Wanted Sign in Greenfield Park, NY

wanted billboard in Greenfield Park, NY

I was driving around and exploring various towns in Ulster County (New York), when I noticed this billboard on the side of the road near Greenfield Park, which is a hamlet in the town of Wawarsing. As you can see here, it says “Wanted: Girls,” with the stenciled word “boys” crossed out. It’s a bit … Read more

Do aliens ride motorcycles?

two aliens one biker babe

I stopped in at the Scranberry Coop Vintage Store in Andover, NJ, and saw this unexpected pair of aliens. Seeing as this alien couple includes one assumed to be female who wears a leather outfit with a hat that says “Biker Babe,” it begs the question: do aliens ride motorcycles? One would assume that if … Read more

ChatGPT advice while showing ads ruins the experience

Sigmund Freud with advertising sign

Maybe I’m naive, or was conveniently overlooking the obvious, but when ChatGPT starting showing ads to me yesterday, it ruined the experience. I’ve found myself using ChatGPT quite a bit over the past year, and would be pleasantly surprised and encouraged when I would ask questions of a personal nature that found me receiving what … Read more

For sale: 20 acres in the desert

land for sale in New Mexico

Here’s the list of ingredients for my current mindset: I’m thinking about moving; I’ve always loved New Mexico from time spent there in the past, and I’ve spent my whole life living either in cities or suburbs. So if I’m feeling restless and have a desire to shake things up, how about looking at 20 … Read more

Uncle Sam in Danbury, CT and Troy, NY

Uncle Sam sculpture as seen from the road in Danbury, CT

I was on a weekend day trip up into Connecticut, checking out some things in Danbury, when I saw this tall Uncle Sam sculpture, seemingly in the middle of several roads. I was driving and in the midst of traffic, so I didn’t get a good luck (although I took one of these pictures at … Read more

New York City Observations

buildings in NYC

As I mentioned in my last post, I tend to look for visual items of interest as I’m walking the streets of New York City. The building above left, with the round windows, is called the “Dream Downtown Hotel,” which was designed by Handel Architects. I always admire this building when I’m walking around Chelsea, … Read more

Getting a vibe at IKEA

Mood vase at IKEA

I was in the IKEA store when I noticed this pair, and was curious why these little characters were frowning at me. It seems they are considered “mood vases” with the product name “Fröväxt,” which means “seed plant” in Swedish. They’re meant to be mini plant holders, with the idea that whatever greenery that comes … Read more

The Head in the Window on Calle de Aniceto Marinas, Madrid

Sculpture in the window in Madrid, Spain

My plans for Day 4 in Madrid included visiting the hermitage of San Antonio de la Florida in Madrid, where Goya’s tomb is located and his murals fill the church. The art inside is quite stunning, but they don’t allow photography – the nuns are in their office but keep an eye on things via … Read more