07 June 2009, 11:39
Since the uniform for the Internet industry is little more than a t-shirt and flip-flops, the desire arose for a formal (or at least semi-formal) event where the geeks of Silicon Alley can schmooze it up in style. Some would say we have more fun when dressed up, or that being dressed up is part of the fun in itself; my cynicism says no — it’s just more drycleaning.
But we braved the rain and found ourselves on the roof of the Empire Hotel, which was appropriately enclosed making it more of a greenhouse than a rooftop deck.
Although I expected to see more of my local geek buddies, I certainly wasn’t alone. Leah, once-neighbor and current friend, was brave enough to tag along. Her effort was to introduce me to some girls and get me “out there” following what amounts to a lifetime of staying in. Unfortunately, and in spite of the shiny dresses, her efforts will continue well beyond this night.
Leah and Scott, photo courtesy of Diana Levine. More photos here »
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a tale of New York, computers & technology, internet & web, life, the opposite sex, the weather
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03 June 2009, 22:56
Living in Jersey City makes it slightly more difficult to pop into the City for events. Case in point, my late arrival at the NYTM this week. I appeared just in time to see Jason Calacanis yap about Mahalo 2.0, but really, I missed the whole thing.
But I was able to salvage a bit of socialising out of the night. After the event, I met up with Julia and some other rascals, and we strolled it to Trailer Park, for a bit of all purpose hanging. I spent a moment getting to know Robert Murray, who I had previously met only at a Tech Karaoke, and Whitney Hess, a sassy Jewish gal born and raised in Manhattan. After discussing why work sucks, why relationships are hard, why New York is insane, and the variations in the quality of soda fountain Coke, I determined that it was time to call it a night. The long train ride back to JC.
Hail to my new friends. I’ll talk to you soon.
a tale of New York, internet & web, life, the opposite sex
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01 June 2009, 04:30
Why am I awake at this hour?
a tale of Jersey City, life, the weather
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31 May 2009, 15:06
Or, “A Tree Grows in Jersey City”
Our dear old friend Cotton recently moved into a new garden apartment that features, among other things, exclusive access to a relatively huge backyard right smack in the middle of Jersey City. Who knew these old brownstones actually oversaw semi-private yards? In her case, a large stone wall shields her from the other neighbors and with the trees growing from atop said wall, a sort of canopy effect is created. So in other words, it’s a good place to BBQ.
Since she had only moved in the previous week, we didn’t expect Cotton’s kitchen to be outfitted with all the BBQ brickerbrack, and it wasn’t, but we did alright in the end.
Oh, by the way, it’s Summer! Moreless.
a tale of Jersey City, the opposite sex, the weather
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30 May 2009, 16:13
This Spring season was tremendous. Starting from our indoor training in the first week of January, we emerged a new squad, willing 7 of our 8 matches. And after five months, our new Jerseys finally arrived!
Our final match took place in what is clearly Summer’s heat. But we survived, and Randall’s Island was once again ours for the day. These photos were snapped shortly after our win against the Village Lions.
You’re right, we do look good in that photo. Even though no one told that last few of use to fold our arms. Oh well.
a tale of New York, rugby, the weather
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22 May 2009, 21:29
Julia K, a relative new pal of mine, turns 23 tonight. Oh, youth.
And so with some reluctancy, I schlepped it over the Lower East Side to endure the screams of many a young person. But in the end it wasn’t so bad — got to chat with some geeky friends, enjoy the night air, and even talk about business cards a bit.
And somehow, out of complete coincidence, Cotton turned up with her out-of-town friends. So that was nice.
And for some reason, I felt compelled to drink a litre of Pepsi at midnight, and therefore I was awake until nearly 4 am, thus squandering the entire next day napping. See, this is why I don’t go out much…
a tale of New York, life, the opposite sex, the weather
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22 May 2009, 15:11
On what has been the warmest day of the year so far, I found myself in Union Square, after a late lunch with friend and former co-worker Jen.
As usual, the perpetual circus that is Union Sq. was in full effect with the farmers and artisans out selling their wares.
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a tale of New York, art & architecture, people, the weather
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21 May 2009, 18:49
Due to the final bye week of our very long rugby season, we had Thursday off from practice. So I sent out an email to the gang to see if anyone wanted to say hello afterwork — and with the obligatory back-and-forth it was concluded that I was heading to Ulysses to meet up with Victor, and eventually his buds.
For some reason, I thought the Financial District would be quiet on a Thursday afternoon, but instead I was greeted by a previously unknown spectacle that is Stone St. on a summery evening. The street is closed and packed with picnic tables, occupied by workers in white shirts. When I say packed, I mean you can’t move! It’s like those street fairs, but every day, apparently. And you won’t find those custom-engraved mirror keychains of the Jets logo, for example. Those are restricted to the outer boroughs … mainly Queens.
I still insist that the Financial District reminds me of the City of London. Winding streets, narrow alleys, stone roads, white people in suits visiting pubs — it’s a pretty naked comparison. But still, since I don’t go there much, it always strikes me with a pleasant surprise.
a tale of New York, life, people, the opposite sex
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16 May 2009, 23:24
After a long day of rugby, and wandering around Yonkers trying to find our way home, I headed to that strange land called Queens, where streets, avenues, places, and blvds, all compete for the same numbers.
Invited by Melanie, one of my new favourite people, Charlie, Francine, and I schlepped it out to Long Island City, taking the requisite detour from missed exits and generally bad navigation in the industrial heartland of that borough. Met some new people, re-met some existing people, snacked, talked, laughed, had a good time.
I need to start taking more pictures again.
By the way, this is what we were laughing at.
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a tale of New York, life, people, regional travel, rugby, the fellas, the opposite sex
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15 May 2009, 20:20
Remember Hannah Thonet from high school? It’s her birthday. So I went with Kendra into the City for a bit of a reunion featuring such recurring characters as Meaghan Hislop and Cynthia Leger. Some new faces as well.
The Frying Pan is a restaurant/bar located in the Hudson River on some kind of floating dock thing. Seasickness without having to actually set off on a boat. Yay? Bad service and the lack of a jacket made me leave fairly early. But not before snapping one photo.
My new thing, perhaps? A challenge for a photographer to tell a night’s story with a single shot.
a tale of New York, people, the opposite sex, the weather
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