Manhattanhenge, 2012

Photo by myself in Midtown.

Tuesday night marked one of the days of 'Manhattanhenge', where the location of the sun at sunset aligns with the street grid of Manhattan.

I happened to be walking out of the office, around 8 pm. When I saw people standing on street corners facing west, I knew. It was that time of year again.

Manhattanhenge takes place twice a year, at the end of May and the beginning of July. The exact alignment only lasts a couple days.

For my photo of Manhattanhenge photo in 2010, taken in the same area, click here.

Related posts: Occupy Town Square, in Tompkins Square Park, Occupy Wall Street, One Day at a Time, and Tibetans of the World Unite.

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Something for Everyone at the Food Truck Rally, in Brooklyn

Photo by myself at Grand Army Plaza, in Brooklyn.

Food trucks representing various cuisines congregated Sunday in Grand Army Plaza, in Brooklyn. Folks can sample everything from artisanal ice cream to Korean-inspired tacos to angus burgers on a brioche bun.

Fortunately, we had a very sunny afternoon for this. Early in the morning there were thunderstorms and purple clouds hung ominously above. Mark and I shared a Philly cheesesteak and some pork and chive dumplings with a soy dipping sauce.

Luckily for all of us, the food truck rallies will continue on the third Sunday of each month, through October!

Farmer's Markets and other venues are held regularly at Grand Army Plaza.

For the wiki entry of this public space, click here.
For a link to the Food Truck Rally, including participating food trucks, click here.
   Waiting in line at the Frites 'n Meats truck, known for sumptuous burgers made to order.

Related posts: Brunch at Barbuto, in the West Village, 'I'll Have What She's Having, at Katz's Deli, and The Oyster Bar, at Grand Central Station.

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It's Fleet Week, on Sixth Avenue

Photo by myself, in Midtown.

Every year around Memorial Day, New York celebrates Fleet Week.

A ton of ships sail up the Hudson and dock. Almost all the ships hold free tours for visitors. And all over the place, you see sailors wandering around in their bright white uniforms, looking a bit lost.

The sailors above had just shopped at Bloomingdale's and were carrying around the telltale brown shopping bags. They walked in a v-formation.

Visitors can get access to the ships around 42nd Street and the West Side Highway.

For a schedule of events, click here.

Related posts: Ahoy, Matey!, Veteran's Day Parade, on Fifth Avenue, and Parading Down Fifth Avenue.

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Fake New York Marathon, at Columbus Circle

Photo by myself in Columbus Circle, at 59th Street and Central Park West.

A podium and many signs were put up the other day for the New York City Marathon, in Columbus Circle.

The New York Marathon is normally run in the beginning of November (!) There were bright lights and cameras set up. This must have been the stage set for a movie or commercial. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to ask any of the crew.

While I wouldn't say it's an every day occurrence to see film crews in the city, it is certainly not rare. Usually, large white trucks are parked within a few blocks for the cast's changing rooms, and there are tables out with food. Production assistants mill about, making sure the sidewalks are clear.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Correction: Reader John, below, commented that this was a ceremony for runners chosen by lottery to run in this year's marathon. Every year, many, many more runners sign up than there is space for.

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Congregating Outside, in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Photo by myself at Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

A procession with hundreds of followers wound their way through Park Slope on Friday. Many people were in attendance, bearing crosses.

The procession ended just outside St. Thomas of Aquinas Roman Catholic Church. Yesterday was Good Friday. Most businesses were closed in observance.

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A Tour through the Winter Antiques Show, on the Upper East Side

Photo by myself from the Winter Antiques Show, at the Park Avenue Armory.

The 58th Annual Antiques show wrapped up this weekend, at the Park Avenue Armory. Over fifty exhibitors attended. On display were works of Early American, European and Asian Art, jewelry, manuscripts and furnishings.

Above, a photo from the Kenneth W. Rendell booth, which was filled with autographs from historical figures. Letters and signatures were signed by notables as varied as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Amelia Earhart and Sitting Bull.

Mark and I walked around amongst the mostly Upper East Side crowd. I probably looked disastrous in my yoga pants and sneakers, but I'd left my tweed suit at home, ha. We tried not to draw attention when peeking at the price tags. Some of the objects were art museum quality, with prices well over $250k (!).

The show is held every year at about this time, with tickets at $20. For the Antiques Show site, which includes a link to sign up for their mailing list, click here.


A closer look at the Rendell Gallery booth includes a letter Katherine Hepburn sent to Marlene Dietrich, center.


Mid-century modern furnishings were represented, too, by Hostler Burrows, a store in Tribeca.


Italian sculpture was dramatically displayed by the Daniel Katz Gallery, hailing from England.


A stunning carousel horse from the late 19th century displayed at the Giampietro Gallery booth, from Connecticut.


A close up of the horse.

The show was an absolute treat. Mark and I quickly learned that our tastes are pretty expensive, haha. We particularly liked the early-American paintings and objects. I couldn't help but worry about knocking something over by and having to sell my kidney as payback. ;-)

For a look at my photos from last year's show, click here.

Related posts: Handcrafted Objects at the Architectural Digest Design Show, The Camera Van, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and Still Life, Antique Store.

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Lost in Thought, Outside Lord & Taylor in Midtown

Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue, around 40th Street.

The windows of every major storefront is decorated with holiday, wintry themes. These windows are at Lord and Taylor in Midtown.

The windows at Bergdorfs just blocks north of here are by far the most elaborate in the city. They are usually brimming with stuff. I'll try to get over there for a peek before the season is over.

For a view of the Bergdorf windows in 2009, click here.

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Get Your Christmas Tree, in Soho

Photo by myself, around Mulberry and Grand Streets, in Soho.

It's suddenly become very cold here, with temps in the 20's. All fine until there is a gust of wind. Brr.

This photo is from Sunday afternoon. Christmas trees can be purchased in virtually every neighborhood in the city.

Vendors often line the sidewalk with trees of various sizes, tree stands and wreaths. Delivery is usually free or a token amount.

In early January, the Department of Sanitation will pick up Christmas trees for free. From January 3rd to January 15th, New Yorkers leave their trees on their regular pick up days on the sidewalk. Trees must be clear of ornaments and lights.

Discarded trees are recycled as mulch, to be used in city parks and community gardens. New Yorkers can also pick up free mulch for their own use.

To know more about the city rules of mulching, click here.

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This Season, at the Union Square Holiday Market

Photo by myself in Union Square.

The holiday markets at Union Square are in full swing. From now until Christmas Eve, you can browse hundreds of outdoor kiosks for arty gifts.

There are few things resembling plastic here, and nothing is wrapped in plastic. There are no 'name brands' or electronics, from what I could tell. The vibe is 'handmade' or at least looking handmade, and therefore unique.

There is a lot of winter gear (hats, scarves, mittens), doodads (desktop sculptures, wind chimes, buddhas, candles), art and jewelry. You could easily spend an hour or two, browsing.


The usual animal hats and scarves are available, with or without pom poms.


Decorative objects and colorful ornaments make shopping tough. How does one choose?


Some kiosks offer food and hot drinks, to fortify weary shoppers.


Many shoppers were eyeing the fine art and jewelry displays.

For the holiday market site, including a link to the vendor list, click
here.

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Windows onto Another World, at Macy's

Photo by myself at Macy's, at 34th Street in Midtown.

Mechanics were fixing the complicated moving Christmas displays at Macy's, Friday night.

For a moment, all systems were down in one window. Technicians wearing socks were troubleshooting the gears animating one puppet.

The windows at Macy's always draws an audience. One doesn't need to be a kid to ooh and aah at the intricate displays and graphics. This year's theme seemed to be about machinery and gears.


One of the windows involved video touch screens for children to design their own ornaments.


People tend to experience life through their cameras and camera phones. They don't look at the thing itself, rather, at the mini-version on their lcd screen.

Related posts: Peering into Another World at Macy's, Midtown, Tis the Season, from Herald Square, and Now on Display, at Bergdorf's.

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Looking Up, From Fifth Avenue

Photo by myself at Fifth Avenue, around 35th Street.

A group of high school kids marching in the Veteran's Day Parade for Operation Comfort stopped in the middle of Fifth Avenue. They looked up at the Empire State Building, which rises up 102 stories from the street.

Operation Comfort is an organization that helps wounded military and their families. They coordinate donations from the general public and schedule activities for seriously wounded vets to enjoy.

For more about Operation Comfort, click here.

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The 2011 Veteran's Day Parade

Photo by myself along Fifth Avenue, in Midtown.

The Veteran's Day Parade took place on Fifth Avenue on Friday. High school bands and veterans from all periods were present. There were floats and horses and batons and kilts.

The day started out cool and sunny, then turned to become windy and very chilly. Near the end, anyone who wasn't wearing gloves was shivering and blue. I was as stiff as a board and could hardly bend my knees.


One high school band pantomimed crouching through a battlefield.


Some veterans cheered their buddies from the sidelines.


Onlookers waved flags and paid their respects to those who have served.


All sectors were represented, including the army, navy, air force, marines and coast guard.




Veterans from World War II waved from a float.

Seeing the veterans and these parades in person is a moving experience, but these parades are sadly not as well attended as they could be. Veterans have given us much and have demanded very little of their country.

Related posts: The Veteran's Day Parade, on Fifth Avenue, Saluting Heroes Along Fifth Avenue, Part I, and Saluting Heroes Along Fifth Avenue, Part II.

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The 2011 NYC Marathon

Photo by myself along the New York Marathon course, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The 42nd New York City Marathon was held today. We were lucky to have a gloriously sunny yet cool weather for running.

New Yorkers lined the streets, cheering the runners on. Fans called out names and numbers on runners' jerseys, as moral support. Bands played music, and people tooted on horns and rang bells.


The womens' lead pack, speeding by. Firehiwat Dado from Ethiopia is second from the right in red. She won the marathon some 16 miles later.


The mens' lead pack. Geoffrey Mutai, third from the right, came in first place and broke the course record with sub-five minute miles. Emmanuel Mutai, far right, came in second.




It seemed like every country was represented.


Runners especially enjoyed saying hello to the children watching.



The fastest runners really zip by. You really only get one chance to get a photo, which is a little unnerving. Mark texted me where the lead runners were, while he watched live TV coverage at home.

The New York Marathon begins in Staten Island. The course winds through Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx before ending in Central Park, in Manhattan.

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Ghoulish Greetings on the R Train

Photo by myself, somewhere underground.

The streets and subways were populated with grown up skeletons, bumblebees, devils and zombies.

The annual Halloween parade started Monday night near Spring Street and Sixth Avenue. Tons of people lined the streets to watch the celebrants march north to 16th Street, Union Square.

Above, a couple strangers met on the subway, one obviously stranger than the other. Yuk, yuk. A bony friend sat near me, as you can see by his bony hand on the left.

Apologies for the grainy photo. I am still getting a handle on the new camera buttons!

Related posts: Happy Halloween from the Village, Part I, Happy Halloween from the Village, Part II, and All A-Buzz About a Bee, in Union Square.

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Shine em Up, on Central Park South

Photo by myself at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.

As usual, horse-drawn carriages are parked along Central Park South.

One driver shined up his ride's hooves with hoof black, Monday morning. Hoof black is similar to shoe polish, and adds a nice touch to the horse's appearance.

The care of carriage horses has long been a hot-button issue in the city. It is tough to see these animals out in all the extremes of New York weather, rain or shine.

There are laws regarding the horses - carriages operate 9 hours a day, seven days a week and can only work when the weather is between 90F and 18F outside. A team from the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) monitors the horses' treatment.

So far I have not noticed that any horses look abused, though some look sad or bored. I can imagine that standing in one spot with blinders in front of your eyes must be very tough indeed.

Related posts: Carriage Horse, Central Park South, A Repent Sign Guy Meets a Horse Carriage Guy and A Horse, of Course, in Midtown.

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On Passing the Time and New York City BIDs

Photo by myself in Union Square.

People walked around with their eyeballs and ears glued to their phones the other day, in Union Square.

This large, informal open area is host to many impromptu gatherings. You can find musical performances, hackey-sack contests and political protests here. In the background above, a large group jumps rope.

Among scheduled events are the Farmer's Market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. During the holiday season, vendors set up special carts for their goods.

--
How are the parks and open spaces kept so clean, and how are formal events organized?

New York is divided up into 'BID's, or Business Improvement Districts. Businesses and buildings in each neighborhood contribute money to non-profit groups that that maintain the open spaces and activities.

Each neighborhood has its own decorations during the holidays, its own style of trash cans and signage. Lower Manhattan's Downtown Alliance was instrumental in getting people back into the neighborhood after 9/11. Lower Manhattan has its own distinctive street signs and maps.

The 34th Street area has internally lit street signs. The differences are subtle from neighborhood to neighborhood, but if you look closely, you will notice that each neighborhood has its own identity.

When open park areas are kept well-planted and maintained, people use these areas. Nice public spaces means more foot traffic for businesses, and so on.

BIDs are located in all five boroughs of New York City, not just Manhattan. There are 64 BIDs in all, which include everything from Union Square and Times Square, to Long Island City, Queens and Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

For more about the Business Improvement Districts and links to each of them, click here.
--
Thanks for the nice comments regarding yesterday's post. It's been nice seeing my family, though I wish the circumstances were better.

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On the View of Midtown West and Dining In Brooklyn

Photo by myself around 52nd Street and 12th Avenue, on the West Side.

The view from a parking garage on the far west side, looking southwest.

Ahead, the glass towers along Midtown West. The W Hotel is located at 47th Street and Broadway. The building on the very right with the spiky top is the New York Times tower at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue.

The building just above the 'G' in Guess is the Westin Hotel at 43rd Street and Eighth Avenue. The Westin is recognizable for its colored vertical stripes.

--
By the way, on the other side of Manhattan, it's Restaurant Week in Brooklyn.

Restaurants in neighborhoods all over Brooklyn are offering special menus until the end of March. You can enjoy prix fixe lunches for $20.11 and three-course dinners for $25. Every cuisine imaginable is represented.

Some of our favorite restaurants are included, like The Smoke Joint in Fort Greene (bbq) and Anthony's in Park Slope (Italian, great thin crust pizza).

For a map and list of all participating restaurants, click here.

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Handcrafted Objects at the Architectural Digest Design Show

Photo by myself at the 2011 Architectural Digest Home Design Show, at 55th and 12th Avenue on the Upper West Side.

Above, the work of Mark A. Perry, a folk artist who lives in Rhode Island. His fanciful works in wood seemed to be imbued with hidden meaning.

My fiance Mark and I attended the Architectural Digest Home Design Show held at Pier 94, this Sunday. The show started last Thursday and ended yesterday.

This was the 10th year of the show, sponsored by the magazine Architectural Digest, or AD for those in the biz. The magazine publishes high end residential work by architects and decorators.

Over 300 exhibitors showed home furnishings, such as custom furniture, hand-blown glass lights and textiles. There was also a separate section devoted entirely to art. We encountered innovative and beautiful objects at every turn.


The delicate work of Jedediah Morfit. A bas-relief in plaster was suspended in front of a painted surface.

The themes of much of the work seemed to be reclaimed or natural materials. There was a good deal of furniture made of beautiful rare wood and glass objects in earthy colors.


Custom made wood pieces by Patrick Weder Design, a craftsman working out of Brooklyn.


Burled end tables, lamps and handmade earthenware by dbO Home.


Playful cast iron coat hooks resemble hands in different poses, by Nick Davis.

The above images are just a smattering of what we saw. Mark and I walked away with our heads full of ideas for our apartment.

What was especially refreshing was how open the exhibitors were to having their work photographed. Thankfully, there is the understanding that photographs can be less about stealing ideas than promotion on a large scale.

For more information on the AD Show and to sign up for their mailing list for next year's event, click here.


Faux aquariums created by Samantha Freeman. Fish were painted on layers of clear glass, creating a sense of depth.

Related posts: Now on Display, at the Annual Winter Antiques Show, At the Brooklyn Museum - The Dizzying World of Murakami and East (Side) Versus West (Side).

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Now on Display, at the Annual Winter Antiques Show

Photo by myself, at Park Avenue and East 67th Street.

From now until January 30th, you can attend one of the best antiques shows there is. The Annual Winter Antiques Show is currently being held at the Park Avenue Armory on the Upper East Side.

Over seventy exhibitors from all over display works of art, antiquities and fine furniture. Most of the exhibitors hail from New York and London. Other cities represented are Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris and Ontario.

The show started this past Friday, and Mark and I toured through on Saturday afternoon. A good portion of the items were listed in the tens of thousands of dollars. Some were listed in the hundreds of thousands.

I saw a Matisse line drawing, for instance, a pair of copper doorhandles from the Roman period and a huge alabaster vase from the 1st Millenium BC.

Mark's first stammer to me was,'This is some high end stuff!' (Only he didn't use the word 'stuff').


A stunning display of armor and weaponry at the dramatically lit Peter Finer booth.


Objects represented Asian art, American Folk art, Ancient Art and even Mid-Century Modern Furniture.


An early American Art exhibitor included an ark and an incredible display of carved animals, arranged two-by-two.


Fine furnishings and textiles were plentiful.


Fabric covered the aisles and booths, creating an intimate feeling. The actual ceiling of the Armory can be seen beyond. Above, copper door knockers dating from Roman times.

It was startling to see some people actually shopping at this venue, rather than simply ogling at the museum quality pieces. There were many Upper East Siders about, wandering in fur coats and bow ties.

Tickets are $20 per person. All proceeds go to benefit the East Side House Settlement, a group rehabilitating a particularly troubled area of the South Bronx. The show continues until January 31.

For tickets and other information, click here.

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