August 18, 2011

I’ve always loved the album cover of the Bob Dylan album, “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan."
It was released in 1963, but I didn’t buy it till I was in high school and was getting into Bob Dylan’s earlier albums. On the cover he’s walking in the middle of a street with his girlfriend at the time, Suze Rotolo. The two of them were living together at the time on West 4th Street in Greenwich Village and it was taken right outside of their apartment. I thought it might be fun tonight to go and try to recreate that photo (and yeah, I know it’s been done before). So that‘s exactly what I’m going to do.

*****UPDATE: A few people have emailed me and said they're having trouble leaving comments. If this happens to you, try quitting out of the browser and cleaning your cache. I don't know why this keeps happening, but I'm sorry if it happened to you and appreciate your patience!

Down into the subway we go for a trip to Greenwich Village.

Aaaaahhh!

And through the magic of the internet, here we are, watching some guy sprinting down the stairs and hog the entire stairwell for himself. Asshole.

Okay, let's make our way to 4th Street and see if we can recreate this album cover.

But first, how about a Mister Softee stop?

I got a combination vanilla/chocolate with chocolate sprinkles.

It was served up by this friendly fellow and it was delicious!

Okay, here's the street, W. 4th Street. Positively.

161 W. 4th Street, where Bob Dylan lived in 1963.

Here's the street. It looks different at night from the album cover. Okay, now to find a couple to pose here.

So far I've asked five different couples and I've gotten responses ranging from: "No thanks," "Not tonight," "We're in a hurry," and two who basically pretended like I didn't exist. It's a lot easier talking to people in bars than on the street I'm finding out.

I just had a couple tell me they don't believe in blogs. I don't really know what that means, but they walked away before we could debate the subject.

Okay, this is starting to get old and I've had two more couples totally ignore me after asking them to pose in the street for the photo. Only one thing can save me at this moment. Ladies and gentlemen, I present...

The Freewheelin' Gumby! And please appreciate the fact that I almost got run over by a cab while snapping this photo in the middle of the street. Goodnight everybody and see you tomorrow after dark.

Further reading: Rolling Stone, All Music, About.com and BBC (radio, Not Gene, Smoopy and Terry).

You Might Also Like: Hall of Fame, Hall of Shame and Hall of Blame.

Five Other New York Album Covers
Some Time In New York City—John & Yoko/Plastic Ono Band with Elephant’s Memory Plus Invisible Strings. (Whew.)
Physical Graffiti—Led Zeppelin
New York New York—Frank Sinatra
Safe In New York—AC/DC
NYC—Brazilian Girls

I ain’t sayin’ you treated me unkind,
You could have done better but I don’t mind,
You just kinda wasted my precious time,
But don’t think twice, it’s all right.

ARCHIVES

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August 17, 2011

Tonight I’ve decided to go to the sister bar of the International Bar, The Coal Yard for our Swizzle Stick Tuesday night out on the town. I haven’t been back there since I did a trip on the 365 Bar Crawl and met Shannon and Clacky in there. I’d say I’m overdue for a visit. And for a drink or three as well. To the Coal Yard!

Oh shit, two steps out of the subway car and I'm hit with this.

Aaaahhhh!

Okay, here we are, 1st Avenue in the East Village, almost there.

Nothing yet, but I think that will be rectified in a minute or two.

And here we are at the Coal Yard.

Like its sister bar, The International Bar, it's one of the darkest bars in town. I think I see a familiar face there at the bar.

It's Tyler with his friend Hank holding down the right end of the bar.

And here's the lovely bartender Amanda, serving me a gin and tonic. Let's check out the swizzle stick.

It's your basic black straw.

Simple, dark and sturdy, much like the bar itself. Two more for the collection.

Lit up bottles on display behind the bar.

A shot of the circular wooden bar that frames the inside of the place.

A long wooden railing runs the length of the wall opposite the bar.

Like its sister bar, The International, the jukebox here is one of the best in town. Tunes run the gamut from The Rolling Stones, Jerry Reed, The Cars, MC5, Bob Dylan and everyone in between.

I love the vintage Blatz sign.

Coaster artwork from patrons hang below it.

Ian serves me up a Little King's beer in a can.

Amanda's busy behind the bar.

Kurt was seated next to me and it turns out he's a photographer visiting New York from Jacksonville, Florida. We had a few drinks and a nice chat about New York City. Check out his website and photos here: Kurt Rogers Photography.

And one look out the front window and I'm headed for home. See you tomorrow after dark.

The Swizzle Stick Collection So Far
Thanks to all of you who have donated, it’s grown to be a great collection. I’m going to get some sort of a case to house them in.

Coal Yard Bar
102 First Avenue (@6th St. )
212-677-4595

Further reading: Jeremiah’s Vanishing New York, EV Grieve, NY Press and Shecky’s.

You Might Also Like: Jay and The Americans, Jay and Silent Bob and Jay and Laura (The Marriage “Edu-tainers!”)

Four Other Yards
Scotland Yard
Word’s Longest Yard Sale
A Yard of Ale
The Yardbirds

Five o'clock in the mornin', I'm all ready up and gone,
Lord I am so tired, how long can this go on?

ARCHIVES

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Bonus Pudding Face From Jaws!

Jaws sent in his own version of the creepy Pudding Face. Aaaahhhh!

August 16, 2011

I’ve decided to introduce a new feature here at MAD and I’m calling it, “Six Pack.” What this will be is me going to six different places and getting the same item at all of them while doing a little comparison of the product and places. I thought I’d do the inaugural “Six Pack” at Penn Station, because I’m feeling lazy and don’t want to go too far away tonight. And tonight’s “Six Pack” item is going to be beer. How fitting, huh? And I’m not going to go to my Fortress of Solitude, because it’s a sacred place and doesn’t belong in a stunt post like this. And also, I thought I’d give Al a break!

And here we are, Penn Station. A familiar sight here at MAD.

It's a crowded escalator but no one's walking or pushing on it tonight. A good sign!

I thought we'd stroll around the first level and see what we find.

Look at this, a delicatessen. I bet there's beer in here...

And bingo was his name!

There's a nice little seating area to watch the world go by as you drink your beer.

Gumby's all settled in.

Time to drink beer number one.

Don Pepi: A Deli of Distinction. Yes, it's all that...

And a bag of chips. Time for beer number two.

Must. Avoid. At. All. Costs.

Where there's pizza...

There's beer.

Beer number two is served in a Don Pepi bag. This guy sure gets around!

On to beer number three. What do you get when you cross this place with Donald Trump's bank account? Rich Cappuccinno. (There's about three people out there that are laughing now.)

They have bottled beer in here.

And a railing and chairs where you can sit.

The view's not much though, let's see what one of the lead stories is in the New York Times.

"Reality Show Ricochets Through Brighton Beach." God I hate this world.

Did I mention that i really hate this world? Oh, good.

Okay, let's check out the next level down.

Grumbler alert!

Aaaahhh! There's no escape! (Plus, check out the ATM machine...look familiar?)

Okay, "Ice Cold Beer!" Now we're talking.

And there's a big selection to be had.

And there's a room in the back where you can drink it.

I got a Pilsner Urquel.

Kind of a lonely room back here.

But I did find a lucky penny on the floor, I need to get a Mega-Millions ticket tonight!

Okay, let's stroll down the concourse in search of beer number five.

And as if on queue, this gentlemen appears with a bottle of Heineken.

I'm going to boldly drink it here, outside of its bag.

Cheese it, it's the fuzz! Back into the bag the beer goes!

And the last stop of the evening, Tracks bar.

It's crowded in here with commuters, but I see a seat in the middle of the bar. Let's go snag it.

And tonight's six pack challenge is complete!

Kate was seated next to me and we had a nice conversation about New York, apartments and blogging. She was waiting for a train to Long Island...

And soon I was talking an escalator back into the Manhattan evening. Goodnight everybody and see you tomorrow after dark.

Further reading: Transit Guide, nyc.com, city-data.com and New York Beer Guide.

You Might Also Like: Running With Scissors, Swimming With Sharks and Walking With Dinosaurs.

Four Six Packs
Joe Sixpack
Sixpack
Sixpack France
Six Pack of Beer

 

The place,
Ruby’s Tavern.

ARCHIVES

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Bonus Link From DJ Gidget!

DJ Gidget sent in this scary bonus link...click on it if you dare!
Scary Link.

August 15, 2011

Four words: Chillmaster Dance Party Four!

Since the Mars Bar is closed, we decided to meet at the International Bar.

The crew for the Chillmaster Dance Party 4. From left: Goggla, Yours Fooly, Eric, Kate, anonymous271 and The Duncester.

Victoria's already inside and we're in trouble because we're a little late. The Chillmaster is all about punctuality.

At first he pulls the curtain down. Oh no, could the fourth party be over before it begins?

After I get a stern talking to (somehow the blame always falls on me!), The Chillmaster relents and lets us in.

We brought him a present and a card from Goggla's online shop which we all signed.

The Hennessy is opened...

And it is poured. Let the party begin!

A toast between us all begins the party.

And here's a printout of the EV Grieve post that started it all! To EV Grieve!

The Chillmaster puts on the music and the party begins.

Some of the bottles on the legendary Chillmaster coffee table.

It's always fun saying hi to the people passing by in the street who stop and listen to the classic soul music blaring out the window.

The Chillmaster's daughter and her friend outside the window showing off some new shoes.

The classic lighter that Victoria gave him at the first party is still working.

The Duncester and the Chillmaster cutting the rug.

Goggla and Chillmaster grooving on the couch.

Eric chills in the Chiller chair.

And Gumby takes his turn too.

A shot of Victoria saying goodbye through the window. The first to arrive and the first to leave.

Kate, Chillmaster and Goggla in a group hug on the dance floor.

The last arrival was Grayson who lives down the street.

I'm not sure what this dance move is I'm pulling, but it's obvious I've had a few Hennessy's!

Grayson and the Chillmaster toast drinks.

Groovin' to the music!

Night falls on the Chillmaster window to the world.

Time for the red light to be lit. This is the sign of a true special occasion in the Chillmaster Lair!

And BOOM, it's on!

And the party takes on a pleasant magenta hue.

A true red light district.

And in the end, Gumby is always the last man standing. Thanks to everybody for coming and to the Chillmaster for hosting another great party! See you tomorrow after dark!

Further reading: EV Grieve, The Gog Log, Neither More Nor Less, One More Folded Sunset, Slum Goddess and Single Linds Reflex.

You Might Also Like: Winking, Blinking and Nod.

Four Soul Music Websites
Soul Music
Rare Soul Grooves
A History of Soul Music
Stax Museum

 

Nobody knows the trouble that I’ve seen,
Nobody knows my sorrow.

ARCHIVES

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Bonus photo by Bobby Williams

EV Grieve photographer Bobby Williams sent me this shot of The Chillmaster in his window. Thanks Bobby!

August 14, 2011

Live from New York, it’s Cheeseburger Saturday Night. Tonight’s host is The Hollywood Diner (originally headed for Arthur’s Tavern in Hoboken) and featuring the Ready For Prime Beef Player, Marty Wombacher. Ladies and gentlemen please welcome the Hollywood Diner!

Alright, since I haven't gone out in a couple of nights, I thought we'd venture out of the city and go to Hoboken in New Jersey. I found a place there called Arthur's Tavern that's supposed to have great cheeseburgers.

And it's down into the bowels of the subway we go.

Oh no, this guy again.

Aaahhhh!

This way to the PATH train to Hoboken.

Grumbler alert!

Jesus fucking Christ, it's hotter than hell down here and it's empty, which means a train must've just left. Looks like we might have a bit of a wait.

Two people texting away.

Here's where we're headed when the train finally shows up.

It's been twenty minutes and still no train. I'm having a Clash moment here.

And these two continue their texting.

It's starting to get crowded down here and still no train.

Sweet mother of fuck, it's been almost 45 minutes and there's no train in sight. Everybody down here is getting antsy.

It's really crowded down here. When the train does finally come, it'll be packed with all these people. I'm starting to feel a little claustrophobic down here.

You know what?

It's time to improvise, maybe we'll try Arthur's next week.

When in doubt, stay close to home and hit the good old Hollywood Diner.

There's always a seat at the counter...

And friendly people to take your order. One cheeseburger please!

First up, a much needed beer.

They love Lucy in here...

See what I mean?

Cake!

And here's the cheeseburger! I got the English burger which has cheddar cheese and is served on an English Muffin. Note the star of mustard they put on the burger.

I also got onion rings, they look great.

A delicious burger, right in my own neighborhood.

On my way out I thanked the cook in the kitchen for excellent work. Goodnight everybody and see you tomorrow after dark.

Cheeseburger Rating
Three Wimpy’s. A fine burger indeed!

Hollywood Diner
574 Sixth Ave. (@16th St.)
212-295-3850

Further reading: New York Magazine, flickr and Meghan Hickey Photography.

You Might Also Like: Waxing, Taxing and Relaxing.

Four Other Arthur’s
Arthur Magazine
Arthur Treacher
Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips
Arthur

Arthur we like you and want to help you,
Somebody loves you, don’t you know it?

ARCHIVES

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August 13, 2011

 

Okay, as we all know from yesteray’s post, Wednesday and Thursday weren’t very good days and work and it bled on to the MAD blog a little bit. I was able to salvage Wednesday with the Santa post, but yesterday I had nothing. Tonight was better at work, but after two days of pure stress and not much sleep, I’m still pretty beat and don’t feel like going out. Luckily, in the last two days some people have sent me some photos so I’ve decided once a month on Fridays we’ll do a Random Foto Friday. And here we go.

Keeping in step with the Christmas in summer theme I started the other day, Gene Rubbico sent me these photos he took from a NYC trip in December of 2008 with his wife Smoopy. Enjoy!

Continuing in this Christmas them, MAD commenter csp sent in this photo of Brian Wilson sitting on Santa's lap he found on the internet. Ho ho ho = fun fun fun.

The fabulous DJ Gidget sent me a couple of her photographs that were featured in the Temple News Agency Block Party. Great photos, Gidget! And while perusing the messages on Woody Radio I see it was Gidget's birthday this week! Happy birthday, Gidget!

And now for the scary photos. MAD reader, Michael Nies sent in these photos and writes: "Some weird Mr Bill looking cardboard box man offshoot on the sidewalk off E. 2nd St!  It may be small, but I don't trust it, especially with those crocodile tears!  We're doomed!" All I can add is: Aaaahhhh!

Thanks to Gene, csp, Gidget and Michael for sharing the photos. If you have a photo and would like to share it here on Random Foto Friday, send it to me via email. Thanks and see you tomorrow after dark.

Further reading: Random.org, Stock Foto and Friday.

You Might Also Like: Time (Clock of the Heart), It’s About Time and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.

Five Famous Photos from Five Famous Photographers

Richard Avedon
Ansel Adams
Harry Benson
Diane Arbus
Annie Liebowitz

Now all I’ve got is a photograph,
And I realize you’re not coming back anymore.

ARCHIVES

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The Secret Weapon is on the air now! Tune into the show where "Boris" picks the tunes and DJ Gidget supplies the movie lines in between. Great fun and great tunes and it's on Woody Radio until 3pm EST today!

August 12, 2011

Thank Fuck It's Friday.

I've had two horrible days in a row and now my computer is being wonky and I have to get into work. I didn't get anything worth putting up last night. I was operating on about 4 hours sleep and then had to work over 12 hours to fix shit I didn't break. I rarely get a headache, maybe because there’s not a whole lot rolling around up there, but I’ve got a doozy of a noggin’ ringer happening right now. It feels like 27 Himalayan midgets are having a three alarm disco party on top of my head. And I think they’re doing blow. Either that or I need to get some Head and Shoulders shampoo. Anyway, I didn't get anything for a post today, so this is it. Here's a video that tells my frame of mind. Let's all hope for a better tomorrow. Check back then and hopefully there'll be something more interesting than this.

See you tomorrow after dark. With something better than this, I hope! At least there's a Chillmaster Dance Party coming up!

Late Post Alert

Another nightmare night at work, so tomorrow's post will be up a little late. And it ain't much, sometimes you just can't win and this was one of those nights. So right now I'm going to do what I always do when I'm tired out of my mind and don't want to go to sleep. Listen to the Ronettes and drink a shitload of beer. See you around 2pm today! Keep your hands in your pockets and your socks around your ankles you happy campers.