view from baxter

the Q train

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:58:43 -0500

We moved a great deal of our stuff to New Hampshire this past weekend, and are currently living the minimal life in our suddenly much larger apartment in Brooklyn, awaiting awaiting the birth of our bean. There are so many things I'm looking forward to in the next few months: having a child, starting a new job, getting to know a beautiful small town, doing it all with E. But I will miss New York, and this morning the New York Times reminds me of one of the things I won't forget. They spent a small chunk of yesterday morning aboard the Q train, interviewing passengers and capturing a small, diverse slice of the city. Like in most big cities, the subway is something we can love and hate in the same breath. But of all the trains in the city I've lived near and taken semi-regularly, I've never liked a train as much as the Q. From Coney Island to 57th street, it's a great combination of above and underground, including some sweet skyline views from the Manhattan bridge. It also gets me to Union Square in four stops. And, as the Times article makes clear, it transports a diverse population, from Russian War Vets to Haitian Nurses to Park Slope Moms. Which is as good enough reason to love and miss New York as any I know.

Central Park Zoo

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:57:30 -0500

the lego vault

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:33:21 -0500

Gizmodo got to visit the secret Lego vault, containing every set they ever created. It's almost Proustian. (PS Sorry for the lack of updates recently. We're moving, having a baby, and starting a new job, maybe in that order. Hopefully I'll be back on track soon.)

Bronx Zoo

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:32:38 -0500

Bronx Zoo

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 07:58:26 -0500

Central Park Zoo

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:01:19 -0500

Bronx Zoo

Wed, 21 May 2008 15:47:30 -0500

obama/roth

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:28:04 -0500

Not to make this blog all-Barack all the time, but apparently Obama said in a recent interview that his sensibility was partially shaped by the books of Philip Roth. Like I needed another reason to like the guy. (Umm, I'm assuming you've all read American Pastoral? The Human Stain? The Plot Against America? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?)

the anti-talking heads

Wed, 14 May 2008 17:12:35 -0500

the anti-talking heads:

New York Aquarium

Mon, 12 May 2008 20:05:53 -0500

vote obama

Mon, 05 May 2008 06:32:56 -0500

I like this man:

Staten Island Zoo

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:36:30 -0500

demon days

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:56:18 -0500

Here's a new interview with Robert Forster about finishing one of departed band-mate Grant McLennan's last songs "Demon Days." It's a good tune, making an impact with short direct lines and a simple, subtle melody, like so much of McLennan's best work. The Evangelist, the new Forster solo album the song is featured on (released in the states tomorrow), also hits the mark as a sad and funny tribute. It's not where I'd recommend one start when beginning with The Go-Betweens (try Before Hollywood or Tallulah), but like the best of either McLennan or Forster's work, it's an album that sinks in and rewards repeat listens. I need to write more about these guys sometime soon. (I've added "Demon Days" to the top of my muxtape.)

trapped!

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:21:07 -0500

Here's a time lapse video of a man trapped in an elevator for 41 hours. As Kottke points out, it's not easy to watch.

brooklyn at heart

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:04:49 -0500

Pregnant? Brooklyn? New Hampshire?! Brooklyn at heart explains all.