I work with many and have driven countless people who have extremely different thoughts on the world recently, and it seems as though these thoughts are changing by the day...
What are yours ?
YouTube-Nedalution!!!-SundayBloodySunday
I don't know what "change" is happening except the little left in my pocket, but I do feel as if we are at a pivotal moment in our world where a simple "Yes you can" will not do. Too many lives lost on our soil and abroad. I want impact.
Iraq..Iran..Afghanistan..Pakistan..
North Korea..China..South Korea..
England..Ireland...etc...
All those countries exist within all 5 boroughs of NYC. All of them ride in my taxi.
Staten Island..Brooklyn...Queens..The Bronx...and Manhattan.
We've got Iranians passing off cabs to Iraqis splitting shifts.
We've got the Van Cortlandt St Irish standing
right next to Englishmen talking baseball.
Nobody... wasting nobody....now that is a miracle.
Can you dig it ?
I am no President..I am no Dictator..
I am no Cyrus from the New York Gang movie the Warriors whom I paraphrased..
I am only a taxi driver looking for the answers
to why a teenager is killed by a sniper...
Why American teenagers are coming home to a life of prosthetic fittings?
EVERYDAY.
Why all these bailouts have not helped the ones who need it the most ?..
EVERYMOTHERFUCKINGDAY.
Why good people are being shit on everyday ? ..And more important..
When will it stop?
Can you dig it ? CAN YOU DIG IT !??!
I know I don't fucking dig it.
King out ...Peace.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Forty Pictures, Forty thoughts, and a Happy Memorial Day to All..from The King Of New York Hacks.
Ahhhhhh, the things I see during the course of the King's day.....Only in New York.
Well, as we reach this Memorial Day weekend and gas prices go up and unemployment is rising, although with all those bailouts you'd think someone would get hired but unfortunately no one is and my taxi career is always a witness to history. History repeats itself as it is now with all the Madoffs, Bear Stearn's, and Lehman Brothers of yesterday, so too were the First Boston, Robertson Stephens, Alex Brown, Artur Anderson's and Henry Blodgetts ( who is barred from the industry, but is allowed to be a consultant...That REALLY makes sense. ) of yesterday.
All these firms were in the gutter with Frank Quattrone, Jack Grubman (yup banned from Wall St, and a host of other thieves , one whom I consider Jim Cramer.) He was a guest voice on CNBC back then and apologized after the internet bubble for his AND CNBC's reccomendations, only to become a TV show idiot with horns and whistles who tell the people to buy Bear Stearns at over $100 !!!! Click here if ya don't believe me Cramer and Bear . He is one of Elliot Spitzer's oldest friends. 'Nuff said ...all I'm saying is Wall Street is in the gutter as it was then , is now, and one day will not be....AGAIN !!....yes thats a sewer cap right next to the gutter...how appropriate. Have faith people, we always overcome.
I'm not going to comment much on the photo's of this post...just enough so you won't get bored. This is ON Wall St as I walk down it. 7am in the morning. As it gets warmer, so does the homeless population who take refuge in the streets because it is safer than a shelter...The King knows this firsthand.
As you can see Wall Streeters aren't too concerned with this young man's trouble's as he looks a little hopeless. I don't like seeing this at all. No matter who is at fault..the young man, his past , or the help available to him. I just don't like seeing it....and yes , I gave him a buck. Am I a sucker ?? I don't know..maybe I don't want to know.
Kindness on Wall ST ??? Is that an oxymoron ???? ( his sign says kindness helps )
Apparently an article from The New York Tymes from January has gotten some legs to it and the buzz around town says the next election has begun...
Should this become true , this is a close up view of the currency I shall guarantee everyone will not lose to criminal politicians or inappropriate fiscal behavior. I also wont spend unnecessary money to put state logo's on the back of them, since we are supposed to be UNITED. I take all suggestions on what should be on the back of it ....this should be interesting ...LOL
Nothing like taking the train to one of the few garages I drive a taxi from, and looking at the conductor of the adjacent train and seeing the look on his face as I snap a pic. When I was younger my friends used to give the dude the bird to invoke a reaction . I was tempted , but refrained, not that The King never did that....well maybe once. ;-)
......and it is quite a surreal feeling when you're in an underground tunnel and your train matches up feet away from another at a high speed and everything seems at a standstill. Some time's you make eye contact with someone, and when I do, I stick my tongue or fuck with them somehow just to see what they will do . Over the years I've had the responses of sticking their tongue out back at me, picking their nose, silent screaming, or the bird...and that's just off the top of my head. I did this in London too, which received the same applause. People are pretty much the same everywhere. In this case..one dude on a train reading a paper...very RARE indeed...but cool in my mind ...am I insane or creative..I thought the shot was the shit.
I always hydrate before I work the taxi so I don't have to use a rest room too much during the night. Just trying to find a fucking bathroom in New York City is a chore and everyone thinks a Hack is a slob, so they don't want you to use their toilet. How DARE they judge the KING !!!!!! So I always use the beautiful lavatory at my garage before I hit the road ...THANK GOD for the fly trap or I might have my penis mistaken for a peanut...or a small prune. LOL
Hmmmmmm....yeeeeahhhhhh....no need for towels to dry my hands with this dispenser at the garage.... which is why I use Purell, ALL the time when I'm driving. Swine Flu, dirty money, and.....I don't know WHAT disease would be named for after this freaking horror.
BUT !!!!!!!!!.....If I did want to dry my hands, just go over to the trustworthy stall that has the best "you can't steal toilet paper from me" lock !!!! I wonder who is responsible for this action.
My first stop after leaving this particular garage...Roosevelt and Main St, Queens...very busy intersection in the Flushing, Queens....hmmm ...Flushing, is there a name theme to my garage's nature. I also dig the way I have a street light in my side view mirror almost the same as the one in it. Hey ,.........
what can I say I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER !!!! LMAO !!!!!
Now THIS is GRIDLOCK , if I was where the school bus is I would be surrounded by 50 damn traffic agents giving me tickets until my hack is suspended. Trust me , I'm serious, DO NOT block the box , which is those intersecting lines you see the pedestrians crossing or you WILL pay....through the ass I mind you. .
This shot was taken because it looks like everyone is looking at something happening with the way their heads were turned...but when I looked at that kid in the hoodie's face, he doesn't have a care in the world..probably has an IPOD in his ears, damn I gotta get me one of those to ignore the world too. I love this pic.
.......and as I looked in the direction they were looking at all I could see was this. Balloon in the wires which reminded me of my last post of the sneakers and shoes in the wire. All of the comments to my post were great leading me to believe that this new ritual of balloons in the wire was not some youngster who lost his grip on a string , yet it was the new ritual , and some 95 year old man or woman lost their virginity. LOL .....Good for them ....Congrats.
Another what if moment...what if a taxicab blows the red light ?...
Pedicab-man can do ANYTHING !! Be safe !!!! Take a yellow !! Better yet ...TAKE THE KING !!
So at one red light I noticed one of the few pay phones on a side street left in New York City, a Verizon one at that. ....Sex Shop ??? Oh yeah !! There is a sex shop behind it ...geez I wouldn't have even noticed it, not if it weren't for you observing perverted fans !!! LOL Thanks all !! She does have a nice body to make a phone call though 'eh ?? LMAO
Bag VS Bus VS Taxi to the red light ....unfortunately Bag winds ..Ahem WINS , every time....damn winds, if I could only drive a sailboat down Broadway I'd win all day and night.
Believe it or not , this homeless gentleman has all these bottles on ONE postal hamper which is orange and ONE shopping cart. He may be homeless, but it looks to me as if he works his ASS off everyday collecting these bottles. Click on the pic to see the balance. Talent.
Now as The King of New York Hacks , you better damn well know where New Utrecht and 71st is in Brooklyn or you can forget the frigggin tip .....all I can say is the birds are against GPS, and don't forget it you regular map people !! Technology sucks and ALWAYS breaks down !!!
See what I'm saying. this is the pigeon FLEW(a.k.a FLU).... over the sign disease !!!...I know I know ...it's a a stupid joke I'm SORRY !!!! I'm filling blog time !! ;-)
In my prior post Pop and Ice called me handsome being that I posted real pics of myself on two post's previous about the kidney transplant in my family. If you want to see real pics of me if you haven't seen them on top of a good story then click here. KONYH9/11.
There are only certain cabs that are HANSOME in my city , and this is who they are and what they look like. I'll take them over a Kentucky Derby winner anyday !! However thanks Pop and Ice for the kudos !!!
If you want to see a pic The King can compare when he was REALLLY young, check out my 9/11 post when I worked at 4 World Trade Center when your done with this one. It starts with a picture of me from 1989. Nuff said !!...and DO NOT make fun of my hair !!!..... Damn that horse looks great next to my taxi.....and my old hair.
So as I finish my shift and pay the dispatcher, they are generous enough to let this Homeless Haitian dude sleep there all the time...I have NEVER seen him awake...groggy , maybe once or twice...he also claims to have dated Big Bird who is a lady of the evening and night if you follow my blog....Scary.
Now when I get on the train home whether it be Queens, Long Island or in this particular night Staten Island, there is never a lack of New York. This Tranny was talking shit to everyone before he/she passed out...he/she was hitting on the bright red headed chick next to her and in mid sentence ....KA -- PUT ..sleeping!!! ,,,I was just wondering along the ride if she is a trannie or a Train-ee being on the 1 train. Bad pun ?? C'mon !?!?!? Give the King a break !!
Always a sad sight , I checked to see if the baby carriage had a child in it, and thankfully it was just for storage . Still, NOT what I like to see on the way home.
....and the gentleman across from her.....no place to sleep ...but SAFER than the alternatives.
Long ride home on the subway...everyone's tired..drunk...or homeless.
OH MY GOD !!!!! THEY KILLED KENNY !!!! ...If you don't watch South Park you won't get it...just a joke people !!!....funny in my mind if you do !!
A clear sign that the times are rough when you enter the Staten Island Ferry and ........................it looks hopeless.
..only to find yourself amongst the living dead....I'm serious. I ..AM A ZOMBIE KILLA !!!
I use a mode on my camera so no flash wakes you up ...but this dude had zombie hearing.
....even in a zombie mode they can text..
...and IN a group thay may be lethal !!!! But more likely entertaining !! HAHAHAH !!!
Shot out of focus , but by 5 AM so am I , him , and YOU !!!!
In all this chaos ..there is true love ...Wuthering Heights on the Staten Island Ferry !! Nuff Said !
Dude was snoring so loud , just had to share it with ya !!
Ski Mask ???? Trust me....this cat ain't robbin' no banks in the next hour !
If there is a walkway to Heaven ...or Hell... I would walk this path , it looks pretty cool ....that is thee walkway onto the Staten Island Ferry !!.....before it is lowered to the ferry silly folks.
This following picture is one I took during my walk of 9/11 last year and the story that accompanies it. America !!
So , in closing everybody ....my day is no more busy than yours as we walk the plank of this untidy ship we call America.....but let us not forget however untidy, however economically challenged , or challenged in any way ....we are still The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA !
And as we stand together and remain so .. and hope all the war's end...well I do anyway...and I also hope that one day .....well one day we will have....PEACE. .....and as my man D.C. Cabbie says which is never less than the real motherfucking deal......Please don't forget the homeless.
Coming to you live , trust me , it's a hard motherfuckin' task, but we shall overcome. Peace out peeps , and a Happy Memorial day to all my brothers and sisters overseas responsible for letting me drive my Taxi and remain ....The King Of New York Hacks.
Well, as we reach this Memorial Day weekend and gas prices go up and unemployment is rising, although with all those bailouts you'd think someone would get hired but unfortunately no one is and my taxi career is always a witness to history. History repeats itself as it is now with all the Madoffs, Bear Stearn's, and Lehman Brothers of yesterday, so too were the First Boston, Robertson Stephens, Alex Brown, Artur Anderson's and Henry Blodgetts ( who is barred from the industry, but is allowed to be a consultant...That REALLY makes sense. ) of yesterday.
All these firms were in the gutter with Frank Quattrone, Jack Grubman (yup banned from Wall St, and a host of other thieves , one whom I consider Jim Cramer.) He was a guest voice on CNBC back then and apologized after the internet bubble for his AND CNBC's reccomendations, only to become a TV show idiot with horns and whistles who tell the people to buy Bear Stearns at over $100 !!!! Click here if ya don't believe me Cramer and Bear . He is one of Elliot Spitzer's oldest friends. 'Nuff said ...all I'm saying is Wall Street is in the gutter as it was then , is now, and one day will not be....AGAIN !!....yes thats a sewer cap right next to the gutter...how appropriate. Have faith people, we always overcome.
I'm not going to comment much on the photo's of this post...just enough so you won't get bored. This is ON Wall St as I walk down it. 7am in the morning. As it gets warmer, so does the homeless population who take refuge in the streets because it is safer than a shelter...The King knows this firsthand.
As you can see Wall Streeters aren't too concerned with this young man's trouble's as he looks a little hopeless. I don't like seeing this at all. No matter who is at fault..the young man, his past , or the help available to him. I just don't like seeing it....and yes , I gave him a buck. Am I a sucker ?? I don't know..maybe I don't want to know.
Kindness on Wall ST ??? Is that an oxymoron ???? ( his sign says kindness helps )
Apparently an article from The New York Tymes from January has gotten some legs to it and the buzz around town says the next election has begun...
Should this become true , this is a close up view of the currency I shall guarantee everyone will not lose to criminal politicians or inappropriate fiscal behavior. I also wont spend unnecessary money to put state logo's on the back of them, since we are supposed to be UNITED. I take all suggestions on what should be on the back of it ....this should be interesting ...LOL
Nothing like taking the train to one of the few garages I drive a taxi from, and looking at the conductor of the adjacent train and seeing the look on his face as I snap a pic. When I was younger my friends used to give the dude the bird to invoke a reaction . I was tempted , but refrained, not that The King never did that....well maybe once. ;-)
......and it is quite a surreal feeling when you're in an underground tunnel and your train matches up feet away from another at a high speed and everything seems at a standstill. Some time's you make eye contact with someone, and when I do, I stick my tongue or fuck with them somehow just to see what they will do . Over the years I've had the responses of sticking their tongue out back at me, picking their nose, silent screaming, or the bird...and that's just off the top of my head. I did this in London too, which received the same applause. People are pretty much the same everywhere. In this case..one dude on a train reading a paper...very RARE indeed...but cool in my mind ...am I insane or creative..I thought the shot was the shit.
I always hydrate before I work the taxi so I don't have to use a rest room too much during the night. Just trying to find a fucking bathroom in New York City is a chore and everyone thinks a Hack is a slob, so they don't want you to use their toilet. How DARE they judge the KING !!!!!! So I always use the beautiful lavatory at my garage before I hit the road ...THANK GOD for the fly trap or I might have my penis mistaken for a peanut...or a small prune. LOL
Hmmmmmm....yeeeeahhhhhh....no need for towels to dry my hands with this dispenser at the garage.... which is why I use Purell, ALL the time when I'm driving. Swine Flu, dirty money, and.....I don't know WHAT disease would be named for after this freaking horror.
BUT !!!!!!!!!.....If I did want to dry my hands, just go over to the trustworthy stall that has the best "you can't steal toilet paper from me" lock !!!! I wonder who is responsible for this action.
My first stop after leaving this particular garage...Roosevelt and Main St, Queens...very busy intersection in the Flushing, Queens....hmmm ...Flushing, is there a name theme to my garage's nature. I also dig the way I have a street light in my side view mirror almost the same as the one in it. Hey ,.........
what can I say I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER !!!! LMAO !!!!!
Now THIS is GRIDLOCK , if I was where the school bus is I would be surrounded by 50 damn traffic agents giving me tickets until my hack is suspended. Trust me , I'm serious, DO NOT block the box , which is those intersecting lines you see the pedestrians crossing or you WILL pay....through the ass I mind you. .
This shot was taken because it looks like everyone is looking at something happening with the way their heads were turned...but when I looked at that kid in the hoodie's face, he doesn't have a care in the world..probably has an IPOD in his ears, damn I gotta get me one of those to ignore the world too. I love this pic.
.......and as I looked in the direction they were looking at all I could see was this. Balloon in the wires which reminded me of my last post of the sneakers and shoes in the wire. All of the comments to my post were great leading me to believe that this new ritual of balloons in the wire was not some youngster who lost his grip on a string , yet it was the new ritual , and some 95 year old man or woman lost their virginity. LOL .....Good for them ....Congrats.
Another what if moment...what if a taxicab blows the red light ?...
Pedicab-man can do ANYTHING !! Be safe !!!! Take a yellow !! Better yet ...TAKE THE KING !!
So at one red light I noticed one of the few pay phones on a side street left in New York City, a Verizon one at that. ....Sex Shop ??? Oh yeah !! There is a sex shop behind it ...geez I wouldn't have even noticed it, not if it weren't for you observing perverted fans !!! LOL Thanks all !! She does have a nice body to make a phone call though 'eh ?? LMAO
Bag VS Bus VS Taxi to the red light ....unfortunately Bag winds ..Ahem WINS , every time....damn winds, if I could only drive a sailboat down Broadway I'd win all day and night.
Believe it or not , this homeless gentleman has all these bottles on ONE postal hamper which is orange and ONE shopping cart. He may be homeless, but it looks to me as if he works his ASS off everyday collecting these bottles. Click on the pic to see the balance. Talent.
Now as The King of New York Hacks , you better damn well know where New Utrecht and 71st is in Brooklyn or you can forget the frigggin tip .....all I can say is the birds are against GPS, and don't forget it you regular map people !! Technology sucks and ALWAYS breaks down !!!
See what I'm saying. this is the pigeon FLEW(a.k.a FLU).... over the sign disease !!!...I know I know ...it's a a stupid joke I'm SORRY !!!! I'm filling blog time !! ;-)
In my prior post Pop and Ice called me handsome being that I posted real pics of myself on two post's previous about the kidney transplant in my family. If you want to see real pics of me if you haven't seen them on top of a good story then click here. KONYH9/11.
There are only certain cabs that are HANSOME in my city , and this is who they are and what they look like. I'll take them over a Kentucky Derby winner anyday !! However thanks Pop and Ice for the kudos !!!
If you want to see a pic The King can compare when he was REALLLY young, check out my 9/11 post when I worked at 4 World Trade Center when your done with this one. It starts with a picture of me from 1989. Nuff said !!...and DO NOT make fun of my hair !!!..... Damn that horse looks great next to my taxi.....and my old hair.
So as I finish my shift and pay the dispatcher, they are generous enough to let this Homeless Haitian dude sleep there all the time...I have NEVER seen him awake...groggy , maybe once or twice...he also claims to have dated Big Bird who is a lady of the evening and night if you follow my blog....Scary.
Now when I get on the train home whether it be Queens, Long Island or in this particular night Staten Island, there is never a lack of New York. This Tranny was talking shit to everyone before he/she passed out...he/she was hitting on the bright red headed chick next to her and in mid sentence ....KA -- PUT ..sleeping!!! ,,,I was just wondering along the ride if she is a trannie or a Train-ee being on the 1 train. Bad pun ?? C'mon !?!?!? Give the King a break !!
Always a sad sight , I checked to see if the baby carriage had a child in it, and thankfully it was just for storage . Still, NOT what I like to see on the way home.
....and the gentleman across from her.....no place to sleep ...but SAFER than the alternatives.
Long ride home on the subway...everyone's tired..drunk...or homeless.
OH MY GOD !!!!! THEY KILLED KENNY !!!! ...If you don't watch South Park you won't get it...just a joke people !!!....funny in my mind if you do !!
A clear sign that the times are rough when you enter the Staten Island Ferry and ........................it looks hopeless.
..only to find yourself amongst the living dead....I'm serious. I ..AM A ZOMBIE KILLA !!!
I use a mode on my camera so no flash wakes you up ...but this dude had zombie hearing.
....even in a zombie mode they can text..
...and IN a group thay may be lethal !!!! But more likely entertaining !! HAHAHAH !!!
Shot out of focus , but by 5 AM so am I , him , and YOU !!!!
In all this chaos ..there is true love ...Wuthering Heights on the Staten Island Ferry !! Nuff Said !
Dude was snoring so loud , just had to share it with ya !!
Ski Mask ???? Trust me....this cat ain't robbin' no banks in the next hour !
If there is a walkway to Heaven ...or Hell... I would walk this path , it looks pretty cool ....that is thee walkway onto the Staten Island Ferry !!.....before it is lowered to the ferry silly folks.
This following picture is one I took during my walk of 9/11 last year and the story that accompanies it. America !!
So , in closing everybody ....my day is no more busy than yours as we walk the plank of this untidy ship we call America.....but let us not forget however untidy, however economically challenged , or challenged in any way ....we are still The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA !
And as we stand together and remain so .. and hope all the war's end...well I do anyway...and I also hope that one day .....well one day we will have....PEACE. .....and as my man D.C. Cabbie says which is never less than the real motherfucking deal......Please don't forget the homeless.
Coming to you live , trust me , it's a hard motherfuckin' task, but we shall overcome. Peace out peeps , and a Happy Memorial day to all my brothers and sisters overseas responsible for letting me drive my Taxi and remain ....The King Of New York Hacks.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The King, The Spring, and The Kid from Brooklyn BADA-BING !!!
Well, Spring is here and the King is roaming the streets of New York again....it feels good.... damn good.
It's good to be back, and it seems as if every corner I turn there is a moment I have missed and another opportunity for a frozen moment of the city that I could have juxtaposed for you , and me.
The seasons changing, the smells exchanging, and the King, well... aging...slowly I remind you.
They all fit together quite appropriately I guess, however not to my liking. One of the great visuals of New York City which is what many of us see in the Big Ole Apple, and forget to stop and look sometimes is the lighting. This is where I introduce the "El"and what the "El" can bring. "El" is short for elevated platform that a train runs on here in NYC, doesn't matter what train it is , the R, the 7, the G...You're on the "L"...These days , most don't call it that but no matter, you are on an "EL", an "Elevated train". They might be my initials too , but that's for another time. My first pic is how the sun BEAMS through the rails of an "EL" and the unique sight it brings, aside from hearing the train run through as you are below it , this is as good as it gets. I'll get a video of it when a train goes by in the near future since now it's warm and I can stand outside my car for a while.
This is 37th ST Queens on my way to LaGuardia Airport to hopefully pick up a fair REAL quick....if you click on the pic, you can actually see the petals blowing off the tree on this great unnatural 85 degree day. It also makes the pine tree on the left look as if it has Christmas lights on it from the petals blowing by. Click the pic to see.
Now these following lanterns are not associated with my prior Chinese New Year post... this was actually a movie set for a movie they were filming in Chinatown starring Nicholas Cage as a wizard or a magician. You don't see lanterns strewn across the street like this often, so kudos to the King please..........just kidding, ..........about the kudos not the facts.
This is the dude who was guarding "all the SH*T" from the movie as he put it ....he did not want fame so he declined on being named.
Very nice to see the courts being used once again after a long winter slumber.
People just chillin' in the park, albeit they still NEED their cell phone.
The layers of clothing not needed and soon will hang in the closet for a while.
Another great thing about New York City is ART.....it moves ....it crawls ....sometimes it RUNS !!!! .....but if you have a chance, and see something you like, ...STOP...breathe , and REALLY take a look at what you are experiencing, it may be the one of a kind you are looking for, or it is a piece that will make you smile under the Mona Lisa asking price. For example, take a good look at the following involved....Bruce Lee, The Wall Street Bull and John Lennon....they would be a nice trio in the backseat of my yellow cab...or on my wall. I had the exact same poster of Bruce Lee on my wall when I was growing up...Good times.
An interesting sight to see when the sun is beaming down on us is the Chinese people in Chinatown opening umbrellas or parasols to protect their skin from the sun. Better than sunblock and a lot cheaper too, not to mention it's a smart thing to protect your body.
In ancient China, they oiled paper and bamboo parasols to represent wealth and royalty, just a little King history lesson folks.
This cool cat couldn't keep still as I watched him sit down and get up three times on this hot day during a long red light. I could not see what the sign said, so I pulled up next to him as he was walking away and snapped this pic only to read what it said at my next red light.
....and I must have looked like a looney tune laughing to myself as I read his needy quote to raise funds for himself. He is on my "need to get a video of " list. I wonder how much money he raises for his cause every day. I haven't tried his website yet either, but I know I'll probably try LOL !!
This is the new taxi hybrid to save fuel by giving the passenger some real air conditioning and to have a better riding experience of the city. Kidding. This is actually a picture of what happens when passengers who do not tip us are in our cab. We have a secret button which ejects the entire back end of the car and we don't have to deal with you, and you wind up in the East River. Kidding again. ;-) ..........or am I ?
The changing of the seasons is related with changing our sneakers or shoes....and what to do with your old pair ?? Up into sneaker heaven New York City style !! Just tie them together and throw upward to have your expired pair live on with a current of electricity !!
This New York City ritual has always made me smile.
I wonder who takes these down every year....Con Edison ? Must be a funny day at work !!
I'll bet at the end of the day the worker says, "This stinks !"...sorry, I couldn't resist the pun.
I also went up to the Bronx and saw my first Yankee game at the new stadium. I'll do a blog about the stadium after I go to a day game to give you my full opinion of it, but I was disappointed with it. However, the neighborhood never disappoints the experience of a game.
I really don't know what you would call this store, a pawn shop ??
Repair shop ??
Ear piercings...but you sell your earrings after the piercing ? ...or take a loan to keep them !!
MESS WELCOME ?!?!? WTF ?!?!??!???? Only in New York.
.......and even better is the slogan on the security gate when this place is closed. Some people will do anything for a FREE condom. The economy sure brings out the generosity in people.
I was fortunate to have my first visit be a successful win, which is always good. These are the new video screens outside the stadium to let you know who won, and who they are playing next.
Now, here comes the BADA BING part of the story. When I go to Yankee Stadium I always stop by the Yankee Tavern for a refreshment before I go in, and its where I meet my cousin who gave me a ticket to the game. So anyway, as I'm walking in I bump into the infamous Big Man, The Voice of the People, The guy who makes you think about it and is ALWAYS happy to see ya', Mike Caracciolo who is better known as THE KID FROM BROOKLYN !! He made a video a few years ago about terrorism and going to a Yankee game called "Bat Day" which was great, and is how I found him. He has MANY videos on youtube and they are very entertaining.
I used to call him on the phone and suggest ideas to him and also if I needed tickets to an event. He is a ticket broker, but his videos, his Brooklyn stories, and his New York nature are what he is known for best. I told him I'd post about him on my site, he is a real gentleman. I'll post the pic I had my cousin take of The Kid from Brooklyn and The King of New York Hacks when I write about the stadium, but this was truly a great New York moment.
Here is a video of The Kid From Brooklyn ranting about dinner with his friend "Pete The Nut".
Every neighborhood has its own ''nut'', and I'm sure we all have a similar story, I know I have a few. There is foul language, but it's true Brooklyn lingo, so you've been warned.
Watching these breakdancers almost made The King start poppin' the robot to the tune....but I didn't want to steal their thunder....or the money they were makin' while breakin' . These cats are in better shape than most of the Yankees and are much more entertaining.
Slick New York City moves, that handstand move is called Hand Hopping or Rabbits in breakdance terminology ...sorry for the poor lighting....and no I'm not breakin' right now........OK...Yes I am....doing the belly swim, Holla !!
I think this last picture sums up how we'll get through these tough economic times, just like Mickey and Minnie do...Living in Harmony....or at least try to.
So in closing, I hope you like the change of the seasons and this small slice of the city, I never did get to see Nicholas Cage on the street of that movie set but I was lucky enough to see the REAL people who make this city beat to the drum of diversity and the moments that help me maintain my own rhythmic journey as I drive these city streets and bring the best of what I see to you as I faithfully remain, The King of New York Hacks. Peace out peeps.
It's good to be back, and it seems as if every corner I turn there is a moment I have missed and another opportunity for a frozen moment of the city that I could have juxtaposed for you , and me.
The seasons changing, the smells exchanging, and the King, well... aging...slowly I remind you.
They all fit together quite appropriately I guess, however not to my liking. One of the great visuals of New York City which is what many of us see in the Big Ole Apple, and forget to stop and look sometimes is the lighting. This is where I introduce the "El"and what the "El" can bring. "El" is short for elevated platform that a train runs on here in NYC, doesn't matter what train it is , the R, the 7, the G...You're on the "L"...These days , most don't call it that but no matter, you are on an "EL", an "Elevated train". They might be my initials too , but that's for another time. My first pic is how the sun BEAMS through the rails of an "EL" and the unique sight it brings, aside from hearing the train run through as you are below it , this is as good as it gets. I'll get a video of it when a train goes by in the near future since now it's warm and I can stand outside my car for a while.
This is 37th ST Queens on my way to LaGuardia Airport to hopefully pick up a fair REAL quick....if you click on the pic, you can actually see the petals blowing off the tree on this great unnatural 85 degree day. It also makes the pine tree on the left look as if it has Christmas lights on it from the petals blowing by. Click the pic to see.
Now these following lanterns are not associated with my prior Chinese New Year post... this was actually a movie set for a movie they were filming in Chinatown starring Nicholas Cage as a wizard or a magician. You don't see lanterns strewn across the street like this often, so kudos to the King please..........just kidding, ..........about the kudos not the facts.
This is the dude who was guarding "all the SH*T" from the movie as he put it ....he did not want fame so he declined on being named.
Very nice to see the courts being used once again after a long winter slumber.
People just chillin' in the park, albeit they still NEED their cell phone.
The layers of clothing not needed and soon will hang in the closet for a while.
Another great thing about New York City is ART.....it moves ....it crawls ....sometimes it RUNS !!!! .....but if you have a chance, and see something you like, ...STOP...breathe , and REALLY take a look at what you are experiencing, it may be the one of a kind you are looking for, or it is a piece that will make you smile under the Mona Lisa asking price. For example, take a good look at the following involved....Bruce Lee, The Wall Street Bull and John Lennon....they would be a nice trio in the backseat of my yellow cab...or on my wall. I had the exact same poster of Bruce Lee on my wall when I was growing up...Good times.
An interesting sight to see when the sun is beaming down on us is the Chinese people in Chinatown opening umbrellas or parasols to protect their skin from the sun. Better than sunblock and a lot cheaper too, not to mention it's a smart thing to protect your body.
In ancient China, they oiled paper and bamboo parasols to represent wealth and royalty, just a little King history lesson folks.
This cool cat couldn't keep still as I watched him sit down and get up three times on this hot day during a long red light. I could not see what the sign said, so I pulled up next to him as he was walking away and snapped this pic only to read what it said at my next red light.
....and I must have looked like a looney tune laughing to myself as I read his needy quote to raise funds for himself. He is on my "need to get a video of " list. I wonder how much money he raises for his cause every day. I haven't tried his website yet either, but I know I'll probably try LOL !!
This is the new taxi hybrid to save fuel by giving the passenger some real air conditioning and to have a better riding experience of the city. Kidding. This is actually a picture of what happens when passengers who do not tip us are in our cab. We have a secret button which ejects the entire back end of the car and we don't have to deal with you, and you wind up in the East River. Kidding again. ;-) ..........or am I ?
The changing of the seasons is related with changing our sneakers or shoes....and what to do with your old pair ?? Up into sneaker heaven New York City style !! Just tie them together and throw upward to have your expired pair live on with a current of electricity !!
This New York City ritual has always made me smile.
I wonder who takes these down every year....Con Edison ? Must be a funny day at work !!
I'll bet at the end of the day the worker says, "This stinks !"...sorry, I couldn't resist the pun.
I also went up to the Bronx and saw my first Yankee game at the new stadium. I'll do a blog about the stadium after I go to a day game to give you my full opinion of it, but I was disappointed with it. However, the neighborhood never disappoints the experience of a game.
I really don't know what you would call this store, a pawn shop ??
Repair shop ??
Ear piercings...but you sell your earrings after the piercing ? ...or take a loan to keep them !!
MESS WELCOME ?!?!? WTF ?!?!??!???? Only in New York.
.......and even better is the slogan on the security gate when this place is closed. Some people will do anything for a FREE condom. The economy sure brings out the generosity in people.
I was fortunate to have my first visit be a successful win, which is always good. These are the new video screens outside the stadium to let you know who won, and who they are playing next.
Now, here comes the BADA BING part of the story. When I go to Yankee Stadium I always stop by the Yankee Tavern for a refreshment before I go in, and its where I meet my cousin who gave me a ticket to the game. So anyway, as I'm walking in I bump into the infamous Big Man, The Voice of the People, The guy who makes you think about it and is ALWAYS happy to see ya', Mike Caracciolo who is better known as THE KID FROM BROOKLYN !! He made a video a few years ago about terrorism and going to a Yankee game called "Bat Day" which was great, and is how I found him. He has MANY videos on youtube and they are very entertaining.
I used to call him on the phone and suggest ideas to him and also if I needed tickets to an event. He is a ticket broker, but his videos, his Brooklyn stories, and his New York nature are what he is known for best. I told him I'd post about him on my site, he is a real gentleman. I'll post the pic I had my cousin take of The Kid from Brooklyn and The King of New York Hacks when I write about the stadium, but this was truly a great New York moment.
Here is a video of The Kid From Brooklyn ranting about dinner with his friend "Pete The Nut".
Every neighborhood has its own ''nut'', and I'm sure we all have a similar story, I know I have a few. There is foul language, but it's true Brooklyn lingo, so you've been warned.
Watching these breakdancers almost made The King start poppin' the robot to the tune....but I didn't want to steal their thunder....or the money they were makin' while breakin' . These cats are in better shape than most of the Yankees and are much more entertaining.
Slick New York City moves, that handstand move is called Hand Hopping or Rabbits in breakdance terminology ...sorry for the poor lighting....and no I'm not breakin' right now........OK...Yes I am....doing the belly swim, Holla !!
I think this last picture sums up how we'll get through these tough economic times, just like Mickey and Minnie do...Living in Harmony....or at least try to.
So in closing, I hope you like the change of the seasons and this small slice of the city, I never did get to see Nicholas Cage on the street of that movie set but I was lucky enough to see the REAL people who make this city beat to the drum of diversity and the moments that help me maintain my own rhythmic journey as I drive these city streets and bring the best of what I see to you as I faithfully remain, The King of New York Hacks. Peace out peeps.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
The King, Your Comments...and Edarem ??? This guy is gonna be famous and we'll help him !!
Thanks for all the kind comments on my prior post for my family everyone.
My nephew Alan,his Father the donor, AND my entire family are very grateful for such supportive people the King is lucky enough to interact with through this blog. I feel very lucky and grateful too, from my yellow checkered color heart, I thank all of you for reading, and being there...even though you are not here, you WERE here, and BEING THERE, is just that, a word...a gesture....or a comment on a blog that makes us respond, react, and reassure people when they need it most...as you did, and it inspires me as it should you.
OK..NOW lets laugh together !!
The King has been a bit under the weather, but almost back on my feet... and I hope this will make you laugh as it did me, and made me feel that much better. I hope this guy gets in my cab ...or maybe I don't, but he probably will anyway, I seem very lucky and get great characters in my taxi. Enjoy folks, this guy calls himself Edarem , click on his name and it will take you to his youtube page where he posts all sorts of videos on all sorts of subjects.Enjoy.
I hope this post helps him become famous, pass it on folks and pay it forward, I may never be as talented as Edarem, but I hope I'll always be the King of New York Hacks and here for you....cause Being HERE is just that. Peace.
My nephew Alan,his Father the donor, AND my entire family are very grateful for such supportive people the King is lucky enough to interact with through this blog. I feel very lucky and grateful too, from my yellow checkered color heart, I thank all of you for reading, and being there...even though you are not here, you WERE here, and BEING THERE, is just that, a word...a gesture....or a comment on a blog that makes us respond, react, and reassure people when they need it most...as you did, and it inspires me as it should you.
OK..NOW lets laugh together !!
The King has been a bit under the weather, but almost back on my feet... and I hope this will make you laugh as it did me, and made me feel that much better. I hope this guy gets in my cab ...or maybe I don't, but he probably will anyway, I seem very lucky and get great characters in my taxi. Enjoy folks, this guy calls himself Edarem , click on his name and it will take you to his youtube page where he posts all sorts of videos on all sorts of subjects.Enjoy.
I hope this post helps him become famous, pass it on folks and pay it forward, I may never be as talented as Edarem, but I hope I'll always be the King of New York Hacks and here for you....cause Being HERE is just that. Peace.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The King , the Kidney , and good Karma.
First off, I'd like to thank all of you who read or left a comment on my prior post regarding my nephew going through a kidney transplant. The comments were really supportive for me and my family. I printed them out and even had the family read them. They loved the responses. My family was very fortunate to have lots of support, but having people that I only know from blogging respond with such friendship and positive thoughts was very reassuring, and we are grateful. When an event like this happens, its almost like time stands still, which is why I was not around for a month helping with the other children. Now, I can go on and on about it, but I'll get to the point. The operation was a success and father and son are doing extremely well and are finally home although there are still frequent Doctor's visits and medications, they both look fantastic. I give all my family, friends, fellow bloggers, Doctor's,Nurses and all the people who sent good karma our way to achieve such a successful father to son kidney transplant the King's thumbs up !!
This was the picture from the Daily News which ran a story on the day they were operated on.
Poor little guy was emaciated and kidneys only working about 12 percent. This is a picture of how much a father loves his family. A GREAT man.
This was eerie visiting this hospital because my mother died here in 1997, now I was entering a completely different scenario, and one I would rejoice in. The good with the bad as the old story goes. This time around I was on the bright side of the story.
New York Presbyterian Hospital, where they perform magic and miracles on a daily basis.
Sister and identical twin brother who has the same disease, get to visit for the first time !!!
As I was walking to the room to visit the child after I dropped off the kids so I could park the car, I lifted up my head in surprise and saw the father walking down the hallway with Uncle Angelo !!! This was a day after the surgery and he was walking briskly through the hallways with a little help from painkillers of course !! However thats the way they do it, they want you moving and now less one kidney get the other one functioning right away !! Thats one tough father !!!....and Uncle Angelo has one tough moustache !!!! LOL
I had to take a photo op now !!
That's the King of Hacks on the right and The King of Kidney on the left !!!! Unbelievable !!!!
I finally got to visit my nephew attached to many tubes and machines, his biggest complaint..."I'm bored" he said. This is another tough man. Real tough.
His spirits started to get better when they brought this friendly sterile Golden Retriever in !!
....and when I asked him to smile, he stuck his tongue out at me....
A great sign to me that he was feeling better !!
The father helping his son gain some of the weight he lost with a nice corned beef St.Patty's style !!
Finally, this is a Picture of young Alan from the other night, 3 weeks after the surgery looking like a million bucks !!!
I really don't have a profound closing today , just that I am very happy with the results and hope his brother will not need a kidney for a long time. Thanks again everyone for your kindness, and from this experience I have become much more aware of how being a donor is so important and I encourage it. Now that I'm back I'll make sure I bring you up to date with the pulse of the city as I remain faithfully yours , The King of New York Hacks. It feels good to write again, I missed it and you. Peace all.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The King, Year of the Ox, Chinatown New Year , Gung Hay Fat Choy !!!!! Shortened it up a bit.
The Ox is thought to be the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. The Ox is a power sign, like the Rat, Snake, Dragon, Tiger, and Monkey. The King Of New York Hacks is year of the Monkey. They're quite dependable and possess an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint. Sounds a lot like a New York City taxi driver called the King Of New York Hacks.....hmmmmmm don't you agree ??If ever lost in Chinatown, this gazebo has all the info you need in Chatham Square, great place to get a pic of yourself as if you were in China.
I love the hidden treasures that we take for granted as we walk by some of the most unique items that exist in this city such as this dragon handrail post. ONLY in Chinatown.
Awesome....I have to get one of these....that breathe fire of course.
Red Lanterns under the Manhattan Bridge. Since ancient times. The red lantern of China is not merely a kind of illuminations, it symbolizes the happiness even more, happy and beautiful yearning for the future.
Even the Chinese want the Bull to have some luck and get us back to working and living a more quality life.
Strange foods you will see everywhere in Chinatown , such as this dried out squid.
Another kind of squid.
Baby spearings.
Dried out Jellyfish...yuck.
While celebrating Chinese New Year all over China, each place has their own characteristics.But there is only a common Chinese symbol, every place is the same,this is a red lantern of China.
A very nice row of inspiring lanterns for the upcoming year.
Walking by the windows of Chinatown is great because you NEVER know what you will see. I saw these fish , and if I wanted to eat one , all I need to do is go in to the restaurant point at the fish, they cook it and give it to me. No words spoken. That's what I love about Chinatown.
They have shops with elegant and quite elaborate designs which are stunning. I think I'll get my girlfriend one. They look too good , I wonder how much they are? I'll find out.
Ahhhhhhhh....more live food just taunting me to start eating. Crabs...mmmmmmmmmm.
What am I lookinat ?!??!? What the F*** are you looking at you damn dungeoness crab. Geez, New Yorker crabs got attitude !!!
This wasn't a live fish , but it was cool to see a spiny blowfish from China albeit a taxidermy one.
And so we see our first dancing lion.
Here comes the crowd, and all the clanging and drums beating...very exciting.
A beautiful tapestry with some sort of warrior on it.
My nephews who are identical twins and were the one's who were so enthused about me bringing them to Chinatown. One of them will have a kidney transplant next month so please say a prayer for him.They both have the same kidney problems however one got worse quicker. Great kids, and they LOVE Chinese food, AND Chinese women !!!!
My friend explained in the restaurant we ate at a Phoenix on the left and the Dragon on the right. Very significant creatures in their culture.
The Phoenix.
The Dragon.
The ritual is the owner will hand the group of dancers a red envelope with money in it , and the dancing lion will come in and bring good luck and keep bad spirits away. I caught this lion bowing just as he spun and danced back out into the street. Fun stuff.
We then witnessed many dancing lions and one went into the Chase bank where I'm sure he got a BIG RED ENVELOPE !!!
Another Lion , this golden lion exits a place with a glowing sun making him shine.
Red Lion head mask.Each color represent different meanings. You can read about it here if you like. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion_dance Very interesting backgrounds.
The Lions usually consist of two people and the Dragons at least ten to operate efficiently. All are usually martial artists.
Even this guy was so scared he turned white !!!
Those tubes are confetti shooters that blast confetti about 30 feet high and they cost five bucks a pop. Fireworks are banned in the city now, but plenty of people were blasting these tubes of celebration.That beautiful girl in the middle is Miss. Fujianese !!! The King don't mess around !!
They must have made a bundle selling these confetti tubes , people loved them and every one was having fun playing with it as it snowed confetti on us !!
This was my favorite dragon and it did the best dance of the day I thought.
Click on the pic to watch this hypnotic Dragon dance !!
Two young Chinese children in traditional garb snapping those little fircrackers that pop when they hit the ground.
They were having a ball !!! Yet so was I !!!!!
The Cops !!!! Run !!!! No worries, this time he's leading the next group of dancers.
These tapestries are exquisite and some have been used for many years !
Keeping the rhythm of the day going strong !! Bang that drum brother !!!
Great place to view it all from.
In Chinese this sign says "WE Love You King Of New York Hacks !!! "
And when they saw me they let the confetti rain on me !! So thoughtful of the community !!
This is one of the largest red lantern displays I have ever seen. These are VERY expensive and it really did add some great scenery to Chinatown that day .
Now inside this store , I have never ,EVER seen this for sale......care to guess???????
Go to next pic an I'll tell you.
A genuine crocodile claw, which I wouldn't even know how to cook or eat.
You can buy the whole arm if you prefer.
Or a good old fashioned Boars Head.
And as we rounded out the day we stopped in front of one of the biggest buddhist temples for a quick pic. Don't forget, that little nephew on the left is getting a kidney transplant and his identical brother will as well one day , so please say one prayer for both of them and the donor.
The King and his posse were lucky enough to be in an herbal store when one of the lions came to give luck, and we filmed it first hand. Hpefully year of the ox will be good for all of us.
To see more videos go to you tube http://www.youtube.com/user/KingOfNewYorkHacks
In closing I wish you all a Happy New Year again and hope I have been able to show you just a glimpse of what Chinatown is, and if you are born year of the Ox, hopefully you have a fantastic year !!! Me , I'm just a monkey, however I still am The King Of New York Hacks. Peace out Chinese food eaters.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Death of a Salesman, one of New York's best. Joe Ades.
Click to read obituary.
Joe Ades Obituary NY TIMES
I wrote the following article in November of this past year when I was fortunate to find Joe Ades preparing his craft of selling peelers outside my day job. I talked with him, learned a bit about him and am really happy I photographed and videotaped his entire pitch. He was a sales icon of the city streets for many years and he will be missed. I found out he passed on from an email that The New York Times sent me requesting a picture from my sight , however I didn't get the email until late last night and there were plenty of other photos on the net. This is a repost of my article in tribute to Mr. Ades who was what New York is all about. If you have not read it before, you will enjoy it, and if you have, enjoy it again. I'm glad I have a peeler from Joe, I will think of him often, just as I did the day before I found out he passed on while I peeled carrots with it. Life. Always playing tricks on us. My condolences to the Ades family.
From November 2008:
Joe Ades is an infamous moving landmark who traverses the city streets pitching his one product, a potato peeler. Yes, you heard me, a potato peeler. He refers to himself as a "grafter" and not a salesman, he pointed out to me that he learned his trade in impromptu markets over in England where people would be hawking their own items like shoelaces to cough medicine. There is a reason he sits down which is how all the grafters did it in England he says because you can have a crowd around you and by passers can't see what's going on and therefore will be so curious that they will join the audience and watch Joe's brilliant performance.
He is 74 years old and this is him set up on Wall St Monday morning when I got to my day job. I spoke to him briefly as he ate his early lunch preparing for a busy day he told me. I then saw him later on my own lunch break and video taped this New York legend. He is supercool and does what he does better than anyone I've ever seen pitch a product on the streets of New York. Joe lives on Park Avenue and frequents The Hotel Pierre bar where he is known to polish off bottles of Veuve Cliquot champagne along with the regulars who know him very well there as I learned later. Read on, check out his work and enjoy the videos I took of him on my lunch break.
As you can see he decided to turn around and face Trinity Church when I returned on my lunch.
This is the bucketful of the product he sells, Star peeler.
He also shows off on his cart all the notoriety he has gotten in the past from Vanity Fair, The Daily News and the New York Post and others. Surely my article will be on there as well if Joe wants to make even more money.
Definitely a slice of the action, he just sits there and creates a buzz. Wherever he goes.
Joe on the Post.
More media publicity.
The Perfect Pitch man begins his routine, no one around, he just starts talking and showing how the peeler works and slowly people stop and listen. Cool stuff.
Now he's getting them hooked.
Showing off his Iron Chef skills.
I wonder if he is a Guinness book candidate for most carrots peeled ever?
Hook....Line....and BUYER !!!! She looks quite happy with her purchase !!
In the following videos you can hear a guy trying to ask him about the books he sold ten years ago to which he ignores, stays professional and continues on, also in the second video which shows his full show. The bells of Trinity Church are ringing but Joe can drown them out with his passion for the peeler.
And yes indeed......The King had to buy a few too, thats my hand holding this AMAZING product that you know you want to have now.
So in closing, Joe Ades was a character that gave New York that special pulse and New York has certainly lost its pulse for a moment, but that's where new people like Mike Alaska The Drummer, Otis Houston The Black Cherokee, ALL my fellow NYC taxi bloggers, ALL my blog readers, New Yorkers, and I come in to bring the pulse back to a proper rhythm. Thanks for being a vein in the heart of the city pumping for so long Joe. It's the people who make up the arteries of this city to make it the great city it is, not greedy executives, unscrupulous politicians, billionaire socialites whose husband was pardoned by Clinton, lying brokers,crooked cops who shake down bars in Staten Island or the Mayor who pays them so little that they are driven to these acts of desperation and crime. Damn shame that it is.
Its us ....The People.
Joe worked hard, kept it simple and REAL.
Today Joe Ades, you are The King of New York, and one day I will help you peel some potatoes where you are in peace, as I will be one day too. Thanks for the memories Joe. Peace out peelers.
Joe Ades Obituary NY TIMES
I wrote the following article in November of this past year when I was fortunate to find Joe Ades preparing his craft of selling peelers outside my day job. I talked with him, learned a bit about him and am really happy I photographed and videotaped his entire pitch. He was a sales icon of the city streets for many years and he will be missed. I found out he passed on from an email that The New York Times sent me requesting a picture from my sight , however I didn't get the email until late last night and there were plenty of other photos on the net. This is a repost of my article in tribute to Mr. Ades who was what New York is all about. If you have not read it before, you will enjoy it, and if you have, enjoy it again. I'm glad I have a peeler from Joe, I will think of him often, just as I did the day before I found out he passed on while I peeled carrots with it. Life. Always playing tricks on us. My condolences to the Ades family.
From November 2008:
Joe Ades is an infamous moving landmark who traverses the city streets pitching his one product, a potato peeler. Yes, you heard me, a potato peeler. He refers to himself as a "grafter" and not a salesman, he pointed out to me that he learned his trade in impromptu markets over in England where people would be hawking their own items like shoelaces to cough medicine. There is a reason he sits down which is how all the grafters did it in England he says because you can have a crowd around you and by passers can't see what's going on and therefore will be so curious that they will join the audience and watch Joe's brilliant performance.
He is 74 years old and this is him set up on Wall St Monday morning when I got to my day job. I spoke to him briefly as he ate his early lunch preparing for a busy day he told me. I then saw him later on my own lunch break and video taped this New York legend. He is supercool and does what he does better than anyone I've ever seen pitch a product on the streets of New York. Joe lives on Park Avenue and frequents The Hotel Pierre bar where he is known to polish off bottles of Veuve Cliquot champagne along with the regulars who know him very well there as I learned later. Read on, check out his work and enjoy the videos I took of him on my lunch break.
As you can see he decided to turn around and face Trinity Church when I returned on my lunch.
This is the bucketful of the product he sells, Star peeler.
He also shows off on his cart all the notoriety he has gotten in the past from Vanity Fair, The Daily News and the New York Post and others. Surely my article will be on there as well if Joe wants to make even more money.
Definitely a slice of the action, he just sits there and creates a buzz. Wherever he goes.
Joe on the Post.
More media publicity.
The Perfect Pitch man begins his routine, no one around, he just starts talking and showing how the peeler works and slowly people stop and listen. Cool stuff.
Now he's getting them hooked.
Showing off his Iron Chef skills.
I wonder if he is a Guinness book candidate for most carrots peeled ever?
Hook....Line....and BUYER !!!! She looks quite happy with her purchase !!
In the following videos you can hear a guy trying to ask him about the books he sold ten years ago to which he ignores, stays professional and continues on, also in the second video which shows his full show. The bells of Trinity Church are ringing but Joe can drown them out with his passion for the peeler.
And yes indeed......The King had to buy a few too, thats my hand holding this AMAZING product that you know you want to have now.
So in closing, Joe Ades was a character that gave New York that special pulse and New York has certainly lost its pulse for a moment, but that's where new people like Mike Alaska The Drummer, Otis Houston The Black Cherokee, ALL my fellow NYC taxi bloggers, ALL my blog readers, New Yorkers, and I come in to bring the pulse back to a proper rhythm. Thanks for being a vein in the heart of the city pumping for so long Joe. It's the people who make up the arteries of this city to make it the great city it is, not greedy executives, unscrupulous politicians, billionaire socialites whose husband was pardoned by Clinton, lying brokers,crooked cops who shake down bars in Staten Island or the Mayor who pays them so little that they are driven to these acts of desperation and crime. Damn shame that it is.
Its us ....The People.
Joe worked hard, kept it simple and REAL.
Today Joe Ades, you are The King of New York, and one day I will help you peel some potatoes where you are in peace, as I will be one day too. Thanks for the memories Joe. Peace out peelers.
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