Yankees vs. Tampa Bay
September 05, 2005
Last Updated: New York City Archives
Phuture Design Studio Space
March 18, 2005
A lot of friends and family have been asking about my new office/studio space. The word office makes it sound a lot larger than it really is. To combat people believing that I work in a huge skyscraper with a wall of windows overlooking a busy New York City street I've posted some photos of the space.
A few things to note:
- The wood is the floor. It's a very nice floor and I'm quite happy to have wood over carpeting
- The soft looking structure in the corner is Kava's bed
- The windows will be cleaned soon
- The computer screen with the website was going to be used elsewhere but snuck into this collection
- The thing on the wall is called Utensilo and is a pretty famous piece of American Industrial Design dating back to the 60's
Enjoy
Taxi WiFi
January 20, 2005
An interesting thing happened to me on the way to a meeting today. I was running late so I decided that my best bet would be a cab. Normally, when in a cab I use my bluetooth to connect my Powerbook to my cellphone and connect to T-Mobile's GPRS network for data transfer. This normally works fine except that today I needed to download a rather large file from my machine at the office. Being that the speeds of GPRS seldom exceed 33.6kbs I needed a faster connection. While sitting at a traffic light I managed to utilize someone's open wireless network "linksys". This is the default name for the wireless network on Linksys routers which, also by default, are left unsecured. I was able to stay logged on long enough to log into the work machine and download the file.
While cruising along I realized that there were many open "linksys" networks along 3rd Avenue. Each time I stopped at a light my machine would attach itself to "linksys" and I was up and running again. Being that the machine is assigned a new IP address and must negotiate with the router each time it's not as seamless as it sounds.
It's not a sure fire bet and much less ideal then the potential of systems like Wi-Max but in the mean time the free access of unsecured networks coupled with the traffic and stoplights of NYC makes for decent internet access while on the road.
New Office Space
November 22, 2004
As you may be aware I run a small web development shop called Phuture Design. Currently we are in our final stages of securing office space in Manhattan and if all goes well we should have a lease signed within a weeks time. This will allow for a possible December 15th move in. The benefits of this new space are plenty. A New York City mailing address. No need to relocate the business to New Jersey if we decide to move our residence there. I can bring the dog and there is a dog park across the street. A meeting place for clients. A daily commute.
While the daily commute may sound like a total downer, the truth is working from home has made me a little stir-crazy. It will be nice to get dressed and go into the city everyday seeing people on the streets and in the office building.
More to come on the office space including photos and address over the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
The Joy of Curry
August 09, 2004
I've discovered a great new thing. Well, actually Asia discovered it, but I'm having it for lunch. It's curry chicken salad. I'm not normally a chicken salad kind of guy but this is really good. I got it at Boerum Hill Food Company. A small restaurant with tasty, home made food.
Try some if you can get it.
Asia's Work
March 04, 2004
Asia, my wife, will have selected pieces of her portfolio on display at the Art Directors Club as part of an exhibit on Advertising. The show begins on March 29th and will run for two weeks. If you have a chance to stop by and check it out, you should.
Moved, amost finally
December 12, 2003
So we've pretty much completed our move to Brooklyn. I have to say, it really is an advantage to simple walk out the door and hop in the car. We had a car in Manhattan but access to it was so limited due to the distance we had to park it from our apartment.
And that's not all that rocks about Brooklyn. Within a few short weeks I'm already realizing that there is a great deal on this side of the river. Sure, it's a little slower, a little smaller and a little more low key overall. But to be completely honest with you, I was ready for that. We have much more space and are not so closely attached to the constant rush of Manhattan.
That being said, I can get to Broadway/Lafayette in 15 minutes. =)
My first Craigslist posting
November 20, 2003
Great studio apartment in soho available 12.1. Super cool brick wall and street view, sleeping loft will fit full size mattress and some more of your stuff. Thompson Street between Prince and Houston. $1575/month, 1 month security. You'll take over our lease after approval/credit check by Landlord. No brokers fee. This place really rocks.
Moving
November 19, 2003
OK, so I think it was yesterday that I posted about our exciting move to Brooklyn. Not that I want to dilute the excitement but the truth of the matter is that moving sucks.
Aparently things are done a little differently in Brooklyn and we do not simply move into an apartment. Well, we do move into an apartment but the designations of apartments is a little confusing. We are moving to Apartment 3, which is on the 3rd floor of the building...if you count the garden apartment as a floor and apartment 1. The cable company seems to refer to our apartment as apartment 2, because they look at the garden floor as "Garden" or "Apartment A". That coupled with the fact that the tenants in apartment 4, 4th floor, have registered their cable as apartment 3 is making this a very taxing experience.
Why is there not one central agency that all external companies refer to for your address...sort of like social security. If I could register my address with one centralized agency that all companies and organizations refer to in real time for sending correspondence I would be very excited. There are several agencies which coduct a similar service, but they are not centralized.
Surprisingly enough, the easiest thing to change is the mailing address itself through the United States Post Office Movers Guide. You simply fill out the forms. You can pay $1 to process the form online or print it out and mail it for free. I took advantage of this service so let's see how it works out.
Brooklyn, NY
November 18, 2003
So, after 3+ years living in trendy, downtown SOHO, Asia and I will be taking up new residence in Brooklyn. Boerum Hill to be exact. We'll be moving into a much more spacious, 2 bedroom apartment with working fireplace, outdoor terrace and dishwasher in a dog friendly building. These may sound like standard life elements but believe me, in New York City they are not.
Looks Like Fall
October 14, 2003
This new site should be live shortly. It's getting chilly outside. Great.
A Post From Our Friend
October 11, 2003
Blaise posted a few photos from Asia's and my wedding a couple of weeks ago.
Yes, you read correctly. On September 27th, 2003 Asia and I got married at St. Anthony of Padua's Church here in Manhattan. It was an amazing day, the happiest of my life.
On Sunday, the day after the wedding, we hopped on American Airlines flight 905 headed to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. What an amazing place.
As you can imagine, I came home to a ton of work. The great thing is that I also came home with the desire to start this site. Over the next couple of weeks I'll be posting more photos of the wedding as well as Brazil but in the mean time, enjoy the ones I've linked to above.
Ansel Adams at 100
Ansel Adams at 100 is the first major critical re-evaluation of the work of American photographer Ansel Adams (1902-1984) since his death. Presented on the centenary of Adams's birth and featuring more than one hundred prints, the exhibition represents a substantial reappraisal of Adams as an artist and working photographer. The exhibition draws largely from the first part of his career-the 1920s and 1930s-and situates his well-known works within the context of an unexpected and unfamiliar body of photographs.
From the MOMA.org website. Visit MOMA.org for more information.
Ansel Adams at 100
Ansel Adams at 100 is the first major critical re-evaluation of the work of American photographer Ansel Adams (1902-1984) since his death. Presented on the centenary of Adams's birth and featuring more than one hundred prints, the exhibition represents a substantial reappraisal of Adams as an artist and working photographer. The exhibition draws largely from the first part of his career-the 1920s and 1930s-and situates his well-known works within the context of an unexpected and unfamiliar body of photographs.
From the MOMA.org website. Visit MOMA.org for more information.
Warm, Cool
October 10, 2003
Went to see Radiohead last night at the Garden. As always they put on a great show. Tickets were a gift from friends. Awesome.
Warm, Cool
Went to see Radiohead last night at the Garden. As always they put on a great show. Tickets were a gift from friends. Awesome.
Snowing In New York
December 05, 2002
One of the greatest feelings in the world is waking up to the silent sound of snow. New York is a different city this time of year. The snow makes everything quiet and peaceful. It's coming down pretty hard right now and doesn't look like it will stop anytime soon. =)
The Sweating Factory
August 05, 2002
Checked out American Analog Set along with Her Space Holiday and The Dears last night at The Knitting Factory. The Dears reminded me of Portishead while Her Space Holiday consisted of 3 kids, 2 processors, a guitar and a laptop. Very interesting to see a Sony Vaio take center stage at a show. American Analog Set put on a good show although we left after 5 or 6 songs due to unbearable heat. It was hotter inside that place than on the street.
I'm working on a complete journal of my trip to Puerto Rico. I'm sure everyone is on the edge of their seat waiting for it. I have the first two days done and I'll publish it as soon as it's complete. I gotta get to it though because I'm starting to forget details! Pictures to be included.
Lights, Camera, Action
July 20, 2002
Today there was a fire at the Con Edison plant on 14th street. It knocked the power out in Downtown Manhattan for about 8 hours. This included my neighborhood, a busy shopping district. Stores were closed, restaurants vacant, the street flooded with sweaty tourists and shoppers looking for some refuse from the bright, hot mid-day sun. There wasn't a working AC for blocks. Water was selling like hotcakes, ice brought down from midtown keeping it cool in buckets on the streets.
But now, thanks to the hard workers of Con Edison the power is back and hopefully the surge of AC's, lights, computers and everything else we depend on won't overload it again.
Happy Bastille Day!
July 14, 2002
So much to write but not enough time right now. I'll post more later but in the mean time learn about Bastille Day. I took French class in high school for 3 years and had more fun in that class than I probably should have had. I wish more of it stuck but I've been thinking about picking it up again, so we'll see. Anyway, more later.
Let's Go Downtown
July 10, 2002
After a bite to eat with Oliver, he checks his messages, turns to me and says, "Race you downtown?".
"Let's do it" I reply.
We go outside, unlock our bikes, Oliver dons his helmet, me, my iPod...and we begin our ride. Slowly at first, then picking up speed down Broadway I realize he wasn't kidding when he said race.
I led for a bit but not knowing the fastest way to the Seaport I figured it would be better to follow him. Not a good idea. I spent the next 15 blocks trying to keep up. Just when I thought he would be out of energy, he kicks it into high gear. Weaving through traffic and intersections we finally get to the last block, around the corner from our final destination. I figure we'll just coast the rest of the way when suddenly Oliver stands and begins to pedal feverishly up the sidewalk. Not knowing this was the sprint to the end I stayed on the cobblestone street...but kept up. Possibly riding the fastest this leg of the race we are quickly approaching Quartino but each pushing as to not be the second to touch the building. We come to a screeching stop within inches of each other and the building...Olivers back wheel coming off the ground, jump off our bikes and hi-five our amazing race downtown.
Asia comes out to greet the sweaty mess we've become on the way down and after a walk around the block to cool off we all spend the rest of the night chatting and having a couple of beers at the John Street Bar. One of those great New York nights.
My Sore Legs...
June 30, 2002
From my apartment, up the West Side Highway to 92nd street, across to the park, around the loop once, an hours rest and home again. All on rollerblades. In the sun. Needless to say I'm beat. It feels good to be getting back in shape though. I'd really like to start riding my bike again too. I think it's really all about being outside. Such a hard thing to do when you're tied to a computer all day. Hopefully some time away from it will clear that right up.
By the way, travel websites really suck. It seems like when I used to try to plan amazing trips just for fun, the airfare seemed like so much less. OK, I guess travel websites themselves don't really suck...sorry Matt. But still, travel should be much more affordable...it's current state really leaves some people just not able to go anywhere.
Minor rant, sorry about that. Anyway, I'm off to finish some stuff up and try to organize my mp3's. What else do you do on a Sunday night?
Winter
June 28, 2002
The winter is almost here again. Ok, well not really...just wishful thinking I guess. I really can't wait for it this year. With last year's taste of Whistler I promised myself that I would get out more this year. And by more, I don't just mean a couple weekends in Vermont...I mean MORE. If I can get 30-40 days of boarding in this year I'd be psyched.
I've started rollerblading to work in the mornings. Asia goes to SVA, which is on 23rd street near my work. We meet on the path that goes up along the East River in the mornings and skate up. With the occassional tugboat pulling bardges of supplies it's a beautiful view of the bridges and river early in the mornings.
The next few weeks/months should be pretty crazy. I've slowly but surely been lining up some great trips out of town. Trips that I really need to keep my sanity.
Kettle of Fish
June 20, 2002
After a busy week I finally had some free time last night. I met up with Jen, Jamie, James and Nicki at Kettle of Fish in the West Village. This place rocks. A simple bar when you first walk in but the real appeal is in the "back room". It's like a New Jersey basement. Couches, tables for beer games, darts, pinball and a bunch of kids enjoying themselves. It completely reminded me of a summer night back in high school. Neglecting the responsibility of the next day to enjoy the company of good friends is a simple happiness we all should experience.
Yankees
June 05, 2002
Tonight I saw the Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles. I met Oliver and Utah at the Paris Cafe at around 5 pm. Oliver and I took the ferry to the game with a bunch of other people from the Paris. What a great game. Of course Jeter sealed the deal for the Yankees.
At the end of the night, when I was just about ready to head home I left the Paris and made a right out of the door. I suddenly found myself surrounded by the Fulton Street Fish Market. I spent about an hour and a half walking through the market, looking at the different types of fish, taking pictures, talking to the guys. It's so interesting how the market works. I spoke briefly with the seafood buyer for Nobu, a great New York sushi resturaunt. We talked about how the fish is priced, bought and delivered to the resturaunt. It was really an interesting experience. I shot about a roll and a half of film and will get the prints back later this week. Hopefully they came out and will possibly be the first photo gallery on this site.
Philippine Independence Day
June 02, 2002
Checked out the Philippine Independence Day parade today with my friend Glenda. Glenda and I used to work together back in the day at DoubleClick.
The parade was great...wonderful costumes, amazing dancing and great weather. Believe it or not we even marched in the parade for a bit. Leave it to Glenda to have friends in a parade.
After watching a pigeon get run over by a car at lunch we ducked into Paragon so I could grab another pair of mandatory summer footwear.
Empire State Building
April 30, 2002
I've been living in New York for a while now. Each night I've been here, without fail, save September 11, 2001 the Empire State Building is lit up proudly displaying various colors and providing an awe inspiring icon to locals and visitors alike. Since September 11 each night the top of this great building is awash with the colors of our country, red, white and blue. On special occassions, the colors change to represent holidays and cultures from around the world. It's always fun trying to figure out what the colors are and which holidays or special occassions are upon us. After doing a little research I was able to find this. A listing of each of the color combinations and what they stand for. Take some time and read through them. I'm sure that in some small way there is a color combination which represents everyone.
My favorite is the Red and White which represents Pulaski Day and the Red Cross.
Sneakers and Sweedes
April 07, 2002
So Saturday night I met up with some of my old crew. Jay showed up at around 7 and we hung for a while comparing geek notes. Headed over to Miladys around 10:30 to meet up with Kristen, her brothers and her cousin. After some great impersonations and a couple pints of Guinness, Christy and I headed to party with Utah and the Sweedes. A small apartment, 20 people and a Sweedish to American ratio of about 2.5:1 always makes for a great Saturday night.
Now where did that hour go?
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