Peering into Another World, at Macy's, Midtown

Photo by myself outside Macy's, at Sixth Avenue and 34th Street, in Midtown.

The windows at Macy's are up and running. The sidewalk outside is crowded with adults and children.

Several large windows along the Sixth Avenue entrance are filled with large, colorful, moving displays. Figurines swivel and move to music. Backgrounds unfold and slide open. It's hard to believe these windows are done up every year.


One vitrine featured a small town with Christmas carolers.


Each exhibit combines text, moving characters and scenery.


In one display window, the facade of the New York Public Library slides open to reveal a reading room heaped with books.

Incidentally, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade will take place today on the Upper West Side. The parade starts at 77th Street and Columbus Avenue and marches south, ending outside the Macy's department store, some 40 blocks away. The parade starts at 9am Eastern Standard Time.

Related posts: Happy Thanksgiving, at Macy's, On Kids in the Slope, and in the Country and Playing Ball in the Public Courts.

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Seen, Below Ground

Photo by myself at the subway platform below 34th Street.

After a very long and stressful day at work, it was more than a little nice to listen to live music. An accordian player played tunes from Fiddler on the Roof, like 'If I were a Rich Man'.

After I took this photo, I showed the musician the image my camera. He nodded and said simply, 'That is me.'

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Incidentally, I came home Tuesday night to Mark watching Splash on television.

Yes, 'Splash', the movie from the mid-80's about a guy (a young Tom Hanks) who meets a mermaid (a young Darryl Hannah). It's so very well done and so very 80's.

It's also a great movie to watch for glimpses of New York City! There are street musicians, walks through Times Square, Central Park and the Upper West Side. Chase scenes careen through Midtown, along the East River and down lower Broadway.

Of course, the old Fulton Fish Market, which used to be located near the Brooklyn Bridge for 180 years, plays a large role in the movie.

Related posts: Seranading Crowds on the Subway Platform, Music While you Wait and On Singing Groups and the Current Vibe.

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More Free Hugs, in Union Square

Photo by myself at Union Square, at 14th Street and University Place.

I was greeted on Sunday by a young fellow who was giving out free hugs. He and a small group of people held 'Free Hug' signs, as part of the Free Hug Campaign. I've seen free huggers before in Union Square many times.

The Free Hugs Campaign began as a 'random act of kindness' in Australia in 2004. It has since become a movement that has traversed the globe. The Free Hug Campaign forum page lists news from free huggers on every continent.

My free hug and this fellow's good humor brightened my day. I hope he brightens yours.


A great big grin from my hugger.

For the internet home of the Free Hugs Campaign, click here.

Related posts: Free Hugs, Union Square, Reasons to be Pretty, Times Square and Visions of a Cheeseburger, Midtown.

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100-Vendors Selling, at Union Square Holiday Market

Photo by myself in Union Square.

Oh yes, with Thanksgiving comes the holiday shopping season. New York City is so commerce-driven, it wastes no time at all before pitching tents and hawking wares.

The open-air holiday market in Union Square is in full swing. From now til Christmas Eve, over 100 vendors are selling crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, food, housewares and all else. Crowds of people were in attendance. The array was dizzying!

There was an abundance of mittens, scarves and hats, especially hats with ears or animal faces. These are perfect gifts because 1) one size fits all and 2) few would already have a green hat with Shrek ears!


Above, puppets to suit any occasion.


Gifts range from smaller items to large prints and paintings.


Musical instruments, wind chimes, candles...you can get it all here.


Soft goods with a handmade look, such as hats, mittens and sweaters, made a strong showing.


My favorite of the day, a green hat with Shrek ears, center.

Related posts: Holiday Cheer, Already in Bryant Park, The Markets in Union Square and Shops Galore, in Union Square.

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Happy Thanksgiving Week

Photo by myself in Battery Park, at the southern tip of Manhattan.

It's Thanksgiving week in the States. A week of travel, gatherings and feasting.

Above, a large wild bird in Battery Park. I'm not sure whether this is a turkey, but he looks very close to one!

Nice to know that there are birds in New York beyond the humble pigeon. Red tailed hawks lurk in Central Park. Parrots flock together in Brooklyn. Years ago, I saw a gorgeous orange rooster in Riverside Park. And now, a large wild bird downtown!

Related posts: The Hua Mei Bird Garden, in Chinatown, The Bird Man of Washington Square Park and Odd and Colorful Birds, Bryant Park.

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The View from the Pulaski Bridge

Photo by myself from the Pulaski Bridge, in Brooklyn.

This photo was taken while crossing the Pulaski Bridge in the car. The bridge is located between Long Island City and Greenpoint, Brooklyn. From there, you get a nice view of Midtown. In the foreground are warehouses jutting out into the East River.

The Chrysler Building on the right, is only seven blocks north of the Empire State Building, center. It is a short walk from one building to the next.

One of the things you notice after living here is that you really don't perceive Manhattan as an island. Unlike other cities like Hong Kong, Manhattan's waterfront is not so accessible. Some people live along the water and enjoy it while exercising in the parks, but the majority of Manhattanites are immersed among buildings.

Related posts: Different Vistas, On Six-Word Memoirs, in Print and Looking Out to Central Park West.

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Flipping Out, Below Ground

Photo by myself on the subway around 42nd Street, Times Square.

A band of three performers on the subway broke out into spontaneous acrobatics, Thursday afternoon.

A boom box sits on the floor in the background. Their routine included handstands, pushups and dance moves.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Related posts: Acrobatics Below 34th Street, Shall We Dance, 34th Street and Cowboy Dancer, in Midtown.

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And the Crowd Roared, in Bryant Park

Photo by myself in Bryant Park.

Yes, the outdoor skating rink is already set up in Bryant Park. It's pretty neat to skate in the midst of tall buildings.

A crowd of school children gathered around the perimeter. Strangers skated by, high-fiving the kids, eliciting cheers.

With daytime temps at times in the 50s, I wonder how this is possible. This ice rink is temporary. Below it is a large grassy lawn that is very popular in the summer months.

Related posts: How's About a Game?, On the Ice, in Midtown and Serious Fun, in Bryant Park.

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In the Shadows of Houston Street

Photo by myself on Houston and Mott Streets, in the East Village.

A simple moment on the sidewalk struck me as being painterly.

One of the most enriching things I've gained from snapping photos is a greater appreciation of the environment and the present moment.

The banality of a sidewalk, a storefront, a crowd of people. Just about anything can be an aesthetic experience.

Related posts: The Quality Mending Company, Soho, The Urban Art Form, Downtown and On Skateboard Graphics and Subways in Mid-Air.

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Alone with People, on the Lower East Side

Photo by myself at Ludlow and Rivington Streets, on the Lower East Side.

Mikey's Burgers specializes in burgers and shakes, on the lower East Side. There is just enough room inside to sit around the bar.

It's a common paradox of life in the city - you can be up against people all day long but still wind up feeling very much alone.

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I don't mean to be a downer, but I want to be honest about living here. Of course, everyone has different experiences. I'm sure some people run around single and fancy free.

Speaking of fancy free, I overheard one guy on the subway not long ago speaking loudly about the women he knew, objectifying each one. He announced that he would 'upgrade' soon (that is, trade his current girlfriend in). It was absolutely outrageous. And just when I was ready to record him on my phone, he and his friend stepped off the train.

I'll post some happy photos, of course, never fear.

Related posts: A Moment Alone in the East Village, Sun Salutation, in the East Village and Before the Game, in Alphabet City.

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Through the Glass, at Russ and Daughters

Photo by myself on Houston between Orchard and Allen Streets, on the Lower East Side.

Russ and Daughters, a specialty food store on the Lower East Side, has been in operation nearly 100 years.

In the window, there are crates of dried fruits, including pears, apricots, peaches and mangoes. Inside, they sell caviars and a large assortment of smoked fish, including salmon, herring and trout.

For a peek inside the store, click here.
Check out the Russ and Daughters website, where you can order their food online here.

Related posts: Live Poetry, on the Lower East Side, Making Off with the Lower East Side and Sweet Dreams at Economy Candy, Downtown.

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The King of Song, Below Ground

Photo by myself below 34th Street.

A blues singer named Remy Francois played for commuters. Every time I see this singer, he is wearing a crown and looks a bit sad.

The MTA sponsors art and artists, including musicians. There are non-sponsored musicians all over the place, who play in the stations, on platforms and in the trains. Only the sponsored ones have their names printed on banners.

Related posts: On Bach Partitas and Danger Underground, Don's Stop Music on the Upper West Side and Strike up the Band, in Washington Square Park.

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Saluting Heroes, along Fifth Avenue, Part Two

Members of the Marines Corps marched down Fifth Avenue on Veteran's Day, last Thursday.

A few remaining photos from the Veteran's Day parade. I was so tired Thursday night, I didn't get to go through all my images and found some others worth sharing.

The upcoming holiday season in New York is a busy one. The Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center was just erected this week. There will be decorations and special street fairs. There will be the Thanksgiving Parade down Central Park West.

I'll do my best to get around and give you all a sense of what it's like here. It will be over the top festivity!


Bagpipes, often associated with those in uniform, made an appearance in full regalia.


The patriotic spirit extended well beyond the US.


The men and women of the US Navy.

Related posts: Greetings from New York, The Veteran's Day Parade, on Fifth Avenue and Riding High.

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Saluting Heroes, along Fifth Avenue, Part One

Photo by myself around Fifth Avenue and 35th Street, in Midtown.

Some snaps from the Veteran's Day Parade on Thursday. Luckily, my schedule worked out so I could escape the office.

The parade was sparsely attended as usual, since the day fell on a weekday and businesses were open. Onlookers gave their humble thanks to those who have represented this country in combat.

American flags were on display along the parade route on Fifth Avenue between 23rd Street and 59th Street. It was particularly nice to see high school kids involved in the parade. The mix between young and old made this a parade for everyone.


Enormous flags were pulled down the street.


Most veterans represented the Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II.


It was impressive to see some veterans in full uniform.


Various high school bands marched with pride.

Related posts: The Veteran's Day Parade, on Fifth Avenue, Parading Down Fifth Avenue and Strolling Down Fifth Avenue, Hand in Hand.

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On the Subway Platform and On Parade

Photo by myself below 34th Street, in Midtown.

As usual, the colder months move the homeless into the subway for warmth.

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Thursday is Veteran's Day in the US, and the Veteran's Day Parade! The day honors all those who have served in the military.

Along Fifth Avenue between 23rd and 59th Streets, veterans and floats will celebrate the occasion. The parade has taken place every year in New York since 1929. Crowds of people line the route and cheer the veterans and marching bands.

The parade will be televised live on NBC, and the coverage starts at noon. If you have a chance, tune in. It can be quite moving to see generations of proud veterans marching in their uniforms, and generations of onlookers giving their heartfelt thanks.

Related posts: Life in High Contrast, Baby, It's Cold Outside and Homeless Man, Central Park.

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A Sunset View from Battery Park

Photo by myself in Battery Park.

A sunset view from Battery Park, at the southmost tip of Manhattan.

The Financial District and the rest of the city is to the left right. To the right left, out of view, is Staten Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Looking west across the Hudson River, you can see the towers in Jersey City, New Jersey.

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Ha, sorry for the careless mistake. I've been swamped and short on time, lately!

Related posts: Sunset Outside Battery Park City, On the Hudson River and Stupid Pet Tricks and Docked Along the West Side.

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Here's Looking at You, in Washington Square Park

Photo by myself in Washington Square Park.

I was spotted by both a woman and her little dog the other day, while taking photos in Washington Square Park. Yikes.

Not much to report here, except that with the time change on Sunday, the sun will be setting at 4:45 pm!!!!

Yup.

It will get worse from now til December 21st, before it gets better. A challenge for taking photos, but nothing we can't overcome!

Related posts: Outside Biography Books, Bleeker Street, On Little Black Dresses and Little Black Dogs and Sharing a Moment.

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Over Drinks, in the East Village

Photo by myself, somewhere in the East Village.

Two friends exchanged stories in a bar.

I wish I remembered where this was, but it was snapped in a hurry, just as we passed by.

Related posts: Casimir, on Avenue B, On Mulberry Street and Small Packages and The Royalton, Renovated.

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The 2010 NYC Marathon

Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn, around Mile 7 of the NYC Marathon.

Preceded by a police escort, the men's front runners blazed through Brooklyn.

It was a sunny and nippy day for the marathon. As usual, loads of people turned out along the race route, along with live music to cheer the runners on. The front runners came and went in lightning speed.

I hung around a bit more to watch and cheer. It was moving to see so many runners and so many fans. By the time I walked home and settled down, the race was over. They had already run up through Brooklyn to Queens, up through Manhattan to the Bronx and back down to Central Park. Incredible!


The men's lead pack. Emmanuel Mutai, left, finished second overall. Halle Gebrselassie, in the yellow jersey, one of the greatest runners of all time, later dropped out of the race.


The women's lead pack crossing through Park Slope. Shalane Flanagan, in the red jersey, left, came in second. Edna Kiplagat, the women's winner from Kenya, is not shown.


Some runners dressed in costume. Above, a bride and groom.


Maybe this guy was from LA.


Many runners were from outside New York.


Runners enjoyed high-fiving children along the sidelines.


Entire families showed up to cheer the runners on.

At one point the woman next to me jumped up and down, clapping. She cried, 'Chile, Chile, Chile!!' to me, happily. I nodded back at her. Oh, so she's from Chile?

What I hadn't realized was that Edison Pena, one of the recently rescued miners from Chile, was running the marathon. I wish I'd known, so I could have kept an eye out for him. He wound up walking the course at times but completing the course in 5:40:51.

By the way, our neighbor Chicken Underwear ran the race. He has completed over fifteen NYC marathons so far. Do reach out with congratulations at his blog here.

Yes, everyone was there. What a great time!

Related posts: Running Down the Streets of New York, The 2009 NYC Marathon and Running Along the Edge of Manhattan.

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Grinning and Bearing it, on 42nd Street

Photo by myself on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, near the New York Public Library.

It's a little chilly out. Some New Yorkers take this with a smile, others, with a grimace.

42nd Street is very crowded for the obvious reason of being a major part of Times Square. It is also a mecca for commuters. Both Grand Central Station, with trains to Connecticut and Philadelphia, and Port Authority, with buses to New Jersey and Boston, are located on either end of 42nd Street.

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Mark you calendars - the New York City Marathon will be held this Sunday!

Runners will set out at 8:30 am to run the 26+ miles through each of New York City's five boroughs. More than 100,000 runners send in applications. Only 43,000 runners are selected by lottery to participate.

Some runners will be going barefoot (!). A recent article in the Times reports that at least a few runners will be going barefoot, as a more natural and 'healthy' way to run.

I will be taking photos on the course as usual in Brooklyn, and will keep an eye out for barefoot runners.

For those interested in watching in real time, there is a NYC Marathon channel that will stream live coverage online. Click here on Sunday morning on the Official NYC Marathon site.

Related posts: Older Birds, Fifth Avenue, On the New York Streets, Then and Now and Old Friends, in Alphabet City.

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On Rainy Nights and Busy Days

Photo by myself at Broadway and 35th Street, in Midtown.

The image above was taken about a month ago, when it was still okay to wear short sleeves. Now, no longer.

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Has this been the fastest week ever?

One project on the Upper East Side is wrapping up. The contractor is working furiously so the client can move in before Thanksgiving. Fifteen guys are in the apartment, staining floors, painting walls and installing tile.

One guy perches on a ladder skim coating a hallway. He has to climb down every time someone walks by, so the walls aren't damaged by equipment or the stray brush of a hand. It is mayhem.

In the end, it will turn out fine. Little oversights and mistakes pop up, things overlooked in the process. I've been having work nightmares, because of it. One dream involved me in a dingy room crammed with furniture, and it was my job to somehow make it look good.

When I encounter a mistake, I usually ask myself: 'Did anyone die?' Answer to that has so far been 'no'. Then I tell myself that I'll never make that particular mistake again, and carry on.

TGIF everyone!

Related posts: Rain, Rain, Go Away, Umbrellas in Midtown and Hailing in the Rain, Midtown/a>.

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Signs of Evil, on 8th Street

Photo by myself on 8th Street and Broadway, in the Village.

Above, what must be an art exhibit, declaring that certain celebrities, (and me, you, and your mother) are evil.

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From the looks of recent photos, you'd think that all New Yorkers are Bohemian artists, romping about, not a care in the world. Not so!

I've been presenting a very one-sided view of our fair city. We don't all make stuff at home to sell on the street. I'm sure there are many, many New Yorkers who wish they could, and there are others who don't make stuff but go out and buy the stuff that's made, which keeps the artists fed, so they can continue to go make stuff...

Anyway, I will have to get myself to parts of Midtown and Wall Street pronto to represent New Yorkers in business attire. Yes, some people still dress up in suits and sensible shoes!

Related posts: Eco-Coolness and Another Look at the Videotape, Shoot the Freak, Coney Island and Free Hugs, Union Square.

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Portrait of a Skateboard Artist, on Prince Street

Photo by myself, on Prince Street and Broadway, in SoHo.

A young artist was selling art in the form of hand-painted skateboards in SoHo, Tuesday afternoon.

Sitting beside his work, the artist told me his story: A few weeks ago he was hit by a car while crossing the street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. His left arm is now in a sling, and he has partial nerve damage along the left side of his body. He counts himself very lucky to be alive.

'It's a great story. All this work was painted with one arm', he said. Good thing he is right-handed.

I asked if he had a website. 'I prefer to meet my customer,' he said. What looks to be stickers are painted by hand. Each skateboard is unique and reasonably priced.

You can find the artist and his work on Prince Street, between Broadway and Mercer. For various reasons, he asked that his name and face not be published. Email me if you would like to contact him directly; I have his email address.

The Portrait Series is a once-in-a-while installment, featuring New Yorkers encountered on the street.

ps: If you have a spare moment, do stop by at Greenwich Village Daily Photo and leave a note for our good friend Ken Mac.

Ken lost his dear mother recently. He has shared childhood photos of himself and his family, alongside photos of Old New York. Ken is a passionate voice for the city that is disappearing before our eyes.

Related posts: Five New Yorkers, on the Upper East Side, Playing Pianos as Public Art and I *Heart* New York, Downtown.

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On Broadway, in SoHo

Photo by myself on Broadway at Prince Street in SoHo.

And just like that, we've gone from sunny, mid-50 degree days to chilly November, where temperatures have fallen to the mid-30s at night. Brrrrrr.

Little street food carts, with their lightbulbs shining, provide an image of warmth on the sidewalk. I journeyed Uniqlo in SoHo Monday night, where their entire stock of womens black stockings is sold out.

You can get footless stockings, assorted leggings (also footless), regular socks, knee-highs, sweaters, tee shirts, puffy coats etc., but not one black stocking, perhaps the most important item in a female New Yorker's wardrobe. Their tights, solid and patterned, are well priced, at $4.90 a pair.

Related posts: Serving it up from the Back of a Truck, On Line for Cream Cakes, Outside and Look Who's Lighting up Broadway.

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Happy Halloween from the Village, Part II

Photo by myself near Washington Square Park, in the Village.

People of all ages were out Sunday afternoon in Halloween costume. There was a festive and light-hearted feeling to the air.

Mobs of police were out too. With all the costumes and uniforms, it was tough to know who was what. At one point, Mark pointed out a fellow sitting on a bench with a huge cast on his leg. Was it real or part of a disguise?


New York's finest were prepared for anything.


Masks were for sale for those caught without a costume.


It was just warm enough to eat outside at Sixth Avenue and Houston Street.

Related posts: Halloween Musicians and the NYC Marathon, The 2009 NYC Marathon and All A-Buzz About a Bee, in Union Square.

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