New York City Daily Photo

Bangor Daily Photo

2009-07-17T16:00:00.002-04:00

I've moved to Bangor, Maine.

Bangor Daily Photo is now online!!

New York City Daily Photo Is Closed

2009-06-14T00:01:00.005-04:00

New York City Daily Photo is closed as of today.

Thank you for the 3-1/2 years of wonderful friendship and photo sharing experiences.

I will update you on what is going on in my life in the next couple of weeks or so .

Queens From Above

2009-06-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken as the plane I was on was preparing to land at Laguardia Airport in Queens, New York. The photo shows townhouses in Woodside (I think) on the foreground and Long Island in the background. I have been to Woodside many times and I remember seeing airplanes landing at the nearby airport every 15 minutes.

So how far are you from your airport?

Take Out The Trash

2009-06-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

I saw this colorful trash bags left outside the CITE furniture store in SoHo earlier this week. It's that eye catching?

So who takes out your trash?

Pizza Truck

2009-06-11T13:20:00.002-04:00

There are so many different varieties of food vendors in NYC that sooner or later, I would see a pizza truck and voila, I saw one by Pizza Truck NYC on Union Square yesterday. Pizzas are sold by the slice ($2.50 for regular) and are served hot from the oven inside the vehicle.

So would you buy a slice of pizza from a truck parked outside a busy street?

Weekend in New Jersey 3

2009-06-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

Seagulls make the one of the most annoying noises I've ever heard in my life -- almost as annoying as car alarms going off outside my apartment window at 3 AM in the morning.

What annoys you most?

Weekend in New Jersey 2

2009-06-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken at Margate City, which is south of Atlantic City in New Jersey. As you can see, the weather was perfect for a little sunbathing. Me, I rather hide in the shadows.

So do you like sunbathing?

Weekend in New Jersey 1

2009-06-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

I was in New Jersey this weekend when I saw this guy walking his dog on his skateboard. He even did a turn ran by me again so I could take his photo. The weather was perfect -- warm with low humidity.

How is the weather over at your end?

Metropolitan Museum of Art

2009-06-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side. This wing of the museum is dedicated to Asian Art with objects from Northern Asia to South East Asia.

So how is your weekend so far?

Grand Central Station Main Concourse

2009-06-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken a week ago when I bumped into two wonderful tourists from England. They were in NYC for a couple of days to celebrate their 25th (I think) wedding anniversary before jetting off to Hawaii for the weekend. We started talking because we have the exact same camera (Canon G9) and we were both standing on the stairwell photographing the same scenery as you see in this photo above.

So have you usually talk to complete strangers?

The Red Stairs

2009-06-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

This is a close up photo of the red stairs that was installed in the middle of Times Square above the new TKTS booths. The stairs are made of red plastic panels trimmed with metal strips and lighted from beneath. At night the structure looks like a glowing red wedge.

Notice the reflections on the plastic panels? The buildings in the reflections are some of the skyscrapers on Broadway and 45th Street. [N.B.: Excuse the quality of the photo. It was taken with my iPhone.]

So what is your favorite color?

Spring Romance

2009-06-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

Spring is here and these Mallard ducks are getting ready to start a family soon. Although ducks are not known for their monogamous relationships like swans and cranes, this pair seemed to be spending a lot of time together.

So what is your favorite Spring activities?

Times Square Sanctuary

2009-06-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

For the last two weekends, Times Square in midtown Manhattan has been shut down to automobile traffic to create a 'sanctuary' for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the 'crossroads of the world'. The city even provided lounge chairs (some of which were stolen) for the public. Motorist, especially the taxi drivers were not happy with this plan but most people (in the photo) think this is a great plan.

What do you think of the plan? Would you hang out at Times Square if there were no automobile traffic to worry about?

Two Towers

2009-06-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

Here are the Two Towers from the 1964 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, Queens. But most people will remember them as one of the spaceships used by the insect alien to escape Earth at the end of the movie, Men in Black.

So have you been to any site or set where a movie was shot?

Theme Photo: Feet

2009-06-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's June 1st so this is theme day. The theme this month is FEET. But I don't have any photos of feet. I do, however, have a photo of hands!! This photo was taken at Fishs Eddy at Union Square.

Like always, see how this theme inspired the other members of the community.

Lamp & Tiles

2009-05-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo shows the base of the Queensborough Bridge on the Manhattan side. The tile work was what caught my eyes when I walked along 1st Avenue and 60th Street. The lamp provides an interesting dimension to the photo.

So how is your weekend so far?

Greek Peasant Salad

2009-05-30T00:01:00.001-04:00

This is one of my favorite summer meals -- Greek peasant salad made with feta cheese, tomatoes and kalamata olives. This photo was taken at Taverna Kyclades, my favorite Greek restaurant in Astoria.

So do you like salads or cheese?

Grand Central Station

2009-05-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is a close-up shot of the northern wing of the main concourse at the Grand Central Station. The famous Tiffany clock is located right in the middle of the main concourse and sits on top of the information booth. The clock is estimated to cost over $10-$20 million.

So how many clocks do you have at home?

Cherry Blossom & Townhouses

2009-05-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

The cherry blossom tree contrasts very nicely with the old townhouses in the background. This photo was taken in the East Village near 3rd Avenue and 9th Street.

So how is your week so far?

Egyptian Wing

2009-05-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is the view of Central Park and the Upper East Side from inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art at The Temple of Dendur wing. The floor to ceiling glass windows provide some of the best views and spaces at the museum.

What kind of museum do you like best?

Husband & Wife

2009-05-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

I was at Petal Belle, the lovely cafe on Sullivan Street in SoHo, a few weeks ago when I saw this beautiful couple leaving St. Anthony's Church across the street. Although I don't know the bride or groom, I would like to wish them a beautiful and happy life together.

So when was the last time you were at a wedding?

Tiled Wall

2009-05-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

This tile work is one of a couple of new pieces installed inside the new subway station at the southern most tip of Manhattan, near the Staten Island Ferry Station. Downtown Manhattan, especially near Battery Park is one of the newest neighborhoods in the city.

So what do you have plan for your day off today (Memorial Day in the US).

Central Park South Vista

2009-05-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

Kids usually go rock climbing on the southern side of Central Park, near 60th Street and 6th Avenue. You can see a group of them on the lower left of the photo. But the most impressive view is the architecture above the tree line.

So do you like hiking?

Oasis of Calm

2009-05-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

I was walking down 50th Street from 5th Avenue towards Madison when I came across this interesting pocket of peace and serenity. It is one of a dozen or so public spaces sprinkled across midtown to give office workers in the area a place sit and enjoy the outdoors.

So where is your oasis of calm?

Looking Out From Within

2009-05-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken from inside Central Park. The buildings in the background are the properties lining 60th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue, otherwise known as Central Park South. It always amazes me that we have such a lush and beautiful park in the middle of the city.

Notice the couple sitting on the bench at the bottom of the photo? Can you imagine how peaceful and relaxing it must feel to be them. Me, I was leaning over a rail behind some bushes trying to take this photo. :-)

No question today.

Royal Enfield

2009-05-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

I saw this vintage Royal Enfield motorcycle parked outside the Barneys Departmental Store on 60th Street between Madison and 5th Avenue. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who gave it a second look. The guy on the right thought it was a pretty cool bike too.

So do you know how to drive a motorcycle?

The Strand Central Park Kiosk

2009-05-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

These are the Central Park kiosks for the giant discount bookstore called, Strand Bookstore. The small kiosks line the edge of the park along 5th Avenue at 60th Street. I don't know how much business they do here but they are definitely a beautiful sight for the eyes. It reminds me of the book and antique print vendors lining the Seine River in Paris.

So where do you get most of your books -- from the bookstore, online or the library?

Trump Tower

2009-05-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

This glass and steel structure is the Trump Tower where The Apprentice is taped every season. The interesting thing about this architecture is that there are numerous terraces on the middle floors with trees planted on them.

So what is your favorite show?

Korea Sparkling

2009-05-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

I saw this attractive 'advertising wrapper' on the double decker tourist bus at Central Park South yesterday. It really made me want to visit Seoul, South Korea. And since I love Korean food, I figured it would be a gastronomical visit too.

So where do you want to visit on your next trip?

New Museum

2009-05-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is the front entrance to the New Museum at the Lower East Side. It is probably the newest museum in New York City since it was opened only last year.

So how is your weekend?

Les Petits Chapelais

2009-05-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

I took this photo because I love the color and the design of the sign. I believe it is a children clothing store in SoHo.

So what is your favorite color?

Mid-Month Subway Theme Day

2009-05-15T00:01:00.003-04:00

It is mid-month subway theme day again. This photo was taken at the Times Square/42nd Street subway station. The station is one of the biggest and busiest in the city with connecting lines for the N, W, R, Q, 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 subway trains. It is also adjacent to the New Jersey PATH stations (subway service to New Jersey) and a block from the Amtrak tand other regional train services at Pennsylvania Station.

Subway day is a mid-month theme shared by the following blogs:

Budapest - London - New York City - Paris - Stockholm - Sydney

New York City Tourists

2009-05-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

The tourist bus and horse drawn carriages in the photo above are a common sight at Central Park South on 60th Street near 5th Avenue. This is because NYC received over 46 million tourists a year and they contributed over $85.8 billion to the local economy (both 2007 data). For that, I would like to say THANK YOU to those who have visited us recently. And for those who have not visited us yet, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you.

Does that make me the Ambassador of New York City?

Weeping Willow

2009-05-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is a close-up shot of a weeping willow blossom found around the Bow Lakes inside the Central Park recently. The tree has an interesting structure, unlike anything I've seen before. The truck grows up tall and strong but the branches all limp downwards like tentacles of an alien creature.

So what is the strangest tree or animal you have ever seen.

Fish Flag

2009-05-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

This seafood vendor at the Union Square Green Market has a colorful flag/kite flying above his of his table. It is definitely an innovative way to advertise his stalls, especially since it he is only there one day a week.

So have you ever flied a kite? If so, when was the last time you did it?

Stupid Stunt

2009-05-11T00:01:00.002-04:00

Queens Boulevard, one of the major roadways in New York City, is sometimes known as the Boulevard of Death due to the high number of accidents where pedestrians are run over and killed by speeding cars that careen down the freeway every day. The boulevard has anywhere from six to twelve lanes depending on where the street is located and it runs literally straight through some of the most populated residential areas in Queens.

So when I saw this person trying to cross Queens Boulevard on his Segway a couple weekends ago, all I could think was, "What the &$@%*# was he thinking?" [Excuse my language!] I was tempted to walk over and smack him over the head.

So have you done anything stupid in your life before?

Metropolitan Museum of Art Atrium

2009-05-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is the atrium of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is located on the Upper East Side of New York City. The entrance to the museum is directly in front of me, behind the tall floral arrangement in the information booth. I was here to meet Sheryl of Astoria, Oregon Daily Photo, who was in town to celebrate her birthday last week.

So have you met any of the daily photo bloggers?

Purple & Yellow

2009-05-09T00:01:00.001-04:00

This photo was taken at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) garden last weekend when the weather was absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, it's been raining non-stop all week and I am running out of photos to post. If you click on the MoMA link above, you will see a patch of purple flowers on the lower half the photo, on the right of the water fountain. This is the close-up shot of that flower patch.

So what are you plans for the weekend?

Are We In London?

2009-05-08T00:01:00.000-04:00

No, this was actually taken on 19th Street between Irving Place and 3rd Avenue nearGramercy Park. The neighborhood is one of the most expensive and coveted part of the city.

So have your been to London?

MetLife & Helmsley

2009-05-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

The ornate tower with the green roof is the Helmsley Building and one behind it is the MetLife Building. Both buildings sit in the middle of Park Avenue so automobile traffic has to be diverted around them.

So what is the tallest building in your city?

Look Down The Atrium

2009-05-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

This was the view down the central atrium of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). I was standing on the 6th floor looking down on the furniture exhibition on the 2nd floor (left) and 1st floor (bottom right).

So how is the weather in your city. It has been drizzling non-stop since Sunday.

Knot & Needle

2009-05-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

This sculpture is entitled, Knot & Needle by James Surls. It is one of half a dozen or so similar structures by the same artist installed on the meridian of Park Avenue between 50th and 60th Street.

Notice the post-bloom tulips on the ground -- I posted a photo of them last week. According to a comment left on this blog, there will be coral colored begonias at the end of May, planted by the Fund for Park Avenue.

So do you participate in any non-profit or charity program?

Manhattan Sunset

2009-05-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

I took this photo with my iPhone while waiting for the train in Sunnyside, Queens last weekend. Normally, the iPhone takes really poor quality photos especially in low light environment but this one came out pretty nicely.

So how was your weekend?

MoMA Garden

2009-05-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

I went to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in midtown Manhattan yesterday afternoon. But after a couple of hours indoors, I saw this view from the 3rd floor of the museum and knew I had to go outside and enjoy the beautiful Spring weather.

So is Spring your favorite season? If not, what is?

Tulips on Park Avenue

2009-05-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

There is no such thing as too many tulips in Spring. This photo was taken at the meridian between the uptown and downtown traffic on Park Avenue and 59th Street.

So are you ready for the summer to arrive?

Theme Photo: Shadows

2009-05-01T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's May 1st, which means it's theme photo day again. This month's theme is shadows. The photo I've selected today is not from New York City. It was actually taken in Barcelona in March 2009. I hope the people of Barcelona will permit me to share a scene from their beautiful city on this special day.

There are many other cities participating in the theme photos. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Performance Artist @ Union Square

2009-04-30T00:01:00.001-04:00

This photo was taken at Union Square in Manhattan. The girl in purple was balancing a ball on her palm while the girl in yellow was spinning some sort of balls with flags on them creating this interesting image. Performance artists usually congregate here to practice their art and meet like-minded people to hang out during the weekends.

So do you have any performance talent?

Motorcycle @ Kiehl's Store

2009-04-29T00:01:00.001-04:00

This is one of four or five motorcyckes inside the Kiehl's store in the East Village. Kiehl's is a NYC company that sells really nice hair care and body products.

So do you know how to ride a motorcycle? I don't but I hope to one day.

An Evening at Washing Square Park

2009-04-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken two weekends ago at Washington Square Park when the weather was comfortably cool and dry. Then it turned hot last weekend and everyone changed into their shorts and t-shirts.

So are you looking forward to the summer?

Tulips at Central Park South

2009-04-27T00:01:00.001-04:00

Spring flowers are blooming again. These tulips are planted around the square surrounding the Grand Army Plaza at Central Park South.

So how was your weekend?

Bird in a Gilded Cage

2009-04-26T00:01:00.003-04:00

This little bird is trapped inside a gilded cage, otherwise known as The Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan. The 4-storey high atrium/space has shops and restaurants and somehow, this bird got itself trapped inside it. A lady placed some bread crumbs on the railing and the bird swiftly flew down to gobble them up. I only managed to get one good shot of this event.

So have you ever been in a beautiful place but still felt trapped?

Ranunculus Bloom

2009-04-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

Here is a macro shot of a ranunculus bloom from one of the flower vendors at Union Square. Spring is finally here and there are rows and rows of flower vendors at the market now.

So do you have a favorite flower?

Ridiculous Men

2009-04-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

I saw this interesting sign taped outside the window of a trendy bar on 18th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue South. It notice listed what makes a ridiculous man.

So do you agree?

Cookie & Coffee @ The Mercury Dime

2009-04-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

I met up with a friend for coffee at The Mercury Dime cafe in the East Village last week. Since I was early, I ordered the cappuccino first while I waited and read the newspaper, and when she arrived, I ordered a double french pressed coffee. Each order came with this cute little lace cookie. The coffee, unfortunately was not very good even though it was made fresh to order.

The best coffee in NYC, in my humble opinion, are found at La Colombe Cafe in Tribeca, Petal Belle in SoHo because they use the La Colombe brand of coffee, and Aubergine Cafe (in my neighborhood) that uses Irving Farm coffee. Irving Farm has its own cafes in the city but I have not visited one yet.

So what is your favorite brand of coffee or tea?

Monster Alert

2009-04-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

Another neighborhood, another mural! This one was taken in the East Village over the weekend. Some of the murals can be quite creative and funny. And this one is definitely one of the better ones.

So are you afraid of monsters? Do you believe in monsters?

Old, New & In-Between

2009-04-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is the view of the Chrysler Building from downtown East Village. I was standing on 13th Street and the Chrysler Building is on 42nd Street. In the foreground, is an old pre-war apartment building on the left and a new luxury condo on the right.

So do you prefer old or new?

Sunset at Washington Square

2009-04-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

This was the view of the sunset from Washington Square Park in lower Manhattan last Friday. The weather has been so beautiful lately that I stayed out until the sun went down and was rewarded with this amazing sky view.

So when was the last time you sat outdoors until the sun came down?

Broadway & 14th Street

2009-04-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

The weather yesterday was absolutely beautiful -- it was probably our best weekend of the year so far. So you can imagine the number of people out and about on the street after hibernating indoors for the last 4 months. This shot was taken at the southern edge of Union Square looking down Broadway (Avenue).

So how was the weather at your neck of the woods?

Wall in SoHo

2009-04-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

I am running out of photos AGAIN. This one is from the archives and it was taken on Spring Street in SoHo. Surprisingly it looked fairly empty because this street is usually filled with shoppers and tourists.

So what are you plans for the weekend?

Sunrise Mart Japanese Supermarket

2009-04-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is the exterior shot of Sunrise Mart, a Japanese supermarket in the East Village. East Village used to be a rough neighborhood but over the last decade, it has become a very hip and trendy outpost of all things Japanese.

So where do you usually get your groceries?

Cherry Hill Fountain

2009-04-16T00:01:00.001-04:00

This is the Cherry Hill Fountain on the west side of Central Park near Strawberry Field. The buildings in the background are mostly apartment buildings on Central Park West. The flowers in the background are cherry blossom, I think.

So do you have cherry blossoms in your city?

Mid-Month Subway Theme

2009-04-15T00:01:00.002-04:00

It is mid-month subway theme day again. This photo was taken at the Queensborough Plaza subway station a couple weeks ago. Notice the guy on the far right looking at his phone as the train snakes by? I wish I had a complete picture of him but this photo cannot be re-shot.

subway day is a mid-month theme shared by the following blogs:
Budapest - London - New York City - Paris - Stockholm - Sydney

Spring is Blooming

2009-04-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

I was at Central Park last weekend and flowers and trees were blooming everywhere. It's so refreshing to see colors again. It has been a long, cold winter for us in NYC.

So where would you go to see Spring flowers bloom?

Easter Parade 2009

2009-04-13T00:01:00.000-04:00

This lovely couple had one of the best outfits at the Easter Parade this weekend. The crowd who dressed up this year was somewhat smaller compared to the past two years that I was there. And it was really cold too.

So if you had an outfit, what would you wear to the Easter Parade?

Easter Lily

2009-04-11T00:01:00.002-04:00

This is a macro shot of the stamen and stigma of an Easter Lily bloom from the Rockefeller Center. There are hundred of Easter Lilies lining the flower beds at the Promenade there.

So what do you plan to eat for dinner tonight? Lamb chops?

Rickshaw Dumpling Truck

2009-04-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

This Rickshaw Dumpling Truck was one of four food vendors I saw around East Village earlier this week. The other trucks included one selling Mister Softee ice cream, the Mud Truck that sells gourmet coffee, and one selling French-style crepes. I have also seen vendors at other times selling Belgian wafflers and gourmet ice creams from a truck around this area. So why are there so many of these vendors here? Well, they primarily serve the college crowd that tends to hang out in the East Village during week days.

So have you or would you eat someone sold from a truck like this?

Bottom Tip of Manhattan

2009-04-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

I have out-of-town visitors this week so we went to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal to take the ferry to Staten Island, of course. This photo was taken a few minutes after the ferry lhad eft the Manhattan terminal. You can see the skyline of the bottom tip of Manhattan Island here.

So how has your week been?

Carnivore

2009-04-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is a carnivorous plant called Drosera or Sundew that I saw at the green market at Union Square last weekend. The tentacles at the edge of the leaves are super sensitive and can secrete enzymes to dissolve the preys that fall into their grasp.

So are you a carnivore or a vegetarian? What is your favorite meat product?

Old & New

2009-04-08T00:01:00.001-04:00

The older building in the foreground is the Saint Thomas Church and the newer building in the background is 666 5th Avenue, a retail and office complex.

No question today. Have a good Wednesday.

illy cafe

2009-04-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

We all know Starbucks in the US but have you heard of an illy cafe? There are a couple of them in NYC and they serve coffee from the Italian brand.

So what brand of coffee or tea do you drink every day?

Greenwich & Horatio

2009-04-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken at the corner of Greenwich and Horatio Street in the Village. Notice the other two street signs? One way streets are very common in NYC and so is the street cleaning schedule sign.

So what street signs do you have in your city?

Spring is Here

2009-04-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

We've been having Spring-like weather during the last week or so although it was very windy yesterday when I went out to take photos. I walked from the Meatpacking District (14th Street and 8th Avenue) to the Greenwich Village and then east to SoHo before heading north to Nolita. Then I went home.

I took this photo of the entry way to a townhouse on Horatio Street between Greenwich and Washington Street in the Meatpacking District. The flowers reminded me that Spring is here, or is it?

So has Spring (Autumn for those living in the southern hemisphere) arrived for you yet?

Venus de Milo

2009-04-04T00:01:00.000-04:00

This may not be the original Venus de Milo but it is definitely a welcome sight on this stretch of generic looking high rise corporate offices on 6th Avenue and 52nd Street.

So what are your plans this weekend?

Ming's Best Friends

2009-04-03T00:01:00.001-04:00

These are two of the things I cannot live without -- a good cup of coffee and my iPhone. This photo was taken at La Colombe Cafe in Tribeca.

Okay, I admit it. I'm running out of new photos so this is an old photo from my archives.

So what can't you live without?

East Village Lamp Post

2009-04-02T00:01:00.001-04:00

This interesting tile work plastered all over the lamp post is one of many such pieces in the East Village. I don't know the exact origin or purpose of the work but it definitely adds character to the neighborhood.

So what character does your neighborhood have?

Update: The artist of this work is Jim Power a.k.a. Mosaic Man.

Theme Photo: Yellow

2009-04-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

It's the first day of the month again, which means it is theme day today. The theme this month is yellow. The photo I chose is this evening shot of the Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue and 60th Street.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in this theme day.

Cable Car

2009-03-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

This cable car goes from 3rd Avenue and 60th Street on the Upper East Side to the southern tip of Roosevelt Island. Although there are better and quicker ways to get to the island, this is probably the most scenic route.

So have you ever taken the scenic route to work?

Sur Empanadas

2009-03-30T00:01:00.002-04:00

A new yuppie restaurant opened in my neighborhood recently called, Sur Empanadas where the meats are organic, the packaging is made from 100% recycled paper and the electricity is generated from wind energy. I stopped by for lunch yesterday and ordered the beef empanadas /salteña, which were delicious.

Sunnyside (my neighborhood) has a huge South American population so it is fairly easy to find cuisines from Colombia, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. There are also ample Irish bars and Korean eateries, which make up most of the businesses in the neighborhood.

So do you have a favorite cuisine?

Update: There are a few questions on how the restaurant generated wind energy. In NYC, we have the option of purchasing electricity generated from fossil fuel (petroleum) or wind energy (more expensive). Basically, the wind energy is generated upstate and sold to the utility company. The utility company turns around and sells the wind generated energy to consumers at a higher price. Now, how the utility company differentiate or partition the source of energy to the consumer is a whole different question altogether.

Rope Jumping

2009-03-29T00:01:00.001-04:00

I was at Union Square earlier this week when I saw these college kids -- most likely NYU students -- jumping rope with their friends. Then strangers, one by one, began to stop by and watch or join in the game. At one point, there were at least 50 people or so cheering and laughing with the group. It was so refreshing and wonderful to see strangers come together and have fun like that.

No, I did not attempt to join the fun but I did take a lot of photos. This one shows a girl doing the jump in 3" heels.

So have you ever jumped rope or simply commune with strangers and had a great time?

$1 Menus at East Village

2009-03-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

You don't have to go to McDonald's for the $1 menu any more. It seems like a number of restaurants in the East Village (all within half a block of each other) are offering their own version of $1 menus including the $1 falafel sandwich, the $1 pizza slice and the $1 sushi.

So what can you buy for US$1 at where you live?

Prince & Elizabeth

2009-03-27T00:01:00.000-04:00

I took this photo primarily as an archiving tool to remind myself later where I was when I took the other photos. And interestingly enough, this photo turned out quite nicely. I especially like the colors and classic New York street scene.

So how do you archive your photos? Do you have a special way of naming your files or do you immediately delete the photos you don't like?

I have over 240 folders on my laptop from the 2+ years of taking photos for this blog. It has taken up a lot of space on my hard drive and I need to go back and delete most of the bad photos.

Pixelated Mural

2009-03-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

This pixelated mural is located on the 2nd floor wall of an apartment building on Prince Street near Bowery in Nolita. I don't know who the image is (Bernie Madoff?) but it is definitely an interesting piece artwork.

So where is the most interesting place you have seen a mural or artwork?

Big Brother Is Watching

2009-03-25T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken around the corner of a restaurant in Nolita where they put their garbage bins -- you can see the plastic lids at the bottom of the page. The restaurant placed a sign saying the area was under video camera surveillance and (I assumed) someone stenciled a picture of a guy in a suit walking by or away with a bag.

I've been photographing murals a lot lately. I don't know if it is because there are a lot more of them in the city lately or they are getting better, artistically.

Has this ever happen to you?

Tribal Mural

2009-03-24T00:01:00.001-04:00

This young lady had more important things on her mind than admire the interesting tribal mural on the wall at Houston Street.

So have you ever been so engrossed with your electronic gadgets that your miss what is around you?

Salvador Dali

2009-03-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

There is an interesting and fun Salvador Dali art exhibition at the William Bennett Gallery in SoHo. I was in the area this past weekend and saw this iconic melting clock sign outside the gallery and decided to pop in and view the show.

So what did you do this weekend?

St. Patrick's Cathedral & Atlas

2009-03-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken from behind Atlas (installed in 1937) and looking upwards across 5th Avenue at St. Patrick's Cathedral (completed in 1878). The two glass buildings on both sides of the statue is part of Rockefeller Center.

So what did you have for dinner last night?

Hand Made in Brooklyn

2009-03-21T00:01:00.003-04:00

I met Dan Butler, an artist who had a small booth on Prince Street in SoHo last weekend. He sells beautiful silk-screened t-shirts as well as original prints of his art work. Mr. Butler said he loves what he does and I wish him the best of luck on his endeavor. If you are interested to check out his work, he has a website called, Hand Made in Brooklyn.

So do you love what you do?

Prometheus! Who? Prometheus!

2009-03-20T00:01:00.000-04:00

His name is Prometheus and he sits on top of a rock overlooking the ice rink at Rockefeller Center in midtown. He is probably the second most photographed statue in New York City, after the Statue of Liberty, of course.

So is second best good enough?

No Parking

2009-03-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

This is the most colorful NO PARKING sign I've ever seen but I don't think it is real or sanctioned by the Department of Motor Vehicles. It maybe a street art or graffiti with a message. But what is the message?

What do you think?

Gonzo Marketing

2009-03-18T00:01:00.000-04:00

A little boutique in Nolita (North of Little Italy) has found an interesting way to advertise its merchandise. They placed a mannequin wear a little black dress and a beautiful necklace right on the street in front of the store. A lot of people who had no prior intention of going into the store stopped to admire and touch the merchandise on the street. Then they wander into the store to take a better look at the clothes.

So what smart ideas have you seen or heard lately?

Someone Was Here First

2009-03-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

Claudette Colvin

2009-03-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

So who is Claudette Colvin? According to this street art on Elizabeth Street, north of Prince, Ms. Colvin was a 15-year old girl from Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the bus in 1955 and was subsequently arrested. This happened 9 months before Rosa Parks did the same thing and became a national civil rights activist.

Isn't it great to get a history lesson from street art? So what have your learned lately?

Mid-Month Subway Theme

2009-03-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

It is mid-month subway theme day again. This is the subway track at Jackson Heights, Queens or Little India. In the far background, you can see Manhattan and the Empire State Building

This mid-month subway theme is shared by the following bloggers:

Budapest - London - New York City - Paris - Stockholm

Tile Work Under the Terrace Bridge

2009-03-14T06:28:00.000-04:00

This beautiful tiled ceiling under the Terrace Bridge leads park goers from the Litrary Walk to the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. Most people take the alternate outdoor staircases on either side of this tunnel and missed this display altogether.

So what are you plans for the weekend? I'm still recovering my jetlag.

Lipstick Building

2009-03-13T03:42:00.004-04:00

This Lipstick Building used to be famous for its innovative and original architecture but lately, it has been mentioned in the press mainly because it housed the offices of Bernie Madoff, who engineered a $65 billion Ponzi scheme.

So how has your week been so far?

Postcard from Barcelona: Antique Car Show

2009-03-12T00:01:00.001-04:00

This little boy was dressed in an outfit reminiscing the early 1900s at the antique car rally from Barcelona to Sitges last Sunday. He was one of many others who dressed in period-appropriate attires for the start of the race.

I will be heading back to NYC today. Regular programming resumes tomorrow.

Postcard from Barcelona: Churros & Chocolate

2009-03-11T00:01:00.001-04:00

No explanation need -- churros and chocolate after visiting the Picasso Museum at La Ribera neighborhood. Art, chocolate and fried pastries -- you can't go wrong with this combination!

Postcard from Barcelona: Barceloneta Beach

2009-03-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken last Friday afternoon at the Barceloneta Beach when the weather was actually not that warm. But it did not stop these beach goers from having fun. The weather got much warmer over the weekend and I bet the beach was totally packed Unfortunately, I didn't go back to there to take the photos.

Postcard from Barcelona: Plaça de Catalunya

2009-03-09T00:01:00.002-04:00

This is Plaça de Catalunya, on the northern end of La Rambla near the hostel where I'm staying. As you can see, the plaza is filled with pigeons and that is partly because there are a couple vendors sellings bags of bird seeds to tourists to feed the pigeons. Notice the balloons? They vendors also sell them.

Postcard from Barcelona: Casa Milà

2009-03-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

This is Casa Milà, a main tourist attraction in Barcelona. The building, located in the luxury Eixemple District, is considered one of the best examples of Antoni Gaudi's work. Antoni Gaudi is of course, the Father of the Modernisme movement in Spain.