Tag: nyc

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Photo some blue egg crate foam attached to a white wall. A sign above has the text: "BANG HEAD HERE".
All workplaces should be equipped with this emergency feature.

The week numbers in the titles here remind us that we’ve reached the halfway point of the year. Well, close enough, anyway. I think this halfway point is a good time to take stock of the things I wanted to accomplish this year and make sure they are moving in the right direction—or at least some direction. In that spirit, I managed to knock a couple big things off the list this week. “Big” in the sense that they were blocking further progress, even if just mentally in some cases.

I attended an employer sponsored volunteer event in the park one day this week. We assembled some outdoor displays then did some weeding and mulching. I think this was my first time volunteering in the park that didn’t involve pulling up English ivy though. That, coupled with the great team made this one of the best events I’ve done.

It looks like we’re in for a heat wave next week. Stay cool out there if you’re on the East Coast.

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Photo of a white sign with black text on a wooden fence. The text is: "ENTRY INTO THIS YARD FOR ANY REASON IS PROHIBITED. THIS INCLUDES TIME-WARNER, NYNEX, CON ED AN ALL UTILITY COMPANY EMPLOYEES. SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL AT THESE COMPANIES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO GRANT PERMISSION TO ENTER. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED. NEW YORK STATE PENAL LAW Sec. 140.06."
There must be an interesting history behind this sign, both literally and figuratively.

The “band” was back together for a Jamulus jam this week. It’s been about a month since we played together, and therefore about a month since any of us has picked up our instruments. Surprisingly, we sounded alright despite our lack of practice.

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The New York Knicks logo.

The Knicks ended their long, championship dry spell this week by defeating the Spurs. So rampant was Knicks fever that even a non-sports guy like me caught a touch of it. Not to the extent that I ran out an got a jersey or anything, but I did watch a couple games. Even without the game on, one knew something big was happening by the collective cheers from the neighbors as the Knicks clawed their way back in the final minutes. Then, victory. Congratulations, Knicks fans, it’s been a long time coming.

One other anecdote this week: If you patronize restaurants, at some point, a server has probably asked the table “Have you dined with us before?” If you say no, you’re in for a scripted explanation of the restaurant’s mission statement (heavily laced with current dining trends’ buzzwords) and some other information. A few years ago, you were likely to hear things like “We serve small plates, we recommend two to three per person.”, “Everything is meant to be shared.”, “The food will come from the kitchen as it is ready.” These are all good things to know when ordering, even if it is tiresome to hear it everywhere.

However, I heard something totally new to me this week. As part of their spiel, a server proudly stated “We’re Miami inspired, that’s why it might seem loud in here.” Really? Restaurant managers, please don’t require your staff say such things. But, if you must, be Miami inspired for the food and not the noise level.

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Photo of a gray, steel shop stool with a wooden seat taken from directly above. The word HENSON is written on a piece of duct tape atop the stool.

We got to tour Jim Henson’s Creature Shop this week, which totally exceeded expectations. They did a wonderful job presenting the rich history of Henson’s workshops here in New York City. It was a real treat to see the place where they build these characters and learn more about how they do it from some of the seasoned puppet makers.

Another highlight: The best tacos al pastor in recent memory from a nearby restaurant. I highly recommend both the tour, and a meal in one of the many restaurants nearby.

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After a couple weeks off due to prior commitments, the “band” was back together this week. I had good intentions to practice over those two weeks, but I mostly picked up my bass only to move it to the other side of the room. Despite the lack of practice, we had a good jam and sounded alright.

I really do need to get back to a good practice routine. My playing ability is certainly somewhere shy of “intermediate” and I’m not going to progress by playing once a week. I think I need to do something that puts the fun in fundamentals, which might help keep me on a regular routine and, in turn, increase my dexterity and speed–two things that I am lacking.

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