Hoodies in Da Bronx!!

Duck!

Thanks to all the urban legends that still persist in the Bronx, these hoodies have the Bronx River almost entirely to themselves. Nicole and I were walking through Bronx Park North recently, and were lucky enough to spot a pair of Hooded Mergansers. As you can see, they are very striking creatures, a very unusual looking duck indeed.

Hooded Mergansers swimming about in the Bronx River.

Like most birds, the male is more colorful. However, the male Hooded Merganser does not develop his full multicolored crest and body until he maturity. These ducks can be found all over the eastern seaboard, and prefer swamps and woodland ponds. I guess these particular ducks can thank the Kenisco Dam for slowing the flow of the Bronx River.

If you are in the Bronx and looking for a more convenient place to spot these waterfowl live and in person, the Hooded Mergansers can also be found in the woodponds of the Bronx Zoo. As you can see be their small size in the photo below, they are easy to overlook, but once you spot them, you can't look away.

The same birds, with their small size in perspective with their natural habitat.

Remembering Harold Ramis

Remember? We shall never forget.

Actor, Writer, Director, and above all, a decent human being.

Most people in Hollywood are lucky if they score one out of four. Harold Ramis was a home run.

My favorite Harold Ramis contribution to cinema? I have to admit, while Ghostbusters II will not go down in the annals of film history as a great movie, or even a particularly good movie, Ramis did display his quadruple talent in a manner that stands out.

When Dan Aykroyd and Ramis were prepping for a scene in Dana Barrett's apartment, they started setting up children's toys. As fate would have it, the camera crew started recording. During this particular scene prep process, Ramis couldn't help but reminisce about his own childhood.

"I didn't have any toys as a kid," he said.

"What?" Aykroyd was startled. He had known Ramis for nearly fifteen years years, and this was the first he had about it. "Not even a slinky?"

It was true. Harold Ramis grew up dirt poor in Chicago. As a child, Ramis and brother amused themselves with play acting. Obviously, Harold made that his career.

However, realizing the camera's were still rolling, Ramis wasn't going to share that story then and there. Instead, he grinned ever so slightly: He became Egon Spangler.

"We had a part of a slinky--but I straightened it."

Bam! As I said, a home run human. Harold, we miss you already.

Roses and Twinkies at Firehouse 8 on North Moore Street.

Central Park forecast: 50 degrees and snowy.

Maybe Katy Perry wasn't singing about relationships, but a winter in the era of climate change. It's hot and its cold. Then hot, then cold. Nicole and I decided to venture out to Central Park to enjoy the graceful snow-covered glory while also enjoying sunny skies and 50 degree weather. 

At the Central Park's edge, only a slight respite from the crowded city streets nearby.

I have to admit it was a amusing to see Manhannites slip sliding their way across the small peaks and valleys while children engaged in slushball fights and Broadway dancers practiced their trade outdoors. Cute, but crowded. And the cell phone yappers! If I wanted to hear other people's cell phone conversations, I'd work for the NSA. No wonder Alec Baldwin went nuts.

To be fair, deeper inside the park, its a different story. It is still an escape from the hustle and bustle from the rest of Manhattan island. Nicole and I have probably just been spoiled by our complete solitude when we hike in the Thain Family Forest.

Not far from the crowds, children play unimpeded while a dancer practices her craft.

Having fun in the snow.

Ice, slush, snow, snow crud. This winter has many people complaining, but in the Bronx, some of the locals are living it up!

It should go without saying that red pandas are indeed red, but alas, many a parent has expressed doubt and confusion at this creature and its rather appropriate name. Then again, these parents may have been thinking of the famous red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet panda.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

May the romantic sun never set; may the light of love last eternally.