Frieder's free time is not spent watching "Joe Millionaire" or reading the National Enquirer. Instead, he climbs New York's majestic bridges and photographs them from perspectives that would otherwise be unavailable to our eyes. (Dave's gallery | Photo Techniques' profile.)

In other words, we see New York in a different way, literally, because Dave Frieder, a 49-year old self-employed repairman, is among us. Like the bridges themselves, Frieder's work is bold, courageous and awe-inspiring. Some of the world's great wonders are bridges — certainly the Brooklyn Bridge was when it opened in 1883 — and I never fail to stand and one end, look across agape and mouth, "Holy fuck." Frieder's photos elicit the same reaction.

That is the mark of a valuable life. You gotta make your exit someday having left something, concrete or intangible but definitely inspirational, that leaves at least one person saying, "Well, I'll never see/hear/feel/taste/smell the likes of that again." Bold photography counts. Great parenting counts. Creating music counts. Making people laugh counts.

Does eating a lot of hot dogs at Gray's count?

Frieder will be giving another lecture and slide show on March 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Roosevelt Island Historical Society (Westview Community Room, 635 Main Street, Roosevelt Island). Go support a true, original New York artist.

Other New York Links:

WTC Mementos Removed From St. Paul's Chapel — No one could pass those fences in the last year and a half and not feel both immense sadness from the sight of "missing" posters and tremendous appreciation for the well-wishing schools, churches and organizations around the country who sent signed bed sheets. I wish they'd kept it all up. I will always remember the good, just as I will never forget the evil.

The Truth Comes Out: New York Post Is Gay — Well, they are infatuated with outing people. I love the Post, but it definitely dances with its hands above its head.

N.Y. Sports' Studs & Duds — The gay Post reveals the best and worst of New York's sportsmen. Jorge Posada immature? What, just 'cause he's straight? Bravo for recognizing Kerry Collins as a model pro athlete. That's why we give people second chances. And third if needed. This is America, after all.

Tube 'Rudy' a Boob — The Daily News reports that the upcoming USA movie is an "uneasy mix of 9/11 fact and fiction." Why, oh why, would anyone view a Hollywood production of the most documented event in the history of the world? Ever. Ever.