Urban Blink

Urban Blink - Central Park North on a Dewy Day

2011-11-29T23:35:00.001-05:00

Urban Blink - Central Park North on a Dewy Day

Time to get started with photo posts again. It's been too long and I missed showing the world what I see in an Urban Blink.

This was shot from 19 stories above the ground. The dew on the water almost reminds me of a baseball diamond.

Urban Blink 7/26/2010 - Chelsea Apt. at Night

2010-07-27T00:08:00.003-04:00

It's been a minute since I posted on my photoblog. Lots of uninteresting reasons why, but now I'm back. No longer necessarily a daily entry but whenever something strikes me.

Case in point, I was walking along 7th ave near 22nd street and I looked up to see a light on in an apartment window. I don't know why but I liked the way this looked. It's dark but its exactly as I saw it. Maybe I was drawn to it because it reminds me of the many nights I've burned the night oil. It's just New York to me.

Daily Urban Blink 01/01/10 - Happy New Year's Day

2010-01-01T01:00:00.002-05:00

The famous Rockefeller Christmas Tree. But what I love are the Angels playing trumpets. It's as if they are bringing in the New Year. I love the beginnings of the year. Such possibility to have the life you always wanted. Live it well folks, live it well. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Daily Urban Blink 12/31/09 - Happy New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T05:11:00.004-05:00

On December 21st, I was walking around the Rockefeller Center area in midtown and I heard the new Jay Z song featuring Rhianna "Run This Town" playing loudly. So I decided to walk towards the music and it turned out to actually be Jay Z and Rhianna singing LIVE outdoors in the Today show plaza! I got as close as I could to try to get a shot, but unfortunately, I was on the street behind the stage (photo above). After that Rhianna sang "Umbrella". By time I got through the crowd to the other side, it was over (photo below). Almost everyone had on New Year's Eve hats and glasses. A cop told me they were taping it for a New Year's Eve special. One of the screaming girls told me she found out about it on Rhianna's website. Happy New Year's Eve everyone!

Daily Urban Blink 12/30/09 - Holiday Decoration #5 (Cartier)

2009-12-30T05:06:00.006-05:00

Daily Urban Blink 12/29/09 - Holiday Decorations #4 (Push Cart)

2009-12-29T05:00:00.002-05:00

Even the push carts got in on the decorations.

Daily Urban Blink - 12/28/09 Holiday Decoration #3- Wall St. Bull Statue

2009-12-28T07:00:00.002-05:00

Daily Urban Blink -12/27/09 Holiday Decorations #2 - (NY Stock Exchange)

2009-12-27T00:25:00.002-05:00

Although the New York Stock Exchange hasn't been getting much love lately, I have to say I like how they decorated it for the Holidays.

Daily Urban Blink - 12/26/09 Holiday Decoration #1- (Fendi)

2009-12-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

'Tis the season for holiday decorations. Since I will be away from my fair city for the holidays, I hope you will enjoy the holiday decorations I captured while shopping last week.

Daily Urban Blink 12/25/09 Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T07:00:00.006-05:00

The reason for the season. Merry Christmas to everyone! This scene was in front of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Roman Catholic Church in Forest Hills Queens.

Daily Urban Blink 12/24/09 Chestnuts Frozen on a Pushcart

2009-12-24T02:24:00.000-05:00

Aren't chestnuts supposed to be roasting on an open fire this time of year?

Daily Urban Blink 12/23/09 - New York To Me

2009-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

As I stood waiting to cross 57th Street, I looked to my left and saw this scene. I took the picture because it look very New York to me. The old school news stand, the bus, the scaffolding, people walking. This is New York to me.

Daily Urban Blink 12/22/09 - Kosher Dunkin Donuts

2009-12-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

This was the first time I'd ever seen a kosher Dunkin Donuts. It's located on 34th Street on the East Side. I didn't get a chance to check it out myself, but apparently from an article I read they aren't supposed to serve meat at the kosher Dunkin Donuts. But there are plenty other Dunkin Donuts around if you want their oh so good sausage egg breakfast sandwich.

Daily Urban Blink - 12/21/09 - Manhattan Skyline From Queens

2009-12-21T08:48:00.002-05:00

I'm on a quest to capture a really great shot of the Manhattan skyline but every time it's a really clear day, I'm driving. This was taken as I drove on the LIE from Queens to Manhattan with one hand on the steering wheel and the other holding the camera. Next summer, I need someone to drive me around in my car so I can get the shots I really want. Any takers?

Daily Urban Blink 12/20/09 - Birds Don't Always Fly South

2009-12-20T07:00:00.007-05:00

Growing up, I always thought birds flew south for the winter. New York pigeons are stubborn and apparently decided not to go. It's 30 degrees in December and they are still here.

Daily Urban Blink 12/19/09 - Bondage Girl Graffiti

2009-12-19T12:05:00.001-05:00

Found another in what appears to be a series of graffiti images. At least it seems like the same to me as these posts shooter graffiti and victim graffiti

Daily Urban Blink 12/18/09 Message from God

2009-12-18T11:05:00.001-05:00

New York has more churches than you could ever count, especially because they are not all housed in your traditional church like structure. This church was in a brownstone. Every so often they change their marquee to be something kind of funny.

Daily Urban Blink 12/17/09 - 126th Street Platform

2009-12-17T07:00:00.003-05:00

This is a companion image to yesterdays' post One Two Fifth. This image was taken from the same train platform but looking down 126th St. Just one block away is a different world - a quiet residental brownstone lined street.

Daily Urban Blink - 12/16/09 - One Two Fifth St.

2009-12-16T11:17:00.003-05:00

If you ask one of my friends where he grew up, he'll tell you on "One Two Fifth", which is another way of saying "One Hundred and Twenty Fifth St.

125th Street is one of the busiest streets in Manhattan - day or night. It is known as the center of Harlem. It's the street where you will find the world famous Apollo and former President Clinton's offices. You'll find plenty street vendors, resturants, retail stores and transportation stops. For $2.25, you can take the M60 bus across 125th street straight to LGA (LaGuardia Airport).

Daily Urban Blink 12/15/09 Neighborly Advise

2009-12-15T01:37:00.001-05:00

Back when I had HBO I saw an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm in which this man goes off on Larry David for throwing trash in his trash can. I bet the writers got the idea from this real life sign. This person is not playing. They are itching to sue somebody. lol.
(double click the image to enlarge).

Daily Urban Blink - 12/14/09 Cold Rainy Night

2009-12-14T20:33:00.004-05:00

Sunday was such a cold rainy night. I wish I could say I was home snuggled on my couch, but those errands weren't going to run themselves. At least I got a cool shot from it.

Daily Urban Blink - 12/13/09 Abandoned Boots

2009-12-13T20:41:00.000-05:00

I stumbled upon these abandoned boots as I walked on a path near an uptown park. Where did the person go without shoes?

Daily Urban Blink 12/12/09 - Simply Midtown

2009-12-12T23:00:00.001-05:00

I'm calling this shot Simply Midtown. It is not of any place in particular or something overly interesting it's a shot that just reminds me of what a picturesque, bright city I live in. Sometimes we forget that everyone doesn't live in a city that by it's very nature feels "alive". So this is my ode to midtown Manhattan.

Daily Urban Blink 12/11/09 - March of the Mad White Hares

2009-12-11T01:36:00.003-05:00

As I was on my way to work last week I saw this "human rabbit" walking in a business suit. At first I just chucked and kept going. Then I turn the corner and as far as the eye could see were these identically dressed "rabbits" roaming about. So I stopped one and asked WTF? Apparently they can't talk. He just handed me a playing card with Wonderland's Most Wanted written on it and started to walk on. Not so fast Peter Rabbit, I've got to get a picture. He shrugged his shoulders, gave me two thumbs up and off he went.

It turned out to be a publicity stunt for the Syfy channels' new show called Alice (as in Alice in Wonderland). Publicity stunts happen all the time in New York, but I bothered to take a picture of the one rabbit I could "catch" because visually it was very cool to see all these rabbits hurrying down the block like they were looking for their rabbit holes.

Daily Urban Blink 12/10/09 Empire State Buidling Part II

2009-12-10T00:10:00.000-05:00

Point of View: East River under the 59th St. Bridge.

Daily Urban Blink - 12/9/09 Empire State Building Part I

2009-12-08T07:00:00.013-05:00

Point of View: Long Island City, Queens.

Daily Urban Blink 12/08/09 - 125th St. Train Platform

2009-12-08T07:00:00.007-05:00

There are very few above ground subway stations in Manhattan. This is my favorite one. It's a great view from 125th Street looking South on Broadway.

Daily Urban Blink - 12/07/09 - Late Night Street Dining

2009-12-07T07:00:00.003-05:00

When I first moved here, I would eat from the push carts quite often. There's something to be said for a quick bite on the street when you are club hopping or late night shopping. It's not gourmet but it fills the belly.

This one was camped out in front of the 24 hr Apple Store around 1 am.

Daily Urban Blink - 12/06/09 Chinatown Mickey D's

2009-12-06T12:00:00.005-05:00

Even as diverse as New York City is, it's still a bit odd to see Mickey D's written in Chinese characters.

Daily Urban Blink 12/05/09 - Canstruction

2009-12-05T13:35:00.001-05:00

I just realized that I missed this year's Canstruction competition. It's a really cool concept and I try to go every year. This picture was taken at a previous event.

In case you've never heard of it, New York City's top architectural and engineering firms compete to see who can build the most incredible sculpture made entirely from full cans of food. At the close of the exhibit the structures will be dismantled and all of the canned food will be donated to City Harvest for distribution to emergency feeding programs. It s a traveling competition so check online to see if it's coming near you.

Daily Urban Blink 12/04/09 - Parking 101 Class Needed

2009-12-04T02:03:00.011-05:00

This is why so many New Yorkers get parking tickets. You've got to be a pro at reading these signs. It's also why its hard to run quick errands in the city. You can't just pull into an open space for a second. You have to park, go study the signs and weigh the risk of a possible ticket for the five minute errand.

It was reported that NYC made over 624 million dollars last fiscal year from parking violations. Yes, I said MILLION. I wish I can say I haven't contributed to the transit authority's bottom line, but sadly I have. At the end of 2008 I made up my mind that 2009 would be the year I didn't get a ticket. It hasn't been an easy feat, but to date I've only gotten one ticket and I believe it was unjustified so I'll be in court on December 23rd to fight it.

Daily Urban Blink 12/03/09 - One Man's Trash...Part II

2009-12-03T17:53:00.000-05:00

Here is another example of one man's trash being another man's treasure. The amount varies for how much you get for turning in cans and plastic bottles to a recycling center or recycling machine. It's pretty easy to find places to recycle in NYC. My local grocery store has a recycling machine in their parking lot.

In New York, when we purchase certain bottled beverages, we pay an additional 5-Cent at the checkout for each can/bottle. Then if we return them, we receive the 5-cent per can/bottle back. Most people don't bother and just toss them in the garbage cans on the street; thereby allowing easy access for others to collect them.

Daily Urban Blink 12/02/09 - Citi Field @ Night

2009-12-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

A nighttime peek inside the new stadium where the New York Met's play. Remember when stadiums weren't named after businesses?

Daily Urban Blink 12/01/09 - One Man's Trash...

2009-12-01T07:00:00.004-05:00

...is another man's treasure.

Daily Urban Blink - 11/30/09 - Hotel Chelsea

2009-11-30T07:00:00.008-05:00

The Hotel Chelsea was built in 1883 as a private apartment cooperative. It was the tallest building in New York until 1899. The hotel welcomes guests, but is primarily known for its long-term residence for artists, musicians, writers and philosophers. According to its official website, Bob Dylan composed songs while staying at the Chelsea, writer Dylan Thomas lived there and it is rumored as the place where Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols stabbed his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, to death on October 12, 1978. Other famous guests and residents include Eugene O'Neil, Thomas Wolfe, Janis Joplin, Leonard Cohen and Jimi Hendrix. You can take tours of the hotel as well as stay there for upwards of $200 per night.

Daily Urban Blink 11/29/09 - Mirror Reflection - Rear View

2009-11-29T07:00:00.007-05:00

This picture is a bit blurry because it is actually a picture taken through a mirror. I had just pulled into a parking spot and looked into my driver's side rear view mirror and saw the number 1 subway train heading down the hill about to go back underground just as a taxi and some other cars were heading up the hill. This scene struck me as a New York moment.

Daily Urban Blink 11/28/09 - Murray Hill Market Flowers

2009-11-28T07:00:00.005-05:00

I love that you can get fresh flowers at any time of the day at markets like this. It's another great thing about lots of neighborhood bodegas. Murry Hill is a neighborhood on the East side of Manhattan.

Daily Urban Blink - 11/27/09 Baby Bo's

2009-11-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

I've never been into Baby Bo's but when I take the bus into work some mornings I pass this restaurant. This day I decided to take a picture out of the bus window because years from now it will remind me of my commute to work but also because this is a typical early morning sight all over the city (food or supplies stacked outside of an establishment). Also, these multi-colored buildings are so New York to me. See my post from Oct. 22nd here, for another example.

Daily Urban Blink 11/26/09 - Thankful for Jesus

2009-11-26T07:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I am thankful for so many things. I live a blessed life. On this day, I am thankful for my health, my family, my friends, my job, my state of mind and most of all that Jesus is my savior.

Daily Urban Blink 11/25/09 - R.I.P. Sean Bell

2009-11-25T07:00:00.023-05:00

3 years ago today.

For more information: A recent New York Times article http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/b/sean_bell/index.html

Another Resource: www.justiceforsean.net

Daily Urban Blink 11/24/09 - The Hasidim

2009-11-24T07:00:00.004-05:00

The Hasidim, or "pious ones" in Hebrew, belong to a special movement within Orthodox Judaism. According to a PBS documentary called A Life Apart: Hasidism in America, the Hasidic ideal is to live a hallowed life, in which even the most mundane action is sanctified. Most of the approximately 165,000 Hasidim in the New York City area live in three neighborhoods in Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Crown Heights, and Boro Park.

I drive through Williamsburg often and have seen many Hasidim walking the streets, which prompted me to do a little research. I love the diversity of New York City and I am always the richer by learning about other cultures.

Daily Urban Blink - 11/23/09 East Side Skyline

2009-11-23T10:33:00.000-05:00

I never tire of taking pictures of my city. This skyline shot was taken as I drove down the FDR towards the Brooklyn Bridge.

Imagine the shots I could get if I was a passenger and not always the driver. lol.

Daily Urban Blink 11/22/09 - Graffiti Week - #7 Graffiti Saves

2009-11-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

As I said at the beginning of this graffiti week, I take pictures of graffiti that I find interesting to me. Yes, it's an eyesore to lots of people but to others, like the person who wrote in the picture above, it's clearly more.

So ends my graffiti post week. It was fun having a running theme of posts. I'll do it again with another subject in the future. And yes, there will be more graffiti posts as well. It's part of my Urban Blink experience in New York.

Daily Urban Blink 11/21/09 - Graffiti Week - #6 Blond Spock

2009-11-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

This "graffiti" seems commissioned. It's too clean and well placed. But the idea of a blond makeup wearing Spock was too cute not to capture.

Daily Urban Blink 11/20/09 - Graffiti Week - #5 Blue Tape Rant

2009-11-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

I came across this blue electrical tape graffiti rant in Brooklyn. I started to read it but then realized I had to be somewhere, so I took a picture of it to read it later. Then I walked down the block and saw this (pictured below). Come on. That's a bit much. I lost interest in what they were talking about because now this is just crazy. By the way, to any non New Yorkers reading this, they are addressing Mayor Bloomberg (Mayor Moo, Moo).

Daily Urban Blink 11/19/09 - Graffiti Week - #4 Shakespearean Graffiti

2009-11-19T07:00:00.048-05:00

The word "worser" is what first caught my eye. Given the placement of this graffiti (a restroom), I don't think the author of this line was trying to hearken back to Shakespeare (That, were my state far worser than it is, I would not wed her for a mine of gold" - from Shakespeare's 1623 play The Taming of the Shrew). Although slang now, in the 16th and 17th centuries "worser" was commonly used.

I also took this shot because of the sticker someone placed on the wall. Usually, it says, "All employees must wash their HANDS". lol.

Daily Urban Blink 11/18/09 - Graffiti Week - #3 Marilyn or Madonna?

2009-11-18T07:00:00.005-05:00

I couldn't tell if this was Marilyn Monroe or Madonna at first. But now I think they are one of each. I just liked them.

Daily Urban Blink 11/17/09 - Graffiti Week - #2 LES Door Way

2009-11-17T07:00:00.006-05:00

This was taken on the Lower East Side (LES) near Houston St. I was drawn to it because of the larger tag that says "Jesus Saves". I have over 20 pictures of that "Jesus Saves" tag that I've found written around the city. I'll post that collection in the future. But I also thought it was funny that someone tried to change the address of this doorway through graffiti.

Daily Urban Blink 11/16/09 - Graffiti Week - #1 Little Girl

2009-11-16T07:00:00.003-05:00

A friend of mine recently commented that I have a lot of graffiti on my blog. Well, there is a lot of graffiti in New York and it's part of my experience of living here. I actually find beauty in it. Not all graffiti, but some of it is like a work of art to me. Especially in its chaos of multiple artist contributions like with this picture. So I guess I don't mind that observation. I know I've shown much more than the grittier side of NYC, so for this week I'm going to embrace the street art I find so interesting.

Daily Urban Blink 11/15/09 - Staten Island Ferry

2009-11-15T15:30:00.003-05:00

Staten Island is sometime seen as the step child of the five New York City Burroughs. The only thing I had heard about Staten Island when I first moved here was about the ferry.

It's a five mile, 25 minute ride from lower Manhattan to Staten Island. I like it because it provides one of the best views of the New York Harbor which includes the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The other cool thing is that it's FREE.

Daily Urban Blink 11/14/09 - A Source of Morning Road Rage

2009-11-14T15:09:00.001-05:00

Since Urban Blink is about how a native of a town actually lives and what they see, I thought I'd share or better yet briefly vent. Why oh why must the garbage trucks move so slowly in the morning? Or in this case STOP, leaving no room to pass while the garbage men are no where to be found? Where did they go? The truck was moving just a moment ago. Yes, that's the hood of my car while I was stuck behind this oh so lovely smelling truck. I finally had to get out of my car and start asking the people behind me to back up so we all could take another street. Needless to say, I was late for work that day.

Thanks for listening, I feel better. lol.

Daily Urban Blink 11/13/09 - Dead Water Tower

2009-11-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

I wonder if this water tower is not operational or if the "dead" symbol is just a graffiti artists opinion of this old rusty water tower.

Little known facts about New York City water towers:

There are an estimated 10,000 towers in the city today.
100 are built or replaced each year.
Any building over 6 stories must have a water tower to moderate the water pressure coming from upstate.

If you have not noticed them before on top of lots of buildings in NYC, look again they are everywhere.

Daily Urban Blink 11/12/09 - Super Long Fire Escape

2009-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wow. imagine having to run these stairs if there was a fire. This is the longest fire escape I've seen.

Daily Urban Blink 11/11/09 - Manhattan at Dusk

2009-11-11T07:00:00.007-05:00

When I close my eyes and think of Manhattan this is what it looks like to me. I love the hills and valleys of the South to North streets. They make for beautiful cityscape shots like this one at dusk on Riverside Drive.

This was shot trough my front window as I was driving home.

Daily Urban Blink - 11/10/09 - Graffiti Mecca

2009-11-10T12:38:00.001-05:00

5Pointz Aerosol Art Center, Inc. is an outdoor art exhibit space in Long Island City, New York, considered to be the world’s premiere “graffiti Mecca,” where aerosol artists from around the globe paint colorful pieces on the walls of a 200,000-square-foot factory building.

It is one of the few LEGAL places in the world that graffiti is allowed. Graffiti artists have to make an appointment to come show their work. Five Pointz is open to the public and there are also graffiti studios inside.

Daily Urban Blink 11/09/09 - J*Davey

2009-11-09T10:35:00.001-05:00

One of the best things about living in NYC is the live music. I'm a member of a group called Good Music Period (GMP). GMP was created back in 2003 with five of my good friends who also consider themselves to be professional music listeners. We would go to live shows together, a few of us worked at music labels so we'd get everyone into release parties, share music before it was released, etc. A couple of members have since moved out of the city, but I will always see them as New Yorkers and members of GMP.

This pic is of a singer who goes by the name Jack Davey. The band is a LA based duo called J*Davey. They were recently signed to Warner Brothers, however we got to see them when they were an independent band and played PS1 in Queens. They put on an amazing live show. See them if you can.

Daily Urban Blink 11/08/09 - Random Musuem Interior

2009-11-08T07:00:00.009-05:00

I don't think I would ever go to as many museums as I do if I lived outside of NYC. There are so many that I've forgotten which museum this is. I like this image for a number of reasons (lighting, the position of the people and works of art, etc) so I wanted to share.

If it looks familar to anyone let me know which one it is. I think it's either the MOMA or The Queens Musuem of Art.

Daily Urban Blink 11/07/09 - Victim Graffiti (Part II of II)

2009-11-07T07:00:00.004-05:00

... (cont. from 11/6/09 post) As I was coming back to the car I got a little turned around and walked down the wrong block. To my surprise at the end of that block was the victim to yesterday's graffiti shooter post. Although I generally don't enjoy art depicting violence, I thought this was a cool concept.

Daily Urban Blink 11/06/09 - Shooter Graffiti (Part I of II)

2009-11-06T07:00:00.002-05:00

I can't quite recall the street this was taken on, but it was somewhere in Soho. I think near West Broadway. I was in a rush going somewhere and saw this shooter intricately drawn on the side of this building. I took a quick snap shot so I could come back and check it out later. I thought it was interesting enough on its own. But wait until tomorrow's post....

Daily Urban Blink - 11/05/09 Central Park in B&W

2009-11-05T09:32:00.001-05:00

Have you guessed by now that I love Central Park. Enjoy one of my favorite B&W images.

Daily Urban Blink - 11/04/09 Travel to and from

2009-11-04T07:00:00.009-05:00

I drive a lot. Mostly because most of my friends do not have a car. But on this day, I'm happy to report I got to be a back seat passenger. What a way to see the city. I saw things I never saw before and had the opportunity to take pictures I've never taken before. As many times as I've travelled the tunnels leading to and from Manhattan, this was a pretty cool view.

Daily Urban Blink 11/03/09 - Souvenir Shopping

2009-11-03T02:46:00.002-05:00

I was asked recently where the best place is to buy "touristy" stuff in NYC. I'd say China Town. If you want to buy stuff that says NYC you'll find it there. You may also have to contend with droves of people looking for a bargain and sales people trying to convince you to pay full price, but deal are to be had on every corner. If you are not a good haggler, try the outer boroughs like Queens or the Bronx. Avoid Time Square like the plague, unless you have money to burn.

Daily Urban Blink - 11/02/09 - Grocery Shopping New York Style

2009-11-02T07:08:00.001-05:00

New York is a walking town. I'd say of the estimated 8.3 million people who live here, most don't have cars. I remember I was floored when I found out a friend of mine, who was 45, had never driven a car, didn't have a driver's license, nor did he see the need for one. He felt that since he never planned to live outside of NYC there wasn't a need.

So for doing things like grocery shopping, most people buy those small upright wheeled carts, have the groceries delivered, take a cab/car service home or shop weekly so they can carry the items home by foot. This man decided to improvise.

Daily Urban Blink 11/01/09 - Can Not Be Silenced

2009-11-01T15:00:00.003-05:00

Protests happen in NYC all the time. Generally, you hear an announcement about them ahead of time so you can decide if you want to be a part of it or not. I was with some photographers shooting in lower Manhattan, when we heard people shouting and drums banging. We rushed over to see what was going on and found a group of people protesting the current wages of domestic workers. They had been marching down the street and had stopped near City Hall.

Out of everyone in the crowd this woman intrigued me the most. Her expression said exhaustion and deep thought, but her outstretched arms holding the speaker above the crowd told me that she believed in the cause and that her voice could not be silenced.

Daily Urban Blink 10/31/09 - Happy Halloween from the Michael's

2009-10-31T19:14:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I obviously didn't take this photo, since I'm in it. But in honor of MJ and since It's Halloween, I'm reposting this pic. I thought it was an appropriate Daily Urban Blink for today. This was taken in a West Village Record Shop called Rebel Rebel on October 31, 1993.

My friend and I decided to head down to the West Village and jump in to the annual Halloween Parade dressed as Michael Jackson before and after. We were a hit with the tourists who shouted out, "Micheals can we take our picture with you". Ahhhh memories. Miss you living here JB.

It's also a fitting tribute since yesterday I went to see the final MJ Movie "This Is It". Excellent Movie. A different prospective on a true legend. We loved him no matter what he looked like.

Daily Urban Blink - 10/30/09 - Terminal Rewind

2009-10-30T08:45:00.005-04:00

This my young friends is called a Cassette Player. The real deal stand alone kind.

I was walking down a block that had several abandoned buildings. I saw that the stairs of one building had piles of discarded objects and trash on them. Then this old school relic caught my eye. Soon a generation of people will have no clue what this is. Classic find.

Update: A friend made a great observation about this picture "And I love that it's in terminal rewind - tryin' to get back to it's glory days." I love that someone saw what I saw. And that he came up with a much better title for this post, which I now have his permission to use. Thanks Jeffrey.

Daily Urban Blink 10/29.09 - Above Ground F Train

2009-10-29T10:59:00.000-04:00

Most New York City subway trains run underground. But there are certain lines that at times have above ground tracks. This F train is out near Coney Island in Brooklyn. I took this picture through the window from the train I was in going the opposite direction.

The way this train and track looks in this picture reminds me of the toy Lionel train set my brother had that would go around and around in our living room when we were kids.

Daily Urban Blink 10/28/09 - Neighborhood Pride

2009-10-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

There are a lot of ethnic neighborhoods in New York City. Hispanic, Russian, Chinese - the list goes on. I always liked the fact that along with the American flag people proudly fly their country's colors. Whenever I see flags strung between buildings like this I think, "At least the neighbors know each other enough to agree to string something from one window of a building to the one across the street".

Daily Urban Blink - 10/27/09 Midnight Manhattan Skyline

2009-10-27T01:17:00.001-04:00

Another take on the Manhattan Skyline. From the Hudson River while on a music cruise around Manhattan Island.

Daily Urban Blink 10/26/09 Blue Pipes

2009-10-26T07:19:00.007-04:00

I was walking down the street with a friend on a rare moment when I didn't have my camera with me. But thanks to my camera phone I was able to capture this work of art? "It's just a pile of blue pipes," you say. Well, yes it is. But to others it's art. I saw something almost exactly like this in a very well known and highly regarded New York museum. I like this better because it was unintentional and the pipes match the background.

Now if only I could get the grant money and bonus check the museum gave that artist. If only...

Daily Urban Blog - 10/25/09 Trump Tower

2009-10-25T14:27:00.003-04:00

His hair may be a hot mess, but I have to admit, his flagship building is impressive.

P.S. This shot is for MK who wanted to see how I'd shoot something recognizable from NYC. Nice challenge. Thanks.

Daily Urban Blink 10/24/09 - Mannequin Bride of Chucky

2009-10-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'm sure when this store is open and all the lights are on, this wedding mannequin and its surroundings look wonderful. But as I passed this store at night the movie Bride of Chucky came to mind.

Daily Urban Blink 10/23/09 - Signs With Attitude - No Parking

2009-10-23T07:50:00.001-04:00

I had to laugh when I saw this sign. Although it's part of my Signs With Attitude photo collection, it's justified. There is a severe lack of parking spaces everywhere in the city so drivers often park their car "just for a second" when they have to run a quick errand or double park when there is street cleaning. It's true, with communication you have to know your audience.

Daily Urban Blink 10/22/09 Multi-Colored Dwelling

2009-10-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

The green fire escape caught my eye at first. The colors are all over the place but I like the way this building looks. It's unique. Uniformity is overrated.

Daily Urban Blink 10/21/09 Outpost Chill

2009-10-21T06:58:00.004-04:00

This little chill haven is the back court yard of a coffee house called Outpost in Brooklyn. There are apartment buildings on the left and right, but when you are here you feel like you are hanging out on someone's back porch.

Daily Urban Blink 10/20/09 - Midnight Bodega Run

2009-10-20T00:50:00.001-04:00

When I first moved here I had no idea what a Bodega was. I just heard people say you can get practically anything at a Bodega at any time of night. They were right. You can get everything from diapers to condoms, milk to malt liquor. Most are open very late or 24 hrs a day.

The word Bodega came from the actual spanish word for "grocery store" - la bodega. In most New York neighborhoods, there is one on almost every corner and they are rarely ever empty. I guess that what is meant by the city that never sleeps.

Daily Urban Blink 10/19/09 - Sidewalk Toilet

2009-10-19T07:00:00.002-04:00

I was walking around a really beautiful area in Brooklyn. I had just passed a gorgeous church and a tree lined street with lovely brownstones. Then lo and behold.

No other items or garbage near by, just a toilet. I had to whip the camera out for this one.

Daily Urban Blink - 10/18/09 Essex House

2009-10-18T07:00:00.004-04:00

We often see pictures of the New York Skyline from the east or west sides of NYC. This is from the middle (Central Park). I like this image because the naked trees remind me that Autumn is here.

By the way, the The Essex House is a hotel and the base of Central Park.

Daily Urban Blink 10/17/09 Choppy Waters

2009-10-17T07:00:00.001-04:00

Choppy waters in the Hudson River. The sound of the water hitting the logs was very soothing. It even managed to drown out the traffic on the West Side Highway.

Daily Urban Blink - 10/16/09 Hidden Zebra

2009-10-16T07:00:00.002-04:00

It's as if someone carved this tree just to hide this toy zebra.

Daily Urban Blink 10/15/09 - Kids Gone Wild

2009-10-15T07:00:00.005-04:00

There is this really beautiful indoor courtyard at the Brooklyn Museum. Signs were placed around the edges that said, "Please help us protect the newly renovated glass floor and your children from injury by not having them run in the Beaux Art Court". No one adhered to the signs. I can hear their squeals of joy now.

Daily Urban Blink 10/14/09 - Blue Oasis

2009-10-14T07:00:00.006-04:00

If I didn't take this picture I'd never guess this was in the middle of the most urban city in the world. This image was taken from the sidewalk at the southern end of Central Park. This body of water is called "The Pond".

The colors in this image were not enhanced. I've never seen it so blue. Peaceful and beautiful.

Daily Urban Blink 10/13/09 - Polar Bears On Bikes

2009-10-13T07:00:00.003-04:00

I have absolutely no idea. The pedestrian and the cab driver aren't asking any questions, so neither will I.

Daily Urban Blink 10/12/09 - Berlin Wall in NYC

2009-10-12T07:00:00.010-04:00

I lived in Germany when I was a little girl and as a girl scout we took a field trip to East Berlin. I remember standing close to the wall, looking up and it's presence was so overbearing.

So imagine my surprise when I was walking down West 53rd st and came across a section of the Berlin wall nestled inside a courtyard. The plaque said,"These five original sections of the Berlin Wall marked the border between East Berlin & West Berlin from 1961 -1989". I wanted to recreate that childhood feeling with the image above.

Here is a wide shot of the wall.

Daily Urban Blink 10/11/09 - Free Madoff - Really?!

2009-10-11T14:48:00.003-04:00

Free speech is alive and well in Brooklyn.

Daily Urban Blink 10/10/09 World Trade Center - Work In Progress

2009-10-10T18:00:00.003-04:00

Although I was in town on 09/11/01, I don't have any images from that day or the months that followed. Not one. It was a conscious decision for me because it just didn't feel right. I am grateful to those photographers who chose to document history as someone needed to.

However, over the last couple of years whenever I found myself in that area I try to capture the rebuilding of the Freedom Towers. That gives me a sense of hope.

Daily Urban Blink 10/09/09 - At The Crossroads

2009-10-09T09:00:00.006-04:00

New York has amazing parks. This was taken at the northern tip of Central Park. I saw this semi-dark tunnel and decided to see where it led. I love how the light beacons you to greener pastures. But then just like life you find yourself at a crossroad deciding which path to take.

Daily Urban Blink 10/08/09 - 8

2009-10-08T21:00:00.003-04:00

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" This image is an example of that. I was walking up Amsterdam Ave. and I came upon this large gray abandoned shed with an ivy covered door marked "8". I instinctively reached for my camera. For some reason it was beautiful to me. Not the entire building, just the composition you see above.

Someone recently asked me what draws me to the things I photograph. So today I thought I'd offer a little insight into the moments before I whip out my camera. It starts by simply having a camera with me at all times. You never know what you might stumble upon. When I walk around the streets of New York I observe things. I tend not to talk on the phone or listen to music because I'd miss too much. Then it happens, something catches my eye. Lots of times the moment is gone before I can get my camera out. But other times I have a moment to pause and reflect on a composition that strikes me as interesting.

My primary style is taking tight shots. I try to show exactly what my mind sees. Almost all of the images you will see on this blog are not cropped or drastically altered. I like the challenge of reproducing the essence of what appealed to me. If there is time, I'll shoot a wide shot in case I want to use it for something else later.

You often hear songwriters say something similar. They don't always set out to create a timeless song, sometimes they just want to get things out of their head. Well these "snapshots" are visual thoughts I want to get out of my head.

In the split moment before I took this image thoughts crossed my mind like, "Man, this building is almost completely covered in ivy" and "I really do like the number "8", I wonder why it has always been my favorite number?". Similarly to what I mentioned back in the blog entry dated 09/11/09 about locks, I have a thing for abandoned buildings. Maybe because it fuels my inquisitive nature,"Why was this building abandoned?, "What's behind the door", "What was it's original purpose?"

Meaningless stuff probably to most, however, that is why I enjoy every second I'm behind the lens. It's quality time spent exploring the many facets of me. I always hope my images appeal to others or at least make for an interesting story. But in the end my photography is one way I express myself as an artist.

P.S. An extra shot for today. This is one of the wide shots I took of the building before I visualized the final composition. Yes, I did shove my lens through the fence to get the shot I wanted. :-)

Daily Urban Blink - 10/07/09 High Above it All

2009-10-07T07:00:00.004-04:00

Quite a number of Manhattan museums have roof top decks. This was taken at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The MOMA is one of my top three fav museums in the city. If you have never gone, check out it out of a Friday night between 4pm and 8pm. Free admission (otherwise 20 bucks to get in). It's a huge museum so save time to hit the roof and experience a bit of Manhattan life - high above it all.

Daily Urban Blink 10/06/09 - Giant Protest Rat

2009-10-06T07:00:00.003-04:00

The giant protest rat rears its inflated head once again. This time in midtown Manhattan. I stopped to talk to a group of protesters. They told me they were from the Painters Union and that the building in front of the rat was not using union Painters. I asked one man if having the giant rat made people stop and notice or if their protests ever changed anything. He told me not really, but it should.

Maybe in a different economy or in a city where seeing a rat in the street was rare.

Daily Urban Blink 10/5/09 - NYC Family - Part II (Non-traditional)

2009-10-05T07:00:00.003-04:00

I only briefly spoke to these people before I took their picture, but it was clear that they considered themselves very much a family. Each had very defined roles.
This picture was taken during the Heritage Pride Parade this year in June. To view other images from my Pride collection, click here.

(See Daily Urban Blink 10/04/09 for a traditional NYC family post).

Daily Urban Blink 10/4/09 - NYC Family - Part I (Traditional)

2009-10-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

I was doing a bit of people watching today and I started to think about the "family" units I see around NYC. This is an example of a "traditional" family. Tomorrow's post will be slightly different.

Daily Urban Blink 10/03/09- Can You Hear Me Now?

2009-10-03T22:31:00.003-04:00

I don't know about other cities, but it's becoming rare to even see pay phones these days in NYC. Then if you find one, the question is will it be working. In the case of these phones, not so much. I wonder if someone was just really frustrated that they couldn't find a working phone that day.

Daily Urban Blink 10/02/09 Museum Mile Masterpieces

2009-10-02T07:00:00.002-04:00

Once a year nine of New York's finest museums, including the Guggenheim and The Metropolitan Museums of Art collectively open their doors for free for a mile long block party. Since the streets are blocked off to traffic, the festival organizers hand out chalk and let people create "masterpieces" on the street.

Museums are such a big part of New York and this a great way to spend the day checking them out.

Daily Urban Blink 10/01/09 Toiletries Towers

2009-10-01T07:00:00.002-04:00

When I first moved to NYC, I found it odd to see some store windows piled high with basic toiletries instead of sleekly designed window displays. But hey, real estate is at a premium in the city. You've got to use every inch of space you've got.

Daily Urban Blink 09/30/09 Live Mannequin - Moshood

2009-09-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

I came across another live Mannequin (see 09/09/09 entry) except this time it wasn't for a performance piece, just a unique way to advertise. She was in the Moshood Flagship store in Brooklyn. The shop is the brainchild of African designer Nigeria Moshood. I loved her regal stance.

As I got closer and raised my camera, she remained still except for her eyes which followed me the way a child follows your finger. Brilliant.

Daily Urban Blink 09/29/09 - New York City Fishing

2009-09-29T07:00:00.004-04:00

At the Northern end of Central Park near 110th St. is a 11-acre man-made body of water called the Harlem Meer. I'm sure it's not like fishing off the banks of the Mississippi, but it's what we've got.

Daily Urban Blink 09/28/09 - PS 180

2009-09-28T16:10:00.004-04:00

The New York City Public School system is HUGH! There are over 1.1 million students taught in more than 1,600 separate schools. Although I grew up going to public schools, I couldn't have imagined being a part of a school system with more people in it than most US cities entire population. I love that this school, PS180, incorporated this beautiful mural on one of their buildings.

Note to those not familiar with NYC public schools, PS stand for Public School. Most people know the school by it's number but they most often have another name. This one is the The Hugo Newman College Preparatory School and is located in Harlem.

Daily Urban Blink 09/27/09 Memorial Alarm Boxes

2009-09-27T21:20:00.009-04:00

I can imagine back in 1860 when the first wave of Fire Department alarm boxes appeared on the street corners it gave neighborhood resident a sense of security. They were a lifeline when few people had telephones to report fires. Well just like the corner phone booths, they have become a casualty of technology. I've recently begun to notice these abandon boxes being turned into corner memorials for people who have died in that area.

Daily Urban Blink 09/26/09- R.I.P. Sticky

2009-09-26T16:29:00.005-04:00

I don't know who Sticky was. I saw this as I took a short cut to the highway. It was somewhere in Long Island City Queens. Not only did I think it would make for an interesting image, the words made me ponder.

Who was Sticky?

Thanks to Google, I did find out that there was a 19 year old boy named Ryan "Sticky" Heard who passed away in '08. Some friends created a web page at www.ripsticky.com

Was this the same Sticky? I doubt it but it made me take amoment to reflect on a friend of mine who died in a car accident in May of 1998. His name was Michael Lucero and I think of him often but especially on September 26th. Why? We shared the same birthday. Today September 26th is our birthday. We would have called each other today. I wish you were here Michael. You made a tremoundous impact on my life. You would have been proud of my decision to pursue photography. You made living your dream seem possible. ?UC is ?U Get

R. I. P. Michael