SNAPSHOTS, MEMES and SHORT VIDEOS

RUBY TUESDAY - SEEING RED, AS IN ANGER

2009-09-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Currently, I am the innocent victim, along with my friends, family and next-of-kin, of a money-making scam that could, and can happen to anyone, who uses the emailing and internet systems.

We are all led to believe that the companies offering their services are covering their asses (and ours) against fraudulent hijackers, but, alas, even with the great resources at their disposal they, too, become victims, as the smaller Madoff creeps find ways to trick their way to wealth.

These companies do their best, relying on us, the users, to do our best, to remember the do's and dont's of avoiding the pickle in which I find myself today. Stay tuned, as my story unfolds, as every effort is being made to thwart the creeps who are perpetrating this particular scam.

To Daryl and friends, I would love to reply to comments personally, but my ability to do so has been blocked!

Go to http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/ for something more poetic and pleasant than this!

MONOCHROME MONDAY

2009-09-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

One wonders what it is like to be inside looking out - this building dominates Cooper Square, reflecting its neighbors sometimes partially, sometimes totally, as seen below. It depends on how one approaches it. Cooper Square intersects with 7th Ave, 4th Ave and Astor Place in New York.

The neighborhood seems destined to attract modernist architectural design disasters, including Cooper Union's own new building behind this one. (Cooper Union is one of the nation's oldest institutions, dedicated to preparing students for the professions of the arts and architecture).

Go to Monochrome Weekly Theme to participate in this challenging meme.

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-09-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

I recently acquired this handsome pot made by Irene Gillman, of NY. That is horse hair embedded into the clay.

Go to SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY for some more stimulating photographs!

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - AS REFLECTED

2009-09-24T18:33:00.001-07:00

BLINDED BY THE SUN

(no, that isn't the sun)

I PUT IT BEHIND ME

(I think it's a cloud)

AND SHOT ANYWAY

(reflections an' all)

ONLY TO FIND THAT

I HAD INCLUDED MYSELF!

Go to SKY WATCH FRIDAY for more wonderful skies

MOTION THURSDAY - TRANSITIONS

2009-09-23T07:41:00.000-07:00

An expressionist gesture

with the camera

creating lots of colourful rhythms - to replace the status quo below

Looking out of the kitchen window - an idea for a painting - on the back burner!

For more MOTION THURSDAY go to http://motionthursdauy.wordpress.com/

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-09-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

His name is Loki. Seen on 14th street and 4th avenue one day last week.

Go to www.wordlesswednesday.com/

MONOCHROME MONDAY

2009-09-20T16:11:00.000-07:00

THE TRAVELERS -

For the Monochrome Weekly Theme go to http://monochromeweeklytheme.blogspot.com/

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - BRYANT PARK, NEW YORK

2009-09-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Bryant Park is an urban oasis, located midtown behind the New York Public Library's main branch - a recent meeting place of New York bloggers (hosted by Elizabeth Wix) for a convivial afternoon tea. Go to: http://www.bryantpark.org/ for its insider information.

For more wonderful SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY Photographs go to http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - LONG ISLAND, NY

2009-09-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

A changeable sky over Long Beach, Long Island, this week as events included the annual Freedom Flight, a kite flying exhibit and opportunity, honoring all victims of the 9/11 attacks

Free kites were given out to the children

Enlarge for detail

Flags were placed in the Memorial Sand Sculpture Garden* as an emotional rendition of 'Over the Rainbow' was performed by Soh Young Segredo and Danielle Reed

The City of Long Beach has hosted many an event this summer, including a Volleyball Tournament, The Spirit Rider Regatta and Surfer's Way.

Below is Gloria Waslyn with three of her performing parrots - PARROTS FOR PEACE speaking for a universal/multiversal freedom of the heart (see www.parrots for peace).

FOR MORE SKY WATCH go to http://skyley.blogspot.com/

MOTION THURSDAY

2009-09-16T12:44:00.001-07:00

One more quick dip before the pool closes!

You may prefer to turn off the sound

Canon G7 Video

Go to: http://motionthursday.wordpress.com/ for more moving moments

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-09-16T07:15:00.001-07:00

MONOCHROME MONDAY

2009-09-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

Enlarge for detail Note:

Preparing for another day

at the artsy vendors' market day

in Union Square, NYC

There's another Farmers'Market Challenge coming up for September 26.

Go to http://squirrelqueen2.blogspot.com/ for details.

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - JOY

2009-09-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is joy time at the sink!

Go to http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/ for more SSS - Sunday Shadow Shots

BUDDING SURFERS

2009-09-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the right wave - Dad watches

as they chatter about which roller to catch -

ages 5, 7 and 13 years old

This is it?

and the wave rushes them forward

Next, the undertow -

the current beneath the surface -

as the wave reverses, and gathers energy for the next roller

They go back for more!

SKY WATCH FRIDAY

2009-09-09T17:05:00.001-07:00

It is amazing

how quickly
the sun rises
from this point on the horizon!

MOTION THURSDAY - THE CAB THAT GOT AWAY

2009-09-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

Corner of 13th and Broadway

Go to Motion Thursday for more takes on moving objects!

TAKE THIS TUNE and/or RUBY TUESDAY

2009-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

I was looking for Ruby Tuesday and, instead, found Take This Tune.

SEPTEMBER SONG is the theme

Enlarge for detail

Go to Take This Tune for the words and the song sung by Jimmy Durante - Remember him?

MONOCHROME MONDAY - WARMING UP

2009-09-06T15:46:00.001-07:00

About 5 weeks ago, just before Merce Cunningham, visionary choreographer, died at the age of 90, I was invited to watch the rehearsal of choreographer Susan Vencl's new dance CHANGING PLACES. I could not help but photograph the magnificent work space that Merce had created for his own use, and for dancers and choreographers from all over the city. The dancer is Erin Pellecchia.

Not in the script!

Go to Monochromeweeklytheme for more great photographs!

For more about Susan Vencl, her dance CHANGING PLACES, and her tribute to Merce Cunningham, go to VENCL DANCE.

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-09-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

Either way, the stair goes somewhere

and the sunlight of the day

will move away

to make a shadow play another day

Go to Heyharriet for more wonderful photographs!

FRIDAY'S FULL MOON - September 4

2009-09-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday's moon - approximately 8 pm

Now, this time I did see 'strange figures', and without a magnifying glass!

Another photo edited - the 'strange figures' had moved

Looking eastward about 9.45 pm. By 10.15 pm it was behind the 26 storey dorm on the right,

now housing 700 NYU students.

No, I did not see any 'strange figures' in the full moon with a magnifying glass! The answer to a question put by a wag discussing full moon myths.

SKY WATCH FRIDAY

2009-09-03T05:13:00.000-07:00

7.20 am over NYC

Rarely caught feathery sky over NYC, as the sun rises

MONOCHROME MONDAY

2009-08-31T05:14:00.001-07:00

The tame but exciting aftermath of hurricane Danny -

GO TO MONOCHROME WEEKLY THEME FOR MORE great photographs

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - OOPS!

2009-08-29T06:10:00.001-07:00

No comment!

Afterthought: Good spade work....

Drawing in the sand, by 11 years old Tina

FOR MORE MEMORABLE SSS go to HeyHarriet

SKY WATCH FRIDAY

2009-08-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Short holiday in progress!

SCROLL DOWN FOR -

. MOTION THURSDAY

. AND ABC WEDNESDAY

A great day at the beach

Sunny and cool
a great surf for the kids

And clouds that name this a 'mackrel' sky in the UK

RUBY TUESDAY - THE RED SHOPPING BAG

2009-08-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

THE DOLL THING

WHERE ARE THEY GOING, with their 'babes' in arms.....

with generously sized RED shopping bags provided by The American Girl Place on Fifth Avenue

'I SHOP THEREFORE I AM!' (Barbara Kruger)

Is it possible that the highly sexualized Barbie doll craze has had her day?

Replaced by these homely American dolls - MADE IN CHINA.....

A visit to the AMERICAN GIRL PLACE is what these two 11 years old girls have been saving up for - for weeks! Everything that a doll needs is here: a hair salon (the dolls have more than their fair share of hair); and a matching outfit for the little mom. It just depends on how deep her pocket is!

ABC WEDNESDAY - FUNNY MONEY

2009-08-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

GO TO NEXT POST DOWN TO MOTION THURSDAY - thank you!

This week, the letter 'F': My choice is 'F' - for a spontaneously Funny moment!

So, what else can you do with two shiny quarters these days!

Go to ABC Wednesday to see how others deal with the 'F' challenge.

MOTION THURSDAY - NEW ABSTRACTIONS

2009-08-25T02:14:00.000-07:00

I shop

therefore

I am

Well, almost...

Credit to BARBARA KRUGER and the AMERICAN GIRL PLACE

Go to http://motionthursday.wordpress.com/ for more photo opportunities on the move!

MONOCHROME MONDAY - PAINTING GANDHI

2009-08-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

Annamarie Trombetta, Artist, painting Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) in Union Square, NYC

Enlarge for detail

This bronze statue by Kantilal P. Patel (b. 1925) was installed in 1986 in the southwest corner of Union Square Park.

Using my Canon G7

It was a hot and humid day, in the high 80s, when I met Annamarie. Before noon she was ready to call it a day. A talented artist, you can see more of her work at www.trombettaart.com

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - GOING SHOPPING

2009-08-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

Short slide show

For more SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY photographs go to http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/

SKY WATCH FRIDAY

2009-08-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

Got a glimpse of the sky as the train exits the tunnel, beneath the Hudson River, to go to Long Island above

Moving away from Jamaica, changing here for JFK and other places - the sky is mute

A self portrait! The sky is illusive

Its off-peak to Long Beach, so there's no standing......that's me again!

This is a continuation of shooting from Wordless Wednesday

It stops at Woodside - no one boards. It is not a good beach day. But, it is a very good day for the garden! It was raining again.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-08-18T15:10:00.001-07:00

All Aboard!

MONOCHROME MONDAY - COOL FACADE FOR A HOT DAY

2009-08-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Enlarge for detail

Looking from 4th Avenue and 13th Street to Broadway and the cinema on the corner - tempting, no matter what is playing! It was in the high 80s.

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - IN THE SHADOW OF THE GINKGO TREE

2009-08-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

12th Street between 4th and 3rd Avenue, NYC

Shot from my 10th floor kitchen window

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - NEW YORK CITY

2009-08-13T12:47:00.001-07:00

West side of Union Square, 15th Street, NYC

PUMPKINS FOR OCTOBER? - WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-08-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

We keep our fingers crossed!

MONOCHROME MONDAY - DON'T FENCE ME IN!

2009-08-10T02:30:00.000-07:00

Whether in the streets or in the parks, the fencing is getting sturdier in NYC - but the squirrels still freely go where they want to go, out of range and out of focus, until someone offers food....

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-08-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

A 4 inch bamboo stick

that has grown to

36 inches in one year

For more great Shadow Shot Sunday photographs, go to Hey Harriet

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - NEW YORK

2009-08-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday's full Moon and Venus, or evening star

Friday's Dawn and Venus, or morning star

A full Moon following yesterday's Lunar Eclipse

LUNAR ECLIPSE TODAY

2009-08-05T21:56:00.000-07:00

The PENUMBRA LUNAR ECLIPSE of August 6 2009 will not be visible to the naked eye.

The Ball is Not a Metaphor ......

A shallow penumbral eclipse occurs 15 days after the total solar eclipse. It will not be visible to the naked eye since its magnitude is only 0.402

This completes the lunar-solar-lunar triple eclipse series this year. For more information go to Wikipedia direct.

MONOCHROME MONDAY and MyWorld TUESDAY

2009-08-03T14:24:00.001-07:00

One for MONOCHROME MONDAY

Do enlarge!

Visionary Choreographer, MERCE CUNNINGHAM dies at 90

GO TO SUSAN VENCL'S blog >>>>>>>>>

For reviews and slide show featuring last performance of "Nearly Ninety" and "Look at Pond Way".

and TWO, in colour, for MyWorld TUESDAY:

Add the tranquil sound of the waterfall.... that's MyWorld, a voyager in someone else's garden!

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - POOL MAINTENANCE

2009-08-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

As well as gardening, home of daughter and family

For more great SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY photographs, go to: http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/

STORMY WEATHER - SKY WATCH FRIDAY

2009-07-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

PREPARING DINNER TONIGHT

in my tiny kitchen

Behind me is the kitchen window.... suddenly

L O U D THUNDER CLAP

TORRENTIAL RAIN

SHEET LIGHTENING

THEN, just as suddenly, calm......

Not a happy camper...

Rainbow trout - it was very good!

PS GONE FOR A FEW DAYS - THIS IS FOR SKY WATCH FRIDAY

It seems that Wednesday's storms wreaked havoc in Central Park, the Park Conservancy reporting the removal of some 50 limbs downed from trees, as well as a dead black locust tree. A Google engineer was injured when a pin oak snapped and fell on his head, according to Long Island Newsday today, Friday.

MONOCHROME MONDAY

2009-07-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

THE CUTTING EDGE

DOORS

For more monochrome photographs go to the Monochrome Weekly Theme

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - UNION SQUARE, NYC

2009-07-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

THEY REALLY ARE FREE!

A great Saturday for strolling about the park, just looking...

And I got a nice hug!

THE FARMERS' MARKET CHALLENGE

2009-07-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

THE ROOT OF IT ALL........

SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS WORLD WIDE

TO FIND THE GREENER THAN GREEN

IN NEW YORK CITY

Farmer participation - Enlarge

FROM THE ORDINAIRE TO THE RARE

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT, RAINBOW SWISS CHARD?

SWEET MULTI COLOR CARROTS?

A JAPANESE RADISH, ANYONE?

WHITE KOHLRABI

SUCH HAIRY LEEKS!

AND MORE ............

GO TO: THE ROAD TO HERE to see more and how to enter the support of farmers.

SKY WATCH - A MOTTLED SUNRISE THIS WEEK

2009-07-23T13:52:00.000-07:00

1) Upside down

2) Right side up

3) Looking up
New phenomena to look for in the skies these days.....

A BUSY BEE near CITY HALL, NY

2009-07-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Enlarge for detail - does anyone know who these 7 statues on the balcony represent?

I was unexpectedly released from the call to jury duty for another 5 years, so I wandered out of a heavily protected zone around the Court House, past City Hall (all decked out like a transparant version of Christo), via Newspaper Row. The flag was flying at half-mast today.

Dodging through traffic congestion, so I could peak through wrought iron railings, I saw Paz's Cone flower, this one giving up its pollen to a very busy bee. It had started on the yellow Cone-like flower below, buzzing quickly on to the next one - its yellow and black stripe blending into the yellow petals - before finding, and finally settling on top of the pinker source. You will find Paz's perfect Cone Flower photo filed under Flowers - In The Shade. If I could be so organized!

And SquirrelQueen has made exquisite close-up studies of bees.

Enlarge for detail!

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-07-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

ENLARGE all

FARMERS' MARKET CHALLENGE - SATURDAY JULY 25

2009-07-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

To find out how to participate in SQUIRRELQUEEN'S FARMERS' MARKET PHOTO CHALLENGE ON SATURDAY JULY 25th, go to her blog! By taking photographs of what is available in your neck of the woods it is hoped to increase an interest in market days and what can be purchased.

Here, in New York City, my nearest farmers' market is at Union Square. Here in one corner of the square, Ghandi looks benevolently upon the scene on each occasion, rain or shine; the farmers themselves show up, rain or shine, and the place is mobbed on Saturdays. See you on Saturday with my chosen topic.

Enlarge for detail!

WAITING TO CROSS 14th Street, NYC

2009-07-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

LOOKING UP into the louring clouds. Yes, I mean louring..

Mesmerized by the sunny scene behind them!

Looking down hastily...oops

That's part of Zeckendorf Towers - famous for its 1980s residential condominium complex which lead to the renaissance of Union Square Park

Looking up again when one should be looking left!

Finally crossing - ahead is Union Square, the renaissance seems never ending..

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-07-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

KARYS - Singin' into a windy afternoon

at Union Square, NY

Very reminiscent of a young 60s you know who....

A singer VERY difficult to walk away from

Her card reads: KARYS RHEA, singer/songwriter & guitar instructor. I hope I see her again.

She has a website at: www.myspace.com/Karysrhea with a playlist! A little treat for those who like folk.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

2009-07-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

7 AM THURSDAY: a bright white sun glaring behind dark clouds, casting doubt on what the day might be like - all I know about weather predictions is, 'a red sky at night.....'

As the hour passed, the dark clouds melted into the whiter stuff

Still, could not look into that white glare

but it glared into the picture windows of the megadorm it faced - a wake up call for the unprepared new student!

Hilly cumulus, solidly sitting, like islands in the sky, dominated the rest of the day.

SUBWAY ART - THE PUBLIC MUSEUM

2009-07-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

Traveling uptown to reach the now, not so free Museums, the MTA has, over the years, installed its own museum for the people, as it cleans up and paints Manna-hata's aging subway system. ENLARGE ALL FOR EXQUISITE DETAIL!

Whimsical mosaic images now adorn many subway walls, sometimes replacing the more sober designs of borders and signs of yesteryear. One of my favourites is Nancy Spero's ARTEMIS, ACROBATS, DIVAS AND DANCERS to be found at the 66th Street/Lincoln Center stop.

It all begins (who can say where it begins and ends) at the 42nd Street cross roads of tunnels, and fans out to the nether regions in various expressive formats that can now also include projected images, from ceiling to wall. Whatever is the latest PR gimmick it is down here somewhere.

Using ancient, modern and contemporary styles, someone decided to liven-up the subway experience in surprising ways that, for the most part is indistructible, unless the graffiti 'artist' brigade, who dominated the scene in the first place, decides that this 'epitome of classic NYC graffiti' is the pits. For spray-can recognition they really have to go to Paris to be respected nowadays!

Of course, this is all in addition to live performances by intrepid musicians, singers and dancers, who compete with noise of trains, and are rewarded by appreciative travelers who recognise a good act when they see it.

Your favourite artist is probably here, somewhere. To find out, go to a useful gallery listing, the SUBWAY ART GUIDE. And for more information about the MTA project, click here where you will find a CALL FOR ARTISTS among other things.

Artemis is a stunning figure in gold mosaic, greeting travelers exiting the platform at 66th Street for Lincoln Center. Take a look at how the mosaic is arranged to be so effective.

NANCY SPERO is known for her angry social and political barbs in her work, about War and Peace, about Women Artists in Revolution, an activist in both theme and innovative use of the artist's tools. I first saw her work at A.I.R, the all women's cooperative gallery in Soho which she helped to found in 1972. Go to Wikipedia for information, then explore other Spero activist takes on the re-imaging of women, to be found on the web via artnet. Her hand-printing and collage techniques are of great interest to the graphic eye.

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - MADE IN CHINA

2009-07-04T06:35:00.001-07:00

VARIATIONS ON A THEME and color

Artificial flowering Chinese bonsai tree

ENLARGE

ENLARGE for more shadows!

The pot is made of concrete, so it is unexpectedly heavy. An artificial entry. Made in China.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

2009-07-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

VARIABLE WEATHER TODAY!

A SHELF CLOUD?

A SUDDEN SHOWER. Over in a minute!

A curtain of rain - enlarge for detail....

SUMMER STUDENTS ARRIVING all the time now....

Very short - Have just discovered how to make

a movie with my camera!

CHANGING PLACES by Susan Vencl

2009-06-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

I was invited to take pictures at the Cunningham Dance Studio, at Westbeth, 55 Bethune St. in the Village. My friend, Susan, an independent choreographer, was presenting 3 performances

of her latest dance, CHANGING PLACES, and I went 'back stage', so to speak, to watch the warm ups of dancers, technicians and the stage preparations.

I had no idea that I would quickly lose the above photo opportunity, as heavy curtains were drawn to create in intimate stage setting

Testing the complex lighting systems quickly followed

Above is Susan, on the right, with her five dancers

The dancers are: Lisa Bostwick, Erin Pellecchia, Sara Roer, Julia Sabangan, Lindy Schmedt

Sound Engineer, Nathan Leigh,

sporting a great mohawk

Lighting Designer: Mike Riggs

Costumer: Sydney Maresca

Music by Steve Reich, Composition:

Drumming, 1970

More testing and many more spectacular shots as each light was tested

A rest. NOT in the script!

For more about Susan Vencl, her latest dance and previous work, go to

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - UPDATE

2009-06-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

OOPS

SADLY, SOMETHING TRAGIC HAS HAPPENED ...

GARETH CATTERMOLE/GETTY IMAGES

IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL JACKSON

BREAKING NEWS: See note about a missing blogger in Tehran at: Paz's blog

* See also posting below (June 25) NEDA LIVES

AS THE SUN RISES - SKY WATCH FRIDAY

2009-06-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

Over Manhattan

Finally, at 6.30 am - waiting and watching, a treat for early risers here!

5.30 am - sublime moment

Now for a cup of coffee!

NEDA LIVES

2009-06-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

On Googling the meaning of the Iranian flag, how ironic to find that

the attitude of the government, as demonstrated to the world, does not

appear to live up to its enobling flag design. Check out its 'description' Here!

(That is, its full symbolic meaning).

Alas, I did not have tulips to pay respects to Neda and her followers. In brief, the Google contributor says: "The shape of the emblem is chosen to recall a tulip, in memory of the (young) people who died for Iran. It is an ancient belief in Iran, dating back to mythology, that if a young soldier dies patriotically, a red tulip will grow on his grave. In recent years it is considered as the symbol of martyrdom.

UPDATE: A memorial in Iran for those who have died has been postponed.

GOD'S DORM

2009-06-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

At sunset,

Will they sleep, all 740

Dream their way to glory,

Neighbors hold their

Breath

It does not seem inappropriate to republish my haiku about NYU's megadorm, now that their public relations agenda is preparing the ground for neighbourly acceptance of its Fall student population.

Despite huge resident protests and suggestions for a more friendly placement of student residents, the city planning department and NYU continue to flout realistic resident sentiment to achieve an ambitous 'blueprint for growth over the next 22 years'.

Whether by design or by accident, NYU chose June 22 to throw its summer cookout in the rear courtyard of its new building, with an official Tour of the facilities, at the same time as the scheduled meeting of the GVSHP group announcing an OPEN FORUM: the NYU 2031 PLAN, to discuss the consequences of such a far reaching plan to the neighborhood.

I chose to go to the BBQ and Tour, and noticed the lack of the presence of unresponsive neighbors. Clearly, they chose the other meeting to see what NYU is up to next. Still, it seemed important to see what students might expect to find when they begin to show up in the Fall.

Sadly, the dorms do not live up to expectations. The tour groups (ten, at the most, could fit into an elevator) were shown a couple of dorms on the 25th floor, two next door to each other, each to sleep two students. Each dorm had a tiny restroom with a shower big enough to hold one person. No expense spared here. Each room for two had a closet large enough for one person and, if the number of laundry rooms, said to be situated on every third floor, is anything to go by, students will not need to bring much to wear. The lesson being that, "these facilities offer basic living for the student experience!" explained our tour guide. All 740 of them. There just isn't very much room to add much more than themselves and their books - no place for knick-knacks, or clobber that students might necessarily accumulate.

Perhaps the best feature in each room is the picture window, giving a clear panoramic view of the city - but they may not be opened more than 6" - small blessings to concerned parents. Reportedly, the building will bring in over 8.8 million per academic year, the cost to the student being $12,000. That is a lot of money for a prison-like abode that will surely drive every one out to the nearest parks that already conveniently serve as the university campuses. Are we talking about a making a profit for someone here, or offering a meaningful "student experience", for our children and grandchildren, I wonder.

The passages between rooms, and the elevators themselves, are claustrophobic. Personally, I think I would settle for a room closer to he ground, suspecting that waiting for the elevator will be liking Waiting for Godot! And the students will have to go elsewhere for their dinners, to two nearby cafeterias. As a neighbor, thank heavens for small mercies. We saw a small lounge for chatty activities which included a row of cubicles for the use of laptops.

Replacing St. Ann's - the dorm now dubbed 'God's Dorm' - is situated in the middle of 12th street between 3rd and 4th avenue, its final height including 26 storeys, was allowed because of some questionable legality that could not be overturned by tenatious committee research work.

Some two years ago we, the immediate neighbors to St. Ann's, watched in horror as the church was systematically demolished by wreckers before we knew what was going on. A committee was quickly put together, headed by Elizabeth Langwith, whose apartment window now faces a windowless wall, albeit one that was carefully chosen for its natural reflective qualities.

But there was more to the event than many of us losing our views. An energetic committee soon interested Andrew Burman, Executive Director of GVSHP, prime mover and supporter, protecting residential interests in the Village from the cunning take over policies of NYU, and other contractors with greedy eyes. The Village neighborhood is an area subject to much change at the present time, and if GVSHP was not around, there's no telling how many more megadorms would get the go-ahead before anyone could doing anything about it. The Village, from the east side to the west side, is loathe to accommodate high rise buildings that destroy the historic nature of many residences and its hard won, cherished, green environs.

The demolition of St. Ann's.

FLOWERS FOR NEDA SOLTANI

2009-06-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

We walk the streets in freedom while others die for it ......

Let it not be in vain!

Neda died on Saturday, June 20, 2009, on an Iranian street, during the disputed protest of election results. May she rest in peace.

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-06-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

OXALIS

This is a view of the Williamsberg Bridge, NY, which I lost when the NYU dorm for 700 students was built next door, due to open in the Fall

The plant is Oxalis and thrives. I have had it for many years. It's wine coloured leaf opens in the day time and closes at night. Periodically, tiny lavender flowers appear. It likes the sun and lots of water. It is a winner!

It is noted that Oxalis appears in Michelangelo's Doni Tondo, an Italian Renaissance masterwork dated 1504-1505c.

Quiz: The plant is to be seen at the foot of the painting. Michelangelo was not one for filling up a space because it was there! Does anyone know, or have a theory about it?

THE CAT AND HER CHOREOGRAPHER

2009-06-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Trigger on point

Song: You've got a friend in me

Trigger is one of three cats who belong to my friend Susan Vencl,

an independent choreographer, who lives in my building.

(If you go to the March 31st blog, you will find the original photographs of Trigger. Also more about Susan's earlier work, shown in videos on her website)

TONIGHT, Saturday, June 20, 2009, Susan will be presenting CHANGING PLACES at the Cunningham Dance Studio, 55 Bethune St. NY.

Composer: Steve Reich: Composition: Drumming, 1970

Dancers will be: Lisa Bostwick, Erin Pellecchia, Sara Roer, Julia Sabangan, Lindy Schmedt.

IF YOU GO TO MY SIDE BAR: 'Blogs I like and Follow' >

then CLICK ON VENCL DANCE you will see a preview of CHANGING PLACES

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - U.S. OPEN BETHPAGE BLACK

2009-06-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

BREAKING NEWS! Playable but SOGGY (An AP news item and picture, 10 am)

IN FARMINGDALE, LONG ISLAND

TODAY, FRIDAY, AT 8 am NEW YORK Will it, or won't it rain today?

YESTERDAY, RAINED OUT! Sweeping waterlogged greens

(AP Picture)

HOBNOBBING WITH THE PLAYERS AT BETHPAGE BLACK U.S. OPEN

Phil Mickelson on the left

Tina and

JOHN POINTING OUT HIS COLLECTED AUTOGRAPHS!

RAIN AGAIN....

2009-06-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

WHAT CAN I TELL YOU, except....

There's a little bit of blue here

Why didn't they put drains in at the curbside intersections, one wonders...

PLAY IS SUSPENDED AT THE US OPEN at BETHPAGE Black Course, Farmingdale: fingers crossed for tomorrow!

THAT it is good for the garden!

NIFTY THRIFTY and sometimes ANTIQUITY

2009-06-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

While waiting for yesterday's deluge to stop, I looked around the CURE THRIFT SHOP: Here is a sampling of what I spotted - some of the older stuff has been appraised at high values, but the prices tagged are reasonable and sometimes negotiable. It is one of the more fun thrift shops, as they go. Donations are tax deductible. So that's cool for stuff you wouldn't want to leave just anywhere.

Just click on the bottom, left hand corner, to STOP and START show for a longer look.

(with sound)

Continuing from yesterday's introduction with the rocking horse

Items include: 1) two handsome birdcages, 2) the rocking horse, (said not available for a little while, 3) an electric Singer sewing machine that works, with ornate steel decoration, 4) a baby grand piano made in Vienna in 1860c, needs work, 5) a six piece place setting with accessories - 1920s American Limoges ware - an unusual combination of Art Deco and French period style, 6) corn muffin bake tray, 7) a table of miscellany, 8) a doll and other oddments. And many, many other oddments! Books, 78 records, baskets. DOWN STAIRS: A fashion for any occasion. Call the DIABETES CURE store: 1-212-505-SHOP 111 East 12th Street (between 3rd and 4th avenues) NY

( Note: I am not in the business of selling. I do love to browse and tell about an interesting concept of a particular kind. And if it makes a good picture story so much the better!)

WHOA!

2009-06-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Monday, sudden thunder show -

Sheltering at the CURE THRIFT SHOP to benefit the

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation

111 East 12th Street, NY

Very short! (with sound)

PLAY IT AGAIN SAM, or move on!

Store browse to be continued tomorrow...

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-06-13T05:25:00.000-07:00

DIGGING FOR OZ

But, it's colder down there

Time for another cool drink here!

Zipperdy do daa -

Zipperdy Hey! - (click here to join in the fun)

My oh my, what a beautiful day -

And look at REFLECTIONS below -

REFLECTIONS

2009-06-13T04:30:00.001-07:00

What does it mean - this life

Over there - by the rock - full of mussel life

Chatting -

Letting go -

Four moments pass - made permanent - while the suck and sighing of the waves persist for ever.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY

2009-06-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

Leaving Long Beach last Sunday, a silvery moon in the east, as the train crossed the Bay to Island Park

(My friend, Brenda, was inspired to write a poem for this photograph. See LILAC LULLABY)

Then heading west for New York City, into the sunset

Reflections, too, and alarmingly, a warped looking railway line! So many revelations in a photograph, seen after the fact. No doubt, a bent window effect!

The journey is uneventful, except for the splendour of the evening sky, and the photo below, enlarged, shows NYC skyscrapers on the horizon.

That is my SKYWATCH for this week, Silvia and company

RED AND GREEN MARKET DAY

2009-06-10T09:10:00.001-07:00

Green market - Union Square, NY

Enlarge to wet your appetite!

Elizabeth's preferred stall!

SUNDAY AT THE BEACH

2009-06-08T11:27:00.000-07:00

More like a painting than a photo - one spade unwittingly disturbs the fragile, incredible architecture, of a soft shell baby sand crab.

In early June, many sand crabs are to be found, almost invisible to the eye

That's what Thomas spots, in wonder, in his plastic spade

Then I found that the black rocks were, in fact, closely covered in millions of juvenile blue mussels, glistening in the sun - the tide was out.

A wet seaweed sandwhich, anyone?

No thank you, 'We're busy getting a windburn' (as the adults will learn later, when they arrive home!) It was not one of those hot, hot days, the ocean still too cool for the faint hearted.

Grandma is distracted by a

happy camper -

Lennie has a roller

board on standby, to add to his thrills

and skills.

Today the wind is gusty so, instead, he dances to its tune.

Long Beach, NY, is 1 hour from Penn Station on the Long Island Railroad. There's a boardwalk for cycling, jogging and a playground or two on the way.

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY #55

2009-06-06T08:19:00.001-07:00

An Off Broadway Sanctury

The detail is awesome when enlarged!

The private garden of the Grace Episcopal Church at 10th and Broadway, NYC

NYU GALLERY WINDOW EXHIBIT

2009-06-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

ENLARGE (Viewer discretion advised!)

BOLD AS LOVE by Adam Parker Smith

A curatorial project for Broadway Windows

Student Curators: Han- Yuan Chia, Sarah Ferguson, Molly Kleiman and Sari Mandel

On the corner, at Broadway and East 10th Street, a startling exhibit that captures the attention of passers by this month.

Among the menagerie are imagined creatures, American icons, high school crushes and self-portraits, an installation inspired by an execution scene in Ernest Hemingways's For Whom the Bell Tolls.

All images seem to have been cleverly fashioned from cut-out pieces of leather and felt, and are fascinating to look at as an 'aestheticized' consumption of violence, as well as a creative use of materials.

Yet this is a reminder of the reality of what war can do to people, as we hear about it today, and how it can be interpreted by an artist influenced by a writer whose novel was set during the Spanish Civil War. NOTHING CHANGES, does it.

For more information and pictures go to New York Art Beat

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

ROMAN URN, 1st Century AD

2009-06-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

Enlarge photos for detail!

Looking down upon the Grace Church from an 11th floor window on the West side of my building in the East Village. Note how the church itself is sandwiched within its own administrative block of offices, yet affords a splendid view on the sidewalk of Broadway.

THE URN

The imposing clay urn above, at least 7' high and round, dominates the quiet, shady private garden of the Grace Episcopal church, located on the corner of Broadway and 10th Street. No one knows why the Rector (for 26 years) William Reed Huntington (1838-1901), brought it to the garden 100 years ago, when it was excavated from a Roman dig while he was visiting at time.

The Grace Church is a National, State and New York City landmark. It has been, and continues to improve its community activities, expand its school, and repair its failing Gothic revival architecture. Right now it is fundraising for the restoration of the Chantry, which is already proceeding.

The urn is falling apart, though held strongly together in its iron framework. As will be noted, the crack is in the shape of an expressionist symbolic cruciform. Whatever William Huntington had in mind for its addition to the church garden, other than that perhaps he liked it, ironically this ancient Roman urn survives, sporting a mysteriously acquired religious symbol; and a Tour of the Grace Church Website does not comment upon, nor does anyone acknowledge the Roman urn as an object of interest in other literature.

I discovered that Huntington once wrote, in part, in a prayer for Holy Week: 'Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace, through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.'

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-05-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

Basket ball in the pool, anyone?

Wasps just love the shade of these umbrellas!

SOME REFLECTIONS - Memorial Day weekend

2009-05-26T07:33:00.001-07:00

Enlarge to feel in it!

"SHIMMER SHOT"

Do visit Rinklyrimes who has written a haiku for this shot, which was followed-up by her blogging friend and poet, jinksy, with a haiku, as her comment. Both are so enhancing and wonderful! It seems that the Haiku Festival continues, thanks to Elizabeth and Tracy Pink Purl who introduced this Festival last month.

Many backyard pools are shared. This weekend, one moment the pool was full of neighborhood children, and the next moment they were gone to visit another pool!

I was reminded of David Hockney's early Long Island pool paintings, many years ago. They seemed so unreal at the time.

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD

2009-05-21T11:38:00.000-07:00

ALL ABOARD! THE FIRST ONE IS MY CHOICE FOR SHADOW SHOT # 53

Follow the yellow brick road here means, MIND THE GAP! as you step on and off the train

Train arrives at Penn Station, then leaves for Long Beach again

The yellow line is freshly painted. Additional signs added. And the recorded voice drones

MIND THE GAP!

Another brain washing homily is, IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING......

So that's where I am Memorial Weekend. The Thunderbirds are practicing for the JONES BEACH air show, taking off and landing at Republic Airport on Rte. 110, low flying over our heads - that's a lot of thunder in Farmingdale!!

SUNSET REFLECTIONS

2009-05-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

Looking East

A dazzling sun set!

To reflect upon ....

As a low flying airliner appears to fly over forbidden NYC air space

Monday night May 18, 2009

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-05-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Enlarge to see shadows within shadows...

The facade, that part of St. Ann's Church on 12th Street, that NYU and developers decided to keep, adorns the front of the 26 storey megadorm that will soon house 700 students.

'God's Dorm', (April 16), as it has been dubbed, in Barry Popik's declamatory blogs is about the controversial project's developer Hudson Companies architecture. (At the blog site, go to Search with that title and date).

A choice of shadows - I opted for the first one that neatly captured the green store front awning and planted urns and, unexpectedly, other shadows.

* Yes, this is the same dorm on which I based my recent haiku - see Live Archives Titles at side bar, HAIKU FESTIVAL

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - SUN RISE

2009-05-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Reflected in high rise buildings to the west

Enlarge the dazzle and reflections!

Sun rises behind building below

Living half way up, as it were - reminiscent of *Stonehenge, waiting for the timely position of the sun from apparent 'stationary' view from 10th floor windows

*Stonehenge: prehistoric monument located in English county of Wiltshire

MOTHER'S DAY FAIR ON BROADWAY

2009-05-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

BLOWING IN THE WIND

Broadway and 10th - Hooray, no cooking! And perhaps no eating, either.

A sunny day, with light wind. Perfect. Though too much for vendors!

My daughter, granddaughter and I decided to try take out from the new Spice restaurant on 4th and 10th. Spice restaurants offer very good Thai food, and are the most inexpensive eateries in NYC.

HAIKU FESTIVAL

2009-05-11T08:17:00.001-07:00

Celebrating 'nature' as seen from my windows at different times of the day and night, without forgetting the reality of season, people and the nature of the changing scene.

My haiku attempts are experimental, as is most of my work. I can't hang or float the text in calligraphy, but I can make it a part of the picture, thanks to help from my computer wise daughter, Sarah.

SHADOW SHOT FOR HARRIET

2009-05-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY

2009-05-09T13:11:00.000-07:00

Yes, those are light shadows running up the side of this 23 storey controversial NYU mega- dorm next door! To the right of me, 10th floor windows lost their distant view of the Williamsberg Bridge and, of course, I lost the bridge, too! There are compensations. Today, the shadows are back. Taken from the kitchen, again.

NEW YORK CITY SKY WATCH - FRIDAY

2009-05-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

AFTER THE STORM - THURSDAY, NOW FRIDAY - not a cloud in sight!

Enlarge for detail

2009-05-07T05:54:00.001-07:00

DAY

This is for my printmaker friend, Mary Westring, who has painted this view, preferring the golden mystical dome dominating the fame of the 'other'. She lives in Brooklyn.

Nestled between the Zeckendorf Towers is the 'other', the shrouded Empire State building. At night the view is often seen in an incandescent shimmering white, fairy land of light, when not spotlighted in colour for special occasions.

NIGHT AND DAY

Similar to the NIGHT shot of two days ago, this is a continuing dull, damp DAY. To the left, looking down beyond, is Union Square park itself, where the green market hangs out, and a lot of performers, too.

As for the novel NIGHT AND DAY by Virginia Woolf, it was not a success as a seller until many years later. At the time, Katherine Mansfield criticized it for Woolf's refusal to engage in the war.

What neither of them knew, at the time, was that NIGHT AND DAY could not have been written by a stressed Woolf if she had NOT withdrawn into the stable prewar life, where it seemed as if individuals could still make decisions about shaping their own lives.

(Coincidentally, yesterday, I visited my BC surgeon for usual checkup. He was not in

favour of engaging in the the world focus on bad news - in short, stress in any form

becomes a health issue. Get out and about and enjoy the local scene).

Julia Briggs's book continues to grip my interest as she next tackles Woolf's third novel, JACOB'S ROOM (1922). It is a good read if anyone is interested in VW's desire to change the shape of the novel, showing the early development of her method. The time is WW1 and it is about the meaningless of the loss of life of so many young men, including her brother-in-law. I had an uncle who, at 17, ran away to fight in this senseless war and died. I find myself the caretaker of some badges, and a pendent framing his photograph, the only one that I have ever seen of him.

I REGRET THAT IT IS A LONG WAY DOWN TO COMMENT, after the 3 thumbnails!

NIGHT AND ....

2009-05-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

It is still raining. I am reading about Virginia Woolf's second novel, NIGHT and DAY (1919) in the book, 'Virginia Woolf, an Inner Life', by Julia Briggs* (2005). VW penned everything in the early days, allowed only an hour a day because of stringent rest cures imposed upon her by doctors and Leonard. It was very frustrating!

*Julia Briggs tragically died 16 August 2007.

This shot from my studio window that also serves as a spare bedroom. Tomorrow, a DAY shot, if the weather improves!

CIRCUS PERFORMANCE

2009-05-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

"UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES" *Song

A Shadow Shot tune association.....

At the circus, two hours of shadow shot opportunities! This is one of many.

Two mattresses below await the simultaneous cannon 'ball' shots of two performers.

(Better than looking at the caged, sad looking animals, performing at the crack of the whip!)

*The song: words and music by Bud Flanigan 1931, recorded by the Andrew Sisters in 1948, A song much sung during the WW II years in Great Britain, perhaps even in the desert.

Underneath the arches,

I dream my dreams away;

Underneath the arches

On cobble stones I lay.

Ev'ry night you'll find me

Tired out and worn;

Happy when the day light comes creeping,

Heralding the dawn.

Sleeping when it's raining

And sleeping when it's fine,

Trains rattling by above!

Pavement is my pillow

No matter where I stay

Underneath the arches,

I dream my dreams away.

NEW YORK CITY SKY WATCH - FRIDAY

2009-04-30T03:48:00.000-07:00

As the drama passes into a cool day....

By 11 am the clouds were drifting, defragging.......

Sunrise, approximagely 6.15 Thursday: Shot from the kitchen window, 10th floor, NYC

Click on photos to see the details....

The CRANE WATCH is an endless pastime in NYC

NYU built a 23 storey mega dorm on 12th street, next door to us. Due to admit 700 students in the Fall. The crane experts are working on extending the height of the crane some more!

THE GERBER DAISY - A Mystery Story

2009-04-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

It is still a mystery why one of the most important cut flowers in the world was named after Traugott Gerber.

The Gerbera Daisy is a genus of ornamental plants from the sunflower family.

UNION SQUARE NYC GREEN MARKET April 25, 2009

SHADOW SHOT SUNDAY - UPDATE

2009-04-24T19:42:00.001-07:00

HOORAY - AN EPA SIGN!

DON'T HONK

$350

PENALTY

Young Ginkgo trees, 12th Street, between 3rd and 4th Ave, NYC.

View from kitchen window. 10th floor

I like the puddle part of the picture, too!

Re COMMENTS: I am in shock at getting so many generous comments - it is a record in my blogging life so far! Thank you ALL so very much.

REASSESSING PICASSO at the Gagosian Gallery in Chelsea

2009-04-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

In a recent review of "Picasso: Mosqueteros" at the Gagosian Gallery in Chelsea, Roberta Smith discusses the exhibition in an audio slide show: nytimes.com/interactive/2009/04/17/arts/design/20090417-picasso-audioss/index.html

It is written that there are two states of an etching at the end of a long wall. "They depict an artist gussied up like Rembrandt working from the model; but the main effect is a dense squall of scribbles, spirals and scratches that nearly obliterates them. It is as if the pressure of Picasso's final years generated its own weather system."

Or could Picasso be enjoying one last poke at Rembrandt's expense.....

"Picasso: Mosqueteros" remains on view through June 6 at the Gagosian Gallery, 522 West 21st Street, Chelsea (212) 741-1717 gagosian.com.

Roberta Smith, Art Review, "Going All Out, Right to the End," New York Times, Weekend ARTS, Friday, April 17, 2009

PS See the print/story, LITTLE MS. MUFFET, for a Picasso quote appropriated from the same nytimes review. Picasso's own pithy comments shed light on his later images currently seen in the Gagosian Gallery.

PUDDLE ART

2009-04-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

PIGEONS IN THEIR FOUND ART SPACE IN WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK

What reflective canvases in which they doodle following recent, much needed heavy rains, adding their own rippling effects as they settle down to wash - then they fly away to look for new Puddle Shows.

ENLARGE for detail

Reminds me of the time when my friend Julius Vitali, pioneer digital photographer, artist and educator, originated PUDDLE ART in 1983, exhibiting at the Discovery Art Gallery in Glen Cove, on Long Island. Now he is all that, and a fine art marketing specialist, and much more. Go to his website.

Also reminiscent of M.C. Escher's woodcut puddle of 1952, made with 3 blocks, and three colours - green, brown and black.

Washington Square Park - one historical overview for Australian commenter!

SHADOW SHOTS AT LONG BEACH, LONG ISLAND

2009-04-14T14:37:00.001-07:00

On the way home from the boardwalk and beach a few yards away, a must stop here......

It is still cold, but the mums put up with it...... like, for 20 minutes!

Then its beverage time out.

PRESERVED UKRAINIAN 'SPIRITUAL HAVEN'

2009-04-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Yet obscured by unattractive modern construction in the Cooper Union precinct by architects who ought to know better.

There will be a walking tour of the East Village and Sacred Havens by Terri Cook on Saturday, May 16, 2009, as announced by the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation. Contact: gvshp@gvshp.org

Coinciding with St. George's Ukrainian Festival including food, dance performances and artwork.

PRESS MORNING at the NEW MUSEUM

2009-04-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

BANNERS, FLAGS, AND PATCHES

Donor Wall: Jeffrey Inaba: Hell, Yes!

NEW MUSEUM FIRST (of the month) SATURDAYS FOR FAMILIES - FREE (For more information visit: newmuseum.org, then scroll down to Related Events).

Work in progress: Banners, Flags, and Patches created by Carolina Caycedo inspired by daily life and what she sees around her, including her experiences as a woman, mother, and artist.

April 4 was the first of Saturdays for Families from 10 AM - 12 PM, held in the Marcia Tucker Hall, a dedication to the founder, a curator, "who had neither personal resources nor a collection, just abundant resourcefulness and a passion for living culture."

ON THE EATERY TRAIL

2009-04-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

A photo Op: This is the window of one of a chain of eateries offering Mexican food and take-out.

The take-out shop front is distinctive in a residential neighborhood and not particularly inviting as a place to spend time, inside or out, but the food is very good and worth the scramble. The entrance for a comfortable sit down is on the corner of Prince, at 17 Prince St. @ Elizabeth St. Two blocks down from the New Museum in the Bowery, NYC

Other locations at Lafayette St. Fulton St. and one in Brooklyn: 212 625.2002

SHADOW SHOT FOR 'HEY HARRIET'

2009-04-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Harriet lives in Australia and invented the Shadow Shot Sunday Gallery. I follow her blog, though am not yet a member of her international club.

THE RICKSHAW

2009-04-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Yves is french and calls his pedal cab a "rickshaw" (as any self-respecting european immigrant might). It is the most fanciful one I have seen around, this one parked outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday.

As a reminder to anyone interested, the Pierre Bonnard exhibit ends April 19.

Since the day was so fine, we considered taking the rickshaw (from 77th to 28th and Lex) to visit THE OLD PRINT SHOP, but found it would have cost $60.00, a 40 minute pedal ride to go via Central Park to avoid the traffic. Our options were to do that, or to take a yellow cab, that would (and did) cost $18.50 with tip, or to walk back to the subway at Lexington Avenue, costing $1.50. Looking for a few minutes of respite, we found that visitors are not allowed to sit on the steps of the Museum, nor are they allowed to smoke until they reach the sidewalk!

It was then that a rickshaw ride seemed so inviting.....

At THE OLD PRINT SHOP we met the artist Michael Di Cerbo, whose distinctive etchings of New York city buildings at night, reminded me of the picture I had taken last February of the Helmsley Building, as seen below. (Click on to contemporary printmakers for more information about his work).