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Archive for the ‘Only in New York’ Category

"New Look Revised" (1995–present)

New York Knicks

I do have photos (somewhere on the computer) for a FAB FOTO FRIDAY but this day like so many others recently has been spent cleaning up, repairing, renewing and re-doing and I wish I could say it was on myself BUT no, it’s been the house and yard.  So the day goes by and I haven’t researched the photos for today but I have hopes for a FAB FOTO feature before the weekend is over, check back!

AND this week I learned two new things which only goes to prove (for the hundredth time) that you are never too old to learn something new.

FACT ONE:

First of all, did you know that when you are deadheading your flowering plants there are some plants that you should not be pinching off.  WOW for years I have been hunched over my petunias and pinching off the dead blossom and the sepal containing it.  My plants kept blooming despite my beheading tactics BUT this week I learned that petunias should not be snapped off – rather you should gently pull the dead blossom out and if you look closely you will see a bud inside! The next flower!!!  Presently I have a huge 15″ planter brimming with pink and white petunias and I’m carefully extracting the blooms.  However, petunias can get leggy and they should be pinched back so your planter doesn’t get all straggley looking.

Ocean Grove NJ, La Vie en Rose

Pluck Not Pinch

Looks like I missed one in the front!

FACT TWO:

If you live in New York City, you are certainly familiar with the New York Knicks, Knickerbocker Beer, The Knickerbocker Hotel, The Knickerbocker Club and at one time, even New Yorkers were referred to as Knickerbockers.  Where did this all originate?  There was a book published in 1809 entitled A History of New-York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, by Diedrich Knickerbocker (1809).  This was a satire on self-important local history and contemporary politics. Prior to its publication, Irving started a hoax akin to today’s viral marketing campaigns; he placed a series of missing person adverts in New York newspapers seeking information on Diedrich Knickerbocker, a crusty Dutch historian who had allegedly gone missing from his hotel in New York City. As part of the ruse, Irving placed a notice—allegedly from the hotel’s proprietor—informing readers that if Mr. Knickerbocker failed to return to the hotel to pay his bill, he would publish a manuscript Knickerbocker had left behind.  

So there you have it, a myth debunked.  There was no Diedrich Knickerbocker, just Washington Irving pulling off a great hoax and giving birth to one of New York’s legends.

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I haven’t posted a blog in days and in trying to make up for it (lol), instead of writing 4 blogs at once I’m taking the easy way out and combining my FAB FOTO FRIDAY, CELEBRATE, ONLY in NEW YORK, and RED is Where You Find It all in ONE post.  Well after all it is a holiday weekend and although I’m not posting regularly I’m not on holiday either; but more about the weekend later….

Since it IS a holiday weekend, it’s important to Celebrate!  Of course we must celebrate Memorial Day and I could do a whole post on that (let me see how I feel by tonight) but this CELEBRATE blog post is celebrating the diversity of New York City. It is the equivalent of living in the world all in one place.  If you don’t live here, you may think I’m exaggerating but I’m not. There is hardly not an ethnicity represented in great numbers in the City, except maybe Aborigines.  This weekend, Turkey was center stage and drew thousands of on-lookers.  This parade unlike many others, was not a march up Fifth Avenue but rather in the United Nations neighborhood.  Take a look….

There were flags-lots-and people dressed in their national colors; Red and White, frolicking, dancing, marching, beautiful girls, costumed men, and of course little children looking darling in all manner of red and white.

Turkish flags, American flag, Turkish Day parade, Turkey, Turkiye

The FLAGS Speak

photo by Murray Head

Turkish Day parade, New YOrk city, Turkey, Turkiye, twins

Two for the price of one

photo by Murray Head

Turkish Day parade, Turkey, Turkiye, New york city, ballons

Did you ever see a Turkish balloon?

photo by Murray Head

Turkish Day parade, Turkiye, red paisley umbrella, Turkey

I Love the RED umbrella

photo by Murray Head

Turkish Day parade, Turkiye

I live here too

photo by Murray Head

Turkish Day parade, Borders installation art, United Nations, Turkey, Turkiye

Wanna play?

photo by Murray Head,

Turkish Day parade, Turkiye, Turkey, convertible

What's A Parade Without A Convertible?

photo by Murray Head

Turkish Day parade,

Or A Pretty Girl ?

photo by Murray Head

Turkiye, Turkey, native costume, Turkish day parade, new york city

Colorful Native Costume

photo by Murray Head

Turkish Day parade, New York City, Turkey, Turkiye

Is that a Blackberry or an iPhone?

photo by Murray Head

Turkiye,Turkey, red kerchief

Wearin' of the RED

photo by Murray Head

Istanbul was Constantinople
Now it’s Istanbul, not Constantinople
Been a long time gone, Constantinople
Now it’s Turkish delight on a moonlit night
Every gal in Constantinople
Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople
So if you’ve a date in Constantinople
She’ll be waiting in Istanbul


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There’s more than one “Terminator” in the news these days.  In fact I have some spectacular photos of a couple of them in action.  It seems it’s not just seeds and nuts upon which our feathered friends thrive. 

Please be advised that these photos contain graphic  acts of  ornithological  violence, however, Mother Nature is responsible for the food chain and just be thankful that you are higher up than  these guys.  By the time I finished posting these photos I was scratching my head a lot.

termites, central park, blue jay

"Mmmmm looks like lunch has arrived"

photo by Murray Head

Blue Jay, termites, central park

"But they're not as crunchy as peanuts"

photo by Murray Head

sparrow, termites, central park

"It's like an All You Can Eat Buffet"

photo by Murray Head

sparrow, termites, central park

"I can't talk with my mouth full"

photo by Murray Head

central park

"Interesting, very interesting..."

photo by Murray Head

central park

"Look who's coming to dinner"

photo by Murray Head

central park

"Gotcha"

photo by Murray Head

red bellied woopecker, central park

"My nexr meal is just around the corner"

photo by Murray Head

central park

Twisting for Termites

photo by Murray Head

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Orangent you glad that Murray Head sends me photographs to post? 

FAB FOTO FRIDAY

Even though it’s Saturday, these photos were taken on Friday so they still count as our FAB FOTO FRIDAY featured photographs.  You’ve heard of Sunday in the Park with George, this is Friday in the park with Murray!

Baltimore Oriole

"Can you hear me now"?

Central ,Park new york city, orange flowers

Oh so pretty Orange Flowers

central park, new york city, baltimore oriole

Bold and beautiful Baltimore Oriole

central park, new york city, baltimore oriole

Baltimore Oriole profile

central park, new york city

Why are Goldfish Orange?

duck, pond, central park, new york city

Little Duckling

All photos courtesy of Murray Head



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If you or your son/daughter/husband waited until the last minute to make a brunch or dinner reservation for today – don’t fret there’s always a way in!!

Take it from a wise old owl!

Central Park

"Do You Have A Reservation?"

Owl

"Well, Do YOU??

"Sorry. Oh, why thank you. Let me check again"

Central Park, New York City, owl

"Table for Two, right this way"

All photos courtesy of Murray Head.

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FAB FOTO FRIDAY

Seems like there was a Summit Meeting going on in New York City this week.  While it’s true that the President was here TWICE this week tying up traffic all over the place, he wasn’t in attendance with these heads!

Ai Weiwei, a renowned sculptor from China, famous for his past exhibition of Sunflower Seeds, is missing! His whereabouts are unknown; he was arrested by the Chinese Government supposedly for tax evasion and destroying evidence.  However, it is widely believed that his criticism of the Government is the real reason behind his disappearance.  The United States, Germany and Britain have openly called for his release.

But the show must go on and we are thankful that it has. 

Chinese zodiac, central park, Pulitzer fountain, Ai Weiwei

The Tiger

central park, Pulitzer fountain, chinese zodiac, Ai Weiwei

The Boar

Chinese zodiac, central park, pulitzer fountain, Ai Weiwei

The Serpent

chinese zodiac

The Dragon

Ai Weiwei, chinese zodiac

The Rabbit

Ai Weiwei, central park, chinese zodiac

The Ox

chinese zodiac, Ai Weiwei

The Horse

Chinese zodiac, Ai Weiwei. pulitzer fountain

The Rat

The Goat

Chinese zodiac, Ai Weiwei,

The Rooster and The Dog

The Monkey

Thank you Murray Head for all of these great photos!

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Last year I posted a blog about how Cinco De Mayo was celebrated, its origin and how we have adopted and adapted this holiday today.  I thought re-posting it would be a good idea and informative to my newly-acquired readers!

Cinco De Mayo! Then and Now

May 5, 2010 by pbenjay | Edit

May 5th, battle of Puebla, cinco de mayo, celebration, Mexico, French forcesThis is Why We Celebrate Victory

If you’ve noticed a sudden dearth of avocados, limes, Corona Extras and Jose Cuervo at your local grocery store over the past couple of days, don’t panic — no one is conspiring against you. Instead, your neighbors are simply stocking up to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a holiday celebrated in Mexico and all over the United States with delicious Mexican cuisine, far too much alcohol and plenty of fanfare.

But Cinco de Mayo (“the fifth of May”) is much more than an entertaining way to forget an entire day’s worth of events. The holiday owes its origins to the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to defeat invading French forces from conquering the state of Puebla. The victory remains a cause for commemoration nearly 150 years later.

Interestingly enough, Cinco de Mayo isn’t celebrated in Mexico nearly as much as it is in the United States, as the country’s most widely recognized national patriotic holiday is actually the Mexican Independence Day on September 16. But Cinco de Mayo gets plenty of attention in the U.S. not just from Mexican-Americans, but also from anybody interested in seeking out new forms of cultural exposure — largely due to the efforts of liquor companies and Mexican restaurants.

Last year, MTV Tr3s sent comedian Cristela Alonzo to Los Angeles’ historic Olvera Street to report on the community’s deep understanding of Cinco del Mayo. While the holiday has historic roots, Alonzo acknowledged that many participants view Cinco de Mayo as “an excuse to get drunk and party.” But as Alonzo learned, enjoying the rowdier aspects of Cinco de Mayo doesn’t have to come at the expense of forgetting the holiday’s cultural significance.

“What’s important is to remember the meaning behind the holiday,” she reported of her findings. “It’s about freedom and to celebrate those who had the courage to defend it.”

So as you immerse yourself in today’s festivities, make sure to put your ice cold cerveza down for long enough to acknowledge the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo, a holiday built on the foundation of freedom. ** This article is from the MTV website

And today!

Corona, Dos Equis, beer, fiesta, Mexico, Battle of Puebla, cinco de mayo, jose cuervo, tequila, limes, margharitasCha Cha Cha It’s Fiesta Time

You know what they say: Drink responsibly, Drive safely –  OH WAIT, we live in New York City, we can be totally irresponsible – BUT then again  here is May 6th to think about!

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If you have been following the blog or FAB FOTO FRIDAYS you know that a while ago I featured an art installation on Dag Hammerskjold Plaza near the United Nations.  It is called Borders with human-like sculptures posed standing and sitting in the park.  Today is MAY DAY! In additions to the Borders “people”, Dag Hammerskjold Plaza was home to a true May Day celebration.

May Day, Dag Hammerskjold Plaza
May Day Child

photo by Murray Head

new york city, Borders, dag hammerskjold
May Day Diversity

photo by Murray Head

dag hammerskjold plaza, may day, maypole
May Day Missy

photo by Murray Head

dag hammerskjold plaza, may day flowers
May Day Flower Basket

photo by Murray Head

May Day, May Pole, new york city

Dancing Around the Maypole

Photos by Murray Head

maypole

May Day Maypole Ribbons

Photo by Murray Head

BORDERS, dag hammerskjold plaza, new york city

May Day knows no Borders!

photo by Murray Head

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FAB FOTO FRIDAY

Fridays are for Fotos and as you know I have several recurring themes.  I love RED is Where You Find It which is really a sub-category of ART is Where You Find It and then there’s ONLY in NEW YORK because my city is an ever-changing canvas replete with people who live or visit New York City, truly the Capitol of the World,  as well as art installations, parades, tourist attractions and above all (no pun intended) the City itself with its Skyscraper Skyline.

My favorite photographer, Murray, was out and about down in the Flatiron, Madison Square Park area the other day and yes he does leave Central Park once in a while lol.  Anyway, he took some very interesting photographs of some of the more distinct and unusual buildings in that neighborhood.  Or maybe other than the Flatiron Building (one of my two very favorite buildings in NYC), the buildings are not so unusual BUT you know where I’m going with this….the eye of the camera as seen with the eye of the artist produced some beautiful shots and here they are.

Flatiron building, New york city

The Flatiron Building

photo by Murray Head

new york city, madison square park

It's White at Night

photo by Murray Head

new york city, skyscraper

Building with a Gold Crown

photo by Murray Head

new york city, skyline, skyscrapers

STOP - Water Tower

photo by Murray Head

new york city, skyline

Gold Dome

photo by Murray Head

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Sometimes you just can’t help yourself!  I HAVE to post these photos of my beautiful grandchildren and their beautiful mother (oak, acorn, apple, get it??).   The pictures were taken this week in Carl Shurtz Park. 

Emma Cleary, Frankie, Francesca, Carl Shurtz park

Francesca Tip-Toeing Thru The Tulips

photo by Emma Cleary

Carl Shurtz park, Finley Ray, Francesca, Frankie, Chiara berti clark

Oh So Pretty

Photo by Emma Cleary

Finny, Gigi's Finley Ray, Carl Shurtz park,

Precious!

photo by Emma Cleary

Francesca, Frankie, pink tulips, Carl Shurtz park

Ooh the sidewalk is hot Mommy!

photo by Emma Cleary

arabesque, Finley Ray, Finny, Carl Shurtz park

Arabesque

photo by Emma Cleary

ice cream with sprinkles, Finny, Finley Ray

Just like Gigi, I love ice cream

photo by Emma Cleary

Finny, Chiara, Francesca

Looking at You, Baby

photo by Emma Cleary

Frankie, Francesca, Carl Shurtz park

This is NOT a bed of roses!

photo by Emma Cleary

Finley Ray, Finny, Carl Shurtz

Flower Power

photo by Emma Cleary


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