Geronimo*!!! Osama Bin Laden DOA!!!

THEN (my view)

   
    It was a beautiful Tuesday morning...a bright blue sky with the sun shining. Looking out my window I was wishing I was going to the beach and slapping on some board shorts...but I was getting into my suit...off to work I go. Then on the radio I heard that a plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers. I looked my window (at the time I had an amazing view of downtown & the towers in particular...a view I would always show off to family, friends, and girls) and so at the very top of one of the building there was a fire. At the time it looked like a small plane must have hit the top. I grabbed my digital 1mg camera & took a few shots...but had no zoom. So I went for my Nikon with the telephoto lens and some film. A few minutes later I saw a fire on the other tower. It was bad, but again it was just the top floors. I finished the roll and left for working thinking and hoping was just a bad accident.
  
    I dropped off the film roll and tried to get into the Met Life building but could not. Upon heading home on my beeper went off...a friend said the Pentagon was hit...that hit home... hard... this really was a terrorist attack. When I got home and looked out my window one of the towers was down. I couldn't believe it. I turned on my TV and watched a tower starting to go down...when I noticed that it said LIVE in the corner of my TV...I turned...looked out my window...and saw the other tower go down in what looked like a Hiroshima like mushroom cloud...one of those sights that burns through your retina into your brain...

NOW (Bin Laden's)



     It's been 10 years and they still haven't got me. That crazy Cowboy said he'd get me Dead or Alive. Well I'm alive, healthy, not in a cave...but living large in a million dollar home down the block from a major Military installation with high ranking Military for neighbors (will take this up on a later blog). The new guy talks like he plays nice...but he's doing the same damn things the Cowboy did. Hmmm...what's that sound...Choppers????
   
    What did Bin Laden think...just the usual Pakistani military choppers...did he even hear them in the first place? He must have heard voices in Arabic...the sounds of things falling down...gunshots but likely those of his guards...Did he think the ISI or Pakistani Military turned on him? Some other group who wanted the reward money? Did he think that the US actually sent a team in on choppers onto foreign soil to come for him...do the infidels never learn? Why didn't his "friends" notify him of this? Did they not know...did the Americans really fly thru foreign airspace without permission to launch an attack?
  
    The voices are getting louder and full of anxiety and pain...God is...!!! He didn't say great...Did I just hear English? This is getting closer...Are they in the next room?!? That is English...worse yet...it sounds American...CRASH...screaming...bodies falling...armed men enter the room...they move in unison...like some bizarre dance of death...how are none of our bullets hitting them!?! I grab my wife as a shield...she convulses...then crumples against me...I have others...I look up...I see a muzzle...I see eyes locked on to mine...my legs weaken and feel warm and wet...I can't see...clearly...I've lost balance...I see...nothing...I hear screaming...is it mine...some others...Have I stopped breathing...am I still here in the compound...am I somewhere else...
  
    GERONIMO*...I repeat GERONIMO* is down...Yes Sir...Confirmed kill...Gunshot to the head Sir...Yes Sir we are taking pictures and running the facial recognition algorithm. We are taking a sample for a DNA test. Yes Sir we believe it's him. Yes Sir...Thank you Sir...

    Most likely we will never know exactly what happened and will never know who the brave members of Seal Team 6 and the CIA Operatives that went in with them are. We will learn some details. It was a tip off gleamed during the Bush administration that started the process and cumulated with a direct order from President Obama to go through with the mission and to use ground forces vs a missile to confirm the kill. It was the combination of at least CIA operatives interrogating Guantanamo detainees who were likely water-boarded at some point that led years later to a team of Navy Seals and CIA hitters flown in by Army Helicopter Pilots that took Usama down with orders to kill. We may never know the birth name of the Seal who pulled that trigger and sent Bid Laden to Hell...we know his name nonetheless...it's Captain America and he was backed by his fellow Avengers! God bless them and God bless America!

*Geronimo - The codeword used for Usama Bin Laden for the mission

Peter Lik: Timeless Land

This past Thursday I attended the unveiling of Peter Lik's latest work Timeless Land . Peter Lik is a world renowned multi-award winning photographer who specializes in panoramic photo's of natures beauty and wonders. His well known works include volcano's erupting off the beach in Hawaii, vistas of the Grand Canyon, Atolls off the water of Australia, and the like.

    In a way, Peter Lik is the Warhol of Photography from a business point of view. He has over a dozen galleries in the US & one in Australia. His works are owned by a number of famous people and his limited editions generally sell through rather quickly. He has done a great job of marketing his works also based on the frames he uses and the photo printing process he uses (more on that below)

    Peter Lik Fine Art Photography Gallery has been one of the galleries that I have regularly stopped in over the years. I have always loved his work and since I'm into photography I have generally used his work as inspiration for my own, but held off from getting a piece myself. That changed this past summer when my brother saw some of his work and asked me to stop by to look at them and get measurements and pricing. As luck would have it, they were unveiling a new piece called Imagine. I was drawn in by not only the fantasy of the deserted island it depicted but more so for the emotion that it invoked. You can read all about my experience at  http://hunter-funemployment.blogspot.com/2010/07/oh-yeahstay-in-tonightrelaxjust-pop-by.html

   Of special note I do want to point out that many who see Peter Lik's work think that the galleries have the photo's back lit or some special lighting arrangement to make them look more spectacular then they are. For the record, that is not true whatsoever. The galleries are equipped with special viewing rooms to highlight the colors of the photo's. However what gives them their "pop" is the photo printing process used. The lighting in my apartment has much to be desired...but when I put Imagine up and started playing with my blinds I couldn't get over how much the change in light truly affected the picture.

    His latest piece Timeless Land is part of his "Arch" series (see photo above). In it he uses an incredible arch located in the South West as the framework for a canyon filled with flat-topped mesa's and snow capped mountains with a multi-hued blue sky. In all fairness while I generally prefer his ocean focused pieces this one is pretty spectacular. You can see it and many of Peter's amazing works at his gallery in Soho. Ask for Gabby and tell her I set you...


Peter Lik Fine Art Photography is located at 419 West Broadway

Buron Morris:Pop Art Star

Many moons ago...long before I started collecting art and attending opening night events at galleries I used to just pop (no pun intended) into the various galleries in Soho. I distinctly remember one particular work that used to really grab me and draw me in...it was of a giant sized brightly painted martini glass loaded with olives and with black slashes around it giving it a kinetic sense of energy. It was the ultimate piece of art for a bachelor pad... the piece that James Bond would have over his bar trolley in his flat. I'm still kicking myself that I didn't get one (at the time he was doing 3 dimensional woodcuts...he still does new pieces on canvas and uses the image in his work).

Burton Morris is from the same school of Pop Art style as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Three of his signature iconic images seen in many of his works include the aforementioned Swirling Martini Glass, The steaming Coffee Cup (If you watched Friends it was the piece in the coffee shop they used to while away their days in) and a box of popped Popcorn.

His latest works exhibited at Pop International Galleries http://www.popinternational.com/pop.gallery.burtonmorris.uniques include his take on "Night Tables" that feature JFK's, Batman's, Dali's, Dr. Seuss, and Minnie Mouses done via Burton's Pop Art interpretations. (Please note Burton is trained in Fine Art and very into Pop Culture, I point this out because when you look at these pieces his attention to detail in regards to what he puts on their night tables shows his knowledge and love of his subjects). The Museum collection where he mixes famous works (Venus, The Thinker) with his Iconic images,  Interior collections...think Fine Art Interiors thru the mind's eye of Pop Art. He has done commerical work for major brands (Coca Cola) and events (Oscars, Olympics) and some of his new works include his interpretation of cereal (ie Lucky Charms & Quisp...yes Quisp!) candy (ie Good and Plenty, plus a special exhibition he did for Dylan's Candy Store...those works are currently at the store and will arrive at the gallery next month) and men's dress shirts and ties with his iconic martini, coffee, popcorn on them (perfect for the wall next to your clothes closet or for the Men's store that sells shirts and ties...I'm in sales I can't help myself...my bad...sorry).

Burton Morris's works are bright, colorful, energetic and optimistic views of the world we live in. In Oscar Wilde's essay the Decay of Lying he wrote that "Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life". Considering how crazy things are now between the economy, natural disasters, and revolutions taking place around the world if "Life Imitates Art" then if I had to choose an artist for life to imitate right now it would be the works of Burton Morris. He latest works are currently on view and available for purchase at Pop International Galleries. Ask for Brian and tell him I sent you...

Pop International Galleries, Inc is located at 473 West Broadway

Best Cheap Eats in the Meatpacking District

In all fairness and in the spirit of full journalistic disclosure this piece was inspired by the recent posting of the top 10 things to eat in the Chelsea Market from the Village Voice article. The thing is when I go food shopping at the Chelsea Market I almost always bounce around the area in general running errands, hitting the High Line, buying something I don't need but want or just popping in to pay homage to I-Gotahaveit  at the Apple Store. Thus this list is geared towards garbing something fast for lunch or just a quick fix to re-charge...
Amy's Bread - Great selection of breads and baked goods. Their Coconut Dream bar is one of my favorite treats in the city...the love child of a menage between a Blondie a Graham Cracker and a Coconut $3.00+
Bill's Bar and Burger - Nice variety of burgers that they do loosely packed and flat...since I like it hot the Mexican Burger (pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeño, shredded lettuce, and chipotle aioli) for $7.25 is my choice...add Disco Fries or Onion Rings on the side for $4.50+
Dickson's Meats - Sources their meat from local grass-fed farms. If you need a high protein fix for your inner carnivore or just can't wait to cook up the awesome cuts of meat my favorite Butcher (try their 80/20 burgers...80% beef-20% bacon) in the city has to offer go with their Roast Beef Sandwich to tide you over $8.00+
Eleni's - Offers a wide variety of cupcakes and cookies and specializes in holiday themed treats...ie you need Cinco e Mayo cookies...they make'em...I like the Chocolate Cupcake w/Blue Frosting...just what is it about Chocolate and the color blue that just all so well together? $3.00+
Fat Witches - Great small and dense Brownies...my favorite is the Red Witch (dried cherries) and for something different try their Breakfast Witch (Oatmeal Walnut Coffee w/a layer of Brownie) $2.95
Gaslight Pizzeria -Great selection of speciality pizzas like Buffalo, Cheese Burger, Bolognese and of course good ole pepperoni, meatball etc...$3.00+. Sandwiches and Salads as well.
Hector's Diner - Great old school diner with diner sized menu...I like their Tuna-melt & Fries for $7.95
Ninth Street Espresso -  For my caffeine fix I like the Drip for $2 bucks but they make great espresso's, cappuccino's, etc...They sell whole bean bags of their coffee...
Standard Bier Garden - Giant-Sized Pretzels with spicy and sweet mustard's. I believe it's $8 bucks...however it's huge and the best pretzel in town. Their dark beer is perfect with it. Nice selection of wursts as well.
The Lobster Place - For quality, selection and price this is the best seafood market in the city. Their Scallop & Bacon Chowder $3.50 is one of the best soups in the city and their sushi is great. I love the Spicy Tuna or Yellowfin rolls for $5.25.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck - Awesome ultra-high quality Ice Cream served by the cup or cone out of a truck (available in pints at Whole Foods) with your usual suspect flavors as well as Ginger, Pistachio, Red Current and Giandujia (hazelnut & chocolate) $3.50 for a small.

    Stay tuned for my upcoming Best Treats to Eat up on the Highline (remember they extended it)...if of course Sprinter ever turns to Spring or if we get a Summer and don't just go straight info Sumfal...


Amy's Bread is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Bill's Bar and Burger is located at 22 9th Avenue
Dickson's Meats is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Eleni's is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Gaslight Pizzeria is located at 39 9th Avenue
Hector's Diner is located at 44 Little West 12th St
Ninth Street Espresso is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Standard Bier Garden is located at 848 Washington St
The Lobster Place is located in the Chelsea Market 75 9th Avenue
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Truck is located right outside of 848 Washington St

Best of Guys Gear Guide Spring/Summer 2011

  Spring seems to be just a bit late this year...but maybe just maybe its here to stay. Thus Ladies (yes I'm referring both to the guys this is geared towards..no pun intended & the Ladies as in girlfriends, sisters, friends etc... in our lives) it's time to do some Spring cleaning (Good Will is on 23rd Street and easier to deal with then the S-Army...found that out the hard way) and get some new gear for Spring/Summer. As a guy from a clothing point of view they are for the most part one and the same with the exception of for Summer you add shorts, "swimwear" and flip flops to the mix. Of course if you want to get technical then yes...Linen and White bucks starting Memorial Day...   
    I prefer Soho for a few reasons...aside from all the great places to get everything from Suits to Surfboards you have some of the absolute best people watching in the world... from eccentric native Nu Yawkers to drop dead beautiful foreign women from all over. On top of that some of the best chow in the city and as an added bonus Art that ranges from high end galleries to great street art. So whether you need to to go from the sand to the street, the lake to the lobby or the river to roof-top bar the following places have what you need and more...

EMS - Ourdoorsmen's shop geared heavily towards climbing and camping. A great selection of gear from North Face, Smart Wool, Marmot, Mountain Hardware, etc plus their own line. For trail runners, hiking and trekking boots they have the best selection in the city stocking Merrel, Salomon, Scarpa etc. EMS Employs a knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Icebreaker - I was turned on to this brand at EMS and they have since opened up their own location right across from Patagonia. Icebreaker offers pure merino wool athletic gear out of New Zealand. I started with their Winter gear & they have since added a running, biking, and travel line. Now while some of you may think "wool for running around in the heat...you're nuts"! While that may be true for other reasons wool breathes remarkably well and doesn't hold odors. I just returned from 90+ degree heat in Vietnam and could not believe how well this this stuff performed. I wore my t-shirts and polo over and over. Stay dry and cool while looking like James Bond on a mission...

James Perse - It's between these and Vince for my favorite T-shirts. These are well cut and less fitted while the colors are  generally more muted. Same price points. They also carry a full line of lounge wear, sweaters, shirts trousers and even bed sheets in t-shirt soft fabric.

Lord Willy's - While they do Custom cut suits and shirts, it's their Off the Rack checkered shirts that I buy. They are not cheap...but very well made and cut. They also stand out by using colorful buttons on their shirts (ask and they will give you extras buttons). I've received more compliments on these shirts then any other. Lord Willy himself Alex is a great guy only bettered by his better half Betty.

Michael Andrews Bespoke - With Spring in the air and a hot summer on the way either you need some lighter weight wool suits for your current job or the new one you're interviewing for and you realize that B Bros and the Purple Dino's warehouse sale are not the only places to buy a suit. Michael's price points average  about $1,195 for a custom cut suit with quite a few additional bespoke touches. Shirts start at $165 and up and come in more colors and patterns then you can imagine. They also carry ties, cuff links etc...and are now doing bespoke shoes as well. By appointment only.

Patagonia - Carries their own line of Gore-tex, Capeline, organic cotton and wool clothing for your outdoor needs. Great friendly staff that don't just work in a place that sells clothing to be worn  from the slopes to the surf but more importantly that regularly hit them. They also have a great selection of messenger bags, back packs and a new travel line.

Pull-In - Started out in the South of France making Board Shorts for surfers. They have expanded the line to include lycra & cotton boxers with all sorts of awesome graphics. You may wish she forgot what happened after those boxers come off...but she wil not forgot those boxers. They also have a pretty sweet selection of women's lingerie and bikini's.

Saturdays - Believe it or not a real authentic Surf shop in Soho. Saturday's carries Surf Boards, Leash's, Wax, Fins, and Wet-Suits. They have expanded their line of clothing since opening that includes t-shirts, board shorts, hoodies etc as well as carrying  Bolt, Levi's and Van's. Of special note...they have really good coffee and a big backyard area with loads of seating to chill out. A very cool little oasis in Soho. Try to keep this one to yourself...

Save Khaki - If like me you were NOT genetically blessed with a flat as a board ass plus really wide hips and are sick to death of Khaki's and Cords that make you look like you are...Save Khaki has pants that are cut to fit,  look good and are made well to boot. They also have shirts and sweaters and jackets...but try them on first...they tend to cut small so size up...

Vince - I go here primarily for the awesome colored t-shirts in a variety of unique shades (someone knows their pantones) They are in the $40 range...but very well cut  and made. Please note...they are a bit fitted so go up a size. They also have well cut chino's, jeans, sweaters, sweats etc... I like the Soho location....ask for Nicole but I usually go to the one in the Meat-Packing District...ask for Jasmine

Food Break: For Coffee hit Aroma, Gimme, and Ground Support. For quick bites go to Ben's (Spring St) and Ray's (on Prince St) for Pizza, for Taco's Pinche Taqueria and La Esquina Taco Stand, Cafe Habana (take out next door) and Parisi for sandwiches, Pinkberry (healthy and also loaded w good looking girls gone Soho shopping) and Asia Dogs(ie topped with Mango Relish, Wasabi Slaw, Park Belly, etc..) and last but far from least if you're sweet tooth needs something something... Little Cupcake Bakeshop

EMS is located at 530 Bway (corner of Bway and Spring)
Icebreaker is located at 102 Wooster Street
James Perse is located at 60 Mercer Street
Lord Willy is located at 223 Mott Street
MIchael Andrews Bespoke is located at 2 Great Jones Alley
Patagonia is located at 101 Wooster Street
Pull-In is locate at 252 Elizabeth Street
Saturdays is located at 31 Crosby Street
Save Khaki is located at 327 Lafayette
Vince is located at 16 Prince Street and 833 Washington Street

Coppelia...24hr Latin Diner Review

Coppelia is the latest and greatest from chef Julian Medina of Yuerba Buena and Toloache. Yuerba Buena East & West are two of my favorite Latin Restaurants so when I heard he was going to do his version of a Diner I had to check it out. Coppelia's menu is a bit different then the Greek ones most of us grew up on in the Tri-State area. While the menu may not be 10 pages w/500 plus items...the place-mat menu has over 50+ items to choose from not including the desert menu from Pichet Ong (of P*ONG, Village Tart, etc) The menu is divided up into a variety of sections including breakfast (served all day), snacks, starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and the Daily Special (each day a different Latin country is represented).

The Menu ranges from empanada snacks for only $2.25 & maxes out at only $16.95 for their Churrasco that comes with 2 sides. I started with a cup of Chicken soup (one of 3 choices) which was loaded w/pollo & continued on with their Cubano Sandwich. While being very tasty...please note it is not as big as most served in town. For an additional $2 bucks you can get a side order of fries (Yuca, Potato, Sweet, etc). I don't believe they currently have a liquor license but I'm sure they are going to get one. In the meantime you can go with a choice of coffee's, Mexican soda's, & Batida's.

Some of the dishes that I need to go back try are the Rita Cubano Burger, their take on Mac & Cheese...w/chicharron(fried pork rinds), Blue Cornmeal w/Blueberries Pancakes, & the Pescado Lo Macho special.

One of the things I really liked about their desert menu was that you could get something as simple as a cookie (ie Mexican chocolate walnut) for only $1.25, a variety of different flavored sorbets & chocolates (ie Apple Mojito, Tequila, Cubano Cafe, etc) 3 for $6.00, cakes for $6.95 or go big with the Banana Tiramisu (can it be as good as it sounds?) for 2 for $9.00.

While Brunch is not currently offered it is coming soon...fingers crossed for their take on a spicy Latin Bloody Mary...

Coppelia is Located at 207 W 14th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves