Saturday, April 28, 2012

Something you don't see every day

And, that something would be the space shuttle Enterprise flying over New York City while strapped to the back of a 747.  The shuttle actually first flew over the city in 1983 as it went on a world tour.  This time, the Enterprise has come home to stay as part of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum on the Hudson River.

I took some video from the pier down at Canal Street.  In this one, you can see the shuttle coming up the river from the Verrazano Bridge.  Pardon the shaky camera - film is not my forté - and there is a creepy moment when it looks like the plane is going to fly into the ventilation shaft building.  It was flying so low, this couldn't be helped.



And, here it is coming back down the river.  Once again, there is a disturbing moment as it passes behind a tall building.  The plane then continued to make a loop around the Statue of Liberty and over New Jersey before turning back and eventually landing at JFK airport.  The entire trip took less than an hour.



What surprised me most was how quiet it was.  Normally, jetliners flying over the city are noisy, but I couldn't hear this one at all.  There was a lot of wind, so maybe that blew the sound away, but the way the plane and shuttle seemed to glide together up and down the river was really striking.

I took a few photos, which you can see at my Flickr page.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

She comes in color

When I lived in the fur district, I liked seeing many of the creative ways the wholesalers would use scraps.  I never saw any as good as this, though - they even have little purses!

A rainbow of fur

Thursday, April 19, 2012

The scene remains the same

This photo was taken at Federal Hall in October 2008, when people gathered outside the Stock Exchange in anticipation of the final bell.  It was a nightmarish week when the economy seemed to tank overnight and no one knew if it would ever end.

Staking out the Stock Exchange

Fast-forward three and a half years and we have protesters sleeping on these same steps.

If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.  - George Washington

On this site, Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States.  What would he think of it today?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

New coat of paint

Walking down Elizabeth Street, you may have noticed a door unlike all the others...a tiny red door with its own stoop and mailbox.

237 Elizabeth

In case you're wondering what the rent is, don't bother - no vacancy!

237 Elizabeth

At Christmas, there is a wreath...

237 1/2 Elizabeth

And, recently, someone has given Mr Thomas Cat a new coat of paint.

Thomas Cat

So, next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and leave a note or treat...

See more photos here.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Good Friday

To everyone who celebrates Passover, Easter and the renewal of Spring, have a sweet weekend...

Happy Easter

Previously.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Kingston

Kingston is an interesting city, just north of NYC.  It's rich in history and, among other things, was the first capital of New York - in 1777!

I visited recently on a dreary day.  The overcast sky and early spring air enhanced many old architectural details around the waterfront.

You can tell the green leaves, grass and vines are itching to burst all around this house:

Kingston

I liked this mosaic in a doorway.

Saltzmann

And, nearby, a beautiful blue door.

Blue door

Better watch those children!

Kingston

My eye is always drawn to places like this - does anyone live there?  What's it's story?

Kingston

See more photos of Kingston on my Flickr page.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Saugerties

It's good to get away from the city once in a while, breathe fresh air, and get a break from the constant rush and noise.  One place I like to go is Saugerties, an attractive village in Ulster County.

There are a lot of beautiful old storefronts and buildings in the historic district:

Saugerties 

Antiques 

Check out these power lines!

Power lines

This is the Loerzel Brewery, built in 1873.  Now it's an apartment house.

Loerzel Brewery

There are oddities to be found on the main street, like this storefront display featuring an adding machine and bees nest.

Still life: adding machine and bees nest

Esophus Creek runs through the town.  I'll have to go back in summer when the trees are in bloom.

Esopus

And, best of all, this is Friday night:

Night in Saugerties

See more Saugerties photos on my Flickr page.