The week before the 4th and so much to do

I can't even begin to tell you how many things are happening in NY this weekend, so I'll just tell you what I've been able to do.

First of all - it's H-O-triple-T!! The humidity is really oppressive and it's really getting me down. You can't walk more than a block before you feel like you need to take a shower. Thank God I don't have any place to be, so I can afford to wait for a less crowded train or bus. I've come to find out that even when multiple brands of deodorant are on sale at Duane Reade or CVS, some people still won't make the purchase. (I wonder if this is yet another reflection of our 'failing' economy??)

I began my Saturday trek as early as possible with every good intention to get back home early. I'll tell you now, that didn't work. At 8:30 in the morning it was already 84degrees. I hoped on the bus which was (thank god!) air conditioned, and then the train.

From my vantage point going over the Manhattan bridge I could see the water installation by Olafur Eliasson—the guy who installed a giant artificial sun in London’s Tate Modern and dyed rivers in Germany, L.A., and Tokyo bright green. A project called "The New York City Waterfalls" definitely puts Niagara Falls to shame. Well, maybe that's a bit over the top considering this is just a temporary, and Niagara Falls has been there for - well forever. It was amazing, although not so good for shooting via train movement. There are several locations in NY. (The photo to the right is Courtesy of the Public Art Fund /© Olafur Eliasson, 2008)

Between Piers 4 and 5 near the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Bridge, Governor's Island and Pier 35 near the Manhattan Bridge. I'm going to try to see them all before the instillation closes. It will be here June 26 - October 13. Check back again to see if I'm able to get any good shots at night.

My next stop was to Rockefeller Center home of the skating rink in the winter, but todays attraction is by internationally renowned artist Chris Burden, a new sculpture entitled "WHAT MY DAD GAVE ME." It is an amazingly sturdy 65-foot-tall skyscraper made entirely of toy construction parts. It is installed at the Fifth Avenue entrance to Rockefeller Center's Channel Gardens, between 49th and 50th Streets, and the exhibition runs from June 10 through July 19.

It is really very cool to look at and amazing that with some of the rain/wind storms we've had lately that it hasn't toppled. I guess they have better construction than some of the 'real' buildings here in the city.



As I walked across the street to one of my favorite stores SAKS Fifth Avenue I realized that their window displays were different. I give them a lot of credit for being 'aware' and supporting HIV/Aids awareness. They had some of the quilts in their window and I know these photo's don't do them justice. If you ever have an opportunity to view the quilts in person please do. They are as beautiful as they are unique. Each reflects the personality of the person that has died because of this cruel disease. To see them spread out on the DC Mall, you would have to be beyond heartless not to be moved. More than that, if you ever have an opportunity to do something (run a race, do the AIDS walk) do so.



I have a great friend who is participating in the "Break The Cycle race again this year. What is this? Breaking The Cycle is a three day, 275 mile bike trek from Gettysburg VA. to Manhattan. The ride is from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28, 2008. I was at the NYC finish line last year which is located at "The Center." The Center provides nearly 700 counseling sessions for over 500 people living with HIV/AIDS as well as provides leadership training in HIV prevention. I can't begin to tell you the energy, joy and relief on the faces of the riders as they rode past the finish line. I was and am VERY proud of Barry as he does his part to help end AIDS.

At this point, it's getting hotter and I'm really tired but I can't not talk about a piece of NY history that is taking place this weekend. The NY Yankees vs. NY Mets (guess which one is my favorite). This is the last subway series ever to be played at the old Shea Stadium so that's really sad. The short version on why it's called the Subway series, is because you take the train from Shea in the Queens, to Yankee in Bronx and the fastest way is through...you guessed it...the subway. A series actually happens when you have a game at one location in the early afternoon, and the next game - same day at the other location at night. I'm sure there will be some sports fanatic that will write me that's not the real reason, but hey...it gets the point across.

NY always willing to be among the growing group of artists created these Statue of Liberties which are all around the city. Better than the cows we had a few years ago, and almost as nice at the "Apples" that are still around.

Well, that was my Saturday. Sunday, I'm heading out now to go to the Fancy Food Show at the Javitz Center. Can't wait to eat my way through 2000 food vendors. More tomorrow.