tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-109967082011-11-30T16:15:21.434-05:00<img width=100 height=83 src=http://jnster.free.fr/blog-template/IheartNY.jpg align=middle><BR> Jn's life in New York and around... Mostly in English original version, maybe in French sometimesJnnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-39825712516355974222008-10-03T23:03:00.001-04:002008-10-07T22:49:35.665-04:00

Here are a few new pictures from my latest exciting climbing trip: 10 days in Oregon.The trip consisted mostly of climbing at Smith Rock State Park, + some hiking in the Cascades, an afternoon of climbing at French Dome, and some gentle hiking in the Columbia River Gorge and on Cannon Beach, on the Pacific Ocean Coast.OregonI got to meet some of my relatives that I had never met before, who live

Jnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-36475196913283907302008-08-12T23:32:00.000-04:002008-08-12T23:39:48.272-04:00

I can't resist inserting the New York Times article about the All Point West music festival I went to last sunday:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/arts/music/11poin.htmlThey took some incredible pictures,http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/08/11/arts/20080811_POINTS_SLIDESHOW_index.htmlThe times didn't seem to like it very much, but to me it was perfect. Seeing Jack Johnson playing was like a

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-73667491303429270692008-08-02T21:17:00.001-04:002008-08-08T19:55:01.916-04:00

As my fans are asking for results :-), here they are: I ran the half marathon faster than expected.1hr47min, instead of a goal of 1hr55.Pretty happy too as my local fans (!) showed up at the finish line: thanks to Malini, Arnaud, Katia and Paul for supporting me. [Pictures coming soon].As promised, the pictures from surfing are here:http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47316&l=53302&id=720001041

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-66555979792781301492008-07-15T23:17:00.001-04:002008-07-15T23:28:40.009-04:00

I've been surfing 2 more times in Long Island (pictures coming soon), and the season's not over!Jean-Luc and Fanny brought me a Decathlon rashguard from France so now we can be team Tribord with Vincent when we go surfing.Also went on a longish bike ride from Manhattan all the way to Rockaway beach, riding on the Brooklyn bridge, different neigborhoods of Brooklyn, Coney Island and Rockaway which

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-57153346034480738202008-07-15T23:02:00.000-04:002008-07-15T23:16:58.010-04:00

Just came back from an unplanned trip to the West Coast. I went there for business, but had a few days off as it came right after the 4th of July week end.I met Craig, a friend of Richard's there and we did some spectacular climbing in the Tieton River area.1 day of sport climbing on andesite volcanic rock (up to 5.10d)2 days of crazy exposed multi pitch mix trad/sport climbing.1 day of driving

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-10221873490655777472008-06-18T23:50:00.001-04:002008-06-19T00:18:37.258-04:00

I have done too much in the past two months. I'm just back from Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I spent the week for work stuff and some fun time. I even managed to run a 10k race, and placed 4th, but there were barely 10 competitors...Life has been going so fast, no time to relate all the exciting moments.Laura visited on her way from Nicaragua to England. We went to see the Yankees play in the Bronx

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-91458313216971827042008-04-16T21:44:00.001-04:002008-04-16T22:44:41.032-04:00

Ah... Nicaragua... Land of Spanish words pronounced without the final "S", old US schoolbuses concerted into local transportation blasting reggaeton and salsa, best surf break ever in my short surfer experience...What a cool trip it was.2008 - NicaraguaMy first time as a solo traveller, and also the first time realizing that I was flashpacking, among a horde of genuine backpackers. Everyone was

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-46361937673357702342008-03-10T22:54:00.001-04:002008-03-10T23:07:13.339-04:00

I'm looking forward to my next vacation, coming up at the end of the month, in Nicaragua.I guess I couldn't wait so long, and had to take an extra short break. When I heard of a surfing trip organized by my climber friends, I hardly hesitated and joined in.Aaron, Kelly, Kaori, Ingar and me only took 1 or 2 days off for this long week end in Puerto Rico, but it felt like a 2 week vacation! It was

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-66550277131538148242008-03-10T22:15:00.000-04:002008-03-10T22:54:21.910-04:00

Yes, I feel I am back to life, after a few difficult weeks.I've been living an active lifestyle lately, going out quite a lotand balancing with a lot of climbing.Jenny took me to the Jazz at Lincoln center, where we had the best seats in the auditorium, and I was able to meet Wynton Marsalis backstage and speak to him for a minute! Very classy jazz, with the Lincoln orchestra virtuosos and many

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-47809032990208956392008-02-17T11:32:00.000-05:002008-02-17T11:51:37.348-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if Facebook will kill my blog. It's much more practical nowadays to create posts in Facebook, add images, and all your friends get notified immediately. Problem is: my blog's audience is not all on Facebook.And also posting on Blogger is not that hard either. So I think I'll keep my blog for a while.I may even turn it into a culinary blog. I've been to quite a few great

Jnnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-84750503836237601042008-01-24T23:30:00.000-05:002008-01-24T23:30:05.207-05:00

This is the most surprising news I've heard about Lyon. Can you imagine my reaction when my co-worker asked me: "Hey, isn't Lyon the city you're coming from? They're building a replica in Dubai".I am really interested in seeing the result, as the builders promise that the true Lyonnais ambiance will be recreated there!Du vin, du pain, Dubai: emirate to clone Lyons - Times Online

Jnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-40017299766765975092008-01-06T23:22:00.000-05:002008-01-06T21:55:31.532-05:00

Geoffroy had invited me to a friend gathering in La Grave, a mythical ski resort in France, where the whole mountain is purely backcountry, unsecured and ungroomed trails. 1800m of elevation difference from top of the lifts to the village!I didn't know exactly what to expect in terms of difficulty. As Geoffroy was injured, he couln't ski but instead Julien joined me, and we spent a great day of

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-49466985075999776652008-01-06T22:54:00.000-05:002008-01-06T21:15:50.743-05:00

As I missed my transfer flight from New York to Geneva at the Amsterdam airport, I had a few hours to go to the city center and walk around. I had never been, and was very pleased with my afternoon walk. Coming directly from the US, I was particularly striked by the numerous bicycles, canals, and the beautiful architecture. First view of the canals:Train station:

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-59528486407631138202008-01-06T21:56:00.000-05:002008-01-06T21:18:21.905-05:00

Yes, I found a Chinatown, as in most cities I visit :-)Boats on the canals, peaceful and quiet atmosphere (especially considering that I was coming from Manhattan)

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-8113729565878894562008-01-06T21:28:00.000-05:002008-01-06T21:20:04.885-05:00

Look at the signs: it's Haarlem, not Harlem!

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-62275455940215401562008-01-06T20:58:00.001-05:002008-01-06T21:21:07.346-05:00

Ever seen a parking lot for bicycles that big?

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-52790188564581569282007-12-11T23:06:00.000-05:002007-12-11T23:16:47.148-05:00

It's only tuesday and I'm already super excited about what's coming up on Friday. I'm going to Megu, one of the best Japanese restaurant in New York. Actually, you may even remove "Japanese" and replace "New York" by "America".http://nymag.com/nymetro/food/reviews/restaurant/9162/Woohoo! I love my company so much for treating us like this for the holiday dinner. Last great meal was in September

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-63028563886954861492007-11-28T23:50:00.000-05:002007-11-28T23:50:35.568-05:00

This year's study results are out, and for the first time, Iceland is #1!France moved up to #10, ahead of the US... But... Canada is #3 now. Hey, what the hell am I doing here?Don't worry, I'm happy!Iceland best place to live, Africa worst - UN Reuters

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-35442642093205132812007-11-26T21:04:00.000-05:002007-11-26T21:08:05.031-05:00

We were supposed to go to New River Gorge, WV, for the last climb of the season.Unfortunately, it turned out to be pretty crappy weather... So, no West Virginia this time.But, don't be too disapointed, I still have unpublished pictures of the last climb of the season, at the Gunks:http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18538&l=963a0&id=666526718More pictures soon, as I'm just back from a lovely

Jnnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-63215721053094932922007-10-18T09:15:00.000-04:002007-10-18T09:15:29.144-04:00

ABC News: Potty Python: Woman Finds Snake in Toilet

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-80002754040477958962007-10-15T22:50:00.000-04:002007-10-15T23:21:35.029-04:00

Today, I'm having mixed feelings about my day.I usually arrive 1.5hr before my coworkers at the office (and leave earlier too, so that I can enjoy the evenings). Today, right when I arrived at the door I realized that I did not have the right set of keys with me.Imagine me:-What should I do? Go home and back? No, that would take too long and god knows what's going to happen in the subway again.-

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-40618042979327413022007-10-07T23:16:00.000-04:002007-10-07T23:22:15.180-04:00

We're having a very good late summer season this year.... which is good for (some) outdoors activities (it was actually too hot in Chicago for the marathon today and this caused many heat related problems,including one fatality). Last Sunday, we went canoeing on the Delaware River with Corinne, Guy, Neri and Elise. I had the small yellow kayak, while the others paddled in red canoes, so I kind of

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-79072226333983523582007-09-17T22:14:00.000-04:002007-09-18T14:53:59.715-04:00

Braloo and I can claim we have :-)I've heard so much about it from Bn and LV, I had to go. See, I'm calling my friends by their nicknames now, is this to protect their anonymity or just because it sounds cool? ;-)Needless to say, they are some parts of this neighborhood that are much nicer than others. I really liked the whole post modern feeling that surrounds the waterfront area.Red HookWe

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-88434598661763882222007-09-09T23:05:00.000-04:002007-09-09T23:05:09.834-04:00

And they call this hiking?Usually, the NY Times has very good ideas for outdoors trip, but I personnally think this article is ridiculous, and only for rich city wimps who don't know wat to do with their money.Ok, sometimes hiking a full day from lodge to lodge can be nice, but please, those people are barely walking before being taken to next spot by the helicopter. Maybe this should be

Jnnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-4522825838070052892007-09-09T22:29:00.000-04:002007-09-09T23:00:15.770-04:00

Given that we are (hopefully) past the big crunch time at the office and that there was a 3 day holiday week-end, I couldn't resist and decided to go visit la belle province again.This time, instead of stopping in Montreal, I went all the way to Quebec (the city) to meet my friends Seppo & Sandra, that I had still not visited after all these years.I didn't choose to travel the easy way: I went by

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-13366189781131621782007-08-22T23:06:00.000-04:002007-08-22T23:13:06.857-04:00

It's hard to believe -even for me-: I stayed at the office until 2am yesterday. It's a new personal record.... By far.We're very close to launching a new B2B web product, and the deadline was so aggressive that we have to stay late almost every day. Anyway, I'm not complaining, the job is great.I still had time to go out a little bit with Gillou, who was visiting NYC with his girlfriend Sophie

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-29514260048582102982007-08-07T00:07:00.000-04:002007-08-07T00:27:46.729-04:00

Carine is not the only one roadtriping accross the US!Road Trip to Washington, DC ; Delaware and NJCrammed in our small, but stylish rental Mitsubishi Eclipse, we had a road trip of our own. Ok, not a real Grand Open Spaces style roadtrip, but still. I think we drove 550+ miles over the 3 days week end.Dan, Anne, Barbara and myself spent 2 days in Washington, in a really hotel that Mr Priceline

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-43011795617224750272007-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:002007-08-07T00:00:50.036-04:00

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1569227439369487332007-08-06T23:56:00.000-04:002007-08-06T23:57:21.736-04:00

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-18381984446193780152007-08-05T22:55:00.000-04:002007-08-05T23:29:14.216-04:00

Lots of things have happened to me recently but I have not felt inspired to write about them... Sorry, now is the time to compensate.First, I got a new job. Woohoo! This is a big deal! Since I have a work visa, it is not very easy for me to get a new job in the US, as it adds quite a few constraints to the potential employer. But a startup become interested in my profile and decided to hire me, I

Jnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-72621724552359308522007-07-15T21:39:00.000-04:002007-07-15T21:58:44.748-04:00

Today were the celebrations for Bastille day. Even though July 14th was on saturday and not sunday, there were two large street events planned. As I stayed at home for the 4th of July this year (it was raining and I could still not walk too much), I decided I had to go out at least for one National Day this year and see what these French gatherings were all about. Weather was great: typical NYC

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-24970345765463336662007-07-15T21:14:00.000-04:002007-07-15T21:35:33.568-04:00

I found this story on the Wired blog. It sounds so easy, I am really impressed. This is why you should always change your default password and never ever tell anyone what it is... Ah, basic computer security...Threat Level - Wired Blogs

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-54271976914832199732007-07-09T22:26:00.000-04:002007-07-09T22:36:48.184-04:00

I never spend my week ends at the beach, but this year it's different. Let's consider this part of my therapy.Walking barefoot in the sand was no picnic.Juliette & Vincent, the serial beachers, organized a Sunday in Long Beach, 45min away from the city by train. It was supposed to be 93F in Manhattan, and cooler and breezy at the beach: perfect day. Of course the water was too cold for my taste,

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-62432827469500280572007-07-03T22:23:00.000-04:002007-07-03T22:23:28.758-04:00

Link to Wired: Gallery: A Tale of Two Cities: London Bomb Plot, NYC IPhone LaunchI found that gallery of pictures quite interesting, even though many people hated it (see the comments). As London is slowly but steadily taking over New York as World capital, it seems that the terrorist violence is moving there too, while America is stuck in the materialist race for the new Apple gadget.Well, I

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-90785452248210706182007-06-21T22:25:00.000-04:002007-06-21T22:39:15.568-04:00

You have to go and watch the preview of this movie in which my co-worker Don stars:A belly full of anger! link is here.It's a hilarious good mix of Kill Bill Vol.2 meets "Les Inconnus".And, oh, I forgot: I have this funny picture that I swore I'd post on my blog. This is the upside of having a broken ankle and going to work by taxi:

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-48330636300568290252007-06-21T21:45:00.000-04:002007-06-21T22:24:01.908-04:00

I am back to NYC, after spending a very nice week in France. I went there for Elise's PhD thesis defense and graduation (she defended in English with a lot of talent, and I am proud that she's now officially a doctor), and also met plenty of friends and family.I saw Paris for the first time in 3 years, found it quiet and clean! This is what happens when you stay too long in Manhattan!I'm getting

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-73589300284359616712007-05-31T20:14:00.000-04:002007-05-31T20:14:10.824-04:00

I thought I was the only one who hates small plastic bottles!It seems to be changing.Fighting the Tide, a Few Restaurants Tilt to Tap Water - New York TimesLet me send this article to Caesar and see if he wants to be a trendsetter in his own restaurant!

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-59923270363624602432007-05-30T22:31:00.000-04:002007-05-30T22:31:56.687-04:00

TAKE - The story of a boy who fell 110 feetWhy am I still reading things like this?And like that? --> Go there only if you like blood... You've been warned...http://www.podiatryonline.com/main.cfm?pg=how_to&fn=fractureblisters

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-51908881342825091452007-05-28T23:06:00.000-04:002007-05-28T23:06:56.453-04:00

Hitchsters.com - Share a taxi to/from the airport in NYCSomething I should probably try...Maybe it's the ultimate solution to the JFK problem for me (Should I take...):- Subway + LIRR train + Airtrain (currently my favorite because it avoids traffic and has a reasonable cost)- Supershuttle (convenient but sooo long and usually rude drivers)- Taxi or car service (soooo expensive but can be damn

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-16186141935356416942007-05-28T21:17:00.000-04:002007-05-28T22:37:15.313-04:00

Ah, everything was so fine in Puerto Rico before life started to go astray... Here are a few pictures I found on http://escape.topuertorico.com. I'm pretty sure somewhere in my stolen memory card I have some kind of similar pictures. We'll never find out..Paseo de la Princesa, Old San JuanOld San JuanOld San JuanFlamenco beach, CulebraTomorrow I'll go for a Catscan at St Luke's hospital. If the

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-63634536943203298202007-05-17T00:11:00.000-04:002007-05-17T00:16:10.058-04:00

While I am slowly starting to recovery from injury and wondering what kind of activity I'll be able to do this summer (if any activity at all), MPHC has organized a bouldering session in Central Park.They came out with really nice pictures!Be sure to check the whole 3 pages: the sighting of crash pads in the subway makes good shots.

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-5288539065566425922007-05-12T17:53:00.000-04:002007-05-12T19:07:40.915-04:00

Geoffroy and Violaine are here, and as they are very sporty, I was happy to go running to Central Park and climbing at the Gunks with them.Everything went well for a week, everyone was in great shape and running 10k (racing with Geoffroy of course) was kind of a piece of cake. I was climbing well at the gym too, and, being motivated by my climbs of the previous week, I felt strong enough to lead

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-21646566400688617722007-04-30T21:41:00.000-04:002007-04-30T21:49:23.650-04:00

Not many updates lately! One of my clients has kept me really busy for the past two weeks. Apparently, they were happy as she sent me a giant cookie pie to celebrate phase 3 of the project. Geoffroy is here, and Violaine is coming on wednesday.Lost of climbing and running is planned.We already went to the Gunks on sunday, where Geoffroy led a trad pitch of 5.4 for the first time, Richard led a

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-44971445814371428672007-04-22T23:58:00.000-04:002007-04-23T00:01:19.792-04:00

I haven't had the time to write a post about our adventures in Puerto Rico, and the camera has been stolen with all our amazing vacations pictures :-(I went all the way to Puerto Rico, and all I got was this Google map...More in a next post...

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-13544863825302425132007-03-26T22:11:00.000-04:002007-03-26T22:21:03.856-04:00

View of the backyard in winterJn & Elise's apartment in HarlemEglantine @ Morningside Park Monringside Drive UWS slush crossing Typical UWS restaurant bathroom Artistic view of Hudson river luxury condos Columbus Circle Snow heap in midtown

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-14274705385638435462007-03-25T19:30:00.000-04:002007-03-25T20:25:29.642-04:00

I'm still waiting for winter to go away and looking forward to the "good season".It actually feels like it is the beginning of the good season: friends are starting to plan their visits from overseas.For two week ends I hosted Eglantine who was on her way to Minnesota for work.It was a good occasion to go to MoMA and see the Jeff Wall exhibition. He makes stunning photos, that are semi

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-9859312359667641072007-03-25T19:28:00.000-04:002007-03-25T19:30:11.729-04:00

The address has recently changed: my Picasa pictures are now at:http://picasaweb.google.com/jngallery

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-67573765619894523402007-03-11T18:52:00.000-04:002007-03-11T18:57:55.787-04:00

Today I read a lot of articles in the NY Times.Here's my favorite in the "Spending" section, or "how to spend your money when you have too much of it?":- In the Computer Dating Game, Room for a CoachAnother one: about what it means to work for Google:- Google's buses help its workers beat the rushEnjoy!

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-79643684848628394252007-03-11T18:11:00.000-04:002007-03-11T18:52:36.481-04:00

Hello blog,Yesterday, I went out with Jenny, theNuge & Chetan. In Brooklyn! That's quite unusual for me, because, as a good uptown Manhattanite, I rarely go there at night (it takes me forever to go and come back).Jenny chose the program, as she always knows of what's happening on the independent jazz-blues scene, and I chose the pre-concert place to go for a bite. I had read very good things

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-45282242101148447952007-02-20T23:01:00.000-05:002007-02-20T23:18:09.105-05:00

A few pictures taken pictures before the snow came... And the cold weather settled in... Can't wait for Spring...Click on the picture...

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-29506360144143588552007-02-11T18:15:00.000-05:002007-02-09T00:02:05.880-05:00

I came back on wednesday morning from Colorado. It's been a fantastic way to spend 4 days. Richard's family invited me to stay with them in Winter Park. I'm really lucky.I rented some really good twin tip skis made in Colorado: Liberty SB170My impressions about skiing in Colorado:- Very good quality snow- Hard to breathe on the first day because it is so high in altitude- Great weather most of

Jnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-69387710224755697392007-02-01T23:37:00.000-05:002007-02-01T23:56:21.298-05:00

Today, we received a letter addressed to all the tenants in our building, that came from NBC!They asked if we agreed that our building (and probably one apartment) could be used to shoot an episode of Law And Order!I'm so proud to live in this typical Harlem browstone now :-)Anyway, it's not really up to me (i'd say yes without hesitating), but rather up to my landlord, who lives in the apartment

Jnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-65738788657379792142007-01-27T18:16:00.000-05:002007-01-27T18:21:28.699-05:00

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-24581503073229384412007-01-23T22:56:00.000-05:002007-01-24T22:23:56.815-05:00

I have had a quite busy social life recently, with the visits of Nicolas from France, Eglantine (and her colleagues from London), Danny (from LA and Spain). And I also met with the Wallaces from France and Aurelie from Japan.I don't have too many pictures, still waiting for those from Eglantine.This week is a special restaurant week in NYC, I'd like to go eat in some nice place. Usually fancy

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-5150137239631414052007-01-09T22:21:00.000-05:002007-01-09T22:23:24.952-05:00

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Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-29356479056153333882007-01-08T22:23:00.000-05:002007-01-09T22:23:59.923-05:00

Le WE dernier a ete tres sympa, avec plusieurs sorties dans le village, le long de l'Hudson et a Harlem, avec Katia, Braloo, Eric et Nicolas. Soiree memorable au St Nick's pub, un peu "Freak show" avec beaucoup d'impro: l'homme qui se prend pour Ray Charles, un clone guitariste de Stevie Wonder avec des ongles de 10cm de long, la serveuse qui vient chanter "A love supreme", puis un groupe de Jazz

Jnnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-56674704281987232092007-01-03T23:07:00.000-05:002007-01-09T22:24:38.177-05:00

i just came back from France, where I spent 1 week between Christmas and New Year. It was a great respite from all the time I spent I work in December. A last minute decision and a well deserved break!The main purpose of the trip was to spend time with Elise and my family, but in addition to that, I am very happy as I managed to meet with friends I had not seen in a long time (DarkSeb & Elo,

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-65257878244102281362006-12-10T22:50:00.000-05:002006-12-10T23:06:41.331-05:00

Nothing has been fixed at the apartment... That isn't a major concern since there is a temporary solution for everything: the out of order stove burners are replaced by independent electtric burners, the heating system is replaced by an electric radiator etc...However, for two days, the temparature had dropped well below 0C and the makeshift heating system was obviously not enough to warm me! Ah,

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-16128700973138539332006-12-03T18:02:00.000-05:002006-12-03T18:12:41.671-05:00

We gathered at Richard's place, to be surrounded by a bunch of French people for a traditional Thankgiving dinner. "Traditional US dinner", with French people?? Weird isn't it?Everyone had to cook something and bring it. But Jenny and Elise took care of most of the cooking. That was delicious.Does this car look familiar to you back in Europe? Click on the picture to read the white label on the

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-67363165015445753432006-12-03T17:49:00.000-05:002006-12-03T18:01:30.668-05:00

Our Internet connection is a little better: I have seize the opportunity to update a few photo albums:- A lot of additional pictures from Zion NP (another area of the park) + Climbing in Red Rock, NVZion National Park / Climbing in Red Rock- Foster Falls, TN where we went climbing in October:Climbing in Tennessee

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-10157530406756162872006-11-27T22:17:00.000-05:002006-12-03T17:49:32.993-05:00

Yesterday was the last day of this looong thanksgiving weekend.Jenny and Richard invited us for a traditional dinner! Delicious and very well organized!Then, after my miserable failure at Best Buy on friday morning (I should have woken up at 3am, not 5am if I had really wanted to get that 19" LCD monitor!), we went to a great uptown jazz club on friday (the real Harlem experience at 149th st), I

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-28072783947811430662006-11-27T22:05:00.000-05:002006-11-27T22:17:52.324-05:00

En vrac:- un petit coup de pouce a Nicolas Hulot, ca ne peut pas faire de mal a notre planete...Signez le Pacte écologique! - My former colleague opened a hip restaurant in the East Village. It's all about Mac&Cheese. Check out Smac's!

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-11765863132854241742006-11-03T23:12:00.000-05:002006-11-03T23:16:53.437-05:00

During the renovation work at the apartment, we were able tomake a short trip to the Southeast. Elise has a congress inAtlanta, and I was able to join her after the event to goclimbing in Tennessee with her and Richard.That was my first time in the South, and I was able to tastethe famous Waffle House food. Very greasy, as expected, evenmore than expected actually. But when you're real hungry,

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-24184231639064712682006-10-31T21:26:00.001-05:002006-11-03T23:12:51.373-05:00

or Why I hate moving...The trip to Ikea has been productive, but exhausting... So many people: it seems that the whole New Jersey population goes there on sundays.It's been 3 weeks and I don't completely feel at home yet. A lot of work (painting, re-do the bathroom) has been done but it's still not finished.So almost every night we have contractors staying here until midnight. Nice people but

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-22919353026727723772006-10-13T19:28:00.000-04:002006-10-31T21:27:28.921-05:00

This week end is going to be the move week end.I'm not so thrilled about it :-(We're moving out only because our landlords forced us to. They upped the rent going up by 20%! That can happen only in New York!Anyway, we'll move 31 blocks to the North, Harlem next to Columbia University. Elise will be able to walk to the lab and hopefully my commute to midtown should not be much longer than now

Jnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-88087935014151349042006-10-09T22:21:00.000-04:002006-10-09T22:26:55.530-04:00

From Zion National...Here are the ictures, stored on my Picasa Web Album.Finally my camera is allright. It kind of died when it "touched" the water while crossing the chest deep Virgin river (check the last picture of the album...), but it wasn't actually too bad, after charging the battery the camera is back and the pictures safe!Enjoy (and leave comments)! This was really an incredible

Jnnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-56090805671294283032006-10-06T22:21:00.000-04:002006-10-06T22:27:30.931-04:00

We're just back from our latest trip out west.Another flight to the sin city (i.e: Las Vegas, for those who forgot) and then a few days in Zion National Park hiking in a fantastic decor.Then we had a 1/2 day in our beloved Red Rock Canyon to do a bit of sport climbing.Pictures are coming soon!The camera battery died in the middle of the hike but we managed to snap quite a lot of pictures before

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-60304738467082298442006-09-25T23:18:00.000-04:002006-09-25T23:19:38.029-04:00

A very interesting article about the NYC marathon, by the NY times.http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/16/sports/othersports/16marathon.html?ei=5070&en=e7d2c987016f07c9&ex=1159329600&pagewanted=all

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-55897446157878384042006-09-24T18:07:00.000-04:002006-09-24T18:08:16.763-04:00

Here they are!Be sure to have the sound turned on! Click on the picture below to go the Picasa album:Montreal MarathonSep 24, 2006 - 7 Photos

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-67174047907688667792006-09-24T18:00:00.000-04:002006-09-24T18:01:14.612-04:00

Click on the picture below to go the Picasa album:Gunks classics: High ExposureSep 3, 2006 - 13 Photos

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-55983485723743525302006-09-19T22:26:00.000-04:002006-09-19T22:55:55.172-04:00

At the beginning of September, one week before the marathon, I wanted to do some sport but no running.We had planned to spend the full 3 day labor day week end but the weather was definitely agains us. We could only afford to go on Monday.And we climbed two of the most famous lines at the Gunks: High Exposure (3 pitches, 5.6 --> the Best 5.6 on the planet for Climbing Magazine) and CCK (3 pitches

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-3059490516723270372006-09-19T21:58:00.000-04:002006-09-19T22:26:20.567-04:00

I haven't updated for a long time. But this is not because of a lack of events!Lately, we've been looking for a new apartment: we have to move out by October 1st or the rent will go up by 20% !It seems we have found a nice 1BR in a family brownsone in Harlem. I hope our application will get accepted! Actually I really really hope it works out. Looking for a new place to live in New York is a

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-51040394610759189392006-08-28T21:41:00.000-04:002006-08-28T23:04:01.743-04:00

I didn't have anything to do this week end so I just rested, read, made phone calls to France and Germany, meditated....Indeed, I have decided that during the last two weeks before the marathon I won't run anymore. That may not be the best recipe for a performance, but my right leg hurts so much that my only chance of not hurting myselft is to take it easy until race day...So, it's funny because

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-37852003719934165022006-08-26T17:31:00.000-04:002006-08-26T17:35:45.002-04:00

Bionnassay hike and VosgesJul 10, 2006 - 8 PhotosClick on the image to see a selection of picture from the Alps and Vosges. Nothing hardcore this time, onlly gentle hikes :-)I'm trying this new Picasa feature - Web Albums, until I am able to post pictures using my old method again...

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-63884079781707840542006-08-20T15:57:00.000-04:002006-08-20T16:34:12.066-04:00

David had been kind of missing since the beginning of his road trip. No news, nothing.But he just appeared again, on the Internet, his nickname being now "Crazy French hitchhiker".I can see he has been climbing lot with his new friends ;-)I don't think we are in the same league now :-SUnfortunately, it seems that the new beta blogger doesn't allow me to publish pictures anymore :-(-- Update: it

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1155003509149123002006-08-07T22:17:00.000-04:002006-08-07T22:18:29.156-04:00

Nicolas, Geoffroy and myself climbing the icy first dome, right before turning back 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154917202126072522006-08-06T22:46:00.000-04:002006-08-06T22:20:02.140-04:00

Stage 4: Last but not Least!Do you remember? Last year, we had tried to ascend the Domes de Miage, and had to give up in the middle of a snow storm... How disapointing...This year, I really wanted to try again, and Elise agreed to join! In addition to last year's Geoffroy and Nicolas; Elise, Richard, Beatrice and Max joined. Violaine was getting bored after climbing the Domes twice in a month. ;-

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154917705977989262006-08-06T22:25:00.000-04:002006-08-06T22:28:25.980-04:00

The full team on top of the 4th Dome Richard-the-rapper , with Elise and Beatrice in front of aiguille de BionnassayElise and Beatrice in the climb to the summit of Aiguille de la BerangereAiguille de la Berangere 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154917535819158062006-08-06T22:22:00.000-04:002006-08-06T22:25:35.823-04:00

Max and Beatrice on the steep descent from the 4th Dome, click on the picture to see the trail more distinctly. Glacier de Tre La Tete Refuge des conscrits Elise at the base of the col des Domes 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154917349637909022006-08-06T22:20:00.000-04:002006-08-06T22:22:29.640-04:00

Classic picture of third Dome Third Dome View from the "easy" ridge Col and Aiguille de la Berangere 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154576209907034512006-08-02T23:44:00.000-04:002006-08-02T23:40:50.013-04:00

Stage 3: confirm that I can do long multi pitch ascensions, and bring Richard him, for his longest multi pitch ever.Why the phantom menace? ;-) Because the storm was threatening us for a long time and we were evenrained on for 1 minute... And climbing on wet limestone is not the most pleasant experience from what I've been told.Location: Le Sappey, Thones, FranceDetails of climb: 13 real pitches

Jnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154576361125671092006-08-02T23:38:00.000-04:002006-08-02T23:39:21.126-04:00

 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154576289464345432006-08-02T23:37:00.000-04:002006-08-02T23:38:09.466-04:00

 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154520834403448182006-08-02T08:13:00.000-04:002006-08-02T08:13:54.430-04:00

I spent an extraordinary dinner with my colleagues yesterday at Battery gardens, a restaurant at the southern tip of Manhattan. It feels good to be part of a succesful company that can afford such corporate events...Imagine being along the water, cooled by a pleasant breeze, with the best view (from Manhattan) of the New York bay, statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.Plus the menu: top quality soft

Jnnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154291421251244322006-07-30T16:40:00.000-04:002006-07-30T16:30:21.266-04:00

Stage 1: get more experience at leading hard stuff (at least hard for me).Location: Le Tuet, Samoens, FranceDetails of climb:* 4-5 pitches for the long slab --> sustained 5+/6a, with Beatrice* 1 pitch for the overhanging route --> athletic 6b+, with Max and GerardComments: Definitely the most beautiful slab I have ever climbed. Quite scary leading, because there were 6-8 meters between bolts. I

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154291598403568192006-07-30T16:30:00.000-04:002006-07-30T16:33:18.406-04:00

View from the climb Me grabbing the canneluresBeatrice Max in the overhang 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154216206238094452006-07-29T19:42:00.000-04:002006-07-29T19:36:46.240-04:00

Stage 1: get more experience of multi pitch climbs.Location: Le Passet, Chamonix valleyDetails of climb: 12 pitchesDifficulty: expected 6a max, but turned out to include 2 pitches of 6c/6c+ (A0).With: Beatrice, Max, GerardComments: Great first experience of a long climb for me. I was able to lead quite a few pictches (I shared the rope with Gerard), and Max led the crux pitches for the 4 of

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154216560829543122006-07-29T19:41:00.000-04:002006-07-29T19:42:40.830-04:00

Good effort in the 6c pitch 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154216480880878772006-07-29T19:37:00.000-04:002006-07-29T19:41:20.883-04:00

Aiguille du tour as seen from the climbThe 6c+ pitchThe final pitch 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1154215784730438732006-07-29T19:23:00.000-04:002006-07-29T20:03:29.816-04:00

We were invited there by Katia to watch the 4th of July fireworks. Unfortunately, I could not shoot a single nice picture of the fireworks. Katia was better than me, with the proper camera, of course ;-)My first impressions of Hoboken: clean, airy. Reminds me of the Plateau neighborhood in Montreal. Quite the contrary of Manhattan.We may move there later this year, because I'd like to find a

Jnnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1153973230347066262006-07-27T00:07:00.000-04:002006-07-27T00:07:10.503-04:00

After 10 days(!!!) of black out in New York City (mainly Queens), electricity is back! Sometimes I am happy that I live in Manhattan and not Queens...A collegue of mine from Astoria, Queens, effectively survived unplugged for 10 days, but said that if it had happened anywhere outside of New York, this would be totally unacceptable. In my opinion, even in NYC, it IS unacceptable!Read the full

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1153797247461873172006-07-24T23:11:00.000-04:002006-07-24T23:14:07.476-04:00

Rainy?No, this is just a pic from before my vacation...I have a lot to write and publish from these great two weeks in France. Pix will be coming soon!! 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1151981505705234632006-07-04T22:48:00.000-04:002006-07-04T16:35:38.430-04:00

I'm still kind of obsessed by New Hampshire, hearing about it, reading about it... So I decided to do more research about the "Old Man of the mountain". This rock formation is the symbol of New Hampshire, it can be found everywhere, from roadsigns, to stamps, to coins. It has actually collapsed recently, but used to look like a very realistic human face.Seems to be something very famous in the

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1151981866378597042006-07-03T22:51:00.000-04:002006-07-04T16:28:16.606-04:00

Elise left for France today, and all our "climbing team" will be there in the coming weeks: Richard, Corinne, Guy, Jenny...I'm leaving on friday evening, and will spend 2 weeks. Hopefully I'll have time to climb gaciated peaks and rock routes. Let's hope for a great weather. And I'll try NOT to forget my camera in the mountains this year ;-)I don't have any picture of last time that Richard, Tom

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1151286651346939332006-06-25T21:50:00.000-04:002006-06-25T21:50:51.453-04:00

Et voila, tout est explique dans cet article sur le West Nile Virus, apparu a New York en 1999 (premiere aux USA), present a Fire Island et en plein developpement en Californie maintenant!Le Monde.fr : Des biologistes percent les secrets de la virulence du West Nile en Amérique du Nord

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1150158852296526402006-06-24T20:33:00.000-04:002006-06-24T18:55:36.026-04:00

You Belong in ParisYou enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris.You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.What European City Do You Belong In? Ah, Paris, toujours Paris....

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1151190092358128512006-06-24T18:55:00.000-04:002006-06-24T19:03:11.310-04:00

Jnnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1150506210042706702006-06-16T21:03:00.000-04:002006-06-17T15:56:11.306-04:00

A short extract from the summerstage concert we went to on Friday. Not sure it's really audible.The artist is Nils Peter Molvaer, a Norwegian trumpetist whose CDs I had been listening for a few years. Good jazz, very experimental, but short session...

Jnnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1150158810775273432006-06-13T23:30:00.000-04:002006-06-13T22:18:00.640-04:00

Fire Island is a narrow islet just south of Long Island, about an hour an a half driving from Manhattan, which means not that far from civilization. The title of this post may sound ridiculous, but, read on... At least that was an adventure for me.We had wanted to go hiking to this place for a long time. Every time something had been wrong: weather, fatigue, booked up etc...Yesterday was the

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10996708.post-1150251328985005712006-06-13T22:26:00.000-04:002006-06-13T22:15:29.010-04:00

BoardwalkHoreshoe crabEliseShark 

Jnnoreply@blogger.com2