In Joba We Trust

Modell's Window. 42nd ST. Whether you like the Yankees or not, it is cool to see a kid from Nebraska becoming such a big deal. I just read that he signed a deal to promote this sporting goods chain and now they have this full window display with his jerseys, a couple of designed shirts and a new slogan: "In Joba We Trust"

Anybody looking for a job?

Maybe you can play the part of Biggie. Seen in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, home to the Notorious B.I.G.
RIP Notorious One -

Finding a Dead Guy in New York - Part II?

Harlem, Saturday night, 2:30AM. I am walking the roommates dog and doing my best to walk a straight line being that I had been out watching football and drinking beer for a few hours. As I made my way back towards the apartment from the park I noticed a person laying in the street. I thought for a second that it was a kid, like a teenager or something. I wasn't sure what was going on, but no one around seemed to really be concerned with the fact that this guy was literally laying in the middle of the cross walk. I didn't know if he was shot, stabbed or whatever, all I could tell was that he was not moving. As I got closer I could see that it was a Hispanic guy, probably 24-25 years old. He was knocked out, I mean dead to the world.

Another guy walking past said that he had kicked him and the guy wouldn't move. We decided to pull him out of the street. I mean he was just laying there where he could have been run over by a car or truck or something. We got him to his feet, he was wasted. I don't know if it was booze or if something stronger was at work, but this dude was messed up.

After he almost stumbled into traffic a few times we decided to flag a car. Once we got a car to stop we pushed this dude in the back, much to the driver's dismay, and shut the door. Last I could see or hear, our friend was trying to describe an address in some very drunkin spanish.

Wait a sec...

I see this truck almost 3 times a week. I am guessing it delivers some sort of meat provisions to one of the hotels that line 40th St and Bryant Park. Its always parked in the same spot and I always think the same thing when I see it.

NEBRASKALAND!?!????!!!!! Are you kidding me?
Funny thing -- hardly anyone here can even tell you where Nebraska is! And yet, this company uses the name as a marketing ploy to make people believe their products are somehow better.

Oh, but wait... there's an address. Finally a clue to help some people out. Finally... someone who can tell me where Nebraska is... That's right! Nebraska is in the BRONX! Wanna visit? If you're from Nebraska (big ups!)and want a good laugh - Check out this company's site and find directions right here.

Oh The People You'll Meet

Mike -

Tonight, Mike washed my roommates car. I had never met Mike before, but I am pretty sure that my roommate had talked to him a few times. The short end of the story goes that Mike is a guy from the block, tries to earn a few bucks here and there doing things for people. "This is my hustle," as he puts it in while spitting ice chips onto the street.

Mike was paid for washing the car and we were enjoying a drink on the stoop. He told us his story. Explained to us that he had been given 3 lives. His first life nearly ended in 1983, when he got shot, in the chest, 4 blocks from where we sat. He had been a number runner. One night he's walking, some dudes role up and before he realizes it, an encounter takes place, he is shot and laying on the ground. Wound up at the Harlem Hospital. (Specializing in babies and gun shot wounds, no lying). They saved his life.

Life number 2 was almost taken a few years later in upstate New York when, while crossing a street, Mike was hit by a car. He flew through the air, landed on his head and was cut from the top of his head to his jaw. Once again, doctors put him back together, but Mike couldn't remember who he was. After they ran through some names, he remembered. They wanted to take him home. He didn't know where home was. So he got in a cab and drove to the city to see if something jogged his memory. As they drove, he remembered... "I live in Harlem. Yeah, that's it. I live in Harlem."

Crazy story right? He could have been making the whole thing up. Who know's? Point is, I couldn't write something that good. Something would have told me it was too much. That couldn't have all happened to one person. But maybe it did... Maybe it happened to Mike from the block.

Graffiti

Off Canal, China Town

Finding a Dead Guy in New York

We set out, somewhere -- across the city, a few train transfers and a long walk away -- to find a man. He is a man that waits, Or maybe he doesn't. This day, we would find out. We set off in search of Houdini's Grave.

Houdini,the man, the myth, the magician. Perhaps the greatest escape artist ever.

Ridgewood, Queens. Off the train we walked and cut into a cemetery just before dusk and closing time. We started in a Jewish cemetery, maybe it was called Greenwood. Then we hopped a wall into a Christian cemetery and after about a half hour we got picked up by the grounds keeper and told that we had to leave. The cemetery was closed. Alright, alright, but I had to know -- "had we even been close?"

The guy's response? "Naw. That's on Cypress. Up the hill, left, and then down 'Snakes Hill'." We were in the wrong cemetery, by a long way. We decided to continue walking, hoping that somebody would let us in, even though every other cemetery (and there were a lot) was closed.

Hate to sound like a Goonie here, but I didn't come this far to give up.

Just when it seemed like all hope was lost -- We Found It! Mecpelah Cemetery
The gates stood wide open. The building was empty. Windows broken, doors boarded up. It was pretty obvious that no one had used this place in a while.

But.. just inside the gate, there it was... the Houdini family plot.

And here is the man we came to see. Harry Houdini.
The grave was simple. It only bore his last name and the name of his wife. There were a lot of trinkets, notes, playing cards, coins and other items placed around the stone. I left my own.

As we stood there, I had to wonder, after all the escapes he made in his career, "was he really there? Who knows? Maybe the greatest trick of his life was escaping death and convincing the world he was gone.

Every year, people come on the anniversary of his death, Halloween to hold seances to raise the great magician from the dead. Long live the King!

God Spoke to me... at Yankee Stadium

It's true... I swear it. It was a religious experience. It had to be.

(OK, so let me stop, and say this -- I realize that I have posted quite a few times about the Yankees recently. I'm sorry. The last thing I want to do is change this blog into an every day rambling about my feelings for a certain team that plays in the Bronx).

However, I had the opportunity to attend another game this weekend, my second since moving here, after scoring some great seats for next to nothing. Here was the view, right behind home plate>
Turns out the Yankees didn't have it and they ended up dropping the game to Tampa Bay. Petite was shaky after the 5th and then it all fell apart. I don't see how you sweep the Sox and then choke on frickin Tampa Bay. Anyway... I digress.

To the point, my religious experience. My awakening. It happened ... in the bottom of the 6th! I was sitting in my seat, trying to cheer the Yankees into a rally and suddenly, it appeared, clear as day. Up there, in the clouds... I see something...


HEINEKEN. Hmm, GOD wants ME... to drink... HEINEKEN. Maybe this religion thing isn't so bad after all.

The Best BBQ in New York

I recently heard about the Hudson River Park BBQ and Blues Festival and made plans to spend a Sunday afternoon investigating. Now here is something I could really sink my teeth into, both musically and quite literally. I am a huge fan of the blues and an even bigger fan of some good BBQ. And having lived in a BBQ rich cities like Kansas City and Memphis, I feel like I have a good eye, and mouth for picking out some great BBQ.

I have to admit although it sounded cool - attending the festival served a larger purpose. You see, I am on a mission. I need to find the Best BBQ in New York. Since my arrival I have sampled a few places and I will review them below. From this point forward I will document and rate each BBQ experience until I have settled on the Best BBQ in New York. From this point forward, this mission will be known as... "The Quest for the Best."

To provide some continuity to this project I will rate each BBQ eatery on a scale of 1-5 in 3 key categories: Meat, Sauce, and Overall Experience. Let me catch you up on the competition so far:

1. Oklahoma Smoke House BBQ - (145th and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.)
Meat - 3
Sauce - 2
Overall - 2.5
The food was decent, sauce was quite watery, service was decent. It was their first day so I will give them some time and check it out once their process is ironed out.

2. Brother Jimmys Express (Grand Central Station)
Meat - 3.5
Sauce - 3
Overall - 3.5
I heard the actual location is better, but I was impressed with this Pulled Pork especially since it was found in Grand Central Station and is close to work.

3.Dinosaur BBQ - (@ the Hudson River Park Festival)
Meat - 4
Sauce - 3.5
Overall - 4
A great plate of food. Grabbed this platter with BBQ beans and cucumber and tomato salad. Sauce was right on.
(Here's a good look at some of the action from that slightly rainy, yet tasty Sunday afternoon.)
The search goes on.

A Night with the Yankees

Tonight the Yankees take on the Anaheim Angels. The game starts late, about 9:35 Eastern, since it is being played a few hours west in California. I start listening to the game on the radio after dinner as I often do. This is partially because I don't have a TV, but also because I enjoy it. Its old baby and in my mind - you ain't a fan if you can't sit down and listen to a game on the radio. I decide that tonight I need to stay awake and listen to the game til the bloody end. This decision leads me to another thought. Although I have been a Yankees fan for many years, this is my first year with the Yankees.

Admittedly, I moved here mid-season, in June and can't really say that I have been here an entire season. However, this season has seen its share of ups and downs and as the playoff races narrows I can feel myself getting sucked in even further. It's been a whirlwind of Yankee nostalgia for me the last few months, culminating recently with the passing of Phil Rizzuto. So I must apologize in advance to anyone that was already annoyed with my zeal for the Bronx Bombers because I think it is getting worse. If the Yankees make the World Series I might start pawning possessions, to get tickets.

Hurry! Get the Camera

Friday night. Walking with my roommate to fetch her misplaced purse from a Mexcian food joint. I had just opened a beer, so whatever, I brought it with. We walked several blocks, topped a hill and then I demanded to sit down on the curb. So there we were, panting, thirsty and in possession of cold beer in a water bottle.

Me:(*drinking)
J: "Let me have a drink of that beer."
Me: "Hold on" (*drinking)

We're there maybe 15 seconds, a man is crossing the street and then loudly he begins laughing and saying:

"Hold on! Let me get my camera! I need a picture of _ this. Two, white people - sittin on the curb - in Harlem - gettin sloshed! It's a beautiful thing. I know Harlem is changed to see something like that."

Then we talked to the guy for a few minutes, drank some more beer and kept walking.

The purse was recovered, intact. I remind myself I am glad that I don't carry a purse.

Favela Rising

Low Library, Columbia University - Tonight I was able to attend a free screening of this film and it changed my outlook on life, music, culture, and Brazil. A great story about the power of music and the ability of one person, or a few persons, to make a change in our world. If you're into poetry, music, working for change, helping youth or making the world a better place, then make sure you check out this movie.

Buy the DVD!

Oh... by the way

This one is for you readers out there living in somewhere besides New York. I came across some other basic things to know when in New York in a magazine called VICE. I had to basically quote the parts of the article I liked because I love the writing style infused with New York attitude and the advice is certainly true.Without further explanation, here are VICE's ideas on what you need to know:

Say "Excuse Me"
New Yorkers always say 'excuse me.' They realize that the person they bumped might be a crackhead with a carpet cutter that wants to cut your face from above your eyebrow straight down your chin. Not only should you say excuse me if you bump into someone, you should even turn back and put your arms out in a ready kind of " I'm here to stabilize you if you fall" way. This helps emphasize sincerity. It is not a pussy thing to do this by the way. It's more like a prison/biker show-of-respect thing that is actually tougher than blindly walking away.


Nobody Cares
Guess what? People in New York are over it. That doesn't mean they don't like stuff - it means that they don't give a shit why they like stuff. Don't come here and go, "Hey guys, this is a little embarrassing, but I love that Journey song 'Open Arms'! We'll just say "Big Whup, that song is pretty good."

Dress for Success?
Trust us, nobody gives a shit why you wear what you wear. It either looks good or it looks bad. It doesn't matter if you think a pair of lime green sweat pants is "hilarious." They either look like shit (more than likely) or they look amazing (not totally outside the realm of possibilities).

Way to go Vice! For more rules check out the previously posted Things to Know when in New York. More rules to come.

Becoming a Bleacher Creature

Sunday, 1:05 pm. The Bronx, NY. Went to the Yankees game against the Kansas City Royals. Ahh, the Royals - the lovable losers from the Midwest. Where I come from there are lots of Royals fans. Kansas City isn't that far away and they are the closest team around, so people support what they can. Plus their AAA club is in Omaha, my home town, so that scores them some fans too. So I guess by birth right I am supposed to be a fan of KC. However, I faced the truth long ago that the Royals suck, its not 1985 anymore.
The Yankees are my team. I have watched since I was a kid -- I revel at the opportunity to see the Bombers whoop up on a lowly team like Kansas City.

Bright sunny day. Seemed a lot cooler out on River Ave. We sat in the right field bleachers, the famous, or rather infamous, Section 39. Home of the Bleacher Creatures. There is a great book about these characters that call this section of the stadium home, Bleeding Pinstripes. It describes some of the more die hard Yankees fans and their traditions. Its worth a read for any Yanks fan.


Hideki Matsui and Melky Cabrera homered, Mussina pitched a solid six innings and Mariano sealed the deal. The Royals made it interesting, but never came that close. The Yankees record with Troy in attendance moves to 3 and 0.

Across the street the cranes are working to build the "New Yankee Stadium" set to open in 2009.

Rock the Bells

Walked the Triborough Bridge all the way out to Randall's Island for the Rock the Bells Music Festival. In the beginning we were 9, in the end our numbers would be fewer. The show started off good - we first checked out a group called Hangar 18. Then the rain started and we made our way to the main stage, found a good spot and set up shop. We were literally trying to box out our own space and maintain it.

At first the rain wasn't so bad. But then, it didn't quit for about 4 and a half hours. It actually seemed to let up, only to rain that much harder several times. Plus there was no where to sit down since it was basically and concrete and mud marsh land. I don't remember how many times I told myself - "You are too old for this shit!"

As a hip-hop fan I have to admit, I was exited about this show. I have been waiting my whole life - or at least since I was like 10 - to see some of these performers. One of the best performances of the day came from Rakim, aka "The God". One of the first rappers I ever heard and have never stopped liking. He was actually really good live, some hip-hop just isn't. There was this other crazy white boy near me, he knew every word and had the goofiest, yet sickest dance moves ever - it was great.

Other cool acts included Mos Def and Talib Kwali, Cypress Hill, Public Enemy, Wu-Tang Clan (also a favorite of mine, Enter the 36 Chambers ? SICK!) and of course lets not forget the headliners, the group that everyone waited to see -- Rage Against the Machine! I have never seen them live before and it was f*ckin rockin. The crowd was frenzied and I was doing my best to hang with them. Check out this clip!


In the end, half our group left, or got lost, we're still not sure on that. We had to jump metal barriers to get out of the show and then still had to walk home after standing for 12 hours. My feet hurt, and they kinda still do. Here are some other pics too.
Public Enemy

Wu-Tang Clan

The Mets Win! ... And Harlem starts on fire!

It's been a busy week or so. At least I think that much time has gone by... it all sorta runs together sometimes. Had friends in town, did a bunch of stuff and spent the first half of this week recovering. I am certainly not the spring chicken anymore, the recovery process is prolonged now. Phew, So much happened - best if I tell it with some pictures.

Saturday noon, on our way to see the Amazin' New York Mets play the Washington Nationals at Shea Stadium in Queens. Everyone else had a ticket, but I found some guy and talked him into $8 for a seat behind home plate. All the other seats were in right field so that is where I sat, I never even went to the seat, but I am sure it was cool,(As I write this, I immediately regret that decision).

The game was perfect though, great day, we were in the shade and the game was exciting to watch. I love spending a day watching a game at the ballpark. I even had 2 hot dogs. Oh, and the Mets won. ______ Umm, sure. I guess it is alright, but you know - I bleed pinstripes and didn't care who won. I just kept wishing that we were on 161st ST in the Bronx.


Saturday night - Got of the train at 135th, thought it was really foggy and then realized that the fog was smoke. As we stood there the fire engines came roaring from all directions. The NYFD in action.


It was impressive how quick they got there, extended a ladder and jumped onto the roof. About the time that I was really starting to wonder if someone was in the apartment, the windows began to shatter. The firemen were chopping out every part of both windows, glass, frame, security bars -- everything. It all fell to the sidewalk from the 3rd story.

The hoses kicked on, more suited firemen kicked in the door on the ground level and went in. We watched a while longer, seemed like no one was home, it was under control. Tell you this ... THAT WOULD SUCK!! Coming home to your apartment, your one sanctuary, and it is all charred. Holiday Inn?

Sunday - The day of the big show. Oh yeah, forgot to mention that. Spent all day Sunday hittin up a concert on Randall's Island. Saw Rage Against the Machine, rocked out! That experience probably deserves a post all its own. To be continued...

Explosion = A Long Weekend

Got up this morning, caught the downtown D train and headed to work, same as I always do.

I got off and began walking east along 40th, but ended up having to cut south along Park Ave and then back up 3rd Ave. There was a huge area cordoned off by the police and people were walking in the street, taking pictures and standing around.I finally made it near my building, only to find out that work had been canceled.

Just check out this cop telling us we have to enter down the street. All the cops had face masks, I didn't - should I be concerned?



Once I figured out work was a no-go I did my best to get some pictures on and then headed to the Park.
Everywhere you looked the street was torn up.


There were semi-truck generators powering all the equipment and probably part of the block.


And, of course the media was there. This is the best shot I could get of the actual crater in the street. (Click on the pic to try and see it in the distance).



Instead of work, I ended up sitting in the Park and watching some performers from Broadway sing numbers from Rent, The Drowsy Chaperon, Phantom of the Opera and Avenue Q.



Much better than working. Plus, word on the street is that work is canceled for tomorrow too. Guess I will have to find something interesting to do.

Close Call in Midtown Manhattan

Just got home from work. What a day. It started off with rain this morning. I heard there was a bunch of crazy rain and tornadoes in Long Island (isn't that a Midwest thing?)

Anyway, I was getting ready to wrap up the day when the room started to shake. No one knew what was happening - Someone ran by me and yelled: "Get out of the building! so I grabbed my shit and headed down the stairs. It was a long way down - I am on the 27th floor. I was calm, I never was really worried, but a lot of other people were hyper ventilating and sorta crying. I think that is the only part that really freaked me - that, and the fact that everyone was trying to make calls and send text messages, instead of getting down the f*ckin steps.

By the time I hit the street I could feel the rumble again and heard someone say that it was a steam or transformer explosion. The rumble was LOUD, consistent and shaking the buildings all around me. You could see the glass moving. It sounded like thunder or an earthquake, but steady. I did my best to find co-workers and let them know I was OK, but with little success. I assume a lot of people just went straight to Happy Hour. Seemed like heading home was the best idea. Besides - I needed a beer.

I tried to head to my train, noticed chunks of cement that had been blown up from the middle of the street and a huge crater with steam billowing out of it. The firemen were hiding around a corner, trying to decide the best plan of action. It was pretty intense, I needed to get the hell out of there. Before I left, I grabbed what pics I could and then cops shooed everyone down the block. Thank God, my train was still running - I wasn't gonna have to walk home!




Check out this video!

I heard there is a chance that work me be canceled tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Random Pictures of New York

OK, so that last post was kind of a drag. I can almost feel someone out there fearing for my safety and wondering if I made the right decision to move to this place, this New York. Why would I want to live in a place where my building is getting broken into?

It's complicated. Again, it is New York. Perhaps it IS Zoo York.
The craziest of the crazed.
It is hard to explain the draw, the intensity - until you have felt it. Lived it. Smelt it and maybe even stepped in it.

That may be all well and good, but what the hell am I even talking about? Well, I wish I could show you - I know that a picture helps to tell a story so here are a few random photos of the city.





The lights on Times Square at night





The Manhattan skyline from Edgewater, New Jersey





Chelsea Pier - or at least where a pier used to be

Pay Attention to the Signs

It is never a good sign when you see these hanging all over your building. There have been 3 break ins since I've lived here. Seems pretty doubtful the cops will find anybody. They don't seem to try to hard. Trust me, I am looking into some renter's insurance shortly. (Sorry to make you nervous Mom)

Things to know when in New York

OK, I know I have only lived in the city for about 3 and half weeks now, but let me just vent a little bit. Earlier this week my commute took me through Times Square and Grand Central Station, both insanely busy places. One day while fighting my way through the Port Authority Bus Station I realized something:

Sometimes the simplest trips can be stressful and difficult because about 80% of people generally understand and abide by the unofficial, unwritten rules of the city and the other 20% are just obstacles - human missiles and land mines meant to throw you off course and challenge any sane person.

SO how is one supposed to know what to do and what not to do? Well, these unofficial rules I speak of can be discovered by either asking a New Yorker or simply paying attention to what the hell is going on.

Here are a few the rules I am aware of, in no particular order -

* Sidewalks - made for walking, everyone is in a hurry for one reason or another. If you gotta stop because you are looking up, taking a picture, lost, tired or just plain slow - kindly move to the side.

* Escalators - 2 lanes, stand to the right, keep moving on the left. Not that hard if you concentrate.

* Trains - during rush hour we all know there isn't room. You still gotta squeeze closer to the middle and make room if more people are coming on, trying to preserve some sense of personal bubble is futile. Deal with it!

Following these rules will ease the flow of traffic and help you avoid nasty stares from people on the streets and in the train (*or at least some of them.)


* If someone does give you a nasty look it's probably best to not look back too long or too many times.





More rules to follow in future posts. Peace.

A Walk in Hoboken

I spent the last few days staying with some friends in Hoboken, New Jersey. For those that don't know the city of Hoboken is the birthplace of baseball and Frank Sinatra - two of my favorite things.

After I came home from work I decided to go for a walk and take some photos of the area around my friends' apartment. Keep in mind that this particular section of Hoboken used to be very industrial and is now being converted into apartments and condos.


They don't call it "Dirty Jersey" for nothing.


An old factory on top of the bluff. I bet Manhattan looks amazing from up there.


The viaduct that runs parallel to the 6th floor apartment


A view of the Empire State Building from my friends' place. *(Click to open the photo and it is in the middle, way in the distance)

My new home, Harlem USA

Haven't taken that many photos yet - I am disgusted with my camera. Anyway here are a few from around Harlem, mostly on 125th Street.

Stayin Alive!

One thing I have noticed about living in New York is that it makes you feel alive. It reminds you how your senses are supposed to work. Let me illustrate what I mean by describing both the positive and negative of some of the things I have seen and done in my first week.

SMELL
+ Walking past the Halal Food stands along 5th Ave as they prepare for lunch
- The stench of urine from man or beast as its heated in the mid-day sun

SIGHT
+ Watching fireflies in the park after dusk. Working their magic tails as they float above any chunk of grass that can be found.
- A glimpse at the scarred under belly of the city - A man on the subway passed out drunk at 5pm - unwashed, unaware, alone. You could tell that the city had taken its toll. Perhaps he is more alone than just being on a train asleep, by himself.

SOUND
+ The birds chirping in the morning mixing with the sounds of a city coming to life.
- Harsh sounds. The nearly constant sirens wailing, air brakes screeching, cars and trains horns blaring.

TASTE
+ A late night slice of pizza, just off the L train in Brooklyn. Made a stop last night after having drinks and checking out some bands in a warehouse.
- The nearly constant taste of exhaust in your mouth and on your tongue. Stand on a corner and you'll easily notice the clouds of black smoke coming from buses, trucks and Cadillacs.

TOUCH
+ Everyday you meet new people. You shake hands. These are smart, interesting, different, ignorant, harsh, beautiful, ugly - sorts of people. I enjoy it. For the most part, most that I have met have been cool.
- Touching a hand rail or a poll on a subway car and then considering how many people have touched that railing and where else their hands might have been. Sanitizer and frequent hand-washing are recommended.

ANY SORTA 6TH SENSE - Third eye kinda thing
+ You can tell that there is something powerful, special and unique about this place. I can just feel it.
- The flip side of that - never, ever forget or underestimate that power and never let your guard down. Keep your wits about you or the city will swallow you.

Where have all the posts gone?

If you have followed this blog at all, or if I directed you here in recent weeks, you might be wondering why there haven't been many new posts. I mean it is a blog about New York, right? And I did just move here, right? So why the lack of writing, the lack of photos or any new material at all?

Well... I am thinking that it is time for a change. I want to tweak the blog and turn it into something that fits better now that I have actually moved to New York. The only problem is: I am not yet sure what I want it to look and feel like. Not aesthetically per se, but in terms of content, etc.

So here is my challenge to anyone paying attention. While I continue to think about it... please send me your suggestions. Tell me what you would like me to write about. Tell me what things you would like to see. I will try and get to them as best I can and then perhaps this exercise will lead me to the shape and form of my new blog.

Welcome to New York - Happy PRIDE Day

A beautiful New York Day. Sunny and warm. I started by meeting friends for brunch and all-you-could drink mimosas. We sat in an outdoor cafe on 3rd Ave and went about talking, eating and discussing baseball, New York, and anything else that came up. I did my best not to stick out as the "new guy" but I'm not sure if anyone was buying it.

After brunch we walked over a few avenues and watched the Gay Pride Parade. For those that are unaware, New York has one of the largest, oldest and most festive Pride parades around - or at least I am told. Anyway, I was just happy to have some new friends and something to do that would be A)FREE!, and B)Entertaining.
Now, don't get me wrong here - as a straight man, who has never attended a Gay Pride event - I was a little unsure of what exactly I was getting myself into. But I gotta tell you, it is much more than just a bunch of half-naked men, dressed in crazy outfits dancing down the streets. Although there is plenty of that! Just check out Superman and Wonder Woman.




There were tons of floats, elaborate costumes, singers, dancers and thousands of spectators. I was also surprised at the number of corporations that sponsored floats showing their support for their employees and their community.

By the time it was over, or at least I was over dodging my way through thousands of people! - We had walked more than 30 blocks, been in the sun for several hours and let's not forget all those bottomless mimosas. I was tired, but I had a lot of fun and met some great new people. My friends were right - PRIDE Day in New York is something that everyone should check out - the experience is worth it.