Well after last week, I thought that the mainstay of seeing old friends was over. I mean, how many people did I actually know. Well, I was in the King Kullen supermarket down the block from my Moms house buying some things for potato salad (oh yeah!! the home-made, mom's secret German recipe, the one that my mother doesn't know I know how to make). I had just gotten the pickles and was rounding the corner of the dairy aisle, when something familiar caught the corner of my eye. It was a dude in his thirties, in summer-biker attire, flanked on each side by a child, I did a double-take as the procession shuffled past. I knew this guy. "John'? I asked.... Holy cow!!! Well it was John. I hadn't seen him in years! It was awesome!! After the supermarket, I followed him back to his house (at his bequest, not in a weird stalker way), and hung out with him, his wife (also a friend from high school, and my friends Kevin (also a few people who I didn't know yet, but were equally as awesome as my old friends. We spent the evening playing Michigan-Rummy (an awesome game, which we played for Nickels). It was an amazing time.
The next day I ran into another friend from my past, while visiting one of my former haunting grounds (The Cup Cafe). My friend, John Reid was there, and we spent a few doing the "well what have you been up to thing. It was awesome to see him.
Well, this has been a week of pleasant reunions and unexpected encounters. It's awesome!!!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Reunited (a walk down memory lane)
This post recollects events that occurred between Aug 17th and Aug 21.
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be viewed at:
http:www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com.
This week has been a week of journeying into my past. It has been a week of sorting through the dusty chest of memorabilia, and reliving day gone by. I had the rare opportunity to visit some of the places I had once 'haunted', laugh with friends, and muse over things said and done. It is strange (if not trite) that the old adage really does apply: Objects in the rear-view mirror appear closer than they actually are.
It started the first day back in NY. I woke up fairly early. I had an appointment with my college-time friend Jenn (who herself had an appointment at Stony brook university, where we met and became trusted and fast friends). I accompanied her to SBU. While there, we walked along the campus, reliving memories of friends and exploits on and about the large campus. Some of the things brought up seemed far away and faded, like old movies of yourself as a kid on 8mm. Some of them were fresh in my mind, as if they had taken place yesterday. Still others I could not remember being part of. "No, really? I was there for that? Why don't I remember that?" It was great! We walked around the building where we used to live (Hendrix), and strolled along the Roth Pond. My mind was reeling in nostalgia.
While she was at her appointment, I took the chance to visit my old department. I was sure that no one would be there (it was, after all, the end of Summer). To my surprise, I bumped into the one member of the faculty, which I actually wanted to see, Prof. Richard Larsen. Prof. Larsen was a big influence in my academic life. He was the first instructor I had who had challenged me. He made me strive and reach down deep for faculties I wasn't sure I had. In the end, I proved that I did indeed have what it took (as well as proving I had a propensity for being able to stay awake for a week to solve a syntax problem!). He really was a 'mentor' to me in a very strange way. We had a great conversation (which as usual stretched my cognitive faculties to their limit). I'm still amazed at his keen mind and monstrous intellect. This is made even more amazing by his congenial demeanor and modesty. Anyway, I was really glad I had a chance to talk to him.
Later on in the week (Tues), I drove up to another one of my 'three-village' haunts, The Velvet Lounge. I saw two friends, whom I had not seen in quite some time. One was bar tending, the other DJing. I hung out for a while, and had a few drinks before eventually going home.
On Friday, I experienced a real treat. I met a few of my old college friends in NYC for drinks and dinner. We talked, laughed, drank (at St. Dymphna's , and finally ate (Calcutta on 6th between 1st and Ave. A... it comes highly recommended). After dinner, we ended up at a club called 'Fat Baby' (on Essex on the LES, about a block North of Houston). It was the Birthday of my friend Jenn's twin cousins. The kicker here is that the b-day party was taking place at an Alex Skolnick Trio gig. Yeah, that's right, Alex Skolnick, the former guitar wizard from Testament. He was there with his jazz trio... man.. he still shreds. Sadly, he didn't play anything from
Practice What You Preach', but the dude killed it. I always knew he was a total bad-ass, but this gave me a new appreciation for his guitar playing, as well as his bands ability to 'bring the pain. I really recommend seeing him if he's around in your neck-of-the-woods. BADASS!
I had a blast... thanks to all of my friends that made this week awesome. I love and miss you all.
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be viewed at:
http:www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com.
This week has been a week of journeying into my past. It has been a week of sorting through the dusty chest of memorabilia, and reliving day gone by. I had the rare opportunity to visit some of the places I had once 'haunted', laugh with friends, and muse over things said and done. It is strange (if not trite) that the old adage really does apply: Objects in the rear-view mirror appear closer than they actually are.
It started the first day back in NY. I woke up fairly early. I had an appointment with my college-time friend Jenn (who herself had an appointment at Stony brook university, where we met and became trusted and fast friends). I accompanied her to SBU. While there, we walked along the campus, reliving memories of friends and exploits on and about the large campus. Some of the things brought up seemed far away and faded, like old movies of yourself as a kid on 8mm. Some of them were fresh in my mind, as if they had taken place yesterday. Still others I could not remember being part of. "No, really? I was there for that? Why don't I remember that?" It was great! We walked around the building where we used to live (Hendrix), and strolled along the Roth Pond. My mind was reeling in nostalgia.
While she was at her appointment, I took the chance to visit my old department. I was sure that no one would be there (it was, after all, the end of Summer). To my surprise, I bumped into the one member of the faculty, which I actually wanted to see, Prof. Richard Larsen. Prof. Larsen was a big influence in my academic life. He was the first instructor I had who had challenged me. He made me strive and reach down deep for faculties I wasn't sure I had. In the end, I proved that I did indeed have what it took (as well as proving I had a propensity for being able to stay awake for a week to solve a syntax problem!). He really was a 'mentor' to me in a very strange way. We had a great conversation (which as usual stretched my cognitive faculties to their limit). I'm still amazed at his keen mind and monstrous intellect. This is made even more amazing by his congenial demeanor and modesty. Anyway, I was really glad I had a chance to talk to him.
Later on in the week (Tues), I drove up to another one of my 'three-village' haunts, The Velvet Lounge. I saw two friends, whom I had not seen in quite some time. One was bar tending, the other DJing. I hung out for a while, and had a few drinks before eventually going home.
On Friday, I experienced a real treat. I met a few of my old college friends in NYC for drinks and dinner. We talked, laughed, drank (at St. Dymphna's , and finally ate (Calcutta on 6th between 1st and Ave. A... it comes highly recommended). After dinner, we ended up at a club called 'Fat Baby' (on Essex on the LES, about a block North of Houston). It was the Birthday of my friend Jenn's twin cousins. The kicker here is that the b-day party was taking place at an Alex Skolnick Trio gig. Yeah, that's right, Alex Skolnick, the former guitar wizard from Testament. He was there with his jazz trio... man.. he still shreds. Sadly, he didn't play anything from
Practice What You Preach', but the dude killed it. I always knew he was a total bad-ass, but this gave me a new appreciation for his guitar playing, as well as his bands ability to 'bring the pain. I really recommend seeing him if he's around in your neck-of-the-woods. BADASS!
I had a blast... thanks to all of my friends that made this week awesome. I love and miss you all.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Fatherland (or my vacation from my vacation)
This Post recollects events that occurred between the 11th and 14th of July 2009
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at: http://www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com
Well, I finally arrived in Germany (albeit a day late!). I was greeted by my friend Izzy and her boyfriend Marcel. Izzy was a former student of mine from the BSML days. We stayed in touch, and I always said I would visit her. Like most people (to whom I say this to), she didn't believe me. Well here I am now. Her and her boyfriend live together in a great flat outside of Wiesbaden. They both work for Lufthansa, though luckily both of them had the time off, and we got to do stuff and hang out a little bit.
The last fourteen days have been a little hectic. After running around both Vienna and Rome, I was in the mood for a vaction from my vacation. I had no intention of playing 'super-tourist' here. I just wanted some time to chill out a little and take a load off. So, that's exactly what I did.
Highlights:
On the second day in Wiesbaden, we went to a place called 'Rhuedesheim'. Its a spot on the Rhein, where there are tons of castles, keeps, and fortresses. Its actually truly amazing how many of them dot the banks on both sides. I guess it makes sense from a strategic point of view. There were so many, and they cam in all varieties and types. From small towers to large castle-type ones, they were all over the place (Map) We took a drive up one of the hills. This drive was a 'skin-of-the-teeth' ride around blind, hairpin turns up narrow streets. It was a very harrowing, yet strangely exhilarating experience. I guess this is what 'Germans' do for fun. Tempt fate behind the wheel of a BMW. Oh well, everyone needs to get their kicks somehow.
We also visited this place called the Drosselgasse. It was this really narrow little alley with tourists shops on either side. It was very 'Diagon Alley'. It led up-hill about 300 meters, ending in a ski-lift that went to another hill with a monument on top of it. We took the lift over the vineyards and checked out the old school monument. I wasn't aware that this was actually one of the big wine-producing regions of Germany. Its also the home of Asback UrAlt brandy.
I also got to spend some time in the country side in the company of some very large animals. Izzy rides horses. She has one with her in Wiesbaden. Recently her horse had an operation (for a twisted intestine or something). That being the case, we spent a few hours each day at the stables (feeding and taking care of the animal). It was great. Those of you who know me, also know I love animals. Though horses were never really my thing, I think they are great creatures, and hanging out with them was a lot of fun.
On the last night I was there, we spent some of time playing Wii. It was great! Even though the graphics aren't anywhere near the PS3 and 360, the interface is truly revolutionary. What I like most about the Wii, is the fact that it is a crowd-pleaser. Four people can easily have a great time (while leaving their clothes on!). So, we played some tennis, golf, and boxing (my arms were really sore the next day!) . It was a great time. I really liked their flat (there was this cool glass wall in between the kitchen and foyer, which I totally crashed into one night! Damn clear walls!). On the fourteenth, bright and early I got on a train to Austria. My vacation was rapidly coming to a close. I was however, nice and relaxed and rested for the trip back to Oman. So I took the Deutsche Bahn to Vienna!
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at: http://www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com
Well, I finally arrived in Germany (albeit a day late!). I was greeted by my friend Izzy and her boyfriend Marcel. Izzy was a former student of mine from the BSML days. We stayed in touch, and I always said I would visit her. Like most people (to whom I say this to), she didn't believe me. Well here I am now. Her and her boyfriend live together in a great flat outside of Wiesbaden. They both work for Lufthansa, though luckily both of them had the time off, and we got to do stuff and hang out a little bit.
The last fourteen days have been a little hectic. After running around both Vienna and Rome, I was in the mood for a vaction from my vacation. I had no intention of playing 'super-tourist' here. I just wanted some time to chill out a little and take a load off. So, that's exactly what I did.
Highlights:
On the second day in Wiesbaden, we went to a place called 'Rhuedesheim'. Its a spot on the Rhein, where there are tons of castles, keeps, and fortresses. Its actually truly amazing how many of them dot the banks on both sides. I guess it makes sense from a strategic point of view. There were so many, and they cam in all varieties and types. From small towers to large castle-type ones, they were all over the place (Map) We took a drive up one of the hills. This drive was a 'skin-of-the-teeth' ride around blind, hairpin turns up narrow streets. It was a very harrowing, yet strangely exhilarating experience. I guess this is what 'Germans' do for fun. Tempt fate behind the wheel of a BMW. Oh well, everyone needs to get their kicks somehow.
We also visited this place called the Drosselgasse. It was this really narrow little alley with tourists shops on either side. It was very 'Diagon Alley'. It led up-hill about 300 meters, ending in a ski-lift that went to another hill with a monument on top of it. We took the lift over the vineyards and checked out the old school monument. I wasn't aware that this was actually one of the big wine-producing regions of Germany. Its also the home of Asback UrAlt brandy.
I also got to spend some time in the country side in the company of some very large animals. Izzy rides horses. She has one with her in Wiesbaden. Recently her horse had an operation (for a twisted intestine or something). That being the case, we spent a few hours each day at the stables (feeding and taking care of the animal). It was great. Those of you who know me, also know I love animals. Though horses were never really my thing, I think they are great creatures, and hanging out with them was a lot of fun.
On the last night I was there, we spent some of time playing Wii. It was great! Even though the graphics aren't anywhere near the PS3 and 360, the interface is truly revolutionary. What I like most about the Wii, is the fact that it is a crowd-pleaser. Four people can easily have a great time (while leaving their clothes on!). So, we played some tennis, golf, and boxing (my arms were really sore the next day!) . It was a great time. I really liked their flat (there was this cool glass wall in between the kitchen and foyer, which I totally crashed into one night! Damn clear walls!). On the fourteenth, bright and early I got on a train to Austria. My vacation was rapidly coming to a close. I was however, nice and relaxed and rested for the trip back to Oman. So I took the Deutsche Bahn to Vienna!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Out of Italy (easier said than done)
This post describes events that occurred on the 10-11th of July, 2009.
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com
The way out of Italy... This time, for real
Well I don't know exactly what to attribute it to this time. As per my other posts, my trip out of Italy was strained to say the least. The problems mostly arose from the inability of anyone in that country to speak English. Now, even though I'm a TEOFLer, I don't expect everyone to be able to speak English. My belief is that you should do what you want. If you want to learn English, then by all means, pursue it with vigor. It is quite obvious that the fact that you can speak English alone will reimburse you with opportunities and enable possibilities that were not possible otherwise. Though, I don't believe it is obligatory at this point to speak English.
This being said, I am of the opinion that if you work in any arena that is by nature of the occupation considered international (that is business, tourism, travel, etc) you damn well be able to get around in what is the emerging de Facto 'lingua franca'. How on earth can you have a position in the travel sector in a city like Rome, or Milan without being able to handle yourself in English. Even the police!!! Can you believe that? Tens-of-thousands of tourists in this city and the public servants have no way to communicate with them!!! Unreal!!! Anyway, my way out of Milan was a little dicey (or at least it felt that way). But I jumped on a train for Munich, figuring I would be able to sort it out from there. This was not without its own trails and tribulations. Nevertheless, I was headed for a place I understood, and that I could communicate with its inhabitants . Nice! The trip was pretty great, actually. Not having slept the night before for a variety of reasons (involving the hard bus station floor), I slept for a while. I woke up a few times along the way. The last time, I was greeted by the Tirol mountains, right outside of a town called Innsbruck (known for its university). It was breathtaking (think 'Sound of Music'). Needless to say, I did not go back to sleep. Instead, I treated my eyes to the wonderful view of the Austrian mountain range and let that keep me awake until arriving in Munich.
When I got to Munich, the travel-game had completely shifted. Within moments I could get my ticket to where I was going, change my money into Euros, and grab a bite to eat. It was great! It was the first time in the last week, where communication was effortless and easy. So, the moral of this story.... it's always a plus to be able to speak the language, or at least be familiar with some of the major aspects of the culture. If not, get a phrase-book (which I will do in the future if I know cases like this are going to come up). So, I am finally on my way to Frankfurt to meet my friend Issy and get on with the last-leg of my vacation. Hard to believe its two-thirds over! We will see what the fatherland has in store for me in the next couple of days...
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com
The way out of Italy... This time, for real
Well I don't know exactly what to attribute it to this time. As per my other posts, my trip out of Italy was strained to say the least. The problems mostly arose from the inability of anyone in that country to speak English. Now, even though I'm a TEOFLer, I don't expect everyone to be able to speak English. My belief is that you should do what you want. If you want to learn English, then by all means, pursue it with vigor. It is quite obvious that the fact that you can speak English alone will reimburse you with opportunities and enable possibilities that were not possible otherwise. Though, I don't believe it is obligatory at this point to speak English.
This being said, I am of the opinion that if you work in any arena that is by nature of the occupation considered international (that is business, tourism, travel, etc) you damn well be able to get around in what is the emerging de Facto 'lingua franca'. How on earth can you have a position in the travel sector in a city like Rome, or Milan without being able to handle yourself in English. Even the police!!! Can you believe that? Tens-of-thousands of tourists in this city and the public servants have no way to communicate with them!!! Unreal!!! Anyway, my way out of Milan was a little dicey (or at least it felt that way). But I jumped on a train for Munich, figuring I would be able to sort it out from there. This was not without its own trails and tribulations. Nevertheless, I was headed for a place I understood, and that I could communicate with its inhabitants . Nice! The trip was pretty great, actually. Not having slept the night before for a variety of reasons (involving the hard bus station floor), I slept for a while. I woke up a few times along the way. The last time, I was greeted by the Tirol mountains, right outside of a town called Innsbruck (known for its university). It was breathtaking (think 'Sound of Music'). Needless to say, I did not go back to sleep. Instead, I treated my eyes to the wonderful view of the Austrian mountain range and let that keep me awake until arriving in Munich.
When I got to Munich, the travel-game had completely shifted. Within moments I could get my ticket to where I was going, change my money into Euros, and grab a bite to eat. It was great! It was the first time in the last week, where communication was effortless and easy. So, the moral of this story.... it's always a plus to be able to speak the language, or at least be familiar with some of the major aspects of the culture. If not, get a phrase-book (which I will do in the future if I know cases like this are going to come up). So, I am finally on my way to Frankfurt to meet my friend Issy and get on with the last-leg of my vacation. Hard to believe its two-thirds over! We will see what the fatherland has in store for me in the next couple of days...
Monday, August 3, 2009
Anika the Cyber-Dog; JP Pizza Protest
This part of the post recalls events as they happened today Aug 3, 2009.
For those of you viewing this on facebook, you can view the original post here (www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com)
Well, a few things happened today. First of all, Anika went to the vet. She is now all set to get her international paperwork (pet passport). It was a bit costly, but I also got all the materials (powders, chews, and pills) she needs for the next six months. She even got micro chipped! My dog is technologically enhanced (those of you who know me well know I'm jealous). My dog is a cylon! Today, I am exceptionally proud! I also had some very pleasant , albeit superficial interactions with people today. I haven't seen the aforementioned people in 10 months, and it was good to see them. I miss the neighborhood vibe of JP. Yesterday, I went to a friend's house for a cookout. While there I saw a clip from the upcoming video regarding the debated addition of a dominoes pizza to JP. I really hope they don't open one up here. Funny thing, as I am writing this, I checked Facebook and found this on one of my friends' posts:
"off to stop a Pizza chain moving into JP feeling a tad yuppyish. I guess we would rather not see the Empire's boiler room!"
Link to an article on the proposed site of the new Domino's Pizza on Centre street Here
I guess there is a meeting tonight from the Jamaica Pond society. I am feeling a bit hypocritical. On the one hand, I don't like the idea of even local government controlling who/what kinds of businesses are represented in the local economy. One the other hand, I don't think the neighborhood's social-ecology is a good place for such a business. It simply does not belong (which was the overwelming consensus expressed in the video I saw last night), not to mention that there are too many pizza places in JP already! The proposed sight would be right across the street from an existing pizza-place (Zesto's). I think this neighborhood is at maximum-density for eateries and cafes already (my own opinion). The last thing anybody needs is another 'mozzerella slinger' in town. In a perfect world, I like to think that the market forces would control the amount of corporate retailers in communities. But this is not a perfect world. Corporations have a lot of buying power, as well as backing capital. They can afford to take loses for extended periods of time, undercutting there competition. So maybe commercial ecologies should be protected. I don't know. My principals and my pragmatism are in conflict right now.
There is also another reason I feel hypocritical in this case. One cannot deny the fact that corporate and chain-business are already represented in the local retail economy. Foot-locker, CVS, Store 24, 7-11 (which you could argue is a franchise), and corporate banks all blight the privately owned and operated JP landscape. Its not that I mind 'mom and pop' shops, but we do allow certain business that have corporate, or chain structures to open here. I whole-heartedly agree with the not wanting a corporate entity in JP (especially Dominoes), though I can't stop and think where is the line? Is there one? Are some corporate businesses ;necessary evils'? If so, then which ones?
For those of you viewing this on facebook, you can view the original post here (www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com)
Well, a few things happened today. First of all, Anika went to the vet. She is now all set to get her international paperwork (pet passport). It was a bit costly, but I also got all the materials (powders, chews, and pills) she needs for the next six months. She even got micro chipped! My dog is technologically enhanced (those of you who know me well know I'm jealous). My dog is a cylon! Today, I am exceptionally proud! I also had some very pleasant , albeit superficial interactions with people today. I haven't seen the aforementioned people in 10 months, and it was good to see them. I miss the neighborhood vibe of JP. Yesterday, I went to a friend's house for a cookout. While there I saw a clip from the upcoming video regarding the debated addition of a dominoes pizza to JP. I really hope they don't open one up here. Funny thing, as I am writing this, I checked Facebook and found this on one of my friends' posts:
"off to stop a Pizza chain moving into JP feeling a tad yuppyish. I guess we would rather not see the Empire's boiler room!"
Link to an article on the proposed site of the new Domino's Pizza on Centre street Here
I guess there is a meeting tonight from the Jamaica Pond society. I am feeling a bit hypocritical. On the one hand, I don't like the idea of even local government controlling who/what kinds of businesses are represented in the local economy. One the other hand, I don't think the neighborhood's social-ecology is a good place for such a business. It simply does not belong (which was the overwelming consensus expressed in the video I saw last night), not to mention that there are too many pizza places in JP already! The proposed sight would be right across the street from an existing pizza-place (Zesto's). I think this neighborhood is at maximum-density for eateries and cafes already (my own opinion). The last thing anybody needs is another 'mozzerella slinger' in town. In a perfect world, I like to think that the market forces would control the amount of corporate retailers in communities. But this is not a perfect world. Corporations have a lot of buying power, as well as backing capital. They can afford to take loses for extended periods of time, undercutting there competition. So maybe commercial ecologies should be protected. I don't know. My principals and my pragmatism are in conflict right now.
There is also another reason I feel hypocritical in this case. One cannot deny the fact that corporate and chain-business are already represented in the local retail economy. Foot-locker, CVS, Store 24, 7-11 (which you could argue is a franchise), and corporate banks all blight the privately owned and operated JP landscape. Its not that I mind 'mom and pop' shops, but we do allow certain business that have corporate, or chain structures to open here. I whole-heartedly agree with the not wanting a corporate entity in JP (especially Dominoes), though I can't stop and think where is the line? Is there one? Are some corporate businesses ;necessary evils'? If so, then which ones?
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Rome: Day 3
If your reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found here.
This post recounts events that occurred on July 10, 2009.
This morning I made sure I woke up early. There was a lot to do. First order of business, breakfast! I got dressed quickly, and ran down to the local 'morning coffee joint' and ate. Washing it down with the usual three coffees. Punctuality was important because I wanted to get to the Colosseum before it opened. Hopefully, I could avoid the lines I saw the day before (they stretched out and circled the place!).
I got there at 8:00 am, I got in at 8:30, I had conquered by 10:00! The Colosseum was splendid! It was myself and 10 other people waiting to go inside at that hour of morning. I went through the place almost alone. I saw two people the entire time I walked through the place. How the Colosseum was used in the times of Rome is incredible. They would flood the floor of the Colosseum and the under-ways. After the building was flooded, they would have water-battles with boats! Wow! Rome musta been a pretty wild place two thousand years ago. Here's a link to more on the water-battles. So it was great! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
After the Colosseum, I went around to some of the places I wanted to see again. Surprise! Mostly fountains (especially Trevi and Tritone). I also experimented with a second dinner in Rome (actually a late lunch). This time it was pretty damn good. Had one of those cold-cut plates and a pizza. Awesome! OK, ROme is 1 for 2 in meals on this trip.
The rest of the day was spent checking and double-checking my stuff. I was packed and ready. Five o'clock came. I boarded the train and was off to Germany.
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