Chillin' out, maxing, relaxing all cool . . .

Hanging on some trees at the Bronx Zoo. When a couple of Burgs that were up to no good, started takin' pictures of my neighborhood!

We went to the Bronx Zoo for Erik's birthday today. Karen still fears all primates, Erik still thinks they're adorable. We'll just agree to disagree.*

*until they figure out how to get out of their cages and kill us all. I'm just saying . . . (Also, Erik turned 35 today and doesn't get my Fresh Prince reference . . . old people!)

Erik still doesn't like...people.

So there's this bull down in the Financial District (it's not on Wall St., Karen can give you the details so ask her if you want the full story*) and tourists think it's really funny to touch his, well, ok . . . let's start here: Erik wanted to take a picture of Mrs. Burg being gored by the bull. That would be funny . . . and tasteful. But, the bull was too crowded by jackasses doing stuff to his, um, stuff.

*Courtesy of "Inside the Apple", it's really the gift that keeps on giving, right? Right?

A Bit Behind the Times

I'm sure this was a brilliant thing to write on your discount clothing store's entry in early 2008, but in light of recent events, perhaps you should rethink this "clever" slogan, eh?

Spoiler Alert!: Rich people on Wall Street are still rich and don't want your crappy bargain clothes, no matter what your misguided ideas of "justice" are . . .

The Boat? Not So Scandinavian Modern . . .

Karen and Erik were walking along the waterfront this weekend and saw some water vessel that IKEA was tangentially involved with. The S.S. Container Store? Still unsighted.

Where will we find a diner in...nevermind, found it.

We went to the famed Junior's Restaurant in Brooklyn today for an amazing lunch and a slice of cheesecake. Oddly enough, they did not offer New York Style cheesecake so we ordered the "original." It was still pretty darn good.

Sajak of all trades

Los Angeles: So, hey, New York. Why does Erik think it's so funny when he finds showbiz  swag in New York?

New York: I don't know. Probably because it doesn't belong here. I'm kind of on his side.

Los Angeles: But, hello? Wheel of Fortune, ahem. Biggest. Game show. Of all time. And Pat Sajak? His talk show was way underrated. Although, it was a little before my time.

New York: Fine, L.A. But why do you wear your pants so tight? Also, you're a jackass.

The Fuller Building

Mr. Burg gave Karen a much anticipated book called "Inside the Apple" as a gift recently. Since receiving Karen has greedily devoured this account of New York City's history and has been enriching Erik's life with Fun Facts about the city. Erik clearly "loves" these little lessons. Example:

Did you know that this building pictured above is really called the Fuller Building, completed in 1902 by the Fuller company? It's true! People started calling it the Flatiron building because of it's shape and the name stuck. So the poor Fuller company spent all that money on a creative design to bolster name recognition and it didn't work at all. Fascinating! Right? Right? Yeah . . . Erik had a similar reaction. Karen isn't sure why someone would buy her a book full of interesting facts if they don't want to constantly hear about them?

Don't get me started on what 23 Skidoo means!

Photo Op

Karen was going to strike a very coy pose in the phone booth at the Fifth Avenue Library (the one with the Lions & scary Ghostbuster ghost.) Her plan was to hold the phone and act like she was engaging in a very interesting conversation. But you know . . . germs. So she opted just to look a bit goofy while sitting on a very time-worn bench.

Burg's Eye View*

Karen is always telling me not to "adjust" my glasses. And I always assure her that the cracking noise she's hearing is no big deal. Turns out . . . she's right. But please don't tell her, I really don't want to hear about it.

*This is no way endorses the blog: A Nerd's Eye View.

Close but no mojito.

On Thursday, Karen and Erik attempted to get delicious Mexican food in NY. Over at Gonzalez y Gonzalez on Broadway, results were better than last time, alas we're going to keep looking. Side note: don't let the giant sombrero out front fool you, it's a little kitschy on inside.

Some people just need to move to New York.

Last weekend, Karen and Erik welcomed the best houseguest so far (afterward referred to as "Jen"). Jen, Karen and Erik ventured across the Brooklyn Bridge and found that Manhattan is indeed still on the other side (never hurts to double-check).
 Also, Jen arrived bearing Jerry (hint: for future travelers who cool their heels at the Burgs'). We'll see you next quarter, Jerry Express! Toot-Toot! ....or just hurry up and move here already.

Where's Karen & Jen?

Last weekend, Karen and Erik's friend Jen came for a visit. After some delicious diner fare, Karen and Erik took Jen to the American Museum of Natural History for the diorama fun. The visit culminated in a trip to the underwater room where they lounged beneath the giant whale. Can you find them?