Bobbi and the Strays (and Me)

Bobbi
Today I volunteered at an animal rescue place called Bobbi and the Strays (the website could be a little more aesthetically pleasing, but all the relevant info is there). I hope to be able to go back for a few hours every week. Each time I've visited since we've moved here the place is so clean, the animals all have clean cages, fresh beds and litter boxes, fresh food and water, and toys, volunteers are out walking the dogs, and I've noticed that there are always visitors in their storefront location and animals seem to be adopted regularly.

All the volunteers were lovely and I finally met Bobbi a few weeks ago. Aside from taking in my own much-beloved furlings, I know I can't save all the strays in the world -- but maybe I can help out in some small way at this one place, one animal at a time.

I was there for four hours today and, amazingly, in that short time four animals found homes! First, a pair of nearly identical two-month-old tabby kittens went to a lovely family. They'd come from Animal Control and the volunteer who'd been fostering them actually went with her husband to pick up two more on her way home!

I didn't take any pictures myself today, but the two kittens looked a lot like this one. I love tabbies. I was so happy they got to go to a home together.
Next was a lively five-month-old long-haired chihuahua named Nikki. Bobbi made a home visit first to make sure everything was in order; Nikki loved her new adoptive parents' other dog and seemed delighted with the arrangement.

Not Nikki, but this looks a lot like Nikki.
Finally, a little poodle mix named Sam who'd stolen my heart becase the first thing I'd been asked to do as a new volunteer was to take Sam for a walk; I guess we bonded because we were both the new kids. He'd just arrived from Harlem (don't ask me how he wound up in Queens) the day before and was thin as a rail with a hind leg that stuck out at an odd angle--probably the leg had been broken and never set. It didn't slow him down any and I could barely keep up with him as he greeted everyone on the sidewalk and darted from flowerbed to lamppost to flowerbed.

This could be Sam's twin. He was super-cute.
Sam looked spiffy all freshly-bathed and I was shocked to see the veritable fleece they'd sheared off of him the night before. He loved all the other dogs and all the people that came in during the day. He only showed fear when I tried to put him in his crate for dinner, which set him to shaking and such sad whining that it nearly broke my heart. I relented and let him out to eat.

Shortly after his dinner Sam was destined to leave to make his forever home with someone who had recently lost his dog of 18 years. It was so touching and I'm so happy for little Sam. He'll make such a lovely companion. We had a fond farewell and he eagerly left with Bobbi's friend, who was to deliver him to his new life.

It was a good day.

Marton (Chinese for 'bathroom') Humor--er, Restaurant

I won't even try to describe this toilet-themed restaurant. It's in Taiwan. With theme restaurants being all the rage, do you think New York is ready for such an eatery? Who knows--it could be the next big thing.


Really gives me a craving for a cat box cake...

There Be Knitting and Bears and Cats

Knitty Bits

Leftover sock yarn became some beanies. Why are these dark colors so hard to photograph? I probably need to go outside into natural light. Well, anyway...

This one incorporates Fleece Artist merino, Mountain Colors Bearfoot wool/mohair/nylon, and Filatura di Crosa's Millefili Fine 100% cotton. (You may recognize the first and the last from my cami, which I've been wearing a lot lately.)

I liked the leftover-bits-beanie so much I decided to make another. This one has odder yarns in it, including more of the Millefili cotton, two different KPPPM colorways, some mauve bamboo, a bit of Handmaiden Sea Silk, some Lorna's Laces, a fair amount of unidentified black/white cotton, and merino/tencel from Yarn Lust.



This work-in-progress is a child-size chenille hat. I've discovered you can knit while standing at the bus stop.

I decided to try knitting one of those Recycled-Plastic-Bag Carry-Alls, and here's one finished side. I was afraid that since I didn't have any brightly-colored bags it would look blah, but I kind of like it with the white sacks. Also, I thought cutting up the bags would be a huge pain, but a single bag knit into a section about 12 x 3 inches (31 x 8 cm) so it only took six bags to make a side.

It was easy to knit with the plastic strips, too, and I like the strange texture of them. I haven't finished the tote yet, but I'll keep you posted.

A Bear

This handsome bear is a new arrival at our house. My grandmother made him a few years back in a bear-making class. His name is Joey.

Now that Grandma is gone, we've been asked to give Joey a home. So far he's adjusting fairly well, although he says he misses Pennsylvania soft pretzels and the city is a little noisier than what he's used to.

Two Cats

Mr. O'Kitten painted this portait of Emma and Grey Cat. It's hanging over my desk and I really like it. He completely captured both of their expressions and personalities so well, and on days when I particularly miss Grey this painting is a beautiful memorial. Emma, of course, remains completely indifferent to being immortalized on canvas.

Tee Time

Kittens and skulls. Two of my favorite things. How can you go wrong with this shirt? It also comes in grey. If you want to get your local Obsidian Kitten one (*winkwink*), medium or large would be good.

I also really need one of these. I'd wear this style in a small, unless Franklin starts making black ones in my size. So I can't wear it to work--so what? His story about the bizarre comment that led to the phrase "I learned to knit in prison" made me laugh so hard that coffee came out of my nose.

These girls wear their own all-natural furry tees. And if they learned to knit in prison, they're not telling.

The Magic of Technology, Part II

Morgan: Me? Oh, no, I didn't put anything in the microwave.

Morgan [to self]: Oh, come on. They didn't ask if I put anyone in the microwave...

Voice [offstage]: Hey, has anybody seen Isis lately?

I Survived the Cyclone (Coney Island, Part III)

I love rollercoasters, and didn't ride the world-famous Cyclone the day we went to the Mermaid Parade. So yesterday we headed back out to Coney Island and I braved the Cyclone.

Mr. O'Kitten had ridden this monster of a ride once before, incurred some abrasions and proclaimed it "the scariest ride [he'd] ever been on," refusing to do it again. So I was on my own, while he documented the adventure on film.

We got there early and I was on the second train of the day. I actually got to sit in the second row! This didn't afford me the front row view of the wooden track, which apparently you can see straight through, but it was totally exhilarating and I was giggling and rubber-kneed and giddy for about a half hour after the ride.
In other words, it was fantastic.

Built in 1927, the Cyclone has this amazing wooden track which rocks and rattles and makes all these incredible creaky and totally terrifying noises. Fittingly, at the start of the ride, the operator pulls a huge, wooden, waist-high red lever that looks like it should open up some comic-book villain's trap-door--and off you go.

Despite (or perhaps because of) its age, the Cyclone is a whopping 2,640 ft (800 m) long, offering a nearly two-minute thrill ride. With a maximum height of 85 ft (26 m), it propels you up to 60 mph (97 km/h)!

Here it is in 1949. Now the Cyclone is a NYC Historic Landmark and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Some Cyclone stats:

Year operation began: 1927
Designed By: Vernan Keenan
Built by: Harry C. Baker
Initial Investment: $175,000
Type of Ride: Compact wood twister
2008 Price to Ride: $8 ($5 to ride again)

Ground dimensions: 75 feet by 500 feet (23 m x 152 m)
Height: 85 feet (26 m)
Length of first drop: 85 feet (26 m) at a 60 degree angle
Track length: 2,640 feet (800 m)
Maximum speed: 60 mph (97 km/h)

Number of 180 degree turns: 6
Number of drops: 12
Changes in direction: 16
Number of track crossovers: 18
Number of elevation changes: 27

Here's me. Okay, so you can't tell it's me, but it's me, in the front car at the top of the hill. Photo courtesey of Mr. O'Kitten.

Ride the Cyclone yourself in this YouTube video. Imagine you're me sitting behind the guy with the camera, with the folks behind you intoning "I don't wanna die...I don't wanna die..."





"Hold on to your car keys, hats and wigs..."


On the Boardwalk

After the Cyclone, we went to the beach. Mr. O'Kitten did a little swimming (his verdict: warm water good, no waves bad) and then we hit the boardwalk.

My fascination with signs is not limited to the subway, and the boardwalk is rife with great signage.

You may remember that I was very fond of the Astroland burger guy with his big retro rocket.

Yesterday he was serving up a seagull on top of his burger...

...and the clams at his bar were really yukking it up.

More clams were out on the town at the Gyro Corner...

...where I gather Joey is a regular.

I don't know what mozzarepa is, but this sign almost makes it sound good.


Around and About Coney

'Faber's Fascination' strikes me as a great name for something.



Yes, of course we had Nathan's again.



Coming soon...actual knitting content!

Coney Island, Part 2

Nathan's Famous Franks

We began our adventure at Coney Island here at Nathan's Famous Frankfurters.

It doesn't look all that different than it did in this 1953 postcard.



Who waits in line for 45 minutes for a hot dog? We did...

...and it was totally worth it.



Astroland

Coney Island still has its famous boardwalk and amusement park, Astroland.

I really like the Astroguy with his big rocket.

Of course The Cyclone, built in 1927, remains a major attraction. I love rollercoasters and haven't ridden it yet, but plan to before the summer is over.

This is The Wonder Wheel. I've never seen a ferris wheel like it--the cars roll back and forth from the center to the edge on curvy tracks. I love scary rides, but this looks terrifying.

Speaking of scary rides, here's Mr. O'Kitten in front of The Ghost Hole. I made him stand there because he hates haunted houses.

And the Beach

Obviously, the beach at Coney Island isn't as crowded as it used to be.

More NYC Goodness: There Be Mermaids (and Mermen)

Once upon a time, back in June on Coney Island, we were privy to the (in)famous Mermaid Parade down on Surf Avenue. This totally unique event "pays homage to Coney Island's forgotten Mardi Gras which lasted from 1903 to 1954" and is an eclectic melange of the beachy mermaid theme, its Mardi Gras origins, a seemingly unlimited amount of creativity, and a totally satisfying dose of kitsch.

There were merfolk galore, from merbabes to mermammas and merpappas to merpeople of wizened age. Many of them were quite glamorous.

Witness the original Nathan's Famous in the background. However, that was such a delectable treat and key part of our Coney Island adventure that I'm saving the photos of that for another post.

This pair looked lovely in vintage swimwear. Kudos to anyone who could walk the parade route in those heels.

These merpersons were all on rollerskates with serving trays of what I presume is surf'n'turf.

Here's the world-renowned Cyclone rollercoaster...

...and here's the Cyclone as an absolutely amazing hat.

There were a lot of merfolk in the parade, but there were also a lot of cars--classic cars, mer-themed cars, and just plain ol' wacky cars, like this one.

"Hellbound" particularly tickled my fancy. Check out the license plate!

Not that I'd ever expect mermaids to drive cars (how would they work the pedals with their tails?), but perhaps that explains why this mergirl is riding on top of one.

Stay tuned--there's more Coney Island to come!

The Magic of Technology

Ads, Signs, and Maps

Clark Bar: The center of attraction in candy bars
I like history, I'm fascinated by graphic design, and I love to travel, so maybe it's only natural that I would be completely captivated by signs and maps. Hence, one of the highlights of our recent trip to the New York Transit Museum was the use of vintage ads and maps in the subway cars and the collection of train signage on display.

"How do you get your clothes so white?"
"Why that's easy, I use Rinso--"
Rinso saves work--saves time

The Subway Sun says "Wage War on Germs:
Cover your coughs and sneezes please!!
Keep away from children when you have a cold."

Subway signs...

...old and new.
59th Street/Columbus Circle was my stop for a while when I worked as an internet copywriter.

The Evolution of a Map

I won't start at the beginning--that would be 1904, with the IRT line--but with the 1939 World's Fair. If this sort of thing interests you, you can click on the maps to make them bigger. Lots more info (and even more maps) can be found at nycsubway.org. If this sort of thing is not your cup of tea, tune in another time for more cats and knitting and stuff because the following will probably make you weep with boredom.



In 1939, New York had three different transit systems--the IRT, the IND, and the BMT. Each line had its own trains and its own maps. These three lines were unified into one city-owned transit system in 1940. This map shows the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit) line in 1939 (pre-unification).

This map shows the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit) line, also in 1939. I like the orientation of the map, with North to the right. In other words, Manhattan is at the top, and appears horizontally--you can make out Central Park at the top center.

A 1948 map shows all three lines now on a single map. Unfortunately, the unification of the subway lines led to the demise of the elevated trains, which the city couldn't afford to keep running along with the subways.

A modern, if rather colorless, update from 1959.

Remember the Bluebird (later to become the Redbird Reef) traincars? Here they are, on the cover of the map for the 1964 World's Fair.

The 1964 map. The dark blue line marks the route to the Fair.

So cool, so mod in 1972. But we all recognize the signature circles with the letter or number inside to designate each line, which still look crisp and modern today--36 years later.

Massimo Vignelli's sleek, modern 1972 map speaks to its times. Because people had expected a map rather than a schematic graphic, many were left feeling cold by this design and the map was completely recreated in 1979. It hasn't changed much since. However, Vignelli's map was such a classic that Men's Vogue chose to reissue an updated version in May 2008 to benefit Green Worker Cooperatives, and the limited edition prints sold out in no time at all.

Detail of the Vignelli map. That grey bit is Central Park.

This is more like the version most of us are familiar with.

Scratchy Stuff

My full post on this topic is actually here--don't ask me how it wound up there, but it posted on the date I began writing it, rather than today's date. For comparison, below is the cardboard scratcher our cats like--the one with the "two for $10, plus free catnip" price tag. Regardless of the name, I'm not actually sure what it's a 'refill' for. I just throw these scratchers on the floor and the girls scratch, loll, and snooze on them all the same.


I just found this one, and it's not too shabby for $22. Notably, it looks exactly like a much-loved chunk of cardboard I scavenged for the girls from the box an air conditioner came in. I have to say they used it almost daily and it lasted for three years or more, so if this has a similar lifespan, you could do far worse.

More of my reflections on cardboard scratchers (with DIY links) here.

Check out 24Paws on etsy for hand-crafted cardboard scratchers ($15 includes free nip) or SmittytheKitty for lovely cedar-based scratchers if you don't want to make one yourself--Smitty's are spiffy and totally affordable. Finally, really beautiful and unique cat trees (if you wanna go for something like the real thing) can be found at CatsPlay.

And scratch happy!

Underground Again

My favorite museum gift shop is the New York Transit Museum Gift Shop. They have some of the coolest things, like subway map shower curtains.


I'd never been to the museum itself until last week, when I finally ventured there with Mr. O'Kitten, his brother and his brother's wife, i.e., the O'Kitten bro- and sis-in-law. Located in an actual 1936 subway station, the Transit Museum is pretty big, with both changing exhibits and permanent displays, including at least one of every subway car ever in use. And at just $5 admission ($3 if you're under 17 or over 62), it seems to me every bit the bargain.

The NYC subway system is over 100 years old. Early cars looked like this.

Imagine my delight when this lovely girl (at center) joined our tour. Her collar informed us that her name is Sadie, and she lives at the Transit Museum. Lucky girl!

I wonder if Sadie got her name from this 1926 film.

SIL shows us how straphangers got their name.
By the way, in the recent Straphangers State of the Subway report card, our line (the L) got top marks. Yay! But the cars look a little different now.

This is the sporty new L traincar. Pretty fancy.

They must've thought that aqua was the color of modernity (much the way the shiny black and silver scheme are supposed to signify newness above)...

...and believed that portholes were very space-age and cutting edge.

This bright blue color scheme was supposed to make the cars more spiffy for the 1964 World's Fair.

These cars were called Bluebirds. I do like the racing stripes.




When the Bluebirds were later painted red, they came to be called Redbirds.

Now the Redbirds are famous for forming a reef at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of New Jersey. I'm a little wistful, because I used to take the 7 train frequently when I commuted in and out of Manhattan, and it was mostly Redbirds. Hopefully they're making a lot of fish happy now.

I was very excited to see an actual Money Train car, since the Money Train has the aura of an urban legend around here.

Turns out the Money Train--an armored, guarded train that ran unsheduled pick-ups of money and tokens from subway stations and took them to an underground vault and counting location--really did exist. It looked like a subway work train (with the addition of bars, shuttered windows, and armed guards) and ran from sometime in the 80s until January 2006.

Next time: Some subway signage and old maps--my favorite!

Things to Eat in NYC

Occassionally people come to visit New York--I know it's surprising, but they do. And occassionally they ask for suggestions regarding places to go and things to do. My suggestions are highly biased and lean toward the eclectic and the affordable (if not downright cheap). But here I begin a series of just such suggestions, beginning with "Things to Eat in NYC."

One of my own personal faves is Virgil's BBQ in Midtown--an area I used to work in but which I now generally try to avoid. However, if you're visiting the city you will inevitably end up in the Midtown/Times Square/Theater District area, and you could do far worse in this overpriced part of town. Virgil's is admittedly a bit cheesy and not exactly cheap, but is reasonably priced for the neighborhood and still fun.


Some good friends took me and Mr. O'Kitten there to celebrate when we got married. I grew up in Georgia, and I have to say they have pretty darn good bbq, considering it's nowhere near the Mason-Dixon line. I'm especially fond of the pulled pork and the collard greens. And the sweet tea is to die for.

Wondering what collard greens are? And I don't even really like greens much. But it's good to eat anything that comes in a quantity known as a mess, as in "mess o'greens."

Greens, growing

A cowgirl (presumably), serving
Another place I enjoy -- mainly just because I love the totally corny decor and even cornier gift shop -- is the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. The food is pretty decent, too, especially the mac'n'cheese and the onion blossom. You gotta love a place with a good onion blossom.

Onion, blossoming
Mr. O'Kitten and I went there on one of our first dates. We were both cross-dressed, and no one at Cowgirl batted an eye, which is probably par for the course in just such a West Village establishment. It was a lot of fun, and I've been to a party there in one of their party rooms as well which was also a hoot.

Cowgirl tees bespeak the spirit of Cowgirl

Nha Trang
For positively delicious and affordable Vietnamese food, I can't recommend Nha Trang enough. It's located far downtown at 87 Baxter Street, but easily accessible by subway. Not big on ambiance (as you can see above), but I get colossal cravings for their summer rolls and the syrupy iced coffee they serve. Mmmm...

Drool-inducing summer rolls. Just look at those awesome shrimp in there! (Wikimedia photo)

Manatus, diner extraordinaire
My favorite NYC diner is Manatus in the West Village. I always have Eggs Benedict. Probably not the best dish this lovely Greek place has to offer, but it's kind of become a tradition with me. They have a huge menu, are open all hours, make beautiful food, and generally you can get a table if you have just a little patience--which says a lot considering its prime West Village location.

More good diner fare

Corner Bistro
The best burgers to be found in NY are at the Corner Bistro. It's cheap and requires patience, since it can be pretty tricky to get a table. It's no frills and cash only, with ancient wooden booths full of crazy carved grafitti -- a total West Village landmark/NY experience. But there's absolutely nothing like a Corner Bistro burger, and the micro-fries are pretty awesome as well.

John's Pizzeria
Last but not least, my favorite pizza, hands-down, is John's Pizzeria on Bleecker Street. Just look at the thin, crispy, brick-oven baked crust, the home-made tomato sauce and the freshly-made mozzarella cheese in the following photo. Pretty much says it all, no?

When the moon hits your eye...

Googly-Eyed Monster Hat

A finished object--Hello Yarn Top Down Bonnet With Anime Character.
I loves me a free pattern.

I like the shaping the back of the hat has.

The yarn I used was left over from three pairs of socks. The blue and yellow is a scrumptuous Superwash Merino/Tencel Handpainted Sock Yarn from Yarn Lust. The ears are KPPPM and the ribbing is some sort of black-and-white tweedy cotton. Yarn Lust's is one of the nicest yarns I've worked with to date; she has added beautiful hand-dyed rovings and blogs here.

I needle-felted the eyes and then used embroidery thread for the mouth and teeth.
Grrrrr!

Happy as a Sheep Under an Apple Tree

Here's the apple tree where Tyr has been entertaining his ladies.

And here's the man himself -- that's Tyr on the right -- surrounded by friends. He sure looks happy to me.