By Happenstance

Shades of Bluefields, Nicragua

2012-02-02T13:27:00.000-05:00

Will follow up with some images of the community work we did down there.

Nicaragua!

2012-01-09T13:37:00.001-05:00

I'm in Nicaragua! The humidity is about 98%. I'm sweaty and aware of my natural oils constantly. I'm here with a group from a course I took last semester. We're working with a community here and working on all things related to making waste a resource. I am specifically working on biodigesters, a device that turns waste into methane, which is a gas that could be used as an alternative fuel for electricity or cooking.
More later!

This Moment

2011-11-19T13:49:00.002-05:00

"They looked like an army of futuristic female automata, marching out in identical black-bowl wigs and black lipstick, some with their eyes blanked out by narrow slivers of wraparound sunglasses. The clothes they wore were equally uncompromising: stark planes of tweed, felt, and flocked fabric, precision-sliced into geometric angles and unfamiliar volumes."

-Sarah Mower on YSL Fall 2008 Women's collection

Beautiful music

2011-11-19T13:38:00.000-05:00

STUMBLEINE

Who are they and why am I just learning about them?
They remind me of BURIAL, but lighter and a bit happier.

On Solitude

2011-11-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

"Sometimes you have to stand alone to prove that you can still stand." -Anonymous

"He is his own best friend and takes delight in his privacy whereas the man of no virtue or ability is his own worst enemy and is afraid of solitude." - Aristotle

Keeping in Shape

2011-08-17T19:29:00.010-04:00

Exercising and jogging have been on my New Year's resolutions list for as long as I can remember. However, I never actually kept it up long enough for it to become a good habit. I realized today, the few essential things that really keep me motivated.

Call me geeky, but tonight was the second night I jogged with my big Bose headphones. I know, I know. You're wondering about my nasty sweat, but the fact of the matter is: I need loud thumping bass in my music when jogging. You have to be extra careful and must do a 360 degree check around you for cars though! Secondly, I need a long track that syncs with my running pace. Yesterday, I tried listening to Sevonte Swing by DJ Pump, but it proved to be too groovy and slow for jogging. Tonight I tried episode 8 on DJ Star Im's streaming radio. And it was PERFECT. The slow build-up actually motivated me to run longer. Thirdly, the first half hour of sunset is an absolute ideal time for me to run. it's not too hot. There aren't as many other people around and the sky makes for a idyllic setting. The fourth thing i realized is that it's best to run where there are a lot of trees. Bad air is more evident when you're gasping for air. And last, but not least a bottle of cold water. On my way back home yesterday after my run, I felt my head getting dizzy and lightheaded. Today, with a good chug of water, I felt fine. Now, I just have to keep this up!

In case you're wondering what happened to hip hop...

2011-08-12T02:34:00.018-04:00

In my opinion, it didn't make it past the late 90s! The genre is just not the same anymore. This is worth watching if you're a fan of TCQ and everything/one related to it. I thought it was a touching story. I even shed a tear.

De La Soul

Quick and Chic

2011-08-11T17:33:00.004-04:00

A good friend brought me back some London sweets in this black envelope and stuck a generic white label on it with her lovely carefree handwriting. I can't help admire how minimal and chic this quick little package came out to be.

Beach Landscapes

2011-08-11T17:07:00.006-04:00

I love the ocean, but it's really miraculous to see how beach flora differs from coast to coast. Hilton Head Island, SC

In and Around Madison Square Park

2011-06-06T02:53:00.005-04:00

Active public space is one of New York City's best features.

Otto Piene's Final MIT 150 Sky Event

2011-06-06T02:43:00.003-04:00

Olafur Eliasson @ The GSD

2011-06-06T02:30:00.004-04:00

Nature's Systems

2011-06-06T02:21:00.003-04:00

Otto Piene Sky Art Test Run

2011-04-16T18:10:00.004-04:00

The final performance and sculpture will be 5 times the size of this one.

Moodymann is the man.

2011-01-20T19:01:00.005-05:00

Thank goodness for youtube.

Let's reuse!

2011-01-03T23:36:00.013-05:00

In the Fall, I organized a campus wide reuse event called "Choose to Reuse". It took place on November 19th, the last day of America Recycle’s Week. Drop-off began at 8:30am in Lobby 13 and we opened up for pick-up from 11am to 2pm. There was quite a diverse group of participants and attendees, ranging from MIT staff, students, faculty to visitors. Participants dropped off all sorts of odds and ends, appliances, clothing, books, and even a heavy duty all-in-one printer, which was snatched right at 11am! We ended the day with clothing and techno-cycle items left behind, which was ideal because those were the items that could most easily be donated or properly recycled! Let's continue keeping reusable items out of the landfill!

Winter Hodgepodge

2011-01-02T21:21:00.004-05:00

Cambridge, MA
Random observation of a graphically beautiful composition on the street. Teehee!

A Final Project

2010-12-21T19:55:00.003-05:00

This past semester, we had options to take some electives. I chose to take one called Second Skin for Extreme Environments taught by the renown Ute Meta Bauer. The extreme environment was to be chosen and interpreted to our liking. My team chose complete darkness. Our final project took the shape of a hood+sleeve auditory device. The goal was to put the user in darkness and then enable them to navigate with a cone/stethoscope device we created and attached to the sleeve. Ultimately, the point of our prototype is to make the user more aware of our hearing sense. Oftentimes we rely only on our vision and don't realize how much we can comprehend through hearing only. This device would train you to do so, use upon use.

Last semester of Core

2010-12-04T14:02:00.005-05:00

At MIT's M.Arch. school, we have something called a core program, which means 3 semesters of architecture bootcamp. I am now in the thick of finals in my last core semester. And starting next semester, I will actually have time to blog.

In the middle of all this, the wind blowing into my room has calmed me down, tremendously.

Marking One's Territory

2010-07-14T03:04:00.003-04:00

by sleeping like nobody is watching.

Union Square Park (weekday, rush hour)

Urban Agriculture Workshop

2010-07-14T02:42:00.005-04:00

I'll be partaking in a summer urban farming workshop with Terreform One, a non-profit organization that started the lab called Terrefarm. The first week allows us to soak up information and knowledge on the subject, the second week takes us all over NYC to witness where urban farming is taking place and the final week will be packed with conceiving and completing a built farm of some sort.

They talk to me.

2010-07-02T01:44:00.002-04:00

Do they talk to you?

Track for the Late Night

2010-06-26T01:38:00.002-04:00

Holding On For Dear Life

2010-06-25T16:45:00.005-04:00

Today, I learned from a farmer that you can bury fallen succulent petals in some dirt and it will grow roots and produce another beautiful plant. How self-sustaining these succulents are. Nothing goes to waste.

Vertical Garden

2010-06-16T21:20:00.006-04:00

Solar House facade at Montreal Biosphere

Bucky Fuller's Biosphere for 1967 World Fair

(Taken over the past weekend during Canada Grand Prix)

Orange and Gray

2010-04-18T16:58:00.003-04:00

Disco never gets old

2010-03-08T10:14:00.004-05:00

Glow in the Dark

2010-03-07T10:48:00.001-05:00

Behind the ads...

2010-02-04T00:43:00.003-05:00

nyc

A Night in Oslo

2010-01-04T02:59:00.006-05:00

Now that I'm on winter break, I am spending my nights catching up with movies. Tonight was spent in Oslo. I saw a Norwegian film titled Reprise (2006) directed by Joachim Trier, which introduced me to actress Viktoria Winge who also turned out to be the lead singer of a Oslo-based band called Diskorockers.

Yes!!

2010-01-01T20:26:00.002-05:00

first real snow '09

2009-12-22T19:44:00.005-05:00

Cambridge, MA

2009-12-18T01:44:00.005-05:00

They are so cool. And talented...
http://www.myspace.com/yourlittledragon

Photo courtesy of yourlittledragon myspace page

I really like...

2009-12-13T23:45:00.004-05:00

Dead Man's Bones.

Black Hole?

2009-12-06T22:30:00.006-05:00

Black hole hack in school lobby during finals week. How appropriate.

happy thanksgiving

2009-11-26T20:18:00.002-05:00

Obsessed!

2009-11-22T00:36:00.004-05:00

I'm addicted to this show called Eco Trip. The host is very easy on the eyes and a bad ass leader in the "eco-world." If you don't have a tv like me, you can watch it instantly on netflix. The plastic episode is my favorite thus far.

New Sustainable Materials

2009-11-02T18:09:00.001-05:00

Good article on new materials

Meet My Unit

2009-09-30T04:40:00.005-04:00

Update on life in Cambridge coming soon.

Studying indoors on a nice day leads to...

2009-08-05T13:47:00.005-04:00

distraction!

Manhattan, from Queens

2009-07-31T02:16:00.001-04:00

New York, I Love You

2009-07-13T23:37:00.004-04:00

Sunday was gorgeous, wasn't it?

Summer Summer Summertime!

2009-07-12T13:46:00.003-04:00

Today is a beautiful day!

Joy Division Forever!

2009-07-08T00:56:00.026-04:00

I anxiously sat at my desk, studying for a Physics test. My head was clouded with metric conversions and formulas. Clearly, it was time for a break.

I checked for blog updates on my google Reader. To my surprise, a friend posted about New Order's song, Ceremony. He found an old clip of Radiohead performing the song. The video reminded me of how much I loved the song and the melody alone miraculously cleared my mind of Physics hysteria. Not that I knew I was seeking solace going in.

I recalled a fond memory of watching Control, a documentary on the life of the band, Joy Division, at the Angelika theater a couple years ago. The black and white film was dark in the most beautiful of ways and I was amazed at the exactness of the actors' performances. (Although I never saw Joy Division live. Come to think of it, I think they'd been broken up before I was even born.) The movie solidified my appreciation for the music of Joy Division and New Order (band that one of the founding members of Joy Division started after Ian Curtis' death). Before I knew their story, I listened to it because I liked the melodies. Now the music resonates with me more profoundly. This just goes to show how essential music is in our lives. It was just the tune I needed to hear to freshen up. The joy of music and friends who blog. Back to studying...

Original with Ian Curtis singing vocals. The quality isn't so great because it is an early recording.

New Order's version

Exercise

2009-07-07T21:31:00.005-04:00

I never noticed how many "joggers" there were in my neighborhood until I became one (well, if I can even call myself that two days into it). I saw about three couples and four singles. It's awkward when you pass each other. It feels like we're in some lame club where you have to show pride through wearing sports bras and lycra/polyester blend shorts. Running gear looks so stupid. Yoga gear looks so much cuter. I should do yoga. Anyway, I hope I don't give this up. I'll be in my mid-twenties soon...it's now or never.

Beefy Weekend

2009-07-06T00:28:00.004-04:00

I am all beefed out. I hope you enjoyed your Independence Day weekend.

Hose It Down

2009-07-05T13:20:00.006-04:00

They sure know how to keep the streets clean in Newark's Ironbound.
This guy is having so much fun.

Good-Bye Asphalt, Hello Green

2009-07-02T01:45:00.006-04:00

I don't care what anyone says, Michael you deserve that extra term.
The elementary school I attended was chosen to become a public playground/park under the Schoolyards to Playgrounds project. Some 290 other schoolyards are undergoing renovations to meet the goal of having "every New Yorker live within a 10-minute walk from a park."

While I'm at it, I will add to this open space talk. I've also been appreciating a car free Herald Square and a safer traffic zone by Madison Square Park in the Flat Iron district. I used to resent walking around these areas, but the pace is so much slower now. Nobody bumped into me and I didn't have to dodge anyone or anything for once. Again, another project under Bloomberg! We might not have as many cafes as some parts of Europe, but now we have an increasing number of parks and open spaces. I know the Herald Square and Time Square open space plans are a one-year experiment, but I'm optimistic that it will be made permanent. I'm excited to see how much more our city changes for the better.

Check out the vantage points we get of the Flat Iron building due to the new open space! The very location I sat in used to be a dangerous crosswalk with cars coming from every angle.

Plastic Irony

2009-07-01T18:40:00.006-04:00

As I walked back from recycling my plastic garbage, I saw a plastic bag helplessly fly across my lobby window on the sixth floor. This broke my heart.

In other news, I'm collecting plastic bottle caps for a project, so if you happen to have some (for some reason), send them my way.

Some Songs Never Get Old

2009-07-01T15:46:00.003-04:00

This woman makes me so happy.

Triplet Boys

2009-06-30T19:25:00.010-04:00

My cousin had triplets!
Pictures from the baby shower a month ago. Guess which one I made.

And of course, this one was made by their dad.

Coffee To Go

2009-06-21T23:12:00.004-04:00

After lunch at a Portuguese seafood restaurant, I ordered coffee and it came in a to go soup container. So back at the office, I sipped my coffee like it was coffee soup.

Mushrooms, why?!

2009-06-17T14:11:00.014-04:00

They are cute in my mouth, not in my plants! Please explain..someone?
I've been having all sorts of problems with my plants. About six months ago, I noticed tiny black flies (aphids?) appear after I filled some pots with a different brand of soil from Home Depot. I tried spraying a dishwasher soap and water concoction and I've tried drowning them, but they haven't gone away. Much to my dismay, this has led me to abandoning a little group of four herbs i was trying to grow. The only plants doing well are my cacti and snake plants. Help!

I put them on the window sill in my lobby, hoping someone could care for them the way that I could not! Sniff. Those damn flying pests eating my food..

Lovely Long Island City

2009-06-17T13:10:00.004-04:00

Every time I go by Long Island City in Queens, I try to document as much as possible, because in a year's time I'm sure a lot of it will be nonexistent or have gone through a makeover. Even in the past few years residential buildings have risen up to create a skyline that's starting to mirror that of the neighboring borough. One change I am absolutely looking forward to are the plans to spruce up the neighborhood with trees and shrubs because right now, there ain't no greenery except in people's backyards. Like this little building block.

This would be a lovely little venue for a summer party, no?

Soul Clap

2009-06-17T13:04:00.006-04:00

A good tune that I've been listening to all morning on my day off.
Love Light Edit

And guess what. They're based in Boston. :)

Tea

2009-06-14T19:38:00.010-04:00

I usually have Echinacea tea when I have a sore throat, but this time I turned to Chrysanthemum tea because I had none left. Of course I googled it and learned that in addition to looking beautiful in your teacup, it also has medicinal uses as well. It is known to have cured cases of influenza and even acne. Random. And according to traditional Chinese medicine, it is known to prevent sore throat. I had five cups and the next day my throat was all better.

Someone was watching out for me.

High Drama

2009-06-03T23:35:00.002-04:00

Miami, May 2009

Obama By Happenstance!

2009-05-31T23:49:00.008-04:00

Yesterday night was unforgettable. I got back from a weekend in Miami, changed and went to a Black Star reunion concert. Afterward, we walked through the car-free zone (Bloomberg's one year plan) in Times Square and noticed barricades and a light crowd of people. So we joined the crowds that lined the streets and little did we know Obama was going to be rolling down the street. We sat like gargoyles on top of metal posts (according to my friend Ric) and waited anxiously, but I have to admit we waited with little expectation. We weren't sure if the tint on the car windows would be too dark or if he'd even be looking out at us. But I took out my camera and began documenting anyway. All of a sudden, I saw Obama waving at us so sincerely with a big smile from the backseat of a car. The crowd wasn't big and I'm sure it was a random accumulation of passersby, but I hope he felt our support. We were beyond starstruck. It made my night..

He was in this one! I was so shocked I couldn't focus the picture..

Peony Season!

2009-05-28T00:54:00.015-04:00

K picked these two from his parents' garden! I once heard peonies only bloom for five weeks out of the whole year. Is that true?? Their life-span is short, but truly sweet.

Pionen in Amsterdam. Now that I think about it, this was also during the last days of May last year. (Just checked photo info. and this was taken on May 29th last year. Off by one day -- coinkydink!)

Yankee Stadium Went Green!

2009-05-19T17:34:00.006-04:00

Compostable!

A. Rod made a home run in the 11th inning! We got two innings worth of free baseball due to a tied game. That's what I'm talkin' about!

Everything leads to the Ocean

2009-05-08T00:19:00.017-04:00

in La Jolla, San Diego, CA. It's one gorgeous coastal town.

Entertainment Industry

2009-04-28T12:07:00.004-04:00

Chinatown, at sunset.

Too bad the lights were up only temporarily for a movie/tv show taping..

This American Life LIVE

2009-04-24T00:27:00.030-04:00

I should be working, but I'd rather write while the experience is fresh in my mind. Avid live show/concert-goers might not understand how I could say this, but I'll say it anyway. I saw This American Life Live tonight (as a surprise from K) and I think it was one of the best live shows I've seen in my 24 years of existence. The only thing that could've made my experience perfect was if our theater got a shout out, but I understand that it would've taken half the show to do that!

Ira Glass and the producers always manage to bring such mentally and emotionally fulfilling content to our ears. I saw the show in a College Point theater in Queens, NY although it was filmed live from NYU in Manhattan. Supposedly, the NYU show sold out quickly. The satellite waves fed live streams to 400 theaters and performance spaces across the country. In the end, I felt the Queens theater was fitting because I am a loyal Queens girl after all.

The show was (as always) personal, funny, witty, concise, and deep. But seeing Ira Glass host and witnessing the people tell stories made it all the more intimate and REAL. Something about seeing the guests changing expressions made their messages hit the spot more directly and powerfully. When you see someone's own words bring a tear to their own eye, you know it's a story they hope will impact others. The theme tonight was Return to the Scene of the Crime. This American Life regular contributors such as Dan Savage, Starlee Kine, and Mike Birbiglia came on and told heartfelt stories of life experiences. I don't know if it was good timing, but I found myself so easily relating my present life to the stories they were telling. I could try to summarize all the stories, but I don't think I would do them justice so I will just name some topics for each speaker. Dan Savage talked on religion and death. Starlee Kine spoke about dealing with the effects of being the offspring of bad parents. And Mike Birbiglia comfortably described the experiences that led him to realizing that trying to be "right" isn't always right.

In addition to storytelling, there were many bonuses such as a musical performance and a few charming animations with accompanying music by Andrew Bird. It was interesting to experience the show with no commercials also. We were 'behind the scenes.' The show ran smoothly without edits and they even showed footage of the first show Ira Glass hosted many years ago, at a bar in Chicago. Priceless.

I left the theater with a quiet calm in my heart. And I have to say I'm so grateful for Public Radio programming, especially This American Life. It acts as a reminder to the fact that everyone else has gone through or is going through similar experiences, whether good or bad. So, tune in to the show on the radio or sit back and watch an encore presentation on May 7th in select theaters! (Sorry if you found this entry too touchy-feely - but hey - that's how it went down.)

Overcast Sunday Afternoon

2009-04-21T13:17:00.007-04:00

I hope you got to spend all of Saturday outdoors, because I didn't! I was inside shooting episodes of Non Sequitur all day! (All worth it of course!) At least I enjoyed the last hour of sunlight at around 7pm. Thank goodness! To make up for Saturday, I spent the muggy Sunday afternoon at The New Museum, had a bland prosciutto and egg lunch in an adorable cafe, and went to my first auto show, followed by a delicous meal at the High Line cafe. I can't wait for this weekend - three consecutive days of sun!

You'll be seeing more of this..

2009-04-14T03:25:00.020-04:00

Miracle of Science Bar and Grill/Periodic Table Style Menu

as I begin an M.Arch. program in Cambridge, MA this Fall . I like the town so far because they have music and food down. The music scene is surprisingly eclectic. In the three days of my visit, I heard 90's hip hop one night, minimal house the next and 60's funk at a 60's mod fashion themed party. I had the famous lobster roll and oysters at Neptune Oyster in Boston's Little Italy. Too bad it's not close by. There aren't too many eateries and cafes around school, but I'm happy to say the ones that exist are of good quality and have grad student-friendly ambiance. (No rowdy frat boys!) There are a handful of all-in-one places that are open all day (Miracle of Science being one) - serving breakfast, beer, coffee and dinner and even a corner to study. Of course Cambridge/Boston is no NYC, but I'm excited to see the kinds of 'by happenstance' moments I experience in this entirely new neighborhood. I'll have to get used to it sooner or later because I am in for a long ride. Tune in!

Flower Power

2009-04-09T18:17:00.014-04:00

Great finds in the last week. Old mug from Stray Vintage and More and a tin sign from a man in Union Square. He sells a mix of original used signs and unused reproductions. They are not all are great, but his collection is worth perusing if you have an appreciation for signage or graphic design.

Sol Lewitt at MIT

2009-04-07T11:54:00.008-04:00

Bars of Color Within Squares, 2007

I guess I like alleys..

2009-04-03T17:44:00.004-04:00

(Cambridge, MA)

Heads of State

2009-03-28T18:48:00.003-04:00

Shadow Series: Geometric

2009-03-27T01:00:00.009-04:00

Red Face and Alcohol

2009-03-26T00:21:00.015-04:00

I'm sitting here all flushed.

I felt a cold coming on so I got myself some Kombucha (a Chinese tea that is filled with antioxidants) to try and wash out the bacteria. After drinking half the bottle, my face got unusually hot. I looked in the mirror and I was all pink in the face and my heart started to beat fast. (This is the way I get when I consume more than one alcoholic beverage.) I checked the ingredients and nothing seemed abnormal or suspicious, but below it there was a mention of the drink containing less than .5 percent alcohol due to its 30 day fermentation. There I was, thinking that I was drinking a nutritious 'cosmic cranberry' tea drink. Instead, I was drinking an alcoholic cranberry beverage. Don't get me wrong, I still like the drink. I'll just think twice about downing half the bottle in a matter of seconds next time.

Coincidentally, K sent me an NYTimes article that's all about the red face. Supposedly, individuals who turn red after alcohol consumption lack acetaldehyde enzymes. And continual consumption can lead to greater risks of esophageal cancer. It states that even with half of a drink, people get nauseous and their heart races. Folks, this is exactly what happens to me! I never minded getting a little flushed, but I always got sick from just drinking half of any alcoholic drink. I love the taste of beer though, so sometimes I just call it a night with a good ol' non-alcoholic Grolsch. Now, it all makes sense. I'm glad this topic is getting more press.

I'm not going to get all crazed because come on, what doesn't cause cancer these days. We can't even sunbathe for too long or else you'll suffer premature sagging and possibly worse. Sorry to be so cynical, but c'est la vie.

White Light

2009-03-25T12:46:00.014-04:00

Do you have any idea?

2009-03-20T17:37:00.004-04:00

It looks like the person responsible for this is up to something good. I just have no idea what it could be. Do you?

Brooklyn, NY (Gowanus Canal area)

Happy Birthday to My Big Sis!

2009-03-19T19:13:00.001-04:00

Wonders of Grand Central Terminal..

2009-03-19T01:48:00.010-04:00

..in case you forgot! You must try some seafood under the gorgeous vaulted ceilings at the Oyster Bar Restaurant in GCT. My partner assured me that the seafood pan roast was to die for - and yes I concur. I also had the most perfect fries. This might sound lame, but my favorite fries are from Burger King and the fries here were exactly the same - not too hard, crunchy at the edges and mushy in the center! Oh, and before you dine don't forget to whisper messages back and forth with a friend in the Whisper Room right in front of the restaurant! The geometry of the vaulted ceiling allows your voice to be carried through to the top and down to the other column that is diagonally across. It's a real treat to experience such a thing from New York City's past.

Easy-to-Make Cards

2009-03-18T00:19:00.009-04:00

This is the result of color copying my favorite vintage fabrics onto bright colored paper. It's also fun to experiment with composition by collaging different prints on the scanning bed.

And this would be my favorite flower of the season - the pom pom. I love that it's monochromatic. Green on green.

Train Ride to Newark

2009-03-17T01:26:00.008-04:00

Introducing...

2009-03-13T01:30:00.012-04:00

Broadway Alley, folks! I guess alleys are sign-worthy now. I'm cool with that. I always liked the back streets and shortcut paths better anyway. They possess different qualities than the main streets. I think of them as contemplative spaces, whereas main streets are more functional. Both are necessary. Could this be a revival of alleyways? Perhaps, an initiative to make them safer?

I spotted this around 27th Street in the east side.

Fancy Feet

2009-03-12T02:20:00.024-04:00

Each pair is a little piece of art in itself. I am certain you will feel special wearing Hansel from Basel's sock wear this Spring. I know I do! They are based in L.A., but offer really fast shipping and their customer service couldn't be better!

Hansel from Basel (New Spring/Summer '09 collection on site)

My first pair of polka-dot stockings.

Overexposed Series

2009-03-11T14:46:00.010-04:00

I was trying to capture the moonrise, but ended up with corners of a Queens suburban house.

My Favorite One Stop Shop

2009-03-09T21:56:00.020-04:00

Supporting local small businesses is where it's at - especially during a recession! Stray Vintage and More, located at 48-09 Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside, Queens sells one of a kind treasures - old and new. A lot of the items are things you don't need, but make you extremely happy. Especially, when you find a bargain. It's a great place to get gifts for people who appreciate vintage knickknacks. The next time you're free on a weekend and bored with Manhattan or Brooklyn, do come by Sunnyside and visit this gem of a place in the historic stomping grounds of jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke* and one of my role models, Lewis Mumford.

Stray Vintage on Yelp.

From top: Glass 'frog' for arranging flowers, 60's vintage necklace, Anchor Hocking Depression Glass Plates, 40's Faux Pearls

These measely images aren't a great representation of the range of products they sell. You will also find vintage furniture, old CD's and vinyl records, books, clothes, soy candles, and even mexican wrestling masks!

*I googled Bix Beiderbecke to get a good website for you and I just read that March 10th (couple hours) marks his birthday. Is this not the strangest coincidence??

Armpit of America No More

2009-03-09T03:04:00.032-04:00

Who said New Jersey was the armpit of America? Okay, okay, I wasn't the biggest fan of our neighboring state, New Jersey either. But it's because I didn't have many reasons to visit. Growing up in New York, I only went there when there was an event to attend - like a wedding or a school trip.

But as of February I am embracing its very nickname. I recently started working in Newark, NJ. The commute is a little over an hour. Yes, I know it's quite long, but before you start to feel bad about my commute let me tell you that it took just as long commuting to Brooklyn, where I previously worked. I take a couple of trains to get to the World Trade Center site and then I transfer to the Path train, which is very retro with its brown seats and orange walls. The train ride is special because most of it is above ground. You see a changing landscape of industrial New Jersey. It reminds me a lot of the Gowanus area of Brooklyn. You see overlapping bridges, dirty shipping containers, graffiti, somber looking abandoned factory buildings that I wish I could renovate and live in, and dead weeds fluttering in the wind. Yes, the views are not for everyone, but I like it because you witness the back-end work being done. When do we ever see shipping containers get loaded up in a shipping port? And I also get inspired easily so anything novel is a good thing in my eyes.

If the train ride isn't enough, Newark Penn Station is small, but quite nice. It's like a mini Grand Central Terminal or more like New Haven station in Connecticut. The food isn't good enough to make you come back for more, but there's good cheap Spanish barbeque and Brazilian coffee. I work in an old loft building, which reminds me of the brick buildings near Dia Beacon. I haven't wandered around farther than just a few blocks near the office, but I'm excited to explore a region I've overlooked for so long.

I wonder how you have experienced New Jersey?

The most inviting office bathroom. Pictures of the train ride coming soon. I was busy looking out the window to see what I should take pictures of instead of taking them. And I also didn't want to draw attention to myself by appearing like an overly excited tourist. I will shoot the pictures very soon.

Reviving Lower Manhattan

2009-03-08T21:16:00.022-04:00

If you are ever craving comfort food in an easygoing environment, you must pay a visit to Kitchenette. I had the crab cake dinner, which offered a choice of two sides. I chose oven roasted garlic french fries and wilted greens (escarole that night). All the other sides are just as healthy and appealing. For example, brown rice! Oddly enough, very few eateries besides vegan ones, serve brown rice! (I think the only other place that I've happily ordered it was in Dojo and maybe Rice?) For dessert, I had a tiny but dense Boston Cream cupcake. It was perfect because it was just sweet enough and not spongy. If Boston Cream is not your thing, do not fret as there are tons of sweets to choose from. After all, they are also a bakery! While in the ladies' room I read a sign that said they were offering a recession special, where the prices would be the same as when they opened 15 years ago. Sounds like a good time to try it out. If I were better about updating my yelp, I would give this place 3.5 stars. (There's also a huge and I mean huge new Barnes and Noble nearby on Warren Street and it doesn't get crowded, which means seats galore!)

Throw Back

2009-03-07T16:41:00.022-05:00

The warm weather outside is making me dance! The high today is 70 degrees. Daylight savings early this year. Spring forward at 2am. Below are two of my favorite dance classics. The Bucketheads - The Bomb / Crystal Waters - Gypsy Woman

THE BUCKETHEADS "the bomb"
Uploaded by cyl20

Happy Accidents Between Errands

2009-03-03T23:20:00.033-05:00

Snowy, salty residue. Result of neglectful MTA maintenance crew? I didn't mind it. (N Train)

This stairwell looked like a set from a French New Wave film. The yellow strips were either stuck on for safety precautions or someone decided to get fancy on their way out. (Union Square)

This was probably marked for construction or stick ball (thanks K) and not for my viewing pleasure, but I couldn't ignore the intensity of hues next to the stark white snow. (East Village)

Inspired by the Nighttime

2009-03-03T14:47:00.018-05:00

during the day.

Crude sketches. Hopefully, I can make at least one just in time for Spring.
(I will try to use recycled materials!)

WTC

2009-03-02T11:39:00.018-05:00

View of new Calatrava transit hub under construction from temporary path station in lower Manhattan.

Rarely, do you get this interior view of a massive construction site. One can learn a lot about basic building techniques just by observing. In this image is Calatrava's sculptural and structural support beams, part of a reinforced concrete wall and wood sub-flooring. Exciting.

Peek-A-Boo #2

2009-02-27T00:08:00.005-05:00

It looks to be in the clover family. Perhaps, it'll grow a four leaf clover next?

In the Spotlight

2009-02-24T02:32:00.024-05:00

I know sunsets are generally beautiful wherever you are, but have you ever noticed the effects of the setting sun on buildings? The last few moments make for good viewing. It reminds me of the last segment of a show when the performers take their final bows and the spotlight slowly fades away and curtains are drawn.

We're Ready for Spring!

2009-02-18T00:37:00.008-05:00

Easel in the Sky

2009-02-17T12:02:00.018-05:00

Walking along the museum mile in Manhattan, I looked up to admire the various eras of architectural styles that surrounded me. The juxtaposition of these three buildings particularly resonated with me so I stared - long and hard. While observing, I noticed a tiny easel in someone's glass terrace. If it hadn't been constructed out of glass, I wouldn't have been able to see it. It helped that most of the other terraces were either empty or held a single planter. The thought that came to my mind was perfect at the moment. Someone was creating art from their very apartment amid the many museums and galleries that housed the very same thing.

I think I had a Michel de Certeau moment. He was a French scholar who wrote about aspects of the mundane - of everyday life in a city. One notion that always stands out in my mind is how he thought people 'spatialized' a city. For instance, in a single day, millions of people from all walks of life - businessmen, moms, tourists, kids, university students - walk through Manhattan. This flow of human traffic creates an imaginary 3-dimensional network that maintains the purpose of a city - to be of great use to its occupants. In a sense, the everyday walking experiences of people act as foundations to a city, like that of a wooden frame to a house. So, in a sense we create an architectural system when walking.

When I noticed the easel in the sky, I felt like I experienced this very notion. By my simple observation, I linked an individual's painting up high in a building to the thousands hung in museums. While I stood before the building, an imaginary network of art existed for a moment.

And here I am attempting to share the experience with you.
This all may seem abstract as the idea is abstract! It's something a little too complex to write about in the usual time it takes me for one post. Perhaps, I shall draw a simple diagram to explain further.

Juxtaposition that Works

2009-02-16T00:35:00.003-05:00

Two-in-One

2009-02-13T17:04:00.004-05:00

What a good idea.

Brooklyn, NY

Embedded

2009-02-13T12:35:00.013-05:00

Indulge, Indulge!

2009-02-12T12:44:00.031-05:00

At the moment, I am happily preoccupied with the piano concertos of Dmitri Shostakovich. The man had style and grace.

photo from bbc site

And Edith Piaf after watching 'La Vie en Rose' last night.

Moon Series

2009-02-09T11:15:00.013-05:00

What Goes On in the Outer Boroughs?

2009-02-04T12:28:00.014-05:00

A crane flew over from Brooklyn to Queens carrying all things positive.

The Afternoon

2009-01-31T18:09:00.006-05:00

Buildings are Alive

2009-01-29T12:04:00.014-05:00

I will never grow tired of this old factory building in my neighborhood. Its landscape changes everyday. Aren't the windows really something? Facade is to building as face is to body.

Branches in the Wintertime

2009-01-28T13:43:00.030-05:00

This reminded me of my friend Carol and her love of trees. You can find some photographic expressions of her love here in her blog entry devoted to snapshots of branches. The expanse of blue was the perfect backdrop for these sparse branches. Carol, always look up, not down!