When did putting yourself in a cage become a thing?

These rooftop patios/enclosures/cages started popping up a year or two ago. There was one on the roof of the building next to me and now there are three. A couple of things. Maybe it feels cosy and safe to be inside one, but from the outside, it looks like you are in a cage.

When I came up to the roof on the 4th of July to watch fireworks, there were a bunch of people in the enclosure closest to the camera, aka enclosure 1 in the picture below. I don’t think you really get the idea from this angle. Maybe if you imagine a group of people in enclosure 2. I swear to God, the way they were huddled in there, looking out, they looked just like animals in a zoo on display.

And now that the enclosures/patios are right up next to each other, it’s just kinda silly. What is the point?

Rooftop patios, enclosures, New York City

A Great Lecture about Singing by Dr. David Mennicke

Dr. Mennicke is the Chair of the Music Department at Concordia University. The title of his talk is: When in our music God is glorified: Trinitarian Reflections on Music, Faith and Learning. It may sound like a very religious topic for my blog, considering the fact that I am an agnostic. But I always talk about how sacred music creates a beautiful middle ground which can be occupied by people of faith and people like me, a place where we can discover and inhabit our common spirit.

Dr. Mennicke makes some of the same points, but from a different angle, and he also has a lot of other good points. I’m happy to post his talk here because the world needs to be reminded that these beautiful middle grounds exist, and that people who think differently can occupy them together—literally and not figuratively in harmony—and create something that transcends even the beauty of the music. Dr. Mennicke also can be very funny, as you will see, and there is some incredibly gorgeous music by Heinrich Schütz in his talk!

[Video removed because the link no longer works.]

My Cat Finney has Diabetes

Which sucks. My vet believes he got it from being on steroids so we’re going to try to reverse it by weaning him mostly off them. It’s a balancing act that doesn’t usually work so much, she warned. He also has a UTI. So, poor Finney all around. I’m going to hope for the best.

Miles Swum So Far in City Lap Swim Contest: 16 + 51 laps.

This is looking down into one of the courtyards behind my building. I just thought it was such a sweet family scene. Mom and kid and a wading pool!

Backyard, New York City

Good Humor Pedicabs?

If they don’t also serve ice cream, and I see no place where the ice cream could be stored, what’s the point? Although they look cute in their uniforms. By the way, this is what I saw the minute I stepped outside my apartment building. I love that I live in a city where I often see something worth taking a picture of the moment I walk outside.

UPDATE: I got email from someone from the firm that came up with the idea of Good Humor Pedicabs (Golin), and she gave me this amazing correction to my post!

“I’m writing to let you know that we actually DO give away free ice cream from them – there is storage area underneath the seat of the Pedicab. Next time you see one, make sure to hail one – not only will you get a free ride, but you’ll get free ice cream as well.”

Free ice cream AND a free ride?? I’m kicking myself for missing the opportunity! Come back guys!!

Good Humor Pedicabs

Does my cat Finney have diabetes?

Please say no, please say no. Finney is at the vet now. I’m waiting to learn if he has diabetes or not. I’ve had diabetic cats before (two at once!) so I know a diagnosis of diabetes is not good but it’s not the end of the world. It’s expensive though. And a pain in the ass. And I gave away that handy little blood test taker thingy, thinking what are the odds, after having TWO diabetic cats, that I’d ever have one again??

Miles Swum So Far in City Lap Swim Contest: 14 + 35 laps. (I’m currently in 2nd place!)

Dogs and humans visiting on Hudson Street, in front of the White Horse Tavern. I love that look, the short shorts and the clunky boots. And look at the Great Dane eyeing the little Yorkie, who has more important things to look at.

Dogs on Hudson Street, New York City