Wanda

Today I was on the A train headed downtown for lunch with a client when somewhere in Harlem a woman stepped on wearing more rings than I'd ever seen on a person. She sat across from me and I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. Very confident and put together she was "grooving" to her music through headphones. The person sitting closest to her exited the train around 59th street so I immediately took that seat. I usually avoid talking to strangers but I felt compelled to speak to her. After a moment of self doubt I tapped her on the arm and asked her if I could take a photo of her rings. She was very nice and told me that she had always dressed differently than most people. I took a few snaps and gave her my card. Though I wanted to keep talking, my stop was coming up quickly. As the train pulled into the station we shook hands and with a big smile, she told me her name was Wanda. 

Post No ______

Construction sites often put up big blue walls marked "POST NO BILLS". Someone with a lot of time on their hands went to a lot of trouble to alter these. In Soho, a few days ago. 

Random Appropriated Wisdom

I didn't take any of these photos.... They were swiped from various blogs.

 Everyone thinks they're a photographer. She's got news for you.

 I look at this when I feel like tossing in the towel.

 The U.S. has over 700 military bases worldwide. Most doing nothing. "Protecting our freedom" is a joke. Our freedom is not threatened. This drives me batshit.

We're already unknowingly ingesting massive amounts of GMO product now, mostly soy and corn. Some people still don't believe it's harmful. The same people don't believe humans have any influence on global warming. Amazing the denial and stupidity of seemingly bright people. 

Random Curiosities

Walking down the street I found this odd sign in front of a restaurant. An opportunity to scribble an item from your own "bucket list".

People don't seem to have the capacity to abide by rules. I see people break rules on an hourly basis, especially on the subway. Nobody gives a shit. This idiot was 60 feet from a large dog run.

He was a powerful looking stocky man. Broad shoulders, shaved head, faded tattoos. Looked like a Russian fighter or bouncer, maybe a mob guy. His sweat pants had suede patches sewn into the crotch. And, a shirt that matched the patches.

As I snapped this photo I thought for a moment of him catching me and sticking my camera somewhere it shouldn't be.

Having a true appreciation for a nice guitar, there are few sights that'll make your heart skip a beat as you enter the outdoor flea market. Block sale on 44th Street. Turned out this old archtop needed a bit too much work. A few minutes later I scored a very desirable camera, a Yashica T4. When I asked the gentleman how much he wanted for it he said, "Seven dollars." When I paused, not believing what I'd heard, he followed with, "Okay then, five dollars."

Eighty-eight pianos are located around the city for people to play and enjoy. I found this one in Hudson River Park. The bike rider stopped, played a few tunes, and was on his way.

The Wing

I have neglected my duties as a blogger. Though active and doing interesting things, I haven't felt inspired to write anything. But, the other day I was about to hop on the uptown A train at West 4th street, north entrance. It was late in the afternoon and I was just about to go down the steps to the subway when I glanced down and noticed a large chicken wing on the top step. Undamaged, some poor soul unfortunately dropped the delicious snack. Just as I snapped a photo of the lone wing, a young guy in his early twenties wearing a dirty t-shirt asked me for some money. He looked healthy enough to work so I gave him my best, "Yeah right, get a friggin job" face. (Note: I have no problem giving money to someone who is very old, handicapped or missing an appendage.) Besides, this guy was far younger and in better shape than I. Another young and healthy derelict friend walked up, glanced down at the chicken wing and said, "Wow, a wing...you want it?" His friend declined and he turned to me asking, "Do you?" I said, "No man, it's got your name on it, have at it." The kid grabs the wing and heads down the steps. Ten minutes later, I'm on the platform and I see the guy licking his finger tips. He sees me and with a big smile says, "You missed out my man, that was an awesome wing." I smiled back with complete sincerity, happy he was happy. 

 Now you see it...

 ...Now you don't.

Yeeehooo!!!  The fountain is up and running at Washington Square Park. Full of kids, bums, NYU students and loads of bacteria. Get out your amoxicillin and let's party!!

 Tammy Wynette sighting

Kitchen help. I just liked the contrast and colors