This is the time, this is the place, LarkFEST 2010, “New York's Largest One Day Street Festival” is on. Two stages of live music and entertainments including visual arts, music, poetry, magic acts, dancing and food. 80,000 people were expected to attend this year; while I can't confirm this number, Lark Street felt as packed as ever (update: it was 70,000). Center Square neighbors, including myself, know the drill. Either leave Albany for the day, or embrace the crowd, the ... Continue Reading

I'm leaving town for a few days, on a surprise road trip. I've no clue where we are going, but I'm pretty sure there won't be any fireworks in the sticks. There might not even be any Interwebs, oh noooo. I'll bring my camera with me of course, just in case Sasquatch gets frisky. This is the first time in a while I'm not in Albany to take photos of the pretty lights in the sky. This blog wasn't around ... Continue Reading

It's World Naked Bike Ride day! Every year, in cities around the world, people ride bikes "as bare as they dare" to celebrate cycling and the human body. The ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against oil dependency. WNBR advocates and celebrates sustainable energy, environmentally-responsible living, human-powered transport and body-positive values. Check the F.A.Q., it answers questions you've always wondered about: "Isn't riding naked uncomfortable?", "What does it feel like to ride nude?", ... Continue Reading

The annual Capital Pride Festival took place today in Albany's Washington Park, starting with the traditional parade in Center Square. The Capital Pride itself kicked off Tuesday June 1st with a flag raising at City Hall; there were 40 events throughout the 13 days of Pride, culminating with the Parade and Festival. Unfortunately it rained a lot this weekend, Capital-District-"where is my goddamn' summer?"-style, bringing fewer participants and floats. A good turnout nonetheless. This year marked the 40th Anniversary of ... Continue Reading

Happy Memorial Day. Another great morning in the Capital District. People gathered en masse near the Education Building to cheer the Memorial Parade 2010. While I have strong opinions on the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, now is not the time: there is an obvious respect to be paid to those who helped liberate my country back then. We do have a similar day in France, but it doesn't feel quite like the same commitment (cue “surrender” jokes). A few ... Continue Reading