Looking Up at Rockefeller Center

Photo by myself around 50th Street and Fifth Avenue, in Midtown.

Three guys were looking up at Rockefeller Center, towering above. You can see the vertical windows of the tower, reflected in the background.

I was passing by in a cab. The weather was so nice Wednesday, that I could roll down the window without feeling guilty for making the cab driver cold.

My camera focused on the guy behind the three guys looking up. At first I didn't like how that turned out, but my fiance Mark said it was fine. I pass all photos for this blog in front of his eyeballs for final approval.

Related posts: Faces in a Crowd, Moving and Shaking, the Diamond District, and Looking Up, on Fifth Avenue.

Read more...

The Proposal, in Rockefeller Center

Photo by myself in Rockefeller Center, at 5th Avenue and 50th Street.

The decorations up during holiday time make New York very romantic.

I'm not sure whether this was a proposal, above, but it certainly looked like one.

Related posts: Sparkly Lights in Rockefeller Center, The Rink at Rockefeller Center and On Stolen Glances and New York Moments.

Read more...

Have Yourselves a Very Merry Xmas

Photo by myself in Rockefeller Center.

The outdoor plaza at Rockefeller Center is packed this time of year with visitors. The Christmas tree is on center stage, looming above the outdoor skating rink.

This year's tree is a 76-foot tall Norway spruce from Easton, Connecticut. It will be on display until January 7th, 2010.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Related posts: Merry Christmas, All, Sparkly Lights in Rockefeller Center and Christmas Greetings from New York.

Read more...

The Twinkling View at Rockefeller Center

Photo by myself in Rockfeller Plaza, at 50th Street and Fifth Avenue.

Large illuminated sculptures in the shape of angels line the plaza at Rockefeller Center. Benches are located underneath for the weary.

The snowflakes in the background are actually across the street, along Fifth Avenue. They are suspended from the facade of the department store, Saks Fifth Avenue. The snowflakes are made with energy conscious LED bulbs.

Related posts: Sparkly Lights in Rockefeller Center, Life in High Contrast and From the Great White Way.

Read more...

On Stolen Glances and New York Moments

Photo by myself in Rockefeller Center, around Fifth Avenue and 50th Street.

I caught this moment in Rockefeller Center, the other day.

The gigantic Christmas tree and angel decorations adorn this busy outdoor plaza. A line of planting and benches slope down toward the famous below-ground ice rink. Usually during this time of year, the area is completely packed.

--
I was alerted the other day to A New York Moment, sponsored by WNYC, a major public radio station here in New York City. A New York Moment is an online video series based on photos taken in New York City.

Photos submitted to the Flickr Street Shots group are chosen to be featured on the WNYC culture website. Submit a photograph and who knows? Perhaps your image will be selected.

Mark and I listen to WNYC often, while driving. Like many public radio stations, WNYC features NPR segments like Fresh Air and All Things Considered. WNYC also produces excellent shows from scratch, such as Studio 360 and Radio Lab.

Check out a New York Moment video here.
Check out the WNYC podcasts here.

Related posts: Sparkly Lights in Rockefeller Center, The Rink at Rockefeller Center and The Whole World in his Hands.

Read more...

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Photo by myself at Rockefeller Center, around 50th Street and 5th Avenue.

If you're interested in skating in New York, you'll have to act quickly! The open air skating rink is open until April 19th this year.

Other rinks in the city include Central Park (outdoors on the Pond), Chelsea Piers (indoors), Bryant Park (outdoors), The Museum of Natural History (outdoors) and South Street Seaport (outdoors).

The rink at Rock Center even offers a special package for those wanting to propose marriage. For a fee, you have ice time all to yourselves, a song of your choice is played on the intercom, and you and your fiance are given a champagne toast.

--
Alas, it's the end of another week.

TGIF everyone!

Related posts: Skating Under the Empire State, Sparkly Lights in Rockefeller Center and On Taking Candids.

Read more...

The Whole World in His Hands

Photo by myself outside Rockefeller Center, around 5th Avenue and 50th Street.

The architecture of this landmark is considered Art Deco, but its austerity resembles the huge Fascist building in Italy in the late 1920's. Dramatic night lighting makes Rockefeller Center an enduring tourist attraction.

The above statue shows Atlas, a character from Greek mythology, whose task it was to hold up the world.

--
Related posts: Sparkly Lights in Rockefeller Center, Making an Entrance, in Midown and Life at the Time Life Building, Midtown.

Read more...

Sparkly Lights in Rockefeller Center

Photo by myself at Rockefeller Center, around 50th Street and 5th Avenue.

I ventured to one of the most touristy areas the other night to get a glimpse of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. There were legions of people milling about taking pictures, ice skating and enjoying the evening.

--
It's the season for giving and hope. New Yorkers who wish to make a difference should consider The Fresh Air Fund.

I've always associated the group with summertime, when inner city kids are transported to camp, to connect with nature. Not so. It is always a good time to help children in need.

Families can also host children in their homes, so they can experience the suburbs or the country. There are also events promoting career awareness, like visiting different workplaces and classes regarding job skills.

By merely becoming aware of other possibilities and lifestyles, inner city children can take their first steps toward taking control of their future.

To learn more about this worthy organization, click here.

Related posts: Lighting the Way,Christmas Windows to Warm the Heart and Merry Christmas, All.

Read more...

Making an Entrance, in Midtown

Photo by myself of a mosaic above an entrance on Sixth Avenue and 50th Street.

The Art Deco building above is one part of Rockefeller Center. Typically you enter the main open space off Fifth Avenue.

Rockefeller Center is the largest single real estate venture undertaken in New York, a whopping 22 acres of real estate. The skating rink in the middle is surrounded by open space, stores and restaurants. The area draws visitors year round.

--
I braved the cold and crowds Friday night to fulfill my 2009 resolution to be a more intrepid photographer. Generally I hate crowds, but I wanted to take night photos, and the best way to do that is to find a place with lighting (!).

Hundreds of people milled about this area Friday night, most of them from out of town.

Most were visiting the skating rink and Christmas tree, while others simply enjoyed the streets and holiday decorations. There were many kids and strollers outside as well, despite the weather.

Related posts: Bright Lights, Big City, Neon Storefronts, in Midtown and The Walls Have Ears.

Read more...