Hurricane Joe

A fraction of the line outside the Trader Joe's in Chelsea, right before Hurricane Irene hit the city.  And by hit, I mean basically blew over.  Not that I'm complaining, I like my modern conveniences!  And now we have a slew of non-perishable Trader Joe food in our cupboards.  Hurricane supply party, anyone?

Cornflake Girl

After a nutritious-but-slightly-scorched dinner at Tsampa, the Tibetan restauran in St. Marks, Sarni, Megaphone, Wonderland and I stopped at Momofuku Milk Bar for dessert.  Megaphone and Wonderland went for the pies, but Sarni and I idiotically decided that the "cereal" flavored milkshake and ice cream cone was where it's at.  This is despite the fact that the girl behind the counter described the flavor as the taste of milk after you've eaten all the cornflakes out of it.  Guess what.  That's exactly what it tasted like.

I couldn't shake the feeling that I was eating the frozen remnants of someone's congealed breakfast...

So Many Visitors to NYC

Pffft.  Tourists.

Flipping Beaches

Sarni loves beaches so much, he had to express his joy in a bodily-rotated fashion.  Note the random dude sitting in the distance next to the water.  You should also be aware that after this handstand, the lifeguard blew his whistle at us and made a gesture that seemed to say "stay near the ground" or possibly "I'm a baker and I like to knead bread."

Thanks to Megaphone and Wonderland for inviting us to the beach with them.  You guys, I was about to post the photo of Megaphone "helping" Wonderland with her handstand, but I realized I shouldn't exploit my friends.  That's what Sarni's for.


Long Island.  On Canon Powershot.

You are One with the Universe.

Mecca?

Or exercise?  Instead of praying, these devotees are contorting in the name of relaxation.  Yoga in the Park, praised be thine name.


Bryant Park.  On Canon Powershot.

There's a Moose Loose Aboot this Hoose...

...actually two of them.  And they seem to be in some sort of argument.

Canada.  On Canon Powershot.  Photo credit to Papa Lai.

The Great Outdoors, Indoors

I know it's a little delayed, but a few photos from my trip back to Canada a few weeks ago.  The Great North - the only place where they love the outdoors so much, they bring it indoors so they won't miss it.

Canada.  On Canon Powershot.  Photo credit to Papa Lai.

Give My Regards to Broadway

We're not sure, but Sarni and I think that this piano was set up for anyone who wanted to play it.  Only in New York City could you set up a pink piano and attract people willing to play it and sing in public.

Herald Square.  On Canon Powershot.

Where are the Nature Police??

Sarni and I spent a lovely afternoon in Central Park over the weekend, but the afternoon was partially marred by a very aggravating incident.  While watching the above serene scene (note the nesting duck!  the fisherman!  the turtles sunning on the rock!), we saw a man tossing bits of his used kleenex into the lake for the turtles to eat.  And laughing.  Jerk.

Sarni and I sternly admonished him several times, telling him he shouldn't do that because it would harm the turtles.  He just laughed and continued throwing the kleenex in the water.  Poor turtles.  Where are the Nature Police when you need them?

Central Park.  On Canon Powershot.

Snoopy-Off

What, exactly, IS "dog repellant"?  I kind of wish Sarni and I had stuck around and waited for a dog to approach.

Upper East Side.  On Canon Powershot.

Master of the Universe

Sarni got his masters of science from Columbia!  It was a very proud moment for everyone.  He is now a master (or whatever you call it).  My favorite moment was during the ceremony, when the dean asked the Columbia students to turn to the sides to thank their families, especially their parents who raised such wonderfully ambitious children.  Hmph.  What about the pregnant wives who did nothing?


Columbia University.  On iPhone.

Update from England! Paddington On The Prowl

Our resident English correspondent, Mountie, has sent us two updates on everyone's favorite Bear About Town, who has been spotted about town.

As Mountie reports, Paddington was spotted driving a cab in Scarborough during the winter to make ends meet!  Perhaps to support that pesky honey habit?  What else could he be carrying in his always-present suitcase?

It's not all about the honey, though - Mountie also spotted Paddington doing some charity work in his spare time.  This is a bear who really thinks about others.  Now if only we could find out what's in that suitcase of his...

XOXO Gossip Girl


Thanks to Mountie for the photographic update!

Love the 'Do.

We passed by the most hilarious Barbershop window - I'm guessing you can order any of these awesome haircuts by number.  I will seriously pay cash money to anyone who will order number 24.  Also, check out number 28 - what the hell is going on there?  That kid looks like a recruit for the KKK.


Upper West Side.  On Canon Powershot.

Cookie Monster(s)

Sarni and I took a special detour to get a cookie from Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side.  Guys, no kidding, these are the best.  Cookies.  Ever.  So chewy and melty, they're full of wholesome cookie goodness.  Warning though - they're big.  They're like a meal unto themselves.  One of my friends told me that marathon runners will eat them for carbs and energy!  Still, if you're in the area, not to be missed!


Upper West Side.  On Canon Powershot.

Castles in the Park

Sarni and I were walking through Central Park on a lovely warm day last weekend, and we came across something we hadn't seen before - what looks like a castle.  I love how big this park always feels, even though it gets crowded to the brim during the summer.  I love that it contains traditional-looking castles even while it's surrounded by the modern castles of the city.


Central Park.  On Canon Powershot.

It's the Eye of the Tiger

Sarni and I trekked all the way up to Columbia to pick up his graduation goods (man, that place is far away).  I tried to get into the collegiate spirit by encouraging Sarni to dance with some stoned students drumming on the lawn, and then suggesting we crash an outdoor pizza party, but he wouldn't go for either.  Spoilsport.

Here's the main building on campus.  If you look really quickly, doesn't the "Alma Mater" statue look like she's doing the victory salute in Rocky?

More photos from the actual graduation to come in a few weeks.


Morningside Heights.  On Canon Powershot.

Change is in the Air...

So I have a bit of a blog announcement:  Sarni and I are expecting a little Sarni.  :)  Yay!

While this is exciting news in the non-virtual world, it will impact my blogging world as follows - I will be slowing (but not stopping!) my posts on The Kaleidoscope Project.  (I've noticed that pregnancy is already limiting my ability to get out and explore the city on a regular basis - soon I'll be posting photos of our coffee table leg.)

I'll be starting another blog to chronicle the pregnancy of little Sarni baby (hence, the oh-so-unexpected name, http://littlesarnibaby.blogspot.com/).  For those of you interested in following along, please do come by and check it out!  For the photographers who have been visiting The Kaleidoscope Project for pics of New York and who have no interest in babies, do come back to The Kaleidoscope Project every once in awhile for a visit.  And thanks for joining me on my photographic journey, it's been a great ride!

Until then.

Lai

The Way of the Future?

Does anyone else get squeamish about uneven patterns?  Anyone?  Well, I do.  The other day, Sarni and I came across a building that is pretty much my fear in window form.  Yeeee.

Also, I found the smattering of trees scattered throughout the glass building mildly depressing.  Are you looking at the "gardens" of the future?


Chelsea.  On Canon Powershot.

What a Low Blow in Sports REALLY Looks Like

Ouch.  As if the Mets don't have enough to deal with.

(By the way, I have no idea if the Mets really do have anything to deal with, I just like to pretend I'm sports-knowledgeable sometimes.)


Chelsea, on the Hi-Line.  On Canon Powershot.

Canine Coddling

Because sometimes, even Fido needs a seaweed body wrap.


Hell's Kitchen.  On Canon Powershot.

Pizza Tasting

Sarni and I stumbled upon Two Boots in Hell's Kitchen and decided to give their pizza a try.  Normally, I am loyal to the New York thin-crust pizza, but after Cuddles introduced me to Two Boots' organic thick-crust tomato-laden Aunt Bessie a few weeks ago, I was hooked!  Sarni had some sort of meat-crazed pizza, which he liked.

The Two Boots in Hell's Kitchen is also interesting, decor-wise - the walls are plastered with posters from pulp fiction B- (and possibly C- and D-) list movies.  Sarni was so cute, wondering aloud why he hadn't heard of any of the movies.  Pizza and an education.


Hell's Kitchen.  On Canon Powershot.

Super-Stacked

Reason number 1 so few Manhattanites like to keep cars in the city.  "Check out my car!  No, up there, on the third layer, two cars in."

At least theft shouldn't be such an issue.  What thief is going to scale this behemoth?


Hell's Kitchen.  On Canon Powershot.

Life really is a highway

Sarni and I participated in some very un-NYC-like behavior recently - we went car shopping.  It felt weird.  It felt even weirder to have so much difficulty actually getting to the dealerships (perhaps thus highlighting why we were going car shopping in the first place).

Here, Sarni looks longingly at his impractical car of choice.  Maybe the next one, babe.


Hell's Kitchen.  On Canon Powershot.

Down the Rabbit Hole, Part 2

Remember my post a few days ago about the growth hormone overdose that seemed to be affecting clothing logos?  Well, I think it may have spread to non-clothing parts of the city.


Midtown.  On Canon Powershot.

In the Air

Spring has arrived in NYC!!  Well, at least for one day.  Welcome back, old friend.


Central Park.  On Canon Powershot.

Pop Art in the City

Sarni and I happened upon a new statue in Union Square.  It's simply titled "Andy."  We, and the crowd around us, thought it was a statue of Andy Warhol.  (Although I should confess that at first, I thought it was one of those street performers who poses for money.)

Doesn't he look like any other confused, bewildered silver-plated shopper in the city?


Union Square.  On Canon Powershot.

Back to Basics

Hey there Bloggees, sorry for the temporary hiatus!  Felt a little under the weather...

...but nothing some organic Jean-Georges Vongerichten couldn't cure.  Sarni met up with our friends N&P for brunch at his "farmhouse" experiment, ABC Kitchen.

Minimalist Jean-Georges is something I had to see - surprisingly, it worked!  We had a lovely brunch, and everyone enjoyed the uber-healthy food (all grown locally and harvested sustainably).

In a perfect union of marketability, ABC Kitchen is attached to ABC Homes, a furniture and housewares store right upstairs.  Naturally, Sarni and I had to see it for ourselves.

This may be another only in New York - in the Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern section, we located this impressive deity.  Those bills in its hands?  REAL MONEY.  How the store has stopped thieves from coming in and taking them is beyond me.


Flatiron District.  On Canon Powershot.

Growth Hormone Warnings?

Sarni and I noticed something strange when we were out shopping.  Logos, which were formerly endearingly (and tastefully) small, are blowing up.  Literally.

I mean, what happened to the Lacoste alligator??  It looks like he's on steroids.


Herald Square.  On Canon Powershot.

The Secret Garden

I have to admit, I always assume that Macy's won't be able to impress me anymore, flower-wise.  I mean, I've seen their flower show multiple times - hit me with your best shot, big guy.

But this arrangement, it impressed me.  Entirely made out of green foliage, with dangling flowers suspended in individual test tubes of green liquid, this flower arrangement was like a zany tree straight out of a Lewis Carroll story.  Well played, Macy's.  Except I was so impressed, I almost forgot to shop.

Herald Square.  On Canon Powershot.  Photographic credit to Sarni.

Dog Day Afternoon

This may qualify as an "only in New York."  A toy dispenser filled with doggie treats, standing in the middle of the sidewalk.  Oh, but don't worry.  "Cats love 'em too."

Oh, and did I mention that it's chained up to prevent theft by . . . dogs, presumably?  One for the dogs, people.


Murray Hill.  On Canon Powershot.

Second City

I've been thinking about the subway a lot recently (partially because I watched a documentary about urban caving, and partially because I've found myself taking the MTA a lot recently).  It's so strange, this second network of tunnels snaking under the surface of the city, like an unseen ant farm.  Anybody?  No?  Just me?  Okay.


West Village.  On Canon Powershot.

A Spoonful of Seitan

Over the weekend, Sarni and I met up with Megaphone and Wonderland for dinner.  We went to the West Village branch of Gobo, a gourmet vegetarian and health food restaurant.  I don't know about you, but there's something about immersing yourself in seitan, soy and carrot-celery-ginger juice that really makes you feel smugly alive.  I mean, check out Sarni's beer.  Even the alcohol comes out looking medicinal.


West Village.  On Canon Powershot.

Kaleidoscope Project On Location: Land of Hope and Glory

While in England, Sarni and I had the privilege of visiting some close family friends at their adorable cottage in Bradwell.

All of the walls in Bradwell were made up of stones - some cemented together, some just resting on top of one another.  In the world of the Three Little Pigs, this town's got it in the bag.

We encountered a silent guard-dog on the back steps of one cottage . . .

. . . and his equally silent buddy next door.  I wonder if the owners took a look at the first dog and thought, "pfft, I could get the same results with a pile of wood."

Is anyone else slightly disturbed by the sleazy pose adopted by this gnome?  It's like a new line of Gnome Gigolos, now available for all your backgarden creepiness needs.

I don't know why this amused me, I guess because they couldn't decide whether the lane was more "in the back" or "little," so they just went with both.

I'm pretty sure this amused me because I'm immature.

At the English pub where we stopped for lunch.

No longer in Bradwell - a view of Sarni's hometown from behind his house.

Our "English" shadows.  Don't they look refined?


Bradwell, etc., England.  On Canon Powershot.

Kaleidoscope Project On Location: Land of Hope and Glory

A "Wonderland" perspective of Chester, England.  Giant chess pieces?  Check.  Photo credit to Mountie (thanks Mountie!).

I took this after my stunning victory in miniature golf.  (This is a macro shot of a normal-sized golf ball - I thought it may be necessary to clarify that, given the previous photo.)

Sarni takes out his frustration from his miniature golf defeat by visiting the Big Boys' golfing range.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be an archer in the 1100s, wonder no further.

Everything looks more English when it's Tudor-style, that's what I say.

Similarly, I feel like you can English-ify anything by adding "ye olde" to the front of it.  "ye olde cell phone warehouse."  See what I did there?

A famous Cathedral, of which I ironically cannot remember the name.  But doesn't the photo look dramatic?  Spooky.

This is a famous corner in Chester (even though it looks like Mama Sarni, Papa Sarni and Boz are trying to find it in different directions).

Boz (involuntarily) models the mobius scarf and fingerless wrist cuffs I knitted for her.  (PS, it's quite a rush to see people wearing stuff you made - Karl Lagerfeld, I totally get you.)


Chester, England.  On Canon Powershot.