At The End Of The Week

The World's Largest Dinosaur

2012-02-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

The World's Largest Dinosaur exhibit is now gone from the American Museum of Natural History but here are the highlights.

Paparazzi moment for this dinostar.

They came in many sizes.

He barely fit in the room, yet he is still eating.

I want that cut and maybe a drumstick.

I guess some T-Rex found out how to use a knife.

Oh my did they come in pocket size, I want one.

Staten Island Botanical Gardens

2012-01-30T14:38:00.000-08:00

Okay officially it is the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden but who will remember that. The beginning of September last year meant a final summer trip to Staten Island to look around.

Must be the new Staten Island ferry.

Is Target a sponsor?

Governor of Staten Island needs to invest in paint.

That clears things up.

Potted plants for my NYC apartment.

Water plants are great.

So serene.

Classic

Not many tourist, people, or even animals.

Time to go until next year.

Ye Olde Book Shoppe

2012-01-04T17:25:00.000-08:00

The end of August meant the end of Borders Bookstore, which is a shame. I stopped by the Time Warner Center to see what was on sale...turns out everything was.

Now that is a cat I can own.

Blue Dog was so happy to see me.

Miriam Salat famed costume jeweler.

So sad.

Even the For Sale signs were for sale.

If I roll away with it do you think anyone would stop me?

Well does seem that special if they sell so many.

This so matches my jeans. Do they gift wrap?

Eataly Tour

2011-12-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

Back in August went to so what the big deal was surrounding Eatlaly's 3rd Birthday. This all about Italian food shop offers up everything you would want to make or eat an Italian supper.

Plain standard cups, like in a restaurant.

Then it gets fancier.

Got to have the tomatoes for the sauces.

A little cheese is always good.

Violet candies, never really liked them smells and taste like floor cleaner.

Ooooh caviar how upscale.

The bar is packed.

Great meat.

Of course pasta because I'm not make it from scratch.

Liquors of every size.

They even have a restaurant that was packed.

Instruction books to make your meal come out right.

Pepper mills and stuffed bears a perfect fit.

Colorful and pretty.

Fresh greens, wow this place has everything but affordable prices.

Italy is Eataly...probably not.

Riverside Park

2011-12-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

Remember back in August when it was nice and warm. Well at least I still have pictures form my Riverside Park walk. This 4 mile park is great and has been upgraded. There are so many new places to see and explore I can't wait to get back there in the spring.

Greenway!

Steps I was never going to take and a shocked woman who didn't know why I was taking pictures of stairs.

Love the paths but get rid of the bikers.

Great place to walk.

They even have a fancy restaurant.

The ruins are always great to visit.

Awwww a couple in love ♥.

Which path to take? Does the left one lead to Walton's Mountain.

Oh it's like a game of Monopoly.

Not Monopoly pieces but Akihiro Ito's Forever, 2001 art piece.

Steps into the river, just in case you want to walk to New Jersey .

Great space but the giant uncooked silver turkey statue is distracting.

And an incredible sunset to end this mini-trip.

Remembering McQueen

2011-10-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Got to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit early in the summer. Then I went back late in the summer to see it again and that did not go well. The line was way too long and slow, approximately 6 hours on a 90+ degree day. At the end I just skipped the the exhibit plus they don't allow pictures.

Line ended deep in Central Park.

Hey y'all gonna be there awhile.

And waiting...

Waiting over I out of line and exploring.

Some places were empty.

Oooh this should be the gift shop.

Yeah free change.

Guards were everywhere.

Horsies.

Island Hopping

2011-10-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I went to Governors and Staten Island.

Stage and restaurant.

Nice photo art show.

She'll never get robbed.

Wouldn't even know how to climb it.

Nice.

Someone lost it.

Gazebo ceiling and skylight.

Staten Island ferry terminal.

Um...Windex please.

Go Yankees!

Never did catch one.

Nice memorial.

I was going to run on the field but it was getting late.

Boardwalk Empire Train

2011-09-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

HBO's Boardwalk Empire joined with the MTA for this cool subway trip. On the 2,3 line from 42nd St. to 96th St. every weekend this September.

Pulling in from the 1930s.

Lightbulbs work

Thank you Nucky I will enjoy.

Babette's is open.

I'm a big fan.

Picture time for the amateurs.

Through the windows that actually open.

Classic and classy.

MTA doormen there to ensure safety and calm. Great job can't wait until next week.

Fashion's Night Out at Macy's

2011-09-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

Very crowded and lots of free seafood.

Fashion's night out at Macy's

The fashion in question.

Who's that?

Free roses!

Andrew Zimmerman and Chef Marc Forgione

Andrew experiencing mike problems told them where to stick the it.

Bobbi Brown with fans.

Carson Kressley talking to Shaun Robinson

Life's a Beach

2011-08-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

Just a quick stop to the local beach.

Not as crowded as I thought it would be.

They even rolled out the blue carpet for me.

Dune

Sweet place to live...for the summer.

Despues no quiero mas que paz means Afterwards I want nothing more but peace.

Flight 587 Crash Memorial with names in stone and holes for flower or gifts.

Williamsburg Hipster Art

2011-07-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

Just another stroll.

Architectural nightmare plus art.

Robot love?

Green with green.

Dang hipster stickers are as bad as old fashion graffiti.

Nice the few Boriquas still are representing.

Now that is a robot, take lesson hipsters.

Yonkers Raceway Festival

2011-06-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

Summer Festival At Empire City Casino Yonkers Raceway was a nice little getaway for the cost of a Metrocard, assuming you do not have the monthly one.

Horsie!

Going slow is great for pictures, not so much for winning.

Yolanda Vega superstar of lotteries.

Apparently no one wanted to slide.

Give me my free cotton candy, NOW!

Horse loved all the attention.

Empire City.

Chelsea Market

2011-05-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just checking out the lovely plates and such at the shops in Chelsea Market.

Cracker tins. Who knew they were so collectable?

Mmmmm, 60 year old Fig Newtons.

Great plates although the food kept sliding off.

Best coaster ever.

For some reason I want 8 of these.

1/4 cup was so tiny, full cup above it.

Doggie plate

So many colors!

More niceties.

Two of each isn't asking for much.

A plate for each food sounds great.

Union Square Stroll

2011-05-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

Just taking a walk through Union Square trying to avoid the rain.

Statue with kids

Nice flower

I need these pots for my tiny apartment

Beautiful tree

Squirrel!

Coffee Shop Bar

Kind of creepy if you think about it.

Street Art: Soho

2011-05-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

Just walking around Soho taking pictures of paintings.

Gallery of trees.

Kentucky Derby tribute?

Nice

My kitchen...soon.

Chubby

and proud of it.

I've taken snap shots like this before.

Cool

Dogs play more than just poker when we're not looking.

It's my favorite.

End Booze.

Macy's Flower Show 2011

2011-04-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

Yes I'm late with the flower show post because as of April 10 the show is over. Well at least I'm still taken pictures.

This year's theme was Towers of Flowers.

Nice cacti

Tiny towers

Huge flower(s)

Very nicely done

Fruit in the middle

They won't notice if I borrow one lime for my Friday night fish?

Overflowing

Big little flower

Two towers

The towers of flowers. (Also people in my way)

Grant's Tomb

2010-09-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

I'm back from the grave...well tomb.
General Grant National Memorial is on my bucket list of places to visit in NYC and it was wonderful, in a respectful way.

Started off at Columbia University and the class of 2014 just left.

Grant's Tomb

Learnt my history.

Classic art framing peace message.

Modern art framing nothing.

I think they're empty.

Wit there are some stars missing.

Rotunda!

Not a gift shop item.

Marvelous marble.

Nice day outside, I need to do this again.

Met Tut

2010-03-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Went to the The Metropolitan Museum of Art to the former King Tut exhibit since it's been years since he last came around.

The front of Met on a beautiful day.

Nice wrapping better than most Christmas gifts.

The exhibit entrance.

I have the same clay pots for my cacti.

A picture of the valley of the kings.

Painted wall and unpainted statues.

A model boat from the regular Ancient Egypt exhibit.

5,000 years and flip-flops are still in vogue.

Ceramic jars contain the organs, just like in The Mummy.

What a book store! I can spend weeks here.

The Shops at Columbus Circle

2009-12-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

I like pretty lights and The Shops at Columbus Circle are full of them so I followed and snapped as I went.

Blue trees for a Blue Christmas.

Very nice at any angle.

Stars and Sephora.

Oh boy, they change colors!

Still changing!

So freakin' purdy.

From the balcony.

I'm not the only one who likes the light show.

Beyond awesome.

Macy's Christmas Believe 2009

2009-12-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

Macy's theme this year for Christmas is Believe, mostly believe that you're getting a bargain for stuff that is already overpriced.

I believe the banners are nice and festive.

I believe The Cellar does not have the plates I want.

Believe that tree is not real and very blue.

Don't believe that is really St. Nick.

I like this angle it makes the window display more believable.

Yes, Virginia there is a Macy's Santa, believe it.

"Mr. Kringle as Santa Claus", I believe I cut off the first word.

Macy's Pre-Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T00:45:00.000-08:00

Off to take pictures of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons because there is no way I'm waking up at 5am to sit in the drizzle for the actual parade.

Cutting through the American Museum of Natural History,
I did get a nice image of their origami tree.

Snoopy off in the distance.

Mickey caged for our protection.

Buzz Lightyear about to takeoff.

Elephants may never forget but I can't remember what Dr. Suess book he's from.

Anyone?

Dancing with Smurfs.

Now off to the post office which was heavily guarded.

Empire State building decked out in its autumn colors and shrouded in mist.
This is NYC.

Fizzy and Milky Day

2009-08-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

On one of the hotter, cloudy, and very humid days I decided to to see if anything new was happening at the High Line. Last time they were giving out free lemonade this week it was a new Coke product. First though it is picture time.

Big apple the same people did cows, horses, pigs, and Statues of Liberty.

Love that Spice Market sign. Not an actual spice market just a restaurant.

Nice hog. You couldn't pay me to ride one but still nice.

The famed Hogs & Heifers Saloon.

Above street level the toughness is washed away with a carpet of balcony flowers.

They put up the lights and opened a small food cart on the High Line.

Looking out to the triangle and a great NYC traffic scene.

I have no idea what they are but it's boxes made from leaves.
I'll call it the leaf-box plant.

Inside Chelsea Market.

I got two of these fizzy little Vio "vibrancy drinks". They are basically egg creams with a twist. The difference is instead of seltzer Vio uses sparkling water, and instead of whole milk Vio uses skim milk and cream. That added kick comes from fruity flavors. I did like these and when served cold they are very refreshing.

The bottle is aluminum which is cool. Plus the drink itself is fortified with vitamin C and calcium. Looking through the internets I'm amazed at all the negatives reactions. "Milk and Coke? Yuck!" is the usual comment but this is not the truth. Has everyone forgotten egg creams(no eggs or cream either) everyone who tastes them loves them.

Since there are few good bottled egg cream maker hopefully this product will last and Coke will expand the line to include traditional egg creams.

Historic Richmond Town

2009-07-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island is on of those nice quiet places that is close enough to visit on a nice afternoon. The entire village and surrounding park is an official historic village and museum.

Crocheron house c. 1819 is a simple home with a nice olde fashioned fence.

A local making using a spring pole lathe to make buckets and churners.

Eltingville Store/Print Shop, nice a store where the local paper is fresher than the food.

Colon Store/Tinsmith Shop originally a store but for the tourist turned into a tinsmith shop,
not sure if they actually sold colons.

No surprise lots of olde timey tin stuff.

George Cromwell fountain for horses still the water was refreshing.

3rd County Courthouse, 1837 the other two were nearby but are long gone.

Non-native lion.

Horse post.

Back of the courthouse is a county clerk and surrogate office, 1848.

Edwards Barton house, 1869, ignoring the house that plant was spectacular almost floating.

Outhouse c.1860 for you know what.

Again that house is surrounded by the most gorgeous flowers.

Creek, stream, or raging river you decide.

Final leaving the great escape from big city living you're quickly reminded that it is still 2009.

Giglio in Williamsburg

2009-07-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

The Giglio is not only the five-story five-ton tower but Italian for lilies. This 100+ year old Brooklyn festival honors Saint Paulinus who, with the help of a Turkish sultan, once saved his family and the townspeople of Nolani from imprisonment. Overjoyed the townspeople greeted his return with towers of lilies and 1600 years later the tradition continues.

The Giglio in most of its glory.

Here is the top with Saint Paulinus.

On the Giglio itself is a 12 person band.

The back of the Giglio is just a frame underneath are 125 strong men.

The children's Giglio was next to the church. Same concept just with children underneath.

Games and fluffy prizes, that no one won for me.

A merry-go-round or is it a carousel.

Another boat that actually is a boat representing the journey back by Saint Paulinus and the sultan (not pictured).

More games and stuffed piggies.

The rides were almost empty despite the perfect weather.

I'm mean very empty.

Creepily empty.

The festival continues all week, until July 19, but I had to head home.

Walking around the neighborhood I got to see these new beautiful buildings.

Across the park what was just townhouses 10 years ago.

One of the old neighborhood theaters, I believe, is now a Rite-Aid.

The most opulent Rite-Aid I've ever been in.

Belated Fourth of July

2009-07-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Looking for a decent place to watch the fireworks I traveled to some of the usual spots.

The park closest to the Hudson river was packed and they were even having a mini-concert.

So off to Governors Island and the temporary beach was up.

It was nice but lots of kids.

Then this weirdness, it looks like my Canon camera.

Except it was on top of one of the buildings which is odd since these things are not waterproof.

Dozens of these new red benches have taken over the island.

Cruise ship and a conveyor belt of clouds.

Liberty!!!

A hammock that was trying to kill me when I tried to sit on it.

Off to Staten Island I passed by the Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George where the Staten Island Yankees were playing.

The place to stand for foul balls.

Simply a beautiful day for baseball.

Bad fireworks pictures.

Still can't get the settings right for fireworks.

Oh yes I tried the fireworks settings and it was bad.

The High Line

2009-06-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

Went to the newly opened High Line which is a stretch of abandoned railroad track running from Gansevoort Street, in the Meatpacking District, to West 20th Street, in Chelsea, between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues, NY, NY.

Getting off the M11 I'm greeted by 3 little pigs, obviously locked out by the wolf.

There is the High Line cutting through a luxury building.

The entrance is under construction and the whole park is strictly monitored for overcrowding.

Beautiful day to stroll on deck, but the wind makes everything feel unstable.

Tracks and concrete with plants growing in between. The concept is to have the plants overtake and break the concrete over the next few years.

Across the park, only in New York City is four feet a park.

From the bench.

Rust colored plant.

Underneath the building the hangs over the park.

More tracks and plants.

Allegedly some of the original trees.

Merging old, new, organic, and manufactured.
Shhh, like Central Park the whole thing is artificial.

The amphitheater.

A people viewer, remember don't tap on the glass it makes them angry.

More merging of elements.

Nice park but too high and too windy. Oh yeah too small it took all of 5 minutes to slowly walk the entire park, twice. Hopefully the expansion will continue.

Frogs Live

2009-06-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

A quick stop at American Museum of Natural History to see the frogs before they turn to princes.

First stop the gift shop.

Skeletal stegosaurus $375.00.

Skeletal spinosaurus $550.00.

Sabertooh skull is $450.00.

Finished models are $98.00 each so I left with no souvenirs.

Golden Poison Frog with enough skin poison to kill 10 people.

Yellow-banded Poison Frog

They look like toys but they move, so maybe robots. Nature is wonderfully colorful.

No wonder they weren't turned into princes yet, poison.

Some leaf frog looking very alien.

Such great camouflage I can't tell if this is a ahead or backside shot.

Blue frogs just chillin' or heating up.

That is such a nice green, it would make such a nice coin purse.

Prince Harry & Me

2009-05-30T18:20:00.000-07:00

So HRH Prince Henry of Wales, Prince Harry to all the common folks, came to New York City today and went to my favorite island. He was there to play a charity polo match with a VIP section at $50,000 a table or $500 for a piece of lawn. Luckily the free section was just my price.

Lines to the ferry were ridiculously long.

The tents for the elite which included LL Cool J, whom I did not see.

The lawn was packed but everyone was decent while sporting their phony British accents.

The Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic was a fundraiser for charity that helps poor children and AIDS orphans in Lesotho.

The national anthems were played.

Then the games began.

Look Prince Harry, no really right there behind the hat.

There he is again number 1 on the horse. Hey, Harry turn around! No, okay.

The changing of the horses prompted me to leave early as the elusive Prince would not listen to my plead to hold still for a decent shot. His team did win.

A nice image of the Statue of Liberty from Governors Island.

One of the bus-trolleys that tour the island.

At South Street Seaport they had a Texas on Tour display, seriously.

The Christmas store was not as busy as last December I have yet to figure out why.

Beautiful day, big bridges, blue sky, fluffy clouds, and a plane to round out this future postcard.

On top of the Peking ship some girl was doing something slightly dangerous.

My souvenirs:

One Woman's T-shirt: $22.00

One key chain: $5.00
One wine bottle stopper: $12.00
One box of matches: Free
One bag: Free with purchases
One yellow wristband: Priceless...wait no free at the entrance

It was a great time but heat and sun were a bit much and $30.00 for an sun-umbrella is a bit much. After some hot coffee all was better but time to go home and prepare for the next mini trip.

Valley Stream

2009-05-24T00:48:00.000-07:00

Let's take a quick trip to Valley Stream and their famous mall. I'm always hearing about it on the news but I never been there before. Wait don't I hear about it in the crime stories...oh well here we go.

The trains are nicer than your average NYC subway car.

Out the window are some scenic if not ominous views.

Okay some quaint homes, covered in graffiti.

Finally an old fashion foot bridge.

This must be the Stream of Valley Stream.
Reminds me of every movie where the find the body.

A modern Long Island road.

Thanks for the welcome but I don't think there is enough time to read all your club sponsors.

It was foggy I hope to catch the increasing creepiness of the day.

Hey at least the spelled the sign correctly, know who do I email to repaint the grass green.

Middle of the day in spring and not a soul is in the one green park.

Well I think this was part of the mall, I'm guessing it's a Staples.
Good opportunity to write a sticky note reminding me never to come back.

Macy's Flower Show 2009

2009-04-16T18:11:00.000-07:00

I'm back armed with a Canon A1000 and a 4GB worth of memory. To test the camera I went down to the Annual Macy's Flower show on until April 19th.

This year's theme is Dream In Color which has colorful flowers arranged in dream-like scenes plus lots of lawn flamingos.

A dream-like ceiling.

Flower flamingo.

Flowers and pond.

Flowers and Coach.

Flowers, flamingos, and crowds.

Blue flowers on a ledge.

Bridge to nowhere.

Lawn flamingo.

Flower dress.

Dooney & Burke purses, not on sale.

Flowers hidden among the merchandise.

Fake pool, fake birds, and real patio furniture.

It looked like a party.

Very colorful.

Then back on the bus to go home.

Kyle XY Underground

2008-08-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

So I'm on the train coming home when who do I bump into Matt Dallas from Kyle XY fame. I only had my cell phone so excuse the image quality.

He's taller in real life.

No one else seem to notice but the chickie he was with and offered to take a picture of us together but no I just wanted him.

Update: To give a play by play.
I entered the packed NYC subway at my usual stop then at 14th Street Matt Dallas and some girl entered. He's leaning against the train door and I'm on the leaning on the door used for walking in between cars.
I looked at him and immediately recognized that beautiful smile and those amazing blue eyes. He saw me stare and I could tell that he knew that I knew.

Me: You're Kyle. (I forgot his real name in the excitement)
Matt: Yes.
Me: I've been watching the show form the beginning.
Matt: Thanks, that's nice.
Me: Can I take a picture of you.
Matt: Yes.
Blond Chickie: Do you want me to a picture of you together?
Me: Oh no he's too beautiful I'm not, I just want a picture of him.
Blond Chickie: No you're beautiful too. (Duh I know.)
Me: That's okay I'll just take one of him.
(Took the picture.)
Me: Thank you. The show is coming back?
Matt: Yes.
Me: That is so nice you here on my train.
Blond Chickie: Yeah he's just a regular guy.
(Next stop he leaves.)
Me: Bye.

Nothing else to

Wave Hill

2008-08-24T17:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday I went nice and early to Wave Hill in The Bronx because it was a sunny day plus before noon it's free. Up to this point it hadn't rained in a week so everything is slightly dryer than normal. Still it was one of the most beautiful sites in New York City.

At the public gardens looking toward the Palisades in New Jersey.

Some flowering plant that greets you on close to the entrance.

This is where Greenlee and Kendall had their wedding fight.

Ooooh a strange fruit plant.

Here are the strange fruits.

More berries that I don't know their names.

This was the brightest plant in the whole garden.

On of the many former homes on the property.

It was mostly empty, used for storage but quiet serene.

Look a wallflower.

Now this is a backyard.

Now that is a million dollar view.

The visitors center and more in important bathrooms.

My favorite picture of the lot, a jalapeño pepper plant.

A standard eggplant plant.

A slightly different eggplant.

Perfectly shaped plant, like a pine cone.

Some dark plant with dark berries, very mysterious.

Not fried but green tomatoes.

Whoa the plant is turning into a stone.

The bonsai garden.

The view to a small terrace.

Can you spot the bee?

From the roof of the building overlooking the Hudson River.

Snail and grapes, like fine French restaurant.

They have so many weddings here.

My second favorite shot.

Again another hidden bee.

These bees were huge.

This plant was so plastic looking I think it's a fake.

Flowers were growing out everywhere.

Like some sort of garden.

Stunning.

This little guy was smelling up the place very sweet and perfumey.

Some pod plant, very tempting.

Indian corn if that is still politically correct.

You can definitely see the hill from this shot.

Out of the gardens and on to the neighborhood.

It is a gated community straight out of the 1950's TV shows.

A look back to the entrance of Wave Hill.

For further information visit http://www.wavehill.org/home/
Admission is $6 except on Saturdays from 9AM to Noon when it's free.

West 249th Street and Independence Avenue (front gate)
675 West 252nd Street (mailing)
Bronx, NY 10471-2899

Wave Hill provides free van service between the front gate and the Metro-North Railroad Riverdale station and the terminus of the #1 subway train at West 242nd Street.

For further information

Night at the Museum 2

2008-08-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Still don't have a good camera but I managed to take these photos of the filming of the Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian with my cell phone so pardon the quality.

Ben Stiller exiting the American Museum of Natural History.

The plane Amelia Earhart(Amy Adams) uses to return Larry Delay(Ben Stiller).

Close-up of the plane looks like a Monocoupe 110.

More of the plane.

They got rid of the horses to film these scene.

You have nothing to

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum

2008-08-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's kind of sad when you are the only people inside a museum, it's even worse when the curator says your the only visitor all week. So who are the two guys whose home was turned into a museum that no one visit?

Well Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882) was an Italian war hero and temporarily shacked up in Staten Island before freeing his people.

Antonio Meucci (1808-1889) was said to be the original inventor of the telephone. He was fascinated with electricity and while working at electroshock therapy one of the patients screams transmitted through the wire. When his wife became ill he set up a primitive telephone to keep in contact with her. Soon after an explosion on the Staten Island ferry sent Meucci to the hospital and to make money his wife sold that phone to a local yocal. A year later Alexander Graham Bell filed for a patent for a telephone, hmmm. Meucci died angry and penniless.

First to get to the island you'll need the explosive ferry.

Yeah the waterfall is still on.

Off the boat your greeted with a place to eat, for those who don't get seasick.

Down the corridor, I just love the light and dark contrast.

This is Meucci or is it Garbaldi, they lookd exactly the same in bronze.

No wonder their dead the bedroom is just an accident waiting to happen.

Nice dude was voyeur.

This was the candle making oven, Meucci invented a smokeless candle,
Garbaldi would learn the same trade here.

The outside of the house/museum.

Here is Meucci's tombstone.

And his wife's, notice it's not as grand you because of that whole selling the greatest invention of the electric era for $6.

Back home and one finally picture of this beautiful day.

For further information visit http://www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org/
Admission is a suggested donation of $5 but I gave a little less.
420 Tompkins Ave.
Staten Island NY, 10305
Take the Staten Island Ferry then either the S78 or S52.

For further information

Staten Island Train Ride

2008-08-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

So found an old camera an decided to take the train on Staten Island because living all this time in NYC I never took the ride. First was the ferry trip to Staten Island and a clear view over the river.

Oh no the waterfall was turned off, they must of ran out of water.

I should make postcards. Look at that shot.

This shot was taken on a sunny afternoon, very creepy.

You can so film a werewolf movie here.

End of the line.

What losers a couple in front of us was taking pictures.

Nice view.

They even have a beach.

Back on the train I tried taking pictures of every stop, don't worry I won't post all of them.

Off the train again and I realize I need a shore house.

A look back at the city should end this picture perfect weekend.

For all your travel needs on the Staten Island visit the following...

SIferry.com

MTA.info

All it cost is the price of a Metrocard.

Concert In The Park

2008-07-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

67,000 tickets for only 50,000 available seats for the Bon Jovi All-Star MLB concert on the Great Lawn in Central Park July 12, 2008. I'm expecting problems.

Instead I went a day early to scope out what type of security they have to sneak in without a ticket.

Here are some images scouting the locations from my cell phone.

First we sneak past the statue of the Polish Prince of Arm-Raising.

Past the lake of thick green slime.

We're here the staging area of the concert.

Wow they even captured the sun in the lighting rig.

I see a clear path, I should run and hide under the stage.

Okay I'm out but we should meet up at the obelisk for a better plan tomorrow.

Okay here's the official site
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2008/concert.jsp

Waterfalls and Cancellations

2008-07-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

I went to Governors Island for the rained out New York Philharmonic concert and surprisingly it was rained out. Allegedly they were concerned over the safety of people holding metal instruments in a lightening storm, wusses.

So instead staring at an empty stage and falling rain I went to see the The New York City Waterfalls by Olafur Eliasson. For those not familiar with the Waterfalls it is staged falling water art project.

So let's start the journey (through my cell phone camera).

Leaving the dock we see pink archways.

Comfy seats on the smaller ferry.

Oh no that jellyfish is going to drown.

There's the waterfalls from the boat.

We're getting closer.

Looks like the Niagara Falls, kind of.

We've landed.

How long until some fool climbs it?

Bunker homes?

A view from the island back to lower Manhattan.

Statue of Liberty a day after the 4th of July, does she look hungover.

Mini-golf.

Tenters escaping the rain.

Some sort of public art.

Disco ball made out of metal disk?

The basement where the monster stay during the day/

My row house.

So much undeveloped space.

Just pretty.

Mailboxes need to be bigger.

Here are some links for you to enjoy.

http://www.govisland.com/....The original government website for all your island hopping needs.

http://www.nycwaterfalls.org/....The place to get all your falling water desires.

http://www.folksontheisland.com/ ....The place to see who'll be rocking out on the island.

http://nyphil.org/index.cfm ....The elite of philharmonics who melt in the rain.

Brooklyn Ikea

2008-06-22T21:51:00.000-07:00

So Ikea finally came to Brooklyn and I just had to see what the big deal was all about. Some camped out in front of the store to get some free sofas, chairs, pillows, plants, and publicity.

Ignoring the store itself the area of Red Hook has become very nice and commercial. The view is tremendous and well I was shopping for an apartment as much as for a bookcase.

Some bridge, what I did not see a name.

Trust me these buildings were not like this years ago.

Shipping my new furniture would be easier if I lived here.

They had a live band in store, the 3 or 4 people who sat to watch really enjoyed them.

For those unfamiliar with Brooklyn here is where the store is...


			Address: 1 Beard Street Brooklyn, NY 11231



			Phone: 718-246-IKEA (4532)



			Store hours: Open 10am - 10pm daily Restaurant hours: 9:30am - 9:30pm daily

As for the store here is some items I liked in the store.

Yes they have food there but at some great prices. The hot dog was $0.50., cookies for $0.99, and big chocolate bars for $0.99. Seriously I can go there for lunch and everyday and not spend more than $10. Oh yeah and the sell furniture too.

The 20s are back

2008-06-08T11:08:00.000-07:00

At least when I went back in time on Governors Island on June 08, 2008. They had a Free 1920s Jazz Dance Picnic on New York City hot spot, literally it was 94 degrees.

Be aware I'm still without a proper camera so for now my cell phone will be taking all the pictures.

Dancers taken advantage of the free 1920s dance lessons.

Vintage 1920s car.

Another vintage car.

That's right yet another classic.

This was the entrance to one of the art exhibits.

See one of the sculptures after the jump. Beware it is art and very artsy and well you'll see...

Lions share a moment.

The exhibits are not just animals humping but other nicer things from Figment and In Site presented by the Sculptors Guild

Image Courtesy of http://www.govisland.com/Visit_the_Island/default.asp#

The island will be open every

Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 31st until October 5th.
On Friday, the Island is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Saturdays and Sundays, the Island is open from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Map of the route.

Jazz is always a big part of Governors Island including the Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra visit them here.

Very classic.

In Site presented by the Sculptors Guild.

Atlantic City

2008-01-14T23:06:00.000-08:00

I've regularly gone to Atlantic City and not allowed to take pictures in the casinos. Instead I must settle with pictures from the outside. I'm sure those same casinos respect my privacy and never take pictures or videos of me. Ha!

Black horsie.

White horsie.

The front of Caesars'.

Don't jump you'll break even next week.

Beautiful houses, creepily empty streets.

It's teal.

The front of The Wild-Wild West Casino.

I believe, I believe!

A parting shot, isn't it pretty.

Christmas Past

2007-12-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

Still without a camera I'm looking to invest in a SLR, ooooh fancy.

Until then here's last years yule time fun.

Macy's lights, I had to tippy toe to get above the crowds.

A tiny Charlie Brown tree.

Now with lights.

Faux chimney, let's see Santa get in this one.

Faux wreath to go with entire minimalist theme.

At the Museum

2007-11-21T00:08:00.001-08:00

Yes, yes it's been a while. My camera broke so until I get a new one let's enjoy some not yet published pictures I took from the American Museum of Natural History. To celebrate Thanksgiving let show the dioramas of hunter and their meals. Also ever creature here is full of stuffing.

You smell that our meal has arrived.

I think we're being watched.

In a pinch a peacock is a good turkey substitute.

Finally a time of year these deer are safe...if the were still alive.

Random shots

2007-11-21T00:04:00.000-08:00

These photos just prove there is always another side.

Statues have backsides that must be photoed.

The moon is out as often during the day as at night.

Darwins Friends

2007-09-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

Last year about this time the American Museum of Natural History had the Darwin exhibit. It featured a replica of Darwin's studies and some animals from the Galapagos. It was nice and unlike the Creationism Museum everything here was real and not political.

Green iguana posing for the camera.

Darker iguanas lounging.

Before...

and after.

Darwin's room, shame he couldn't afford a ceiling.

Horses, I think without the meat it's hard to tell.

Alternative theory, the magic-man who creates. Yes this was at the museum for the Mythic Creatures exhibit not the Darwin exhibit.

Closed for the Season

2007-09-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

That's right Governors Island is closed for the season. They will have an event on October 6-7 called openhousenewyork which is part of the OHNY.org larger architectural event. Well here are some parting shots. I never got to see the bowling alley or the Burger King that use to serve beer. Most of these pictures are from the isolated southern end of the island.

A parting shot across the field.

The Gazebo.

The fireman's house/barracks...place.

Down the road.

The flag was at half staff.

The projects.

A finally meal together. Here are the people.

There is the steeple.

Back on the ferry.

One last glorious sun about to set for the season.

Museum Bookstore

2007-09-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while but I'm back. Also my camera broke so while I shop for a new one I will post as many older pictures as I can. Goodbye Canon Powershot A70.

This is from the bookstore at American Museum of Natural History. It is a nice little shop especially if your into science. They have books on the most obscure topics.

A long shot right next to their register.

Stroll down the aisle.

I need these bookcases for home.

They have the appropriate decor.

Hey did it just move? No, not again!

Off to the Mall: Trip 2

2007-08-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

I wrote here about my first trip to The Shops at Atlas Park and the trip was almost a year ago. Well I went back and it is fully open and beautiful although it is not as packed as you would expect.

As usually we start with pretty flowers.

Oh they have an Amish Market.

Here it goes and they give free samples.

Mini-golf, looks like a tough course.

They have a Johnny Rockets and yes they will dance for you.

They had a World's Fair in front, not many countries showed.

The mall itself.

The Shops at Atlas Park
8000 Cooper Avenue at 80th Street
Glendale, New York 11385
Admissions: Still free unless shopping then it all you can afford

Tranist Museum: Part 2

2007-08-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Well this week has been extra special for the NYC subway system. One hour of rain and nothing works. Here are trains that stayed dry over at the transit museum.

Older train car.

The details of that car.

The S to Chamber no longer exists.

Carpeted, fabric seating, and ceiling fans...nicer than my living room.

Ads are a constant.

These were made to last.

Then add color.

Changed the seats.

Notice the straps. Straphangers, get it.

Off to the Mall

2007-08-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken last year when the Atlas Mall in Glendale, Queens was just opening. Few stores were open and construction was still going on but it was open to ~~visitors~~ shoppers. The style is very Californian and they are trying to be more upscale, let's see how long that last.

Off the Q54 you are greeted with the cemetery of bad shoppers.

Turn around and flowers lead a path to the Mall.

Here it is the mall.

The Shops at Atlas Park
8000 Cooper Avenueat 80th Street
Glendale, New York 11385
Admissions: Free unless shopping then it all you can afford

A few of the open shops.

They have a fountain to play in.

At this time the paint was still wet.

Don't worry now it is fully open and they have events every weekend.

Trip 2: Random Stuff

2007-08-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ok I'm still posting pictures from my second Governor's Island trip but these are the last in the set. I took a boat load of pictures but I'll stop at these last six.

It's a buoy.

Nice it was closed.

This was one of the many houses that are fenced off.

Cannon balls.

And the cannon. At least it will look nice when firing.

A look back as I leave the island.

Trip 2: The Roads

2007-07-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Still upload pictures of the my second Governor's Island trip and these show the few ~~streets~~ roads on the small plot of land.

Intersection of Kimball Rd. and Hay Rd.

Down the street some impressive trees and a little house.

There's nothing little about this house.

Private Merle B. Hay first casualty of WWI.

Every town has a Central Ave.

Nice archway.

Trip 2: Castle Williams

2007-07-26T17:06:00.000-07:00

Okay so you get on Governor's Island for free, so what do notice? Well it is very militaristic. There are forts, barracks, moats, and castles. They even had there own railroad system, the shortest in the world. Let's look around.

Once off the boat you feel the family-friendly atmosphere.

I believe these are offices, the barracks are not for the public.

The library.

The seldom used parking lot.(No cars are allowed)

A castle let's charge.

Took four years to complete, 1807-1811.

Castle Williams, if I took a proper tour I'd tell you more history.

Next time I wonder the streets.

Ferry Time

2007-07-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

While going to Governor's Island you need to take a small ferry boat. The ferry reminds me of the old fashioned boats so I modified this first picture, using Gimp, to reflect that old time feel.

Trying to be an artist.

The original.

No matter what taxis are always speeding.

Love that design on the dock.

I heard they will be updating these old docks.

And were off.

Next time more off the island.

The Met

2007-07-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Passed by The Met some time ago. It was very upscale.

The front steps.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street
New York, New York 10028-0198
Closed: Mondays
Admissions: $20 Adults/$10 Students

Nice building very grand.

Imagine the rent across the street.

Day at the Museum

2007-07-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

Night at the Museum was wrong these dioramas are not miniatures they're life size. Again mislead by Hollywood.

Ooooh the first meeting. It will go well right? Oh my God he moved.

The American Museum of Natural History

Central Park West and 79th Street in New York City
Open daily 10:00 a.m.—5:45 p.m.
Suggested admission:
Adults: $15.00
Children (2-12): $8.50
Senior/Student with ID: $11.00

This picture is blurry because he moved. Time to go outside.

A rear balcony closed to everyone but the pigeons.

Nice planter at the side entrance.

Someone got the L out the place.

Wait did that eagle statue across the street just move. Oh no, not again.

Governor's Island July 21, 2007

2007-07-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

This is my most recent trip to Governor's Island and on one of the most beautiful days all year long.

Oh no a mid-size wall stands in my way.

Directions to the Governors Island Ferry

The Governors Island Ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building located adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan.
Admission: Free

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, visitors to the Island can take a guided tour with the National Park Service. Ferries for guided tours leave the Battery Maritime Building at 10 AM and 1 PM.

Whew! It's only a few feet long.

Nice windows and bricks.

Side view, not as clean.

Must be a religious place, notice the star.

The box for posting service times.

Again the side that the public is not supposed to see.

Columns. I used to know what these house styles were called, really.

Let's get closer.

Closer still.

And that's as far as we can go inside.

Turned around saw these plants.

More houses and flowers.

This is new.

A horse made of tires and wires.

Beautiful view looking back to Manhattan.

Macy's Flower Show 2006

2007-07-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

This was the 2006 Macy's Flower Show. It was their 32th anniversary. Each year has a specific theme the 2007 is New York Flora Exotica but I can't recall the one for 2006. If you know leave a comment.

A beehive made from plants.

Macy's Herald Square
151 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

One of the giant bees up close.

Hanging plants were everywhere.

Cacti and dry plants, they only ones I can keep alive at home.

Well that looks a bit naughty.

Inspiring Nature

2007-07-19T22:06:00.000-07:00

Around the Rose Center there are few if any roses but plenty of tulips.

Walking towards the exit of the AMNH.

A building around the AMNH area.

The Rose Center for Earth and Space, from the outside.

Pretty flowers growing out of sidewalk-yards.

Flowers in a tree, wish I knew the proper names.

Got inspired so I brought some home, yes I bought them.

On the way to the Museum

2007-07-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

A weird subway art-statue face.

Little statue guy hanging from the beams.

Perfect day in front of the American Museum of Natural History.

Transit Museum: Part 1

2007-07-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

Inside old time train

New York Transit Museum Information

130 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Location:Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street
General information: 718.694.1600
www.mta.info/museum
Admissions: $5 for adult/$3 everyone else
Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and major holidays

Outside old time train

Clip of Transit Museum Movie

The remnants of all that digging

Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Seal

Model train from the 1930s(so cute)

Cash registers over the decades

Another old time train

Old turnstiles, they were made for jumping

Train engine, ignore the crying brat.

Day Moon

2007-07-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Day time moon from Queens

Governor's Island: Trip 1

2007-07-16T13:26:00.000-07:00

Library

Fort Jay

Pretty house

Castle Williams

Photo Blog

2007-07-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

This is my blog for my photos of trips in and around the New York City area.

I'll keep the descriptions short if I can and hope to post all my pictures.