photographs and random miscellaney from my brain
I’ve certainly been in the neighborhood plenty of times recently, but I don’t think I’ve actually stepped inside Washington Square Park in several years. Back in the early 90s when I would come into the city on my day off and just hang out here people-watching, I wanted desperately to live in this neighborhood (and did live on 9th street and 5th avenue for one summer back in 1998). Views north (up 5th avenue) and south (to the new World Trade Center).
Third of the Dublin Murder Squad series, and so far, the best. Frank Mackey may be my favorite of the “central” characters so far, if only because he was so well drawn in The Likeness as well – and the mystery of what happened to Rosie (and consequently to Frank) was heartbreaking. Actually, I don’t know which is more heartbreaking – spending 22 years living your life thinking that the love of your life had abandoned you, or finding out that, well, she hadn’t. I don’t want to spoil anything, but (while the groundwork for the reveal was absolutely laid) I was unsure right up until the reveal as to who the killer was. Definite recommend.
Even as Columbus Avenue gets further overrun by shiny glass-fronted banks and “cute” shops that pretend to have character but really don’t, there are still a few holdouts from the old days. I particularly like the modesty of this coffee shop, what with only assigning itself 3 stars.
As is common to (almost) all cats, Sadie is obsessed with boxes and bags. I can’t even put groceries down for five seconds before putting them away because she will try to climb inside the still-full bags. But, as a treat, I do always try to get the paper bags from trader joe’s so that she can have fun for a few hours before they go out into the recycling.
Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell
As always, Sarah Vowell brings a unique and personal perspective to some overlooked areas of American history. I can’t say that I loved this as much as some of her earlier endeavors, but only because (as a north easterner), I think I have more context to place works such as Partly-Cloudy Patriot and Assassination Vacation. Nonetheless, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and Vowell’s unique voice brings some entertaining commentary to what is, in actuality, the fairly horrible history of our treatment of the Hawaiian people.
In addition to the giant parks throughout the city, there are also a lot of vest pocket parks wedged in between buildings, built on what would otherwise be empty lots or alleyways.
I discovered this one when I decided to take a slight detour from my normal walk around the neighborhood. I think I may have to return to take more pictures, and also to just sit for varying lengths of time, because it’s just so…inviting.
I think my favorite part is that, according to the sign, a few years ago they decided to fancy up the place by giving it a latinate name. Before? it was called “seventy-first street plot”.
and, for my last post of the day (I think I may have set a record here), the random cool signs I encountered while wandering aimlessly through the west village and the flatiron neighborhood.
because I never know when I’m going to run into a random festival of antique citroens in town for Bastille Day.
Whereas most neighborhoods in new york city have zoning requirements designed (at least in theory) for the comfort and stability of their residents, Times Square’s zoning rules actually require buildings to put a minimum amount of lighted or neon signage on their exterior in order to stay in keeping with the character of the neighborhood. A few of my favorites, most of which are not even commercial enterprises (in order: subway entrance, NYPD station, US Armed Forces recruiting station, and the Paramount Theater//Hard Rock Cafe).
The other day, I was trying to explain the golden hour (or ‘magic hour’) to someone. It’s essentially the 30-60 minutes immediately after sunrise and immediately before sunset when the light is at its absolute best for photography. It has something to do with the way that the light bends on the horizon that causes colors to just be deeper and richer.
In any event, here are two crappy iPhone pictures of the sunset tonight during the golden hour.
