-- --

Thursday, September 30, 2010

3-D Billboard, Fifth Avenue

Things Olde and Good
Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, around 22nd Street.

A truck carrying stuff for Olde Good Things, an antique store in the Flatiron area. This three-dimensional advertisement was parked a few blocks north of one of their stores.

Olde Good Things has three locations in Manhattan, and two in LA. They sell everything from door knobs to vintage elevators to copper cupolas. Much of their material is salvaged from older buildings.

You can also peruse their online shop here.

Related posts: Shopping Til Dropping, on Canal Street, T Shirts with New York Attitude, in Chelsea and Watch Where You're Going in SoHo.

Read more...

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

People Watching, Union Square

A rapt audience
Photo by myself, in Union Square.

A rapt audience listened to a woman preaching in Union Square. I was struck by the man in the hat, whose face had such wonderful shadow and highlights.

For some reason, this open area is known for political rallies, artistic performances, farmers markets and chess matches. There is always something of interest going on.

For a photo of who they were watching, click here.

--

I never mentioned a client meeting I had the other day. The young couple just purchased an apartment on the Upper West Side, a beautiful duplex in a brownstone. We met in front of the building for a meeting.

The husband was boasting about his commute. 'Seven minutes on the train, two minute walk to the subway station'. But then he lamented his fate, 'Parking in the garage a block away costs 800 bucks a month!'

Holy craparoo.

Leaving your car on the street is useless in Manhattan, since you have to move your car every other day. That's a lot of work. In Brooklyn, you only have to move your car once a week. (Yes, yes, it is safe in most Brooklyn neighborhoods. Your car will still be there the next morning!).

Related posts: Free Hugs, in Union Square, On Tippy Toe, in Union Square and On the Picket Line, and Surviving the Heat.

Read more...

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Singer and Sax, along the Tracks

Subway players
Photo by myself below ground at 79th Street and Broadway.

I encountered a duo of subway musicians, last week. They didn't mind that I was taking photos. The singer crooned to me while the sax player looked to his buddy for tempo.

After a long day at the office, I was absolutely thrilled. Live music can completely change your mood. I've had many magical experiences where my long day has been transformed by a good tune.

--

I cannot believe this blog has over 500 followers.

As one masked New Yorker in tights said to another a while back, 'Holy heart failure, Batman!'

The feed also has 900+ readers, whatever that means. The readers include crawlers and bots, which are non-humans that troll feeds for news content. Why, I have no idea. But I am flattered.

Anyhow, if I could thank everyone every day for tuning in, I would, except it would make me really, really repetitive. So I will keep my heartfelt thanks to special occasions such as this.

So thank you, everyone. You have made my day. :-)

Related posts: On Singing Groups and the Current Vibe, Performing Free, in Bryant Park and Guiseppi Logan, Performing in Tompkins Square Park.

Read more...

Monday, September 27, 2010

Quiet Street, Tribeca

Tribeca
Photo by myself, somewhere in Tribeca.

You rarely encounter loads of people in Tribeca. This is a neighborhood of quiet streets and older buildings.

--

Happy Monday, everyone!

Related posts: Reflecting on Tribeca, A Quiet Sunday in Tribeca and Duane Street, Tribeca.

Read more...

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Bewildered, in Times Square

Bewildered, Times Square
Photo by myself in Times Square.

And who wouldn't feel bewildered in Times Square?

The place can be a little overwhelming.

--

For those photography-lovers out there who missed the Henri Cartier-Bresson retrospective this year a MoMA, rest assured. Many images from the exhibit of 300 images, is online at the MoMA website!

I missed the exhibit, too. Fortunately we can all enjoy Cartier-Bresson's striking black and white photos taken during his travels though Asia, Europe and the US. The images are arranged by theme and by chronology, along with brief descriptions.

Sure, looking at images onine from the comfort of your sofa and bag of chips is nothing like looking at a real print in a museum. But don't let that stop you.

Click here for the exhibit on the MoMA website.

Related posts: Tete-a-tete, in Times Square, At a Crossroads, in Times Square and Only in New York.

Read more...

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Enjoying the Sun, in Downtown Brooklyn

Whiling away the morning
Photo by myself outside the Brooklyn Courthouses, at Adams and Montague Streets.

Brooklynites took in a sunny day outside the courthouses in Downtown Brooklyn. The park is lined with benches and is nicely landscaped.

There is a high percentage of elderly here, for some reason. While walking around, I noticed many older people using walkers or canes.

I'll be back soon to this area, since I was selected for a jury. Can't say nothing about the case, of course, which fortunately will not be page six news.

Related posts: Old Friends, in Alphabet City, Older Birds, on Fifth Avenue and The World Walks by, on Fifth Avenue.

Read more...

Friday, September 24, 2010

On Guys in Hats and the Issue of Style

Guys in hats, Bryant Park
Photo by myself in Bryant Park, at 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue.

Two guys in hats chatted on the lawn of Bryant Park.

Ah...these are the lovely days of Fall. Enjoy it now, people!

--

If any of you out there are New Yorker Magazine readers, do check out last week's Style Issue.

All the articles are top notch. Included are one on Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook founder), one on James Dyson (inventor of the Dyson vaccuum cleaner), one on Mickey Drexler (Chairman/genius of J. Crew) and one on Tavi Gevinson (14-year old fashion blogger genius extraordinaire).

I wish I hadn't devoured this issue, since tomorrow I will be stuck serving jury duty in Brooklyn. (Yes). Fortunately they have wifi in the waiting room, which will make waiting much less intolerable. (Yes!!!)

I'm also looking forward to walking around downtown Brooklyn, taking photos during lunchtime. Yeehaw!!!!

Related posts: Faces in Fashion, in Bryant Park, Work Hard, Play Hard and Serious Fun, in Bryant Park.

Read more...

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Madge + Macy's = Mayhem

Waiting for Madge
Photo by myself in Herald Square, around 35th Street and Broadway.

About a billion people stood on tiptoe and craned their necks outside Macy's, Wednesday evening, vying for a celebrity sighting.

Madonna and her daughter Lourdes were launching their new fashion line, called 'Material Girl'. Barricades were up, police were swarming, traffic was delayed.

Madonna and Lourdes were surrounded by a mob of cameras, away in the distance. All I could see was a glimmer of blonde hair now and again. The area is typically uncomfortably crowded. This was beyond.

To check out the Material Girl line on the Macy's website, click here.

It was a manic day in the city because President Obama was also in town, giving a speech at the United Nations. Traffic all along the East Side (not pictured) ground to a halt.

Waiting for Madge
In the background, somewhere below the camera outside Macy's, were Madge and her daughter Lourdes.

Related posts: Parading Down Fifth Avenue, On Crowds and the Commute, in Midtown and Fighting the Crowds, in Midtown.

Read more...

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

On Swinging Jazz and Sniffing Dogs

Alex Lo Dico Ensemble, NYC
Photo by myself at the 34th Street subway station, in Midtown.

I've taken a few photos of the Alex Lo Dico Ensemble, at the subway station above. Tuesday evening, I was standing behind two columns and two saxophonists from the band.

This group never fails to thrill me because they so obviously love what they do. And the music they create is loud, brash and terrific. You can often hear them playing from the subway platforms, one or two levels below.

--

I haven't posted a photo of Rupert in little a while. He's been getting requests for an appearance.

Pups on Parade
Photo by myself, somewhere in the East Village.

Above, a doggie meet-and-greet on an East Village street corner. Several small dogs took a whiff during one recent visit.

It might seem like small dogs dominate New York, but not so. Smaller dogs might be more portable on the subway*, but dogs of all sizes can be found here. Some of Rupert's favorite buddies are a Newfoundland and a German Shepherd, who live nearby.

*Only seeing-eye dogs or dogs in a carrier are allowed on the subway.

Related posts: All that Jazz, On Music and Elephants, Underground and Music While you Wait.

Read more...

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Waiting, in Times Square

Waiting
Photo by myself, in Times Square.

A young woman seemed to be lost in thought, while waiting in the Times Square area.

Related posts: In the Blink of an Eye, in Midtown, On the New York Streets, Then and Now and Tough Times, Midtown.

Read more...

Monday, September 20, 2010

Along the Charles, in Bostontown

On the Charles
Photo by myself, along the Charles River in Boston.

Nope, not a photo from New York today, but one from our sister city, Boston.

Above, a view of the Charles River with Harvard University, beyond. It was a beautiful weekend in Cambridge. The schools are in full swing, with the crew teams practicing already.

New York has long and playful rivalry with Boston, involving our baseball teams, our driving habits, our native accents, you name it. The two cities are about 4 hours apart by car, depending on traffic.

Mark, Rupert and I visited this past weekend. My grandfather is a whopping 99 years old and lives in Brookline. (Yes, Brookline, Massachusetts, not Brooklyn, New York). He is in great spirits and insists that he is 97. It is too much to correct him!

Related posts: A Message from Beantown, Red Skiff, in the East River and Life on the Water, in Riverside Park.

Read more...

Sunday, September 19, 2010

A Dashing Performance, Below Ground

Violinist, Union Square
Photo by myself, in the Union Square subway station.

The wall by the stairs to the N and R trains is a very popular area for musicians. The lighting and acoustics are great, and there is ample room for an audience.

A violinist playing an electric violin wowed onlookers as he danced wildly to his own music, which was schmaltzy and a bit dated. The violin was lit from within with red lights and the scroll was made to resemble a dragon.

Violinist, Union Square

Related posts: See Saw, Underground, Street Theatre for the New City, in the East Village and On Drums and the Brooklyn Bunny.

Read more...

Saturday, September 18, 2010

On Art and Art Lovers

Choir, Union Square
Photo by myself in Union Square.

Above, a slightly freaky image.

The choir that accompanied the preacher in yesterday's post wore black robes and striking white make up. I'm not sure of the significance of the costumes, which looked surreal.

--

Mark and I watched an incredible documentary, called Herb and Dorothy. It is an absolute must-see for anyone who likes art.

Herb and Dorothy Vogel are among the most eminent collectors of conceptual and minimal art. Between the 60's and today, they amassed several thousand pieces of art, which they kept in their one-bedroom New York City apartment.

While visiting artists and galleries, the Vogels befriended artists themselves, such as Sol Lewitt and Donald Judd. Incredibly, they collected art using only their modest salaries - Dorothy was a librarian and Herbert was a postal worker. And they never sold anything they purchased, despite escalating values in the art world.

Herb and Dorothy collected for the love of collecting. I so recommend this fascinating movie, which features not just the Vogels, but the artists, the love of art and the New York art scene. Eventually the Vogels donated their collection, worth millions, to the National Gallery in Washington DC.

If you have access to an independent video store or if you have Netflix, drop everything and get this movie now. It is an inspiring look at a lovely and quirky New York couple.

Related posts: Street Theatre for the New City, in the East Village, Now Playing at the Booth Theatre and Singing the Blues, Below Ground.

Read more...

Friday, September 17, 2010

On a Glorious Moment and the Recent Storm

Preacher, Union Square
Photo by myself in Union Square.

A preacher shared a moment during a sermon in Union Square, the other day.

--

Not much to say here, except that New York City and its boroughs was bombarded by tornado-like winds, Thursday afternoon.

Fortunately, I was below ground, in the subway. When I came up, the streets were dusted with branches and leaves. My fiance Mark was trapped in the car for several minutes, unable to see anything ahead of him but the tail lights of the next car.

For some incredible photos of the storm, check out these photos on the Times website. Readers sent in photos of dramatic skies, uprooted trees, crushed cars and other havoc.

Be warned, some of the photos of uprooted trees are heartbreaking. Thousands of trees were said to be killed, some as much as 250 years old. The winds reached up to 135 miles per hour and swept through Brooklyn and Queens.

Related posts: Union Square is Where It's At, Sound the Horns in Union Square and Free Hugs, Union Square.

Read more...

Thursday, September 16, 2010

On Chess and the New Yorker Festival

The game
Photo by myself in Union Square.

A serious game of chess drew a small crowd, Wednesday afternoon. I found myself among the onlookers.

We had gorgeous weather. Just about everyone was outside.

--

By the way, tickets are still available for The New Yorker Festival, taking place this year October 1st - 3rd.

The annual festival features interviews with artists, writers and performers by New Yorker Staff. There are also panels of writers and thinkers discussing topics such as climate change and gay marriage.

This year, Yo-Yo Ma, Alec Baldwin and Werner Herzog are speaking, among others. Mark and I were going to attend an evening with The Moth, but tickets were sold out almost instantly.

For those of you who don't know, at the Moth readings, people tell real stories without notes. The stories are often poignant, funny and unbelievable, (often all the above). Check out their website and free podcast here.

Check out the New Yorker Festival schedule here.

Related posts: Hows About a Game, Serious Fun, in Bryant Park and Talking About the Weather.

Read more...

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The Naked Cowboy, in Times Square

Naked Cowboy, Times Square
Photo by myself in Times Square.

I've been hearing about this guy for the longest time. I finally saw him Tuesday, er... in the flesh.

The Naked Cowboy is something of a fixture around Times Square. Not exactly naked, he walks around in tidy whities, cowboy hat and boots, all decorated with his title.

What does a cowboy have to do with New York? Well, not much. The costume is a gimmick toward earning an honest living. During the few minutes I saw him, Mr. Cowboy did not sing or play his guitar. He spent his time happily posing for tourists.

The Naked Cowboy has his own Wiki entry, here.

Naked Cowboy, Times Square
The Naked Cowboy seeming a bit more naked, behind his guitar.

Related posts: On Times Square and Our Rupert, At a Crossroads in Times Square and The Cost of Living Here Part II, or Life in Playland.

Read more...

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Enjoying the View of the Manhattan Bridge

At the Manhattan bridge
Photo by myself at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge.

From the Manhattan side of the Manhattan Bridge, a photo from last Spring.

There is nothing so sculptural as a bridge. You can see the Brooklyn Bridge in the background.

--

Thanks to all for the kind words yesterday. :-)

Related posts: On Bridges and Changing Times, Sunday Morning, Along the East River and At the Food of the Manhattan Bridge.

Read more...

Monday, September 13, 2010

On Rainy Days and Some Personal Reflection

Bryant Park, after a rain
Photo by myself in Bryant Park, at 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue.

The NY Parks Department does its job well, especially at the Bryant Park. Not only are the flowers and landscaping superb, but the lawn is well tended. Humans are prohibited after any major rainfall.

The lawn is wonderfully thick and green, with few brown patches. You wouldn't know that during the summer months, hundreds of people sit and lie out here daily.

--

All right, the following is a bit about me. Apologies, but you've been warned!

It rained steadily on Sunday. A cold, drippy rain, that postponed the mens' final game of the US Open and kept Mark and I stuck inside all day.

We were bored, and sat glumly on the sofa. We had grand plans about spending an entire afternoon walking downtown, taking photos. Drat.

Since returning from vacation, getting back into my routine has been super tough. One day I was walking around, taking photos constantly, immersed in a new city. Then I came home and photography has been reduced to a moment here and there.

As my lawyer brother would say, 'Okay then Kitty, what is the POINT'?! (He is a very practical person, bless him).

I guess my point is...for every major change, there is adjustment. It rains, you close the lawn, the soil dries out and the grass becomes hardier. Just so, you go away, you return to 'normality' and start seeing your 'normal' life a little differently.

I'm not sure where this is headed. Quite possibly nowhere...but metaphorically, the lawn is closed.

No worries, daily posts will continue here as usual. I just need some time for repair.

Related posts: Old New York, on the Lower East Side, Shoot the Freak, Coney Island and Quality Mending Company, Soho.

Read more...

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Cupcakes on Wheels, in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Cupcake Stop Truck & Cupcake Enthusiast
Photo by myself around 7th Avenue and 10th Street, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Ah, who doesn't love a cupcake?

The Cupcakestop Truck is seen regularly in Park Slope, as well as Midtown, SoHo and the Upper East Side. They have a brick and mortar shop at 20th Street and Sixth Avenue, and a Twitter feed announcing truck locations in case your hankering needs a quick fix.

Cupcakes come in some 80 flavors, ranging from old-fashioned to gourmet. Enjoy Coconut Cream (coconut cake with cream cheese frosting), S'mores (devil's food cake with chocolate fudge frosting, marshmellow and a graham cracker) or Tiramisu (sponge cake dipped in espresso with sweet cream cheese frosting). Mmmmm...

The business was started in 2009 by a law school student, and has already been featured on the Food Network on cable television. The bakers are graduates of the French Culinary Institute.

My fiance Mark (not pictured above) tried the Oreo Cookie Swirl and Red Velvet, and gives them an enthusiastic two thumbs up. His review:

'Pretty good. Delicious, actually. They densen up when put in the fridge.'
(By 'densen', Mark means that the frosting and cake become more dense).

Order on their online store to receive cupcakes anywhere in the world. Check out their cute website here.
Read a very recent article about the Cupcake Truck in the Times, here.

Related posts: In Line for Street Food, Outside, Dirty Water Dogs, Midtown and The Latest Scoop.

Read more...

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Stoopside, in Brooklyn

On the stoop, Park Slope
Photo by myself around 9th Street and Prospect Park West, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Two fellas played a game on a pretty stoop in Brooklyn.

--

It's hard to believe it's September 11th once again.

Each year the ceremony at the WTC site is shown on our local tv channel, NY1. The families assemble at the site, and the names of all those lost on 9/11 are read aloud. The list is sadly very long.

Mark and I drove past the site recently. The buildings are going up slowly. I'll have to take a photo there soon.

Related posts: Fighting the Crowds, in Midtown, Salvaged from the World Trade Center and Life Goes On, Almost.

Read more...

Friday, September 10, 2010

Lost in a Crowd, in Midtown

Thataway
Photo by myself, at 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.

Contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers do help with directions. And correct ones, at that.

This photo is from my stash, but it could have happened yesterday. The crowds are still in full force in Midtown. This was taken on one of the busiest street corners in the city, though it is absolutely nothing compared with places like Tokyo.

We're having perfect Fall-like weather during the day, with temperatures dropping drastically at night. Sleeping without the air conditioner, with the windows wide open, is a joy.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Related posts: Fighting the Crowds, in Midtown, People, People, Everywhere and Candid, Midtown.

Read more...

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Having A Ball, in Bryant Park

Petanque, in Bryant Park NYC
Photo by myself in Bryant Park, at 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue.

Folks were at it, Wednesday night. Two competitive petanque games were under way. New Yorkers are bent on enjoying all the good weather they can. Fall and Spring are our most fleeting seasons.

The premise of petanque (pay-tonk) is rather simple - players toss their metal balls to lay as close to a little wooden marker as possible. Knocking opponents balls out of the way is fair game!

Serious players can finish the season with two competitions coming up on September 18 and 19th. To learn more on the Bryant Park website, click here.

Related posts: Playing Ball, in Red Hook, Brooklyn, Playing Ball in the Public Courts and Tomorrow's New York Giants.

Read more...

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

A Little Spit and Polish, in Midtown

Shoeshine, NYC
Photo by myself at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, in Midtown.

An old fashioned shoeshine stand at a very busy corner in town, by the main branch of the New York Public Library.

Related posts: Touring About Fifth Avenue, Midtown, Holding Hands, in Midtown and Cold Days in Midtown.

Read more...

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

City Portraits - Coney Island, Brooklyn

Flight, for an instant
Photo by myself at Luna Park, in Coney Island.

Coney Island in Brooklyn, has been New York City's playground since the late 1800's. Folks were enjoying the last dregs of summer there this holiday weekend. Mark, Rupert and I took a quick tour around. It was very sunny and wonderfully breezy.

Luna Park is the main amusement park there, next to a stretch of boardwalk and the beach. The boardwalk is known for hosting the Mermaid Parade, a public costumed event each summer. All sorts of characters and families frequent the area.

The Boardwalk, Coney Island
A glimpse of the boardwalk, where you can always find interesting people.

In Line at Nathan's, Coney Island
Nathan's hotdogs are required eating at Coney Island. Lines are typical.

The Boardwalk, Coney Island
Old fashioned, hand lettered signs decorate booths that have been there for years.

The Boardwalk, Coney Island
Loads of people strolled along the boardwalk.

The Boardwalk, Coney Island
Benches along one side of the boardwalk afford nice views out to the beach.

All Smiles
Ah, the last gasp of summer!

Coney Island is easily accessible from the subway. Just take the N, Q, D or F trains to the very last stop.

City Portraits is an ongoing, once-in-a-while installment featuring parts of New York.

Related posts: City Portraits - The New York Public Library, City Portraits - Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn and City Portraits - Shelter Island.

Read more...

Monday, September 6, 2010

Paris in New York, in Prospect Park

A bit of Paris in Brooklyn
Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

The Audobon Center in Prospect Park resembles a grand Parisian building. It looks as if these folks are enjoying cappucino in the middle of a bustling city.

The Audobon Center is an educational building focused on nature and preservation.
Beyond are a lake and dock for boats. Inside are interactive exhibits and the Prospect Park Visitor's Center.

Mark, Rupert and I walked about the park this weekend, exploring. We discovered the southeast portion, which includes the lake and buildings in the landscape, like the one above.

Prospect Park is 585-acres large, located in the heart of Brooklyn. For their website and interactive map, click here.

Related posts: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Beautiful People, in the East Village and Brunching on St. Mark's Place.

Read more...

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Last Bit of Summer, in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Summer
Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

It's hard to believe it's September, already.

Brooklynites who have remained in town are visiting the Prospect Park, this weekend. Many are home watching the US Open which is being played in Flushing Meadow, in Queens.

The subway goes to Flushing Meadow from Manhattan, as does the Long Island Railroad, the local train. I once went to the Open years ago. I have little memory of it except that the food was terribly expensive.

We are finally having glorious weather - cool, breezy and sunny, with low humidity.

Related posts: On the Trails, in Prospect Park, Fall Foliage, in Prospect Park and Father and Son, in Brooklyn.

Read more...

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Fall Fashion Week, Bryant Park

Fall Fashion Week, NYC
Photo by myself, in Bryant Park.

Fall Fashion Week will upon us next week, between Sept. 9th and 16th. The runways will be up in Bryant Park, as well as camera crews and mobs of people.

Above, a photo from last year's Fall runway shows. Part of the Max Azria crew waited their turn outside the main tent, with a photo line up of their collection.

By the way, Christian Siriano, of Project Runway fame, will be showing his line on the first day. His clothing has been sold at Saks Fifth Avenue and he has dressed such celebs as Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.

Siriano is a fierce New York resident and calls Williamsburg, Brooklyn his home.

For Christian's bio on the Fashion Week website, click here

Related posts: From the Streets of DUMBO, From the Edge of DUMBO and At the Foot of the Manhattan Bridge.

Read more...

Friday, September 3, 2010

Red Skiff, in the East River

Red Skiff, in the East River
Photo by myself from DUMBO, Brooklyn.

A photo from the edge of Brooklyn in DUMBO, near the Manhattan Bridge. It was a super sunny day, and a man paddled up the East River.

Across the water, parts of lower Manhattan are actually not very built up, due to geology. Only areas supported by bedrock are strong enough to bear the weight of skyscrapers.

--

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Mark and I are planning on recovering from jetlag and relaxing. What are your plans?

Related posts: From the Streets of DUMBO, From the Edge of DUMBO and At the Foot of the Manhattan Bridge.

Read more...

Thursday, September 2, 2010

On Photography and the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Homeless, 34th Street
Photo by myself below ground at 34th Street.

Apologies for the depressing subject matter.

There's a part of me that feels that raw images, especially photographs, are artistic, because they show things people would rather not see. I think must be the younger part of me with such opinions.

Another part of me feels that art should be uplifting. This is definitely the older part of me. This part has seen enough upsetting things. Hm.

--

Speaking of contradictions, I was made to discover a talented photographer today. (Hooray! Celebration! Here's to inspiring images!).

The sad thing is that I found her through the obituaries. The Times reported that Corinne Day passed away this weekend, at the much too young age of 48. She was a fashion photographer whose work launched a 16-year old Kate Moss.

Day's work combines both the frivolous and the gritty in the fashion world. She photographed fanciful spreads for Vogue Magazine but also exhibited photos at the National Portrait Gallery. Her series 'Face of Fashion' shows us nude and scantily clad models often without makeup and often in less than glamorous settings.

For the Times article, click here.
For Ms. Day's online portfolio, click here.

Related posts: Worthy Causes, Could You Keep it Down? and Grace Church in Black and White.

Read more...

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Back to the City, in Tribeca

176 Duane, Tribeca
Photo by myself at Duane and Hudson Streets, in Tribeca.

A photo from an earlier visit to Tribeca, the land of renovated warehouses.

'Tribeca' stands for 'Triange below Canal (Street)'. Wikipedia writes that Tribeca is bound by Canal Street, West Street and Broadway/Chambers Street. I never know exactly where the neighborhood starts and stops.

The scale of the architecture makes this area very photogenic. A smattering of cobblestone streets help, too.

--

Well it's been 28 hours since waking up in Tokyo. Mark and I flew back to 96F degree weather in New York, which is cooler than it is in Japan. Crazy.

I did want to note that if you're considering traveling to Japan, it's really not too difficult to get around. A good guidebook and familiarity with cities will serve you well. In Tokyo, most street and subway signs are accompanied by an English translation.

Finding a specific address might be difficult, since buildings are not often numbered in order...but you will probably not be completely lost. Disoriented by the sheer number of people and signs and sights, yes. Miles away from where you need to be, no.

Finally, all the subways and high speed rail trains are timed to the minute, with constant updates. You'll only have to wait a little while before the next train arrives.

Tokyo train
The Shinkansen or high speed rail trains in Japan are comfortable and wonderfully run. Each train has smoking cars, vending machines, toilets and food service. Some trains travel as fast as 300 km/hr or 185 mph.

Related posts: Duane Street, Tribeca, Reflecting on Tribeca and A Quiet Sunday in Tribeca.

Read more...