IKEA Red Hook
August 26, 2008
Somebody Loves Roger Federer!
And it's not me. Besides, it's not really my shade of lipstick.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos, Sports at 6:03 PM
August 25, 2008
Sunday Eats in Red Hook
Late Sunday morning, Shannan and I headed to IKEA in Red Hook to check things out. After taking the ferry to Manhatan and back, we met up with Jeannette and Yvan at the Red Hook Ballfields for some more food. Nothing like eating Swedish meatblals, a pupusa, plantains with sour cream and Mexican corn in a span of about three hours.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC at 8:28 AM
August 21, 2008
Jane's Carousel in DUMBO
In a storefront in DUMBO, Brooklyn sits a carousel that is unused during most of the year. It's a vintage carousel that was restored by Jane Walentas (her husband David essentially shaped/created the neighborhood of DUMBO). Without a place to go since its restoration, Jane Walentas' carousel sits in this space and is only open a few days a week. I've never seen it lit up before, but spotted it lit with nobody around a couple of weeks ago.
Below is a piece CBS Sunday Morning did on Jane and her carousel.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 5:58 PM
August 19, 2008
Mr. T's* Community BBQ
Sunday in Prospect Park, my first BBQ in that park. There was tons of food. Seriously. More than one could possibly eat.
*By Mr. T, I mean Terrance.
Posted by tien mao in Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 6:35 PM
August 18, 2008
Tasty Ronnybrook Yogurt
Saturday afternoon, after getting brunch at Lokal (poor service, undercooked eggs), Shannan and I stopped by the green market in McCarren Park. On our way out, we spotted the stand selling Ronnybrook Yogurt. Shannan was hesitant about buying a drinkable yogurt at first, but I decided to get a blueberry and pomegranate yogurt. Just after crossing the street, we opened it, tasted it, and promptly turned around to buy some more. We ended up bringing seven home. I wouldn't be surprised if they're all gone by the time I get home.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 6:12 PM
August 14, 2008
Sean Bell Tags The Subway
August 13, 2008
Spicy & Tasty in Flushing
Way back in the middle of June (almost exactly two months ago), Matty and I went to Spicy & Tasty in Flushing. We were planning on a Mets game, but torrential rain put a damper (hahahaha) in those plans.
After waiting briefly for a table, we were seated and ordered some of the items that Frank Bruni mentioned in his NY Times review a while back. While the food was occasionally spicy, and occasionally tasty, I didn't think it was all that spicy or tasty. It was good, but it wasn't blow my socks off, give it two stars good. Granted, it was only one meal, so it's hard to judge the place on that visit.
I'll just have to go back another time. Hopefully just with the idea of eating and not going to a baseball game.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 6:58 PM
August 12, 2008
A Brewing Storm
This is what it looked like yesterday when I got into the office. Shortly after taking this photo, it started to rain heavily. The storm system also brought hail to parts of the city.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 2:41 PM
August 11, 2008
Kim and Mike's Wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Whenever I go to an outdoor wedding, I always worry what the weather will be like. What happens if the couple experiences bad weather?? All those plans down the tubes. That wasn't the case Saturday evening for Kim and Mike's wedding at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The weather was beautiful and it was one of the best venues I've attended a wedding at.
There was also lots of vodka at the reception (thankfully, I didn't have much) - we're talking like 10 vodka options.
Anyway, congratulations to Kim and Mike, both of whom I've known since sometime during high school.
Posted by tien mao in Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 2:37 PM
August 7, 2008
Pete's Downtown Brooklyn Bridge
I'm not sure I've ever seen anyone eating in Pete's Downtown, yet it seems to have been around for a while.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:03 PM
August 6, 2008
OBEY by the Williamsburg Bridge
I wonder how difficult it was to get parts of the piece in the ridges of the fence.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 5:10 PM
August 5, 2008
Whispy Clouds
The evening clouds in recent weeks have been really cool looking. This photo was the sky over Greenpoint Monday night.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:23 PM
August 4, 2008
Willa Margaret Gets Baptised
Sunday afternoon, I attended my first Baptism ever! It was for Willa Margaret and I guess it went as planned. There was crying when the priest put holy water on Willa's head, but in all fairness, the older boy also getting Baptized cried as well.
Considering all the other religious people I know with children (like 2), this could very well have been my first and last appearance at a Baptism.
Posted by tien mao in Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 6:32 PM
July 30, 2008
105 Hudson Street
While some people might know this building for Nobu, I know it as the first apartment I lived in. Until Nobu moved in (after we moved out), I think there was a string of unsuccessful restaurants in the space.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:14 PM
July 29, 2008
Jonas Eats Cotton Candy at Mets Game
After Jonas finished (what could have been his first cotton candy ever), he was a sticky mess. Just brushing against me left a sugar stain! Longtime readers will know that I too love cotton candy at baseball games!
And it should be pointed out that I was using a wide angle lens. Really, really wide angle.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, Friends/Family, NYC, Photos, Sports at 6:34 PM
July 28, 2008
Western Union Building
The Western Union Building in TriBeCa no longer houses the headquarters of Western Union (they moved out in 1973). Now it serves as a "carrier hotel" for telecommunications companies and is apparently the most important carrier hotel in the world.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 9:13 AM
July 24, 2008
No Parking 24|7
July 23, 2008
Williamsburg's Happy Handyman
July 22, 2008
Monty the Kickball Cat
This past Sunday at kickball, there was a team that had a cat at the field! Awesome! His name was Monty, he wasn't on a leash and he had a cute little blue bandanna on his back. He was quite the well behaved cat despite the fact that he gravitated to David, who is allergic to cats.
I did hear that Monty held his own against some curious dogs though.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 5:49 PM
July 21, 2008
Not Exactly the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
There's nothing like cramming copious amounts of food down your throat on a hot and humid day. The challenge: first to 6 hot dogs (max of 10 minutes) and no reversal of fortune. That's what went down Saturday afternoon on Adam's roof, except the Marlon didn't need 10 minutes to down 6 HDB, just a little over 5:30. It wasn't really much of a contest for Marlon.
I think with training, Marlon could be a contender on the professional eating circuit.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 10:49 AM
July 17, 2008
Clean Apartments Are the Best
There's nothing like coming home to a clean apartment after you've been at work. An apartment that is clean and where your feet squeak on the freshly cleaned floor. That's like the best thing in the world.
Posted by tien mao in House and Home, NYC, Photos at 5:59 PM
July 16, 2008
The Most Affordable Food Option in DUMBO...
assuming you have an unlimited Metrocard. If you don't, this is still a reasonably priced meal for the area.
All you have to do to buy food at this restaurant is take a trip on the F into Manhattan. One short stop from York Street to East Broadway, you'll find a restaurant at East Broadway and Rutgers Street. There, you can get what's pictured above (three treasures over rice or san bao fan in Mandarin) for the super cheap price of $4.50. It even comes with those veggies. My order had two types of pork and chicken and for an extra charge, I think you can get a fried egg on top.
If only the name of the restaurant didn't escape me right now. But if you go, it's right on the corner with meats hanging in the window. And if you work in DUMBO, you'll be back at your desk in 30 minutes.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 3:15 PM
July 15, 2008
Yesterday's Sunset at East River State Park
Apparently, it got even more absurdly beautiful later.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:33 PM
July 7, 2008
Lots of Shannan, Lots of Yellow
More photos of Shannan in the yellow/black and white hallway of the Olafur Eliasson exhibit at MoMA.
Posted by tien mao in Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 5:59 PM
July 3, 2008
P.F.1. at P.S.1
The winner of the 9th annual young architects program from MoMA/P.S.1 was WORK Architecture Company. As winners, they got to do the summer installation at P.S.1. They called their winning entry is called P.F.1 (Public Farm 1) and has live chickens and is constructed with large cardboard tubes.
From MoMA/P.S.1:
P.F.1 (Public Farm One) is an urban farm concept that evokes the look of a flying carpet landing in the P.S.1 courtyard. Constructed from large cardboard tubes, its top surface will be a working farm, blooming with a variety of vegetables and plants. The structure will create a textured, colorful, and constantly changing surface in contrast with P.S.1’s angular concrete and gravel courtyard. P.F.1 will work as an interactive bridge between outside and inside, creating multiple zones of activity including swings, fans, sound effects, innovative seating areas, and a refreshing pool at its center. The installation will be a living structure made from inexpensive and sustainable materials recyclable after its use at P.S.1.
Posted by tien mao in Culture, NYC, Photos at 5:33 PM
July 2, 2008
Olafur Eliasson's Take Your Time at MoMA
Pictured here are parts of Olafur Eliasson exhibit at MoMA: I only see things when they move, 1 m³ light, Room for one colour.
I only see things when they move: Bright light shines through rotating color-effect filter glass panels, creating shifting prismatic bands of colors on the surrounding walls.
1 m³ light: In a dark room filled with fog, the beams of twenty-four spot-lights articulate one cubic meter of space.
Room for one colour: Monochromatic bulbs emit light at such a narrow frequency that they affect your normal color perception, making the contents of the room appear in yellow or shades of black.
Posted by tien mao in Culture, NYC, Photos at 11:07 AM
July 1, 2008
Olafur Eliasson's Take Your Time at P.S.1
If you really did take your time, you probably missed the Olafur Eliasson exhibits at P.S.1 and MoMA. I'm happy to say that I got off my ass and made it on the final day.
Pictured here are the Inverted Berlin Sphere and Take your time, both at P.S.1.
Inverted Berlin Sphere: Light radiates out through the lamp’s reflective components, altering your experience of the space.
Take your time: A large circular mirror affixed to the ceiling at an angle rotates slowly on its axis, destabilizing your perception of space.
Posted by tien mao in Culture, NYC, Photos at 8:01 AM
June 30, 2008
Mr. Met Hangs His Head
I think the only way Mr. Met can show sadness is by dropping his head, slumping his shoulders and looking at the ground. I guess that's what happens when you have a permanent smile on your face.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos, Sports at 8:02 AM
June 26, 2008
Soccer Fans Go Nuts for Showdown in Chinatown
Apprently, soccer stars + NBA stars = big crowds. At least that's my assumption based on yesterday's Showdown in Chinatown. NBA players included Jason Kidd and Baron Davis, while soccer stars included Thierry Henry (with freetime after that Euro 2008 showing by France), Jozy Altidore, Juan Pablo Ángel and Claudio Reyna.
I couldn't see any action, but people were excited!
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos, Sports at 7:29 PM
June 25, 2008
Cubed Subway Art That I'm Too Square to Understand
On the west end of the L train platform at Union Square.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 12:41 PM
June 24, 2008
Coldplay Plays Free Show at Madison Square Garden
Coldplay took the stage at a packed Madison Square Garden for their final free show on Monday night. The group played many of its songs from their new album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, as well as several previous hit songs.
Working out the kinks in only the fourth performance of the new material, lead singer Chris Martin joked several times about the quality of the band's performance "We come over here, we steal your women and we can't even play one song," Martin joked. With concert goers given free tickets, Martin said that there would be no complaints about ticket prices.
In addition to playing "plugged" and acoustic sets on the stage, the entire band took to one of the concourses at The Garden to play a two-song acoustic set, which included "Yellow". They concluded the concert with a confetti filled performance of "Lovers in Japan".
Much thanks to Kathryn for hooking up the free tickets to the free show.
Posted by tien mao in Concerts/Music, NYC, Photos at 5:51 PM
June 23, 2008
Calexico in SoHo
I remember when I first started working in SoHo, I told Jake that there was no way I was paying $7 for a burrito from a cart. But after several months of working here and paying that much for lunch every day, I broke down last week and got a $7 burrito from Calexico. At this point, I think paying $7 for lunch is a bargain. So sad. The biggest downside of eating at Calexico is the 20-30 minute wait for your food. It makes sense considering the small amount of grill space they have and the devoted following.
Pictured is the tasty Calexico carne asada: grilled skirt steak with rice, beans, cheese, pico de gallo & avocado sauce wrapped in a giant flour tortilla.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 12:54 PM
June 19, 2008
Rain on the Concrete Field
No matter what the weather is, people like playing softball in this park. Even when it's raining and there's lightning in the skies. Lightning + metal bats = not good.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 2:36 PM
June 18, 2008
Concrete Field Through a Fence
June 17, 2008
Renegade Craft Fair Takes over McCarren Pool
I kind of preferred it when it was abandoned to what the pool has become. Though I guess using it for something is better than using it for nothing.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 7:02 PM
June 16, 2008
Walking Over the Brooklyn Bridge
June 12, 2008
Wide Angle at Shea's Field Level
The outcome of last night's game took a while, but at least they won in extra innings after a blown save by Billy Wagner. This afternoon, Wagner blew yet another two-run lead, but the Mets lost when Aaron Heilman decided he had enough of this extra inning stuff and gave up a run in the top of the 10th.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos, Sports at 5:12 PM
June 11, 2008
Eating at Peter Luger Steakhouse
If you go to Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn, this is what your eating experience will look like. That is assuming you've ordered a steak for three with creamed spinach and German friend potatoes and a "Holy Cow" sundae for dessert.
That thing to the right in the 1st picture is the fish of the day. Sole, I believe it was.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, Friends/Family, NYC at 12:38 PM
June 10, 2008
The 2008 Big Apple Barbecue Block Party
Because I didn't sweat enough Saturday at the Belmont Stakes, I decided to hit up the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party on Sunday. I was actually cooler while stuffing myself with meat than I was watching horses running in circles.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 5:35 PM
June 5, 2008
Spazmat on Jersey Street
Previously on Jersey Street: hula hoop, Michael De Feo.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:12 PM
June 4, 2008
Hillary Clinton Supports Barack Obama
Okay, maybe she hasn't/won't be supporting Obama, but at least in some graffiti in New York City, Hillary is wearing an Obama hat.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 4:23 PM
June 2, 2008
TMI Sunset, TMI
May 29, 2008
Faile on the Rocks
May 22, 2008
Sunset on the Russian Orthodox Church
May 21, 2008
Guernsey Street in Greenpoint
One of my favorite blocks in Greenpoint is Guernsey Street between Meserole and Norman Avenues. While the buildings on the street are nothing to speak of and it always smells like piss halfway down the block, the canopy of trees is kind of beautiful.
Alternate photo on flickr.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:02 PM
May 20, 2008
Riding the Escalator at 42nd St.-Grand Central
I remember running up the stairs in the middle when I was a kid. I'm not sure I could do that anymore without passing out at the top.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:40 PM
May 19, 2008
Shea Stadium with the Holga
May 15, 2008
OBEY Posters on Lafayette
One set on the right side of the construction shed, the other set on the left side.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:50 PM
May 14, 2008
Lonely Ping Pong Table
The ping pong table at Iona sat idle for a brief moment.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 12:44 PM
May 13, 2008
Dancing Your Big Booty Off
I have no idea why this girl was dancing on 22nd St, but I was told she was promoting some show she was in. I was also told she was dancing for about an hour and a half before I saw her. Odd.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 2:25 PM
May 12, 2008
Sitting in the Cherry Esplanade
Getting up to speed after a hard drive dies is slow! And painful. So here's another cherry blossom photo.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:41 PM
May 5, 2008
Sakura Matsuri at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
A trip to the BBG for the cherry blossoms. It's like an annual rite of spring.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 9:26 AM
May 1, 2008
Fortitude in the Rain
Fortitude in front of the New York Public Library.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 2:08 PM
April 30, 2008
Angry Garage Face
I think the garage door is mostly mad at being across from the Edge building.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 6:13 PM
April 29, 2008
Viva El Neck Face
April 28, 2008
Dark Cloud by the Empire State Building
April 24, 2008
Jonas Does Shake Shack
A plain old hamburger (with lots of ketchup) and a vanilla shake.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, Friends/Family, NYC, Photos at 12:00 PM
April 17, 2008
Optimo Cigars
April 3, 2008
At the Tom Otterness Workshop, Broken Feet
Gotta feel sorry for this little dude. His feet are broken off his body!
Posted by tien mao in Culture, NYC, Photos at 5:52 PM
April 1, 2008
Nathan's on Coney Island in Black and White
I'm trying some stuff out in Lightroom. You can see the original photo on flickr.
Posted by tien mao in Food/Drink, NYC, Photos at 9:16 PM
March 26, 2008
Humpty Dumpty at Tom Otterness's Studio
A couple weekends ago, I went on a tour of Tom Otterness's studio in Brooklyn. Organized by OpenHouseNY, Otterness was there to give the tour himself. Some of the items in the studio were models of finished project, while there were others that were projects in development. One of these finished models was of his Humpty Dumpty balloon, which made its debut in the 2005 Thanksgiving Day Parade. Here's a nice photo of the balloon in action.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 3:45 PM
March 25, 2008
Heart Gaia
March 24, 2008
Sarah Marshall Sucks
March 19, 2008
Finally Some Results from the Holga
Way back over Christmas, I got a Holga as a gift. Well, I finally finished (or at least thought I finished) the roll last week and got it developed. I'm pretty pleased with the results considering it was my first time using it and I haven't used anything with film in it since like 2003 (or earlier).
Posted by tien mao in Film, NYC, Photos at 11:39 AM
March 18, 2008
And the Future of Coney Island
March 17, 2008
Final Opening Day at Astroland?
First, they said that last year was going to be the final year of Astroland - the end of Coney Island as we know it. Then, Astroland got a reprieve. But now they're saying it's Astroland's final year again. I guess we'll see if it's really the final year or not. Maybe I'll finally ride the Wonder Wheel.
Whatever happens, it's obvious to any visitors on opening day that you're seeing everything at its cleanest, everything with a fresh coat of paint, and minimal crowds. Yesterday's lousy weather didn't help either.
Posted by tien mao in NYC, Photos at 8:27 AM
