Waterpod Project = high hopes and huge disappointment

We went to check out the Waterpod Project during a bike ride into the Brooklyn Bridge Park.  We brought high hopes with us to check out this 'floating eco-habitat' designed by Mary Mattingly to raise awareness to rising sea levels.  The Waterpod changes where it is docked every few weeks, and is open to the public for viewing and tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I can definitely appreciate the work and vision that went into making this project a reality for Mrs. Mattingly.  She, with the help of other artists, have designed a pretty incredible thing.  It was best said on the Waterpod's website:  "The Waterpod is mobile and nomadic, and as an application for the future it can historicize the notion of the permanent structure, simultaneously serving as composition, transportation, island, and residence."

I do have a large complaint with the Project.  This is something you want people not in your community to witness, appreciate, and support.  I felt like I didn't belong when I came there to learn more about it. We arrived about 1pm, a few hours after they "opened" so being the first people there can't be an excuse.  We rode bikes reducing our carbon footprint, so that can't be an excuse.  However, each time we walked up to an area people that worked/lived on the barge looked away.  It was definitely not an open environment.  It was extremely cold and I felt that I was interrupting something.  Other people came while we were trying to understand it all and the attitude directed towards them was completely different, oh - they knew them.  So I would not personally not recommend going to the Waterpod to anyone I know.  I would suggest reading about it online, becoming intrigued and leaving it on a high note.  And for the folks on the Waterpod I'd recommend being more open to folks you don't know, because you never know who your biggest supporter will be.  Maybe it was an off day, maybe not.

ar

paper, rock, scissorhands

Last night Paige and I joined Amy and Driscoll at Movies with a View of the Brooklyn Bridge.  The weather was perfect, upper 60's with no clouds in the sky.  The movie was Edward Scissorhands and I was the only one of the four that had never seen it.  We arrived ~6:30 and the crowd was already pretty full but we got lucky right up front and had a killer spot.  Eventually, for the 1st time in 10 years the event reached capacity and it became a 1 in 1 out situation.  I think people heard I was coming, it usually brings a fervor and a crowd.

A few pictures of the night...

     prior to the movie starting

     this kid jumped up on a stage and started dancing to the music

     the man himself on the big screen

     great view of the brooklyn bridge looking at manhattan

ar

2 wheel warrior

current obsession - getting a bicycle

this involves constant research of the different types of bikes (road/mtb/hybrid/cross), what the components are, how to properly secure a bike in the city, what is a good price, etc.  i hope to get one very soon, however those that know me know that i will cover all angles before committing.

what started the obsession?

Paige and I had been wanting to walk the brooklyn bridge and check out the Dumbo/BK Heights neighborhood's since we moved here.  After hearing about a bike ride Paige had with her father and enjoyed it, I thought it would be a good idea to rent bikes and make that trek.  So we mapped out a ride from Central Park (the bike rental place) down the west side hwy, across the brooklyn bridge, over into Dumbo to see the Waterpod project, over into Brooklyn Heights for brunch, hang out on the water, and then back across the bridge home.  It was about a 25 mile ride and I found it to be very enjoyable.  Definitely fueled the fire for picking up a bike for commuting purposes and also for exercise.  I thought the NYC streets would be much more intimidating but I felt pretty comfortable and know I will only become more confident.

"We live in hell's kitchen, and we can represent even in dorky bike helmets.  You want some?"

ar

Improving aesthetics one dish at a time

So the molé received mixed reviews from readers due to it having aesthetic qualities resembling the aftermath of a high fiber diet.  I went with quality with that one, and achieved that. Frankly, molé doesn't look pretty but it tastes good.

Last night I made a ceviche with shrimp and tilapia.  The shrimp was pre-cooked, the fish was not.  The recipe called for 4 lemons juiced, tomatoes, jalapeño, cucumber, red onion, garlic, cilantro, and parsely.

I put out some plain melba toast crackers and avocado slices.  We then decided the green tabasco would be a great topper.  It came together as a very fulfilling and refreshing dish.  Only critique of this one is that next time I will use limes instead of lemons and perhaps a heartier fish.

ar

I support equality

Yesterday was National Go Topless day?  I had not heard of this but there is an organization "claiming that women have the same constitutional right to be bare chested in public places as men."  NYC has already taken heed to this message and in 1992 ruled that women have the right to be topless in public.  While probably both fortunately and unfortunately, I have not had the privilege of seeing anyone 'enjoying' this right while walking the streets.  However, yesterday there was an organized topless parade through Manhattan and six other US cities fighting for the right.  The primary stipulation I saw was "no need for alcohol or drugs...40 years later, women can enjoy their body in a natural state of mind..."

To show I can't make this up - http://www.gotopless.org

ar