Suburban Dog in the City

This weekend I had very special visitor at my Jersey City apartment: my family pup Chloe.

A 12-year-old cockapoo, Chloe explored JC for the last 4 days while Mom and Dad sunned themselves and gambled at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas. Like many suburban dogs, Chloe does not get the same walking workout that most city dogs do. Instead, she spends her time trotting around a backyard and spending most of the day on her fluffy green pillow with her ‘baby’, a ratty old toy lacking in any discernible features as it has been carried around in her mouth for the last 12 years. I think it used to be a squeaky little lamb. Anyhow, her small size and constant need to be in the center of the action, as well as her irrational abandonment issues, make her a prime candidate for apartment living, since there’s only so many rooms in which exciting things can happen. Chloe’s propensity for Guitar Hero, the New York Mets, and chasing pigeons were all discovered over the last few days.

Chloe was excited and made herself right at home during her first night at the Humiston residence.

Like most city dwellers, Chloe’s first inclination was to hit up the gym at Newport Swim & Fitness, but little did she know she was in for 6 20-minute walks per day, therefore deeming the treadmill unnecessary.

Instead, we explored the Pavonia/Newport Town Square, where Chloe tried her hardest to play in the pink flower beds, but to no avail.

After dissuading her from a boat trip, she settled for chasing a few pigeons.

Then we took a stroll by the Hudson, where Chloe and I agreed it was the best river we’d ever seen.

Back at home, Chloe just wanted to rock out with some Guitar Hero. The drums just weren’t for her, but she really got down on guitar with Steve Miller Band’s The Joker.

After Guitar hero, dinner, and a nap, Chloe and I both wanted to watch baseball and subsequently fought over the remote. She won.

It was a long week filled with walks and couch sitting. Unfortunately, our time had to come to an end, and we drove back to suburbia.

After a fabulous 4 days in the city, Chloe was all tuckered out but promised to come back and visit soon.

It's a Manhattan Barbeque Block Party

Meat lovers rejoice! Remember this article? Scratch it (for now). Forget the restaurants for the weekend, and hit up some genuine, outdoor expert grilling. On June 13-14, award-winning pitmasters across the nation unite (including NYC's own Blue Smoke & Dinosaur Bar-B-Que) as Madison Square Park is transformed into an all out feast at the Snapple Big Apple Barbeque Block Party.
Ok, so this two-day event won't feature fireworks and stick ball. But it will feature food, drink, cooking demonstrations, live music...for very limited $$. While the event itself, musical performances, cooking demonstrations, and seminars are free, you'll have to shell out a little cash for food, drink, and souvenirs.

General Food Breakdown
Plate o'BBQ (including, but not limited to ribs, brisket, pulled pork, sausage, beans, and slaw): $8
Desserts (not sure what this entails, but you can bet I'm going to find out): $4
Beverages (Snapple, Coke, beer & wine): $2-6

In my opinion, the only way to do summer is to include grilled meat, and what better opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy summer food? In Manhattan, this is about as good as it gets. Bonus: Proceeds go to support the Madison Square Park Conservancy, the organization dedicated to preserving the park. I'll be there on Sunday, June 14th, so check back for photos, videos and reviews! And if you want to join me, post in comments!
For complete event info, hit up the official site.
You can also visit their Facebook page and Become a Fan (like me!).

*Madison Square Park is located in the Flatiron District, between Fifth and Madison Avenues and 23rd and 26th Streets

Freebies on Friday: Concerts!

I'm posting Friday Freebies a day early this week. Why? Because tomorrow's freebie comes at an ungodly hour and therefore no one will be reading this until this event has passed by. Good Morning America has started their Summer Concert Series at the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, also venue of Summerstage where outdoor concerts rock out.

John Legend performs at previous GMA Concert at Bryant Park

Each Friday morning, GMA will feature a different musical act performing live with talents ranging from Green Day to the Jonas Brothers to Kelly Clarkson to Jamie Foxx, in addition to my beloved GMA news team (Robin Roberts, I really think we'd be great friends). While the performances generally don't start until 8:30am, the field opens at 6:00am. Since these events are ticketless, all standing room is first come, first served so I suggest leaving yourself plenty of time. Devotees will note that GMA is only on air until 9:00am, so the performances are short-lived...but what else would you expect for FREE? Bonus: Since they are over by 9am, you can still slide into work fairly on time. Tomorrow's performance features Lionel Richie and next Friday is one of my faves, John Legend. For a complete summer line up, as well as directions to the stage, check out GMA Summer Concerts.