New York Nitty-Gritty

Chrysler Magic

2011-12-30T18:04:00.001-05:00

Originally posted here September 30, 2005

Inspiration

2011-11-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

I hear beyond the range of sound,
I see beyond the range of sight,
New earths and skies and seas around,
And in my day the sun doth pale his light.

A clear and ancient harmony
Pierces my soul through all its din,
As through its utmost melody--
Farther behind than they, farther within.

[from INSPIRATION by Henry David Thoreau]

Originally posted here on November 3, 2006

Javits Window

2011-07-18T22:38:00.001-04:00

Originally posted here on July 18, 2009

Up: ESB

2011-06-29T13:42:00.000-04:00

[originally posted here June 26, 2008]

May 2006

2011-05-27T21:08:00.006-04:00

Weird scenes inside the gold mine...I'm on a train...I can't complain.

September 11th

2010-09-11T16:08:00.002-04:00

I did not know Steven A. Giorgetti personally. He loved baseball and his family. Married for 18 years, he and his wife had two children--a boy and a girl. If work caused him to miss one of his young son's games, he would call his wife several times throughout to see how it was going.

He worked 20 years for the same company. Like many people, he lived on Long Island and worked in New York City. His office was in Midtown Manhattan.

Unfortunately for him, on September 11, 2001, Mr. Giorgetti had a meeting at the World Trade Center. That fateful morning, he died there, one of the many victims of the coordinated terrorist attacks. He was 43.
READ MORE

[Otilius photo first published here, 5/29/06]

Empty Bungee

2010-05-21T00:41:00.002-04:00

Anchorage, Alaska

In Memoriam

2010-04-11T19:05:00.003-04:00

Poland lost its current President Lech Kaczynski in a plane crash Saturday. According to CNN.com, "The delegation was headed for the Katyn Forest near Smolensk, Russia, to honor the 22,000 Polish prisoners of war killed 70 years ago by the Soviet Union's NKVD, forerunner of the KGB."

This statue stands in Jersey City, New Jersey, across the Hudson River from lower Manhattan.

Last Year: Green Accents

2010-03-24T15:18:00.005-04:00

As you may know, I've moved to Alaska and started a new photo blog, "Alaska Nitty-Gritty". For your enjoyment, above is a shot taken in NYC last year around this time. Click HERE for another.

Bird And Statue

2009-10-18T11:01:00.004-04:00

Even birds enjoy the view of the Statue of Liberty from Liberty State Park.

(Originally posted here on August 25, 2008.)

Rainy ESB

2009-09-23T11:00:00.002-04:00

The Empire State Building scrapes the sky. Originally posted here on May 01, 2006...(one of my favorite ESB photos)

And Still Scraping...

2009-09-22T13:15:00.002-04:00

The Empire State Building, New York, NY...

Chrysler Magic

2009-09-18T00:34:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favorite photos of the Chrysler Building, originally posted here September 30th, 2005. Taken along 42nd Street, we also see the south end of Grand Central Station (lower left).

First Post

2009-09-17T03:25:00.010-04:00

This was the first photo ever posted to New York Nitty-Gritty. You see a street scene in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, taken in August of 2005 from the apartment of a dear, dear friend who recently got married. [Congratulations, Eric & Phoebe!]

As you know, I've been on an extended trip back home to Alaska this summer and have posted many photos from my journey. However, this remains NEW YORK Nitty-Gritty. So, until I get back to NYC, I will offer some highlights of previous posted photos.

PS--Continue following my travels in Alaska HERE.

Mendenhall Reflex

2009-09-13T22:00:00.004-04:00

The Mendenhall Glacier as reflected in a nearby pond... (Juneau, Alaska)

For Steven

2009-09-11T03:27:00.006-04:00

River Fog

2009-09-07T20:00:00.004-04:00

Fog on the Mendenhall River, Juneau, Alaska...
Happy Labor Day!

Helping Hands

2009-09-06T18:45:00.002-04:00

I went to the Juneau recycling place and saw the hands on the dumpster again. So, of course, I took more photos of them. We all can use a helping hand some time.

Creek Glimpse

2009-09-03T14:51:00.005-04:00

Here's a glimpse of Gold Creek, as seen through trees from The Flume in Juneau, Alaska.

Your Key?

2009-09-02T21:24:00.003-04:00

If you went for a walk near The Flume recently, and you lost a key, this could be yours. (on a tree in Juneau, Alaska)

Log & Totem

2009-09-01T06:38:00.003-04:00

The same tree yields a new totem pole (background) and more!
(University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau)

PS--if you like this blog, please, vote over at Best On Blogspot.

No Bird Ridge

2009-08-31T06:30:00.005-04:00

In a previous post, you saw this ridge (part of Thunder Mountain, Juneau, Alaska) in different weather and with some birds flying through the scene. In the photos above and below, you see the same ridge with different weather...and without any birds.

7 Bird Ridge

2009-08-28T16:02:00.006-04:00

So, it had stopped raining...briefly, as it turned out. Anyway, in this photo, seven birds flew into the scene, just as I snapped the shutter. They either make or mar the image, as William S. might say--you be the judge. (part of Thunder Mountain, Juneau, Alaska)

Thanks for visiting! Hey, before you leave, check out the latest Best On Blogspot poll for photo blogs and, please, vote for this blog. Thanks, again!

Leaving Juneau

2009-08-27T14:43:00.004-04:00

A cruise ship passes Sandy Beach in Douglas, as it heads down Gastineau Channel leaving Juneau, Alaska.

By the way, I got included in the latest Best On Blogspot poll for photo blogs. Go check it out and give me a vote, even.

Devil's Berries

2009-08-26T14:52:00.002-04:00

This time of year, the Devil's Club--also known to some as "Alaskan Ginseng"--yields red berries on top. Devil's Club has many medicinal uses. Play around with them at your own risk.

Rain Stream

2009-08-25T17:34:00.004-04:00

A stream created by rainfall (and, sure, melting snow,too) as seen from Basin Road in Juneau, Alaska...

Hand Prints

2009-08-24T03:04:00.002-04:00

...on a dumpster in Juneau, Alaska.

Highland View

2009-08-23T04:06:00.003-04:00

A view of a cruise ship through some trees near The Flume (Juneau, Alaska)...

Finning Salmon

2009-08-19T15:19:00.004-04:00

Salmon break the water surface at DIPAC's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery, Juneau, Alaska.

UAS Shark

2009-08-18T00:45:00.002-04:00

Enjoy a close up view of a figure--a shark--on a new totem pole at the University of Alaska Southeast's Juneau campus. The pole, carved by Haidas TJ and Joe Young of Hydaburg, Alaska, will get raised next year.

Stephens Passage Light

2009-08-14T22:08:00.002-04:00

...aboard the M/V Matanuska in southeast Alaska.

Dead Fish

2009-08-13T04:49:00.003-04:00

...in the middle of the road, Hydaburg, Alaska.

Hydaburg Ladder

2009-08-11T16:35:00.000-04:00

Camouflage Deer

2009-08-10T15:03:00.000-04:00

Near Hydaburg, Alaska...

Hydaburg Totems

2009-08-07T14:22:00.003-04:00

The bottom figure of one totem pole, an owl, "looks" at the top figure of another (double-finned killer whale), in Hydaburg Totem Park, Hydaburg, Alaska.

I came to Hydaburg to see the raising of 4 totem poles over a two day ceremony. Tremendous amazement at every turn!

Hydaburg Brushstroke

2009-08-06T15:44:00.001-04:00

Deer Face

2009-08-05T14:18:00.002-04:00

So, a guy told me about how he hit a deer while driving. Upon further inspection by yours truly, I discovered this imprint of the deer's face in the dust on the hood of the car.

(Hydaburg, Alaska)

Hydaburg SunBall

2009-08-04T17:25:00.003-04:00

The sun sets over the harbor in Hydaburg, Alaska.

Yellow Waves

2009-07-29T03:33:00.000-04:00

Killer Whale Face

2009-07-28T16:24:00.002-04:00

Kasaan Totem Park, Kasaan, Alaska...

Vandalism

2009-07-27T16:03:00.003-04:00

The ugly face of vandalism shows itself at Kasaan Totem Park, Kasaan, Alaska.

Unity Pole

2009-07-26T14:47:00.007-04:00

Not to bore you but here's another look at the Unity Pole in Kasaan, Alaska. With the return of nice weather, you can see the change in color from when the pole got wet.

Anyway, "unity" is an underrated concept.

Kasaan Heron

2009-07-25T13:20:00.000-04:00

Drake Jumps

2009-07-24T00:34:00.002-04:00

I caught a cousin, Drake (5 years old), in mid jump during the lowest low tide of the year (-4.4 feet, tied with one of the same in June). The distance from dock to beach measured a little over 3 feet at Kasaan, Alaska.

FYi: This makes 1,500 posts for New York Nitty-Gritty. Thank you for visiting!

Flyin' Outta Karta

2009-07-23T11:57:00.003-04:00

In Southeast Alaska, we have lots of islands and no roads between them. Gee, that would involve "bridges to nowhere", right?

Here we leave the mouth of the Karta River at high speed, en route to our next destination, aboard a 22 foot Boston Whaler®. You can see the outboard motor's power with your own eyes. Trust me, it goes even faster than it looks.

Big And Little

2009-07-21T00:34:00.005-04:00

Another unusually low tide in Kasaan, Alaska lets us see some critters we might not otherwise. Here, a tiny star fish rests on the beach near a much larger one.

Log-ger

2009-07-20T03:45:00.002-04:00

Minus Tide

2009-07-19T10:04:00.007-04:00

The first of several progressively bigger minus tides (especially low tide) happened this morning at 5:08 AM. You can see only a little space between the moored boats and the nearby beach at Kasaan Boat Harbor.

This morning's low tide was -0.9 feet. Thursday will have the biggest minus tide of -4.4 feet at 8:20 AM Alaska Time.

Rainy Unity Pole

2009-07-18T04:03:00.009-04:00

It rained during the night and the morning yesterday, making unpainted totems change color due to water saturation. Here we see the Unity Pole in Kasaan, Alaska, from a similar angle to a previous post but with its new look.

UPDATE: Today, the Unity Pole got even wetter (below)

And, below, we see the Unity Pole after the rain stopped for a while, with one side dryer, due to wind direction:

Don Shoots

2009-07-17T21:06:00.005-04:00

A good friend, Don Wunsch, my Sophomore roommate at Seattle University, came out to Kasaan so we could brainstorm and begin our collaboration on a possible language project. Here we see Don as he takes a photo of one of the totems in the Kasaan Totem Park.

By the way, Don stands 6 feet 5 inches tall.

Hoop Dreams

2009-07-17T00:34:00.004-04:00

Celebrating two passions of Southeast Alaska--basketball and totem poles. (same pole, different day in Kasaan, Alaska)

Unity Watchmen

2009-07-16T02:39:00.005-04:00

Watchmen and an eagle at the top of the Unity Pole in Kasaan, Alaska...

Totems From Trail

2009-07-15T08:13:00.005-04:00

This would be one of your first glimpses of the totems, as you walk the trail leading to Kasaan Totem Park (Alaska). Those of you who have visited the park before might recognize the pole on the right as containing the figure seen in yesterday's post.

You may also see how the weather has changed from blue sky to cloudy.

Watchman Peek

2009-07-14T20:23:00.001-04:00

A figure on a totem pole peeks through the trees at Kasaan Totem Park, Kasaan, Alaska, on Prince of Wales Island.

Dappled House Post

2009-07-13T11:08:00.002-04:00

Morning light dapples one of the house posts inside Chief Son-i-Hat's Whale House, Kasaan, Alaska. The light came through the smoke hole in the center of the roof.

Runway, Schmunway

2009-07-12T10:55:00.002-04:00

We don't need no stinking runways!

[A float plane begins its takeoff, with the main building of the Ketchikan International Airport and Gravina Island in the background.]

Alaska's 50th

2009-07-11T00:34:00.000-04:00

One of several banners around downtown Juneau celebrating Alaska's 50th Anniversary as a U.S. state, this one on South Franklin Street...

SOB Peek

2009-07-10T03:56:00.006-04:00

Here's a peek through some trees at part of the State Office Building in Juneau, Alaska. It's the yellowish one.

As I walked along taking photos, I had part of the Springsteen song going through my head:

Son take a good look around, this is your hometown
This is your hometown

[all apologies to Bruce Springsteen, MY HOMETOWN]

Plane Tour

2009-07-07T10:01:00.006-04:00

Plane mobile in a window at Ward Air, Juneau, Alaska...

A fellow classmate and friend from High School, Ed Kiesel, owns Ward Air and took a bunch of us on an Ice Cap Tour in a float plane. Of course, having lived here for so long, I had never done it before. It was great!

In the above photo, you see us flying over the famous Mendenhall Glacier. That's another classmate, Frank Cox, on the right.

Next time you're in Juneau, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Ward Air. Ed and the rest of his pilots will make you glad you did.

Miro Shadows

2009-07-04T14:48:00.002-04:00

These shadows reminded me of Joan Miro. I hope you enjoy them, all the way from our rain forest up here in Southeast Alaska.

"Freedom is a road seldom travelled by the multitude."
Happy Birthday, USA!! Please, enjoy your 4th of July, where ever you are.

Senator Mark Begich

2009-07-03T15:58:00.006-04:00

Senator Mark Begich (D, Alaska) speaks in Juneau, Alaska, at the ANB Hall during the Native Issues Forum, co-sponsored by ANB (Alaska Native Brotherhood) Camp #2 and Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska Central Council. Before he spoke, I got a chance to meet Senator Begich and talked with him for a few minutes. I hope he does well.
(and, yes, I did shake his hand a couple of times.)

Low Tide

2009-07-01T10:40:00.000-04:00

Ward Cove, Alaska

Orange Flowers

2009-06-26T19:32:00.005-04:00

I like these orange flowers but don't know their name. In the sun, they look like the above photo. When it clouded up and got a bit colder, they looked like the photo below.

[seen around Ketchikan, Alaska]

Tourist Meets Local

2009-06-24T19:18:00.000-04:00

Tourist boy meets local dog in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Reflection Et Al

2009-06-23T16:27:00.003-04:00

Same harbor, different day...

Boat Shadow

2009-06-22T13:29:00.002-04:00

Between a boat and the dock at Thomas Basin, Ketchikan, Alaska...

Totem Decay

2009-06-21T18:34:00.003-04:00

They were never meant to last forever...and in the rain forest, they don't. Enjoy them while they last.

Juvenile Eagle

2009-06-20T19:40:00.003-04:00

What's this? On the Hudson River? Nope, I'm visiting my hometown of Ketchikan, Alaska and thought I'd share some photos while I'm here. In this one, a juvenile bald eagle takes a break from flying and floats on a log in the Tongass Narrows.

2 Gulls

2009-06-14T00:44:00.003-04:00

Near the West Side Highway, Manhattan...

Reflected Light

2009-06-13T00:34:00.000-04:00

She Scrapes

2009-06-12T14:01:00.002-04:00

This Great Lady is on our side
She rocks and keeps this town alive
She never roughs me up
But she always knocks me out
She talks the talk
And she walks the walk

And she scrapes, she scrapes!
Oh, baby!

[Photo of the Empire State Building this morning. All apologies to Ricky Martin, SHE BANGS]

Tree Junk

2009-06-10T16:33:00.001-04:00

Hudson Helmet

2009-06-08T21:31:00.000-04:00

Sunny Sailing

2009-06-07T13:33:00.002-04:00

On the Hudson River...

ONE WAY

2009-06-04T03:23:00.002-04:00

From a cab in Manhattan...

Apex E4

2009-06-03T12:01:00.001-04:00

Above East 4th Street, Manhattan...

ENSOE

2009-06-02T01:05:00.001-04:00

Twilight Oranges

2009-06-01T00:34:00.002-04:00

Just off of Canal Street, Manhattan...

Ledge Cat

2009-05-31T02:28:00.008-04:00

Seems like the cat got out somehow and cannot get back inside. Hmmm...

UPDATE: Ledge Cat still out there, and now it's late. The poor thing!

TriBeCa Entrance

2009-05-30T16:36:00.000-04:00

DIMA 2009

2009-05-29T12:43:00.001-04:00

Part of a mural on Kenmare Street, Manhattan...

On A Truck

2009-05-28T13:37:00.000-04:00

Can you HANDLE it?

Street Peek

2009-05-26T22:05:00.002-04:00

Leafiness is next to Godliness...if you enjoy a bit of privacy in the city.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T00:34:00.000-04:00

Please forgive the reprise, since when I originally took this shot, I intended to first publish it on Memorial Day. However, I liked it so much, I put it on the blog right away.

Happy Memorial Day!

Billy's Tower

2009-05-24T01:23:00.002-04:00

For a Memorial Day Weekend Treat, here's another shot from Yankee Stadium...well, the area, anyway. See, Billy's sits across the street from Yankee Stadium--the retired one.

Located literally across the street from The Stadium, this row of businesses enjoyed a prime location up until The New Stadium was built. Fans still come off the train and see Billy's (and Stan's, etc.), but to go there requires them to turn against the flow of traffic toward The New Stadium. Oh, Billy!

Wall Stuff

2009-05-23T01:23:00.000-04:00

Sidewalk Trees

2009-05-22T00:09:00.003-04:00

Who is it now,
Who calls me inside?
Are the leaves on the trees
Just a living disguise?

I'll walk home again,
To the street melody,
Shadows and Tall Trees.

[all apologies to U2, SHADOWS AND TALL TREES]

Billy's Dish

2009-05-21T12:11:00.003-04:00

Under the tracks of the "4" train, Bronx, NYC...

Bronx Photo Ops

2009-05-20T00:27:00.005-04:00

Upon entering the new Yankee Stadium, one can't help but feel the dazzle of the Great Hall.

Hey, down in front, yo!

[C.C. Sabathia pitched 7 strong innings and the Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles, 9-1.]

NO ANY

2009-05-19T15:39:00.003-04:00

The little man sees a familiar face as he keeps it on the down low near Lafayette and Kenmare Street in Manhattan.

X Man

2009-05-18T15:41:00.002-04:00

I caught this guy down on Canal Street today. You know, he couldn't care less.

Reflection DC

2009-05-17T13:01:00.003-04:00

I spent a few days in Washington, D.C., last week and enjoyed looking at this window in Adams Morgan one afternoon. The nice weather and the cold beer were pretty good, too.

Water Towers ESB

2009-05-16T16:56:00.001-04:00

Several water towers and a glimpse of the Empire State Building, as seen from 23rd Street in Manhattan...

Window Cat

2009-05-15T08:56:00.001-04:00

One Little Man

2009-05-12T07:35:00.000-04:00

Roosevelt Island

2009-05-10T11:48:00.009-04:00

"What's that?", you're thinking, "Is that a house?" Believe it or not, we have a few around NYC, especially once you get out of Manhattan. This one is the oldest building on Roosevelt Island, located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens.

Happy Mother's Day!

Dusk On The Hudson

2009-05-09T15:51:00.004-04:00

A NY WATERWAY ferry on the Hudson River at dusk, with lower Manhattan in the background. Click HERE for another ferry shot posted previously.

FOR RENT

2009-05-06T14:27:00.000-04:00

Sideways 50

2009-05-05T16:49:00.001-04:00

NY WATERWAY

2009-05-04T13:06:00.003-04:00

...the EMPIRE STATE on the Hudson River with lower Manhattan in the background.