Even mid-town Manhattan isn't all glamour and bouquets.

For example, this is what passes for a playground.

Oh, the noble lion! Oh, the humanity!

Not every shop near Times Square sells Rolexes and digital cameras.

These doors reminded me of a jail cell.

A local told me this is the place to come if you have a hangover. A papaya smoothie and a hot dog will cure the worst of them.

He looked like he ought to know.

Most people here seem to live on hot dogs and deli take-out.

On a rainy evening, even Broadway is bleak.