Near Union Square

Arghh ... I hate SPAM!

So I drive two and a half hours to Berkeley Heights, NJ for a training class only to find out that its been cancelled. Why didn't I know this? Thanks to SPAM filtering software I never received the notice. *#@*#!! SPAM!

I thought he had a new job

Drove past the Naked Cowboy in Times Square. I thought he had a new gig at a radio station. Hmm as you can see the ladies still love him.

Passing through Old San Juan

Paying my respects to Ponce de Leon at Catedral San Juan Bautista. I think his tomb is here.

Nothing like Labor Day

That is there is nothing like the party/parade on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. Nice!

Mazaltov!

So my friend SW gets married in traditional Jewish style. So I learn everything from Ketuvah to the Seudah. I even learn about attempted Rabbi poaching by agressive executive synogauge boards (kinda similar to IT recruiting). Mazaltov!

Patti Labelle in Brooklyn

Ok, I know the picture is pretty blurry but I had the opportunity to see Patti Labelle at a free concert held in Wingate Park in Brooklyn.

Paying homage to The Capital's soul

While traversing through Washington, DC we decide to partake in the culinary delight that Georgia Brown's has to offer. First class Soul food brunch buffet style with an included entree and desert to top it off. It has been an enjoyable feast of calories so its time to become a pedestrian for the next couple of hours.

Out of NY and into NJ

I had to venture out of NY today into Secaucus, NY. Unless you really have a fetish with outlet malls or are looking for an incognito data center there does not appear to be a whole lot happening here. Bus driver! Please get me back to Port Authority (NY) right away before it starts raining and we wind up getting stuck in a toxic swamp mix. (Yes ... I am hating on NJ ... I still can't believe a former governor of this state wound up heading the Environmental Protection Agency)

Darn ... Google Car and no camera but good food

So while driving through Brooklyn the other day I caught a glimpse of the Google car with the various cars mounted on the roof of the car allowing for complete panoramic shots. The only thing I'm upset about is my camera was not within reach.

Although to calm the upset stomach I stopped over at 82 South 4th St. in Williamsburgh for some great dinner. Ask for Chef Danny who'll hook you up with a great fusion of morsels that will satisfy even the most finicky taste buds.

Reggae at Rose

Over near the corner of Grand St. And Marcy Ave. We hit up Rose that had a live reggae band. Cool tunes but I had no idea what the lead singer was saying. I'd highly recommend and also check out Bembee on S. 6th Stm for Samba and Salsa. Again ... All of this in good old Brooklyn, New York.

Alicia Keys in Concert

So this is a pic I actually snapped a couple of days ago at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ where Alicia Keys was performing. She was preceded by Jordan Sparks and Ne-Yo whose performances were pale in comparison to Alicia's. Her show started and ended with a humorous video skit featuring Cedric the Entertainer and to summarize it was worth the toll through the Holland Tunnel to see her. Although secretly I hope she comes to Brooklyn sometime soon as I feel guilty about crossing a bridge and/or a tunnel for quality entertainment.

A view from Fire Island

There was a whopping 30+ footer Sea Ray about to leave its slip in Ocean Beach

Cruise Ships and Submarines

So this is an interesting site you don't see every day. In the background located in Brooklyn's Red Hook is Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and in the foreground is what appears to be an unattended rusting retired Navy submarine whose designation is 577. (I wonder if it could be taken for a joyride ... That'll make the evening news).

More mechanic humor

Couldn't help it.

Big dogs

So I'm chillin' at a auto mechanic shop in the Bronx surrounded by three huge rottweillers. This one was the little one. These dogs are responsible for bill collections and they also deal with customer complaints.

Elephants Seals on the loose

One of the most amazing sites along the PCH is a point at which hundreds if not thousands of elephant seals congregate by the beach for a great big party. At least that's what it sounds like to me. Just imagine Woodstock or the Burning Man or any major event where people start "wildin'" out but instead of people its seals instead. Based upon some of the seal behavior I would definitely give their gathering an R or NC-17 rating as it looks like they are having too much fun. I wonder what the other nearby animals think of the seal debauchery.

A view from Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a beautiful city with a nice shopping promenade and a pier that is reminiscent of a mini Coney Island in Brooklyn. I couldn't help but to notice the large number of homeless people that live on or near the beach boardwalk. Although I wish I was sticking around but San Francisco is over 8 hours away.

The Airliner @ LAX

So we hit up a spot called "The Airliner" located at 2419 N. Broadway Los Angeles. Tonight was an electronica/dub competition with various artists playing bass laden rhythms that could be felt throughout ones sinuses. The patrons consisted of a hippy liberal leaning technologically savvy Generation Y crowd. In other words these are the types who look like they are borderline homeless but probably have enough brain power in the room to make the scientists who worked on the Manhattan project look like retarded monkeys. On the other hand I also felt that they would rather work on a bong than on enhancing the the theories behind the big bang.

So it gets crazier

So AZ convinces me to hang with some friends she met at Couchella (Palm Springs, CA). They are roommates in a loft that consist of an engineer (Ryan), an IT guy (Nick), and Gretchen. They specialize in Techno music. So apparently Low End Theory is in town at a club called the Airplane in Los Angeles so we are going to check it out tonight especially considering Gretchen gave me their VIP card for the nite.

Competition surfers waiting their turn

Driving north on the I-5 we encountered a surfing competiton sponsored by Red Bull, Nike and Oakley located at the San Onofre State Beach. The surfers hooked us up with cans of Red Bull as we snapped pics of those in the water catching some major waves. In their spare time in a beach tent equipped with large screen LCD screens they played video games and also drank Red Bull. What a life!

Uh oh... Surrounded by Marines

So while driving down the Pacific Coast Highway we accidentally made a wrong turn and wound up on Camp Pendelton US Marine Corps base. What was supposed to be a U turn wound up being an unexpected tour of marines training in amphibious vehicles. Ok... I am outta here, I don't feel like being shipped to Guantanamo Bay for questioning.

All time career low

I realized that I had hit an all time career low when I found myself picking strawberries somewhere near Legoland, California. I was chased away by a group of migrant workers. Clearly I have demonstrated that I lack camouflage skills.

Its the Batmobile

So drivng along the Pacific Coast HIghway we come across what appears to be the original Batmobile. Its even has a turbo boost afterburner in the back!! Wicked!!!

Asking for directions in Irvine, CA

So after getting off the airplane I was picked up by my buddy AZ. Needed to ask for directions so we went to Google to ask for directions.

Back from Barbados but headed to LAX

So I had a partial Blackberry data outage in Barbados that prevented me from updating my blog. Last four days consisted of some of the following highlights:

1) Getting rescued by fishermen after jet ski flips over in Barbados' southern waters. Was referred to as a "crazy yankees" on numerous occasions until I and fellow passenger were safely returned to beach.
2) Chased frogs around hotel grounds at 3 AM in the morning to protect them from other drunk tourists.
3) Argued that the local beer, "Banks" has less of a kick than NY tap water.
4) Was subject to numerous pranks including the famous toothpaste in the face.

Much much more.

Now on way to LAX

Nothing like a Brooklyn bank job

So while attempting to open a bank account near Prospect Park the bank gets robbed. The guy was pretty smooth as he jogs out (ironically he was wearing a tan track suit) and runs into a black Lincoln town car livery cab. Now I'm stuck in the bank as the cops question everyone. Talk about bad timing.

I'm such a sucker for door knockers

I'm such a sucker for door knocker earings. I had an opportunity to take this snapshot at 2 AM in the morning near Barcade. I'm just really annoyed at the person with no skills who tagged over this piece of urban street art.

Game correction

Actually if my basic counting is still accurate the number of vintage video games at Barcade is 28 and the games range from "1942" to "Zaxxon" with Dig Dug and Rolling Thunder (my favorite)

Vampires in Brooklyn

So after getting the last minute reminder I show up at Barcade on Union Avenue in Brooklyn to give my birthday regards to Jordan and to his girlfriend Nikki (depicted below about to suck his blood). Barcade is a pretty nice spot as it has about 24 vintage arcade machines ranging from Arkanoid to Q*Bert. There are several local brewskis on tap and the crowd can be defined as urban grunge chic (Yes you heard it from me first). I can't believe I was carded but hey I'm not complaining.

What not to do in traffic

So this minor traffic altercation wound up involving 15 police cars after the guy on the right assaulted the traffic cop on the left. The assailant after realizing the stupidity of his action started running but it was too late. Within 60 seconds the squad cars containing New York's finest aprehended him. Nice work NYPD!!

So the fun continues

The fun tonight is at Guest House on W. 27th St. in good old NYC. OK I am going to stop blogging for the moment as there is too much fun to be had.

Back in NYC

So a few weeks ago SR tells me that Morcheeba is going to be performing at Webster Hall. Honestly, I have no idea who this character is but for 30 bucks I was hoping it would be a good show. So far the opening act Federico Aubele has made me appreciate the classic guitar style a bit more especially when compared to his backup singer's tinny synthesizer. Currently waiting for the main headline... Let's see how it goes.

Party like a Rock Star in Atlanta, Georgia

So after driving through Alabama and reaching Georgia I decided I wanted to go to a club. The only problem was would I appear to seem like some weird stalker if I walked into a club by myself. I made a call to a friend in NY and asked to look up any clubs in Atlanta that look worthwhile as I was fast approaching the city. The recommendation was Club Verve (511 Peachtree St NE) and it happened to be reggae night. Perhaps it was my FL@TBUSH T-Shirt or my winning smile but in no time I was having a good time. The unusual thing about this particular club is that everyone appeared to be from New York. Go figure, I drove over 2,000 miles and all I meet is more neighbors. Anyhow, I can't complain, I had a good time and the homeless people outside didn't break into my car.

Now in Alabama

So I make a quick stop to pop two aspirins. Not because the beautiful state of Alabama has given me a headache but as a precautionary measure since I've been sitting on my butt for so many hours. Next state will be Georgia and with that another time zone change. So far all this driving has given me a better appreciation for country and southern gospel music (would you belive I forgot to bring CD's or an MP3 player to accompany me on this trip). I'm going to make a stop in Atlanta to see if I can find a late night lounge otherwise its going to be another night at a cheap motel.

Just got into Mississippi

Next state is Alabama

Graceland

So after purchasing my ticket for the Graceland tour I realized that Lisa Marie Presley will never go broke. Although on a less cynical note it was apparent that Elvis was such a legend in his time and still continues to have a major influence today. At his grave site pictured below you will find his more serious fans becoming emotional. One thing that I have to admit is that the king has a seriously nice crib.

Just made it to Tennessee

Next stop is Graceland!

Inside a replica of the Oval Office

So it was a treat to see a replica of the White House Oval office. The office is decorated in such a way to represent how it would have appeared under President William "Bill" Clinton's presidency. Overall the library is extremely informative and includes an exhibit called, "The Long Struggle: Presidential Actions and African-American Civil Rights 1860-1965" that chronicles some key milestones in the civil rights movement.

President Clinton Library

In Little Rock, Arkansas. Nice museum overlooking what I believe is the Arkansas River.

Finally reached Arkansas

160 miles to go before I get to Little Rock. While stopped at this sign I ran into a group that was also snapping a picture. They originated their trip in Pennsylvania and went down to California and now they are headed back to PA. I'm glad I'm not the only one snapping pictures of the "Welcome To" signs. Maybe we are part of a secret society.

Damn!

I mean, nice dam. Weber Falls, Oklahoma.

Nifty cop car

So I was thinking about a recent news story about a woman who was sitting on her toilet for two years. Although its been 3 days worth of driving I feel like I have become stuck to the driver's chair. Anyway, I thought the Oklahama State Patrol have cool looking squad cars. Ok only 236 more miles to go before I get to Little Rock, Arkansas.

Currently in Tullahassee, Oklahoma

Coordinates:
N 35 degrees 51.159'
W 95 degrees 25.295'

Prayer on wheels

Only in America

Near Braman, Oklahoma

Coordinates:
N 36 degrees 56.395'
W 97 degrees 20.691'

So many rules

So Toc's Coffeehouse in Witchita, Kansas doesn't allow guns but you can feel free to smoke all you want. I guess the fact that they had to post the sign indicates that they might have had a problem with angry gun toting customers. Anyhow, at Toc's you can get a side of fried apples with mixed bacon and all the grits you want. Yummy!! (Although I wasn't very fond of their cornmeal sticks).

First time getting pulled over

Go figure... Its not even for speeding

Apparently the tag on my rental doesn't register and although I rented the car in Orlando, Florida it happens to have Maryland plates. The camera I have on my dashboard is suspicious and my NY drivers license isn't making things any easier for the cop. Embarrassingly, I had left my sunglasses on the outside windshield which happens to be covered with about 100 dead bugs. I get lucky, the cop doesn't throw me in the slammer and he wishes me good luck and let's me continue my trip. (I don't put the sunglasses back on).

Coordinates:
N 38 degrees 52.357'
W 98 degrees 03.418'

Taking another break in Kansas

So I take a quick break at a rest area near Westfall, Kansas. I notice to the north is a wind turbine farm and its the second time I've noticed on my trip where none of the turbines in a farm are spinning. Makes me a bit nervous about the reliability of energy created by wind power.

Additionally, I was listening to a local talk show on 94.7 FM (KSKU) and the local buzz was Obama's recent speech in Philadelpha, the gun control case before the Supreme Court and New York's new governor Patterson and his admittance to previous affairs.

Coordinates:
N 38 degrees 51.330'
W 98 degrees 07.444'

Took a nap but have a while to go

747 miles to Little Rock, Arkansas

Currently in rest area near Levant, Kansas.

I just realized that I have driven more than those guys who lost their wallet in El Segundo. (Only a select few of us will understand what I mean by that).

Back on the road again....

Sun setting over Colorado

So after driving through Denver, Colorado I realize that its immediate outskirts remind me of New Jersey's industrial area but not for long. Soon afterwards there are large plots of vacant land for sale. The below picture is the sun setting behind me as I drive east towards Kansas on the I 70.

So at this point I have a goal and that is to try to reach a new time zone every day. I'm currently headed towards Kansas and with that Central Time Zone (I'm currently in Mountan Time Zone).

Current Coordinates:
N 39 degrees 44.192'
W 107 degrees 31.620'

Tanks ready for delivery

This isn't something you see every day but there was a train transporting military tanks.

Coordinates:

CLASSIFIED

A prarie on the plain

I noticed one of these prarie dogs at a rest area near Bitter Creek, Wyoming. He seemed like he wanted to come along with me but unfortunately buddy this is a solo trip.