Me too, I actually spent time looking at it and going over its various lines and design details and stuff. A fascinating image, even if in the end is only an image.
You're already flush with crappy bathroom puns so I won't dump any more on you, but I do find it interesting that this week you chose to feature a monument to New York's most notorious public defecator. Great story, as always!
Ah, true enough - the last time I was at Governor's Island a few years ago, I had to spend so much time constantly looking down to watch where I walked, it took all the fun out of the excursion. I remember hearing sometime afterwards that there was some creative plan afoot to address the issue, but it was probably as effective as the city's last 50 initiatives to try to address its rat issue.
At least it’s not a rat statue. The pigeon art sounds Eric Adams approved. I would love a statue of the iconic Greek paper coffee cup that you once wrote about.
Now I am wondering if the artist considered a rat and decided against, CK. They are for sure a lot more polarizing. And the cup is a cute idea. It could be a public fountain bubbling with hot coffee!
Noted rodentologist Bobby Corrigan (who could be a keynote speaker for your Rat Pack Think Tank) said, "Rats have learned to hunt and kill pigeons. 'They leap on their backs like a leopard in the Serengeti.'" A 16' tall pigeon might make it a fair fight.
Wow I have not heard of this Bobby Corrigan but he is all over the internet with his Rat Expertise. Glad to have the question answered. And it's sort of what I'd have guessed (I didn't want to argue with Alan and Brian and maybe break their hearts).
Anne, birds freak me out and now I can’t stop thinking about the texture and color and posture of that giant red talon on the P-Rex. I welcome the distraction. Your mini holiday issue definitely delivers!
I just have to put in a word for my favorite public art in NYC or anywhere else. I never got to see it in person because it was removed in 1989, before my NY days. It's Richard Serra's Tilted Arc, basically a big metal wall, 120 feet long, right across a public plaza, creating an immense inconvenience. People hated it, and Serra refused to let it be displayed anywhere else, so it hasn't been seen since. The whole point seemed to be to make a public space worse, while calling attention to itself What a dick! I think it's the funniest piece of art I've ever heard of. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilted_Arc
Finally NYC has something resembling the giant Canada Goose in Wawa, Ontario and the giant mosquito in Komarno, Manitoba. To say nothing of the giant mallard in Petersfield, Manitoba....
Hi David, was it Beauty Tips from Moosejaw (by Will Ferguson) that featured all the wacky roadside monuments we have in Canada? Have you seen this site? https://www.roadsideattractions.ca/roadside/ontario.html (You can plug in any province.)
Yes, it seems like anything bigger than a bread basket made the list! I'm partial to Jumbo the elephant in St. Thomas, Ontario---back in 1885 he was killed by a train as he was being loaded into a boxcar. Jumbo was part of P.T. Barnum's "Greatest Show on Earth"---there's even a beer tribute to him called Dead Elephant Pale Ale made by the local Railway City Brewing Co.
The pigeon seems like a message telling people to stop and truly observe, look at things you may not have paid detailed attention to in your lifetime, things as simple as the humble pigeon. Truly appreciate their beauty, their construction, and the absolute fucking havoc they could wreak if they were 50 times their actual size.
Anne, thank you for consistently perking up my Monday mornings (not a coffee pun!).
Also, pleased to see your newest advertiser: "Sonia's Poem of the Week." As I clearly recall, you "hate poetry" so seeing this nod to verse makes me very happy. And yes, I signed up.
I remember going to a gig in London where the singer from the American support band introduced a song by saying, "this one is about pigeons, because they're so goddam beautiful!" Everyone in the audience booed him.
My wife's father was a merchant marine and recalled being docked in India and placing bets on 'fights' between snakes and mongooses. On board! (I'm thinking out loud here about the rat vs. pigeon battle.)
The pigeon statue is quite a marvel. I once lived in a small rural town that had a school bus-sized catfish sculpture. Now, just 30 minutes south of us we have the albino groundhog statue to brag about---Wiarton Willie is the Canadian version of Punxsutawney Phil (*though the original Willie died in 1999). His statue was carved from a piece of local dolomite limestone weighing 7 tonnes.
Which leads me to wonder--- how many people have a pigeon or groundhog tattoo??
Jules, you are the second person to ask about this! I have at least one NYC reader who has a pigeon tattoo and I'm hoping to get a photo from her.
And now I must Google Wiarton Willie...
Whoa, that is quite a statue. Also, according to Wikipedia: "Groundhog Day in Wiarton is a major celebration, with dances, parades, ice hockey tournaments, curling bonspiels, pancake breakfasts, darts and snooker tournaments, sleigh rides, a Monte Carlo Night and a fish fry. Around 10,000 people are said to attend."
Curling! I had not heard the word bonspiel before, another thing to like about curling. Don't know if you have heard about the podcast Broomgate, but it's about a tumultuous time in the curling world, and a fascinating listen.
It should be noted that there's also a Wiarton bong-spiel in January for marijuana and curling enthusiasts. I could never wake up early enough to partake in the groundhog shadow reveal (7am I think) but it's quite an event. The postmark from the post office in Wiarton features Willie too.
This is so tangential to the topic but I just noticed that all the names in this story rhyme. There are 2 Ann(e)s, 2 Brians/Bryans, an Alan, and the pigeon artist no less - Ivan! Last but not least, Christina and Nadia, and the 2 Harrys.
Since you raised your faux outrage about all the potty humor which exposed us all to a whole bunch of gross humor in your last issue, I would like to point out this is issue 144...gross indeed
I saw that this morning, Amanda and bookmarked to read. A marathon public reading of the Great Gatsby is such a great idea though there is NO WAY I think I could sit through the whole thing. Looking forward to reading what it was like for you!
On previous post devoted to rats, there was discussion of rats as a source of protein. Same idea applies to pigeons. The oversized pigeon feet of the statue made me think that pigeon feet - like chicken feet - could be an edible "je ne sais quoi" flourish.
I would call it “urban squab.” One of your signature talents is intriguing NYC field trips. How about a trip to someone who raises pigeons on their apartment rooftops? Anyone with homing pigeons in NYC? As another aside Darwin was a great pigeon fancier and saw the effect of intentional breeding on pigeon “breeds.” This helped him to see sexual selection as an evolutionary force.
Liza, there are for sure lots (or at least a few) people still raising pigeons. I’d want to find some sort of twist on this story though. Will sniff around!
Sorry to interlope here. I would guess calling it squab is the path to charging an extra $15 a plate by not calling it pigeon. The French are genius at this -- the price differential possible for chicken stew vs coq a vin is limited only by the restaurant owner's conscience.
The Snoopy crucifixion is next level.
Right? I've spent quite a bit of time studying that photo and still don't really know what.
Me too, I actually spent time looking at it and going over its various lines and design details and stuff. A fascinating image, even if in the end is only an image.
Extraordinarily bad decision-making which led to incredible Cafe Anne content.
You're already flush with crappy bathroom puns so I won't dump any more on you, but I do find it interesting that this week you chose to feature a monument to New York's most notorious public defecator. Great story, as always!
Ah I had not noticed the unintentional connection, JEBNYC.
I will say that I think the Cananda Goose actually gets the prize for MNPD. But they are not as common as the pigeon, thank goodness.
Ah, true enough - the last time I was at Governor's Island a few years ago, I had to spend so much time constantly looking down to watch where I walked, it took all the fun out of the excursion. I remember hearing sometime afterwards that there was some creative plan afoot to address the issue, but it was probably as effective as the city's last 50 initiatives to try to address its rat issue.
At least it’s not a rat statue. The pigeon art sounds Eric Adams approved. I would love a statue of the iconic Greek paper coffee cup that you once wrote about.
Now I am wondering if the artist considered a rat and decided against, CK. They are for sure a lot more polarizing. And the cup is a cute idea. It could be a public fountain bubbling with hot coffee!
Haha. Love the fountain idea. For some reason I was picturing the cup like a Warhol pop up.
Noted rodentologist Bobby Corrigan (who could be a keynote speaker for your Rat Pack Think Tank) said, "Rats have learned to hunt and kill pigeons. 'They leap on their backs like a leopard in the Serengeti.'" A 16' tall pigeon might make it a fair fight.
Wow I have not heard of this Bobby Corrigan but he is all over the internet with his Rat Expertise. Glad to have the question answered. And it's sort of what I'd have guessed (I didn't want to argue with Alan and Brian and maybe break their hearts).
Anne, birds freak me out and now I can’t stop thinking about the texture and color and posture of that giant red talon on the P-Rex. I welcome the distraction. Your mini holiday issue definitely delivers!
The "P-Rex"! Why didn't I think of that, Marina?
The talons are for sure the most wow aspect of an overall wow piece of art.
I just have to put in a word for my favorite public art in NYC or anywhere else. I never got to see it in person because it was removed in 1989, before my NY days. It's Richard Serra's Tilted Arc, basically a big metal wall, 120 feet long, right across a public plaza, creating an immense inconvenience. People hated it, and Serra refused to let it be displayed anywhere else, so it hasn't been seen since. The whole point seemed to be to make a public space worse, while calling attention to itself What a dick! I think it's the funniest piece of art I've ever heard of. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilted_Arc
Reading the Wikipedia now, Rob. It is indeed a delightful story!
Finally NYC has something resembling the giant Canada Goose in Wawa, Ontario and the giant mosquito in Komarno, Manitoba. To say nothing of the giant mallard in Petersfield, Manitoba....
Ah, so this is a *thing*!
But a good thing, for sure.
Canadians are really in love with putting giant things on pedestals- I don't know of any province that doesn't have at least one.
Hi David, was it Beauty Tips from Moosejaw (by Will Ferguson) that featured all the wacky roadside monuments we have in Canada? Have you seen this site? https://www.roadsideattractions.ca/roadside/ontario.html (You can plug in any province.)
I haven't read any of Ferguson's stuff, so I'm not sure. But that website is surely comprehensive.
Yes, it seems like anything bigger than a bread basket made the list! I'm partial to Jumbo the elephant in St. Thomas, Ontario---back in 1885 he was killed by a train as he was being loaded into a boxcar. Jumbo was part of P.T. Barnum's "Greatest Show on Earth"---there's even a beer tribute to him called Dead Elephant Pale Ale made by the local Railway City Brewing Co.
The pigeon seems like a message telling people to stop and truly observe, look at things you may not have paid detailed attention to in your lifetime, things as simple as the humble pigeon. Truly appreciate their beauty, their construction, and the absolute fucking havoc they could wreak if they were 50 times their actual size.
Haha that is an excellent message, Justin! Especially the last part.
Anne, thank you for consistently perking up my Monday mornings (not a coffee pun!).
Also, pleased to see your newest advertiser: "Sonia's Poem of the Week." As I clearly recall, you "hate poetry" so seeing this nod to verse makes me very happy. And yes, I signed up.
Oh I'm glad to hear that Drew! I have to say, I do like the idea of just one poem a week.
Digested with a square hard-boiled egg? Thanks for that link, Anne!
I remember going to a gig in London where the singer from the American support band introduced a song by saying, "this one is about pigeons, because they're so goddam beautiful!" Everyone in the audience booed him.
Love the statue though.
So funny! No one ever boos anyone these days, Will, which is a shame.
My wife's father was a merchant marine and recalled being docked in India and placing bets on 'fights' between snakes and mongooses. On board! (I'm thinking out loud here about the rat vs. pigeon battle.)
The pigeon statue is quite a marvel. I once lived in a small rural town that had a school bus-sized catfish sculpture. Now, just 30 minutes south of us we have the albino groundhog statue to brag about---Wiarton Willie is the Canadian version of Punxsutawney Phil (*though the original Willie died in 1999). His statue was carved from a piece of local dolomite limestone weighing 7 tonnes.
Which leads me to wonder--- how many people have a pigeon or groundhog tattoo??
Jules, you are the second person to ask about this! I have at least one NYC reader who has a pigeon tattoo and I'm hoping to get a photo from her.
And now I must Google Wiarton Willie...
Whoa, that is quite a statue. Also, according to Wikipedia: "Groundhog Day in Wiarton is a major celebration, with dances, parades, ice hockey tournaments, curling bonspiels, pancake breakfasts, darts and snooker tournaments, sleigh rides, a Monte Carlo Night and a fish fry. Around 10,000 people are said to attend."
Canadians!
Curling! I had not heard the word bonspiel before, another thing to like about curling. Don't know if you have heard about the podcast Broomgate, but it's about a tumultuous time in the curling world, and a fascinating listen.
It should be noted that there's also a Wiarton bong-spiel in January for marijuana and curling enthusiasts. I could never wake up early enough to partake in the groundhog shadow reveal (7am I think) but it's quite an event. The postmark from the post office in Wiarton features Willie too.
Maybe pigeon tattoos will be the new dolphin!
This is so tangential to the topic but I just noticed that all the names in this story rhyme. There are 2 Ann(e)s, 2 Brians/Bryans, an Alan, and the pigeon artist no less - Ivan! Last but not least, Christina and Nadia, and the 2 Harrys.
LOL
I noticed some of those too, Raquel, but not all!
Since you raised your faux outrage about all the potty humor which exposed us all to a whole bunch of gross humor in your last issue, I would like to point out this is issue 144...gross indeed
Is there some significance to the number 144, Mr. Dolan, or am I miscounting my issue numbers yet again?
144 (12 dozen) is a gross :) -- another pun which you seem to enjoy -- since puns are the lowest form of humor I suppose math puns are unforgivable
Ha good one!
And yes, totally unacceptable.
but not, however, gross
I’d be impressed with a solid tattoo of a pigeon.
Maybe Eden (see her comment below) will send us a photo of hers! I will request!
Loved every crumb of this Anne! The pigeon (yes, I'm obsessed) made an appearance in my latest essay. It's an absolute muse!
I saw that this morning, Amanda and bookmarked to read. A marathon public reading of the Great Gatsby is such a great idea though there is NO WAY I think I could sit through the whole thing. Looking forward to reading what it was like for you!
I honestly think you could! I always enjoy your writing, Anne. Thanks so much for spending time with mine.
On previous post devoted to rats, there was discussion of rats as a source of protein. Same idea applies to pigeons. The oversized pigeon feet of the statue made me think that pigeon feet - like chicken feet - could be an edible "je ne sais quoi" flourish.
Hmmm. Hmmm.
I might add that pigeons would likely be a lot easier to catch than rats. Don't we refer to pigeons for dinner as "squab"? Googling now...
https://www.foodandwine.com/cooking-techniques/the-tastiest-bird-you-can-legally-eat
Yes! Though it looks like it's a very special kind of young pigeon that you put on your plate, not your average street pigeon.
I would call it “urban squab.” One of your signature talents is intriguing NYC field trips. How about a trip to someone who raises pigeons on their apartment rooftops? Anyone with homing pigeons in NYC? As another aside Darwin was a great pigeon fancier and saw the effect of intentional breeding on pigeon “breeds.” This helped him to see sexual selection as an evolutionary force.
Liza, there are for sure lots (or at least a few) people still raising pigeons. I’d want to find some sort of twist on this story though. Will sniff around!
You might have to eat a city pigeon!
Sorry to interlope here. I would guess calling it squab is the path to charging an extra $15 a plate by not calling it pigeon. The French are genius at this -- the price differential possible for chicken stew vs coq a vin is limited only by the restaurant owner's conscience.