One World Trade Center - Rising Up Again And Looking Great!

Hi everyone. Once again, last night I took my camera in hand and decided to take more photos. I went downtown to Lower Manhattan where the new One World Trade Center (and all the other associated buildings) are being built/rebuilt. It was a warm, hot, sticky, humid, summer night here in NYC. I love it! That's the way summer is supposed to be. I love living here (born and raised in the NYC area) and couldn't think of living anywhere else. 

Anyway, here are some of better pictures I shot of the new One World Trade Center as it is rising up out of the ground and into the magnificent skyline of Lower Manhattan. It's still got a long way to go! 

Some of you have told me that you like seeing my photographs and want to see more. Since I love taking pictures, there will always be plenty to see. Hope you like these.

A Great Time At New York City's Gay Pride Parade

For most of you who were probably unable to see the NYC Pride Parade on Sunday, I have brought the festivities, with all its celebration, color and "pride" to you.  It was a lot of fun! 

As always, I've taken plenty of pictures - the best of which I am adding into my blog post.  I hope they help to give you a sense of the good time had by ALL!

See more of my photo's from Sunday's NYC Gay pride Parade after the JUMP below.

I Love New York!

I am proud to live in New York. Congratulations to Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has fought for and been a staunch supporter of gay marriage long before he was elected Governor. Congratulations to all supporters and to everyone who has hoped and prayed for the acceptance and legalization of Gay Marriage in New York. For all those who were against it - get used to it! Who's next... New Jersey?

New York State becomes the 6th state to legalize same sex marriage, as Governor Andrew Cuomo signs the bill into law. He signed the bill shortly after it passed in the senate late Friday night.

Rejection Sucks But It's A Fact Of (Gay) Life.

We have all experienced it at one time or another. We all dislike it. We all try to avoid it. But we all can't stop ourselves from placing ourselves in situations where we may experience it. What is IT? It is rejection. We all have stories (some more than others) about rejection. Here is a rejection blow-by-bl0w (excuse the pun) where I watched it go down (again, excuse the pun) on the streets of NYC. Oh, sure it happens hundreds of times a minute in this city but I got a front row seat to this one, as if I was sitting at the Chelsea Cinema. It occurred the other night as I was walking up 8th Ave here in NYC and I got to the busy 23rd St. intersection. While I was waiting for the light to change so I could cross the street, I noticed a guy riding his bicycle in a circular pattern around that intersection. As he came around again (for the 4th time) I saw and heard that he was on his cell phone. I heard him say (because he was talking in super-loud-mode), "I am at 23rd St., where are you?" Then I heard him say, "You are here too? Okay I see you." The man on the bike was, I guess you would say, hot by NYC Chelsea standards. He was tall, dark and lean and had is ball-cap turned backwards. He looked built, lean and athletic to an extent, yet not overly built. He had that dark, exotic look - perhaps he was Italian, Latin, Middle Eastern or something like that. I'd say he was good looking. I quickly turned my head and saw another man standing at the diagonal corner while talking on his cell phone. In my mind I thought... this is an online hookup happening. I stopped in my tracks and wanted to watch the outcome but I already knew that the bicycle man was not going to like his potential NSA partner. The potential hookup partner standing on the street was very short, balding with glasses and as sorry as I am to say this, quite unremarkable. He reminded me of that ex Olympic figure skater, the one who is bald who unfortunately got cancer - I think testicular cancer. Anyway, I knew the bald, short guy (for lack of a better descriptive term) was going to be rejected by hot, ball-cap, bicycle man. I watched as bicycle man pedaled oh-so-athletically, winding and curving and handling the bike like he was born on it, and stopped at the corner where bald, short guy was waiting. I could see them chatting and was imagining the bicycle man saying, "sorry dude, this isn't working for me." Maybe I was wrong and maybe this hookup was going to happen. Nope, after 30 seconds, I saw bicycle man pull away and ride his bike down 23rd St. with the speed of a man who was motivated to get the hell away. All I could think about was what bald, short man might have been feeling and thinking. His heart must have sunk and his esteem must have hit a low. Although visually he appeared to be just a man walking down the street, but I know in his heart and brain he was semi-crushed and he felt bad, maybe awful. Was he telling himself that he was ugly or short or not good enough? Whatever he was feeling, I'm sure it was a feeling that would either dissipate or disappear and he would be back in the hookup searching saddle again very, very soon. 

We've all done this hookup thing. Some of us more than others. Some of us are good at it and get great results and some don't. It's a fact of gay life, especially if you are single and horny, But still, it made me sad. Not sure why but it made me sad!

Friday Night At The West Side Club

Last night, I hung out with my friends Marco #1 and Marco #2. Marco #2 was drunk (like always) when I met up with him at the bar at only 8:45pm. He told Marco #1 and me that he wanted to go and get an HIV test, not because he felt he had any concerns about anything, but just because he had been pretty active (yet safe) within the last few months. So for the first time ever for me, we walked a few blocks over to the West Side Club where they also do free HIV testing. We sat in the dimly lit waiting area as guys were coming and going, mostly into the Club which is a well known (sleaze hangout) sauna and spa on Manhattans west side. After waiting twenty minutes, Marco #2 (the drunk guy that we went for the testing for) got pissed and rattled and tired of waiting so we left. Decided to go towards NYU (New York University) and Washington Square Park, for dinner. Marco #2 was too wired up and I guess drunk; he didn't want to go so he veered off and I went alone with Marco #1. The place looked cool, typical brick walled, wooden floored, early century metal ceiling kind of place. At first, it stunk like garbage inside. I mean really stunk like fucking leach water from a city garbage truck. We thought about leaving. But, the super friendly, German/Polish waitress amused us and we stayed. Marco #1 wanted me to stay over with him last night at his apt. I declined. I was tired and wanted to get a good night sleep in my own bed. There is something nice about waking up in your own bed after a good night sleep (unless you are in love with someone or perhaps its just me and there is something wrong with me.)  I took a few pictures (like always). I hope you like when I post them here even though I don't do if often. I'd like to post more - if you want to see them. Anyway, after dinner we sat in a crowed Washington Square Park until 12:30am. It was pretty crowded with your typical late night types. Marco #1 and I actually spoke for about 10 minutes on Jess. He hates what he hears Jess has done to me (and I don't ever say anything bad about Jess to him or anyone.) I guess he hates that I am still so affected by Jess's actions. I'll always love Jess but I think I am getting a little better each week, although sometimes I think that I'm status quo with no great leaps. I will never get to the point of forgetting him and not caring about him and I will never get to the point of not getting a lump in my throat when I think or talk about him. But. my new friends, my new attitude that I am pretty fucking special and my decision to stay clear or distant from Mary has helped.

Okay so here is the pic I took recently in the subway. Believe me the subways are packed with sometimes hundreds of people. This picture was taken late at night (or early in the morning depending on your perspective) and I had to wait and actually walk to a quiet section of the platform where no one was standing.

I think tonight I'm going to my favorite sleaze bar. I really like it there... no pretense, no bullshit, just, well, guys being honest and yes, beefy 99% nude dancers with skimpy fishnet jock straps. Need I say more?

More conversation to come.

Some Of My Photos Taken In Central Park, NYC Late At Night

Keeping Busy Is A Good Thing

Friday night with Marco #1 was fun. We met up at 7:00pm and went to the gym for a workout. I actually took him to my gym since we were on 6th Ave and a branch of my gym was nearby. The workout was fair - actually it sucked but only because Marco #1 wasn't into it. In the gym he's a big pussy, but it was fine. I had worked out in the morning anyway so it was kind of like my second work out of the day. Next we got a bite to eat at this cheap but cool chicken joint on the upper west side. Then, back to his apt. to get his bikes (we played a little - and that was fun :-) and then off to Central Park for some night photos. Marco #1 has an awesome camera so this was going to be interesting and fun. It was the most magnificent night out. The weather was clear and warm and slightly muggy with a great breeze. Riding through the park at that hour (11:00pm) was magical. I was really enjoying myself. Lately, after always being so down and sad, this was a great reprieve. Long story short, we took awesome photos (some of which I will attach to a separate post for you all to see). It's funny, one of my blog readers/followers on here recently wrote me and told me that I shouldn't bother adding pics of hot guys (I never do that anyway - oh maybe once or twice I did but only to make a point about something) because everyone else does that. He told me to consider adding my photography instead, which I agree with and will do. I will post a bunch of pictures that we took in Central Park here for you to see. Well, back to Marco #1 and Central Park. (Read all about it and more, after the JUMP)

Sunday Morning, It's Raining Out But I'm Trying To Look On The Bright Side

Did I mention in my last post that I have stopped speaking to Mary. The evening of Jess's birthday party, last Tuesday, was just too rough for me. Remember, I told you Mary texted me from the party telling me that the food and champagne that I ordered had not been served! She literally freaked me out and I had to call the restaurant and ask "What is going on?" Once they assured me that everything was fine, food and drink were served and that Jess was told of my anonymous birthday gift, I began to settle down and realize that knowing Mary was just too hard some times. She came home that night, almost in tears because Jess didn't speak much to her and she felt like everyone ignored her. She called herself the "short, fat, girl that no one likes." I love Mary but when I'm with her, it seems like we both commiserate about Jess and my issues with him translate into her being the friend that cares strictly because she needs to talk about him for her own reasons. She loves him and although she won't admit it, it makes me crazy and more sad to hear that she competes with me for Jess. I hate that and since Tuesday, I no longer can deal with it. I know I am not being that clear about this right now - I just actually woke up (Sunday morning) after a late night out. I will be back later to tell you all about that! No, I didn't get laid, coulda... but didn't want to but, nonetheless, I had a really nice night - I did something I never have done, believe it or not. I spent the night in gay bars. The first being a classy sports bar which I have been to a bunch of times before and the second, probably the biggest, sleaziest, dirtiest, tackiest dump in NYC! I had a great time and even made some new friends, I think. I really needed to do that!. I'll fill you in more about Mary and how I need to stay away for now and of course, I'll tell you more about Jess. Time for coffee!

9-11 Memorial

9-11 

NEVER FORGET!

Some Of My New Photo's. NYC On A Beautiful Sunday. What Do You Think?

I have been occupying a lot of my free time with taking photographs. I love it. Recently, as I have written here in my blog, I started to use my digital camera instead of my iPhone. Using the iPhone to take serious pictures just doesn't cut it. When I take the pictures, it helps keep my mind occupied and keeps me focused on something other then missing Jess. That, aside from the simple fact that I love the creative aspect, is a good thing. I totally consider myself a new photography enthusiast and a beginner. What do you think of the photo's?

This big guy was walking up 5th Ave. I had to take a picture of him.  I wish I had my camera ready as he was walking toward me so that I could have gotten a front view as well.  All you "bear lovers", enjoy!

I wanted to take these flower pictures to see how clear and brilliant the 

colors and flowers would come out. I think they came out really nice.

The following 4 pictures were taken on Sunday at Chelsea Pier on the lower west side of Manhattan. It was an absolutely beautiful day.

The following 4 pictures were take on Sunday in Central Park.

This guy was just standing on the corner on 5th Ave. He was really bizarre because he moved and opened his mouth and did strange things. I don't even think he was wearing a mask; I think he only has on face makeup.

Some New Photographs I Took Using My Digital Camera! No More iPhone Pictures!

I decided to stop using my iPhone to take pictures and start using my Canon Digital camera. I think they look a lot clearer and just a lot better. NYC was beautiful yesterday; blue sky, cool, breezy! A perfect day to try out my camera.

Below are some pictures, albeit basic NYC pictures.  I thought I should start out with the classic, typical fare while learning how to use the camera. What do you think of them? I think they rock!

Union Square Market

 Union Square Market

 U S Open large screen set up in Madison Square Park

 Cool trees in Bryant Park

 Fountain in Bryant Park

 Bryant Park

 New building #1 Bryant Park - View from the Park

 Forgot the name of this one

 Cooper Union

 Chrysler Building

 Just a random townhouse

 Empire State Building on a beautiful day

 Empire State Building

 Empire State Building

 Flatiron Building

Met Life Building