Dear MTA,

Please cut your salaries instead of our service. You deserve it.
Love,
New York

My Search for the Best Point & Shoot Compact Camera

I've been looking for a new camera for months. I need one to capture the full beauty of the city and for class projects. Before, I had settled on the Canon PowerShot SD750 after seeing my coworker's beautiful, clear pictures. However, after searching the internet that desire was gone due to a common "LENS ERROR" that renders compact Canon cameras useless. I decided to continue my search in hopes of finding the best compact camera. Here are some I found.

In third place, I put the Canon PowerShot SD750 because it lakes beautiful pictures. However, as I stated earlier, beautiful pictures can't be taken with a paperweight. Until Canon chooses to recognize its cameras' errors, I'm not buying anything non-professional from them.

In second place, I put the Sony Cybershot DSCT300 because it also takes great pictures and looks very nice. The downside to Cybershot cameras is that the use Memory Sticks, not SD cards. Sorry SONY, I'm really not willing to shell out another $50 for some memory card I can't use with any other equipment. No, I'm not buying a PSP either.

In first place, I put the Panasonic DMC-LX3K because it is compact, yet semi-professional. It is more expensive, but it also takes great pictures (look it up on Flickr). I will most likely be buying this one in the near future.

Here are some pictures of the city that I took with my G1.

5th Avenue during a citywide marathon

Obama/Biden support days before the election

Packed 42nd Street station

Tricolor boots

Empty outdoor station

5th Avenue (23rd st) at night

Huge crowd on election day

Newly-emptied rental space on 5th Ave near 23rd street

5th Ave in the afternoon

As the escalators in the train stations say,
HAVE A NICE DAY :)
♥ Chotpy

My experience with the G1 so far

I've had my T-Mobile G1 for a few weeks now, and I have to say that it is really helpful with many things. The Google Maps program works very well, and as my coworkers have said, the keyboard is great and the touchscreen is very responsive. T-Mobile's EDGE service is great and their 3G is amazingly fast. Google updates the android market daily, and the copy and paste function is one of the most useful tools on this phone. Web pages look stunning and the screen is very clear. To make things better, all apps are free until January.

Many have complained about the lack of a virtual keyboard, but one is in the works and should be out in January or close to that month. In all, it's a great phone and it's a joy to use.

In other news, free MetroCards are being given out, and I want one. I deserve one after the MTA's train delays on the 6 line caused me to be late for class AGAIN. Seriously, why is the MTA so inefficient? I'm tryng to be all green and environmentally clean, but they make me want to buy a car (which I don't have the money for). MTA, stop giving out all those bonuses and give me an on-time train.

That's all for today, boys and girls.
Until next time,
Chotpy

Rumors about Bloods gang targeting women on Halloween: What do you think?

Alright, I've seen three reminders since Monday.
I'm sure other people have seen this rumor, too.
According to SOMEONE, there will be slayings tonight for Bloods initiations. I don't know if it's true or not, but it's a sad and scary thought. I don't know why someone would kill someone just to be put in a gang to kill more people. Aren't our lives worth more than that?



Tell me what you guys think about this rumor.

In other news, the MTA has kept up its HORRIBLY DELAYED SERVICE. I was 30 minutes late for class because of signal problems. What's up with that?! I will say it was better than last year, but GEEZ, do you want me to fail out of my $100,000 education? STOP IT! If I leave 30 minutes early, I should get to school THIRTY MINUTES EARLY.



Loot at them. They're angry.

Also, WE NEED MORE FIVE TRAINS AND A BRONX-QUEENS-BROOKLYN TRAIN! I don't want a 2nd Ave line if there's no way to go straight to Brooklyn! Who thought it was a bad idea? I'll convince them otherwise.

I'm a sadistic dentist this Halloween. What are you?

Happy October!

Welcome to October, my friends!

It's cold in the city and you're probably waking up shivering. Here are some videos to warm you up with laughter!

This dude walks his cat. Awesome? Yes.



Ceiling Cat's cousin, TREE CAT, has come to town.



Ok, now the actually funny ones are here.

DOG BUTT!



Last but not least, a present for all of you who got through the last three — the Smack Drummer.



You know you love it. I'll talk about coats the next time I'm on here.

Good day,
Chotpy ♥

Technology has become increasingly expendable.

Remember the days when old grandma would watch Wheel of Fortune with you on her busted up TV from the '70's? What ever happened to keeping stuff until it dies on you? Nowadays, everything we use has a shelf life of 2 years or less.

My macbook battery died after 304 cycles. I bought it in 2006. It's only been two years since I bought this laptop, and the power cord has already burnt out [I bought another one], the battery died [I bought another one], and there's a new operating system available [I'm not buying it]. Who do you think is to blame for all of this lack of appreciation for old stuff?

I think technology is growing at an increasingly quicker rate each year. Last year, 4GB MicroSD cards were HUGE. Before that, 1GB MicroSD cards were. Before that, there were SD cards. DOES ANYONE EVEN REMEMBER THE ZIP DRIVE FROM THE YEAR 2000? It's scary how quickly technology has grown and how much we forget. So, when you think about buying a new phone after only two years of use, remember that old person who still uses her landline dialer from 1986.



LEST WE FORGET

Stop Smoking While Walking!

Okay, we need a rule like this in the city.

For some reason, more people have been infecting my lungs with smog in the last month than ever before. Do people have no regard for anyone else? Why is it that no one complains about this horrible thing? When I'm walking, I don't want to smell tobacco and feel sick. I want to breathe the fresh car fumes and acid rain the city is known for.

Smokers, please stand in place and smoke.

I BEG OF YOU!

Thanks.

In other news, the 2 train service has been slightly better than it was last year at this time. I've experienced two delays this month and still managed to get to school on time. Hopefully the MTA will step up some more and stop hating on the Bronx.

The T-Mobile Android phone is slowly approaching, and I AM WAITING PATIENTLY! I'm EXCITED! Here's the invite:



I wish we here at BAPie were invited. We can all dream, no? That's a joke for all us Android insiders.

Well, I'm going to go be excited about free ice cream at Tasti D Lite. PEACE!

♥ Chotpy

Fall in Love with Shoes

It's shopping season as everyone prepares for the fall and winter! Due to the summer-like weather in September, this may be the last time this year those precious sandals see the light of day.
Here are some shoes I've seen online that I particularly like.

Quisa 01 Burn Pu Heel



These shoes are very simple, and the burnt mustard color is matchable with many colors.

Quisa 01 Red Heel



These are the same as above, but in a much flirtier color. Red kitten heels spice up the basic jeans-and-t-shirt combination.

Gabriella Rocha 1485 Fabia



With its small point and low heel, these shoes are very simple, comfortable, and subtly sexy.

Made by Elves Lennon Leather Skimmer



These shoes, like the Quisa 01 shoes, go well with many combinations. They are also cute and flat, which makes walking easy.

Bandana Bandit



These shoes are sexy and cute, as well as easy to walk in. They are very unique as well.

WINKLEPICKERS



Sadly, these are available only in men's sizes, but hopefully as the rise of the Winklepicker continues to gain momentum, women's sizes will appear. The buckled ones are the cutest and give a simple dress a very tough feel.

That's all for now! Enjoy your week and have a nice day.

Stand clear of the closing doors,
Chotpy

EeePC?

So recently I bought a new laptop because as a New Yorker, carrying anything over 5lbs in my bag is such a horrible task. It feels like a life sentence. I decided on the new EeePC 1000H because it was a bit larger and nicer-looking than its little cousins, the first EeePCs.

Here it is:

Cool, right? I went with the 80G because I'm a complete nerd and do love playing video games.

The Eeepc comes with a full-size keyboard, a few USB slots and an SD card reader. There is also online storage offered from ASUS, the makers of the EeePC. Overall, I'm both happy and impressed with it.

In other news, I saw a really weird guy on the train. I think he was doing drugs. Here's a still shot:

A few minutes later, he shifted forward and dropped his cigarettes; I guess he was..picking them up?  Let's hope he didn't gag after I got off the train.

I shall leave you guys with a picture of the most awkward McDonald's treat ever.

Everyone loves cone in a cup.

♥ Chotpy

Obama Chooses Biden as Running Mate

Well, it looks like Biden is the one.
If you had applied for the Obama txtmsg system, you got a message at about 3:20 AM with the following:

"Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee.
Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pm ET on www.BarackObama.com.
Spread the word!"

Here are a few pictures of the nominees together:

They seem like a nice group.

Here is a bit about Joe Biden from guardian.co.uk:

Joseph Biden, the 65-year-old Delaware senator has, by all accounts, a superlative resumé.

Biden's leadership of the foreign relations committee is expected to benefit Democrats during a presidential race that could be decided as much by Iran, Iraq and Russia as by the US.

His son is scheduled for a deployment to Iraq this year, and he has a palpable affection for Barack Obama.

Biden, first elected at the age of 30, is a demonstrably skilled debater. Washington has produced few sparkling wits, but he is one of them.

During a Democratic presidential debate in February, the famously talkative Pennsylvania native was asked whether he had the self-discipline to lead the free world.

Most expected one of his long-winded answers, but he shocked the crowd into laughter by answering: "Yes."

And he offered one of the most succinct putdowns of the campaign when he said of Rudy Giuliani: "There's only three things he mentions in a sentence - a noun, a verb and 9/11."

...Born into a working class family in Scranton, Pennsylvania on November 20 1942, Biden is not a household name but was arguably the most well-known of those being considered for the vice presidency by Obama.

He was the chairman of the Senate judiciary committee during two of the most contentious supreme court nomination battles of the past 50 years.

He led the opposition to the nominations of Robert H Bork, who was defeated, and Clarence Thomas, who was later confirmed.

...Biden is currently serving his sixth term as a member of the Democratic Party. He has served for the sixth-longest period among current senators, and is Delaware's longest-serving senator.

Hmm, he seems like a nice guy.
That is all for now.
Congrats to Obama for picking a stand up guy.

♥ Chotpy

Be KANYE?! WHY?! Also, Android Phones?!

SO, I've been doing the usual ride around town, staring at anything to avoid another passenger's eyes. It's been a couple of weeks and I have to say this.


photo taken by DIRKDARKROOM

I DON'T WANT TO BE KANYE!

Would you like to be Kanye? Is he really worth being? A man who has given us such hits as YOU SHOULD THANK GOD I'M PERFORMING FOR YOU and STOP PLAYING THE MUSIC, SRSLY is now a role model for us! Let the narcissism begin.
In all seriousness, I don't know where they were going with this campaign. I think that using Mr. West may backfire. People want to be less like him. Do you want to be seen as a Besides the fact that he has money, he's not THAT awesome. Maybe he gets paid to act that way. You know how hollywood is CRAZY!

Meanwhile, we are also PATIENTLY AWAITING THE ANDROID PHONE!

T-Mobile is said to have released its 3G here in New York City, and I can't feel it because i still have my lovely Samsung D900!
I'm stuck between these three:

SE Xperia X1


Samsung TOCCO, A.K.A. F480


HTC G1 [Android Phone]


None of these have a price tag yet, but who cares? I've been waiting for years to upgrade and T-Mobile has really stepped up its game! FINALLY!!!

In other news, CHECK OUT OUR ADORABLE SHIRTS! Available in many colors and styles!




Welp, peace out ya'll!!! ^-^

House Parties & Bernie Mac

I seriously HATE house parties.
It's 1:35 AM in the morning and I can't sleep. You know why? Because someone next door thinks it's okay to have an outdoor party at 1 in the morning! What kind of mess is this?
You know what sucks even more? 311 files this as a non-emergency, so I CANT SLEEP WITHOUT BLARING MUSIC IN THE EARS.

In other horrid news, Bernie Mac has passed. He was a funny man and his large eyes alone were a reason to giggle. Perhaps he is up in the good place making the angels laugh up a storm. If you didn't know, he had a disease that affected his immune system. I also heard that he was taking steroids for this and that it made his immune system worse. He was deeply loved and a great guy overall. He totally punched Dane Cook's comedy out of the window on the 27th story of the most epic non-existant building ever. Give him an airhug.

Today, it shall rain, as the angels are crying because they laughed so hard at his comedy skits.

♥

MetroCards and the Transit System

MetroCards. You love them, you hate them. You're on top of the world until you swipe it one day and read "SEE AGENT" on that turnstile screen. Suddenly, your world becomes a mess. Other times, you walk by a MetroCard recycling box and drop your useless one in, only to find out that someone forgot to close the bottom of the box. In other words...

MetroCards have become obsolete garbage.

In other countries, transit cards are thicker, which gives it less of a flimsy feeling. Their subways are more efficient. In Japan, one doesn't even have to take their transit card out to pass through the turnstile. This is true in several countries. In such a country as this, why don't we have it here yet?

In a city as famous and full of tourists, why is our transit system so inefficient? In other countries, people can calculate arrival times of trains down to a second. Here, trains can be late by up to twenty minutes and riders are supposed to accept it. Honestly, many New Yorkers are too accepting of things.

The 2 train did not deserve the ratings it got on the latest Rider Report Card. Last year, the 2 train was delayed several times a month during rush hour, making me and thousands of others late for school and work. The 2 train deserves no less than a 70% for on-time arrival in the Bronx. This is also true for the 5 train.

MTA, cut back on those high 6-7 digit salaries and use it to give us good service. Also, stop wasting millions on cruddy MetroCards and give us a thicker, credit-card sized product like Japan's Suica.

That's all for today.
Until next time!!!

Tight Clothes Don't Make you Cooler or Sweat Less!

Okay, so I've been riding on the train and I've seen a lot of people walking around in tight clothes.  They make my eyes burn and I don't really appreciate it. I know it's hot and all, but many people lose their sense of decency as soon as the summer hits.

Here is an example of what I see on the train:

AWKWARD.

So, I decided to research whether tight clothes make you sweat more or less.  I mean, I think it'd trap the sweat in your body, making you more sticky and nasty while people try to avoid looking at you.  Here's what I found.

From How to Control Your Sweating:

"For instance, tight fitting clothing will make it difficult for the sweat to dry out whereas wearing loose fitting clothing will help the air to circulate and your sweat to dry off faster."

From Jamaica Travel:

"Loose-fitting lightweight cotton clothing is best because it allows air flow in the hot humid climate. Tight clothing tends to make you sweat more and can get uncomfortable, as will synthetics like nylon. T-shirts and tank tops are the perfect wear for out-doors and are best worn untucked, allowing air to circulate. You are going to sweat!"

Well, it looks like tight clothing is completely obsolete.  So, if you think rolling up your shirt will do anything for you, all it will do is expose more of your body to heat.  Instead, try shoving a nice, well-fitting white shirt over your body like this lady here.

Thanks, and stay safe.  This is an announcement from your local Chotpy.

♥

Travel

WELCOME TO NEW YORK!

I yell that every time I see people who are obviously tourists.  They're cute when they don't squat and take obnoxious pictures.

I've been constantly waiting for the Android phone.  T-Mobile, who recently rolled out there 3G in the big city, is supposed to have the first Android phone.  T-Mobile also recently expanded their service areas.  Even so, there are still a lot of dead spots, especially in everyone's favorite bookstore, Barnes and Noble.  I have to walk around looking for service in there!  

In other news, I've found a fun new shop! 

It's got fun stuff relating to Japanese culture such as gyaru, gothloli, and DRAMATIC CHIPMUNK!!!

click here or the above logo to check it out!

Woo!  Go support those young artists out there!  

While you're at it, go here and support the fine youngins here at BAPie!

click here or the above logo to check it out!

♥ Until next time! ♥

CHOTPY

Get the Best Subway Ride

For high-tech subway cars, they sure do suck.  I'm sorry to say that Kawasaki failed to design a subway car with an air conditioning system that doesn't pee on people.  For all those who ride the subway, here are some tips on how to optimize the time you spend doing it.

1) Don't sit under the A/C.

On new subway cars, such as the 2/4/5/6 trains, the air conditioner randomly leaks.  It is a problem that's been happening for years and even I have gotten A/C peed on.  If I weren't wearing a Barnes and Noble canvas bag, I would've been in serious trouble.  My bag completely blocked all possible water damage.  However this leakage has probably messed up important documents for people.  It's a surprise no one's complained yet.

2) Look and sniff before you enter.

If there is a bum on the train, your ride may be uncomfortable.  To keep this from happening, try to look and smell the area before you enter. 

3) Know where your exit is.

If you know which car is closest to the exit at your desired stop, go there.  If everyone stands in one spot on the platform life gets very uncomfortable.  Save yourself the time and anger and move.

4) Move into the center of the car.

By doing this, people are less likely to yell at you.  This isn't Japan; people will not be okay if you block the passage to the middle of the train.

5) Guard your stuff.

Pickpockets are there, even if you've never had anything stolen from you.  Don't let your guard down.  Those service announcements and signs are there for a reason.

6) Don't apply perfume or smoke in or right before you enter the train.

Stuff like this makes others uncomfortable.  Soon you will notice people moving from your vicinity.  You may want to quit smoking or walk to your destination.  However, wouldn't that be good anyway?  You'd save over $1000 a year because you won't need cigarettes and you'll be healthier because you're walking!  Hooray!

Well, that's all for today.  Stay safe and have a happy MTA day.

Cheap and Fun Things to Do in New York City

Ohisashiburi [it's been a long time]!

Have you been well?  I sure have.  Finals went well and so on and freedom is here!

Today I shall list CHEAP & FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE CITY.

1) Have a picnic in your local park or Central Park.

This is a wonderful idea because you will be eating and having fun.  You won't have to worry about spending money on food!  Just make sure you bring a blanket to sit on and any leisure items such as a frisbee, kite, water gun[hehe], an umbrella, or chairs.  WEAR SPF.  I know people who have been sunburnt from picnicking.

2) Walk.

Walk from 72nd street to Chinatown.  You'd never think it was fun, but it is!  Not only do you learn more about the city, you also get to burn calories! WOO!  Plus, once you get to Chinatown, you can eat cheap food from the bakeries or local restaurants!  YAHOO!

3) Go on a drawing adventure.

Pick random places in the city and go to them and draw people or things there!  You could have an art party and all draw on the same paper.  Woo!

4) Rock/tree climbing in Central Park!

Heh, so many things to do in Central Park, eh?  This is fun, just make sure you stay safe~  Don't climb trees closer to the street.  Try to go deep into the park and explore nature!  This is great for kids.

5) Window Shopping

34th Street is a great place to window shop.  When you get hungry you can stop by the local Chinese Buffet near the 1-2-3 Subway line!

6) Rollerblading/ Biking/ Scootering in the park or to & from a random location!

Exercise and travel!  How is that not wonderful.  This works really well in large parks.  Great places to ride are bridges and in suburban areas.  Most of Manhattan isn't too bike-friendly, but the outer boroughs are emptier and therefore easier to ride in.

Well, good luck having cheap fun!  SAVE THAT MONEY WELL!

With the lovings of 1,000 suns, 

CHOTPY!

hiatus

Because of work, etc., BApie is takin' a break.  BBL!

The Court Will Now Open!

New York is crazy.

I rest my case!

Why is There No Bronx-Queens Subway Line Yet?

So I took a took at a random subway map today after looking at the AMNY yesterday, only to realize that a Queens-Bronx train line should've been created A LONG TIME AGO.

Look at this. It takes 2 hours to get from the Bronx to Queens when it could take around 45 minutes. If they had a train that left from Jackson Avenue on the 2 line, connected with the 6, and crossed over the river, it could meet with the N line at Ditmars Boulevard.

I feel that this is as important, if not more important than the T train. This should've existed long ago. Manhattan has enough train lines. The people in the Bronx can't even get to other parts of the Bronx without taking NUMEROUS buses. How about making some more train lines for the outer boroughs? I guarantee that this train would gain ridership in a SECOND. This line has been in planning for years. I hope that this will be built IN SOONER THAN FORTY.

That is my question of the week.

GET TO IT, MTA! BUILD IT AND NAME IT THE X TRAIN!

♥ Chotpy

Courtesy?

Why don't people automatically leave one turnstile open for those who need to swipe in?  Today, I missed my train because of this.  I'm pretty sure it's smart and considered courteous to do such a thing, but maybe we expect too much of the world.

I wonder the same thing when older people and women with bags are left standing on the train while younger guys sit there.  Maybe I expect too much, but I know that back in the old days, it was gentlemanly to give your seat up to  your elders and those in need.

When is a Target store coming to Manhattan?  There's one in Brooklyn, Queens, and in the Bronx.  Why isn't there one on 42nd Street [where they love to advertise]?  It has confused many and wasted money on train fare.  Maybe Target wants to lose money to Duane Reade and every clothing shop in that area.  

Speaking of Target, I want to check out their Converse One Star Straight Leg jeans.  

They look comfortable and I've been wanting some low-rise straight legs for about a year.  I'm usually ahead of the fashion scene.  My favorite looks recently have been girly pinks combined with semi-loose denim and bold sneakers.  Here are some examples:

 

Thanks to Sushi-Cat.net for the scans.  

This style's not TOO popular in the US yet, though I've seen more girls dressing TOTALLY like guys [it's very awkward, you end up staring, trying to figure out whether they're a girl or not].  A mix of both is very cute IMHO.  

Well, I'm all talked out, so ♣ PEACE! ♣

♣, Chotpy