Photo by myself, around 28th Street and Broadway, in the Flatiron District.
Even on dark streets, you can find people wandering around until late.
This photo was taken Thursday night. It was nice and summery outside, perfect long-walk-after-dinner weather.
Not many businesses are open in this area at night, yet there is a sense of safety. I'm not sure where the line is drawn between 'safe' and 'unsafe', but a line definitely exists.
The same area must have been desolate and dangerous a few decades ago.
Related posts: Bright Lights, Big City, Columbus Circle, At Dusk and Under the Lights, at 54th and Fifth.
Friday, September 30, 2011
All Ablur, on Broadway
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Double Decker View, in Midtown
Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.
The view from the double decker buses is a unique one.
Apart from the crowded sidewalk, you have long vistas of the avenues. You're also close to the detail of all the older buildings, which is sometimes lost blocked by signage and canopies.
A number of tour bus companies offer single day tickets where you can hop on and off.
Apologies for the tardy and spotty posts of late. It has been soooo busy here.
At home, I've been dealing with downed elevators and building leaks. At work, I've been drawing up fancy Kitchens and Dining Room tables that seat 12 or more. This is a little disconcerting, since many New York apartments don't even have Dining Rooms.
There have been warnings of another dip in the economy, but judging by the surge of projects and project deadlines, we have nothing to worry about.
Related posts: Tourist's Eye View, Fifth Avenue, Greetings from Above, in Midtown and On New York Bike Tours and Real Housewives. Read more...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
String Duet, Below Brooklyn
Photo by myself at the Atlantic Pacific subway station, in Brooklyn.
Two young violinists serenaded subway riders, Tuesday evening. They played a series of classical duets.
I spoke briefly with Abi and Tim, who were very talented and friendly. Both have completed their training and are trying to 'make it' in the City.
Abi told me she performs and teaches, no longer working part-time at a cafe. She said the hardest part about relying on music for a living is not knowing how much you'll earn each day.
They be found playing at various subway stations in Brooklyn and the Upper West Side, near Columbia University. (Union Square, Tim says, is oversaturated).
A large crowd formed at one point, before the subway came. The nice thing is, the violin case they were using was filled with donations.
Related posts: Pulling Strings on the Subway Platform, Singing the Blues, Below Ground and Strike Up the Band, in Washington Square Park.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Walking and Reading, Downtown
Photo by myself around Cortlandt and Church Streets, in the Financial District.
Walking is the primary form of transport in the city.
Multitasking while walking is common. All the better to get stuff done.
Happy Monday, everyone!
Related posts: On the Federal Buildings and Statistics, On Line for the Ferry, at Pier 11 and Reflections from the Freedom Tower.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Taking A Break, on Sixth Avenue
Photo by myself around Sixth Avenue and 35th Street, in Midtown.
What looked like restaurant cooks took a break on a street corner, last week.
I was walking to the office and these guys made a noticeable sight. I believe they were cooking for an event held later for the UN and President Obama.
Scores of streets were shut down for the UN last Tuesday, by the way. The sidewalks were hemmed in with metal barricades, to prevent pedestrian traffic. It made the commute home difficult.
Correction - A Flickr friend told me these guys actually work around the corner at a steakhouse.
Related posts: Skating Under the Empire State, On the Menu and Serving up Sushi at 15 East 15th.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Skating In-Line, in Prospect Park Brooklyn
Photo by myself in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.
The main loop in Prospect Park was busy with a race for in-line skaters, Saturday morning.
Serious rollerbladers geared up in colorful jerseys zipped around in formation. The usual crowd of runners, joggers and cyclists were out, too, despite high humidity.
There are always tons of activities in Prospect Park, including bird walks, nature classes and farmers' markets. Check out the Prospect Park calendar, here.
Related posts: Skating Under the Empire State, Playing Ball in the Public Courts and Enjoying a Ride, in Central Park.
Friday, September 23, 2011
A Glimpse of the Naked Cowboy, in Times Square
Photo by myself in Times Square.
A fellow dressed as the Naked Cowboy performed for crowds in Times Square.
I posted photos of the cowboy earlier, here, and he was much, much more muscular (!).
Like any good capitalist, whoever the real Naked Cowboy is, must rent out his name and likeness. He's probably lounging along the Riveria while his clones work the streets.
Happy Friday, everyone!
Related posts: Looking Around, in Times Square, At a Crossroads, in Times Square and On the View in Times Square and Street Photography.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Signs of Attitude, on the West Side
Photo by myself, somewhere on the West Side.
It should come as no surprise that you can find several warehouses to store your stuff in New York.
Manhattan Mini Storage is known for its snarky ads. For an article about their campaign in AdWeek, click here.
Related posts: Our Commander in Chief, Above 7th Avenue, Signs of Evil, on 8th Street and Shoot the Freak, Coney Island.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
The Woman with a Cat on Her Back
Photo by myself, in Midtown.
A cat lounged with his giant, stuffed buddies, Monday afternoon.
Just down the street from my office, there is a cat that lives in a shop. Nearly every day, he comes out and sits on the sidewalk across from two stuffed teddy bears.
For many minutes, he will sit and stare at the bears. Sometimes he sits and stares at his own reflection in the metal storefront. For a cat, he is an odd bird ;-)
After I took the above photo, I crossed the street. Moments later, a woman walked down the sidewalk and said hello to the cat.
She squatted down to pet the cat. The cat then....climbed up on her lap....and then climbed up on her back. Haha. I was lucky to catch the acrobatics.
By the way, one of the most popular posts on this site is The Guy with a Cat on His Head. He and his cat are fixtures here in the city.
Related posts: Cats on Leashes, Cat on a Leash, in Midtown and Beware of Cat, East Village.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
With Pushcart, in Chelsea
Photo by myself, somewhere in Chelsea.
I've written before that it's not easy for the elderly to get around the city. In fact, it's a mixed bag.
Walking up and down multiple stairs to the subway or to one's apartment can be difficult, and sidewalks are often crowded and uneven. But the buses are a great alternative and they're reliable, too.
If you live in an elevator building, then daily life is much easier. You can get groceries delivered for a few bucks.
Related posts: The Jazzman, 34th Street, Old Friends, in Alphabet City and Older Birds, on Fifth Avenue.
Monday, September 19, 2011
On Line, in Midtown
Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.
A line of people were waiting for their morning coffee or pastries, in Midtown. For some reason, this coffee truck was very popular.
Coffee trucks can be more personal than larger shops. The owner will often remember your daily order and serve it up with a smile and without any instruction.
Back to the daily grind. Happy Monday, everyone!
Related posts: In Line, on the Phone, Lining Up, Election Day and Waiting on Line, Fifth Avenue.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
A Bit of Nature in New York
Photo by myself, somewhere in the East Village.
Here's a palate cleanser, a little nature in the city.
Our dog Rupert encountered a little stylish dog in the East Village a while ago.
You know the type - a chip on the shoulder, a certain bounce in his walk. He probably knows everything about celebrity gossip and has several tattoos. ;-)
The East Village is still a little rough around the edges. Their fashion sense follows suit.
Meanwhile, Saturday morning, we were in Prospect Park. Dogs are allowed to run around off leash before 9 am.
Out of nowhere, a little bird flew up to another dog owner and perched on his shoulder. The little bird started hopping around on the man's arms. It was bizarre, and several people noticed.
The man took out a dog biscuit and started feeding the bird. I talked to him briefly and he was just as astounded but remained calm, so not to startle the bird.
I saw something about birds on tv a while ago, where a similar thing happened with a goose. Out of nowhere, the goose decided to attach himself to a man, and a relationship ensued.
Birds tend to make long attachments, so I have to wonder whether the little bird and man are still together?
Related posts: The Bird Man of Washington Square Park, On Swinging Jazz and Sniffing Dogs and Odd and Colorful Birds, in Bryant Park. Read more...
Saturday, September 17, 2011
On Getting Around the City
Photo by myself around 25th Street and 10th Avenue, in Chelsea.
A view at the entrance to a car wash, on 25th Street, near the West Side Highway.
There are gas stations and car dealerships in Manhattan, too.
By the way, the city has announced a bike share program starting in the summer of 2012.
Apparently people sign up with $100 a year. Bike stations will be located all over the place, where you pick up or drop off your ride.
It's a big debate now about whether this is a good idea or a horrible one. Many New Yorkers are very nervous about how congested the sidewalks are already.
For an article in the Gothamist and an assortment of comments, click here.
Related posts: Pedalling Around Columbus Circle, On the West Side Highway and Crossing Broadway, on Wheels. Read more...
Friday, September 16, 2011
On a Cigarette Break, in Chelsea
Photo by myself, around 27th Street and 11th Avenue.
Way west in Chelsea are large warehouse buildings used for storage, offices and art galleries.
I'm not sure what kind of building this was, but it looks like a fellow just received a shipment of bread. He looks like the type who should not be messed around with. Very serious.
By the way, at some delis, a pack of cigarettes costs $15 bucks right now. That's 75 cents per smoke. Smoking is an expensive habit here.
Happy Friday, everyone.
Related posts: Open Spaces, in Chelsea, A Moment Alone, in the East Village and Texting, Schmexting.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
A Cuppa Joe to Go, in Midtown
Photo by myself around 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.
A photo taken from a cab, Wednesday afternoon.
You can see a Starbucks sign in the background. I tried to figure out how many Starbucks locations there are in Manhattan, by doing a search on the Starbucks website.
There are well over 50 locations in the city. (Unfortunately, the site only allows up to 50 listings per search). Anyway, if you're ever going to meet someone 'at Starbucks', be specific in terms of the coordinates!
I made this mistake a while back when planning to meet my cousin at a Starbucks on the Upper West Side. At the time, there are two that were located virtually around the corner from each other.
There is absolutely no reason not to be caffeinated at all times.
The crazy thing is, I wrote the top part of this post before looking at today's Times. By coincidence, is an article there about...Starbucks in New York (!!)
There are 186 Starbucks in Manhattan. There are more Starbucks locations than subway stations. Mark swears there must have been more at some point. #187 is due to open this Friday.
Yes, there is a Zeitgeist.
Check out the Starbucks article, here.
Related posts: Street Corner, in Midtown, Sharing the Sidewalk, 42nd Street and Across the Crowded Sidewalk, in Midtown. Read more...
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Lit up, on Fifth Avenue
Photo by myself in Midtown.
Some of the street signs in Midtown are internally lit with LED lighting. As a result, street lights aren't needed and people can find their way in the dark.
The stretch of Fifth Avenue between 42nd Street and 23rd Street is relatively quiet at night. Most of the businesses there are open only during the day. Lighting the way for pedestrians at night therefore is an issue.
Related posts: Holy Smokes, in the East Village, On Mulberry Street and Small Packages and Shoot the Freak, in Coney Island.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Cabs Galore, on Lexington
Photo by myself around 28th Street and Lexington Avenue.
This tiny neighborhood called 'Curry Hill' is usually lined with Indian and Pakhistani restaurants, and taxi cabs. Many taxi drivers are natives of those countries or they are fans of the delicious cuisine ;-)
I don't blame them! This is one style of food where vegetarian dishes are as tasty or more than meat ones.
By the way, this is the 1,500th post on this blog. Wow! It's been a quick and wild ride.
Thank you all for dropping by and sticking with me! If you have a spare second, try out the 'random post' option on the right margin. You never know what you'll get.
Related posts: Stuck on 8th Ave, Fixing Flats in the Streets and In Search of a Cab, in Midtown. Read more...
Monday, September 12, 2011
Waiting out the Rain, in Curry Hill
Photo by myself around 30th Street and Lexington, in Curry Hill.
A group of attractive women sat under an awning to avoid the raindrops, Saturday afternoon.
'Curry Hill' is so named for its abundance of Indian and Pakistani restaurants. Lexington Avenue and the upper 20's smells like curry (!). Yum!
This is the area to visit, too, if you're shopping for Indian spices and herbal remedies. Kalustyan's is one of the more well-known spice shops. They have over 100 types of salt, alone (!).
You can check out the Kalustyan site, here.
Related posts: What's Cooking, in Curry Hill, Beautiful People, the East Village and Wet and Not-So-Wonderful, Downtown.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Remembering Ten Years Ago Today
Photo by myself near the World Trade Center, in the Financial District.
Above, makeshift memorials are placed near the World Trade Center site, honoring fire fighters who were killed in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy. A ceremony for the families at the World Trade Center site is being held this morning.
In that time, New York has encountered some false alarms. Police still conduct searches outside subway stations. Subway riders are reminded to be watchful.
Every New Yorker has been affected. Every New Yorker living here at the time clearly remembers where they were that morning. Most of us know people who worked at the towers or whose family or friends worked there.
One of my high school classmates was on one of the planes. My current downstairs neighbor worked on a lower floor of one of the towers. A friend of a friend lost his wife there. They were newlyweds.
It sounds crazy, but it's still difficult to comprehend that this event even occurred.
A poem and tributes placed near the site.
Related posts: Life Goes On, Almost, Seven Years Ago and Salvaged from the World Trade Center. Read more...
On T-Shirt Slogans and the New Yorker Festival
Photo by myself around Lexington and 28th Street.
I saw the above New Yorker on the street and hailed him down. He was so nice to allow me to take his photo.
Just after posting that New Yorkers don't wear New York items, I stand corrected. There are exceptions. Some of us have a sense of humor!
By the way, the schedule for this year's New Yorker Festival has been announced. Friday, September 30th to Sunday October 2nd, some 50 talks and lectures are scheduled to take place.
Each year, the New Yorker Magazine hosts the event, with various writers, thinkers and notables. Many celebrities are taking part this year, including Paul Giamatti, Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Frank Gehry.
In the past, Mark and I have seen a few Festival talks. We've heard Steve Martin, Chuck Close, David Byrne and Trey Parker and Matt Stone (the creators of South Park), among others.
For the New Yorker Festival website, where you can buy tickets, click here.
Related posts: I Heart NY, in Midtown, T Shirts with New York Attitude, in Chelsea and Art for the Masses. Read more...
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