Category Archives: NYC History

New York History pt 5: Steal This Book

Posted on December 8, 2015 by peter

I first read Abbie Hoffman’s “Steal This Book” when I was 15, in a reissued collection of his books that coincided with early 90’s Woodstock nostalgia. Reading Hoffman’s self-styled streetwise revolutionary patter was perfect for a high school freshman, because … Continue reading →

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“Best” Bar To Watch The Mets in NYC / Worst Article in the Village Voice

Posted on November 3, 2015 by peter

Browsing the Village Voice website and seeing a headline that promised that “This Bar Is the Best Place to Watch the Mets in New York City” I clicked, thinking I’d see a piece on some firefighter bar in Brooklyn or … Continue reading →

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NYC History Pt 4: Serpico and 778 Driggs Avenue

Posted on August 26, 2014 by peter

Recently I found myself on such a spot, on Driggs Ave near South 4th St, where in bygone days , the Novelty Theater was located. I pondered on the trials, tribulations, and vicissitudes of the building that housed this theater … Continue reading →

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George Cain: Blueschild Baby

Posted on June 2, 2014 by peter

The similarities between authors Jim Carroll and George Cain seem obvious from a cursory example of their backgrounds. Both Carroll and Cain grew up in New York City during the 60’s, were high school basketball stars, and became junkies soon after. Both … Continue reading →

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Pinball in NYC

Posted on March 7, 2014 by peter

David Johanson, Lenny Kaye, Dee Dee Ramone, and Andy Paley play pinball at CBGB’s in 1977.  Photo by Bob Gruen. Records and pinball are two things I love that make me feel older than I am, because I am just … Continue reading →

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Chinatown Buses: A History

Posted on December 23, 2013 by peter

I first took a Chinatown bus to Boston back in 2000. A friend had told me to just walk under the Manhattan Bridge, near East Broadway, and look for the buses. I can’t remember which company it was, but a … Continue reading →

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Lou Reed, I Love You

Posted on December 11, 2013 by peter

One terrible, cold, sleet-filled October day in 2011, I was walking down East 17th St on the way to a friend’s office. Just as I got to their building, I noticed this graffiti on a Muni Meter out front. Being … Continue reading →

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NYC History Pt 3: The Jerky Boys

Posted on January 31, 2013 by peter

I guess this isn’t really a “NYC History” post, as much as it’s another one of my “let me tell you about life before the internet” posts. The Jerky Boys are two goofballs from Astoria, Queens named Johnny Brennan and … Continue reading →

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Batman, theater violence, and more…

Posted on July 28, 2012 by peter

From “Wilson” by Dan Clowes So, I did bother trekking out to the movies at midnight Thursday to see the newest Batman at the first possible moment. Much to my displeasure, some selfish jerkoff brought his 4 month old baby … Continue reading →

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NYC History Pt 2: Carbona

Posted on May 25, 2012 by peter

“Ran out of Carbona, Mom threw out the glue, ran out of paint and roach spray, too”  This list of inhalants, courtesy of The Ramones, is from the song “Carbona, Not Glue,” from their second album Ramones Leave Home, released in … Continue reading →

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