H1 the Swan and I have eaten at Sapporo on countless occasions.  That's not to say we find the ramen particularly inspired, but for a lunch option on days when we just wanted to get out of the office, Sapporo was our go to spot.  Although we've been a lot of times, due to the fact we usually end up there during lunch office hours and it's a madhouse in there during those times, I've never actually reviewed the place with pictures or written text.  Well, now's a good time as any to do so (for you, Habboi!).

After the Animal Crossing Launch Event yesterday at Nintendo World, my friends and I were famished.  Just a couple of blocks away, Sapporo made the most sense for a filling, decent yet cheap option for some food.  UI had not been before either but Em and my Imaginary Friend Fred liked their Miso Ramen quite the bit and were willing to go back for that plus the Special Set.

The Game of Thrones Exhibition Thing They Dragged Me To For My Camera.

Say what you will about New York City - that people in Midtown are a rude bunch or that our pigeons are fat - but there's one thing that cannot be said and that's that NYC is dull.

Truly, on any given day you can be walking around and stumble upon a street fair as we did last year.  Or you could run into Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth (as our co-workers did) on a Thorsday, no less.

With some money, you can probably enjoy the city in a whole different way but since I don't really have too much of that to be flailing about, I partake in the good, wholesome less costly things.  The kind of things that are free and for me.

And by "free", I mean standing in line for 2 plus hours is a small price of admission to pay while you wait to get into Westeros.

Spell "Free": T-w-o H-o-u-r W-a-i-t

I'm not one to complain about a line really, especially when you have such fun friends to stand in line with (as I did with Alex, Active Goat and Ces).  It truly was fun but there's only so much fun you can have to distract you from the cold April afternoon as the hours wore on.

I think the cold that crept into our blood made us a little bit on edge because near the end of our 2 hour waiting expedition, I'm pretty sure everyone in my group was challenged to duels.  Maybe it was the atmosphere of what lay ahead at the GOT exhibition but Monokuro Boo piggy mittens and gloves came off and everyone got a slap to the face.

Side Note: Duel Tickets going on sale soon - Date to be Announced

When we finally got in doors, the theme music to Game of Thrones was blasting loud all over that dark exhibit room as people chattered happily away about anything and everything Stark, Lannister, Dire Wolves, and Tyrion bitch-slapping Joffrey.

There was much "oo'ing" and "aa'ing" going on for the various set pieces used in Seasons 1 and 2, and there were some new pieces on display too (or so the exhibition page said).

What's this? Toys? Ooooooo.

Aaaahhhhh

These were behind some glass unfortunately, because our feet sure were cold...and those things sure could have come in handy.

Beautiful fan art.

More things to warm the body.  Curse the security eyeballing us.

Won't keep us warm but sekshi? Yes.  Yes, it would.

You don't say...

So, I guess *SPOILER alert* for anyone who has not seen the show and wishes to.  There are things ahead that you may want to avert your eyes from coming up...

like say, maybe this lovely thing right here...

Or this precious beast.

This was one of the most interesting things in the exhibition.

I mean, really.  Fantastic, yeah?

Perhaps the best part of it all, was the fact that a replica of the Throne was there in all its glory.  Better yet, willing participants could sit on the Throne and have their picture taken.

Those were some fabulous pictures we took but how come everyone was smiling when they got on the Throne? Rule with an iron fist!

Seriously.  Iron.  Fist.

I just don't know what's wrong with fools.

We had a great time and even though I have not yet watched the series and/or read the books, I will still forgive them for dragging me with them for the sake of using me for my camera.  But joke's on them because I ended up getting shitty pictures.  Ha!

Currently: feeling really sleepy.

Adventures in the Last Week of August

The crap month that is August is finally coming to a close.  If the Zombie Apocalypse occurs at the end of the year, I'm sure I'll quite happily take another August over that.

In the meanwhile, I will continue to speak ill of the month in which my camera broke.  Yep, August continues to prove that it is pure evil because it was all August's fault that happened! Don't you see?!

In some sort of end of August madness, I wound up coming home late three nights this week for fun events with friends.

It was as if August was trying to redeem itself for its asshattery but I know better.

On Tuesday, I attended a Yankees game at the new stadium upon invitation by a work buddy along with Alex and Active Goat T.  While my usual practice would be to root for the other team other than NY (to be a contrary jerk - no other reason), on principle I could not do so for Toronto.  You know, Canada and all... haha, Canada! I only kid.

The Delta Lounge or whatever it's called.  Too lazy now to look it up.  Laaazzzyyy!!

Buns of Fun

July is just a memory at this point and all the food fun we had, I never posted.  I tend to slack in the Summer because the sun and hot weather addles my brain.  Yep, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Now that August is here, I'll just to stagger the posts of all the food (mis)adventures we had in July because goodness knows there will probably not be much to talk about in August.  Ha.

You'd be convinced I like July but you'd be incorrect.  It's still part of Summer and it's awful stuff as far as I'm concerned.

All of it!

But as I said, we did have some adventures in food.

Thanks to Alex for trying to photo-bomb my picture.

Knockin' About on Rainy Mondays and Tuesdays, Part II

In this Tuesday recap of a Rainy Day Knock About, there was not much H1, Ren, J and I did or anything fabulous to talk about.

It really rained on us that morning as we headed down to 34th street but it was what we found on the way that is truly worth showing.

This movie poster was at the 49th Street Underground Subway Station.  I know nothing of this movie but I had no idea that the awesome man with the awesome name was in it:

Animal Uprising at the Bronx Zoo: Part III with The Ploy of Polar Puppies, Snow Leopards and the Most Fly Turtle EVA'

Leaving the alligators, crocodiles and all-seeing Madagascan animals behind, we made our way to the great outdoors to visit our friend the Polar Bear.

The polar bear was in a fabulous, playful mood though truth be told, he usually is.  Today though, he lured in his victims with his secret plans and clever tricks.

And while those other fools were "oooo-ing" and "aaahh-ing", I was quietly taking pictures and keeping one eye open, readying myself to run the hell out of there if need be.  Note: Please click the pictures to enlarge.

Bear paws the best

Animal Uprising at the Bronx Zoo: Part II with Our Scaly Brethren, Some Birds and a Misrepresentation of Madagascar

When you last left the HOchieS, they were headed towards the den of some bears after hurrying out of vicinity of the Baboon Cafe where trouble was a-brewing.

After making a narrow escape from crushing hugs and not partaking in honey, we found ourselves at the Reptile House.

It was there we found some anxious turtles and witnessed a turtle throwdown.

Animal Uprising at the Bronx Zoo: Part I with Peacocks, Lions, Bears, A Baboon Cover-up and Crazy Gods.

There was something definitely going on at the Bronx Zoo this past Saturday.

From restless animals to the questionable findings of a mysterious substance which can only be described as evidence from a suspected scene of a crime, H1 and I were fearful for our lives.

Along the way through many of the exhibits, we managed to capture some decent pictures of the animals.  Please feel free to click the images to enlarge and join us for a visual aid to the Animal Uprising.

Looks like an exciting adventure!

The day started off okay.  We shared a mini Irish breakfast which we wolfed down in the car but it was upon leaving the car in the Asia Parking Lot at the Zoo that we discovered we were being stalked.

What.

The Unexpected Friday

Our Friday plans did not go as planned.

There was supposed to be a dinner at Brasserie 8 1/2 but as the day wore on, work happened and other crazy stories involving a certain Frass happened (but best of luck to you!) and dinner was canceled.

It happens and that's that but H1 and I still managed to find some amusement after work obligations.

What we found was a "safe" haven in preparation for the future Zombie Apocalypse, Fandango Paper Bags getting the Handbag treatment, cutie owls in retail and Bitler.

In our ongoing series for preparation in Our Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, which many of you have chosen to ignore, H1 and I have continued to find plot our escape and scope out suspicious activity in Grand Central Terminal.

On Friday, we found one such suspicious thing.

We see some folks at Grand Central have been prepping and start construction on something but don't they freakin' know that zombies can climb ladders?! Not very smart, folks.  A re-design is in order.

Saturday Disappointment, Part II: Foodie Misadventures and Not on Target

Our trip to the city was not all sheer disappointment after the Mario 3D Land event last Saturday.  NYC and its fantastic self managed to produce a random Holiday Fair somewhere on 9th Avenue or so near 48th St.

It was such a random thing but it was nice to see, as part of my checklist that day was to start getting into the Christmas spirit by going out there and getting some wrapping paper to begin the ever long task of present wrapping and obtaining ornaments for our very pink Christmas tree we want to style this year.

Saturday Disappointment, Part I: Mario 3D Land in Times Square

What can you say about people?

They're the scum of the earth!

Alright, so not everyone can be classed as scum but this past Saturday morning proved to be quite trying when The HOchieS' ventured to Times Square to attend Nintendo's Super Mario 3D Land Event.

I shaved all but my Nintendo of America? How...crude.

The End of Days, Part VI: The Takoyaki Stand, The Best Fries, and a Failed Toy Run. Again.

As one final adieu "until next time, of course!" with Beetchie in the Summer, we went to our old haunts in St. Marks.

H1 and Beetchie are obsessed with takoyaki, as I'm certain I've mentioned before.  What's not to obsess over though? Takoyaki's pretty fabulous what with its gooey, chewy, salty masterful texture and flavour.  We have yet to find another stand that makes it fresh outside of Tokyo but are thankful enough to Beetchie to have discovered this one.

Never you mind the hipsters on the street.

Misadventures: Because You Know You Missed Them

It's been two long weeks.  Earthquakes, hurricanes, record flooding... and it's the first week of September which always means that people decide they need to do all the work they neglected to do for the earlier Summer months.

Yet, when Beetchie and I go out together, I am still surprised by the mishaps that occur when we're out together.  But why should I be? The weeks have been crappy and meeting up with Beetchie at the end of it all should always signal some sort of disaster.

Don't believe me or need a reminder?

What about the raw squid or raw taro? That doesn't sound like horror to you? Well it should because it sure was horrible to us.

What about that almost awful head injury?

Exploding bakeries? Anyone?

And countless other events (including all of the Japan trip) that I am not recalling here; I am beginning to feel like a broken record.

So why so surprised every time something happens? Well, because it's almost unbelievable.

That's not to say that we did not have a good Summer last year when we got Doughnut Plant doughnuts for the first time...or Ippudo or went to see Scott Pilgrim.  I don't recall anything odd happening and maybe that's just what the problem was.  Again the built up pressure of non-happenings could no longer hold and resulted in Saturday Morning's events.

We went looking for Nom Wah Tea Parlor.  On Google Maps, it appears to be right next to Joe's Shanghai but what we found next to Joe's Shanghai was this:

Really?

The Bronx Zoo: More Pictures, and More Jerks...Oh My! (Part II)

I do not know what's worse, the fact that I said there was a Part I and now have to force myself to post a Part II to this blog post, or the fact that I am too lazy to go remove "Part I" from the other title and leave you with nothing.

It's too late now, I already started writing...::sigh::

Really I only have a few more pictures to share and some captions to read.  Without further nonsensical ramblings -

The Bronx Zoo: With Lions, Tigers and Davids...Oh My...Glob? What? (Part I)

I'll explain!

There's so much wrong with that blog title and I'll tell you why...soon-ish.

First, I would like to say that going to the Bronx Zoo for opening time is the best.  I'm sure it's even better going during the week but we do what we can, when we can.

Some of the animals are fairly active and not lazing about in that hot ass midday sun or napping after lunch, and the Zoo grounds were just an entirely different experience for me.

Which also leads me to mention that Membership is also hella' awesome (do people still say 'hella'', by the way?).  Pesky lines are mostly eradicated and 10% at the gift shop is 10% at the gift shop.  Hey man, it's better than 0%.  Why go to a gift shop though with all things tourist trap? I'll tell you why...soon-ish.

For once, in the few times I have been to the zoo, I enjoyed myself.  I enjoyed walking around at ease, the cool air and the lack of wild animals people crowding me like the plague.  It was no surprise then that when we were still jaunting around there at around 3 p.m., annoyance took over when the zoo became packed with some rude jerks.

However, let us not think on the negative but instead focus on the thousand plus pictures I took whilst there.

Well, I wouldn't want to torture neither you nor myself with thousands of pictures but here's a sneak peek at the adventure the HOchieS enjoyed on Saturday morning (click the pictures to enlarge):

This Saturday Morning felt like Toco, with more waterfalls.

Thursday: Misadventures of the Snowy Kind, Part I

This story actually began on Wednesday with the start of a fresh new storm from the perpetual four day cycle of snow storms we seem to be stuck in.

This storm, however, was going to be one of the bigger ones with an estimated 8 to 12 inches.  At the end of it all on Thursday morning, it dumped 19 inches in NYC.  The buses were not running in the city, and our train was on a Saturday schedule with delays but being the brave little HOchieS that we are, we went to work.

Really what happened was, H1 kinda had to go in because it would more beneficial for her in the long run.  So away we went!

It was lovely out with all the pure white, fresh fallen snow.  It was also incredibly sunny too, as if nothing had happened as the sky was a radiant blue.

 

Friday Evening with The HOchieS, Part II: The Company Sucks but a Shack Burger Does Not

After the Lego Store, The HOchieS and Co. met up with Aims to go to Shake Shack in the Theatre District.

This was our second venture to that particular location and it again proved to be a crappy arrangement for seating.

I cannot fault anyone for going to The Shake Shack because well, the burgers are just damned beautiful on taste.  It can be very annoyed at how crowded it is and for the sometimes not very nice people that show up and will literally start a fight with you for a table.

Zombie Scenario: Your Guide to the Apocalypse, Part I

Have you ever found your mind wandering to the prospect of a Zombie Scenario and planning an escape?

What's that? The Zed word is ridiculous?

That right there would be your Number 1 fail: doubting the Zombie Apocalypse!

The Wave of the Undead is coming, my friends and let us all hope that we have some pea shooter plants to guard ourselves with.

In the meanwhile, H1 and I have been envisioning and devising our escape as per The Zombie Scenario: Metro North Edition.

We are not going to lie.

If hordes of zombies were to invade Grand Central Terminal as we stood on the platform waiting for our train, we have decided we would die for lack of a solid survival plan.

We have been thinking on this for a couple of years now but we would be ill-fated.

What we would see as we looked ahead.  

Zombies would be pouring out of the main Terminal.

Behind us would be Zombies shuffling up the stairs.

Zombies to the left of us.

Zombies to the right... but wait! a train?

So, what would our best option be?

Jumping into the pit to the left and risk an oncoming train, electrocution via the third rail, or zombies piling in after us and it being much easier to trip?

Do we climb on top of the train to the right?

How long before the zombies take to climbing as well?

Do we board the train? What if the doors are closed (as pictured)?

What if we get on and the doors do not close? Sitting ducks we would be!

What if...zombies are on the train?!?!

The Hochies are not pessimistic, we are realistic.

The following footprints/feet (not owned by zombies or unwitting victims of Zombies) are the guidelines as deemed by The MTA for a safe commute.

We have doctored them to share with you our tips and observations you should abide by during a Zombie Scenario at GCS.  It's the least we could do for our friends who may fare better.  Who knows? Maybe you'll get lucky.

No. 1 and 2

1. In a Zombie Scenario, definitely *glance down once in a while to make sure you're not going to trip over your fellow, "can't save you now...sorry" commuters.  You will see why it may not matter when we get to No. 3 as slipping might become a regular Olympic Event.

Do not glance back too often.  It'll just slow you down, not to mention you never know when a Zombie might pop up in front of you all of a sudden.

2. In a Zombie Scenario, if the train is operational, hell yes, run for your train.

 No. 3

3.  In a Zombie Scenario, slipping will have to become an Art Form.  Using the stair handrails may be a good idea when it rains, but when it rains blood, I'm not sure anything will save you from a fall here and there.  Everything will be slippery in a Zombie Scenario.  The handrails won't work.

No. 4

4.  In a Zombie Scenario, throw caution about bridgeplates to the wind.  You may be better off being wedged under a train.  Maybe the zombies won't be able to get you out.  Fall through the gap, it might save your life even if it may break your arm.  *This could also apply to Rule 1.

 No. 5

5.  In a Zombie Scenario, and this may be painfully obvious...it's every child for himself.  Toss the buggers to the zombies because it may slow the Zombies down.  The more chirren you have, the better but remember, their bodies are tiny.  It's like eating popcorn, you might want a whole lot but it can only keep you filled for so long and there's never enough to feed everyone.

Currently listening to: "Pioneer to the Falls" by Interpol.(No. 6)

6. In a Zombie Scenario, remember that Interpol can't do shart for you.

The Toe in the Street

Beetchie was unfortunate enough to be in the presence of another explosion.

This time, a horrible accident took place in Queens while she was on her way home from work.

The explosion which was caused when two men carrying a fire extinguisher dropped, resulted in the loss of a finger and a toe on two separate individuals from shrapnel that flew from the extinguisher.

Beetchie, being a good Samaritan, went looking for the missing toe and found it.  Sadly, a car soon ran over it before it could be saved (not that the cops at the scene seemed hurried to save the toe...).

I am thankful that she is okay but very sorry that those poor people had to go through such trauma.

While I did not wish to tell such a gruesome tale on Beetchie's behalf here, I did want to mention that it has finally been confirmed - all those misadventures that she and I seem to run into when we're out together was Beetchie's fault.

I was just the innocent bystander who got caught up in the midst of her crazy energy!

If anyone needs a Bush Bath, it's Beetchie.

Yep, it was all her fault...

Do you remember the Bees?

The Heap of Hate at St. Marks?

The Day Kenka Defeated Us?

The Entire Trip to Japan?!?!?!

A Rip in the Space-Time Continuum

I do not know if anyone else noticed, but ever since I posted that blog about how The HOchieS have declared a self-imposed ban of a month - we entered a Time Skip!

An entire month went by during this Time Skip.

The strangest thing happened (as if that wasn't strange enough) but it seems as though we jumped into the future for an entire month and then, went back to the present!