Geoffrey Canada, the most supreme boss ever and founder of the Harlem Children's Zone, was on NPR the other day. Let the knowledge drop on you:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94977387
I've also posted below about my most recent travel experiences.
-j
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Minneapolisis isis
The last few days I have been relaxing in Minneapolis and reflecting in New York. I've been thinking a lot about the people who hosted me, and so I wanted to give them a shout out on the global interplex:
First, Thanks to Pops for showing me the high life in Manhattan and getting us the ballingest hotel I've ever seen. And thanks to Mom for letting him out of the house!
Molly, Corin, Ryan, Peter, Nif, Damian, Ned, and Malcolm: you all rock for giving me unfettered access to your ballin-ass pads and showing me around NYC. You all are welcome on my couch/in my bed any time.
Being in Minneapolis for the past few days has certainly helped me re-imagine my time in New York. By my last week I felt fully integrated into the city, one tiny piece of that giant machine. I felt comfortable with the New York attitude. Everyones' trying to get from point A to point B, and nothing stands in there way. And while this gnar-agro attitude is present when you pass people on the street, when I talked one on one with someone I didn't know they were for the most part nice and helpful. I didn't find New York to be as alienating as people told me it would be.
Staying in apartments, instead of hostels, was most excellent because I had quiet personal space when I needed it. As a result, I got a glimpse into what actually living in NYC would be like, and I didn't get burnt out so quick. It also allowed me to step outside of the madness and catch my breath.
I would say my four weeks was the perfect travel time--by the end I felt I had to either move in or leave. More than four weeks in any one place without an agenda is a little much for me.
New York was also a bit of a reprieve from the depression I've been dealing with and experiencing heavily in Portland. Of course, there were times on this trip where I was down, bored, tired, and soaking wet from unprecedented rain. But overall I felt more activated, present, and energized in New York than I have in Portland. I also noticed that while in New York I started to self identify as a unique, smart, creative individual. This wouldn't seem like a big deal if it didn't contrast so sharply with the way I was seeing myself in Portland. Being in and having to deal with New York was a catalyst for my own energy and ambitions.
The best part of my time in New York is how I've carried this stoked-ness with me into Minneapolis. Evenjust chillaxing in Minneapolis I have still felt content, motivated, inspired, and happy with myself. Basically NYC felt like a big wake up call.
Me and Kevin will depart to Colorado tomorrow and begin campaigning on Thursday. Previous campaigners have advice? Also, if anyone knows where we might backpack for a few days while we're down there, please share your brainchild with us.
word!
-j
First, Thanks to Pops for showing me the high life in Manhattan and getting us the ballingest hotel I've ever seen. And thanks to Mom for letting him out of the house!
Molly, Corin, Ryan, Peter, Nif, Damian, Ned, and Malcolm: you all rock for giving me unfettered access to your ballin-ass pads and showing me around NYC. You all are welcome on my couch/in my bed any time.
Being in Minneapolis for the past few days has certainly helped me re-imagine my time in New York. By my last week I felt fully integrated into the city, one tiny piece of that giant machine. I felt comfortable with the New York attitude. Everyones' trying to get from point A to point B, and nothing stands in there way. And while this gnar-agro attitude is present when you pass people on the street, when I talked one on one with someone I didn't know they were for the most part nice and helpful. I didn't find New York to be as alienating as people told me it would be.
Staying in apartments, instead of hostels, was most excellent because I had quiet personal space when I needed it. As a result, I got a glimpse into what actually living in NYC would be like, and I didn't get burnt out so quick. It also allowed me to step outside of the madness and catch my breath.
I would say my four weeks was the perfect travel time--by the end I felt I had to either move in or leave. More than four weeks in any one place without an agenda is a little much for me.
New York was also a bit of a reprieve from the depression I've been dealing with and experiencing heavily in Portland. Of course, there were times on this trip where I was down, bored, tired, and soaking wet from unprecedented rain. But overall I felt more activated, present, and energized in New York than I have in Portland. I also noticed that while in New York I started to self identify as a unique, smart, creative individual. This wouldn't seem like a big deal if it didn't contrast so sharply with the way I was seeing myself in Portland. Being in and having to deal with New York was a catalyst for my own energy and ambitions.
The best part of my time in New York is how I've carried this stoked-ness with me into Minneapolis. Evenjust chillaxing in Minneapolis I have still felt content, motivated, inspired, and happy with myself. Basically NYC felt like a big wake up call.
Me and Kevin will depart to Colorado tomorrow and begin campaigning on Thursday. Previous campaigners have advice? Also, if anyone knows where we might backpack for a few days while we're down there, please share your brainchild with us.
word!
-j
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
pictures from the freedom tunnels
Today I went with some buddies to these Amtrak tunnels that start on 116th and Riverside park and go all the way to 70th. These were where the mole people from the movie "Dark Days" lived. The place used to be abandoned but is now in use--we snagged a time lapse shot as the Amtrak passed us. Tomorrow I leave for Minneapolis--what a trip! Once I leave NYC, I'm sure I'll be able to reflect on it and give you guys some super awesome insight.
these pictures are by Ryan Hale, whose website is http://flickr.com/photos/ryanhale/sets
All your comments are really appreciated,and If I haven't gotten back to you yet I'm working on it. Hugs and Kisses, j-smoke
these pictures are by Ryan Hale, whose website is http://flickr.com/photos/ryanhale/sets
All your comments are really appreciated,and If I haven't gotten back to you yet I'm working on it. Hugs and Kisses, j-smoke
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
pictures from nyc
Trash flotilla floating down the East River
The Cover of me and my friend Ryan's new Indie Rock Album
Me and Ryan and his Housemate Peter in their bitchin' china town apartment
Stage at this crazy cooperative house
Sign at goofy cooperative house
Graffiti building called 5 points. visit 5ptz.com for more info
Yours truly in the right corner, praising the What Cheer Brigade
Chinatown at night
No docking? Denied!
After biking around for a few hours in Chinatown and the Financial District, I went to Carnegie's Deli at 3:00 AM and had the excellent sandwich.
Mural on the Williamsburg bridge
Monday, September 22, 2008
Accidentally naked, and other delights.
The day started out innocently enough. I woke up at the crack of noon, and went to the store to purchase to cook breakfast for my friends Damian, Nif, and Ned, who I am staying with in Brooklyn. A queue was forming at the local mart, whereupon I waited in line with aforementioned object. The man in front of me made note that he was "not doin' shit til monday!" as he purchased a half a bakers dozen minus one half tall boys of King Cobra. Finally, I was able to prostrate myself in front of the cashier and, after haggling for 5 hours, completed the deal.
Returning triumphantly with my purchase, I made breakfast with my captors. After a leisurely munch, we dressed ourselfs (as previously we had been naked) so as to appear at the , which was a "celebration of 51 years of German American friendship."
The four of us made forward momentum on our bikes, in light of this goal, through the madness that is Manhattan. Nif had once been in New York, and thus our trip was extremely aggressive. As Damian puts it, biking in Manhattan is akin to river rafting--you experience rapids as cars come rushing past you, then when the stream of traffic is cut off by a red light, the salubrious calm. The ride was one moment manic, hectic, and altogether batshit insane, the next moment quiet, airy, empty, and idyllic. Three seconds after crossing the Manhattan bridge, we arrived at Central Park.
We made our way to the party and weren't stoked to find out that we had to wait in line and pay $10 to get in. We were stoked when we found out that we could walk ten feet to the right of the line and walk in for free. Once inside the Stueben Parade, we weren't gruntled to find that beer was really expensive. We soon became gruntle-muffins whence we discovered that no one finished their pitchers, sauerkraut or bratwurst, and rather left them out for us to consumate. Unenthused by a brass bland playing "no woman no cry," we were nonetheless deriving pleasure when they covered "basketcase" by Green Day. Wunderbar!
When finally at long last we all of us had had our own full fill, we left to check out a Doug Aitken art show that Nif's friend helped put together. Here, they were giving the beer away! It was a video installation of different animals (including Albino Peacocks, buffalo, and bearcats) hanging out in motel rooms. Pretty .
After the gallery, Damian and made route to an xbxrx show. On the way we attempted entry into a swanky event which required having a name on the list. As it turned out, Jordan Stern (plus one) was not on the list, and neither was guard dog, which I was donning. Anyhoo, a few months ago we finally got to the show, which turned out to be not an xbxrx show, but a QxBxRx Party! (Queers, Beers and Rears, the x's being periods). Nonetheless, some good raucus punk bands were playing, and in good form the leg of my glass got snapped in the first few minutes (fear not, they will be fixed, in the meantime, my prescription face shield should suffice.)
As the show got out, Damian met a pal of his, and she informed us of a basement party in Brooklyn that sounded promising. Damian found some meatball sandwiches, but we opted not to take them (foreshadowing here). We arrived at the party, walked into a room covered with flourescent paint and filled with half, almost, and definetely naked young men. We passed the clothing check station, the body painting station, and the bathroom line to get some free beer. We sought out the back room, where people seemed to be mingling and talking in small circles, as they would at any party. Damian I mingled amongst the minglers, engaging in talk and musing on the arts, letters, and politics of the day, as we would at any party. Besides to the two middle aged men
on the chair next to us, it was pretty predictable and whatever. Damian got his nipples painted flourescent pink (surprise for Nif) we retired for the evening.
A typical day in New York.
Returning triumphantly with my purchase, I made breakfast with my captors. After a leisurely munch, we dressed ourselfs (as previously we had been naked) so as to appear at the , which was a "celebration of 51 years of German American friendship."
The four of us made forward momentum on our bikes, in light of this goal, through the madness that is Manhattan. Nif had once been in New York, and thus our trip was extremely aggressive. As Damian puts it, biking in Manhattan is akin to river rafting--you experience rapids as cars come rushing past you, then when the stream of traffic is cut off by a red light, the salubrious calm. The ride was one moment manic, hectic, and altogether batshit insane, the next moment quiet, airy, empty, and idyllic. Three seconds after crossing the Manhattan bridge, we arrived at Central Park.
We made our way to the party and weren't stoked to find out that we had to wait in line and pay $10 to get in. We were stoked when we found out that we could walk ten feet to the right of the line and walk in for free. Once inside the Stueben Parade, we weren't gruntled to find that beer was really expensive. We soon became gruntle-muffins whence we discovered that no one finished their pitchers, sauerkraut or bratwurst, and rather left them out for us to consumate. Unenthused by a brass bland playing "no woman no cry," we were nonetheless deriving pleasure when they covered "basketcase" by Green Day. Wunderbar!
When finally at long last we all of us had had our own full fill, we left to check out a Doug Aitken art show that Nif's friend helped put together. Here, they were giving the beer away! It was a video installation of different animals (including Albino Peacocks, buffalo, and bearcats) hanging out in motel rooms. Pretty .
After the gallery, Damian and made route to an xbxrx show. On the way we attempted entry into a swanky event which required having a name on the list. As it turned out, Jordan Stern (plus one) was not on the list, and neither was guard dog, which I was donning. Anyhoo, a few months ago we finally got to the show, which turned out to be not an xbxrx show, but a QxBxRx Party! (Queers, Beers and Rears, the x's being periods). Nonetheless, some good raucus punk bands were playing, and in good form the leg of my glass got snapped in the first few minutes (fear not, they will be fixed, in the meantime, my prescription face shield should suffice.)
As the show got out, Damian met a pal of his, and she informed us of a basement party in Brooklyn that sounded promising. Damian found some meatball sandwiches, but we opted not to take them (foreshadowing here). We arrived at the party, walked into a room covered with flourescent paint and filled with half, almost, and definetely naked young men. We passed the clothing check station, the body painting station, and the bathroom line to get some free beer. We sought out the back room, where people seemed to be mingling and talking in small circles, as they would at any party. Damian I mingled amongst the minglers, engaging in talk and musing on the arts, letters, and politics of the day, as we would at any party. Besides to the two middle aged men
on the chair next to us, it was pretty predictable and whatever. Damian got his nipples painted flourescent pink (surprise for Nif) we retired for the evening.
A typical day in New York.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
What have I been up to?
The big question thats on everyone's minds...what have I been up to?
Saturday I kicked it with my new friend Patrick, who is a performer and is also very awesome. We explored around brooklyn and wheatpasted this sweet print he found.
Later, we went to a really crazy circus show called Absinth that was super cabaret-esque with an awesome trapeze act and really muscular young men doing acrobatics in tighty-whiteys. The host and hostess (husband and wife) did a sweet little act where they spit banana bites in and out of each others mouths, culminating in the wife balancing over hubbie and spitting out a a huge lump of banana into his mouth. It really looked like graphic shitting.
Sunday I took a huge bike ride out to Canarsie pier, which isn't a super exciting place, but getting out there was fun. We rode from basically north Brooklyn, which looks kinda like downtown Oakland but with really tall housing project towers, to the idyllic prospect park, through standalone houses that looked straight outta the 50's. In New York!
Tonight I am going to cruise Chinatown and take pictures of all the 99 cent stores, maybe climb up on a rooftop or two. Hopefully tomorrow I can update ya'll with some photos.
loves,
-j
Saturday I kicked it with my new friend Patrick, who is a performer and is also very awesome. We explored around brooklyn and wheatpasted this sweet print he found.
Later, we went to a really crazy circus show called Absinth that was super cabaret-esque with an awesome trapeze act and really muscular young men doing acrobatics in tighty-whiteys. The host and hostess (husband and wife) did a sweet little act where they spit banana bites in and out of each others mouths, culminating in the wife balancing over hubbie and spitting out a a huge lump of banana into his mouth. It really looked like graphic shitting.
Sunday I took a huge bike ride out to Canarsie pier, which isn't a super exciting place, but getting out there was fun. We rode from basically north Brooklyn, which looks kinda like downtown Oakland but with really tall housing project towers, to the idyllic prospect park, through standalone houses that looked straight outta the 50's. In New York!
Tonight I am going to cruise Chinatown and take pictures of all the 99 cent stores, maybe climb up on a rooftop or two. Hopefully tomorrow I can update ya'll with some photos.
loves,
-j
Friday, September 12, 2008
Cheap dumplings galore!
For a city more expensive than San Francisco, New York certainly has a lot to offer regarding cheap food:
-jorbaxstern
- Dumpling Houses in Chinatown: Almost any dumpling house in Chinatown here has an 8 dumplings for 2 dollars offer, or something similar. Last night I had 8 veggie dumplings, 6 fried barbequed pork buns, and 1 sesame veggie pancake for dinner. All to the tune of $7.
- Punjabi Punjabi Cab Spot: This 24/7 powerhouse is where all the indian cabbies go in NYC. Located on 1st and Houston across the street from Yonah Schimmels Knishery, you can get a big plate of rice with three veggie dishes topping it for 5 bucks. The place is very very tiny, and the best part is the strict adherence to the health code: prepared food sits in huge metal trays in a deli display case, when you pick what you want they put it on a styrofoam plate and microwave it for a few minutes.
- Indian Row: Four Indian Restaurants located near Cooper Union of fourth street. They are all part of one Brownstone--two restaurants on ground level, two above them. All have very similar menus and prices. When you wait outside, one by one maitre'd's come out, until four indian dudes are all talking to you at the same time, explaining why their restuarant is the most delicious. We made our decision when one dude offered us free soup, naan, bannana fritters, rice, and ice cream. The lunch special is big and comes with samosas.
-jorbaxstern
Monday, September 8, 2008
Upfart: New York Kicks Ass!
Upfart is the new word for update, and so, appropriately, I will now fart-up the interesting specs from my last week and a half in New York.
I got in to town on Saturday August 30th and within 1 hour I called it, game over, mercyball: New York is next level ultimate. This city is one some other-type amazing shit. The level of activity is intense, but outside of Manhatten it actually can be kinda quiet and mellow, dare I say relaxing? I can't really describe why I like New York so much, so let me show by example, by documenting some sweet events of my splendorquest:
The point is, shit is coming together. I'm starting to believe in some of this more wierdo trippy stuff that I have typically been skeptical of and it feels good.
I'll tell you my adventures as they appear!
-J
I got in to town on Saturday August 30th and within 1 hour I called it, game over, mercyball: New York is next level ultimate. This city is one some other-type amazing shit. The level of activity is intense, but outside of Manhatten it actually can be kinda quiet and mellow, dare I say relaxing? I can't really describe why I like New York so much, so let me show by example, by documenting some sweet events of my splendorquest:
Seeing an exhibit at the Whitney about Buckminster Fuller and his life's work. My dad and I saw the last remaining Dymaxion Car as well as sketches of his plans to build bubble cities (see the picture on the right) that could float in mid-air! Fuller imagined these as spheres that were a half mile in diameter, and the volume of air would be so huge inside that when heated (via sunlight) the spheres would naturally rise due to pressure differentials. Whoa...- My Dad and I also found a really ritzy clothing store called San Francisco Clothing. I shouted out "Yay Area!" really loud as I opened the door but alas, it was locked! Turns out there are clothing stores in NYC that you have to get buzzed into, as in the woman at the counter needed to stare me down to make sure I was cool enough to go inside. Needless to say, I was left outside to gaze longingly at the glorious fabrics that I couldn't touch. Turns out it was all womens clothing anyway, so whatever.
- I saw an art opening at a warehouse that featured the Miss Rockaway Armada (a bunch of hipsters drinking and wining about gentrification: played out and very had) and the What Cheer? brigade (a brass band that ROCKS!). There were two rooms of exhibits. One was a really nutso pile mountain of junk and stencils, drawings, and paintings all over this room that was a little smaller than a football field. The other was a tricked out lowrider bike, car, and speedboat by this artist Dvine. We danced a ton and I am definitely going to start the Magnificent Tin Can Orchestra when I get ot SF, and you're all invited to join.
- Biking through Manhattan. I thought I would be prepped from biking in the Sucka Free, but this is someting else. There are no hot dog vendors running against traffic in San Francisco. There is nothing like the aggressive driving out here. And there is nothing like the blocks of bumper to bumper gridlock traffic like there is out here. It was almost too much fun, considering how dangerous it ultimately is. Don't worry, I have a helmet, in fact my friend Molly covered it with shiny stones.
The point is, shit is coming together. I'm starting to believe in some of this more wierdo trippy stuff that I have typically been skeptical of and it feels good.
I'll tell you my adventures as they appear!
-J
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