Don't Believe the Hype

Hey! Bloomie is just a regular guy, giving high fives, hanging in the hood -- crap, he might even spring for burgers. And you can usually find him here near the deli, anywhere there's a chance to lie for a vote. This guy is responsible for the gentrification/destruction of New York as we knew it and he wants four more to complete his evil vision. The problem is, the challenger is just as bad. Welcome to New York!

Dear Prudence

Shot in Trenton, much of which is deserted, dangerous and desolate, especially on the weekends. Except for this gorgeous relief on Thomas Edison State College. Thanks to James at Something Sighted for this great information:

Kelsey Building (now Thomas Edison State College), Trenton 1911

The Kelsey Building, located at 101 W. State Street, Trenton, is the original home of Thomas Edison College, built in 1911. The Kelsey Building was initiated by Henry Cooper Kelsey, New Jersey's Secretary of State for 27 years. Kelsey initiated the project to memorialize his wife Prudence, who died in 1904.

The Kelsey Building was designed by one of America's most famous architects, Cass Gilbert, designer of the Woolworth Building in New York (America’s first skyscraper). He modeled the Kelsey Building after the Palazzo Strozzi. This palace, a favorite of Prudence Townsend Kelsey, was built in Florence, Italy, in 1489.

the old gate

East Village

Meatpackers RIP

Back in the early 90s (and for decades prior) the only thing you could find on West 13th were transvestite prostitutes, all night bagel joints, and many meatpackers (who happened to work the same pre-dawn hours as the hookers!). They're all gone now, including this establishment (these pics taken 10/07).

Sweetbreads, pork loins, veal cutlets, brains and clods as far as the eye could see and the nose could smell.

Girls love big eyed critters.

Old metal and girders....noisy rollers would move slabs of meat around the block...now it's all Stella McCartney and leather wearing Europeans looking for the High Line. I prefer the old stench.

details, details, details

The brownstones surrounding Washington Square Park are grand places, sporting quiet spaces, beautiful rooms and period detail. Arrows? Bearded men with octopus bodies? I just don't know!

Cunard Lines Welcomes Carpathia...

Today, when one ventures down the west side of lower Manhattan, at the foot of 14th Street and near the West Side Highway, there may not seem to be any immediate connection to the great Atlantic Liners of yesterday. However, upon closer inspection, there are many reminders of a bygone era. Perhaps [most significant] is an abandoned pier given the simple number "54". This pier was operated by the Cunard Line. In 1912, this pier was where the Carpathia landed all 705 of the Titanic's survivors. Three years later, this was the pier from which the great Lusitania departed on her last and ill-fated voyage. Pier 54 was just one of a series of piers built along the lower west side of Manhattan. At the time of the Lusitania's maiden voyage in 1907, only a slab stretching into the North River existed; however, the inadequacies of working without a proper docking facility became manifest quickly. In response to the growing size of the Atlantic liners, the city of New York began to construct the piers that would become famous. (from Atlantic Liners)

from West Side Highway today

Two grandly carved lintels which no doubt greeted passengers beginning in 1912 -- now forgotten, abandoned, but still beautiful with their wings of promise.

Once a small chain of family owned NYC drug stores, this tiny store in the East Village is all that remains...and a beauty no CVS or Rite Aid can rival.

East of West L.A. (sort of)

More like East Village, NYC. One for Kevin, the master of darkness, of quiet scenes and a thoughtful repose.

Brooklyn Heights Luxury Class?

The link actually leads to what looks like a massage parlor. Anyone read Japanese?

A Visit to La Parisienne

Located on a busy stretch of Broadway not far from Carnegie Hall, La Parisienne is a classic old school NYC diner. Steaks Chops Seafood. What more do you need?The shores of Cyprus? No doubt painted on the wall by the proud owner's daughter...
And here he is, counting the days' receipts
In the 50s and 60s the "King" label was a prized part of diner and fast food iconography. You saw Super King, Burger King, King Malt, King of Foods everywhere in anywhere USA
It may be working class, but La Parisienne has a taste for the better things, like their yummy banana pudding...next time I try the chops

from summer

A Greenwich Village Sunset

have a great weekend everybody!

East Village Hipster Hair

Wicked Big City Woman

Vinyl is alive and well in the big city, thanks to second hand LP dealers like Academy, A1, and Big City Records. Located at 521 East 12th this tiny store has the serious goods. The walls are lined with old school LP goodness, mostly for the DJ crowd, but fans of Euro jazz, classic hip-hop, Brazilian, Latin percussion masters and the occasional super soul sister will have a high time here. Enjoy this video of German songstress Katja Ebstein, live from 1970...complete with faux Tudor backdrop, singing Swedes, and swilling senior citizens...

Let's Go Get Stoned

Good People

...in Detroit, Michigan, circa 1960 after a hardy White Castle meal of chocolate shake, fries, hamburger and apple pie with melted cheddar cheese on top. Good people.

History Lost

Next week the final alteration/destruction of Washington Square Park begins. Last year the City updated the west side of the park, and it's lovely. Lovely as a freshly scrubbed townhouse, devoid of soul, character or anything resembling history. The east side of the park (seen here last night) has that lived in look. Dig the old railings, the worn out fountain, the broken latches. This is where the Beats and the 60s folkies and all the lost artists held court from the 40s to the 70s. Gone. No more Bob Dylan, Peter Paul & Mary, Pete Seeger and Alan Ginsberg. Soon the City will wipe the slate clean. This will all be new and improved! Goodbye.

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