Hiatus

A note to our friends and family.

We are traveling and probably will not share any new blog posts until our return to NYC in late January.

We wish everyone health and happiness in the new year.  Be well.

View-Master Revolution

Do you remember the View-Master from many years ago?  It was a stereoscope that created a 3D photographic image, often showing a city scene or a natural wonder.

What became of it?  Well, the View-Master has taken a huge leap forward during the past decade.  It is being re-popularized as a 3D viewer for virtual reality video.  With a mobile phone inserted into a viewer, the image on the screen takes on a three-dimensional aspect.  The phone's GPS then allows you to look not only straight ahead but also up/down, left/right and behind.  You see imagery in every direction.  You will feel as if you are in the middle of the action. 

Seeing is believing in this instance, figuratively and literally speaking.  We suggest taking advantage of any opportunity you have to test drive a device.  All you need is a mobile phone and a cardboard box from Google or a higher priced viewer from Samsung.  We received our cardboard device from the New York Times.  Some photos appear below.  (Sorry, they are only 2D images.)  We downloaded a NYT video, slid an iPhone into the cardboard viewer and were amazed at what we see.

A lot of venture capital is already invested in this technology--from improving the viewers to enhancing the cameras and software that capture and create the 3D imagery to creating content.. 

The viewer has all sorts of existing and future applications: 

• gaming
• video and film
• simulation
• and so on. 

Warning:  Please be careful if you are viewing while standing.  You might walk into something (you can't see anything else while viewing) or you might become disoriented, lose your balance and fall over.  

NYC Holiday Decorations--Still More

Here is the final installment in the series NYC Holiday Decorations.  Since October, wherever we have ventured in NYC, we have seen all sorts of holiday decorations.  Many longtime New Yorkers say the holiday season is one of the best times to be in the city.  We agree.  Here are some more photos showing why we agree.

Bloomingdale's Flagship Store, Lexington Avenue Facade, windows changing from green to red

Zuccotti Park (formerly Liberty Plaza Park), near Wall Street

Free-range reindeer along Avenue of the Americas

A very tall nutcracker standing guard, holding hands with some random hottie

Good times.

Holiday Greetings from New York City

News Flash: "The Talking Dead"

The Zombie apocalypse has already arrived in NYC!

You are probably familiar with the cable series The Walking Dead and its related programs.

Are you also familiar with The Talking Dead that amble around NYC every day?  

The Talking Dead are the thousands of seemingly dead-to-the-world people walking and talking on their mobile phones using earphones or earpieces. Some photos appear below.

These zombie-like creatures appear oblivious to the world around them, muttering words while shuffling forward on the sidewalk.  Most are sullen and  sedate, appearing to mumble words like "must eat brains".  A few are boisterous and expressive, talking loudly with their voices and their hands which are unencumbered. 

And yes there are thousands of these creatures roaming the city.  A recent informal study estimates that zombies represent one quarter of the population.  That's a lot of flesh-eating creatures milling the streets. 

Avoiding eye contact and ignoring them is prudent.  It is better that they live undead in their oblivion than disturbing their stupor.  No one wants to start World War Z. 

One reason we like NYC is that most of the time you be left alone to live your life as you wish.  Zombies enjoy the same benefit.  Even though the Zombie apocalypse has arrived in NYC, the impact has been minimal.  The quiet co-existence of the Zombie horde with other New Yorkers is a welcome surprise.  

Who knew?

P.S.  An old but good joke.  A zombie walks into a bar.  The bartender looks up and says, "We have a drink named after you."  The zombie replies, "You do? That's great.  I'll have a Marvin.  Make it a double.  It's been a long day."

One of the many Talking Dead roaming NYC

A Zombie with infant in tow. We wondered if the infant realized there is a Zombie strapped to its back. We decided not to interfere and let Zombie dad ramble on.

Tradition

Traditions follow us.  They follow even if we embark on something like the 10 Year Plan.

The tradition of a Christmas tree is no exception.  

However, we are traveling light and did not bring with us a collection of ornaments and other holiday decorations.

Since the 10 Year Plan is underway, we decided this year to decorate a tree with mementos of our experiences so far.  So, here are photos of our first 10 Year Plan Tree.  Enjoy.

The 10 Year Plan Tree, decorated with mementos from Year 1

The 10 Year Plan Tree

The "crown" of the tree

NYC is a serious sports town (the Islanders now play in the city)

NYC is a serious food town (miniature Cupcakes by Melissa are taste-packed morsels)

NYC knows entertainment.  3D glasses from the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular.

NYC is a serious opera town.  This production of Rigoletto channeled the Rat Pack from Ocean's 11.

NYC knows musicals.  Gentleman's Guide won the 2014 Tony for Best Musical. 

NYC knows stage plays.  The Gin Game with Cicely Tyson and James Earl Jones was a treat.

NYC has a lot of wildlife.  This friendly Polar Bear snuck into our apartment and took up residence on top of our tree.

A random hottie.  And her sister?

Holiday Windows: Bergdorf Goodman

Bergdorf's holiday windows are a sight to behold.  Millions of Swarovski crystals make the windows sparkle.  No exaggeration.  Check it out.

 

No alligator skin purses please.  (Must have been designed by a University of Florida fan.)

NYC Buildings at Night

At night, New York's skyscrapers are transformed.  Whatever their daytime appearance might be, many become even more amazing to view and behold after night falls. 

From our travels around New York, here are some of our favorite nighttime buildings.

The Empire State Building, bathed in white light (sometimes bathed in multiple colors)

The Chrysler Building, with lights that emulate the Statue of Liberty

 

The Helmsley Building, 230 Park Avenue, lit to celebrate the Mets in the World Series. Greg's law firm was on the 22nd floor.

The Helmsley Building, bathed in red and green for the holiday season.  The building is also bathed in blue light for the holiday season.

7 Bryant Park , overlooking the park, with lighting for the holiday season

The Bank of America Tower (aka The BOAT), overlooking Bryant Park, with an architectural spire bathed in many colors.  The BOAT is the fourth tallest building in NYC.

Happy Festivus, Everyone!

Today is December 23, the day many of us look forward to all year long.  That's right.  It's Festivus, the Holiday for the Rest of Us.

• May your Festivus Pole gleam brightly

• May your Festivus Meal be filling 

• May your Airing of Grievances be gentle 

• May your Feats of Strength be great

• May your Festivus Clock keep time 

• And may a Festivus Miracle surprise you

Happy Festivus!

A Festivus Pole

P.S.  Always remember:  Dance around the Festivus Pole, never on or from it.
 

Susan and Greg circle a Festivus Pole

Winter Has Arrived in NYC

Greetings from chilly NYC.

Today is December 22, the Winter Solstice, the first official day of Winter in the northern hemisphere.

Signs of Winter are everywhere.  Aside from heavy coats, hats and scarves, an obvious sign of Winter is all of the bare trees.  Here is a photo of 59th Street taken from our apartment.  While we miss the leaves--whether green or gold, we look on the bright side and consider the benefits of bare trees.  One plus is less shade, a benefit this time of year.  Another plus is being able to see more of the city.  NYC is filled with wonderful architecture in every block.  With Winter's arrival, we are able to appreciate more of the city's architecture.

Another benefit of Winter's arrival is sipping hot cider with cinnamon--a great way to warm up after a brisk walk outdoors.  Cheers!

P.S.  Mother Nature has a mind of her own.  Unseasonably warm weather this year makes Winter in NYC seem more like Winter in Orlando.  By Thursday, December 24, the temperature is forecasted to be above 70 degrees.  "Let's go to Coney Island for Christmas Eve!"

East 59th Street (December 2015)

NYC at Dusk

The setting sun often paints a beautiful canvas--a wonderful sight to stop and appreciate.

While living in Florida, we have enjoyed more than our fair share of beautiful sunsets.  Apparently, there are many reasons why Florida sunsets are beautiful year round.  Whatever the reasons, we know that taking time to watch is time well spent.

A recent sunset here in New York City was certainly worth watching.  The picture below tells the story.  Enjoy.

Setting sun in New York City, View of the Citigroup Center

P.S.  While NYC sunsets can be beautiful, should the Winter sun set so early?  The photo above was taken at 4:30 p.m. during early December. What's up with that?

"Where do you live in New York?" (Part 5)

Another answer to the question "Where do you live in New York?

On the Floor Above the 12th Floor:  We live in a rare type of NYC high-rise building.  Our building is among the small percentage of tall NYC residential buildings with a designated 13th floor.  And you guessed it.  We live on the 13th floor. Here is a photo of the directional sign on our floor.

Less than 5% of newer Manhattan and Brooklyn high-rises have a designated 13th floor.  Of course, 95% of all other tall buildings have a thirteenth story but they are designated as floor14 or something else.

Are most developers superstitious?  Probably not, but they don't want any difficulty selling high-dollar units based on a buyer's reluctance to spend a lot of money on a 13th floor unit. 

Why is the 13th floor considered unlucky?  According to the Wall Street Journal,

     The myth of unlucky 13 has multiple origins. In the Christian tradition, some people trace it back to the Last Supper . . . 

     In real estate, marketers and residents have their own 13th-floor horror stories. Philip Spiegelman, co-founder
     and principal of International Sales Group, a sales and marketing firm for developers, recalls a Miami residential
     building in the early 1970s where none of the 13th-floor units sold until he finally renumbered it six months later.

Of course, the current selling boom means units are not on the market for long, whatever floor they are on.

Since we are renting, we are not concerned about sales value.  Having said that, we respect the superstition and will not tempt fate.  We consider our ourselves fortunate and won't be walking under any ladders or crossing a black cat's path.

Wish us good luck.

P.S.  Apparently, the Trump Organization is cautious and perhaps superstitious.  For example, none of the several tall buildings in Trump Place at Lincoln Square has a designated 13th Floor.  Who knew?

Fun ways to get dizzy

New York City has its share of carousels:  Bryant Park, DUMBO, Coney Island, the Bronx Zoo and Central Park

On a recent Saturday under a clear blue sky, we found the Central Park carousel tucked away in a corner of the park.  The music was playing and horses were galloping. Here are some photos. 

The current carousel dates from 1908 and was relocated from Coney Island after the prior carousel was destroyed in a 1950 fire.  No smoking please.

One of the carousel riders taking a photo.  The rider must be experienced:  riding without holding the reins while taking a photo.  The rider has skills.

Some random hottie on the carousel waving to everyone

Good times.

News Flash: "Queensboro Bridge Missing"

From our building, we have a nice view of the Queensboro Bridge.  Day and night, the bridge is a wonderful sight.  Usually.

Recently, however, the bridge disappeared.   On a recent morning, fog shrouded the bridge  It was nowhere to be seen. 

During the morning, the fog slowly lifted and burned off, revealing the bridge.  Still there.  Still a sight to behold.

NYC Holiday Decorations--Even More

More photos.

The Bryant Park Tree

The New York Public Library (Main Branch)

Cartier (complete with Panthers)

The UNICEF snowflake at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street

Harry Winston

Ferragamo

The Rockefeller Center Tree