Paolo Mastrangelo

2010-10-25T22:08:00.005-04:00

2010-10-15T16:38:00.000-04:00

2010-08-24T02:06:00.002-04:00

Mattingly

2010-05-08T22:10:00.002-04:00

Did You Know Facebook Has A Public Member Directory?

2010-04-10T00:12:00.013-04:00

Facebook has a public member directory listing in alphabetical order at http://www.facebook.com/directory/people. (click through the screengrab at right for larger version)

How close are internet users in the First World to using Facebook as a public contact directory, as we used phonebooks in years past? A Fonebook?

At this time the directory only lists members who have Public Search Listings available on Facebook. According to Facebook, anyone can opt out of appearing in the directory by changing their Search privacy settings.

The Entryway: Perhaps The Most Racist And Classist Reporting You Will Read Today

2010-03-30T15:33:00.020-04:00

UPDATE: Spot.US Director David Cohn responds via email, update coming soon.

The Project: The Entryway: Two reporters move into a new america

The Entryway is a photojournalism website of two 20 something white women who move into a Mexican household in MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, and report on the experience. The project is sponsored by Spot.US: "a nonprofit project of the "Center for Media Change," funded in part by the Knight Foundation.

Devin Brown, one the journalists, introduces the project thusly:

"...we are navigating a neighborhood in which nearly everything that happens is illegal - the fake IDs, the drugs, the extortion, the prostitutes in the panaderias, even the street vendors who sell tamales on the run."

Here is a sampling of their reports:

Entry One: "All over this neighborhood are cockroach infestations and rat colonies and kids who come to school with bed bugs crawling out of their backpacks." "A week later [Kara] went to the kitchen at night to heat water for her charcoal face mask..." and stepped on "a colony" of cockroaches.

Entry Two:
"We're willing to share one bathroom with nine people, we're willing to put the toilet paper in the trash can next to the toilet, we're willing to fall asleep to the sound of fruit trucks and mexican game shows..."

Entry Three:
"But it is not so bad they would go without television. (three televisions*, two bedrooms.)

Entry Four:
"Most white people with whom I talk about...Latino people in America...seem to agree that if we lived in Mexico for a number of years and we did not learn Spanish, we would be very rude. (This is because) My parents raised me to think of curiosity not only in terms of manners, but of morals: Those who wondered about others meant that they did not only think of themselves."

There are four more entries on the site, with more scheduled during what is intended to be a year long project.

As Aura Bogado wrote in a comment on The Knight Foundations blog:

The entries on the site exoticize the everyday reality of what two white women have deemed a "new America". What's so new, anyway? Just because white folks haven't lived there doesn't mean communities such as MacArthur Park haven't always existed. The way The Entryway is selling itself sounds like the way Columbus must have sounded when trying to get more money from Spain for the so-called "New World."

The fact that so many journalists and photographers of color are deeply offended by The Entryway illustrates a divide in the ways we approach stories. Sadly, the fact that The Entryway is already so well funded illustrates who gets the money to tell them.

You can reach the Devin Browne and Kara Mears of The Entryway and Spot.US Director David Cohn via email at:

2010-02-27T19:00:00.003-05:00

Supporting original and attentive journalism by paying for it. Do you?

Read more on the Online Journalism Project, which supports outstanding local news sites as the New Haven Independent and Northampton Media.

Previously...

Ellis G. Installation

2010-02-27T17:39:00.004-05:00

Ellis G. installation at the Sara Tecchia Gallery in Chelsea, on view October '08. View it large.

McGraw-Hill Education Australia & New Zealand licensed a high resolution file was for a fee by on Feb 09, 2010, for a soon to be published book on the visual arts.

2010-02-16T00:01:00.004-05:00

++Heart-Shaped Ice Sculpture Scene Of Marriage Proposal [UPDATE] (Huffington Post)

West of LI: The Great Russian Doll Of Dreams

2010-02-08T21:38:00.004-05:00

Read the article in full here. See the photo in full on Flickr. (see it on black)

2010-02-06T18:05:00.003-05:00

Supa Nova Slom B.P.G. 125th and 7th Ave. New York City

2010-02-06T17:42:00.006-05:00

2010-02-05T11:42:00.000-05:00

More here on the 92Y Blog

2010-02-03T00:13:00.002-05:00

2010-01-27T19:21:00.000-05:00

2010-01-23T07:44:00.001-05:00

2010-01-23T02:15:00.004-05:00

2010-01-21T15:36:00.001-05:00

I'm working all alone in this big house with a tile guy named Cheeto Zottolo. I keep catching him looking at me. What is it with all you little guineas??

--Foley

Abraham Obama: A Guerilla Tour Through Art And Politics

2010-01-18T20:30:00.009-05:00

Abraham Obama: A Guerilla Tour Through Art And Politics, is a book documenting "culture jamming" contemporary pop artist Ron English's Abraham Obama campaign. Compiled and edited by Don Goede and Ron English. A photograph of mine is featured on Page 65 of the book (seen above, top right).

Pretty Toney

2010-01-17T08:30:00.001-05:00

Spring and Mulberry Street

2010-01-16T16:27:00.002-05:00

2010-01-01T20:21:00.001-05:00

++Extra, Extra (Gothamist)

2009-12-31T20:20:00.003-05:00

++From A Hudson Splash Landing To A Sad Rat: 2009 In Review (Gothamist)

Radio Program Reports on Snooki Appearance Fee

2009-12-23T00:09:00.010-05:00

[Previously]

2009-12-21T23:35:00.002-05:00

++Jersey Shore’s Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi charges $2000 for party appearances (Ok Magazine)

++What's It Cost to Party With Jersey Shore Cast? (E! Online)

++Jersey Shore Cast Now Believe Themselves To Be Legitimate Celebrities (Nerve.com)

++“Jersey Shore” Snooki Appearance Fee $2000 (Popcrunch)

2009-12-18T23:26:00.001-05:00

++Snooki Awaits Your Call (Cityfile)

++How Much Is Snooki Of ‘Jersey Shore’ Getting Paid For Club Appearances? (BlackBook)

2009-12-10T23:09:00.001-05:00

++Police crack down on Canal Street bag vendors (Racked)

++War on Counterfeiting Goes Hi-Tech (Cityfile)

2009-12-04T20:49:00.016-05:00

Read more at The AWL: Perez Hilton Charms New York

2009-12-04T18:28:00.002-05:00

You'll have to wait for the memoir

2009-11-17T22:51:00.001-05:00

++Canal Street Eyesore Puts CK to Shame (AgencySpy)

++Worst Billboard Ever? (Cityfile)

2009-11-16T22:49:00.002-05:00

++ Ad nauseum: Video billboard beams nightmare over Canal & Hudson Streets (Brick Underground)

2009-11-13T17:46:00.003-05:00

++Digital Billboard Wreaks Havoc on Canal. (Gothamist)

92Y Fridges - Episode 1: Jenny 8. Lee

2009-11-11T00:12:00.000-05:00

Martha

2009-10-29T00:24:00.000-04:00

Tompkins Square Dog Halloween Parade 2009

2009-10-28T19:56:00.006-04:00

2009-10-21T14:02:00.000-04:00

++Leftover High Line Art 'Lost' (Curbed)

2009-10-14T20:14:00.002-04:00

For over 135 years the 92nd Street Y has provided a “neutral ground” for a free and open exchange of ideas in the heart of New York City. When Conan made a quip about the state of New Jersey, offering anyone a free bus ticket out, Mayor Booker responded in kind by “banning” Conan from Newark Airport.

We are not in the business of banning people, even if they are a New Jersey mayor or relocated late night talk show host. The City of New York does occasionally enact bans. Smoking and trans fats, bake sales in schools, the pinball prohibition from 1942 to 1976…

Gregory Henry

2009-10-03T20:47:00.002-04:00

2009-10-02T18:10:00.004-04:00

Me: "Just signed up for my Italian Class. Woot Woot."
Foley: "Italian and Class? Isn't that an oxymoron?"

All Italians are Jewish

2009-10-01T22:02:00.013-04:00

Video with Columbia Professor Jeremy Dauber discussing his series on Jewish Comedians at 92Y.

Listen to a podcast featuring a brief Q&A with Dauber as he talks about the history of Jewish comedy on the 92Y Blog.

Fanelli Cafe

2009-10-01T10:03:00.003-04:00

94 Prince St, NYC

2009-09-30T20:07:00.011-04:00

++ Leftover stock from the Brella Bar on sale on Mott Street. (Racked)

2009-09-30T09:46:00.007-04:00

"Paolo asks the tough questions." –YM

Past Sell By Date: Abandoned Interior of 197-199 Mott Street

2009-09-29T19:58:00.002-04:00

If you peer through the broken glass at 197-199 Mott Street, you see the remnants of a grocery store. This is what it looks like:

2009-09-29T19:54:00.005-04:00

++ Lieutenant Petrosino Square park nears completion. (The Real Deal)

2009-09-28T20:21:00.020-04:00

++ Opening of revamped Petrosino Square finally imminent? (Curbed)

Video of religious procession in Castiliogne Messers Marino, Abruzzo, Italia.

2009-09-28T11:53:00.004-04:00

Handmade Umbrellas on Mott St

2009-09-28T11:31:00.003-04:00

Left over stock from Brella Bar which used to be on UES but is now closed. For sale outside proprietors apartment on Mott St.

2009-09-25T10:26:00.004-04:00

Looking North on 8th Ave at 35th St

2009-09-21T19:20:00.002-04:00

Little Italy's Masked Avenger Does Not Like Tucker Max

2009-09-21T11:15:00.002-04:00

More here.

2009-07-14T22:58:00.004-04:00

++ New murals on Houston Street: the good, and bad/ugly. (Newyorkology)

2009-07-14T17:01:00.001-04:00

++ Chatting With Os Gêmeos About Their NYC Mural (ANIMALNewYork)

2009-06-30T22:21:00.001-04:00

++ "To the person whose dog has taken a shit twice this week and you didn't
pick it up: I'll b watching. If I catch you it wont go well for you" (Curbed)

++ To Catch a Pooper-trator (Gothamist)

++ Fresh Direct, the popular food delivery service, was caught committing the ultimate sin for organic-hearted city dwellers -- parking in a bike lane. A spokesperson said they shouldn't be doing that. (NBC New York)

2009-06-30T17:07:00.000-04:00

++ Michael Jackson’s Death: Live At the Apollo (ANIMALNewYork)

2009-06-02T11:17:00.001-04:00

++ Witnesses Say Cop Who Shot Cop ID'd Himself, Slain Cop's Wake Today. (Gothamist)

Jewelry Studios with Klaus and Honey Jean

2009-05-08T00:19:00.000-04:00

Shababa™ with Karina

2009-05-06T00:09:00.001-04:00

MJ - Dear You

2009-05-03T00:06:00.000-04:00

Lily Koppel and the Red Leather Diary

2009-03-22T09:56:00.001-04:00

PM FOR YM - New York Color

2009-01-03T23:38:00.001-05:00

That's what I'm supposed to write about here. The "color" of New York. So I'm risking my job here with this post, but I do remember that YM is also a music blog, so hopefully I can sneak this post in without much protest from the publisher. Maybe I can add some NY Color by adding a small note about my dad who arrived in nyc in 1972, and lived on 2nd ave btw 51st and 52nd in a time when Cartier Love bracelets were $280 and came with Cartier's signature on the underside. So that's a small bit of NY color, and the photo at right should count too, for the Kennedy tie in what with Caroline's bid for a Senate seat here...

PM FOR YM - New York Color, cont'd.

Artist Has The City On Locks

2008-12-10T22:21:00.005-05:00

++ Artist Has the City On Locks (ANIMALNewYork)

Allan Molho began placing his locks project almost exclusively around Soho’s streets in 2003, with one installation being placed on 22nd between 10th and 11th Ave. Utilizing padlocks as a canvas that feature photos of his children affixed to each one, they are locked to fences, poles, or other surfaces. In explaining his use of locks as a canvas, Allan told ANIMAL there is a “tyranny” of images on the streets today “dominated by advertisements for products… For me, tyranny implies a battle. Street art, graffiti and these installations are part of this battle. By using a lock, these ideas are somewhat more “permanent” on the street.”

Allan’s locks, just as the neighborhoods of Manhattan, are constantly growing and evolving (see the specially formulated Google map), with developers adding or subtracting to the current landscape, and economic realities, fairly or not, driving stark changes in neighborhoods, building by building. People often express a yearning for ‘the way things used to be’, and Allan’s locks are a clever attempt at making permanent a particular “idea or emotion.” “Instead of a lock’s normal function, I wanted to lock ideas and emotions to a particular place…Yet, it is clear that nothing stays the same,” Allan offered somewhat reflectively. “Neighborhoods, the city streets, its buildings and fixtures, its people and culture, its art and its ideas. Try to think of what the city streets looked liked like 150 years ago. What is the legacy of people? What things, words, and ideas last?” -Paolo Mastrangelo

Visiting Manhattan Night Court At 100 Center St. Part I

2008-11-20T10:18:00.003-05:00

NYC The Blog finds that NYPD policy targets homeless people for fare evasion on the M35 bus as it runs from Wards Island Men Shelter to 125th St. Classist public policy, or effective crime prevention?

One man present who had been charged with fare beating on the m35 that morning, who did not want to give his name, claimed that he and five others here in court were picked up that morning after boarding the bus at approximately 6:30am on their way to an outpatient facility in Harlem. They are homeless, living in the shelter, and the bus is their connection to job interviews, mental health facilities, friends and family. None of them had money for the fare, and all snuck on the bus from the back door. When the bus approached 125th st, maybe at 123rd he said, it pulled over where police were waiting with vans.

The building housing Night Court is located at 100 Center St and is open to the public. It is a stop that should be included in tourist guides; You need not pay to enter, nor have any purpose aside from wanting to be present. Curiosity and a last minute decision to join a friend were the only reasons that brought me there one evening last week. Upon entering, the guards manning the entrance were casual and friendly, scanning our belongings and waving our persons. When we asked them where court was being held, one helpfully suggested to try room 130 as "there's more going on there, it'll probably be more interesting than room 129."

It was 8:30 pm, the building was relatively quiet, appearing less frenetic and busy as a result of the incredible heights of the ceilings, and the wide hallways which wrap around the interior in every direction. Night Court runs from 5:30pm to 1AM, with a dinner break from 9-10:15pm. Nearby on Baxter St one block away, behind the court house, are a a few great Vietnamese restaurants intermixed with a number of Bail Bondsman, whose neon signs beckon you with the promise, "ANY NYC BAIL, ANY NYC JAIL, GET OUT OF JAIL FAST!"

Night Court handles the same cases as Criminal Court, as it is the same thing, only later in the day. Fare beaters, murderers, drug charges, etc...Pete Tyrell, Associate Court Clerk for State of New York, noted that the large majority of cases are for theft of services -skipping out on your check at a diner, beating a taxi cab fare, jumping the turnstile- and minor drug offenses. This proved true during the time I was there, as a number of men were being arraigned on fare beating chargers, though the cases I witnessed were homeless men from Wards Island being charged with not paying their bus fare on the m35 (pdf), a bus which runs on a loop from the homeless shelter on Wards Island to 125th St in Harlem.

"There must have been an undercover on the bus," said the gentleman who I spoke with about his fare beating charge, "because the police just boarded the bus and pulled us all off. They already knew which ones to grab. They came up to each of us and arrested us for not paying the fare. I've been here in court since this morning."

Admittedly, I was slightly suspicious, knowing full well the stories that get told when people charged with a crime are describing the events that led up to a police intervention. I didn't think he was lying, but def wondered if the police would really station undercovers on the bus to nab homeless people who haven't paid their fare, on a bus that only travels from a homeless shelter to 125th and back again. But I'm not alone in believing the police have more important things to worry about. Today's AM New York quotes City Councilman Peter Vallone (D-Queens) -in response to a concern that there seems to be more graffiti around town- as claiming that "The officers we have are focused on serious crime..." and are not out chasing small matters. Though Peter is mistaken, and probably purposely so.

News reports confirm an NYPD policy of targeting homeless men on the M35 for fare evasion, with the NYTimes in 2005 reporting on the policy utilizing the use of undercovers on the bus "that began in the 1990's, when the New York Police Department took aim at minor crimes, like unlicensed street peddling and fare-beating."

"Homeless men and the lawyers who defend them say that the city created a Catch-22 when it designated the shelter as the place to sleep but then started arresting people who could not pay for the bus to get there..."You're setting me up," said Shavar Shaver, 21, of Brooklyn, who was arrested with five other people for not paying his fare in January. "They're the easiest victims, the homeless people. Its entrapment. Why don't you go fight some real crime?"

The man I spoke with at Night Court facing the same charge expressed similar sentiments, when he spoke to no one in particular and exasperatingly exclaimed, "I don't understand why people who don't have any money have to pay for this bus."

The legal aid attorney was walking by, and I grabbed him for comment. He was cautious with his words, bound by ethical and legal standards that limit what he can say. Off the record and clearly frustrated with the cases he was seeing tonight, he exclaimed that "An enterprising journalist could have a field day with how we treat the poor in this city."

The men, living in a shelter and within reach of social workers and other city services, are using resources funded with tax dollars, social services created to feed and cloth and bed the men. Now they are targeted by the police who bring them into a different system, one of crime and punishment, again supported by a flow of tax dollars. Using a different set of taxes now, concurrently with the other monies, a decision to target and punish the men is made. New resources are used, by default turning ineffective the resources originally laid out for the men, in addition to yet more costs involved at the court house to handle the cases. Taxes being spent redundantly and even counter-productively, everywhere, for service, policing, jail, justice, and maybe the same circle all over again. Taxes that now can not be used to hire teacher, build a school, reduce rates of asthma, or clean a park.

Is this effort to nab fare beaters on the m35 bus a classist public policy, or effective crime suppression? The smart money is on both.

2008-11-17T18:11:00.000-05:00

++ Corporate Graffiti Covers Subway Trains Nowadays (ANIMALNewYork)

oh my.

2008-11-09T02:10:00.003-05:00

Dear Williamsburg,

2008-11-07T23:28:00.003-05:00

Letters from your neighbors and fellow newyorkers. Send your own 'Dear Williamsburg' letters here, and they will be posted.

Election Night, 125th St Harlem

2008-11-07T19:41:00.000-05:00

2008-11-06T16:38:00.000-05:00

++ Three Shot in Harlem Last Night. (Gothamist)

"A Blogger..."

2008-11-06T00:08:00.004-05:00

Link here.

What's funny is that the story they are reporting on was reported at NYC The Blog just moments prior.

You just relax- this is fine to do

2008-10-18T23:21:00.010-04:00

From: Giulia
To: All
Date: Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Subject: You just relax- this is fine to do

Well trolls,
I was thinking that the holidays are around the corner! Actually mom wanted to know when we were all arriving for Thanksgiving and I said mom, we're not doing Thanksgiving at home and she was of course shell shocked and insisted that we did do Thanksgiving at home. Btw, have any of you noticed her collection of boxes that has invaded the downstairs hallway? Last time I was home, Papa crept downstairs stared at us in the downstairs kitchen then went over to a box fished around, grabbed a pot and then went back upstairs.

Anyways, I thought it was time for us to start discussing Thanksgiving since time obviously flies faster than we can keep track of. While we're at it, let's discuss Christmas too.

For thanksgiving, let's debate a preliminary menu and organization of it.
It should be really easy this year because:
1. Mario knows how to make a great turkey
2. Paolo lives in NYC
3. Anthony might come if he's not being a re-re.

Some Ideas for A Menu:

I recently made some amazing shrimp broiled in bacon and i think this would be perfect to supersede the scallops wrapped in bacon we had last year.???
Turkey????
Prosciutto e melone
Insalata Caprese
The stuffing Nina made last year????
Broccoli rabe or how would everyone feel about a variety of chard??? It's less bitter than broccoli rabe.
Mashed potatoes white and sweet
The peanut butter kiss cookies Carla made
Weed (Obviously marshall will take care of this) [Ed: HAHA! Are you kids still doing the pot?!! Is someone going to bring a glass bowl too in one of those fabric pouches you bought from some hippie friend in high school?]

That is what is standing out in my head from last year. I also think it would be better if we each either bought ingredients for a dish or took care of dish. That would help lessen the chaos and the pressure of nina and I doing a majority of the preparation.

Some rules i think we should add and everyone feel free to adjust them.

Not one person is allowed to take up the couches and insist on napping on them while 6 other are playing cards, watching tv, etc.
Luca, Mario, and Paolo are not allowed to pass gas. You MUST excuse yourself.
Please keep your hands out of your pants. Thats what pockets are for.
Nina can't freak out because we used the wrong pot.
I can't eat snacks and then insist i'm full.
Carla can't put her fingers in all the dishes
Paolo's not allowed to look for the dessert and eat it before dinner.
No eating throughout the day!

Alright well that's all i have on my mind for now regarding Thanksgiving.
On to CHRISTMAS!

[Ed.: Blah blah lets go somewhere for xmas, blah blah, cheap flights, somewhere warm and sunny]

Thanks assholes!
Jan

+++

I'll make the stuffing...that was really good. And bring a variety of olives and cheeses. We need to figure out a better method to brine the turkey. Not eating chard. That's what all those weirdos eat at their stupid picnics on the Hungry Ghost lawn.

+++

Nina, faith in Jesus is the only way to God.

+++

Bringing the turkey- We need a huge turkey pan and something to store it. I'm just remembering the awful set up we had last year. My recycling bin!!!!! Remember that. I think i blocked it from my memory. Nina if you are home, maybe you could see if Mama has anything and bring it back. I'll make the shrimps with bacon and maybe an eggplant parm? Would everyone like that? Or a pasta dish? What are everyone's preferences? Also i'll prepare some deserts. Sweet potato pie, and anything other requests.

We need some other input here! Mario, Luca, and Paolo (yes jesus is the way to the lord, has he given you any divine messages related to Thanksgiving?!!) It's really not that far off, 5 weeks. It will fly fast. Carol, what is your work schedule? Do you need to request time off now? I work Wednesday till 4, i'm off Thanksgiving and Friday.

+++

Yes he has as a matter of fact. We just spoke, on facebook chat, and he told me the same thing he always says. Be of service. With all the ppl here in the world's greatest city who could use assistance and support, maybe we should all volunteer at a soup kitchen this Thanksgiving instead? Giving to others fills your soul with love, like depositing money in the bank of the lord.

I think thats what we should do.

+++

giulia your personal dishes sound bad, sweet potato pie? wack. if were gonna have desert do it right, maybe like a warm coffee mocha pudding thing or a grapenut pudding. I am also not sold on your shrimp in bacon. The reason the scallops were wack was because Nina insisted on grilling them instead of cooking them in a pan or oven. You need to re-evaluate your thoughts and offer a more filtered version

Regards

+++

I'm gonna invite mom and pop to join us at the soup kitchen

+++

Luca if u want to run the show then go ahead. I'm personally sick of all your negatived.

+++

Negativity I meant.

+++

OK-

Jan, calm down...no need to get bent of shape about luca's suggestion. I do agree with him that the shrimp and bacon is a bad idea..as was the scallops last year. In theory, those are great dishes, but no one here is qualified to make them.

+++

Actually, i was thinking we should just do shishkadol and beans and maybe some gabigol. who's down? [ed.: My sister is making fun of the way my mom pronounces italian words, and reading this makes me laugh out loud i have tears in my eyes]

+++

the squash is a good idea. seasonal new and fresh. I would also recommend maybe some greenbeans and garlic sauteed. maybe a few diced almonds. The cauliflower broccoli casserole was good, I would be OK with seeing that again , but it is on the heavy side. Maybe some of type eggplant, not parmesan. Lets keep the ideas flowing and well finalize a little later. We an also use a 5 gallon painters type pail for the turkey brine. keep your eye on the food network they will be doing a lot of thanksgiving shows.

+++

Luca why dont you go fuck urself on the freedom trail w/joe.

2008-10-14T17:05:00.000-04:00

++ New Poster Boy Art Isn’t Poster Boy Per Se (ANIMALNewYork)

Time Out NY; I, New York Issue 679 : Oct 2–7, 2008

2008-10-05T11:10:00.004-04:00

2008-09-21T22:06:00.001-04:00

Ellis G. installation

2008-09-18T23:32:00.002-04:00

Ellis G. installation at Sara Tecchia Gallery in Chelsea. 09.18.08

Video With Apollo Braun, L'enfant Terrible Of The Lower East Side?

2008-08-20T10:33:00.001-04:00

more info here:

Canonized As Awesome. That's What I'm Sayin

2008-08-11T21:39:00.002-04:00

click on photos for larger version. (via)

Bitch

2008-08-08T00:03:00.003-04:00

From Paolo:
ur mean

From Marissa:
ur a bitch

From Paolo:
no

From Marissa:
yes you are

Hug You

2008-08-01T15:17:00.000-04:00

Thomas Jefferson Park, Spanish Harlem

2008-07-29T23:52:00.000-04:00

2008-07-28T23:53:00.000-04:00

++Bodega in a Box Helps You Cook Really Locally (Gothamist)

++Please Buy This Gentrification-Kit! (Gawker)

Being Mastrangelo

2008-07-28T22:02:00.004-04:00

Paolo: I want to date a black girl and have a baby, seri i think i shud. I hope i can.

G: Totes. Ur already mom's favorite, she'd prolly give u all her stuff if you did that.

+++

Paolo: G was drunk the other night and told me you told her you want to have my babies. thats cool

Rachel: thats not true...G said you want a black baby

Paolo: haha i do. and g did tell me that, and she said it was true

Rachel: well. she's got a real fresh mouth

Paolo: yah. i believe her

Rachel: oh whatever. i do want to be a mastrangelo

Paolo: yah i bet. i would too. i want you to be a mastrangelo. you are as far as im concerned.

Rachel: thanks

Turn Your Camera On

2008-07-24T20:42:00.002-04:00

Have you ever kissed a boy? Part II

2008-07-21T19:31:00.002-04:00

P: did you read it?

E: no i will give me a minute

P: http://paolomastrangelo.blogspot.com/2008/07/have-you-ever-kissed-boy.html

E: who the fuck is irie oh and you spelled emmit wrong it's emmitt

P: whatever. irie is a fake name. real person. good story eh? i was dying

E: do I know him?

P: he said dont tell emmit

E: huh do i know him?

P: he doesnt want you sending him pics of your cock

E: answer the fuking question do i know him?

P: are you gonna send him pics of yourself grabbing your ankles with a banana in your ass if i tell you?

E: answer the fuking question do i know him? answer the q'st

P: emmit. i cant tell you thats not fair.

E: its emmitt, and by the way tell me and ill tell you a secret core to the bone-leon

P: the ass crasher

E: yah i knew that bout him he is a rest stop homo. btw i have no secrets.

P: Jerk its not the ass crasher. thats not a a secret.

E: huh. oh me and mi. huh

P: and btw, you have a ton of secrets

E: yah i do. dude i never saw you so angry, over a salad. you need help.

Have you ever kissed a boy?

2008-07-19T16:13:00.008-04:00

From: irie 10:45am 7/19/08
have you ever kissed a boy?
From: Paolo 10:45 7/19/08
nope. why?
From: irie 10:45am 7/19/08
just wondering...

From: Paolo 10:46 7/19/08
(rolling my eyes)
From: irie 10:46am 7/19/08
why?
From: Paolo 10:46am 7/19/08
Do you wanna try it out?
From: irie 10:47am 7/19/08
I know what it's like! I never told u about that?
From: Paolo 10:47am 7/19/08
no please continue...

From: irie 10:48am 7/19/08
I made out with a black queen, 5 yrs ago in Kansas City.
From: Paolo 10:48am 7/19/08
dude. give me the whole story.

From: irie 10:49am 7/19/08
He was the desk guy at this 5 start hotel I was staying at. He showed me my room. Then I called the desk and asked him what he was doing. If he wanted to hang out.
From: Paolo 10:49am 7/19/08
omg. dude. why? what was that all about? was he flirting w u?

From: irie 10:50am 7/19/08
yeah, i was drinking. I was like...alright, what the fuk.
From: Paolo 10:50am 7/19/08
wow. Good for u. what happened in the room?

From: irie 10:51am 7/19/08
we were kissing, and he went down on me. Sucking my balls and ass.
From: Paolo 10:51 7/19/08
o.m.god. u r nasty, i had no idea. geez what did you think?

From: irie 10:52am 7/19/08
why? i'm not nasty. I wanted to try it. The kissing was a little strange. The bj good. when he was sucking my cock, he stopped, looked up at me and said, ...If you like this, my ass is even sweeter.
From: Paolo 10:53am 7/19/08
wow this is incredible. more...

From: irie 10:54am 7/19/08
It was fun, once u let go of the idea that ur supposed to think its wrong. I teased him a little. When he was going down on I would say, I bet u want to fuk that tight little virgin ass with ur black cock.
From: Paolo 10:54am 7/19/08
dude! god. you are an animal. how did it end?

From: irie 10:55am 7/19/08
me cumming in his mouth
From: Paolo 10:56am 7/19/08
And then what? what was said?

From: irie 10:57am 7/19/08
we just hung out, drank some beers, talked about race, politics, watched a little tv, kissed and he went back 2 work at his desk
From: Paolo 10:57am 7/19/08
!!!
From: irie 10:58am 7/19/08
what? I felt safe for some reason.
From: Paolo 10:59am 7/19/08
I feel safe with u, but i dont want your slender vanilla hose in my little beautiful ass. but I might want to push you around a bit.
From: irie 11:00am 7/19/08
Ha, yah. I bet you do. don't tell emmit this story, he'll be sending me pics of his cock.

From: Paolo 11:03am 7/19/08
Can i see if im gay with you?
From: irie 11:05am 7/19/08
ok, but i'm just afraid you'll fall in love w me.

Cafe Gitane, 242 Mott St.

2008-07-19T10:11:00.005-04:00

Did Mom Ever Tell You You Were Adopted?

2008-07-18T11:37:00.004-04:00

Now that im a published photographer....
http://www.nypress.com/21/29/news&columns/mailbox.cfm (on the right)
I would like you to start referring to me as an accomplished artist. for instance, like, when introducing me to friends, you can say, "this is my friend/brother Paolo, an accomplished artist who lives in nyc"

or you could say something like, "Hey, I want you to meet Paolo, a photographer currently living in nyc"

something like that, you know?

thanks.xxo

+++

So do u refer to me as ur cute accomplished sister? Like this is my sister giulia, she's successful, sweet and funny- too good for you.

Or u cld say this is giulia, she wears nice clothes to work and is cute.

Those are just some ideas. Can't wait to see ur photo published!!!

+++

I say both. ask chris and korey.

+++

Sure.......

+++

I just tell people you are really into media literacy

+++

I tell ppl u are a media whore and a blogger. Is it not cool to say "blogger?" Shl say media literacy?

+++

yah, thats ok. though im not really fond of blogger. blogger is what you publish on, so as far as im concerned, im a published writer and photographer who has a flat in nyc. blogging is jus one tool available to spread my well received art.

luca, media literacy? yah, thats ok too but it sounds to educational.

educating is def something my art does, like people read it or see it and it opens eyes. it makes people smarter. def.

Daniella once called me a 'punk ass blogger'

i like that if you are going to use the word blogger.

+++

Paulie, I'm thinking more and more that you should just be referred to as "The professional". Period..."The Professional who happened to document genius with his camera" or " The Professional who turns a Brooklyn sidewalk into a catwalk" "The Professional - OMG there he goes!!!!" "The professional, who is not only an artist, but a work of art"

Let's get down to the essence of Paolo. Whether it's hanging sheetrock in a hard hat and a halfshirt tanktop, or photographing a dew drop on a young flower, it is all done with precision and mastery...

+++

Chris did not play along and 'Reply All'

+++

Sorry!!! I want to play along!!! I'm just a retard!!! My first computer!!! It's a 98 gateway for fucks sake

+++

NOT FOR THE WOMEN ON THIS LIST. PLEASE IGNORE IF YOU ARE MY SISTER OR FRIEND WHO IS A GIRL. THE FOLLOWING IS A VIDEO OF ASHLEY DUPRE'S VAGINA, AND IS REALLY ONLY MEANT FOR CHRIS, CAUSE I KNOW HE LOVES THIS SHIT.
http://www.trashleydupre.com/trailer.html

+++

I just call all u fuks adopted.

I Used To Live In Northampton: Rando Encounters NYC Edition, Part 128

2008-07-17T17:12:00.005-04:00

Scene: Corner of Wooster and Spring, this morning at 9AM. Lori walks around the corner.

Me: !!!

Lori: !!!

OMG! blah.

Me: I love this shit! You're like the 28th person I ran into this month. Just the other day I was walking down the subway stairs at 145th and SG was walking up them!

Lori: For real? Oh wow thats so great! I dont see anyone. But you're always like that, you fuking know everybody everywhere. Have you seen NF ?

Me: No! But we are facebook friends. He's in BK, so...

but you should see his profile, it is absolutely hilarious. "blowing big loads" "learning how to suck larger co*ks" "yoga twice a week until i can suck my own co*k" "boobs and explosions" etc., etc. I died when I read it, cause hes like still the same. And he is still so fly and stylin'

(Interlude, office, blah, friends. Bye.)

Lori: Great to see you crossing the street this morning!

Me: no it was great to see you. seri, it was the highlight of my day. as you know, i luv that shit. cause then you took me to the office and i met jackie and she told me bout those scarves and im gonna buy one and its gonna be my new fav piece, and i only have a few absolutely fav pieces. so all in all it was a very notable experience all around, and it would nevr have happened if the good lord jesus didnt allow our cross to paths.

bless our souls lori, fereel

Aww..The NY Press Published My Photo (blush)

2008-07-16T19:58:00.004-04:00

This week's NY Press has published a photograph of mine. (click here to see the original photo in full screen)

RELATED:: This post reminded me of a letter to the editor I wrote to the NY Press last year, so obvs I went and found it and posted it below. The letter was in response to a great story the NY Press did entitled THE FAMING ASSHOLES. Briefly, it was about a circle of 'fameballs' in nyc, and the loop of coverage that kept them in the public eye. Remember that "NYC Girl of my Dreams" website? No? well google it or something if you were interested. Anyways...

Here is my L to the E to the NY Press last year. I jus thought it was germane what with all the masturbation that is taking place here.

Manhattan Circle Jerk
"I wanted to let you know I enjoyed your article, and appreciate you taking the time to write it. Although many might already be privy to the circle jerk that is Manhattan media (many who read Gawker and watch Good Morning America for instance) particularly the thousands who reside in places where this climate does not exist —probably are not. And I always appreciate when people lift the veil a bit, on any issue, so that others might see what everyone else can. That in and of itself is an important exercise, and I am glad to see you doing so.
—Paolo Mastrangelo

I like things that break my heart.

2008-07-15T06:57:00.002-04:00

Dinner is for birthdays, groups, and dates. Breakfast is for friends.

2008-07-13T22:50:00.004-04:00

from: paolo
how bout breakfast?

from: marissa
why are you so stuck on breakfast?!

from: paolo
i like cappuccino and morning and sitting at the cafe

from: marissa
mm like the french

from: paolo
yak kinda. i do like cafe gitane on mott. wanna meet me there manana?

from: marissa
my phone rejected the last tex cause it was full, resend the last one.

from: paolo
ha, yours was the last one i could get too!

from: marissa
we need txtaholics anon.

from: paolo
no tex anon. i luv it.

Town VS Gown. Like Maybelline, Some Were Just Born With It

2008-07-10T21:13:00.007-04:00

From: Paolo 07/10/08 12:41am
member the first time we met? u were at unite and u were writing a letter. and I said hi what are you doing and asked u if u wud write me a letter. and you shot me a look and said, "i dont think so"

From: Liza 07/10/08 12:46am
ha. was i really mean when we met? I remember thats when i was "interning" there haha.

From: Paolo 07/10/08 12:51am
no u were not mean at all. I thought it was funny. U were this cute girl behind the counter so i was totes like who is this and what u doin? Im very curious and truthfully, u looked like you didnt fuk around and it was very interesting and im not shy.

From: Liza 07/10/08 12:52am
hahaa. thats so great.

(interlude)

From: Liza 07/10/08 1:04am
summertime is so nice in northampton w.out all the college kids

From: Paolo 07/10/08 1:06am
oh god liza those fukn indie hipster college kids shud all live with themselves somewhere. like williamsburg. theyve already colonized that place arent they happy with that?

From: Liza 07/10/08 1:06am
it gets on my nerves! its just so tacky and ugly and i cant get over it.

From Paolo: 07/10/08 1:07am
it is tacky. like maybelline, some "were born with it". you know who was and who wasnt. the rest should just cut their hair already and like stop it.

From: Liza 07/10/08 1:08am
head to toe american apparel. wayfarers. whatever they are rocking at this moment. everything is so literal with these people.

From: Paolo 07/10/08 1:20am
Liza, u r so good. "everything is so literal with these people" that captures it perfectly. I have to blog that cept ill leave out the part where i was a dick. i can be such a dick about it, when you say it it sounds smart not mean.

From A Man In Nigeria Who Needs Our Help With Receiving His Funds? Or A Message Sent Via Facebook?

2008-07-09T22:55:00.002-04:00

"Paolo I received your message, let me know what you can do, and please let your brothers and sisters know"

Me And Lindsey

2008-07-01T20:56:00.003-04:00

From: Paolo
lindsey lohan has a long lost sister. The lord giveth and giveth, hallelujah!
11:01am 07/01/08

From: G
I know so awesome. Instantly famous i cant wait to see her on the scene.
11.02am 07/01/08

From: Paolo
Yes totally. instantly famous. i wud love it.
11.02am 07/01/08

From: Paolo
you know, in my head, me and lindsey are friends.
11.03am 07/01/08

From: G
WOW
11.03pm 07/01/08

Then Put Your Little Hand In Mind

2008-06-30T23:11:00.008-04:00

Sweltering in the heat underground allows me a certain comfort, a calmness of my muscles and body that often escapes me in the distracting and over-stimulating streets above. Waiting for the train in weather like this reminds me of the heat in the Dominican Republic in the high season that many describe as oppressive, though more accurately might be described as soothing and pleasurable.

The downtown D train downtown barreled into the station at 145th, blowing a welcome breeze upon all who are standing on the platform awaiting its arrival. The doors slide open and I take my seat between a woman and her young son, an even smaller child in her arms. Always inquisitive and alert as children tend to be, the baby turned her head to observe my face as I sat next to her, a smile filling my face. Continuing to maintain contact with my eyes as we passed 125th, and then 59th St., she reached a small hand out towards me, and I extended her my finger. She wrapped her fingers around my index finger, holding onto it with such intent.

Finished staring at me, she became tired and rested her head into her mother's chest, her eyes slowly closing, closing, closing, closed; her hand losing grip of my finger. As gravity pulled her arm and hand limp, she was reawakened, and re-extended her hand towards my arm, resting her little hand there.

Her mother and I spoke, and Claradine informed me she was on her way to church. She invited me to attend services with herself, her son, the baby, and her sister who was also present, offering to have me accompany them this evening. Declining, Claradine gave me her phone number, and I made plans to attend service with them later that week, as she informed me they attend service every Wed., Fri., Sat., and Sunday in Washington Heights.

Claradine shifted the babies weight, and her little hand fell from my arm. The child looked up and sounded her displeasure, "mmmm!" and re-shifted her body back, resting her head into her mothers chest, and again extending her arm and hand out towards my arm, reaching until her little hand once again was resting on my arm, looking up at me briefly for another moment before she once again closed her eyes and went to sleep.

New York, New York

2008-06-29T20:16:00.010-04:00

The white tennis shoes are worn without any laces, frankly just because it is easier. On and off without any extra effort. Walking down the street and they sometimes flip slightly off, but very easily slip into place again.

Leaving a bar at 4 in the morning, and taking a stutter step as they slide off, she walked by and asked, "Are you ok?"

"Yes," I replied, chuckling. "Thanks for asking. My shoes come off sometimes, and make me trip."

She smiled at me, "Do you want to come home with me?"

"Hmm...?" I asked confused, eyebrows scrunched, unsure if I heard her correctly. "What did you just say?"

"I said, do you want to come home with me?"

"Yes, of course I do."

"Ok, well c'mon, lets go then." She grabbed my hand and pulled me towards.

UPDATE:: From Sasha Frere-Jones; The exact median blog post: "I was new to the city and scared, so I drank too much and met someone."

Paolo Paparazzo

2008-06-29T18:26:00.003-04:00

paolopaparazzo.com; photographs from behind the bushes.

Craigslist Casual Encounters

2008-06-24T21:50:00.004-04:00

I wanna have a coffee and flirt. - m4w - 32 (Harlem / Morningside)

Reply to: pers-730364905@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-23, 10:11PM EDT

Hi. Really. Thats what I want to do. I want to meet you out at a cafe and have coffee or tea and flirt with each other. We can be friends for a hot minute. And if we find each other attractive, we could take the other home to kiss on the couch.

That would be good enough, yes? we could always just continue at a later date. Though obvs we could continue on right then and there too.

I am not unattractive, and I believe you if you say you are not unattractive. Im not sending any pics of my face, so...

I am DD free.

Working Girl

2008-06-23T19:59:00.007-04:00

Finding an affordable apt. in nyc that was acceptable was relatively easy. As was getting a job. Moving my stuff down here was not as easy as I would have liked. I used three dif cars on three dif week-ends, by myself on all but one occasion, and two of the cars broke down, once on the highway in the pouring rain. Spending money for the tow trucks sucked...I was not counting on spending that money. But the good lord shines his light on me all the time, so as bad as it was, the delays, the money, the stress...Ive no business complaining.

I work at a social service agency in Queens, and I get paid to do there, what I did in Northampton out of the goodness of my heart and concern for my friends and family in the community. When people ask me why I moved to NYC, getting paid for caring is one of the reasons. Say what you want about NYC...it places an economic value on community affairs. Places like Northampton love to talk the talk, but when it comes time to put the money where your mouth is, everyone gets real quiet. I've heard it described as convenient liberalism.

Not that I wanted to get paid for caring in Northampton, but it bothered me that time and again, I had to flyer about important meetings, spending my own money and time do so, because the people holding the meetings were either unwilling on incapable of doing so themselves. The same people who 'care so much', who are 'working to make the community a better' place. But I imagine that defining that word -community- and the people that inhabit each definition, would go a long way towards illuminating who was being served and who wasn't.

I guess I just had enough. Maybe this is a bad analogy, but many people in communities such as NYC recycle and re-use because they have too, because it's logical, because it makes economic sense. As opposed to doing so because they are going to save the world. That is a subtle difference, but one loaded with suggestions.

Anyways...

Is my carping on about the progressive politics of the affluent and privileged class of Northampton getting old? I enjoy it.

Internet College of NYC, Making Friends via Email, Twitter, and Text

2008-06-18T09:00:00.010-04:00

Grade: B-

from xxxxx
to paolo@paolomastrangelo.com
date Jun 12, 2008 11:39 AM
subject noho to harlem?
signed-by gmail.com
mailed-by bounce.secureserver.net

hi there paolo,

i came across your blog today via uptown flavor.

and i just started following you on twitter... funny tweets, btw.
i just moved to harlem myself, from stamford. and born and raised in the 413!!! (westfield mass. worked at mount holyoke for a year. loads of friends in easthampton.)

good to meet you!

from Paolo Mastrangelo
to xxxxxx
date Jun 12, 2008 11:50 AM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

omg i love this shit. this stuff is great. i was jus adding twitters from the hood and you saw mine and added me...and we both came from west ma and we both now live in w.harlem.

so like we when are we gonna get a coffee and say hi?

from xxxxxx
to Paolo Mastrangelo
date Jun 12, 2008 1:12 PM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

this stuff is great! i love it...

who else are you adding from the hood? i've been following a few of
the blogs as well..

when are you free to meet up?

from Paolo Mastrangelo
to xxxxxx
date Jun 12, 2008 1:12 PM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

umm...im not sure about what other sites i found, ill have too look. i think i just found only one more.

im free tonight after 6.
i would like to meet up and say hi. if not tonight, some other time. call or txt is best, but obvs email is fine too.

from Paolo Mastrangelo
to xxxxxx
date Jun 12, 2008 3:03 PM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

wul?

from xxxxxx
to Paolo Mastrangelo
date Jun 12, 2008 3:09 PM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

yes yes. i am thinking of heading downtown soon. but i do want to meet up and say hi and talk about the wonders of western mass.

are you a born and raised 413-er or a transplant?

from Paolo Mastrangelo
to from xxxxxx date Jun 12, 2008 4:06 PM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

yes, I was born in Northampton.

Lets hold hands and walk in the park tonight.

j/k

so yah, just text me after 6 if you feel so inclined and ill meet you out somewhere.

from from xxxxxx
to Paolo Mastrangelo
date Jun 12, 2008 4:40 PM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

yay.. i am down for some meeting up... let me see how the rest of the day goes.
where in the hood are you?
i am xxx and x.

from Paolo Mastrangelo
to from xxxxxx date Jun 12, 2008 4:54 PM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

im at xxx and xxx, "obvs the best corner in the world"

from Paolo Mastrangelo
to from xxxxxx
date Jun 12, 2008 4:56 PM
subject Re: noho to harlem?
mailed-by gmail.com

p.s. im leaving work, so i only have a phone now. no innernet

From: xxxxx
are you a redsox fan
6:01pm 6/12/08
From: Paolo
no. is this xxxxx?
6:01pm 6/12/08

From: xxxxxx
Yes.
6:03pm 6/12/08
From: Paolo
Nice. What is there a game on tonight or somethin?
6:04pm 6/12/08

From: xxxxx
Yeah. There is. At 7. I am i fan
6:04pm 6/12/08
From: Paolo
Coo. I like coffee
6:06pm 6/12/08

From: Paolo
what times the game? U go out to watch it?
6:18pm 6/12/08
From: xxxxxx
There it a little patisserie on 8th and 199. They have coffee. Game on at 7. Watch online.
6:20pm 6/12/08

From: Paolo
Ok im not sure if u jus invited me to meet u...?
6:24pm 6/12/08
From: xxxxx
well.Sure. 8ish?
6:28pm 6/12/08

From: Paolo
So like ill txt u at 8ish
6:41pm 6/12/08

From: Paolo
Hi im walkin to that pathsseri
8:00pm 6/12/08
From: xxxxx
Hi. Me too
8:00pm 6/12/08