Main water fountain and bench area
Its summertime, which means lots of talk and buzz about the Hamptons, Fire Island, and all those other places that NYC expatriates head to once the City begins to bake. But it’s nice to know there are still convenient vacationesque spots for the die-hards or those who are simply too assed out or too lazy to leave the Rock.
photos by: Will Sherman, Untitledname.com
Read More "Peter Cooper Paradise" »
3rd Ave. right before 52nd St. intersection
Shame on Matt Long and his mom. He is the firefighter that was struck by a bus during the transit strike last year on his way to his firehouse on Randall's Island. He was recently let out of the hospital after 15 surgeries and months of rehabilitation. Mr. Long got a hero's welcome, a press conference, and a Triumphant headline, you would have thought he was a returning soldier or something. C'mon journos, there are two sides to every story. What a disgrace.
Read More "Matt Long is Short Sighted" »
By Amy Blair
In case you’re retarded (or foreign!), celebrated on the last Monday in May each year, Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday commemorating the men and women who have died in military service to their country. Growing up, my Grandfather (a WWII veteran) always made sure that we hung up our flag first thing in the morning on Memorial Day, stopped by the VFW to buy poppies , and went to the local parade. It was a big deal to him, and so I, for one, continue to tip my forty on Memorial Day even if no one else does.
Read More "THE WEEK IN CRAIG: Memorializing" »
Balloon Flower "Red" WTC 7, NYC
Jeff Koons is undoubtedly a world renowned artist. He has created huge public works around the globe. He is known for his installations, photography, and especially his sculptures, like the infamous "Michael Jackson and Bubbles". In addition to being a professional artist, Koons was also a senior representative for The Museum of Modern Art and even a commodity broker on Wall Street for 6 years so he pretty much understands all aspects of the game.
Read More "WTC 7's "Balloon Flower" Should Be Deflated" »
Just when you thought that ANIMAL was the one to crash Apple's party, Sandisk stepped up to the plate and began stampeding the city with its anti-IPOD "IDONT" campaign. Perfect timing too with all the fanfare and hooplah surrounding the opening of the IPOD temple on 5th avenue and 58th street last week, this campaign should certainly get the attention of a few reporters who can then re-report the Apple story as they plug this new campaign. Its a win-win for the journalists at least.
Read More "ADIMAL: You Either Do Or You Don't" »
Although usually an ardent lover of graffiti and all the destruction and aggravation it brings with it, there are two forms, etching and scratchiti, that has always kind of sucked. They never look good. Letters never come out right, its mostly hard to read, and looks more like one of Warhol’s pissed on canvasses then it does graffiti. Unless that’s of course the look the vandal is going for.
Come hither and see the plague on the graffiti world.
Read More "Scratchiti Sucks" »
This is the most sought after card amongst NYC's geekiest. It was swiped off an obscure security desk using the old "Is this the check in for press?" story. Of course it wasn't, so when the guard turned his head for a second to make a call on the radio to inquire, the card was snatched. This magical pass allowed the ANIMAL immediate and unfettered access to one of the most hyphed up and security heavy techno events in recent NYC history, the grand opening of the new Apple store on 58th and 5th this past Friday night. Funny enough, it not only worked the night of, but is still a great way to bypass the obnoxiously long line.
ROAR and see ANIMAL's guerrilla marketing and paparazzi at work.
Read More "ANIMAL Takes a Bite Out the Apple" »
By Amy Blair
We’ve all got problems. Mine include (but are not limited to):
1. Chronic procrastination
2. Indecisiveness
3. Proclivity towards talking to animals (delusions of friendship)
4. Drinking problem
5. Lack of steady and sustaining income source
6. Cry too much
7. Drink too much
8. Mean
9. Sleepwalk
Read More "WEEK IN CRAIG: Lunatics, Motivate!" »
What's cool about graffiti and street art is you never know when its going to get covered up, or in this case uncovered. When they tore down the Garden of Eden on 3rd Ave. between 23rd and 24th streets, this mysterious super hero inspired wall emerged. It must have been an interior wall cause it has light fixtures anchored into it and is relatively untouched. Who knows how long ago it was painted. So if you happen to walk by, take a peek and check it out while you can. Cause soon enough,the Irish will be moving in and the 23 floor, 292 apartment giant, known as the Gramercy Green will cover it for a really long time.
Read More "Now You See It, Soon You Won't" »
Although they have been circulating around the European underworld for more then six years now, NY’s finest just sent out an alert to all units to be on the lookout for .22 caliber guns disguised as cell phones. These James Bond-like gun phones hold four rounds and can be fired by pressing the 5, 6, 7, or 8 buttons on the keypad. See it in action here. Many gun enthusiasts may dismiss the stopping power of a .22 caliber bullet, but according to the Post, it is actually the preferred ammo for not only the Navy, but also Mafia hitmen:
Users range from Navy SEALs - who favor the Ruger MKII model - to Mafia assassins, who appreciate the way a .22 round has enough penetrating power to enter someone's skull without exiting, causing maximum brain damage when fired at close range.
Even with their numerous differences, its nice to see the government and the mob finding some common ground, in this case, the best techniques for murdering effectively.
Read More "The Cell Phone to Die For" »
PT Cruiser
NYC totally needs hybrid taxis and lithium powered ones sound especially good. That makes sense. But why a PT Cruiser? This is NYC. Its supposed to be fashion forward, innovative, and all that crap. How cool can NYC be with 50,000 yellow ZZ Top-looking cabs driving around? If the city is going to buy these new green friendly cabs, hopefully they shoot for the cooler looking Ford Edge cause the last thing this city needs is 80's revivalism.
Ford Edge
Jamaicans are fun people. They grow some of the best ganja, sing reggae, love Red Stripe, and know how to have fun with their pets. Sometimes they like to chuck them in the air.
Want to see how high?
Read More "Fling Your Dog Up!" »
photo: Peter Dean Rickards 34th St., Herald Square Station
Read More "Public Sentiment: Horny" »
illustration: Sasha Hall
If Mark Wahlberg had been on that doomed 9-11 flight, would he have been keeled over throwing up into a barf bag or fighting terrorists? Mark “Invincible” Wahlberg suffers from chronic motion sickness, on both land: "The cars were a blast to drive. But I had to be in the passenger seat a couple times. I got sick probably four or five times because Charlize is ridiculously crazy behind the wheel. In a stick shift it's just, ‘Voom ... voom ... voom.' I don't want to even shake now to demonstrate because I got sick this morning,” and on the water, with even George Clooney making fun of him: "It wasn't dangerous at all, it was never dangerous. It was a drag getting wet all the time but that wasn't dangerous. It was dangerous working with Mark though because he could throw up on you from 15 feet away and still hit you."
Maybe is his “air legs” aren’t as wobbly.
Read More "Marky Mark's Puking Problem" »
12th St. and Ave A
Of course artists gotta live, and painting on walls is the mainstay of income for some. But for at least a few months, can there be an official moratorium on all murals, unless of course someone dies, then it is wholly appropriate. Thank You!
Read More "No More Murals, Unless Someone Dies" »
Bathroom stall at 6's and 8s, 205 Chrystie St.
Read More "Public Sentiment: NYC Spirituality" »
Holy shit. Over 2000 hits an hour and the damn link just went up. Either people really like the Tawny video, or College Humor is a fucking website traffic mushroom cloud. The hits are coming in too fast to care either way. In this business we call this an obligatory reach around.
Media planners, can you click on the sitemeter and just think of the possibilities.
Read More "PSA: Collge Humor Link Love" »
In case you hadn't heard by now, Guns N' Roses are back, well in NYC at least. Although there may be no Slash, there is a new lead guitarist named Bumblefoot and no shortage of controversy. Rumour has it that Axl Rose is more of an internerd then a rockstar.
Come and ROAR and hear how Axl is an obsessive internet trainspotter of his own celebrityness, hates when he gets cyber stalked by the blogs, and doesn't want anyone taking pictures of him at the "afterparty."
Read More "Axl Rose Practices Chinese Democracy" »
Because right about now that morning coffee is wearing off and doing cocaine in the office is probably unacceptable. So, here's the next best thing: 1000 heavy metal album covers from A to Z in 2.5 minutes set to Avulsed's cover of "Ace of Spades," originally made famous by Motorhead. Press play and hold onto your fucking seat.
Read More "Afternoon Metal Boost" »
Still image of Snapple ad in Path Train.
The MTA are certainly not rocket scientists, but thankfully Josh Spodek is. In today’s Daily News there is a story about the MTA’s plan to finally consider installing animated ads in the vast network of NYC’s subway tunnels. Back in 2003, in our 2nd issue, Atlantis, ANIMAL featured the above rocket scientist/artiste, who pioneered that technology (which he coined Cinetics, part cinema-part kinetics). The fully animated subway ads were first used in Atlanta and Philadelphia and the Manhattan bound Path trains station back in 2002. Although the technology for these ads have been around for more then 4 years, the MTA is finally getting hip to them and the mini movie-like commercials are scheduled to get a test run this summer in the NYC transit system.
Come ROAR and learn how astrophysics meets underground marketing.
Read More "Rocket Science Goes Underground" »
Cause there is nothing better then watching a trainwreck in real time:
"Tawny Kitaen, ex-epitome of 80's babitude is currently exhausting her 15 minutes of recycled celebrity as the resident trainwreck on Vh1's fame trauma unit, Surreal Life 6. While her early season antics were a predictably wacky ditz blitz, her endgame seems to have degenerated into a woozy tailspin that's even spooking out her fellow inmates. Is there any more pitiable creature than former Flesh for Fantasy chewed up & spit out by the dream machine? Weep to the beat with this tribute to the red-headed stepchild of video vixens."
YouTube: Here I Go Kitaen (Surreal Life 6 Remix)
Read More "Here I Go Kitaen..." »
"Reason no.467 not to go anywhere near Bushwick."
The Bloods are alive and well in NYC. Yes, those Bloods. Besides the obvious, red gear and and intricate handshakes, there are other symbols to look out for. It's pretty easy to identify the Bloods’ markings from all the other scribblings on the street if you know what to look for. So next time you're spending the day in Bushwick--shopping for plantains, bootleg DVDs, $700 apartments, or whatever--keep an eye out. Once you see the signs, make that rice and beans to go, quickly hop on the closest B38 bus and bolt before you get shot.
After the ROAR, become and expert in gang graffiti forensics.
By Amy Blair
I debated whether or not I should admit this, but against better judgment I’m going to do it anyway. I played on my high school volleyball team. I know that you’re all thinking now that I’m a tall, dykey chick in short-shorts, but I swear, it’s 100% untrue – I’m only 5’5”!
Read More "WEEK IN CRAIG: Greetings From Loneliness" »
At some point or another you have seen this sign and chances are you have no idea what the hell a "dry" standpipe is. It's one of those things that you see around the city and figure it ain't worth the reasearch but, if you happen to find out one day, well cool.
That time has come:
A "dry" standpipe is so named because the pipe usually carries no water or water pressure: the pipe is pressurized only during a fire emergency. The "dry" standpipe is connected to a fire hydrant or fire engine on the ground, and carries the water to an upper floor, generally the floor below the fire floor.
Now your day is complete.
Wikipedia
The building of the Whole Foods megaplex on Houston Street continues to slither along at a snail's pace. And even though the Avalon Chrystie website says the high end produce pusher will open in 2006, its been curbed, from what we hear, until at least Spring 2007.
What could be taking so long? Maybe the contractors aren't working on their craft, and are instead sharpening their artistic skills. The windows of the Whole Foods have been transformed into mini canvasses that beam with blue collar expressions and seem to draw inspiration from those extra long lunch breaks and lack of finite deadlines.
But even Pablo Picasso would have been supportive: "Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
ROAR for yourselves and see the art exhibit that is keeping fresh produce out of the LES.
Read More "Whole Foods' Contractor Art" »
Since counting the ad pages takes way too long, why not provide the next best measurement of success: weight. Afterall, many a fashion magazine are ritually weighed (although traditionally in the Fall), so why not take that trend to NYC's freebies.
Come ROAR and see who's the Heavyweight winner in today's match up.
Read More "Weighing In: Am vs. Metro" »
F Train, Carrol Gardens, Brooklyn
photo credit: Ben Popken
Read More "Public Sentiment: The Devil Is in the Details" »
Those ol’ shoe dogs really know how to pull out the big guns. Kenneth Cole swings into fashion with its new billboard propped up on NYC’s west side highway with waterfront views.
It reads:
THE PORTS ARE SECURE.
BUT THERE ARE OTHER THINGS, DUBAI.
Get it, “Du-bai,” or using Kenneth Cole's newly formed Arabonics, translates as “To-buy.” How cleverly confusing. It’s multiple ironies and meanings were too much to bear, so ANIMAL enlisted the analysis of experts in the fields of advertising and marketing to help decode the message further.
Come ROAR and hear what our tribunal had to say.
Read More "ADIMAL: USS Kenneth Cole" »
Because a letter alone just won't cut it these days. Guerrilla marketing is integral to any effective propaganda campaign.
Read More "Iranian Street Marketing, NYC" »
In a new "concept" put forth by Saks, the haughty clothing store is buttressing its high-maintenance mannequins with some eyepopping elbow-grease symbolism. Notice the pinwheeled mops backed by fluorescent lights. The jaunty display of SoftScrub and Fantastic. The opaque green shimmer of Cascade dishwashing detergent. Progress? Possibly. Find out what they're really up to after the ROAR.
Read More "Saks Goes Slumming" »
Kenmare Street, NYC
Direct evidence that graffiti writers are putting down their cans and markers in exchange for saliva soaked fingers and dirty windows. Now can you go worry about some of the other shit affecting the city. Believe it, there is worse shit going on out there then graffiti.
Read More "Look for Yourself Vallone" »
This LG cell phone ad with its trademark "Life's Good" tagline was spotted off the Autopista in Caracas, Venezuela in one of the poorest barrios surrounding the city. And although many people use cell phones in Venezuela, the poor among them, this tag line just doesn’t vibe right with these slums as backdrops.
Read More "ADIMAL: Life's Good, for Who?" »
Last year, Art Rock was sponsored by now defunct Cargo and Conde Nastie's other shopping magazines, but this year US Trust foots the bill for NYC’s extremely safe art exhibit at Rockefeller Center tomorrow.
Many of you barely venture above 34th St. for free drinks let alone an art exhibit without liquor at all. Concerned about your Metrocard and habitual need for wine and spirits, ANIMAL traversed through tourist heavy Rockefeller center so you don’t have to and provides a sneak peek of the art show you won’t mind missing in person.
ROAR with us and view this exhibit from the safety of your home/work.
Read More "Preview the Art You Won’t Mind Missing in Person" »
Do you ever get the feeling that you’re fucking all wrong?
(Yeah, me neither. But go along with it).
For those of you who have been feeling slightly less than gifted in the bedroom, fret no more because HELP IS ON THE WAY.
By Amy Blair
Read More "WEEK IN CRAIG: Get Yer Kink On" »
After their last marketing fiasco it is good to see Sony dive right back, head first, into the art community and attempt to get that "creative" marketing concept down this time around for their prized
Houston Street, NYC
