Internet, Copy, and Ship services

At least 15 different services advertised in this storefront: internet access, copy, print, scan, fax, ship (via UPS, FedEx, DHL, or USPS), notary public, passport photo, tax preparation, ATM, stamps, money orders, money transfers, rubber stamps, paper shredding (partially obscured). Internet is $2.00 for 30 minutes. Overseas shipping specifically includes Jamaica, Antigua, Guyana, Trinidad, Nigeria, and Ghana. No need to consult the Census Bureau if one wants to know where the immigrants in this neighborhood are coming from.

Tax returns start at $80. That has to be for one paycheck, with a W-2, short form. I wonder how much they charge for Earned Income Tax Credit (which most of their customers qualify for, and requires some serious form-filling).

Oh yes … working pay phone out front.

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Canner near Fordham Plaza

Okay, this canner was near One Fordham Plaza. Many people are skittish, or even defensive, about having their pictures taken. But if you offer a canner a few empties or a couple dollars, they’ll pose for a picture, with grace and humor. As my grandfather might say, “They work so hard that they appreciate the value of a dollar.”
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East 188th Street steps

I privately call these “Halle’s Steps,” because I was walking down them when I got a call from my daughter that our beloved dog, Halle, had been chewing on batteries. It turned out to be a false a alarm, but got my attention. There are quite a few step streets in the hilly, ridged neighborhoods of the West Bronx.

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cardboard car

“A cardboard car,” I thought. “Now I’ve seen everything.” Since it was sitting in front in front of “Kuwait Shipping, Your Best Bet to West Africa,” perhaps it was merely being protectively wrapped for shipment. But a close look at the picture shows dents/gaps underneath the cardboard, missing/open windows, and a flat tire.

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El Despertar Cuchifrito Restaurant

Ate lunch in this chuchifrito (literally “fried pork”) restaurant. But only ventured to try the rellenos de papas (deep-fried mashed potatoes with meat stuffing). Much milder and less greasy than it might sound. Of course, cafe con leche and flan for dessert. The red onions (Spanish word?) are a standard side dish. All muy delicioso.
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Dreier Safety Coal Hole Cover, Pat. 1919

Not just historic row houses, but some wonderful old iron work also survives in the Mott Haven East Historic District: manhole covers, building drain covers, and coal hole covers.
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How did this happen?

Did the white car nose under the gray one? Did a car-carrier drop the gray car? Was the gray car speeding, hit something, flew into the air, and landed on the white car? None of the onlookers knew.

Mosholu Parkway, The Bronx.