-- --

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Street Corner, in Midtown

Midtown, NYC
Photo by myself around 34th Street and Sixth Avenue, in Midtown.

A group of young visitors waited for the light to turn, after a shopping spree.

--

Already, my short trip to LA is over. Drat. I hear it's warm and humid back in New York.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Related posts: Madge + Macy's = Mayhem, And the Crowd Roared, in Bryant Park and Across the Crowded Sidewalk, in Midtown.

Read more...

Monday, May 30, 2011

The Hotel Shangri-La, in Santa Monica

Ocean Avenue
Photo by myself on Ocean Avenue around Arizona Street, in Santa Monica.

Happy Memorial Day! It's beautifully sunny here in Santa Monica. There is a constant cool breeze, so it's best to wear a hat and light jacket.

The public beach below can be accessed through parking lots. There are eateries, bike rentals and public restrooms along the 8-mile bike path that runs between Santa Monica and Venice.

I'm visiting my fiance Mark, who is here on business. We're staying at the Shangri-La, a deco-inspired hotel that was recently remodeled. 'Shangri-La' refers to a fictional Eden, of sorts.

The people of Santa Monica should seriously consider renaming their town Shangri-La. When walking through the streets, you get the feeling that nothing bad ever happens in this land of palm trees and sunshine.

Shangri-La Pool
The private courtyard at Hotel Shangri-La. Empty in the early morning, this space fills up with people and music all day long.

Shangri-La Bar
The bar just off the lobby at the hotel.

Shangri-La
One of the custom light fixtures in the bathroom. I am tempted to put it in my suitcase!

Shangri-La bath
Just half of the large bathroom. Pardon our mess. An enormous oval whirlpool tub is just out of view.

I have to say I encounter this land with a degree of New York skepticism. Really? Should life ever be this good?

Mark is more easily seduced. He has been dropping hints about moving here. I don't blame him. He is only human, after all.

For the Shangri-La website, click here.

Related posts: Sand and Surf, Mexico, Tropical Luxury, at the Caribe Hilton, Puerto Rico and Buenos Noches, from Mexico.

Read more...

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Pizza Truck, Only a Buck

Pizza Truck, Union Sq.
Photo by myself along Union Square West.

New Yorkers have a love affair with their pizza.

The pizza served by this truck must be good, since the truck is covered with graffiti. A sign on the truck says 'If you like our pizza, sign our truck'.

I'm sure the price tag (a dollar a slice) makes this pizza taste even better. To make it easy, they make only one flavor of pizza, which is made right on the truck.

To check where the truck plans to be every day, you can tune into Twitter (pizzatrucknyc) or check out their website, here.

I'm out in Los Angeles until Tuesday. Posts will continue here as usual.

Related posts: Pizza, Pizza, Greetings from a New York Pie, in Midtown and Food, Glorious Food.

Read more...

Saturday, May 28, 2011

On Santa Monica Beach and Blue Plate Oysterette

View from the Shangri la
Photo by myself at Arizona Street and Ocean Avenue, in Santa Monica, California.

The view from our hotel in Santa Monica is pretty incredible.

This was taken around 6 am today. The strip of green is a public park that overlooks the beach. The stately palm trees are typical of this area.

It's hard to tell from this viewpoint, but there is a huge drop between Ocean Avenue, the street directly below, and the beach. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) runs along the beach, out of sight. There are beachfront properties that can just barely be seen.

To get between the beach and the main part of Santa Monica, there are a series of pedestrian bridges that span the PCH. Ascending the sheer cliffs are ramps or steps. I prefer the ramps, ha.

Walkway, Santa Monica
One of the sculptural walkways between the beach and the main portion of Santa Monica. Note the sheer cliffs in the background.

BP Oysterette
The bar at Blue Plate Oysterette looks into the open kitchen. The day's specials are written on chalkboards.

BP Oysterette
There is outdoor seating at BP Oysterette. The place seems to always be hopping.

My fiance Mark is in LA on business and I'm here for the long weekend. My parents also live out here, so it's been a nice, relaxing time. We are staying at a super cool hotel (more on that in a later post).

Mark and I had dinner on Thursday at Blue Plate Oysterette, a nicely decorated restaurant along Ocean Avenue. They have a great selection of raw oysters and seafood dishes.

Mark had the lobster roll, which was top notch. I had the bouillbaisse, which was divine. The soup part seemed thin at first but was utterly transformed after adding slices of buttered, crusty bread.

I just loved the interiors, which had the right balance of rustic and refined. The Blue Plate Oysterette is a smaller version of Blue Plate, another restaurant in Santa Monica.

Their website is as well-presented as the restaurant. To see it, click here.

Related posts: The Sunset View, from Malibu, Greetings from Santa Monica and California Dreamin'.

Read more...

Friday, May 27, 2011

At the Bar, at Old Town

Old Town, NYC
Photo by myself at 18th Street and 5th Avenue, in the Flatiron District.

Old Town is one of the few remaining old bars in New York. It is usually packed every night with business people in the early evenings, and kids in the wee hours.

As you can see of the bar, Old Town is not pretentious. You would never know it's located steps away from trendy restaurants and luxe furnishing stores.

Old Town has been known as a 'writer's bar'. Frank McCourt, Nick Hornby and Seamus Heaney used to come here. Some of their signed photographs are on the wall.

For the Old Town website, which includes their menus and some historic photos, click here.

--

Apologies for the delay in posting. I had a devil of a time figuring out what photo to show today.

I'm writing from Los Angeles, which is beautiful and sunny as usual. Some photos from our stay here, coming soon!

Related posts: Alone with People, on the Lower East Side, Before the Game, in Alphabet City and Over Drinks, in the East Village.

Read more...

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Looking Twice, the Platform at Union Square

Union Sq, NYC
Photo by myself at Union Square subway station.

The lighting at the platforms at Union Square is pretty damned great.

The platforms are washed in light, while the tracks are relatively dark. The result is dramatic and stage-like.

Mark is away on business in LA (Los Angeles). Without him here, I couldn't figure out which photo was better of the same scene. What do you think?

There are more people in focus and in frame in the photo below, but I like the stance of the red-headed woman in photo above. She provides a central focus.

Union Sq, NYC

--

I'll be off for a long weekend, joining Mark in LA starting today (Thursday). Hooray!

Daily photos will continue here. Same bat-time, same bat-channel.

Related posts: Across the Platform, at 59th Street, A Moment on the Subway Platform and The Elevated Tracks in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Read more...

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

On Lemonade Stands and Evry Daily Photo

Lemonade Stand, Brooklyn
Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Yes, even in cities, kids set up lemonade stands.

Three young ladies set up a table this weekend on Fifth Avenue, a very busy street in Park Slope. I'm not sure how they did, but lots of people noticed and stopped by.

--

By the way, I had a great time last week meeting Olivier of Evry Daily Photo.

Olivier and I met in Midtown and spent our time talking about the places we loved in New York. We poured over a subway map, one neighborhood at a time.

Olivier had his Holga camera with him and he suffered through my terrible French with humor. I am sure Olivier will return with gorgeous photographs for all to see.

For Olivier's New York photoblog (yes, he has one, though he lives in France!), click here.

Avec Olivier Perrin
Olivier Perrin, author of two photoblogs, Evry Daily Photo and A Walk in New York.

Related posts: Kids on the Slope, and in the Country, It's a Kid's Life, in Brooklyn and Playing Ball in the Public Courts.

Read more...

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

In Line, On the Phone

On Phones
Photo by myself in Midtown, at 34th Street and Sixth Avenue.

Just outside the subway entrance, people are prone to make last-minute calls before jumping on the train. More than a few people were talking or texting there, Monday night.

The trouble is, standing in front of the stair means blocking half the space. This is most obvious when train-loads of people are climbing up to the sidewalk.

Related posts: Texting, Schmexting, Passing the Time, Underground and On the Platform, 34th Street.

Read more...

Monday, May 23, 2011

Fresh at the Farmer's Market, in Park Slope, Brooklyn

Park Slope Market, Brooklyn
Photo by myself at 5th Avenue and 5th Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Residents of Park Slope, Brooklyn, are lucky to have a Farmer's Market every Sunday afternoon, rain or shine.

At the Park Slope Farmer's Market, purveyors of locally grown veggies, poultry, fish and flowers set up stalls. There are also vendors of homemade pasta, pickles, baked goods and even chocolate.

Most of the farms and vendors are located an hour or two away, in upstate New York. For nine months out of the year, they set up stalls every Sunday outside.

Above, near-perfectly round and ripe tomatoes were arranged beside spears of asparagus. All sorts of fresh flowers were ready for planting. Mark and I strolled by, Sunday afternoon.

Made by Molly, Park Slope
Made by Molly displays scrumptious baked goods in their homemade vitrines.

Feather Ridge Farm, Park Slope
Feather Ridge Farm raises fresh eggs and poultry in the Hudson Valley.

Doc Pickle, Park Slope
Doc Pickle's booth was crowded with fans of all things pickled.

After browsing around, Mark and I felt absolutely spoiled. Next time, Sunday dinner will be planned around what we can get at the market.

For the Park Slope Farmer's Market site, including links to most of the vendors, click here.

Related posts: Bright Lights and Cured Meats, on the Upper West Side, Going Mad, at the Mad. Sq. Markt and Fresh on the Upper West Side.

Read more...

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Shining Bright, at Live Bait

Live Bait, NYC
Photo by myself around 23rd Street and Broadway.

Yes, it's still raining here. This photo is from an earlier rainy night.

Live Bait is a restaurant just down the street from the Flatiron Building. It serves up Southern-inspired food like gumbo, crab cakes and catfish sandwiches.

If you're like me and judge a place based on its side dishes, you will love this place. Who could resist black-eyed peas, dirty rice and candied yams? Yum!

For a brief blurb in New York Magazine, which includes the Live Bait menu, click here.

Related posts: Neon Storefronts, in Midtown, Night View, Canal Street and Open 24/7, in Brooklyn.

Read more...

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Life on Park Avenue

812 Park Avenue
Photo by myself, around Park Avenue and 75th Street.

The lobbies of Park Avenue buildings are as refined and elegant as the exteriors.

This is the view at 812 Park Avenue, a pre-war residential building on the Upper East Side. There are plaster friezes above the windows and stone floors.

The lobby is spacious. This is the view of one of two windows. I wish I'd taken a photo of the ceiling, which has ornate coffers and a large chandelier hanging in the middle.

The brass plaque to the right is shows what floor each elevator is on. There are multiple doormen at this building. Friday morning, the doormen were milling about, getting the mail and deliveries sorted.

The doormen were so nice, answering my questions about the building. Later, one hailed a cab for me and held an umbrella over my head! What super-deluxe treatment!

Related posts: It's All in the Details, on the Upper East Side, Hovering Above Park Avenue and Glitzy Glam, Outside the Pierre.

Read more...

Friday, May 20, 2011

In Search of a Cab, in Midtown

Hailing in the Rain, NYC
Photo by myself in Midtown.

A familiar sight when it rains. A whole line of cabs passed by this woman, having fares already.

It's much harder to find cabs in the afternoon and on stormy days. There have been times where I've tried in vain to find a cab in the rain. Gypsy cabs (non-yellow cabs that do not use meters) will pull by, offering to take you a few blocks for a high rate.

Gypsy cabs are safe, however it's best to negotiate a rate before you get into the car, to avoid a dispute.

--

Apologies, folks, I've been going through a photo slump recently.

This seems to happen every so often - life gets busy, and the inspiration wanes. Never fear, this time will pass.

TGIF, everyone!

Related posts: Hailing a Cab, in Times Square, Hailing a Cab, Outside the Hudson Hotel and Pretty in Pink, Downtown.

Read more...

Thursday, May 19, 2011

On Rain and Trains

Waiting
Photo by myself at the Columbus Circle subway station.

It's been raining constantly, this week.

With rain comes delays with the subway. Yes, I know it's the 21st century, but that's how it goes. For some reason, rain means switching failures, which means delays.

This morning it took Mark and I over an hour to get to work. On a good day, when all transfers line up, it takes 35 minutes.

We were stalled in the station, stalled on the tracks. In an over-crowded train with no air circulation, no less. Mark and I just stood in the car rolling our eyeballs at each other. Argh!

--

I feel especially badly about the rain because our City Daily Photo friend, Olivier, from Evry, France, is in town. He visits New York every year and is a gifted photographer.

I talked to Oliver on the phone Wednesday (!). My French was even more awful than I thought. Ha.

Anyway, I look forward to meeting Olivier very soon. He is a favorite within the City Daily Photo community.

For Olivier's site at Evry Daily Photo, click here.

Related posts: Waiting, Below Union Square, Bundled Up, on the Ride Home and Seen, Below Ground.

Read more...

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A Look at the New Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center, NYC
Photo by myself at Broadway and 63rd Street, on the Upper West Side.

Construction has been completed at Lincoln Center.

The 1960's landmark has been updated to reflect the 21st Century. The result is pretty cool.

LED lighting makes the Lincoln Center sign (above) visible from faraway. Glass canopies connect the buildings to the street. A super-large sign supports huge bilboards announcing upcoming artists (not shown).

At the steps leading to the street, LED lights scroll through various messages (below). The word 'welcome' is translated in many different languages. Upcoming artists are also announced. It is an effective way to draw people into seeing a show.

In a way, architecture intersects with commerce at the new Lincoln Center. Let's face it - our institutions need patrons to survive.

Lincoln Center, NYC
Words illuminated with LEDs are in constant motion below the steps leading to the raised plaza. In the foreground, youngster with requisite i-ware.

Related posts: Making a Splash at Lincoln Center, Outside the Sunburnt Cow, Avenue C and Shoot the Freak, Coney Island.

Read more...

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

In Thought, in Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park
Photo by myself in Washington Square Park.

A photo from the stash.

A woman sat in Washington Square Park with her puppy. The dog looks like a labradoodle to me, which is a combination of a labrador retriever and poodle.

--

We are supposed to get rain all week long! Argh!!

April showers are a month late this year. Good for the plants, not so good for photo taking.

Related posts: On Little Black Dresses and Little Black Dogs, It's a Dog's Life at the Mad Dog Run and On Dogs and Dogs.

Read more...

Monday, May 16, 2011

Tongue in Cheek, on the Sidewalk and in the Subway

Pirate Sign, Brooklyn
Photo by myself around 12th Street and Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

A dive bar in Park Slope often posts a funny saying on the sandwich board outside.

-

For living in a stressful place, New Yorkers seem to retain their sense of humor.

Not only in terms of happy hour, but dinner. Served on the subway. The L train, to be exact.

For $100 a seat, diners were served up delicious plates of caviar, foie gras, filet mignon and chocolate panna cotta. Sitting elbow-to-elbow, the six-course dinner took only 30 minutes.

Eating and drinking is usually against the rules on the subway. Somehow these folks managed to squeak by.

For the article in the Times, including some fabulous photos of the dinner, click here.

Related posts: Last Call, Park Slope, and 10 Things to do in New York, It's the Unofficial End of Summer and More Free Hugs, in Union Square.

Read more...

Sunday, May 15, 2011

901 Broadway, in the Flatiron District

Flatiron District, NYC
Photo by myself at 22nd Street and Broadway, in the Flatiron District.

At 901 Broadway is stunning European-inspired building with tall windows and very little wall area. You can see the reflection of the Flatiron Building next door, in the windows.

Cast iron columns support the facade. These original windows must be about ten feet tall.

The ground floor of this building are stores, but above are actually loft apartments for rent. Currently a 2,700 square foot apartment is on the market for rent at $14,000 per month.

For the listing of the apartment, click here.

Related posts: Duane Street, Tribeca, The Flatiron Building, in Detail and Trinity Church, at Dusk.

Read more...

Saturday, May 14, 2011

A View of Spring, from Central Park South

From Central Park South
Photo by myself from Central Park South.

After a long winter, Central Park is suddenly green.

The view above Central Park is nice enough from the east and from the west, but it's altogether different from the shorter ends. You get a real sense of how deep the park is, spanning fifty blocks north to south.

I have to say that the views during Fall are the best of all. Stay tuned in another four months, when the leaves change color.

For a look from the same window in January, click here.

--

Apologies for the hiccup in time. Blogger was down Thursday night, preventing anyone from editing or posting on their blogs.

On a good note, there are 700 followers on this blog! Woohoo!! What a milestone!!

Thanks to everyone out there. You keep me going every day. I look forward to posting more photos daily from this fantastic city.

Related posts: The World Above Central Park, A Peek Through Central Park and Looking Out to Central Park West.

Read more...

Thursday, May 12, 2011

On a Musical Interlude and the NYT Hawk Cam

Sax Player, UWS
Photo by myself around Columbus and 80th Street, on the Upper West Side.

Outside the Natural History Museum on the Upper West Side, there was the sound of a lone sax playing a soulful tune.

We are having wonderful weather these days, though cool at night. It's perfect for strolling about.

This musician graciously allowed me to take his photo while he played.

Saxophone, UWS

--

Meanwhile, watching the live video feed on the hawks at Washington Square Park is a little like watching The Truman Show.

Viewers are very opinionated about recent developments with the hawk couple, Violet and Bobby. Violet will be captured today (Thursday) to remove a metal band on one of her legs, which has been troubling her.

The webcam is pretty cool, right by the hawks' nest. During the day, you can see the arch of Washington Square Park, below.

Unfortunately, Violet and her mate Bobby have a young chick. The chick will probably need to be captured as well and enter a lifetime of captivity. Birds that are captured at too young an age do not develop normally and cannot be released back into the wild.

With the round-the-clock webcam on the nest, viewers have gotten attached to this family of birds. Everyone has an opinion. Some are relieved that Violet will finally be treated. Others question why she was wearing a metal band to begin with.

There is no correct answer, only hopes that Violet will avoid too much time away from her mate.

To read the latest news on the hawks on the Times website, click here.

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

Read more...

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

'Zodiac Heads', Outside the Plaza Hotel

Ai Weiwei Sculpture, NYC
Photo by myself outside the Plaza Hotel at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.

A temporary sculpture by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei lines the fountain in front of the Plaza Hotel.

The installation is called 'Zodiac Heads'. Twelve bronze heads depict the signs of the Chinese zodiac. Believe it or not, each head is actually four feet tall.

Ai Weiwei is one of those rare artists whose work spans many different disciplines, including conceptual art, sculpture and architecture. Weiwei was one of the designers of the Bird's Nest building for the 2008 Olympics.

In early April, Weiwei was arrested by the Chinese government, for no apparent reason. Weiwei has been an outspoken political activist in Beijing.

The sculpture will remain in place until July 15th, when it will travel to Los Angeles, Houston, Pittsburgh and Washington. Another set of heads is on view in London.

For a review of the installation in the Times, click here.

Ai Weiwei Sculpture, NYC
Each animal bust is rendered with a spare sense of detail.

Related posts: Time for Valentine's, Public Art at the Lever House and At the Base of Merchant's Gate, Central Park South.

Read more...

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

On Colorful Characters and Photos in the Wall Street Journal

Victor Sheely, Street Performer
Photo by myself in Union Square.

Several colorful characters were out in Union Square, Monday night. Victor Sheely, a street performer, posed for me above.

Victor, aka 'Coyote Butterfly', tells stories and illustrates comic books. Victor often performs in galleries as a street artist, but he was out in the beautiful Spring air, yesterday.

There is a large open space at the south end of Union Square. Often it is the site of political protests, artistic performance and markets, sometimes all going on at once.

Union Square
A man dressed in colorful garb, in the name of tourism. Several banners advertising Jamaica were on display.

--

You might not think of the Wall Street Journal in terms of photography or photographs of New York, but now, you should.

I have long associated the Wall Street Journal with those finely drawn portraits of people. These days, they have a special photo section online. They post one photo each day from around the world, and a bunch of photos each week from New York City.

One recent week in April was especially spectacular. The weeks' photos include an aerial view of Midtown right before a thunderstorm, a spectacular Easter bonnet, and some wonderful candids.

See the week for April 22 through April 29 on the Wall Street Journal blog, here.

Related posts: City Portraits - Coney Island, The Throngs in Union Square and Reflections Apres Happy Hour.

Read more...

Monday, May 9, 2011

City Portraits - Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Photo by myself in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

It was brightly sunny this weekend, in Sunset Park. The canopies were up in the background, to keep pedestrians cool.

This area is the equivalent of Chinatown. Amazingly, just a couple blocks away is a very Hispanic neighborhood. Just take the 'R' train to 53rd Street and Fourth Avenue. Sunset Park is tucked in between Windsor Terrace and Bay Ridge.

You can find Malaysian, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines here.

Sunset Park, Elderly
Open markets make for a lively experience during the day.

Sunset Park, Flyers
English is a second language in this neighborhood.

Sunset Park, fish market
Fish markets were loaded with fresh seafood.

Sunset Park, Shoes
A shoemaker set up his temporary space on the sidewalk.

For more information from the Village, Voice, click here.
City Portraits is an ongoing, once-in-a-while installment featuring parts of New York.

Related posts: City Portraits - Coney Island, City Portraits - The High Line and City Portraits - The New York Public Library.

Read more...

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Happy Mother's Day, from Brooklyn

Mother's Day, Park Slope
Photo by myself in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Happy Mother's Day! It's Mother's Day in the States.

Flower stores are open with bouquets for last-minute gifts.

The florist above is in our neighborhood in Park Slope, Brooklyn. They were open very early on Sunday, with a young man standing guard.

Related posts: A Community Garden - An Urban Oasis, Happy Summer and Flower Power, Bryant Park.

Read more...

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Homage to Warhol, Union Square

The Andy Monument
Photo by myself at 17th Street and Broadway, at Union Square.

A statue of Andy Warhol was installed near Union Square at the end of May. It drew attention from passersby, Friday evening.

Cast in chrome by the artist Rob Pruitt, the statue was sponsored by the Public Art Fund. Warhol's art studio, 'The Factory', was located near Union Square in the 70's and 80's.

Flowers and Campbells soup cans have been left at Warhol's feet. The artist used to stand on the same street corner, handing out copies of Interview, the magazine he founded in 1969.

The statue will be on view until early October.

For an article about the statue in the Times, click here.
For a free app by the Public Art Fund describing the statue's history, click here.

Related posts: Playing Pianos as Public Art, Charging Through Wall Street and Public Art and Other Freebies.

Read more...

Friday, May 6, 2011

Found Art, in Midtown

Service Elevator, Midtown
Photo by myself, somewhere in Midtown.

For every building with a public elevator, there at least one service elevator. This one had its doors wide open to the sidewalk.

This service entrance looked like an odd and informal gallery. There was a 'Mona Lisa', a view of the World Trade Towers and a portrait in graphite. At the metal doors of the service elevator, American flags were painted on the panels.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Related posts: Cereal Killers Mural, in Williamsburg, On Target, On Houston and Sand Artist, in Washington Square Park.

Read more...

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Waiting at the Gramercy Park Hotel

Inside the Grammercy Hotel
Photo by myself at the Gramercy hotel, at 21st Street and Lexington Avenue.

Just to the east of the Flatiron District is a tiny park called Gramercy Park. It is a tiny, fenced in park that is open only to those who live directly in the neighborhood.

The Gramercy Park Hotel is in the area. The lobby is other-worldly, done up in red velvet and black and white tile. There is an enormous chandelier and fireplace to suit how high the ceiling is.

Massive paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst and Keith Haring adorn the walls. The hotel was renovated by the artist Julian Schnabel in 2006. Schnabel is an eclectic artist, painting large scale works and directing films.

Rooms and suites range between $450 to $2,400 per night. As part of their stay, guests are allowed access into Gramercy Park.

The original hotel had a glamorous past, having been a favorite of rock muscians. A movie called Hotel Gramercy Park was made about the renovation and was featured at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2008.

For the Gramercy Park Hotel's website, click here.
For an earlier post about the movie 'Hotel Gramercy Park', click here.

Related posts: The Royalton Renovated, All Lit Up, Outside the Gershwin Hotel and On A Winter Day, at the Plaza Hotel.

Read more...

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The Whitney Museum, on the Upper East Side

Whitney canopy
Photo by myself on Madison Avenue and 75th Street, on the Upper East Side.

The modern facade of the Whitney Museum of American Art includes a huge canopy made of concrete, that is supported at the ends. The building was built in the mid-1960s. I was in the neighborhood on Monday for a doctor's appointment.

The museum's permanent collection includes work from Matthew Barney, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and my personal favorite, Berenice Abbott.

I'm not hip enough about modern art to know anything about the current exhibits, which are ultra-modern and include conceptual and video art.

To check out the Whitney website, click here.

Related posts: From the Rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, High Above the Metropolitan Museum and Another Look at the New Museum, on the Bowery.

Read more...

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Remembrance, at the World Trade Center

Remembrance
Photo by myself at Vesey Street and Trinity Place, in the Financial District.

News crews broadcasted live across the street from the World Trade Center, Monday evening. In the background, the exposed trusses of the Freedom Tower can be seen.

I heard that the crowds at the World Trade Center were reported to be twice as large as usual. I stopped by the World Trade Center site on my way home.

Strangely, there weren't nearly as many people as I thought. People milled about quietly, taking photos and paying their respects.

WTC
Commuters and visitors walked by one of the towers in construction. It was business as usual.

WTC
A small show of American flags. Ongoing construction of the World Trade Center is reflected in the glass.

Related posts: Night View at the World Trade Center, Salvaged from the Wold Trade Center and On Street Corners, in the East Village.

Read more...