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New York

Jeanne-Claude, ‘The Gates’ Artist, Dead at 74 1

Thursday, November 19, 2009, 12:10 PM | New York, The Gates

Artist Jeanne-Claude, who created the 2005 Central Park installation “The Gates” and other large scale “wrapping” projects around the globe with her husband Christo, has died. She was 74.

I remember being very excited about “The Gates”. I had a 2 megapixel camera when the “The Gates” were unveiled, and though I thought I took some good pictures, I felt I needed more. I then bought my first DSLR camera a Nikon D70 a couple of days later just to take pictures of those orange structures. I visited Central Park every day — in the day, at night, in the snow. I even took requests from the Internet from people who wanted to see parts of the installation that they have not seen before.

View my pictures here

Thanks Jeanne-Claude.

Continue reading: Jeanne-Claude, ‘The Gates’ Artist, Dead at 74

2009 New York City Marathon 1

Sunday, November 1, 2009, 04:29 PM | New York

When I first moved to my apartment in Harlem a few years ago, it was a pleasant surprise that I woke up to the New York City Marathon on First Avenue one day. I think Sean Combs was running in it or Lance Armstrong. It felt like the world was visiting our lonely part of the city for a few hours. It was also exciting to see the professional runners speed by knowing you just saw them on TV a few minutes before.

It’s inspiring to see strangers cheer anybody whose running, but my favorite part has always been these random bands playing on every other corner of First Ave to serenade the runners. It’s just a great positive atmosphere. Today on 115th Street I saw a rap group.

Mumps Outbreak in Brooklyn 4

Friday, October 23, 2009, 01:59 AM | New York, Remaindered Links

Panic!

I have to stay away from Brooklyn. OMG The world is not safe around me.

Swine Flu. Mumps. They’re everywhere.

And I have a friggin’ mullet!

Panic!

Continue reading: Mumps Outbreak in Brooklyn

Rent is Too Damn High Party Forced to Drop “Damn” Comments Off

Tuesday, October 6, 2009, 07:20 PM | New York, Remaindered Links

New York City Mayoral candidate Jimmy McMillan is running under the Rent Is Too Damn High Party. The city has removed the word “Damn” in absentee ballots because of a rule that a candidate’s party name must be 15 characters or fewer.

Oh and btw, check out Jimmy’s website: best website ever. I love New York!

Read it at Gothamist

New York BFF Comments Off

Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 11:04 AM | New York, Personal

I don’t know Dona at all. But on Sunday we became BFFs (Best Friends Forever).

I had known of her online by her name “anod” and when she introduced herself to me on Saturday night — it was like meeting an old friend — but not really. I knew of “anod” but not Dona, the blessedly single professional woman from CT who her colleagues talk about on Facebook.

Dona offered me a free ticket to Sunday’s show of American Idol: the best seats she had on the second row. Though I told her I would tell her of my decision later that evening — I eventually accepted. You can’t argue with free, specially free friends.

I don’t know Gloria at all. But on Wednesday we became BFFs.

She wrote me a message via Twitter on Wednesday morning: “I have a ticket for you.” I messaged her back to call me, and then she confirmed: “I tried to sell and even look for someone to give this ticket to, but I could not find anyone.” And so she offered it to me.

Trained by Dona to accept the kindness of strangers last Sunday — I accepted even better seats: first row.

I don’t know Carrie or Brenda at all. But from Saturday to Wednesday, we became BFFs.

They both e-mailed, faxed and made phone calls to get me after the concert backstage passes to meet the stars on the show. After a series of updates via e-mail, and lured by Gloria to go the concert that morning, on Wednesday night I picked up a pair of passes at the Will Call.

But I am banned from going backstage.

So on Wednesday, I gave the passes to Noelle and Victoria. And then I became their new BFF.

Video of Collision Over Hudson River Comments Off

Friday, August 14, 2009, 08:31 AM | New York, Remaindered Links

NBC News has a video of the collision between a small plane and a sightseeing helicopter over the Hudson River. All 9 people involved in the accident died. The Teterboro air traffic controller and supervisor have been suspended.

Via Gothamist

WARNING VIDEO HARD TO WATCH

Watch the video here:

Continue reading: Video of Collision Over Hudson River

Small Plane, Sightseeing Helicopter Collide Over Hudson River Comments Off

Saturday, August 8, 2009, 01:20 PM | New York, Remaindered Links

Police say only one survivor was found after a small plane and Liberty Harbor Sightseeing Tours helicopter collided in mid-air and both aircrafts fell into the Hudson River near 14th Street in Manhattan.

Read it at NY1

Strange Clouds over New York City Comments Off

Friday, June 26, 2009, 09:27 PM | New York

There was a strange light out the window then – woah – clouds! I struggled to take these pictures since I didn’t want to open the window (there was an AC in the way).

Anybody know what kind of formations these are? Marshmallow formations?

Update: Answer via @mrnosuch – Mammatus Clouds

Ads for Atheism Appear on Manhattan Buses Comments Off

Thursday, June 25, 2009, 08:17 AM | New York, Remaindered Links

You don’t have to believe in God to be a moral and ethical person. Amen.

Read it at New York Times

Karen Olivo — West Side Story Comments Off

Thursday, June 11, 2009, 01:56 AM | New York

I met Tony-award-winning actress Karen Olivo today! In the Upper West Side, how appropriate.

Karen won the Tony over the weekend for her portrayal of Anita in the revival of West Side Story on Broadway. I just mailed the Daughtry CD for Brenda at the post office and while waiting to cross the street I saw Karen. She and her male companion were nice enough to pose for a picture.

I had come from a job installing a computer earlier for Grammy-award-winning Latin legend Larry Harlow (pic with his Grammy below from last week) and while taking out my camera, I had to bring out the screwdriver first. “Oh screwdriver!” Karen and her friend laughed. And then after the pic, I gave my business card. Omigosh, how embarrassing. I gave my card and revealed a bright orange screwdriver from my manpurse to a Tony winner. I’m such a dork.

Also, I should go out more.

Prince Harry in New York Comments Off

Sunday, May 31, 2009, 03:10 PM | New York, Random

He didn’t party the night away like some people hoped, but Prince Harry visited Ground Zero the other day and played polo at Governor’s Island yesterday.

Come back to New York Prince Harry! We know you loved it!

More pics:

Continue reading: Prince Harry in New York

Vilma Santos in New York City 30

Saturday, April 25, 2009, 02:27 AM | New York

I was very excited to meet Vilma Santos in New York today. “Ate Vi” is a living legend in the Philippines. Fans have dedicated their lives for decades worshiping her.

She’s in New York filming a movie written by my friend Raymond Lee. I think I’ll follow them around over the weekend.

Over the past few years Vilma Santos transformed herself from an actress to a politician. She was the mayor of Lipa City for almost 10 years, until she became the Governor of Batangas Province (pop. 2 million) in 2007. There is talk that she might run for President of the Philippines in 2010. Filipinos have a habit of electing former movie-stars into public office. I’m excited.

Union Square, New York City 4

Saturday, April 18, 2009, 02:07 AM | New York

Took this last Thursday at Union Square.

A guy with a typewriter on a desk with a sign that said poetry as the city stood and walked by.

High Five Escalator 2

Monday, February 9, 2009, 03:24 PM | New York

From Improv Everywhere

Rob gives 2000 high fives in 45 minutes in the New York subway at the escalator on the 53rd and Lexington E/V/6 Station. Woohoo! Germs FTW!

Video clip:

Continue reading: High Five Escalator

Gapstow Bridge — Central Park 7

Thursday, November 27, 2008, 06:00 PM | New York

After watching the parade, I walked back to the east side of Central Park and took a picture of the Gapstow Bridge.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2008 — Pictures 5

Thursday, November 27, 2008, 03:29 PM | David Archuleta, New York

I tried to be a “Parade-Caster” this morning for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade — hoping to get a glimpse of David Archuleta on the Starship Discovery float. The original plan was to “follow him” on the float until he reaches Macy’s. Unfortunately, I discovered due to my own naivete that something like that is impossible unless you are part of the parade itself. (This was my first time to actual go out and watch the parade after all these years). I arrived at Columbus Circle at around 9:30 AM and the crowd was like — 25 people deep? Arghh. Needless to say I tried to be “chatty” for the people who were listening on Rickey TV. I looked for a place in Central Park where I could get a decent view with my zoom lens, hoping to get a glimpse of David Archuleta. I was communicating with Tos who hosted the show on Rickey TV — and we were both confused as to what was going on. People said different things about what was going to happen, etc. — it was quite interesting.

As you can see, I did see Buzz Lightyear who was apparently behind the Starship Discovery float — which I didn’t see because it was tiny! LOL Oh well. Next time I should camp out like Xeno at 3 AM. She told me she has great video of David Archuleta waving at the New York Angels — because he recognized them!

Anyway, hopefully, the fans won’t say that I’m not “doing enough” for David Archuleta. This Macy’s thing was more difficult than I thought!

At any rate: our next real chance is on December 12 for the Z100 Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden. Hope that happens.

Even if I did not see David Archuleta in the flesh today — I really enjoyed myself out there. Thanks for everyone who came into the chat room!

Video clip:

Continue reading: Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2008 — Pictures

Hunter Parrish — Spring Awakening 4

Saturday, September 20, 2008, 04:24 AM | Broadway, Daniel Radcliffe, New York

Finally, months after I joined, I was able to attend the I Love Sake Meetup. It was a good way for me to get introduced to the world of foodies — via alcohol. LOL. Anyway, all my Fridays have been full for a while, but amazingly I found a free date so I decided to go. It was fun. My favorite now is unfiltered sake with Sprite.

I promised that I would go home at 11 PM for a “Secret Show” on Rickey TV but since I was a bit tipsy I decided to be brave and pass by “Spring Awakening” (which was a block up from the Meet Up) so I can get a picture with Hunter Parrish. He had some really cool fans waiting for him which was nice to see. They looked like they really loved him.

But apparently, I wasn’t done with my night as I decided to pass by “Grease” which unfortunately did not have a line of fans anymore, and then to “Equus” where all of Broadway seemed to gather every night. The crowd was huge for an after show autograph line. Daniel Radcliffe is a popular guy! I couldn’t even see him. I took a video of me shouting out for “Harry!”

When the crowds dispersed, like the parting of the Red Sea, who did I find in front of the theater ogling at her pictures? Xeno!!! Hahaha. I called out to her and she screamed. She was with her friend Perla, and we kinda decided to visit the “Equus” line every Friday. LOL. We had a really long chat afterward — about an hour! So much gossip in the David Archuleta and Daniel Radcliffe universes.

Now I know what I’m up against at the “Equus” line, I know what to do. Be early and no mercy. LOL

Sake, Hunter Parrish, Xeno at Equus, Secret Show. Life is still good.

Video clip:

Continue reading: Hunter Parrish — Spring Awakening

New York City Waterfalls 5

Monday, September 8, 2008, 01:09 PM | New York

Last week, a friend from college visited New York City and as part of the New York tour, we took a ferry at South Street Seaport to see the New York City Waterfalls art installation.

Verdict: Underwhelming. And apparently not environmentally friendly since they are damaging the trees nearby.

I miss the Gates.

Rickey at the U.S. Open 5

Monday, September 8, 2008, 12:55 PM | New York, Sports

I watched the U.S. Open with Dantern last week. There was some ticket confusion which led to our seats getting upgraded, so I was excited. Unfortunately, Rafael Nadal wasn’t playing on the day we were there so I was a bit bummed that I couldn’t really cheer for anyone. I gave Roger Federer civil applause (everyone seemed to be rooting for him).

Things I learned:

Calling a person a “one-legged girl” is insulting. Yup, there was this a-hole behind us who kept on referring to one of the ballgirls as a “one-legged girl”.

There are still some good people in the world. We were seated beside this lady and her mother who were true tennis fans, and it was wonderful to be around their spirited energy. One of them said: “It’s rude to cheer when someone makes a mistake (unforced error).” I didn’t realize that before. I will try not to cheer anyone’s mistake and instead cheer for someone’s winners. Danny and I left the stadium early to walk around the grounds, and we met the lady again near the concession stand. Yay!

The sun is right in front of you, wherever we were seated. I now know better. Seat somewhere else or bring a cap.

Aside from Mexican, White, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, I am now also Jewish.

Dantern is a star. It’s amazing what some curly locks can do to some people.

Roger Federer plays Andy Murray at the U.S. Open Men’s Final today.

More pics:

Continue reading: Rickey at the U.S. Open

MoveOpolis: Hostile Takeover 9

Thursday, August 28, 2008, 10:57 AM | New York

Here are pictures from the live performance installation exhibit I attended last Monday called MoveOpolis!: Hostile Takeover.

It was interesting for 5 minutes, and then I had to leave. My art critic friend said it was not the best Butoh-inspired dance installation that she had seen. At least some of my pictures looked dramatic.

Me outside the venue:

More pics:

Continue reading: MoveOpolis: Hostile Takeover

New York Gay Parade 2008 23

Sunday, June 29, 2008, 07:41 PM | New York

I took a lot of pictures from the Gay Parade, but nothing can top this “Fern Rain Forest Afro” outfit from this dude from the Brazilian delegation. Fierce.

It was hot, then it rained, then it was muggy, then it rained again. But overall, I had a great time.

Also, Malan Breton recognized me on the street! Yay! And Google loves me.

Video clips:

Continue reading: New York Gay Parade 2008

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