things are looking up

Sorry for the lack of updates, my digital camera didn't feel like working for a bit. It's all fixed now and here's this:

I was just sitting around and this is what I saw when I looked up. I thought it was pretty cool how the flag was framed by this opening in the trees.

***Also, Ramadan Mubarak (or Happy Ramadan) to all my fellow fasting people!***

who's city is this anyway?

They put up this new banner on Albany St. to symbolize the taking over of New Brunswick. See, it's back to school for the Rutgers University undergrads and the Scarlet Knight is the official mascot. Once they descend upon NB, traffic is jammed, lines are longer, and there is just more commotion in general.

However, today was also my first day of grad school. While it's a separate school, we share a common campus with Rutgers. It's been just over a year since I thought about going. It certainly feels nice keeping good on a promise to myself. So this year, I really don't mind all the commotion, just as long as I'm a part of it.

caught again

this guy just can't get enough!

caught!

I actually caught this big guy on my way out to work in the morning. He posed for a bit and then fluttered on his merry way. It made me happy because I have never been able to take a proper picture of a butterfly. Anyway, he marks a nice return to the sunny weather after a week of cold rain.

the dynamic duo

A mother and child crossing street. I like this shot because you can tell this woman's hair color is probably her natural one because it matches that of her child's. I also really like the color contrast of the bright orange and dark blue. What a duo.

scudder.

It's been a rainy week in NB and I've really loved every minute of it. (I've often joked that I have reverse seasonal affective disorder) I know it's dreary, but it makes me feel cozy just getting in my car. I also feel this shared thing with everyone, we are all a little wet and a little trapped indoors, and we become just a bit closer because of it.

Anyway, I passed this impressive grave stone during a walk today and can't decide if it looks better in color or black and white. Any opinions on which one is better?

I had no idea who scudder was and why the name ends in a period, (but it does add an air of importance). I did some research on scudder and found this link http://www.ettc.net/njarts/details.cfm?ID=906 that explains everything.

in decline

This was a funny poster to see on the newspaper machines. I did some googling and apparently this is the symbol of a dvd that shows crazy stuff, (that was a terrible description). Here's how www.resistancefilms.com describes it :

"INDECLINE The new BFK production, as politically incorrect as always, hard skate, daredevil graffiti, over the top violent, advertising hijacking, anti-Bush manifestation which degenerates, fight clubs and more generally, misery in its sad and tough reality, the American society is collapsing, here is the testimony… A must-see ! "

I doubt I would enjoy 'over the top violence', but it was an interesting addition the the new brunswick scene and I liked the logo with subtle demonic details.

exposed

This wall really caught my eye because of the color and the exposed brick. I couldn't tell if this was done on purpose or just an old wall in need of a paint job. Either way, the sun was setting while I was walking home and I liked it.

yipes

crazy bug on a window screen. i got a weirdly close look at this fella the other day. I'm not sure what he wanted, but he went on his merry way and that was that.

black holes

OK, even though you can't tell at all, this was from last week's MUSE concert at Madison Square Garden in NYC . I know, I know this is not a photo of New Brunswick, but I just think it came out really cool. The band was amazing, (as always), but they really amped it up for the big arena and had spectacular lights and effects. I just happened to catch this photo during an especially powerful boom. OK, I promise it'll be back to NB tomorrow, (I just had to make an exception for my favorite trio).

iron man

This is the iron gate of a very old cemetery on Neilson St. In fact, it was so old that I saw a grave of someone born in 1802! I didn't have any particular reason behind taking this photo. I guess I just liked that it was old. Sometimes in the midst of all the redevelopment in the city, you forget that the old stuff wasn't all bad.

sweet escape

while others chose to suffer in the heat (see man in back), one of my best friends and i had some ice cream after work. this place, 'cold stone creamery' is famous because you can customize your ice cream. here jessica enjoys a birthday cake in a cone. so cute.

this is part of the new rockoff dorms on george st. when i went to school here, there was no such cold stone creamery, (or any decent ice cream place for that matter), and i'm miffed about that. i mean, these new kids don't know how sweet they have it.

busy bus

Here's kind of a dreary shot of the bus that goes to and fro new brunswick. this bus is a busy one, yet the station on route 27 always seems like its abandoned or something. I like this picture though, because it kinda looks like it was taken 30 years ago.

table for one

I decided to take my lunch break outside the other day. I've passed by this open area so many times and have wanted to eat my lunch there, but just never did. It's a nice, shaded spot on Albany St. with lots of open tables and even a performer once in a while. Well, whatever holding me back wasn't the other day so I got a nice spot and enjoyed lunch for one. This shot was from my lunch's viewpoint.

it takes two

So I was walking down the street the other day when I noticed this man riding two bicycles at the same time. Sorry for the crazy angle, but I literally whirled around as they rode past me and I just had to get a shot.

My guess is that little boy in the white is his son and they just bought a new bike and this was how they had to go home. I can ride a bike one-handed, but I've never been able to master the hand-less ride. Kudos to this guy.

back in new brunswick!

I've been away for awhile; a looong while. I had a temporary position in Washington DC and then did some traveling abroad. But now I'm back in New Brunswick, working and getting ready for grad school in the Fall. (there is a God!)

While in the midst of redevelopment, New Brunswick is going through a number of changes, (which I look forward to documenting). This is a happy shot of the downtown area on George Street. You may notice the Jamaican flag on the right. I was pleased to see that George St. is now lined with international flags to represent the different backgrounds of local businesses and communities.

plip plop

I caught a droplet and some ripples! Some excess drainage on the street. I like the way water makes the pavement look black and shiny and some how, classy.

the sO So sO's have it

SO sorry about my lack of postings/comments. I am just SO nervous about my upcoming graduate admissions test, the GRE, bleh. I will be SO much happier when this is all over. The ironic thing is, I've been taking lots of photos, (albeit most of them in the library). I'm just too nervous to sign online and see dreadful emails about the upcoming exam to post any of them. :o(

This photo is how I feel right now: very small.

(I can't wait to get back to viewing and commenting again. I'll be perusing through all of ya'lls archives, hehe. Have a good one. )

grumblings of a fellow coffee drinker

I just took this photo! I'm getting some coffee in Panera, again, and this nice professor sitting next to me was happy to be in my post for the day. He is grading his students' papers and grumbling. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.
The music coming through the speakers is very cheezy jazz and the cake I ordered is over-priced and dry. Still, nothing like taking a coffee break with a free internet connection!

A retrospective

This is the older or 'retro' part of the Douglass Library. Most of the library was renovated about two years ago. The newer parts are really chic and very conducive to studying in a comfortable atmosphere. Still, sometimes I prefer to go down to the retro section. I especially love these nifty hanging lights.
Today is another rainy day, perfect for soup and review books.

what non-smokers do during a break

Taking a break from reviewing at the local Panera. Panera is a chain of cafe-like coffee houses with free internet connection. I like their green background with my tan jacket.

RUTGERS' BIG WIN!

Well, it is so weird to say, but Rutgers Football remains undefeated! After many years as a losing team, Rutgers just had it's biggest game in its history! I am no sports writer so please read this article for better info about the miraculous turnaround win! http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=533155&category=Sports&BCCode=SPORTSMAIN&newsdate=11/9/2006

I feel like I'm in a bizarro world, where everything opposite is happening. First, the Democrats win back Congress(!), then Senate(!!), then Rumsfeld resigns(!!!), then Britney is hot again(!) and now this: Rutgers' football team is winning like crazy! It's been a most excellent week! I can't take credit for the photo because I couldn't go to the game. This is a shot my younger sister, Rabayah, took during the game that just ended an hour ago. I think there were over 44,000 fans there which must've been good for the team.

I can't pretend to be behind Rutgers football entirely, mostly because the school budget is disproportionately cut in their favor and students have had to make up the difference with inferior facilities, dorms, and textbook scams. However, I'm still happy we've got something to be proud of, so as a dear friend of mine put it, "I'll only say this once, GO RU!"

All Aboard!

Getting off the NE Corridor line at the train station. I like the fact that some jobs still require old fashioned uniforms. I like special hats and trousers. Then again, I never had to wear one day in and day out. Have any of you ever had to wear some kind of uniform? Do/Did you like wearing one? I'd be interested to know.

let this be a lesson for all you drunk witches

Hello! I've returned. I got quite ill for a few days, but I'm doing much better now. On a walk today I saw this very funny Halloween decoration of a witch crashed into a tree. I liked this a lot because it was very original and looked like it was homemade. I feel like too many people buy the same decorations from the store these days. It's nice to see some creativity on the lawns of America!

just spiffy

Walking to the library the other day, I noticed just how nice to chapel on Douglass is. I took a color photo as well, but I like this one better. I think because it looks like it's old. Douglass is one of the oldest schools in America. Though, I'm not sure how old this chapel is. I know it was remodeled two years ago and they did a spiffy job.

over-pass

Over-pass over Albany Street. It's been too cold these days. Well, I like the cold a lot, but it's been too windy and cold these days. Wind can really mess up a girl's day.

Eid: post prayer

Here's the last from my series of Eid photos from this past Monday. This is the inside of ISCJ mosque right after Eid prayer. Men and women pray in two separate groups in the same room, but guess who gets stuck with most of the kids? The women, how typical. This causes lots of extra commotion in the women's section. The kids LOVE to run around on the empty carpets. I have to admit, I did it too, when I was a kid... it was too tempting. Also adding to the chaos is the fact that you must take off your shoes and put them outside the main room before you pray. After a big prayer like this, there's a lot of confused people walking around with one shoe. It's quite a thing to go from a room full of hundreds silently praying in one unified movement, to a mass of people chattering and looking for their shoes.

It is not forbidden to take photos in a mosque, but those who disapprove always make it known, so that's why this photo is blurred. Still, I think it captures some of the backstage mayhem.

getting there is half the fun

An adorable little girl sits on her mother's lap on the shuttle to Eid prayers this past Monday. Parking is such a problem at our mosque that they started a bus shuttle. It was a cold, windy day, so it was nice to be on a warm bus with everyone so friendly and happy.

Eid bangles

Where my family comes from, Pakistan, new bangles are a big part of the Eid celebration for girls. Here are the bangles I wore to yesterday's festivities. More photos of all the Eid fun in the next few days. Now I'm off to eat in the middle of the day, because I can!

Eid Mubarak!

Eid Mubarak means Happy Eid. Today was the Muslim holiday of Eid-ul-Fitr. It marks the end of a month of sun up to sun down fasting and spiritual reflection known as Ramadan. Today, most Muslims in the U.S.A. celebrated Eid in new clothes with prayer, food, and parties.

This is a shot from this morning of a family making their way to the mosque for Eid prayer. Since there was no Eid prayer in New Brunswick, NJ, this photo was taken at the prayer held at the Islamic Society of Central Jersey in South Brunswick, NJ.
Here is a link (http://www.iscj.org/) with more information.

My family and I had a terrific Eid and I will post more pictures from today in the coming days.

'caring is creepy'

Obscenely early Christmas decorations at a local department store. Is it just me or are these two more creepy than they are festive? They seem to be announcing the beginning of shopping season...God help us all.

SEBS

Some random part of the Cook College farming land. One of the best things about Cook College is their agriculture program because it keeps places like this unspoiled. Although I believe Cook College is now referred to as the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) . Doesn't quite roll off the tongue as easily as the old name, but it definitely gives a more accurate description of the school.

origin of symmetry?

My old nemesis, the telephone wire, makes another appearance.

Origin of Symmetry? Not quite, but it does remind me of this cover: http://www.mp3.com/albums/489455/summary.html

*(whoops, i didn't realize these were electric wires! thanks for the correction anonymous!)

not such a bright idea after all

My room's getting a bit cluttered. So I thought I could save some wall space by putting my bookshelf in one of the closets. I took off the closet doors and moved the shelf in, but now it looks like I don't have enough room for my clothes. Now my room looks more cluttered than it did before...rats. [:]o P

cheesy rhyme alert!

I like to run when I can. It helps my mind unravel. Sometimes when I haven't ran, I start to miss the gravel.

each night, before you got to bed

Sorry for the late postings this past couple of days. The rain usually makes me very happy, but lately, it traps me inside. It makes me even more introverted and miserable. I haven't got a lot to complain about by any standard. But what I do have, I won't let out, thus, the trapped feeling. Anyhow, driving around in the rain lends to some pretty dreary photos, here's a gas station off Remsen Ave.

the pits

Peach pits are really quite weird looking.

Passion Puddle

Here's a better view of the man made pond on Douglass campus I mentioned in a previous post with boys playing baseball in an open area. They call it 'Passion Puddle', though it's more often used for quiet reading. ;o)

ominous clouds?

This is a very common sight in New Brunswick. There has been a great deal of renovation and construction going on in the city. The bulk of the construction has to do with improving the look of city in hopes of attracting higher income groups to new developments. The rest of the redevelopment deals with trying to alleviate the mind numbing traffic that builds up everywhere. Thank goodness for those new extra lanes!

Sherman's close-up

I found this little guy sitting on my outdoor trash bin this morning. He's not particularly cute, but he did pose willingly. *Thanks, little one* He looks like he should be named 'Sherman' to me. What do you think?

albus cavus

Some cool graffiti off of New Street. I'm not sure what 'albus cavus' means though. It sounds Latin, so I looked it up and, in Latin, it translates to 'white cave'. Not sure what the significance of that phrase is, but interesting none the less.

*** Thank you Olivier!! Check out Olivier's comment for links with more information about albus cavus.

He found out that they are actually a very cool group that works in accordance with cities to provide all kinds of street art. They started in New Brunswick, but their work can be found all over the place. 'White Cave' refers to the basement they painted white for underground art shows. Thanks again Olivier!

morning scene

I took this picture of Albany Street way to early this morning. There were a few people shuffling about on their way.

It stinks to get up very early for whatever reason and have it be 20 degrees cooler than it was yesterday. But it is kind of nice having the city be quiet for awhile. And it's nice to have a warm coat on and a place to go. It's nice to see things in a different way than you usually do. And it's especially nice to be yourself and make your way up the street without thinking twice.

by day's end

This came out much too blurry, but I just love the colors.

everybody's got some place to go

Cars bustling about.

boys will be boys

Some kids enjoying an unusually warm day on the Douglass campus.
This big open area is one of the nicest spots on Douglass and behind the trees, on the right, there is a man made pond with a fountain.

There are usually some cute ducks swimming around and sometimes you can even spot a heron. It's good that they put benches all around the pond, because it's a nice place to just sit and think.

futile

I came across this at a construction site off Livingston Avenue the other day. It seemed like a real futile way of spreading a message. Still, it did manage to catch my attention, so maybe not so futile after all.

birds eye

The only bad thing about when the leaves start to change is that the flowers start to die. So when I saw this one I thought I should capture it before it too goes away . I'm not sure what it's called, but it's quite unusual looking. It's a long fuzzy looking thing with these antenna like things sticking out of it. If anyone knows what it's called, I'd be interested to know.

The leaves they are a changin'

Looks like the beginning of all the leaves changing color. The college campuses look really great around this time of year and hopefully I'll get some good shots of them.

cutie

This little guy took quite a fall this afternoon. He flew into my second story window and fell onto the front steps. That's where I found him on his back barely moving, but nothing looked broken. After some consultation with my fiancee, I fixed this guy up with some water in a nice little newspaper strewn cardboard box. I brought him inside and he flew up onto the top of my cabinets after hitting the ceiling a few times. After some maneuvering, I managed to get him back in the box outside and after a while he was ready to fly up and into the trees across the yard. He was a nice little bird who let me pet him, (though he did leave an unpleasant surprise in the box).

United Methodist Church

This is a close up of the church that was in the background of photo I took of George Street last week. Olivier pointed it out to me, so I thought I'd get a closer look. I really like these red doors.

better late than never

This would've made a better first post than the one I put up. Though it's a pretty sad sign. I like the ones that say "Welcome " instead of "Entering". It's just more friendly that way. This is the Route 1 North sign, maybe I'll go looking for a nicer one elsewhere in New Brunswick.

in the way

Somtimes powerlines just get in the way of everything! Especially this picture of the Hilton Hotel peaking out behind the trees off Route 18.

"we be burnin' "

O.K. This has to be the most bizarre photo I have ever taken. Can you guess what it is? It's a common occurrence for a klutz like me. Again, the hint is in the title. I swear if anyone guesses what it is, I will take your address and mail you a nifty gift. Scouts honor, (and I was in the Girl Scouts so I really can honor it.) Oh, and be specific!

Drive by

A drive by shot of downtown New Brunswick. I was going to crop out the part of my door that got in the way, but somehow, it frames the picture. I think it looks better in than out. What do you think?

Alexander

A close up night shot of Alexander library on College Ave. Many a late night freaking out have been spent here...I miss school.

"The healthcare city"?

I never noticed this moniker on the bridge by the train station before. Although New Brunswick does have two reputable hospitals, I don't quite think that qualifies them to be known as "the health care city". Actually right now, the nurses from one of the hospitals, (Robert Wood Johnson) are on strike because their hospital insurance does not cover them unless they are treated at RWJ, (which takes away any privacy since they'd be treated by their co-workers). As far as I know, this is the only sighting I have found of the moniker, but I'll keep my eyes open for it now.

academica nuts

An early morning shot of the dean's office on College Ave. The pillars and landscaping was done last year in an effort to spruce up the aging campus, which was established in 1771.

waiting for the light

A view of downtown New Brunswick.

last day of summer

McDonalds off of Somerset Street. This is as American as it gets.