the SMALL apple can be no more in a few weeks. I will be graduating from school, and thus moving back to New York City for good in the beginning of December. I enjoyed creating, writing, and managing the SMALL apple, and I thank all of you who viewed my pages...I hope you enjoyed them!
I will always know what it is like to live in Bethlehem, but now that I will no longer have the constant comparison I need to find a new focus for tSa. It is going to be hard, and I encourage any suggestions from you, the reader. I will try to post frequently, but I will only post if I have something unique to say in a sea of many bloggers.
Leave a comment or a suggestion if you wish to help form the SMALL apple! :)
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, November 11, 2013
Long Hair Don't Even Care
What's Playing: Mr. Carter- Lil' Wayne
We have reached arguably the greatest month out of the year for men, November. To many it is called "Movember" to others it is called "No Shave November," regardless it is a time for men to show how gnarly and untamed their faces can really be.
I have taken quite a liking to November and the whole facial hair craze ever since I graduated from boarding school in Connecticut. It was the first time I was introduced to the facial hair lifestyle thanks to fellow hockey and lacrosse bros.
I will always support this month. It is a time to let sophistication go by the wayside and let your inner animal out into the wild...roar
We have reached arguably the greatest month out of the year for men, November. To many it is called "Movember" to others it is called "No Shave November," regardless it is a time for men to show how gnarly and untamed their faces can really be.
I have taken quite a liking to November and the whole facial hair craze ever since I graduated from boarding school in Connecticut. It was the first time I was introduced to the facial hair lifestyle thanks to fellow hockey and lacrosse bros.
I will always support this month. It is a time to let sophistication go by the wayside and let your inner animal out into the wild...roar
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| No Shave October, November....maybe December? |
Monday, October 28, 2013
Where The Beats Never End
What's Playing: Where The Beats... - Scooter
Bethlehem needs an establishment, venue, area to provide musical entertainment to both students and residents. Musical venues within a town should be a given. I've been lucky enough to be raised in NYC with one of the richest and diverse music scenes.
I love going to musical shows. I say show because I've been in traditional "concert" settings like Meatloaf at the Beacon Theatre, as well as "experiences" like going to Electric Zoo all 5 years it's been on Randalls Island.
I was recently reminded of this major difference in "hometowns" this past weekend when I was in NYC and was able to see Boys Noize at Output in Brooklyn. It was an intimate venue, certainly more towards a club/lounge than venue, but still an enjoyable place I would recommend and will go to in the future.
Now, as I sit in my house in Pennsylvania, I realize I have no music scene to go to. I could go to one of the many bars, where I am sure to hear the same 80s playlist I have been listening to for the past 4 years. I could hear the rambling townies at an open-mic night at Molly's or an involuntary game of karaoke at Sotto's. Needless to say the options are few. SteelStacks and Sands have shed some light on the little town of Bethlehem, though. They both offer good music, but their schedules are sporatic to say the least, and unless you're trying to cough up top dollar you might as well forget it.
If there are any people seeking business ideas out there, bring an establishment with some musical aspect to Bethlehem. I guarantee you will succeed.
Bethlehem needs an establishment, venue, area to provide musical entertainment to both students and residents. Musical venues within a town should be a given. I've been lucky enough to be raised in NYC with one of the richest and diverse music scenes.
I love going to musical shows. I say show because I've been in traditional "concert" settings like Meatloaf at the Beacon Theatre, as well as "experiences" like going to Electric Zoo all 5 years it's been on Randalls Island.
I was recently reminded of this major difference in "hometowns" this past weekend when I was in NYC and was able to see Boys Noize at Output in Brooklyn. It was an intimate venue, certainly more towards a club/lounge than venue, but still an enjoyable place I would recommend and will go to in the future.
Now, as I sit in my house in Pennsylvania, I realize I have no music scene to go to. I could go to one of the many bars, where I am sure to hear the same 80s playlist I have been listening to for the past 4 years. I could hear the rambling townies at an open-mic night at Molly's or an involuntary game of karaoke at Sotto's. Needless to say the options are few. SteelStacks and Sands have shed some light on the little town of Bethlehem, though. They both offer good music, but their schedules are sporatic to say the least, and unless you're trying to cough up top dollar you might as well forget it.
If there are any people seeking business ideas out there, bring an establishment with some musical aspect to Bethlehem. I guarantee you will succeed.
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| EPIC Night @ Terminal 5 |
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Eat. Sleep. _____. Repeat.
What's Playing: Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat - Fatboy Slim & Riva Starr
It's been a while since I've posted on the SMALL apple and I apologize for keeping you from the exciting moments of my exhilarating life. Honestly though, it's been quite hectic living this sort of double life and I am afraid it seems to be catching up to me.
Since the semester started I've been commuting back and forth from PA to NYC for school and weekends. Unfortunately, most of the time I have spent back home in NYC has been with friends, going out, and essentially anything else that will help me procrastinate and try to wipe my memory clear of where I spend the other half of my week.
This has had it's detrimental effect on my studies though. For the past two weeks I have been grinding non-stop just to catch up with the work I have easily brushed off till a later date. Well, that date has come my friends.
Now I know I will be okay. I know I will power through and get all of my work done so that this weekend in New York will be enjoyable, but my poorly managed time schedule has shed some light on my hometown.
NYC is definitely not suitable for the weak. NYers are always on a constant hustle getting from point A to point B, and it is in your best interest not to get in the way. Some people might fall in to the trap of constant distractions, opportunities, and adventures that await around the corner of each block.
Being so close to graduation I wonder if the city is the place for me in the near future. I mean I want to live their when I grow up, but would I decline a job offer that forced me to relocate to a different city? That. I do not know. I'm sure my pockets would appreciate the alleviated stress of city life, and it might be nice to be able to settle down somewhere and make a name for yourself in a smaller sea of fishes, so to speak.
For now, the city is my home and I will love it for that. But I've been enjoying my time in Bethlehem slightly more and more with each passing weak. The silence, sounds of nature, and lack of cabs are soothing but I wouldn't be myself if I didn't have that chaos factor in my life somehow. I do not know whether to give credit to Bethlehem for letting me accomplish my work, or to NYC for being so good at distracting...I guess to each his own.
It's been a while since I've posted on the SMALL apple and I apologize for keeping you from the exciting moments of my exhilarating life. Honestly though, it's been quite hectic living this sort of double life and I am afraid it seems to be catching up to me.
Since the semester started I've been commuting back and forth from PA to NYC for school and weekends. Unfortunately, most of the time I have spent back home in NYC has been with friends, going out, and essentially anything else that will help me procrastinate and try to wipe my memory clear of where I spend the other half of my week.
This has had it's detrimental effect on my studies though. For the past two weeks I have been grinding non-stop just to catch up with the work I have easily brushed off till a later date. Well, that date has come my friends.
Now I know I will be okay. I know I will power through and get all of my work done so that this weekend in New York will be enjoyable, but my poorly managed time schedule has shed some light on my hometown.
NYC is definitely not suitable for the weak. NYers are always on a constant hustle getting from point A to point B, and it is in your best interest not to get in the way. Some people might fall in to the trap of constant distractions, opportunities, and adventures that await around the corner of each block.
Being so close to graduation I wonder if the city is the place for me in the near future. I mean I want to live their when I grow up, but would I decline a job offer that forced me to relocate to a different city? That. I do not know. I'm sure my pockets would appreciate the alleviated stress of city life, and it might be nice to be able to settle down somewhere and make a name for yourself in a smaller sea of fishes, so to speak.
For now, the city is my home and I will love it for that. But I've been enjoying my time in Bethlehem slightly more and more with each passing weak. The silence, sounds of nature, and lack of cabs are soothing but I wouldn't be myself if I didn't have that chaos factor in my life somehow. I do not know whether to give credit to Bethlehem for letting me accomplish my work, or to NYC for being so good at distracting...I guess to each his own.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Dear New York...
What's Playing: Dear New York - Firebeatz
....CAN I GET A SANDWICH?!
For most inhabitants of South Bethlehem it's common knowledge that if you're looking for a tasty sandwich, you go to the Goosey Gander. When you walk in to "The Goose," Tony is there with a smile on his face ready to prepare you a delicious deli sandwich with a side of pleasant conversation.
I just came back from The Goose to sit down and write this, after inhaling a "Guna Melt" (you got it, Tuna salad) and having a nice conversation with Tony on his birthday (The guy works on his birthday...dedication).
It got me thinking that New York City, though it is known for many things, has failed to present me with a go-to sandwich place, at least one near my house on the Upper East Side. Now I know I can get a nice burger at JG Melon's, a pastrami sandwich from Pastrami Queen or Katz's Delicatessen, and essentially an over-priced salad anywhere, but where can I get a nice deli sammy?! Is that so hard?
I don't want to go to Subway, it smells funny and you know it does too. I can go to any corner deli and attempt to get a sandwich, but who knows what the guy behind the counter is preparing (I once asked for ham and got roast beef, don't ask me how). However, when I go to The Goose I know Tony knows his menu like the back of his hand, and he makes every sandwich as if it were his own.
After eating at The Goose multiple times, I've come up with "Tony's Steps" that provides the perfect mathematical equation for a good sandwich:
....CAN I GET A SANDWICH?!
For most inhabitants of South Bethlehem it's common knowledge that if you're looking for a tasty sandwich, you go to the Goosey Gander. When you walk in to "The Goose," Tony is there with a smile on his face ready to prepare you a delicious deli sandwich with a side of pleasant conversation.
I just came back from The Goose to sit down and write this, after inhaling a "Guna Melt" (you got it, Tuna salad) and having a nice conversation with Tony on his birthday (The guy works on his birthday...dedication).
It got me thinking that New York City, though it is known for many things, has failed to present me with a go-to sandwich place, at least one near my house on the Upper East Side. Now I know I can get a nice burger at JG Melon's, a pastrami sandwich from Pastrami Queen or Katz's Delicatessen, and essentially an over-priced salad anywhere, but where can I get a nice deli sammy?! Is that so hard?
I don't want to go to Subway, it smells funny and you know it does too. I can go to any corner deli and attempt to get a sandwich, but who knows what the guy behind the counter is preparing (I once asked for ham and got roast beef, don't ask me how). However, when I go to The Goose I know Tony knows his menu like the back of his hand, and he makes every sandwich as if it were his own.
After eating at The Goose multiple times, I've come up with "Tony's Steps" that provides the perfect mathematical equation for a good sandwich:
Good Quality Deli Meat +
Giving 2 Sh!ts about what you're making +
A whole bunch of sauce (personal preference) =
Perfect Sandwich.
Tony has perfected this art, applying ample amounts of Russian Dressing to any combination of meat you can imagine, and it works!
I ask that deli owners take note of Tony. Who knows, maybe when I graduate I'll ask to start a Goose operation in New York City. I feel like that would be a delicious job to have.
Tony....this ones for you. Bethlehem 3 - New York City 2.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
You had me at "50 cents"
What's Playing: Gunplay - AC Slater
This past weekend was the first I spent up here in Pennsylvania away from my New Yorkers. It was a fun weekend, but there was wayyyy too much downtime for my busy self.
Yet with all the free time came opportunities to reflect on the little slice of, uh, "paradise" that is Bethlehem. A constant surprise I am always greeted by are the vacant streets, which makes our college campus seem more like a ghost town then anything.
Indeed when I woke up from my slumber this beautiful Sunday afternoon I was surprised, yet I would be lying to say shocked, that I didn't see anybody roaming around the streets. Can you blame them though? With nothing else to do here besides eat and maybe gamble away your weekly allowance at the Sands, why head outdoors?
It's something I don't think I will ever understand, the appeal of a house. Being inside all day never really was my thing, and I don't really plan on adding it to my repertoire of hobbies. I try to get out of my humble shack on East 5th street as often as I can, yet many times I see the only destination for a city-born soul like me is.....drum roll.... Pantry 1 Food Mart :)
Now its hard to compete with the greatest city in the world on any level, but Bethlehem does a pretty good job for what it's worth in the snack department. Now in NYC there are plenty of stores, but my mouth stays loyal to 7-11. Now you may be asking "why Alex? In a sea of so many options why choose the chain?" Well, my worried reader, everywhere else in NYC has turned to some "gourmet/ organic/ one of a kind" snack stand/deli and I'm not about that life.
Especially ever since Lay's changed the price of potato chips to $1.09, which is utter blasphemy I'm aware, I have been loyal to 7-11. But in this battle between 7-11 and P1, it pains me to say but I give the advantage to P1. Now both have the wide array of snack goodness, from chips to sweets. But the X-FACTOR is a girl by the name of Little Debbie. My past year has shown me how great of a girl she is, providing delicious snacks for non-NYC prices. So as I unwrap another Oatmeal Cream Pie, I must say that Bethlehem evens the score, 2-2.
This past weekend was the first I spent up here in Pennsylvania away from my New Yorkers. It was a fun weekend, but there was wayyyy too much downtime for my busy self.
Yet with all the free time came opportunities to reflect on the little slice of, uh, "paradise" that is Bethlehem. A constant surprise I am always greeted by are the vacant streets, which makes our college campus seem more like a ghost town then anything.
Indeed when I woke up from my slumber this beautiful Sunday afternoon I was surprised, yet I would be lying to say shocked, that I didn't see anybody roaming around the streets. Can you blame them though? With nothing else to do here besides eat and maybe gamble away your weekly allowance at the Sands, why head outdoors?
It's something I don't think I will ever understand, the appeal of a house. Being inside all day never really was my thing, and I don't really plan on adding it to my repertoire of hobbies. I try to get out of my humble shack on East 5th street as often as I can, yet many times I see the only destination for a city-born soul like me is.....drum roll.... Pantry 1 Food Mart :)
Now its hard to compete with the greatest city in the world on any level, but Bethlehem does a pretty good job for what it's worth in the snack department. Now in NYC there are plenty of stores, but my mouth stays loyal to 7-11. Now you may be asking "why Alex? In a sea of so many options why choose the chain?" Well, my worried reader, everywhere else in NYC has turned to some "gourmet/ organic/ one of a kind" snack stand/deli and I'm not about that life.
Especially ever since Lay's changed the price of potato chips to $1.09, which is utter blasphemy I'm aware, I have been loyal to 7-11. But in this battle between 7-11 and P1, it pains me to say but I give the advantage to P1. Now both have the wide array of snack goodness, from chips to sweets. But the X-FACTOR is a girl by the name of Little Debbie. My past year has shown me how great of a girl she is, providing delicious snacks for non-NYC prices. So as I unwrap another Oatmeal Cream Pie, I must say that Bethlehem evens the score, 2-2.
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| Decisions, Decisions... |
Monday, September 23, 2013
Lemme Get A Slice Of...
What's Playing: Drop The Pressure (Jack Beats Remix) - Project Bassline
Today in class we had a nice discussion about the social media strategy of Domino's Pizza. It was an interesting discussion and it got me thinking, when do I EVER eat Domino's Pizza?
When I'm not in the city.
Now don't get me wrong, I have indulged on chicken kickers, cinnastix, and plenty of thin-crust bacon pizzas during my Pennsylvania excursions. But at the same time, nothing beats that overpriced $3- something taste of a New York slice.
Pizza is one of the many things that a NYer obsesses over (bagels, I'll save for another time). Rightly so, might I add. Even though the cost of living is beyond absurd (I mean since when is one-topping easily 3+ bucks) the taste and consistency is what separates our 'za from wack Italian toast you see other places.
Some people can't do it, but I will happily eat that $3 charge and, well, eat. If for some odd reason I ever became a vegetarian, pizza would be 2 of my 3 daily meals, fact.
As I sit here munching on some bland crust, I'm happy to give NYC the lead, 2-1.
Today in class we had a nice discussion about the social media strategy of Domino's Pizza. It was an interesting discussion and it got me thinking, when do I EVER eat Domino's Pizza?
When I'm not in the city.
Now don't get me wrong, I have indulged on chicken kickers, cinnastix, and plenty of thin-crust bacon pizzas during my Pennsylvania excursions. But at the same time, nothing beats that overpriced $3- something taste of a New York slice.
Pizza is one of the many things that a NYer obsesses over (bagels, I'll save for another time). Rightly so, might I add. Even though the cost of living is beyond absurd (I mean since when is one-topping easily 3+ bucks) the taste and consistency is what separates our 'za from wack Italian toast you see other places.
Some people can't do it, but I will happily eat that $3 charge and, well, eat. If for some odd reason I ever became a vegetarian, pizza would be 2 of my 3 daily meals, fact.
As I sit here munching on some bland crust, I'm happy to give NYC the lead, 2-1.
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| Where's that sanitary inspection grade... Right?! |
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
The Blessed Curse of Boredom
What's Playing: Taito - Mord Fustang
As I sit here patiently watching the download of iOS 7, the boredom that is Pennsylvania. Once classes are over for the day, there is only so much you can do in Bethlehem.
I feel as if New Yorkers have a hard time grasping the concept of "home" sometimes. Rather, home is seen as a pit-stop in the constantly moving society. Yet this "free time" has led me to realize the glory that is...
Netflix is just one of the many devices us 610 folk use as reallll time killers. TV, yes. No commercials, YES. Cheap as hell, YES! No more dealing with Time Warner Cable, this honestly calls for a celebration. While in NYC my life has been plagued by this demon, but finally I have found the golden apple.
My iOS 7 is finally here, and it looks glorious. I shall return to my land of commercial free television and savor this night, for tomorrow marks the weekend and another trip to relentless 212.
NYC 1 - BETHLEHEM 1
As I sit here patiently watching the download of iOS 7, the boredom that is Pennsylvania. Once classes are over for the day, there is only so much you can do in Bethlehem.
I feel as if New Yorkers have a hard time grasping the concept of "home" sometimes. Rather, home is seen as a pit-stop in the constantly moving society. Yet this "free time" has led me to realize the glory that is...
 | |
| NETFLIX. |
Netflix is just one of the many devices us 610 folk use as reallll time killers. TV, yes. No commercials, YES. Cheap as hell, YES! No more dealing with Time Warner Cable, this honestly calls for a celebration. While in NYC my life has been plagued by this demon, but finally I have found the golden apple.
My iOS 7 is finally here, and it looks glorious. I shall return to my land of commercial free television and savor this night, for tomorrow marks the weekend and another trip to relentless 212.
NYC 1 - BETHLEHEM 1
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
The serious side of me, just once I promise.
As I sit down to write you all from my desk in Pennsylvania, every bit of me wishes I was back home, but I guess you knew that already.
Still, this day is very special to every American, but really hits home with New Yorkers. 12 years ago today the Twin Towers in my lovely city were brought down by terrorists. I remember the day as if it were yesterday. One minute pleasantly sitting in my middle school history class at the Collegiate School, and the next a school wide meeting unites all of my classmates in the auditorium.
Our headmaster told us the tragic news, and the room fell silent you could hear a pindrop. The mixture of shock, disgust, and sadness covered my classmates. We remained calm, and were dismissed from class, but I will never forget the heartache I had hearing names of fellow classmates being called out and asked to stay behind.
Many of my friends had family members working in the WTC, some survived and some didn't it is the brutal truth. Every year since then I have reached out my friends that have lost family on this day and catch up.
Blessings are given, but more importantly a strong bond has been made over the years. It gives me hope in New Yorkers and Americans in general. So I ask you to say a prayer, or better yet reach out to someone you know affected by this tragic day, you might even enjoy it.
 |
| UNITED WE STAND. DIVIDED WE FALL |
Sunday, September 8, 2013
A New Routine & NYC 1, Bethlehem 0
I have never really had a "routine" in my life, or at least not by choice.
Growing up in Manhattan I've simply dealt with the fact that my life is quite spontaneous, yet I have enjoyed every moment of it. However, there is always one factor of almost every born and raised Manhattanite's life that seems to force some type of scheduled restraint, school.
I happen to be in the pleasant predicament of still being in school, but I'm making the most of Bethlehem, thank you for asking. This current "routine" of mine, both being and class and weekly trips home, has shown me the green grass on both sides and I think it is time I share the scores with you all.
After waking up this morning in my apartment, I leave my lobby to to see this:
Enough said, NYC 1 - Bethlehem 0.
OH, in case you missed the shocking introduction into my entertaining life, check it out:
EZOO 13 NYC
Growing up in Manhattan I've simply dealt with the fact that my life is quite spontaneous, yet I have enjoyed every moment of it. However, there is always one factor of almost every born and raised Manhattanite's life that seems to force some type of scheduled restraint, school.
I happen to be in the pleasant predicament of still being in school, but I'm making the most of Bethlehem, thank you for asking. This current "routine" of mine, both being and class and weekly trips home, has shown me the green grass on both sides and I think it is time I share the scores with you all.
After waking up this morning in my apartment, I leave my lobby to to see this:
 |
| Street Fair? Why not. |
Enough said, NYC 1 - Bethlehem 0.
OH, in case you missed the shocking introduction into my entertaining life, check it out:
EZOO 13 NYC
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Electric Zoo 2013
Hello World,
My name is Alex and if you stumbled across this page I advise you to stay. I'm a born and raised New Yorker and proud of it. I'm currently stuck in Bethlehem, PA but what'rya gonna do.
One of my many passions is music and this weekend holds a special place in my heart. What many of you common folk call Labor Day weekend, us New Yorkers know it as ELECTRIC ZOO 2013. For 5 years now, my league of extraordinary gentlemen and women have been taking our talents to Randall's Island, sorry LeBron. It's a watering hole for good friends, bumpin' tunes, and all types of weirdness.
It's almost about time for me to hit the ol' dusty trail and say goodbye to Bethlehem once again. Not to worry, I will be around next week and I suspect you will be too.
Till then,
HAPPY ELECTRIC ZOO 2013 WEEKEND!$!$!
My name is Alex and if you stumbled across this page I advise you to stay. I'm a born and raised New Yorker and proud of it. I'm currently stuck in Bethlehem, PA but what'rya gonna do.
One of my many passions is music and this weekend holds a special place in my heart. What many of you common folk call Labor Day weekend, us New Yorkers know it as ELECTRIC ZOO 2013. For 5 years now, my league of extraordinary gentlemen and women have been taking our talents to Randall's Island, sorry LeBron. It's a watering hole for good friends, bumpin' tunes, and all types of weirdness.
It's almost about time for me to hit the ol' dusty trail and say goodbye to Bethlehem once again. Not to worry, I will be around next week and I suspect you will be too.
Till then,
HAPPY ELECTRIC ZOO 2013 WEEKEND!$!$!
 |
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