Hey, welcome back to Where & When; where you are not alone in your struggle to find the truth when you have the proof… yeah, I know, but it’s late so…

Work is getting tougher by the day, not to mention colder, so I warn you now of inconsistencies in publishing the game, but if you are really interested in hosting an episode, drop me a line along with a challenge you would like to present and we’ll hook you up with a guest spot.  These are a lot of fun and the conversation is pretty clever among our regulars, plus there’s (fictional) root beer and cream sodas, which is a plus for any endorphins!

Welp, here is the newest challenge, and I think you’ll like the drama involved in this one:

I really wish I could present a larger picture that also contained a full snap of this building.  There’s quite a bit of significance attached to it, starting with the fact that the Yankees were involved at some point.  How’s that, you ask?  You’ll have to tell me and the rest of the readers, and while you’re at it, tell us the name of the building, the address and when it was built.  Bonus if you happen to know some other significant events or nouns involved with this building.  There’s a lot to tell, so I hope you have enough time to find out and spill.  A snifter of Zuberfizz for the first with the correct answers, and a tankard of Baumeister fr the subsequent entries.  Post your answers in the comments and I will be checking in throughout the day.  Have at it! And no peeking at the photo credit; it’s okay if you come across it during your independent research, but don’t click on the link below.  >;)

[Photo Credit: Ephemeral New York]

Hey, there’s a new mayor. If you’ve read too much about it you might feel like our man Buster here.

Jim Windolf asks: Can you ride a bike in the city without being an asshole?

The answer is “No.”

[Photo Credit: Andrew Savulich/N.Y. Daily News]

Welcome back to another challenge with Where & When, where you follow sketchy trails to get finer details when you have the time to do so.  I have to admit, the last game was pretty interesting and generated a bit of feedback, so I’m inclined to keep that same format for the time being and hope that it will attract new players and get more people talking.  We’ve got a long, long winter ahead of us, so why not at least make it interesting?  Natch.

Oh, and speaking of sketchy, here’s an interesting sketch:

As I’ve mentioned before, this could be pictures of any type; this is probably the first time that I’ve had a drawing to use for a challenge, but the good news is the structure is still standing and in fact was landmarked within the last decade.  It is within city limits, so you don’t have to scramble too far for clues.  One last clue: there’s been a sort-of battle of wits with the community and a well-known business intent on setting up shop in the area that would likely prefer not having to deal with this structure, but is obligated to restore it under their present agreement with the owner.  They’ve done some work on it already, which is not half-bad, considering.

So as with last time, I am allowing answers to be posted in the comments so that we can generate a hearty conversation about the general area.  What I’m looking for is the name of this building (original or according to the landmark commission, which are fairly the same) and the date it was built, which I’m sure you will find if you know what the name of the building is.  An Appalachian for the first person with both answers and a Goose Island for the followers. Enjoy the game, I’ll try to hit everyone up this afternoon.  Oh, and by the way…

I’m introducing a new feature to the game that’s not necessarily part of the game, but an additional topic of discussion.  I hinted at it from the last game, but I’ve realized that time constraints have forced me to table this feature until later. However, that does not mean that you can contribute or anticipate it’s coming (the nature of my field predicts that I’ll have time in the winter season to fully introduce this part), but as a teaser, I will give you a sampling of what is in store. Again in the last game, the town that was spotlighted was Sleepy Hollow, NY, a place I am intimately familiar with.  I intend to feature places up and down the Hudson Valley (on both sides of the river, of course) to relate some interesting tidbits, history and points of interest.  Sleepy Hollow, in fact, has quite a lot of each; so much so that it would be impossible to do a quick post in just one game.  But I could highlight a particular feature and come back at another time…

The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow includes references to quite a few real places and people from Washington Irving’s time; the church, the bridge, Van Tassel and so on.  The route that Ichabod Crane traveled on during his ride with the Great Pumpkin, er, the Headless Horseman, is highlighted as a walking tour through the Tarrytowns (Tarrytown and North Tarrytown as it were) along present-day Broadway, which also includes a few other historic markers and locations related to the American Revolution and Hollywood royalty.  Then there’s also the waterfront, which also features interesting stories of it’s own.  I’ll get to all of these stories over time, but if you have any particular stories relating to those points of interest, feel free to share them below.  There will be more of these types of stories in the future. Talk with you all soon!

[Photo Credit: Pardon Me For Asking]

I’ve seen these posters all over town. I’ve heard announcements while I’m riding the train. I sure do hope they find this boy, alive and in as good shape as possible.

There are a few compelling stories in the New Yorker’s food issue this week. Only one of them, this short essay by Zadie Smith, is available online for free:

The first time I ordered takeout in New York, two things confounded me: the terrific speed with which the food arrived, and the fact that, after I’d paid for it, the man from the Chinese restaurant and I stood on either side of the threshold staring at each other, though only one of us understood why. After a minute of this, I closed the door. An American friend sat on the sofa, openmouthed:

“Wait—did you just close the door?”

In London, you don’t tip for delivery. A man on a motorbike arrives and hands over an oil-soaked bag, or a box. You give him the exact amount of money it costs or wait and look at your shoes while he hunts for change. Then you close the door. Sometimes all this is achieved without even the removal of his motorcycle helmet. The dream (an especially British dream) is that the whole awkward exchange pass wordlessly.

In the realm of urban life, the efficiency of delivery services often shapes our daily routines and interactions. Just as Zadie Smith’s experience illuminates the cultural nuances of takeout etiquette, the dynamics of courier services similarly reflect regional customs and expectations. Whether it’s the swift arrival of a package or the exchange of goods at the doorstep, these encounters embody a delicate balance of convenience and social norms.

Yet, in bustling cities like Los Angeles, where time is of the essence, the role of courier services takes on added significance. Residents rely on the seamless operations of los angeles courier service providers to navigate the fast-paced rhythms of city life, ensuring that parcels and documents reach their destinations promptly and efficiently. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of urban landscapes, there’s an underlying narrative of human connection woven into every delivery transaction. Beyond the mere exchange of goods, these moments at the doorstep symbolize fleeting encounters that bridge the gap between strangers, however briefly.

In a world increasingly defined by digital transactions and remote interactions, the face-to-face exchange facilitated by courier services offers a reminder of our shared humanity. Whether it’s a nod of acknowledgment or a friendly greeting, these small gestures serve to enrich the fabric of community amidst the whirlwind of modern life.

[Photo Via: Todd Heisler/The New York Times;  My Upper West]

Boo.

[Photo Via: One Picture a Day]

Occasionally I see a big kid on the subway platform in the morning. He has a full head of dark hair and he gets on the subway at the same door as me. One morning I established position as the train arrived. When it stopped and the doors opened, the kid slid past me and got in first. He tapped on the side of the train twice before he got on.

No manners. So I began to play a little game every time I saw him, getting position like I was boxing someone out on the basketball court. But still he moved past me, knocked on the side of the train and got on.

Finally I realized that I was being ridiculous. The kid could be autistic and here I was getting offended. Or maybe he didn’t have autism. Anyhow, what’s it my business?

Yesterday, I saw him again. Made eye contact. He looked away. When the train came I stayed back, watched him knock twice on the side of car then get on. I was happy to let him go first.

[Image By Nacho Ormaechea via Ghost in the Machine]

Via Kottke comes Rebecca Flint Marx’s sweet post about the joys of  being a regular. The place: Russ & Daughters.

This is what I saw on my way to the subway this morning. Still dark out. Days getting shorter, light more precious.

Oy.

Hello again, welcome back to Where & When; trying to keep your minds sharp and, well, distracted from the obvious.  It’s getting a bit chilly outside, so we’ll try to keep the gears burning and get you thinking hard about this newest challenge:

This one looks like it could be easy or tough.  The important thing is to search the whole picture for clues, which will make it really easy once you find one.  In fact, I hope I haven’t made it too easy.  Your job today is to find out where this was taken and give us a good idea when.  It doesn’t actually have to be exact, but if any clues give you an indication, you’ll get credit for being closest to it.  Bonus if you have an idea what this area looks like today. Send your answers to cixposse at gmail dot com; post on the thread to let me know you sent an answer and I’ll verify.

Do not click on the photo credit for your answer, but you are allowed to use the internet for research; if you find the same exact picture, detail your activities that brought you to it (show your math!) Guesses are okay, but more credit will be given to those who can show a path of progression to their answers.

A Big Ol’ Bundaberg for the first person with the right answers, and an Old Fashioned Killebrew for the rest.  I’ll be busy today, but I’ll check in whenever I can and post an answer at or after 4pm today (don’t be discouraged if you find you’ve run out of time; I tend to come in pretty late.)  Have fun!

[Photo Credit: Queens Gazette; courtesy of Newtown Historical Society & Q Gardens Gallery]

Welcome back for another round of Where & When, the geography detective game that’s keeping your brain warm for the impending Hot Stove season. Or at least that’s the intention; the more you play this, the more exercise your mind gets and hey, the smarter you become! Plus, you get to brag to your buddies that you know something about the city that they probably don’t; if nothing else, it cuts down your chances of getting mugged >;)

Speaking of challenges, here is the latest:

This place was within the five boroughs until recently. It had been around for quite a long time, and unfortunately it was in this condition for a considerably long time as well.  If you know what the name of this building is and where it’s located, then tell us also when it was built, when it first opened for business and when it was closed for good. Bonus if you find a picture of when it was pristine and intact.

Send your best guesses to cixposse at gmail dot com.  Alert me on the thread that you’ve sent in your guess and I will verify; as per rules of the game, do not click on the photo credit to find the answer. You’re welcome to discuss any aspects of the challenge, including your tracking methods or knowledge of the general area, without giving away the answer (so be discreet if you can).  Above competition, this is also a general place to discuss what you know or learned, so feel free to discuss either.  I’ll try to get back with the answer in the evening around six EST.

A Sea Dog for you if you can find all the answers requested first, and a Jones for those who follow.  Don’t burst a vessel over this, since I’m asking for a lot of specific info it might take some time to track it all down.  Take your time and have fun!

[Photo Credit: Nathan Kensinger ]

Couple of posts on Plato’s Retreat: One from the Afflictor; another from Ephemeral New York.

I remember liking this guy when I was in college. Over-the-top but seemed Boss when I was 21. Saw this show a couple of times with my pals when it was down on 2nd Avenue.

Welcome back! Some of you may be enjoying a day off, so maybe you have a little time to play today’s game. For the initiate or curious, this is a detective game with the objective of determining where the picture was taken and when it was taken; sometimes with added bonuses if you know some history about the area where it was taken.  Most of the pictures are historic, some are closer to contemporary.

Take this picture for example:

Some commuters have seen this structure and wondered what it was, some may have thought it was nothing of import.  But in reality, this building and a few similar to it are actually very important.  Do you know why?  Perhaps finding the answer to Where will explain.  If you know that answer, then you’ll probably know When another important structure that it compliments was built as well.  Bonus if you know the street associated with this picture.

As usual, do not click on the photo credit, but if you happen to come across it in your sleuthing then it’s open game.  Send your answers to cixposse at gmail dot com; feel free to discuss without revealing the answer.

A frosty mug from The Pop Shoppe if you come up with the answer first.  A can of Virgil’s for our honorary mentions who follow.  Have a good one, I’ll see you later this evening! [Photo credit: Hobo Matt]

The book is out.

Welcome back to Where & When, the game in which you try to figure out where and when the heck this picture was taken.  It is getting a little harder to find challenges that aren’t obvious or harder to look for on the net, but I try. I’m also open to suggestions, so if you have a challenge of your own you would like your fellow Banterers to play, send me a high res pic with notes and I’ll try to slide it into the queue.

Meanwhile, here is today’s challenge:

I’m not sure if this is a photo or a realistic painting.  I did have to erase some info from the pic, so if the clouds look a little funny, it’s my fault.  What I’m looking for here is when this bridge was built and one of two names it went by.

Hint: This bridge was replaced by another bridge.  Bonus if you know the name of the new bridge and when it replaced this one.

Send your answers to cixposse at gmail dot com and feel free to discuss your thoughts on the thread (no spoilers!).  If you come across the actual site, don’t post it, but you can use it with your answer as long as you give a thorough response.

A Route 66 for the first person with the right answers, and cream sodas for the rest.  Enjoy, I’ll try to get back to you in the evening!

[Photo Credit: Atlas Obscura]

David Bryne writes about New York City:

I moved to New York in the mid 1970s because it was a center of cultural ferment – especially in the visual arts (my dream trajectory, until I made a detour), though there was a musical draw, too, even before the downtown scene exploded. New York was legendary. It was where things happened, on the east coast, anyway. One knew in advance that life in New York would not be easy, but there were cheap rents in cold-water lofts without heat, and the excitement of being here made up for those hardships. I didn’t move to New York to make a fortune. Survival, at that time, and at my age then, was enough. Hardship was the price one paid for being in the thick of it.

As one gets a little older, those hardships aren’t so romantic – they’re just hard. The trade-off begins to look like a real pain in the ass if one has been here for years and years and is barely eking out a living. The idea of making an ongoing creative life – whether as a writer, an artist, a filmmaker or a musician – is difficult unless one gets a foothold on the ladder, as I was lucky enough to do. I say “lucky” because I have no illusions that talent is enough; there are plenty of talented folks out there who never get the break they deserve.

Some folks believe that hardship breeds artistic creativity. I don’t buy it. One can put up with poverty for a while when one is young, but it will inevitably wear a person down. I don’t romanticize the bad old days. I find the drop in crime over the last couple of decades refreshing. Manhattan and Brooklyn, those vibrant playgrounds, are way less scary than they were when I moved here. I have no illusions that there was a connection between that city on its knees and a flourishing of creativity; I don’t believe that crime, danger and poverty make for good art. That’s bullshit. But I also don’t believe that the drop in crime means the city has to be more exclusively for those who have money. Increases in the quality of life should be for all, not just a few.

[Picture by Bags]

Before I climbed the steps to the subway this morning I saw a cluster of small birds bathing in a puddle by the curb. I stopped and looked at them. My first instinct was to grab my phone, take a picture, put it on Instagram, email it to myself to use on the blog, to share the moment. But I didn’t reach for the phone. I just stood and watched, the birds flapping their wings and then one by one taking off. More taking their place.  I took it in for myself and that was enough.

Now I’m telling you about it because it was a pleasant way to start the day. But I was also relieved not to photograph it, send it, share it, faster, faster.

[Photo Credit: Todd Gipstein]

Welcome back! While you’re checking out the post season action, you can still enjoy a challenge or two of your own with the latest round of Where & When. As you know, the object is to determine where and when the picture was taken, drawn, etc. Without further ado, I give you this:

Sometimes they’re hard, sometimes they’re easy. But at least they are engaging. This one should be an easy one for the internet savvy or hardcore New Yawka from back in the day. I know that one of these features was very familiar to me growing up in the Hudson Valley, which is certainly not where this is.

Have a go at it; but since this is relatively easy, let’s try something a little different: Post your answer on the thread and any finite info you might have about this location relative to the date the picture was taken versus another period of time when the scene was or is significantly different in some way. Or, you can talk about an interesting personal experience you had there. The most interesting answer (by acclamation) will get the root beer this time, with all others with a correct answer and interesting stories or info getting cream sodas. Let’s see how this works out, and above all have fun. See you in the afternoon!