Photo by myself, in Midtown.
Nothing is immune to graffiti, round these parts. Not even Miss Liberty herself.
Related posts: Posing with Miss Liberty, on Central Park South, Lady Liberty, in the Distance, and Statues of Liberty, in Midtown.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
The Statue of Liberty, in Midtown
Friday, August 15, 2014
Looking North, from the Promenade
Photo by myself, from the Brooklyn Promenade.
The Brooklyn Promenade is actually cantilevered over the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (what we call the BQE). Here, you can see the walkway and its concrete support underneath. The blue car below is headed east on the BQE, which will eventually get you to Queens.
The buildings are warehouses along the water. There is also a new park called Brooklyn Bridge Park that hugs the Brooklyn shoreline, and some shipping piers that have been renovated into new soccer fields (!). Across the East River lies the southern tip of Manhattan, which includes South Street Seaport and the Financial District.
Related posts: The View from the Promenade, The East River, at Dusk, and Not a Bad View from Here.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
On the N Train, on the Manhattan Bridge
Photo by myself on the subway.
A little girl looks outside, while the subway crosses the Manhattan Bridge, heading toward Brooklyn.
Related posts: Riding Piggyback, in Midtown, Standing on a Stoop, on the Lower East Side, and Young Man, on the Subway Platform.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
A Glimpse of the Garment District, in Midtown
Photo by myself, around 39th Street and Eighth Avenue.
The Garment District is tiny now, compared to how it used to be. It is now reduced to a few blocks on the west side, between 40th and 36th Streets, in Midtown.
There are stores selling fabrics, buttons and sewing supplies. There are also some designers there and work rooms that produce clothing. It is not uncommon to see guys pushing racks of dresses or coats down the sidewalk.
Related posts: Business as Usual, in the Garment District, Sweatshop, in the Garment District, and Tailor Made, in the Garment District.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
A Kiss, on the Brooklyn Promenade
Photo by myself, in Brooklyn Heights.
Just at the edge of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Promenade overlooks the East River. This view looks north west. Beyond, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building.
It's a romantic park. The Promenade is what it sounds like - a straight stretch along the water. To the right out of frame are beautiful, historic homes. To the left, the water. I'm sure that when the Promenade first opened, couples dressed up in their fanciest clothing and sauntered up and down this walkway.
Since the sun sets in the west, this is an ideal place to watch the sunset, as it descends beyond the Manhattan skyline.
Related posts: A Kiss, in Brooklyn Bridge Park, A Kiss, on Broadway, and Unhate, on Fifth Avenue.
Monday, August 11, 2014
Portrait of a Barber, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Photo by myself around 50th Street and Fifth Avenue, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.
Mark and I drove through Bay Ridge the other day, and a storefront with distinctive lettering caught my eye. I had to take a photo.
Along a strip of eateries and bodegas stood a barber shop from another era. There were the remnants of a tattered awning, rusted roll down doors and a motley assortment in the window - an overgrown plant, an American flag, a couple model ships.
Inside, I was greeted by Tony, the proprietor. Tony told me that he opened his shop fifty years ago. At first I had trouble understanding him and thought he'd said fifteen. No, fifty of course. And the place has remained unchanged.
Haircuts and a shave are ten bucks apiece. Tony soon had a customer. I took my leave, not wanting to distract him. I left, walking on air.
I was so excited by original furnishings and wooden cash register, that I forgot to get out of the photo. Behind me, Tony takes a phone call.
Tony greets his customer with a little kidding around.
Everything gets serious as the master begins work.
The Portrait Series is a once-in-a-while installment, featuring New Yorkers encountered on the street.
Related posts: Portrait of an Entrepreneur, on the Upper East Side, Portrait of a Bike Messenger, in Midtown, and Portrait of a Film Shoot, in Brooklyn Heights.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Husband's Resting Area, on Sixth Avenue
Photo by myself, on Sixth Avenue in Midtown.
A sign outside a jewelry store in Midtown called out the 'Husband's Resting Area'. Below it, some open seats. Ha.
I suppose this could be considered sexist? Or simply honest, since all the jewelry inside is for women.
There are several little jewelry and beading stores on Sixth Avenue, close to the Garment District. This one is fortunate to have some shaded space.
Related posts: Cat Specialists, on the Upper West Side, Outside a Creperie, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and Vent Your Annoyance, for a Buck.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Concept Car, in Midtown
Photo by myself, in Midtown.
A custom white car parked in Midtown turned heads from people passing by.
Parts of this car were were very open, and looked more like a motorcycle than a traditional car. I'm not sure what the occasion was; there were no signs or anything. Its owner must have stepped away for a moment.
The view from the front.
The view of the insides. I have to admit, I was tempted to get in, since there were no doors!
There is some limited parking on the streets in Manhattan, usually limited to an hour or so with a meter. Usually you cannot find parking anywhere and must resort to an overpriced parking garage.
Related posts: Nice Set of Wheels, Yellow Cab, Under Snow, and Camera Van, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Friday, August 8, 2014
Waiting for a Carousel Ride, in Bryant Park
Photo by myself in Bryant Park, around 40th Street and Fifth Avenue.
Nestled among trees on the south side of Bryant Park, sits a carousel. It's the carousel of your dreams, with carved animals to sit on and lights and music. A couple kids were excitedly anticipating their ride, Thursday evening.
Tickets are $3 each. Just steps away, there were 3-minute chess games going on, a book reading, some people practicing hula hoops, and the usual many, many clusters of people chatting or just enjoying the evening.
This park is surrounded by buildings and is widely used, year round. During lunch time, the lawn is filled with office workers taking lunch hour. After work hours, there are free movies playing on a giant screen, and various free activities, ranging from yoga to bocce.
We've been having glorious weather recently, which is unheard of for August in the city, with sunny days and very low humidity. TGIF everyone!
Related posts: On Napping in Bryant Park, and Parking in Brooklyn, Lions, Tigers and Panda Bears, Oh My!, and Odd and Colorful Birds, in Bryant Park.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Free Papers, in Midtown
Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.
We don't have an enormous mainland China population here but on select corners, there are free 'China Daily' papers. Next to this location there was also free paper printed in Hebrew.
Maybe this is a public relations move, but it is rather a subtle one (!). There is always a ton of stuff/crap on the sidewalk, ranging from trash cans to trash bags to bikes to people.
Related posts: Get Your Paper Here, at Union Square, Read All About It, and Signs on Third Avenue.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Wedding Photos, Below Ground
Photo by myself on the Atlantic/Pacific subway platform, in Brooklyn.
An attractive young couple posed for their wedding photos in perhaps the most unromantic place possible, on a New York subway platform. The bride wore a gorgeous gown, its bright white hem brushing the grubby floor tiles. Ick.
I took this photo last night (Wednesday). This was a strange sight to the late rush hour crowd, making their journey home.
This is a very busy station in Brooklyn, where many subway lines cross one another. Many commuters stop here to change trains. The couple's photographer was standing somewhere behind me, to the right.
Related posts: Upside Down on the R Train, On Line Behind Santa, Underground, and Green Man, in Washington Square Park.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Paste-Ups on Bowery, in the East Village
Photo by myself, around Houston Street and Bowery, in the East Village.
A couple paste ups on Houston Street found inspiration in McDonald's - something about food and celebrity and New York eating you alive. (That's Kanye West and Angelina Jolie in the poster on the right). Hm.
It was a busy, sunny day and there were tons of people were walking about. Looking at my photos later, I noticed that there must have been a guitar convention going on, because several people carrying guitar cases walked by in the span of a minute. How strange.
Related posts: Paste Ups, on the Lower East Side, Ninja Assasins, in the East Village, and Graffiti, Williamsburg.
Monday, July 7, 2014
On Shore Leave, in Midtown
Photo by myself around Fifth Avenue and 38th Street, in Midtown.
Much of Manhattan is inward-looking (in more ways that one), so it's sometimes hard to remember that it is an island and one that is visited by ships!
Above, two sailors in uniform looked through some postcards on the sidewalk. I took this recently, that is, not around Memorial Day weekend, when we are visited by many ships. During that time of year, we see many, many sailors in their white uniforms walking around, enjoying themselves.
Happy Monday, everyone!
Related posts: It's Fleet Week, on Sixth Avenue, Ahoy, Matey!, and Saluting Heroes, Along Fifth Avenue, Part Two.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Billionaire's Row, Above Central Park South
Photo by myself, around 67th Street and Fifth Avenue on the Upper East Side.
High above Central Park, around the 20th Floor, you can see quite a bit of Central Park South. Whew, it's a long way down. I was at this location helping a friend measure parts his apartment project.
The square-ish white building to the left is the Plaza Hotel, located at the south east corner of the park. On the far right, the twin glass towers comprise One Central Park, at the south west corner of the park.
The super tall, glass modern building standing at the midpoint was erected only recently, and houses some extremely posh condominium apartments as well as the hotel Park Hyatt. Called 'One 57', for its addresss at One West 57th Street, it is 90 stories high, which is gigantic compared to its pre-war neighbors.
'One 57' is the first in a series of tall towers planned for 57th Street, which is also called 'Billionaire's Row'. These towers will have a crazy view of Central Park, and will make a serious impact to the city as we know it.
The interiors at One 57 are super modern, and apartments cost as much as $30 million.
For more about the building, check out a New York Times article here.
For the building's snazzy website, click here.
Related posts: Bird's Eye View, Above Central Park, A View of Spring, from Central Park South, and The World Above Central Park.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Peeping in to the Desigual Store, on Sixth Avenue
Photo by myself around 35th Street and Sixth Avenue.
A large mural on the side of the Desigual store in Midtown has a sense of humor - a colorful graphic is unzipped, to reveal the building's insides. Some of the scantily clad residents are shown disrobing and...other things, ha.
Billboards and large scale murals are common in certain parts of Manhattan. One must take care not to get distracted and walk into traffic.
Related posts: Airplane Art, Outside the Plaza Hotel, FDNY Mural, in the East Village, and Genesis Mural, in Soho.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Mighty Balls, at Broadway Bites, in Midtown
Photo by myself, around 35th Street and Broadway, in Midtown.
Ah yes. You can get Mighty Balls. To eat.
Now through August 1st, shoppers and visitors near Herald Square can nosh on delicious little dishes representing all sorts of cuisines, and take a break from all that tiring shopping. Lol.
During a quick little tour, I spotted street noodles from Hong Kong, tacos, high end cannolis, gelato, and of course, mighty little meatballs with esoteric sauces. Foodies should skip the shopping altogether and just snack, for goodness sake.
The whole thing is arranged by a group called Broadway Bites. They take a break around Labor day and there is another installment for most of November.
For the Broadway Bites site, including photos and scrumptious vendor list, click here.
Not easy to choose from all the deliciousness.
Related posts: Street Meats, on Seventh Avenue, The Best Hot Dogs, in Times Square, and On Line for Breakfast, in Midtown.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Framing the View, up Broadway
Photo by myself around 36th Street and Broadway, in Midtown.
Several large scale sculptures by the artist Chakaia Booker stand along a stretch of Broadway, in Midtown.
These large, black sculptures are made of recycled rubber from tires. The pieces are woven, tacked and/or tied together to make huge, looming structures that evoke scales, feathers and other natural materials.
Above, one sculpture frames the view north, up Broadway. What look like tentacles seem to make the artwork come to life. The sculptures will remain for view through November.
For more about the artist, including images of all five sculptures that comprise 'The Sentinels' series, click here.
Related posts: Barber Shop, Brooklyn, Watch Repair, in Sunset Park, and Outside a Deli, in Brooklyn.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Shuffleboard at the Royal Palms, in Brooklyn
Photo by myself, at the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, in Gowanus Brooklyn.
What looks to be a swanky bar in Brooklyn is actually a swanky bar with shuffleboard courts and old-timey style. Who would think that shuffleboard would be making its comeback? Several games were in full swing, on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club opened earlier this year and is located in a huge space on Union Street. This has been the perfect venue for many a large office party.
For the Royal Palms website, click here.
For an article about their opening in the Times, click here.
Related posts: Barber Shop, Brooklyn, Watch Repair, in Sunset Park, and Outside a Deli, in Brooklyn. Read more...
Thursday, April 24, 2014
A Moment, in Koreatown
Photo by myself, on 32nd Street and Sixth Avenue, in Koreatown.
No, not a shot from Asia, but a moment in Koreatown on 32nd Street.
Koreatown is found within a few blocks in this area of Midtown. Signage for restaurants, karaoke bars, grocery stores and barbershops float well above street level.
Related posts: Cheers, from Koreatown, A Snapshot from Koreatown, 32nd Street, and 32nd and Fifth, in Midtown.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Street Scene, in Chelsea
Photo by myself, around 25th Street and 10th Avenue in Chelsea.
There weren't any live people on the street the other day in Chelsea, but there were plenty of painted ones. Above, a huge mural depicting a street scene. The streetcar shows a 1945 date the destination of Times Square.
The tall building on the left is typical of some of the older buildings in Chelsea - enormous and brick.
We've finally had glimmers of Spring here! Hurrah! We had so many more grey, lifeless days than usual this year.
Related posts: Larger than life Mural, in the East Village, Musicians Galore, on West 3rd Street, and The Rat Pack, on Avenue C.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Streaming Sunshine, in Soho
Photo by myself on Broadway, in Soho.
A photo from an earlier, sunnier and warmer time.
Related posts: Sign of Spring, in Soho, Waiting to Cross, in Soho, and Missing, on Broadway.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
On Storefronts and Finding Vivian Maier
Photo by myself on Macdougal Street, in the Village.
The insides and outsides of the little chili shop drew my attention. Lucky 777 was as red as red can be.
I took this photo last summer. After a quick search though, I found that Lucky 777 has closed (!). It had mixed reviews on Yelp. Some of the complaints were price driven - $9 bowls of chili. Alas.
On another front, there is a great little slideshow on the New Yorker website, featuring candids by Vivian Maier, who lived in Chicago in the 1960's. Born in New York, Maier worked as a nanny but took incredibly striking street photos and movies in her spare time.
Maier's work was discovered by a man doing research for a book he was writing. She had left some 100,000 negatives behind. Not even her close friends knew that she took photos, during her lifetime.
The story of uncovering the mystery of this supremely talented woman is documented in a recent movie called 'Finding Vivian Maier'. It looks fascinating, and includes interviews with her friends and children she had helped raise.
Screenings of this documentary are scheduled through August, throughout the States.
For a preview of this movie, click here.
For the Vivian Maier slideshow on the New Yorker website, click here.
For a recent article on Slate, click here.
Related posts: Outside Big Nick's, on the Upper West Side, Outside Pinisi Bakery, on East 4th Street, and West 10th Street, at Night.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Outside Trump Tower, on Fifth Avenue
Photo by myself around 56th Street and Fifth Avenue, in Midtown.
A photo from the stash, while waiting for the light to change.
There are a number of buildings Trump in New York. I can't keep track of them. They all seem to be tall and with metallic accents.
Related posts: Trumped, on the Upper West Side, Going for the Gold, and Something Old, Something New.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Humor, with a Money Back Guarantee
Photo by myself in Washington Square Park, around West 4th Street.
Here's another photo I took on the way out of the park the other day. A young man offered to tell original jokes, for a dollar apiece.
Money is refunded if you don't laugh. But if you're broke, the joke is on the house.
I was on my way to an appointment, so I couldn't stop to chat with this fellow. Next time!
Related posts: Open Everything That's Closed, on Bowery Street, Thinking Outside the Box, in Union Square, and Death Before Decaf, in Brooklyn.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Crazy for Bubbles, in Washington Square Park
Photo by myself, in Washington Square Park.
We finally had a bona fide Spring-like day, Saturday. Sort of on schedule. Hooray!!!
People walked about, enjoying the air. A couple competitive basketball games were going on at the public courts near West 4th Street, in the Village.
A woman created enormous bubbles in Washington Square Park, to the delight of a gaggle of children. She used two long sticks with string strung up between them. Dipping the string into a soapy mix, she then lifted up the sticks and let the wind do its magic. What a simple yet effective device!
All the grown ups stood around enjoying how excited the kids were, and wishing they could run and jump around, too. It was serious fun.
Huge apologies for my spotty attendance, once again. It's been insanely busy at work. And I've become insanely picky with my photos.
Happy Spring, everyone!
Related posts: Riding Piggyback in Midtown, Last Bit of Summer, in Prospect Park, and Father and Son Serenade.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Reflections, along Bryant Park
Photo by myself around 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue.
The Empire State Building was lit up purple, last Friday night. Its reflection was cast on a building near Bryant Park, which is behind me to the right.
As you can see, there are piles and piles of snow still leftover. Since the piles are located far from the curb, they're refreshingly white. Normally, the piles along the street are much grungier and littered with trash. Ick.
Related posts: The Empire State on St. Patrick's Day, The Empire State Building, Bathed in White, and What's Going Up, Near the ESB.
Friday, February 7, 2014
On the Platform, at 34th Street
Photo by myself on the subway platform at 34th Street, Herald Square.
Subway riders were greeted, Thursday morning, to a scrappy duo playing the accordian and trumpet.
Related posts: String Duet, Below Brooklyn, Jazz Players, on the Subway Platform, and The Morning Serenade.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Dusk, on Carmine Street
Photo by myself on Carmine Street, in the West Village.
There was a blue-ish cast to the light, Sunday evening. As on most Sundays, the sidewalks in the Village were nearly empty of foot traffic.
It is cold, cold, cold here, with no end in sight. Er, did I mention...cold?
People are trudging about wrapped up in hats, scarves, gloves, and high boots. Under the clothing, long johns and/or other long underwear are a must. Every bit of skin needs protection from the wind. Yipes!!!
Related posts: The Freedom Tower, at Dusk, All Aglow, on 57th Street, and The Ghostly Glow, at Times Square.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Street View, on the Upper East Side
Photo by myself on 85th Street and Third Avenue, on the Upper East Side.
A photo from the recent stash, before the recent snowstorm.
The street view along 85th Street is predictable - apartment buildings with stores on the bottom and residences above. Fire escapes and signs dangle from the building facades. The sidewalk is unusually clean.
Right now, we're covered with snow and it is completely freezing outside. The brisk wind makes it feel like -2(F) or -18(C). Ugh!
Related posts: Thursday Morning on Lex, on the Upper East Side, The World Walks By, on Fifth Avenue, and Night View, Near the Dakota.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Homeless on the Subway Platform
Photo by myself, on the 34th Street subway platform in Midtown.
We're due for a heavy snowfall overnight. With every extreme change of weather, the homeless seek shelter, often in subway stations.
Above, a man stood with his belongings piled up in a shopping cart. At his feet was a sign that read 'Please keep your money and your food'.
I'm not quite sure how this man gets by. I think he was praying, and that this was not the first time I've seen him. An earlier photo here.
Related posts: On the Sidewalk, on Fifth Avenue, The World Walks By, on Fifth Avenue, and Baby, It's Cold Outside.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
9:25 am, on the B Train
Photo by myself, on the morning commute.
Ah yes, back to the grind.
I know I've taken a lot of photos like this on the subway - people immersed in their thoughts or devices, or simply catching up on sleep.
There is the burst of sunlight when the subway emerges from the tunnel to cross the Manhattan Bridge. Reflections bounce off every shiny anti-graffiti surface.
Related posts: Business as Usual, on the Q Train, Daylight, on the B Train to Manhattan, and Sunset, on the Ride to Brooklyn.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Snow, on Sixth Avenue
Photo by myself, on Sixth Avenue in Midtown.
After the snow last week, the snowplows did not reach the streets by morning rush hour. People trudged around in boots and snow gear. At street corners, the snow quickly became a slushy grey mess.
Of course, now with the wacky weather, all the snow is melted. It is 50 degrees F this morning (10 deg. C)!
Related posts: All Lit Up, on Fifth Avenue, Burning Bright, in Times Square, and The Ghostly Glow of Times Square.
Friday, January 3, 2014
First Snow, in Times Square
Photo by myself at 42nd Street and Broadway, in Times Square.
The snow started coming down Thursday night, our first snow of the year. The forecast predicts the snow will continue all night long. We may get as much as 20 inches of the white stuff (!).
In Times Square, people kept looking up, as if it were still raining New Year's confetti. The air was very chilly and all the light snow was swirling around.
Related posts: All Lit Up, on Fifth Avenue, Burning Bright, in Times Square, and The Ghostly Glow of Times Square.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
New Years Eve, on Sixth Avenue
Photo by myself on Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
The Empire State Building is bathed in red and green, to celebrate the holiday season.
Across the street, you can barely see that the crosswalk and sidewalks are mobbed with shoppers carrying big bags of stuff. End-of-year sales are going on at every store.
My best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy new year.
Related posts: The Empire State, on St. Patrick's Day, The Empire State, at Dusk, and The Empire State Building, Bathed in White. Read more...
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Holiday Festivities at the Lotos Club, on the Upper East Side
Photo by myself at the Lotos Club, at 66th Street and Fifth Avenue.
The stunning interiors of the Lotos Club, a private literary club, were decorated for the holidays. I was lucky to have been invited to a party held there, last week.
The Club is located inside a building constructed in 1900. One can just imagine how it was when first built, with people walking about in historic dress.
The floors were oak in a herringbone pattern. The fireplace was ablaze. There were waitstaff milling about with champagne flutes, wine and hors d'oeuvres. Tables were set up, laden with cheeses, oysters, shrimp and all else. Needless to say I felt underdressed!
The immense fireplace in the library was festooned with garlands. Books line the walls and are accessed by rolling ladders.
A bar was set up below a stunning staircase.
To visit the Lotos Club website, click here.
Related posts: Filming Outside Grand Prospect Hall, in Brooklyn, Inside the Park Avenue Armory, and City Portraits - The Williamsburgh Bank, in Brooklyn.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Outside Tiffany's, on Fifth Avenue
Photo by myself on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, in Midtown.
One of the best holiday displays at the moment must be the exterior of Tiffany's.
The usually sober granite storefront has been decorated for the season with vinyl graphics, showing a pretty streetfront. Here and there in windows and on stoops are those signature blue Tiffany gift boxes.
It started snowing this morning and it's due to snow all day. Stay warm, everyone!
Related posts: The Holiday Windows, at Bergdorf Goodman, West 10th Street, at Night, and It's Holiday Time, on Display at Macy's.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Townhouse, in the Village
Photo by myself somewhere around West 4th Street, in the Village.
Many of the townhouses around West 4th Street are well kept, with ornamental metal work and pretty stoops. The townhouse above had a pretty, wreath on its door, suited for the season.
As for the city, it's been flooded with tourists. Any drive down Fifth Avenue is lined with sidewalks filled with people looking up and about.
Related posts: Living Large, on the Upper East Side, Browsing Around, in the Village, and A Dash of Charm, in the Village. Read more...
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