Not obsessive at all! I recently came across this Martin Scorsese quote in Warren Zane's book about Springsteen, and it's so true: “Your job is to get your audience to care about your obsessions.” Keep up the amazing work!
I was nervous opening this one. I saw wrapped and immediately thought That’s a Wrap. Thank goodness all is well in our world 🌎 and you will continue to entertain us. Thank you 😊
This is like scholarly expertise wandering through New York—but without the jargon. The pictures elevate the reading to another level, and the English begins to speak with the accent of the neighborhoods it describes.
Yesterday I wrote a short note on Yukio Mishima being photographed by Eikō Hosoe, and I’ve been thinking about Mishima and this photography collection, Ordeal by Roses. Masquerade, corporeality, anxiety, immortality — what is it that this work captures?
I am not sure if you’re familiar with the Ologies podcast and its amazing host Alie Ward but I recommended you and this incredible project for her 2026 roster. You two are definitely kindred spirits - unique topics that are thoroughly researched and expertly presented in the most entertaining way. Thanks for your great work and all the best in 2026.
Thanks for the recommendation Dave! I have a voice fit for newsletters, but I look forward to digging into the Ologies archives, sounds right up my alley. Happy New Year!
As someone who has always been fascinated by maps and geography, The Neighborhoods grabbed my attention at first because of the detail with which you define the areas. Then you continued with the histories, and then the stories with your evocative photos, and I've been hooked ever since! Just starting to explore your sound stories also. Enjoying it all and learning so much. Thank you for introducing this middle-aged rural southern female to the boroughs of New York! Looking forward to where you'll go in 2026.
Sublime photos. I thought of doing this. I visited Hart Island before the abandoned buildings were torn down, btw. Do you still have to sign up with the NYPD to ride the ferry with that morning's deliveries?
These are always one of my favorite reads of the week! Also, am I crazy or are these shot on film? Are you shooting (and developing/scanning!) film each week? Shooting a mix of both?
I’ve been shooting throughout the city for 20+ years so I have a good archive of film shots to mix in but the vast majority of the pictures for this project are medium format digital. If I switched to every other week, maybe I would have enough time to develop and scan, but with film costs where they are today, I couldn’t do it. Thanks Brian!
I immediately recognized the music in the video compilation. I've been listening to that album in the background off and on since you mentioned it the first time.
I look forward to the newsletter in 2026. It's one of the few things I genuinely look forward to.
You listen to the record! You are one of dozens! Thank you Justin and thanks for always reading and contributing. Also, thanks for giving my wife the idea to get the CBE game! Now if I could only find someone to play it with...
Oh sweet! I'm glad she did! Guess it's time for me to trek on out there and get it to the table. I'm actually eagerly awaiting a play through of it on YouTube that a guy I follow is doing with his group. I think they're getting to it this weekend.
Not obsessive at all! I recently came across this Martin Scorsese quote in Warren Zane's book about Springsteen, and it's so true: “Your job is to get your audience to care about your obsessions.” Keep up the amazing work!
That is a great quote! Thanks Laura!
You do great work, Rob. Keep going! Happy 2026!
Thanks C.L. ! Same to you!
I was nervous opening this one. I saw wrapped and immediately thought That’s a Wrap. Thank goodness all is well in our world 🌎 and you will continue to entertain us. Thank you 😊
Sorry about that! I probably should have added 2025 to the title. Thanks for following along and encouraging me Charlotte! Hope you have a great 2026!
This is like scholarly expertise wandering through New York—but without the jargon. The pictures elevate the reading to another level, and the English begins to speak with the accent of the neighborhoods it describes.
Gratitude and Happy New Year.
Thanks Victoria! I might be masquerading a bit as an expert, but I do like the wandering. Happy New Year!
Masquerade makes a good photograph.
Yesterday I wrote a short note on Yukio Mishima being photographed by Eikō Hosoe, and I’ve been thinking about Mishima and this photography collection, Ordeal by Roses. Masquerade, corporeality, anxiety, immortality — what is it that this work captures?
You and Anne inspired my visit to Sunset Park, which I did not know. I posted details on my Substack. Thanks for inspiration for more adventures!
Thanks for reading Ted! I love Maria’s!
I am not sure if you’re familiar with the Ologies podcast and its amazing host Alie Ward but I recommended you and this incredible project for her 2026 roster. You two are definitely kindred spirits - unique topics that are thoroughly researched and expertly presented in the most entertaining way. Thanks for your great work and all the best in 2026.
Thanks for the recommendation Dave! I have a voice fit for newsletters, but I look forward to digging into the Ologies archives, sounds right up my alley. Happy New Year!
Three things: I laughed out loud at the feast sentence; what makes a bagel Teutonic? And Happy New Year 🎈
Happy New Year! Your guess is as good as mine as to the Teutonic bagel.
Happy New Year, Rob. The Neighborhoods has been a regular highlight every week.
Happy New Year! Thanks for sticking with me
As someone who has always been fascinated by maps and geography, The Neighborhoods grabbed my attention at first because of the detail with which you define the areas. Then you continued with the histories, and then the stories with your evocative photos, and I've been hooked ever since! Just starting to explore your sound stories also. Enjoying it all and learning so much. Thank you for introducing this middle-aged rural southern female to the boroughs of New York! Looking forward to where you'll go in 2026.
Thank you Beth! So glad you are enjoying the newsletter and, especially, that you are getting into the sounds. Happy New Year!
A great year of always interesting posts!! Happy New Year!! Best for a great ‘26!
(I’m still chuckling over the conehead warming up inside its jacket.)
It’s cold out there! Thank you and happy New Year!
Sublime photos. I thought of doing this. I visited Hart Island before the abandoned buildings were torn down, btw. Do you still have to sign up with the NYPD to ride the ferry with that morning's deliveries?
Thanks! The Parks Department now manages the island and they offer tours via a lottery system. Highly recommend it even if you’ve already been!
These are always one of my favorite reads of the week! Also, am I crazy or are these shot on film? Are you shooting (and developing/scanning!) film each week? Shooting a mix of both?
I’ve been shooting throughout the city for 20+ years so I have a good archive of film shots to mix in but the vast majority of the pictures for this project are medium format digital. If I switched to every other week, maybe I would have enough time to develop and scan, but with film costs where they are today, I couldn’t do it. Thanks Brian!
Happy New Year. Love that traffic cone in a coat shot. Looking forward to this year’s posts.
Thanks Jon, same to you! Today, all the traffic cones are wishing they had a puffer.
such great work and lovely photographs, Rob!
Thanks Leonor!
I immediately recognized the music in the video compilation. I've been listening to that album in the background off and on since you mentioned it the first time.
I look forward to the newsletter in 2026. It's one of the few things I genuinely look forward to.
You listen to the record! You are one of dozens! Thank you Justin and thanks for always reading and contributing. Also, thanks for giving my wife the idea to get the CBE game! Now if I could only find someone to play it with...
Oh sweet! I'm glad she did! Guess it's time for me to trek on out there and get it to the table. I'm actually eagerly awaiting a play through of it on YouTube that a guy I follow is doing with his group. I think they're getting to it this weekend.
Amzing! Congratulations and thank you for your delightful educational articles!
Thank you Nat!