Brock's Blog

Austin

2011-09-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

The river they called a lake.

Vibrant streets

Beautiful buildings

Crazy-eyed bird

Good thing it's still 2011

Best way to get around, obviously

Rays of heaven beaming down on a sea of beauty

Austin City Limits

Alison Krauss

Stevie Wonder

Arcade Fire

We'll be back

Pepper Party 4

2011-08-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

A lot of peppers this year. Nuff said.

Garden Update

2011-08-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

It's late August and the summer has brought a fair amount of excitement to the land of the fire escape. A view from below shows a summer of growth.

Much of the growth has been due to the wet summer we've had, and regular watering to offset the super hot days. Although, the rain has been hard to manage, especially for my compost when it comes in hard and sideways.

But most importantly I got fruit this year: Mostly cucumbers and peppers.

However the other day I found something peculiar. One of my tomato plants was gnawed to the stems. It was completely stripped.

After a quick investigation. I found the culprit.

A tomato hornworm. Turns out these are pretty damaging machines, as I had learned the hard way. Although fortunately for me, there are these braconid wasps out there who like to control the tomato hornworm population by laying their eggs on the worms and slowly eating out their insides. I didn't really believe it when I heard it until I looked out the window and saw it being done...twice...pretty intense sight to see.

But all in all, the garden is still well. If only I could grow some friggin broccoli...

Old Time Warner

2011-08-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, Time Warner. Your online bill pay website requires me to downgrade my browser to log in. Another reason for me to cancel you.

Look closely at the supported browser versions. The current latest version of IE is 9, the latest of Safari is 5, and Firefox is 5 as well. Are they for real? FIOS, why must you still not be available on my block!?!?!

Know Your Biker!

2011-07-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

A week ago, I was talking to a friend of mine who had just started a new job. She said to me, "You have GOT to meet my new boss, you would love him, he rides his bike everywhere!" "Oh yeah?" I replied, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah! He does these 100 mile rides every weekend, with the whole racing outfit and everything!" My grin then turned to a grimace. I thought to myself, do I really look like the type of guy with that much free time and a voluntary urge to wear spandex?

The truth is, there are many types of riders out there. Different riders have different motives, different techniques and different reasons to be loved or hated. Most riders fall into one of several categories. In New York City, here are the top 9 different types of riders.

1) The Regular Commuter: These are the most noble of riders. They have one goal: Get from point A to point B. Most of these riders take their ride seriously because it is their most common mode of transportation. Therefor most of them follow the etiquette of the road and don't really cause a nuisance. Men and women alike, some are wearing business attire with sneakers to change out of later, and others are just casual normal looking people, just trying to beat the subway. This is me, and hundreds of thousands of other city dwellers. Respect them, because they are worthy of respect.

2) The Hardcore Cyclist: Nobody can be criticized for some good wholesome cardio, but is the outfit really necessary? C'mon, you look ridiculous. I don't go for a run in short shorts, nor do I take batting practice in a full baseball uniform, nor do I shave my legs to go for a swim. Actually, I would never shave my legs but that's besides the point. I honestly wish I had the free time to spend my mornings and weekends riding, but sadly for me I have a job and a social life to maintain. Sorry.

3) The Hispanic Food Delivery Man: Here come the stereotypes! But if you can prove me wrong, I'll shut up. These riders are typically found with plastic bags both covering their seat and also carrying delivery food. They are usually riding an old beat up mountain bike on the wrong side of the road, frequently going the wrong way in a bike lane. Sometimes they are wearing helmets and safety vests with the name of the restaurant (which is now the law) and sometime they are wearing only kitchen attire. Their poor road manners make normal bikers cringe and scream insults, but they ignore it because their speedy arrival promotes higher tips for the hungry awaiting customers.

4) The Asian Food Delivery Man: We've all seen them. The 45-year-old asian man riding an electric bicycle with an awkward baseball cap and a cigarette. I still remember the first time I saw one of these battery powered "bicycles" silently whiz by me. Within the last several years these riders have increased exponentially. Some appear to be delivering food, others seem to be up to no good. Verrry Mysteeeerious. We'll never know.

5) The Messenger: These frequently dreadlocked daredevil defy the logic of bicycle physics. Putting in hundreds of miles a day, these riders perform unlike any other, both in stamina and agility. Squeezing through crevices between busses and wiggling through crowds of people crossing the street, these impressive riders snake their way down the street with graceful form, almost invisible. They intimidate some pedestrians, but if you need to get a role of architectural plans from East 53rd St to Church Street, they are your go-to-guy.

6) The Tourist: These riders are easy to recognize because they are dressed like Europeans, not wearing helmets while slowly and awkwardly swerving around on dumb looking cruiser bikes they rented at Columbus Circle. They frequently have no clue whatsoever where they are going, and they love to get in your way. It's like they do it on purpose.

7) The Pedicabbies: These are the foreigners who take advantage of other foreigners. Ride by them and just listen to the garbage they spew. "I rode by Alec Baldwin yesterday." or "That building is the one from Ghost Busters." Fredereick Law Olmstead would turn over in his grave if he knew his park was infested by such sleazy sleeveless scammers. The only thing that makes horse and carriages worse is the fact that they poop all over the place.

8) The Hipsters: Hipsters are the only reason fixed gear bikes even exists. Maybe it's because fixies are the vinyls of bicycles: inferior yet "authentic." Anyway, these epically rad riders are mostly found in Brooklyn, where style trumps performance. Vintage style bikes line the streets and even the guys have baskets in front. It's weird. But that's why it's cool.

9) The Crazy Non-Bikers: These are riders who get the double takes. You see them mostly in the parks or on the Hudson Greenway. They are riding the recumbent bicycles or even bikes that look like elliptical machines. It makes you wonder what stoned bike shop nut came up with these ideas, yet its impressive performance makes you intrigued and somewhat jealous. Then again, it seems like something you would try once then go back to a regular bicycle.

Then again, maybe you are a mix of several categories. The point is, one type doesn't classify all riders. Some people hate all bikers because they associate all of them with the rule-breaking delivery guys or the wreckless traffic swervers. Some people think all riders are training for the Tour de France because of all the silly spandexed people out there. False associations just make it frustrating for the rest of us who are just trying to get from point A to point B. So the point is, know your biker, ok? Now get out of my way, I have somewhere to go.

Spring 2011 Garden

2011-06-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

The garden is more or less complete for the season. I've expanded about 80% more than my previous year's surface area, now occupying more than half of the walkable area of the top level of the fire escape.

In here I have some Basil, Rosemary, Peas, a Pepper, a bunch of Fennel, Chamomile, 2 Easter Lilies, some cosmos and some duck foot ivy.

From left to right: in back in pots: Broccoli, Peppers, Chocolate Mint, random indoor plant, Sage; in middle planters: random stuff and String Beans, 4 each of Red and Green Bell, Cayenne and Jalapeno Peppers (that I got from Dad in Philly) , a Tomato Pot; Rain Catchment Bins; Compost...

To note is a funny "weed" I kept pulling out. It was obviously something that made it into my compost with a lot of seeds that eventually found themselves in pretty much everything I had planted for the past couple weeks. But I couldn't figure out what the darn thing was...

Yesterday morning I figured out what they were, as I was walking around a farmer's market in Madison, WI.

The plant caught my eye and I knew at once what had settled all over my garden. My roommate Dave had definitely put scrap zucchini in the compost bag, which had a whole bunch of seeds that would end up in the big compost bin and eventually get mixed in with soil to use. I'm going to get some of it growing in a pot or two and see if I can get some fruit out of it.

Biking Madison

2011-06-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Madison, WI was the setting for CNU19, the annual conference of the Congress for the New Urbanism, a non profit sustainable urban planning organization. The bicycle culture there was appropriately refreshing, to say the least. There were bikes everywhere, all over. Maybe it was the 1500 visitors they had that week, who knows.

Their new bike share program proved effective. See the lockup station that was found in several key locations throughout the city.

It was free if used for just a half hour, and $10 if taken for more thann that up to a whole day. Besides the fact that it looked like a clunky cruiser with a heavy metal basket welded to the front, they seemed to be well received and frequently used. Again, maybe it was just the conference.

Most surprising to me in Madison was the lack of bike security (which is obviously a huge concern of me in my current city). Bikes were locked up all over (or not) with nothing but cable locks. I saw maybe 3 chains the entire 4 days I was there. I went to rent a bike for the week and they weren't even going to give me a lock until I asked for one. A person I was with asked what happens if the bikes get stolen, to which the shop attendant responded in a confused and slow manner, for which he had no real response. "It's never happened so I don't really know."

There were also these other red bikes that were rented, these for free with a deposit. Although these were old bikes spray painted red. The entire bike, over cables and gears and brakes and everything. Really.

http://redbikes.org/redbike/how-madison-red-bike-program

Strange Sleepers 4

2011-05-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

And the winner is, myself...

See the rest of the Strange Sleepers series...

The Charm of the Third Time

2011-04-04T17:02:00.001-07:00

I never enjoy doing my taxes. Adding to the difficulty this year was the fact that (unbeknownst to me) my birthday had (at one point in my life) changed. Yes, apparently your birthday can change. And when filing tax returns, the IRS doesn't like it when you declare a different birthday than the SSA does, and the SSA thought it was the day before it actually was. But my birth certificate was correct, so when did it change?

It changed in 2003, when I got a new social security card. The office to do so was in the Veteran's Administration Building in Philadelphia, and I had to walk through a metal detector. What I didn't know at the time was that the metal detector was actually a magical portal of youth, making me exactly 1 day younger. I guess it was pretty cool, except that 8 years later I would have my federal tax return rejected by the federal government because in their eyes I was lying to them about my age. But why would I lie to them about being younger? I'm dating an older woman.

When Turbo Tax told me that my return was rejected, I cried out in anger. After that I called up the SSA. They told me of the magical blessing of the portal of youth and the power I now possessed, but warned that the journey to restore my old body back to its original form required a long and perilous journey to the local SSA office and find my fate in the most dreaded terrain in all the world: A government agency waiting room.

After work the next day, I decided to venture onward to begin my quest to restore my age. The roads were perilous and the rain pricked my face as I slithered down 7th Ave on my bicycle. The aura was that of disturbing annoyance, very typical of West Midtown in general. My hinderances continued as the actual building was numbered out of order on the street, a timely allegory of my dilemma. I approached the dreary facade and encountered a locked glass door with a sign saying that the office is open from 9 to 4. 9 to 4?!? Thwarted again! Thwarted and dejected. But dejected yet determined. Determined to succeed in restoring my body back to my rightful age and ultimately...filing my tax return.

The next day I snuck out on my lunch break and jogged the 11 blocks back down to the office. The front door was open this time. I entered. A claustrophobically small lobby was occupied by a small desk and a slow-motion security guard. This struck me as peculiarly ineffective yet I kept my distance as I muttered to myself the reminder: "never underestimate the government, never underestimate the government..." A single elevator door straight ahead was my only directional option, so I approached it and pressed the only button. An awkward 143 seconds later, the door opened, with a confused woman asking both myself and the security guard where the bathroom was. It was a confusion indicative of my journey.

After the even more awkward 4 minute elevator ride from the ground floor to the third floor (I thought the lady was gonna burst), I entered the floor, followed a sign, and walked down a sterile looking hallway to a double door. Behind the door was the waiting room, the stage for my battle. I took my number, grabbed a form and sat down. There were 12 other people waiting. It was 11:47 AM. I hadn't quite beaten the lunch crowd like I had hoped. There were 3 windows, of course only two were staffed. So I sat, quickly filled out the form and awaited my chance to fight for my honor, and my birth date.

The wait was not easy, but rather a true test of the little remaining sanity that I still possessed. I gazed ahead at the security guard, who was of course armed. A sign behind him read "Do not ask the security guard for help with forms." I then overhead somebody whispering in an unknown language and slowly looked around and noticed most people probably didn't share my native language. Then, entering the room came somebody who also fit that criteria. He was also struck dumb with confusion. Several concerned people gestured to him to take a ticket and to fill out the form on the table. I looked out of the corner of my eyes as he looked at the form. I looked at him, I looked at the guard. The guard looked at him, he looked at the guard. I looked at him, then I looked at the guard, then back at him. Then I watched as the man demonstrated to the guard that he, in fact, spoke none of the 14 posted languages as he approached the guard and meekfully grunted, holding out the forms. He had actually taken both an English and a Spanish version of the same form, and he seemed to be wondering which one to fill out. The guard replied, politer than what was warranted, that he was allowed to fill out either, but that he as a security guard couldn't help him, because he was, in fact, only a security guard. The confused yet eager man was persistent but finally backed down as a kind samaritan agreed to help the man fill out his form, and the confused man sat down next to her. This was all well and good except that she was sitting right next to me, so I was then burdened with the caustic persian mumbles that buzzed in my ear like a mosquito. The kind woman slowly asked him to spell many of the indecipherable words that he spewed, but he was unable. As I pondered why somebody who was so inept at communicating deserved a social security card, the next person's name was called. I was only 5 numbers away from finally facing my fate.

The next person who walked to the open window also had an appearance of not speaking an ounce of english, and I quickly discovered that he too was incapable of speaking the primary language of this country. But what frustrated me even more was watching the hand signals of the window worker direct the confused man to walk back over to the table to fill out the form that everybody was supposed to fill out prior to window service! I sighed, but was relieved that maybe she would read the next number, making it one turn closer to my turn. However, instead she just waited...WAITED for him to complete the entire form. He was even distracted by another confused scoundrel asking him for directions. I almost jumped up at that moment to strangle them both, but I remained calm. I closed my eyes and tried to purge my mind of all thoughts.

Suddenly, an official looking man entered the waiting room and declared that he would like to take the next two numbers in line, to service them in the next room. two people got up and follow. 10 minutes passed. He then came in again. I quickly jumped to my feet and headed his way, making strong eye contact with a persistent stride. Surprised at my quick response, the man nodded accordingly, grinned and led me out the room, down the hall, and into a quite different looking room, one with many cubicles, resembling an actual office where actual work was done. The man led me to a cubicle with a kind woman at a desk who smiled and asked me for my form. She then proceeded to process my request and cheerfully ask how my day was. Confused, yet relieved, I sat back in my seat and exhaled. "Good...thank you," I slowly responded. The kind woman continued to dispel my anxiety while calmly explaining to me why my SS# had changed and how she was fixing it for me. Hypnotized by her soothing voice, my arms started tingling as she slid a form across the table for me to sign. I gazed down at the information to verify my new, and one time original birth date. I slowly signed on the line. The woman then smiled, took the form from me, and told me I was all set. I then arose from my chair in an aura of calmness, and walked out and around, through the door, down the hallways to the elevator, down, and out the strange small lobby to the familiar city streets. I looked back up at the subtle-looking government building, and sighed. I slowly walked back to work, drained yet relieved that I had emerged somewhat successful.

Later that week I logged into TurboTax and submitted my tax return again. An hour later I received an e-mail saying it was rejected. Again!?! Even though I discovered this while I was at work, I dropped everything I was doing and called up the SSA. After a 10 minute wait I was able to speak to a representative who confirmed that my birthdate did indeed change in the system, but perhaps the IRS hadn't been notified. As I refused to let the phone call end before I resolved the issue, the agent tried a variety of escape tactics. I persisted however, and then all of a sudden, in a surprise turn of events, the SSA rep proceeded to call the IRS while keeping me on the line in a conference call. The line rang as I awaited in eager anticipation. The automated menu came up and I listened to a series of interrupting beeps, which I presume was the SSA rep continually pressing "0." Finally a representative picked up an asked how he could be of assistance. I hesitated to hear if the SSA rep would speak but she did not, so I spoke up and explained my woes. The IRS person gave his generic response, blaming it on the SSA at which point the SSA rep jumped in and refuted his claim. The two began to bicker slightly, but then came to the shared conclusion that I should wait a week and re-file my taxes. I signed, having no confidence whatsoever in their decision, but somewhat defeated, I conceded to their advise and hung up.

A week later I re-filed my taxes, for the third time. Shortly afterwards I got an e-mail saying that my return was finally accepted. Finally! I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. My journey was almost over. Several weeks later my checking account was finally credited. I paid my rent, and went on with my life.

The End.

Plants Eating Snow

2011-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

I've harvested water from my fire escape catchment basins to plant my indoor guys plenty of times, but not in this form. It's actually better in some ways because it melts slowly and avoids the occasional overflow.

Texas Time

2010-12-29T23:59:00.000-08:00

After a nice Christmas visit with the Brocks in Philly, Jess and I traveled down to Texas, a land far, far away, somewhere in between the United States and Mexico. Texas was a strange land, but the city of Dallas offered striking scenes, reminiscent of suburban America.

And what would middle earth be without Walmarts with aisles wider than my friggin apartment.

Slightly more interesting than car dealers, strip malls and big box stores was a masonry building that assassinated a US president.

Dallas is...unique...I call this "rims and wreaths"

Fort Worth actually possessed most of the authenticity and charm of the region.

Of course, I couldn't visit Texas without getting some authentic food. How about some mountain oysters and chicken-fried steak?

There are a lot of other funny things in Texas too, like the fact that they have two stadiums, one for the MLB AL West right to the east of one for the NFL NFC East. That's just silly. Silly Texas.

Texas was fun!

Thanks to Jessika's wonderful family for their generous hospitality and a great time. All in all, it was a pretty good place to avoid the great blizzard of 2010.

Construction Christmas

2010-12-23T19:21:00.000-08:00

They may make us work Christmas Eve, but they can't take our spirit!

Bike-umentary

2010-12-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

I've finally finished my long awaited Bike-umentary. This also served as a portion of my thesis project for my recently completed M.S. in Urban Environmental Systems Management at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY. It's nice to be done and have at least something somewhat interesting to show for it...

Part 1: Bike-umentary - Part 1
Part 2: Bike-umentary - Part 2
Part 3: Bike-umentary - Part 3

Pepper Party 3

2010-11-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

I picked my first bell pepper. Since I started so late in the season I'll have to settle with a yellow one. That's the ripest it will get now that it's getting cold out. It was delicious though, nice and sweet...

As for my beautiful cayennes, I tried to dry one out in the toaster over but instead of drying it I...toasted it.

Attempt #2 seems to be working. Just letting it hang out.

And as for the jalepenos, the late start caused me to yield only the smallest fruit that probably wont get much bigger at this point (except for that one I picked earlier)...

Oh well. But with the seeds I've saved from this years crop, and some better planning, I'm already looking forward to next spring.

Wood you buy this?

2010-11-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

Maybe if I could afford it...this finely crafted FSC certified specimen was on display at Greenbuild 2010 and sells for well over $6000. Even though it only weighs 16 pounds, with the way I abuse bicycles, it aint worth it...

Greenbuild '10

2010-11-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

Greenbuild 2010 in Chicago, IL...here is the Lend Lease booth...

Colin Powell was the opening plenary speaker.

This audience may be tough...

Wait a minute, I'm Colin freakin Powell...

Green buildings, grandkids, communists and thank you cards...

The closing plenary...

Rick Fedrizzi doing "The Clap"

Richard Daley telling us all why he's a bomb ass mayor.

Yes, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan looks like he is 11 years old.

The intellectual and passive aggressive Paul Hawken.

NYC Marathon '10

2010-11-07T21:46:00.000-08:00

Mile 17 Marathon Party - Year #3

The Women

The Men

Frank

Sunset

Alex wins the frogger prize

And what would a marathon be without a rhinoceros?

Wasted Space

2010-10-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Just like fire escapes, a roof is a terrible thing to waste, especially one this big.

This is atop PS 199. Just think of the wasted possibilities, whether it be gardens, terraces, rain catchment, solar panels, etc...At least re-coat it to make it light colored, save some money on AC in the warmer months.

Dismount Shishmount

2010-10-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

I admit. I'm guilty of it. Not dismounting on certain pedestrian paths. To be fair, I very, very rarely ride on the sidewalk (when I do, I half dismount and coast on one leg and absolutely keep my distance). But for these short connections between bike paths and roads, it's easier to just quickly pedal by. Unless of course, you encounter one of these people...

Locked up?

2010-10-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

If you are going to lock up your bike, do it right. A wheel is a terrible thing to lose.

I mean you gotta account for locking both wheels, whether you use a second cable lock, pinheads...handcuffs?...

Birthday Pumpkin

2010-10-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Now you've seen one.

This was finally removed from Exchange Bar and Grill one week later. Happy Birthday, Keller.

Phils NLDS 2010

2010-10-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is what Phillies fans look like in the West Village. Just the guy on the right, although it is strange all three people are simultaneously talking on their cell phones with their right hands.

If you want to watch a game around there you go to Wogie's. It's a fun place, as Alex here can attest. Phillies won the second game tonight against the Reds.

But look carefully at the picture. One of these things is not like the others...

Fela

2010-10-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

I've lived in New York for almost four and a half years and since then had never seen a Broadway show. Now that my significant other happens to be theatrically knowledged, that wont be the case any longer. The first show we went to was Fela. Sitting in the $27 student section (that's right I still have my ID, why not?), we had a pretty up close and personal experience. I almost got kicked in the head like 7 times.

Surprise

2010-10-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

After all I've observed between Hasidim and Cyclists, I was VERY surprised yet extremely excited to observe what seemed to be the bridging of en enormous gap. From what I've heard, after the mitzvah, Hasidic Jews are not to ride bikes. This obviously isn't the case here. You go girl!

Oh yeah but you need a helmet, don't forget.

The Perfect Marriage

2010-10-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

My obsession with fire escapes really began the first time I had access to one. The best ones are obviously those that are accessible and usable for more than just egress. The architecture studio building in undergrad at Lehigh had several big ones, all large enough to house several gatherers be they smokers, chatters or what. The next victory was my second (and current at this time) apartment in NYC, as documented frequently in the past.

Today, however, I saw for one of the first times, a blatant marriage between fire escape egress and fire escape usable space:

This should be a precedent for ALL fire escapes in the city. A fire escape is a terrible thing to waste.

Squeeze

2010-10-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

You may think I hate cars, but I don't. They are tools that can be used appropriately and inappropriately. When they are used appropriately, they contribute to society in a positive way (and conversely, the opposites as well). This one does right. I may not be a fan aesthetically, but functionally this is the epitome of spacial efficiency. Well done.

Visitor 2

2010-09-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Oh! Hey! Another visitor!

He came to admire my kalanchoe bean stalk.

Parking at Work

2010-09-27T16:57:00.001-07:00

When I posted regarding the Bikes in Buildings law on May 20th, I was still in the process of pushing for bike parking at 200 Park Ave, where I work.

Now, over 4 months later, we finally have it. Not surprisingly, DOB took their good ol' time signing off their inspection of the room, which had to be repeated when they found a newly constructed ramp, courtesy of the building owner Tishman Speyer, who was actually attempting to be helpful. Apparently that ramp wasn't on the building plans, and therefor, either the drawings would have to be refiled (a very timely process, because that also involves the DOB), or the ramp removed. It was cheaper to remove the ramp. Then after another month of radio silence, I called the DOT (who had been giving me updates all along), and discovered that the room was indeed approved and ready and that instructions were supposed to have been posted in my building lobby, which of course they weren't. After I gave Tishman Speyer a reminder, they sent over their instructions. I guess I was delusional thinking I would ever have access to a 24/7 bike storage room (other than my apartment).

Then they asked for a head count from us for parking room passes. I recruited 20 from our office (close to 10%). 2 weeks later we got the passes.

I promise you I am not a terrorist, even though I have a curious resemblance to one. Aren't those bikes in the background cute? Actually, the bikes in the background of my card were twice the amount that was in the bike room today.

Ok, fine, it was raining. But that never stopped me...

----------

And a day later..we're getting there...

Slowly Appearing

2010-09-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Baby steps. After weeks of being stenciled, there is finally some permanent road paint defining the new bike lane on 1st Ave above 72nd. Notice the oversized car parking lane. I'm thinking they should put a buffer on the left side of the bike lane as well, to establish a safe path helping against getting doored as well.

Only question now is, how to prevent people from double parking right there?

Pepper Party 2

2010-09-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Recent pickings include the first cayenne I allowed to turn red and also my first jalapeno.

Both went to good use, ending up in a delicious quesadilla Eric made for at Exchange Bar & Grill.

Bacon

2010-09-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is love.

Mr. Bean

2010-09-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

My first major harvest of garden beans wasn't huge, and it wont ever be. I should have planted twice as many and spaced them farther apart. Then again, space was never something I had a lot of out on the fire escape.

The beans tasted decent, not the best I've had, but then again, this was my first run in this compact environment.

Pepper Party 1

2010-08-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Out of the 3 types of baby pepper plants I brought to NYC from Papa Brock at home in Philly, the Cayenne has been the most productive. The first to bear fruit, it's also the first to be picked and used. You can, however, also see two little jalepenos on the left over there.

And what more could a guy ask for than to have his beautiful girlfriend then use that tasty pepper to make the most delicious heuvos rancheros ever?

I can't wait for the jalapeno.

Groundation

2010-08-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to that annual appearance of Groundation on the East Cost. One our favorite reggae bands, my roommate Andy and I have seen them a good handful of times. Rich grooves, powerful lyrics and a refusal to sell out make them top on my list.

Check out some videos from last year when we saw them at Sullivan Hall as well.

Zion National Park

2010-08-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

After the Colorado stint, I flew to Las Vegas, rented a car, and drove to Zion National Park to meet up with Andy. The canyons were quite the contrast to the mountains I had previously climbed, but amazing nonetheless...

Click here for the full collection of photos.

Colorado 2010

2010-08-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

It was one of those architecture studio summer reunions, although this time there were only 3 of us. Dan offered a good base camp in Denver so that Graham could drive from St. Louis and I could fly from New York to meet up for 2 days and 2 nights of hiking and camping. The weather was amazing (hot and clear during the day with minimal clouds, and cold at night). We climbed a 14er the first day (Grays Peak) and explored abandoned gold mines the second. Both nights we camped at the base of the mountain with the peak as our backdrop.

Camp

View from Grays

Us 14,280 feet above sea level

A unique aspect of the trip was the premier use of my new Vibram 5 Fingers shoes. With minimal material, the shoes allow one to hike as if they were barefoot (without lacerating the bottom of your foot). I made the Grays hike up in them, then switched to the regular hiking shoes on the way down. They were great for grip, but you could feel everything you stepped on.

Here are the rest of the photos.

After I left Denver I flew to Vegas to rent a car to drive to Utah to meet Andy in Zion National Park...

The Beginning of the New

2010-08-03T21:09:00.001-07:00

1st and 2nd Avenue are finally stepping into line with what ought to be standard for every avenue. Here is a preview of what 1st Ave will look like north of 72nd.

Personally, I'd rather hug the curb and float the parking, like what was just completed on 1st Avenue between Houston and 34th St (click here for video of my ride). There are several schemes for the 5+ miles stretch of 1st and 2nd that include both bike and new BRT lanes, as can be seen in the DOT plans.

Ronald

2010-07-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

STOP FOLLOWING ME YOU FREAK!

Click to enlarge the creepiness...

Strange Sleepers 3

2010-07-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is a professional sleeper right here...

Many Bunches of Oats

2010-07-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

If there's one sure way to make Mom proud, it's to find a great bargain. I'd definitely get a hug and kiss for this one: Honey Bunches of Oats, 2 for $6. For NYC prices that's like a giveaway! Yeah that's right I bought 4.

What's that? You think at least one of the boxes will go stale on me before I get to it? Psssss, please! I go through cereal like a Manhattan housewife goes through gossip magazines.

Also, for those of you who haven't heard the great news, about 6 months ago Post came out with the only thing that could possibly top HBoO...Just Bunches! It's actually less money per pound than most other cereals, including its mother cereal. With its nice dense and compact box, I have a constant supply with me wherever I go, the stuff is like crack...

Holy Ship!

2010-07-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

In the world of demolition and excavation, you find some pretty crazy stuff from time to time. Down at the WTC, they found a ship. Go figure.

Click here to see the NYT link

Fiona & Punch

2010-07-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

If you don't know already, I am obsessed with Fiona Apple. I mean, come on, her voice friggin melts you. It kills me she only has 3 albums.

I also happen to be a huge fan of the Punch Brothers. They are so versatile and complex, and blow my mind every time I see them (see plethora of clips on my YouTube channel).***

I saw Nickel Creek (Chris Thile's previous band) play with Fiona back in '07, and it made perfect sense, even as unique as the arrangements were (Fiona just sang and NC did backups and instrumentals). Now, three years later, Fiona has emerged from her painstakingly long slumber to produce but 1 lonely single, backed up by, that's right, the Punch Brothers. JIMP.

Click here for the article and song

***I would like to mention that a 2nd of my Punch Brothers YouTube videos has just reached 10,000 views. It is their Radiohead cover of Faust Arp. It occurred during the first ever P-Bingo night.

Pub School

2010-07-12T22:07:00.001-07:00

When I first looked, I thought it was only missing 1 letter.

It's a place where people learn how to start up and manage their own friendly neighborhood watering hole, right? As in, "I've owned this bar for 14 years and I owe everything to those great teachers I had back in Pub School."

Then I thought, maybe it's missing more characters...Was it 30 or 308? I don't know!

Visitor

2010-07-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

He's actually more like a tenant. He's been here for a couple weeks now, started out hanging out on the kalanchoe then moved over to the hosta. He's grown a bit during that time and is very photogenic. He's also very cultured. He likes kung fu, spanish literature and crepes. But who doesn't like crepes.

Future Reveals History...

2010-07-10T21:37:00.001-07:00

In preparation for the repaving of 1st Avenue to incorporate new bike and BRT lanes, a glimpse of history is seen within the preserved layers of hardscape. Funny to think, bicycles existed even back in these times, when surfaces were less forgiving. Funny also how it took 100 years to create the simple lane infrastructure we finally have today...

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.

Rosemary Pea

2010-07-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

If a sugar snap pea plant grows up through a rosemary plant, sharing root room, grasping on with numerous arms, and co-inhabiting the air, will the peas have a slight rosemary taste? We shall find out.

Slow Fade

2010-07-08T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's been over 3 months since I cut up the "compostable" Sun Chips bag and threw it in the bin. Seems to be no signs of breaking down. See the red arrow below.

Next update in 3 months.

Worm Suicide?

2010-07-06T23:59:00.000-07:00

Worms are amazingly intelligent creatures, except for their oblivious lemming-like suicidal nature. Ok, so it was a little hot in your little worm condo, does that warrant a mass exodus through a drain hole? Where do you all intend to go now? To the beach? Good thing I was around to save you all from impending death. You are welcome.

Though I must say, picking up a ball of 500 or so worms was a pretty unique and enjoyable sensation. Ok, now you all think I'm a sick bastard...do you see me disagreeing with you?

Shenandoah 4th of July #2

2010-07-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Year #2 for the Shenandoah 4th of July with 4 returning and 4 new. We camped at Andrea's on the river again. We hiked a steep Overall Run. We ate. We drank. We had adventures. You get the point.

Click here for more photos

And check out our ride back down Skyline Drive after our adventurous hike...

Slurpee Shenanigans

2010-07-04T18:00:00.000-07:00

Only in America will you find something as ridiculous as collector Slurpee cups each with a different Facebook application game. I mean, come on now. Is this for real?

Census Cycler

2010-07-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

It's good to see certain government agencies using smart modes of transportation.

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.

Picking a Tooth Brush

2010-06-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

As if I don't already have to make a million tough decisions every day, this is what I face when trying to complete the simple task of buying a new tooth brush. Are you kidding me?

At this point, I had already expelled my remaining brain power for the day, so I just grabbed whatever looked the most manly.

Just OK

2010-06-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

This market wasn't amazing, it was just OK.

Park Panorama

2010-06-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

From the roof of the condo portion of what will be the new Museum for African Art on 5th Avenue on the top of the park, this is what you can see.

This was taken using the panorama function of the Sony Cybershot.

Mixed Taste

2010-06-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

I will refrain from commenting on the aesthetics of some of the newer additions to the lower midtown skyline, especially since certain of these additions keep my company working (hey, we just tell the jokes, we don't write them). Regardless, the city at dusk I find breathtaking.

This was taken from the top of the ConEd building on Irving Place.

Truck Trees

2010-06-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month you saw the truck farm, but this sight seemed a bit more impressive...and by "impressive" I mean impressively idiotic.

This guy is actually standing up in the back of a moving pickup truck on 3rd Avenue holding up two mini palm trees. I smell the next Darwin Awards winner...

Zoom

2010-06-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

I had several glimpses this weekend all over New York, each celebrating the magic of zoom to the tune of 250mm.

Yankee Stadium from the roof of the Lucida @ 86th & Lex

A hawk on 17th St @ 2nd Ave

Bank of America tower (1 Bryant Park) from Ray's Williamsburg roof top

Anaerobic digesters over Greenpoint from the same Williamsburg roof

A cardinal at Paddy's house in the Hamptons

Viking Party

2010-06-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

Click on the photo above to see what raping and pillaging ensued this past Tuesday night at the Frying Pan boat dungeon. The conquest was a result of shared birthdays by Donald and Pauli of the Leigh-Ra tribe.

Breakfast for 2...thousand

2010-06-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

When I eat breakfast, so do my little friends. This is what the red wiggler breakfast consists of:

Egg carton, egg shells, coffee filter, coffee grinds and burnt toast (toaster's fault, not mine).

Waverly Town

2010-06-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Ummmm...huh?

Thanks, West Village, for once again, blowing my mind.

Not a Sausage

2010-06-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

If you are Korean, than apparently you believe the word "sausage" is an appropriate synonym for the word "hot dog." In equally deceiving fashion, the word "fried potatoes" is an adequate substitute for "french fries." So as the one white dude in the place, I looked like a stereotypical hyperactive little American child eating what I totally thought was going to be something else. Why would they even serve this on the menu of otherwise Korean dishes? My uninformative friends didn't even think to mention anything as I ordered. Jerks.

Growing Garden

2010-06-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

What's an herb garden without fennel? Nothing, I tell you, absolutely nothing. Not only is it a feathery delightful snack, but it's perfect to sneak up on somebody and put it in their ear. Try it...very addicting.

I have recently utilized the Gaia soil to help enhance efficiency. Made of small pieces of recycled styrofoam cups coated in pectin, this airy mix weighs nothing when dry, yet retains insane amounts of water for extended use, reducing that much runoff. Who knew styrofoam cups could actually do some good in this world?

But look at what's going on at the north end of the fire escape! Vinca vine is trying to mimic english ivy, yearning for the relief of a cast iron arm rest.

Truck Farm

2010-06-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

I was riding down 2nd Ave this morning when I saw a familiar sight. It was the famous Truck Farm in action, the peculiar yet spectacular little mobile CSA, spreading leafy goodness all over town...

Truck Farm on 2nd Avenue

I took the video with my brand new GoPro Hero HD wide-angle digital helmet cam. Considering this was literally the first time using it, I'd have to say it worked out pretty well. Check out other sick videos by various extreme users...

GoPro Hero

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.

Memorial Lily

2010-05-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

How cute, my lily decided to bloom on Memorial Day. My worms are also feasting today on all of yesterday's organic leftovers. It's a circus in that bin, and Mr. Sage and Mr. Hosta are peeking in on the action. It makes my fire escape garden complete. Except for the tomatoes. Anybody want to donate a plant?

Nutritional Distortion

2010-05-24T21:30:00.001-07:00

Today I witnessed two different nutritional expressions, equally ridiculous, from products on the opposite side of the food spectrum. The first was during one of my random yet regular crack-like cravings for the deceivingly delicious McDonalds chicken McNugget. I'm well aware of the negative nutritional value, despite the addictively scrumptious taste, but I couldn't help but chuckle as I noticed the poor attempt to claim value in, not nutrition, but the next best thing. I guess they'll take what they can get.

Later in the day, this billboard caught my eye. I had always figured the 8oz "serving" was a mere scam to make reported amounts of calories, fat and sodium seem lower, but this one doesn't make sense. Why not just say "zero calories" period? Unless of course 0 + 0 > 0. Is it?

Vogue Party

2010-05-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is late night Atlanta, people. When everything else shuts down, head to the Metro Cafe Diner. It's so much more than you could possibly expect.

Just don't order any food.

Ann Coulter Vogue Party

Sure Exit

2010-05-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

It was a great panel discussion, not only because the content was interesting, but also because I was fully assured that if we needed to evacuate the room, there would be an adequate amount of doors. Phew!

This was at CNU conference in Atlanta. I'll have a more serious post on this later.

Best Bike Buy

2010-05-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

I was surprised enough to see that Best Buy now sells bicycles...let alone electric ones...

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.

Central Park Jungle

2010-05-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

With great weekend weather comes a stupid amount of people in Central Park. Now of course I can't blame them for being there, as I would encourage everybody to enjoy the great outdoors. And living in (or visiting) New York City creates the need to escape the debilitating concrete and asphalt frying pan to the great oasis of green in the middle.

Normally, even the densest of crowds tend to manage themselves. Multiple overlapping frisbee games in the Sheep Meadow somehow work out. Throngs of people walking in all different directions do so without collision. Usually, on those busy days, thousands and thousands of people just seem to exist harmoniously. Usually.

Within the last 2 hours from writing this entry, I experienced two striking exceptions to the rule. At 2pm I had a double-header softball game in the Great Lawn. While the games were exciting and well played (we won both), the frustration kept building as picnickers, drum circles, soccer dribblers and football throwers continuously ventured into my outfield. That's right, my outfield. Dallas Braden doesn't like it when A-Rod steps on his mound, and I don't like it when some oblivious chump meanders into my realm. And they just don't care, not in the least. No where else do I have kind words of guidance be so ignored and slowly escalate into a screaming tirade of threats. This happens with the following people groups: Spoonfed Manhattan highschoolers in desperate need of haircuts, foreign futbol "stars", parents pushing strollers, cold beverage venders, kids selling packs of M&Ms, eastern Europeaners wandering aimlessly, and the occasional Hasidic Jew. Only about 10% of people who walk right onto the field actually react and in an appropriate manner when they realize their flaw. The rest just play it cool. They just keep walking. Slowly. Like they own the place. If ever there was a time in my future when I just snap, go berserk, go postal, just lose it completely, it will be in the outfield of field #3 at the Great Lawn. I really hope this doesn't happen, as I would like to think I have a promising future. But why to they tempt me? Why?

The second instance of a crowd gone wrong happened as I was heading home after the game. It was one of the rare times I was walking my bike since I was going south down the crowded north-bound East Drive. I was in no rush as I trying to just take in as much park air as I could. Then in the left corner of my eye up ahead I saw a convergence of people, a scream, arms flailing, and more screams. I jumped on my bike and rode down the hill approaching the scene. When I got close I saw an old man lying still on the ground, blood running from his head in a steady stream along the asphalt. A younger woman was frantically yelling "Dad, Dad, get up! Wake up!" My heart dropped. I looked up at a cyclist with scrapes on his elbows. He looked scared as hell. Within seconds a nearby Park Ranger was present, attempting to stabilize the situation. I stayed back, not wanting to crowd the scene but wanting to do everything I could to help. I figured the best I could do was at least position my bike as to divert oncoming pedestrian and bicycle traffic away from the scene. All I heard were the cries of the daughter, the radio calls, and the interesting commentary of people around me:

"Those bikers just never look where they are going..."

"look at all that blood..."

"Hey what's this crowd of peop...OH MY GOD!"

Medics arrived within a minute or two and police officers began maintaining order. As I stood there, still semi-frozen, I heard a sharp yell directed at me, "Hey get lost!" I looked up to an angry cop trying to clear the scene. I hesitated in response, as I was still partially stunned. "Get the hell out of here, now!" he yelled as I saw he was looking right at me. "I saw what..." I started to explain as he interrupted me "Get out of here now!" Not in the mood for another confrontation, I started to walk away, thinking about what possesses people to be such assholes at times. After about 10 steps I heard, "Hey, wait" as I looked back and saw a different officer jogging towards me. "You were a witness?" he asked, in a much more polite manner than his counterpart.

"Yeah, I guess, I mean I kind of saw it just as it happened."

"Did you happen to see if the light was green or red?"

"No sorry, I was a bit up the hill, I saw it from pretty far away, sorry I'm not really much help"

"It's OK. Mind if I get your name and number just in case?"

"No problem"

I wrote down my info on his pad and continued on my way, walking my bike until I reached Fifth Ave.

I'll never know who'se fault it was. Bikers, myself included, have a tendency to always keep going, even if it means swerving around people. Especially right there. No biker trekking up hill wants to stop their momentum for a park road traffic light. On the other hand, pedestrians have no clue. They don't have a clue out on the real streets when there are actual cars, let alone in Central Park when most of them aren't even aware they are walking on a road. They have it in their mind that they are in a park and therefor safe from collisions. It's probably a mixture of both, but the outcome is tragic nonetheless. I hope that old man is OK, for his sake, the sake of his daughter, and for the sake of the biker. He did start to move and moan before I left so hopefully he pulls through.

It's instances like this when we all have to reevaluate our cautions. No convenience is worth a bad accident, not for the biker or the pedestrian. Us bikers need to stop even when pedestrians are wrongfully occupying our path. And pedestrians need to...well pedestrians just need to look where they are going, whether they are crossing a busy avenue, walking on the sidewalk, walking in the park, or walking anywhere. Don't be oblivious. That should go without saying but I guess it needs to be said.

It's also instances like these when they enact knee jerk regulations like biking speed limits or something crazy like that. Be careful out there people, don't hurt yourselves and don't ruin it for the rest of us.

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.

Staring Contest

2010-05-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

The other day something happened to me for the first time in my life. I lost a staring contest. It lasted about 4 minutes. That's a little short for my usual durations, but I think my opponent had some sort of special powers or something.

Strange Sleepers 2

2010-05-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here is another sleeper, sitting outside the Gap at 85th and 3rd.

Ambulance Jam

2010-04-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is a perfect (and scary) example of why all Manhattan Avenues should have dedicated emergency vehicle lanes (that double as bicycle lanes). Who cares if the rest of the traffic is jammed? Let traffic volume economics figure itself out, but don't prevent helpless people from getting the help they need.

Ambulance Stuck in Traffic

If I had a dollar for every time I sped past an Ambulance suck in traffic going down 2nd Ave...I could actually buy a better bike.

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.

Insight

2010-04-28T22:51:00.000-07:00

For those seeking daily insight to motivate your soul, look no further than the very trash on your sidewalk.

Time Scare

2010-04-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

That's not really a message you want to see.

You can be rest assured, however, as I have confirmed that is still indeed 2010.

Griddle Fest

2010-04-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

It took me until Easter to finally bring to New York the griddle that was given to me at Christmas in Philadelphia. Thanks, Beav. I now eat about 6 times as many eggs on a weekly basis, as well as quadrupling my previous bacon intake. I love life right now. This thing is great, you can plug it in anywhere! Griddle on the stove top, or griddle on the counter, or griddle on the table. How about griddle at my desk? Or in bed? How about while on the toilet? The possibilities are endless!

Beav tells me my eggs are sloppy. I tell him "function over form, my brother." They are messy because they can be messy. I have so much room here, and I need it, because I am indeed culinarily challenged. But I'm getting better. The other day I fit 6 strips of bacon and 6 eggs. Nothing like a 2000 calorie meal! Did I mention I love life?

Back Outside

2010-04-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Although I had been tricked several other times during this deceiving spring, I think now the cold weather is finally gone for good. Therefor, it's time for good ol' compost bin to get back outside, where it belongs.

Now I actually have room to move around in my rolly desk chair next to my desk.

5 cents more

2010-04-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

$1.05, huh? In a vending machine? Well I didn't want your stupid trail mix anyway.

Add this to the list of the countless things at my school that don't make any sense whatsoever

Following Directions

2010-04-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Well nothing is technically stacked on top of it, so it should be fine, right?

Interception

2010-04-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is out front of Metro Bikes on 88th St. I would like to thank this Acura driver, for so kindly shielding the street from this onslaught from above.

Sun Chip Challenge

2010-03-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

I love Sun Chips, mostly because they taste amazing. But only the original ones. I don't know why they had to go and ruin them with all these other stupid flavors. Anyway, SC recently came out with these "compostable" bags. I have to say I'm skeptical since the "compostable" plastic cups I threw in my compost from last summer are still in tact, but we'll see if Sun Chips can live up to their word.

Now feast, little wormies!

Only time will tell. I'll let you know.

Egg Stamp

2010-03-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

Seriously? Is it really necessary to put a "USE BY" stamp on every single egg?

That ink better be soy-based if that shell is ending up in my compost bin. It's bad enough that Duane Reade only sells eggs in styrofoam cartons. Makes me cringe.

Strange Sleepers

2010-03-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

In the same theme as my previous post, tonight I saw a couple more unique sleeping arrangements. The first was in Grand Central Station. Now usually, nomads try to find a nice hidden corner or niche, but in this case, right in the middle of the floor proves to be the bed of choice.

Then, no less than an hour later I found a couple fine gentlemen who felt that McDonalds was the appropriate resting place. These two show a bit more experience because unlike the first fellow, these guys wont get stepped on.

Personally, my favorite nap spot is the back row of my Economics class. (Prof, if you happen to read this, no offense, it's just that everything you are talking about was already in the reading assignment).

Urban Igloo

2010-03-01T16:27:00.000-08:00

When you're walking home after a log day and your mind is tired, sometimes you just don't have the mental remnants to comprehend certain things. Things like this.

Now I guess this could be several things, but I'm banking on homeless man's igloo. Not bad for the usually-monotonous Upper East Side.

Mad High

2010-02-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

It took me long enough to finally get to the roof of the Slazer tower at the bottom of Madison Ave at 23rd St. Although I question the relative appropriateness of that building architecturally and geographically, the views from the top are unreal. I can't wait to find a sunny day and bring my SLR up there...

Check out my Picasa for more photos.

Snowladelphia

2010-02-11T18:00:00.000-08:00

This was great timing for the soon to come beginning of Phillies spring training. It also makes me miss Philly. Thanks Kate!

Central Park Snow

2010-02-10T23:59:00.001-08:00

As lame as it was that a little bit of snow shut down NYC all afternoon (it's not my fault people choose to live so far away), I couldn't complain about being able to frolic around Central Park instead. Here is a sampling of my shots.

More and higher res photos can be found on my Picasa.

Teamwork

2010-02-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

If it wasn't for the fact that the Upper East Side is littered with old people, we wouldn't have such attention for keeping the sidewalks clear. Thanks, old people.

Also, look at this teamwork right here. Way to go, boys!

Dog Parking?

2010-02-05T23:59:00.000-08:00

It's risky enough that people leave their dogs tied up to poles while they run into the store. It's even riskier to tie it to my bike.

Do people really assume that I'm perfectly content untying the stupid thing and retying it back up? Who do they think I am? Why not just tie it to the pole? What is the thought process here? Is their any?

And what are those sorry excuses for legs. This dog belongs on http://www.fupenguin.com/...

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.

My Second Bike Ticket

2010-01-30T10:56:00.000-08:00

I guess #2 was bound to happen. My second bike ticket was issued to me by a police officer who disagreed with my assessment that it was OK to ride my bike on a small portion of the Altantic Ave 4/5 subway platform. I honestly didn't ride more than 100 feet, but apparently that warrants a $100 fine. Well, we'll see on February 18th when I plead my case in a U.S. court of law using the amazingly effective, Peter Griffin-inspired, "C'mooon! C'mooooooooon!!"

To see the outcome of the ticket, visit my Bike Blog.

Bedford Ave Discussion

2010-01-25T20:49:00.000-08:00

On Monday night, a discussion was held at Pete's Candy Store in Greenpoint to address the ongoing debate of the Bedford Ave bike lane, or lack thereof. Moderated by James Hook, who hosts a biweekly discussion at the venue, the panel was comprised of local Jewish bike store owner and promoter Baruch Herzfeld, Hassidic Jew and city council candidate Isaac Abraham, Transportation Alternatives bike advocate Caroline Samponaro, local bike advocate Lyla Durden, and loudmouth bike messenger/ringleader Heather Loop.

The overall message was that everybody agrees the debate really isn't a cultural issue as it is often described, but rather a safety issue (according to Abraham) or a crooked power brokered move (according to Baruch) the later with which I agree most. The debate continued as to the biggest of the current and real dangers on the street and whether or not the lane should be reinstalled. Although the risks to both bikers and pedestrians were cited to be substantial, a single resolution couldn't be met by all. Abraham seemed to be arguing alone that removal of the lane was the right decision, because adding it in the first place was a mistake. All others agreed that the bike lane was not only a necessary component of a viable bicycle transportation network, but something that promotes a positive practice in so many facets. In facing strong opposition, Abraham stated at one point, "I'm supposed to go to the people and say it's your way or the hi way?" to which Hook cleverly responded "Their way IS the hi way..."

My logic is that if you truly want to discourage cyclists, the only option is to not allow them at all. Removing a bike lane but acknowledging that bikers are still on the road is hypocritical. Furthermore, allowing them should require a lane on any street they use. That leaves two options: bikes or no bikes; lane or no lane; no middle ground. The middle ground is obviously more dangerous than having a lane, as proved by statistics stated by Caroline. Since bikes should always be allowed then they should be protected with a lane, and this is the obvious better choice compared to prohibiting them altogether. Furthermore, a protected lane is even better than a marked one.

One day the right people will either wake up or be pressured to revert Bedford Ave to its obvious safer condition. In the meantime the danger will continue to loom.

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.

Tumble Tree

2010-01-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

60 mph gusts may not seem much to somebody in Miami or Chicago, but in NYC that's enough to turn a Christmas tree into a tumble weed...

It was even less fun standing on an outside terrace 200 feet above street level with that monsoon. Even with a balcony above, I was still getting rain straight to the face. Not fun.

Why I Hate Umbrellas

2010-01-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Nuff said.

Where Not to Put Paint

2010-01-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Some lessons are learned the hard way, such as...

Lesson #1: What container should I use to transport even a small amount of pewter-colored metallic duracron touch-up paint from point A to point B? Let's just say, if that container happens to be a thin plastic disposable sandwich box, let's just hope there is nothing in between point A and B that you don't want paint on...because here's what happens...

Lesson #2: If this ever happens, don't take a whiff. I know it's tempting, but trust me, it just isn't worth it. This puts the "Ohhhh" in V.O.C....

Panorama

2010-01-14T23:59:00.000-08:00

My 3rd Sony Cybershot is the DSC-TX1, which has this new panorama feature. It requires a fluid wrist and still subjects, but it works pretty well. This is after Arirang.

This is after an amazingly delicious and filling meal at Hill Country.

Unlikely Favorite

2010-01-10T13:34:00.001-08:00

This past week I had my first YouTube video post reach 10,000 views.

If I've ever gotten into a conversation with you about live music, I probably mentioned the Punch Brothers and their semi-regular "P-Bingo night" which has occurred a handful of times at the Living Room in the LES in NYC. I've gone to all but one (I think), and I usually try to sneak a couple videos in each time (technically they don't allow it, but I think both PB and the LR would agree it's done nothing but promote them both, and for free). Anyway, out of the dozens of videos I've posted, the first to reach 10,000 views was...their Bach cover?!?! I mean, don't get me wrong, it's amazing...

Feel free to subscribe to my channel, you'll get an e-mail any time I post a video (most of them are shows).

Demo Fail

2010-01-03T09:55:00.000-08:00

Although many people have the idea in their mind that demolition of large buildings is nothing more than a large blast, a cloud of dust, and a pile of rubble, we have learned much from the last ten years, both structurally and politically. From the immediate terror-initiated progressive collapse* of two enormous steel towers, to the beaurocracy-ridden molasses of a several-year process to demolish one measly smaller tower next door. Either way, it always leaves us scratching our heads. But wait until you see this one, another gem from China!

Apparently, they didn't learn from our mistakes...

Since I started, I can't help but call to mind some other favorites. Ever see a building act like a tumbleweed?

*I consider a collapse an "unintentional demolition." For example...

And you must ask, "why don't we use wrecking balls anymore?" Well this is why (just kidding, this is fake, but just shut up and watch it anyway).

Playoff Baseball is Electric!

2009-12-27T12:21:00.000-08:00

I guess you can't argue with the numbers. All that playoff baseball coverage on TV cost me an extra $30 in October. Hard to believe...

Bike Blog Migration

2009-12-26T20:15:00.000-08:00

Since certain people only care about bike posts, I am giving them an isolated blog for just that. Click here to go there.

Compost Journey

2009-12-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

Kate Zidar's class on Waste Management rekindled my hidden desire to compost things. The benefits of composting in a 4-story walkup apartment building in the city were surprisingly overwhelming. The diversion of smelly organics from a several day stay in our building's trash room at the bottom of the hallway was a major motivation, as was the constant food source for a hard working army of worms. It was these worms, however that helped me understand the true challenges of urban composing.

Prior to this year, my only experience with composting was in a back yard, with lots of space. Composting in plastic bins is a completely different animal, and there was a learning curve. I started with a plastic chinese food container with newspaper, random food scraps, coffee grinds and a small handful of worms Aurelia (from the union square LESEC compost stand) gave me. Our team upgraded to a few bigger bins as the compost mass increased steadily until currently occupying a 20 gallon bin. However, 2 colonies of worms suffered throughout the journey.

With the 10 gallon bin sitting in my kitchen with a vented lid, the smell was too noticible to keep as it was (even while excluding all meats and dairies). However, reducing the air vents provided an unexpected quick death to my worms, as their oxygen ran out. $11 got me another 1/2 lb. The solution to keep these ones alive was to move the bin out to the fire escape, as I could keep the lid off entirely. This seemed the perfect solution until the massive rains of the summer of '09 overflowed the bin on two occasions. The second occasion drowned my second colony of worms, as effectively draining my bin was more tedious than i thought, especially when the darn rain wouldn't stop! Covering the bin again was still a challenge as the water kept getting in. I needed a better setup.

I arrived at the following solution:

This worked perfectly, until of course the harsh December frosts posed a threat to the third colony of worms. I contemplated insulating my bin, maybe dropping the entire bin into a larger bin lined on the inside with a sandwiched blanket, but then another thought crossed my mind. Since I was bringing many of my outdoor plants inside to survive the cold, what if I also brought the bin back inside, keeping it both warm and accessible. I had blue polystyrene and 6" flex duct so I could keep it lidded with a passive exhaust out the window. It seemed crazy enough to try...

For the past month, the team has been doing great. The worms, right within view of the kitchen, wait patiently each day for their feeding. The only hurdle with this setup were the fruit flies, trapped inside the bin, but inevitably escaping when the bin was opened for feeding and stirrings. The solution, which has worked thus far, including spreading concentrated deltamethrin around the perimeter of the rim and brim of the bin, where the flies previously congregated. It worked immediately. It should be noted that deltamethrin should not come into contact with the compost matter nor human skin, as it is toxic and not for amateur use.

I currently have a steady enough flow and enough compost to occasionally re-pot certain plants and also provide some hearty richness to friends upon request. If you want any, let me know.

Brooklyn Biking Boondoggle

2009-12-20T18:30:00.001-08:00

In an attempt to be as unbiased as humanly possible (it’s hard), the following is an analysis/summary of the recently hot issue of the removal of the Bedford Avenue bike lane in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The conflict involves mainly two significant distinct communities:

-The population of biking commuters who go to or from Manhattan, to or from the 90% of Brooklyn which is south of the Williamsburg Bridge

-The tightly knit group of Hasidim who almost exclusively occupy a large continuous area south of the bridge and approaching Fort Greene on the south and Bed-Sty to the east

The Hasidic community, like many other curtural zones in NYC, is one of extreme self-segregation. The vast majority of pedestrians are Hasidim, as are a large majority of motor vehiclists and 100% of the school busses. The area is patrolled by the Hasidic paramuniciple police force (Shomrim) and generally governs itself. However, there is no legal precedent for independent jurisdiction, as a Native American territory in the United States would have. NYPD does inhabit the area, as the city has a responsibility to protect all city streets, including the public streets passing through any cultural zone.

From a biking perspective, approaching the Williamsburg Bridge from anywhere south would involve a route through the Hasidic zone. This is unavoidable unless travelling at least half a mile out of one’s way (From Bedford, east on Park, north on Union, west on Broadway) on a route that is not only out of the way but completely void of bike lanes.

Going to the bridge, Bedford Ave offers a direct one-way route with a bike lane straight to the entrance at the base of the bridge. Coming from the bridge, the Bedford route is complimented by the parallel Lee Ave offering a one-way in the opposite direction of Bedford, but without a lane. The only other main biking thorofare in the zone is Kent Ave, along the water, part of the continually developing Brooklyn Greenway. While this two way road and has a two way bike lane, use is only helpful traveling to and through Greenpoint, as it under cuts the bridge making it 4 blocks downhill out of the way for bridge access.

Currently, a conflict exists due to the dangerous nature of all three mentioned routes. Typical motor vehicle infractions include double parking (even in bike lanes) and over-aggressive driving. In addition, pedestrians have a greater tendency (greater than typical NYC pedestrian behavior) for jay walking and crossing during reds. Close calls (biking collisions) are more frequent in this area due to both the unique nature of the local occupants and the greater volume of commuter bike traffic through the corridor. Furthermore, the conflicting sentiment is only exacerbated on both sides as the dangers increase.

Bedford Ave’s 14 blocks of bike lane (from Flushing Ave to Division Ave) were recently grinded away in late November, 2009. This now makes Bedford Avenue even more dangerous as the elimination of the lane increases the ability for motor vehicles to dominate the rode and it gives bikers less legal leverage should there be an accident. As stated earlier, bikers have no viable alternate route approaching the bridge that would avoid such dangers. Therefore, the bike volume on Bedford Avenue will not significantly decrease and the route will remain more dangerous than before the removal.

Recently, bike advocates tried to repaint the bike lane at night, only to be arrested.

However, the repainted lane stayed for several days before DOT finally repainted over it in black. The strong opposition to this decision has even followed Mayor Michael Bloomberg to Copenhagen. Locally, efforts are currently underway to find a solution to the obvious and unavoidable problem. Hopefully the effects of this will include, at a minimum, bringing back the bike lane…

Note: For more (and only) biking related posts, visit Brock's Bike Blog.