"What does New York mean to you?"
I was ask recently by a friend from afar to tell her about what does New York City meant to me?
This is a good one. I blog often on any subjects, it may or may not directly related to New York, just every day causal encounter, but I never takes time to really think about what New York City really meant to me. Have you? What does New York meant to you?
New York to me meant personal freedom:
First and foremost, she allows me to openly express myself in ways that satisfy my desire without shocking any jaded New Yorker.
As one of the top global city, she provides ample avenues of opportunities to anyone wanted to embrace the city as their home. It could be career, friends and affiliates, entertainment, education, enlighten of the souls, religion or politics, never a limited back road, rather it is the board avenue of choices, that is my New York, the big apple.
She is also energy central. My center of the universe, never lack of innovation creative energy, and always a toughen survivor, city that never sleeps.
On the softer side, she is an iconic lady, patriotic and beautiful. Never mind the noisy and congested traffics on Times Square at her belly, the Bar and club scenes down town. Just enjoy the bright light of Broadway, the beauty of her Parkland and waterfront, as well as the world-class music, arts, and culinary scene she offers.
She is a melting pot, full of incredible neighborhoods, and tradition of world citizens she play host to. Her influence is more far reach than anyone can imagine. She is an innovator, never a follower. She had her share of ups and downs and problem as in most cases of her peers. To me she by far the most romantic takes a stroll in the Central park at any time, or a carriage ride under the silver Moon. Set a small sail in the pond, the early morning along the Hudson’s, watching the cruise ship comes in, a sunset sail or just watch the sunset lay rest behind lady Liberty. As the moon raises look up and watch the colored lights of the Empire State Building, then you know you have entered my NY
It is intoxicating, irresistible, energetic and full of opportunities.
I am proud to call this city my home. My New York.
Chan Encounter NYC
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Public Projects
Recently I was traveling in Asia, can’t help but wondering why public project can be built on time and on budget while public projects seems to always over run and late in the US? Any thought?
All public projects in the US large and small seems to be moving in snail pace if that is not frustrating enough it is usually over budget, and always behind schedule. In contrary, privately funded projects mushroom over night.
Let’s not even mention the world trade center project. Let’s just take the 2nd ave line project or the new World trade center transit terminals. It’s been 5 years, and millions over budget, they had to alter a beautiful design to fit the budget, and yet I see nothing visible anywhere close. While the near by architect’s residential tower on Spruce street reach it’s 76 stories in less than three year.
Places I visited on my recent trip, according to their source they can build an entire subway extension in less than 5 years. The distance is a lot further than the second ave. distance. As for the degree of difficulties: their route had to dig, as well as built both dry and wet tunnels. Yet, they do not anticipate cost over run nor delay. That brought me back to what happen in our country.
I am sure most of us are too familiar with freeway constructions. Every project goings on forever, when we drove by, we usually see a lot of signs but not often have any worker sightings that probably the main reason of cost over run. Do you have any thought on that? Please share.
I am just amazed how long public project takes in the greatest country and city on earth to complete.
Chance encounter NYC
All public projects in the US large and small seems to be moving in snail pace if that is not frustrating enough it is usually over budget, and always behind schedule. In contrary, privately funded projects mushroom over night.
Let’s not even mention the world trade center project. Let’s just take the 2nd ave line project or the new World trade center transit terminals. It’s been 5 years, and millions over budget, they had to alter a beautiful design to fit the budget, and yet I see nothing visible anywhere close. While the near by architect’s residential tower on Spruce street reach it’s 76 stories in less than three year.
Places I visited on my recent trip, according to their source they can build an entire subway extension in less than 5 years. The distance is a lot further than the second ave. distance. As for the degree of difficulties: their route had to dig, as well as built both dry and wet tunnels. Yet, they do not anticipate cost over run nor delay. That brought me back to what happen in our country.
I am sure most of us are too familiar with freeway constructions. Every project goings on forever, when we drove by, we usually see a lot of signs but not often have any worker sightings that probably the main reason of cost over run. Do you have any thought on that? Please share.
I am just amazed how long public project takes in the greatest country and city on earth to complete.
Chance encounter NYC
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Pedestrain nightmare
Back for another round.
This blog content does not meant any offend or disrespect to the New York’s finest it is simply an observation.
Every evening when I am in town, I had to go thru the impassable sidewalk on the infamous 42nd street heading west to my home. If you had ever experienced the massive humanity during rush hour in midtown, it is a dragged experience we do not wish to repeat.
After avoiding ran over clueless tourists in the middle of the sidewalk. I often resort to walking on the bus lane just to get from one block to the other. The experience is like dodging bullets in a battlefield, a hip twisting and fancy footwork exercise.
Once I approached the major intersection of 8th Ave and 42 streets, I can’t help wondering why there is always a gridlock on that intersection, which is not an entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, rather it is just another ave.
Never the less, I did notice that part of the problem is actually caused by the Ever eager pedestrian both local and some visitors. Most of the pedestrian on the intersection have no patient to wait for his or her turns of the traffic light before set foot on the road, or even crossing it, even with flashing red light of warning.
Pedestrian going East or west do not want to wait for the east bound traffic trying to turn on to north bound lane on 8th Avenue to clear, in order to avoid hitting them, cars stop at the middle of the intersection, in turn, clog up the traffic on the cross road. When time come the north & south bound cars get into action in front of the bus terminal, they also rushing off as soon as the light turn yellow, like race horses trapped in the starting gate, can’t wait to get out.
While the gridlock is forming the pedestrians approached the intersection growing eager and spill into the street, causing more congestion. Not to mention rig the Metro and suburb bus stop is only a stone throw away, further clog up the traffic flow.
I see no effort to ease this congestion by the traffic department; instead the city’s solution to this is to put up barricade on the sidewalk to control the flow of massive crowds spill on to the street. The massive police present make no attempt in crowd control, their duty is to stand there having a friendly visit with each other. Little attention was pay to the traffic entanglement. It is a miracle that there is always close calls on pedestrian being run over by traffic, temper flare, but no accident “YET”.
To get this situation under control I think the Traffic department should consider issuing tickets for jaywalking to all those in violation. I am sure that will boost the city’s revenue plus keep the law and order on the street.
Chance Encounter NYC
This blog content does not meant any offend or disrespect to the New York’s finest it is simply an observation.
Every evening when I am in town, I had to go thru the impassable sidewalk on the infamous 42nd street heading west to my home. If you had ever experienced the massive humanity during rush hour in midtown, it is a dragged experience we do not wish to repeat.
After avoiding ran over clueless tourists in the middle of the sidewalk. I often resort to walking on the bus lane just to get from one block to the other. The experience is like dodging bullets in a battlefield, a hip twisting and fancy footwork exercise.
Once I approached the major intersection of 8th Ave and 42 streets, I can’t help wondering why there is always a gridlock on that intersection, which is not an entrance to the Lincoln Tunnel, rather it is just another ave.
Never the less, I did notice that part of the problem is actually caused by the Ever eager pedestrian both local and some visitors. Most of the pedestrian on the intersection have no patient to wait for his or her turns of the traffic light before set foot on the road, or even crossing it, even with flashing red light of warning.
Pedestrian going East or west do not want to wait for the east bound traffic trying to turn on to north bound lane on 8th Avenue to clear, in order to avoid hitting them, cars stop at the middle of the intersection, in turn, clog up the traffic on the cross road. When time come the north & south bound cars get into action in front of the bus terminal, they also rushing off as soon as the light turn yellow, like race horses trapped in the starting gate, can’t wait to get out.
While the gridlock is forming the pedestrians approached the intersection growing eager and spill into the street, causing more congestion. Not to mention rig the Metro and suburb bus stop is only a stone throw away, further clog up the traffic flow.
I see no effort to ease this congestion by the traffic department; instead the city’s solution to this is to put up barricade on the sidewalk to control the flow of massive crowds spill on to the street. The massive police present make no attempt in crowd control, their duty is to stand there having a friendly visit with each other. Little attention was pay to the traffic entanglement. It is a miracle that there is always close calls on pedestrian being run over by traffic, temper flare, but no accident “YET”.
To get this situation under control I think the Traffic department should consider issuing tickets for jaywalking to all those in violation. I am sure that will boost the city’s revenue plus keep the law and order on the street.
Chance Encounter NYC
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Give Spiderman a chance
Broadway productions not only take years of preparation and hard work to bring a concept to reality, even if all goes well any show still need financial supports, and commitments, that alone is not easy to come by on these uncertain time. Many good concepts die along the way never made it to 42nd street.
That bring me to the most talk about show of the season so far, the eternally cursed “Spiderman” Which had been besieged with accidents, lead actor departures, mechanical failure on the set and surge of bad publicities. Even after three month of previews.
I can’t claim to be an action movie or show fan, nor am a comic book fan neither. In this case I make an exception, longing to see what the hype is all about, after a two months wait, I thought I was going to see the show after it is open, instead it is still in preview. Never the less, here is my take on the show.
To see a show like Spiderman, I suggested that you should at least tighten your belt for the next three months you did yourself disservice if you did not get seats on the first balcony. Unless you are willing to take a chance of getting a headache and neck injury not from falling objects, rather to follow the acrobatic of the show, you will be looking up into the air majority of the evening.
As for the upper balconies, I am not sure if they will see all the acrobatic movement of the show, since all the flying that is going on is below the seats.
The set designs were absolutely fantastic, at time I was so overwhelm by the size and movement of the sets, I was in awe. The lighting and the dances were elegant. For just these two reasons alone is worth every penny of your ticket.
To a New Yorker seeing the show, I identify the building and the location of the scene. A little sample for the detail that was put forth into the set design: Just showing the Manhattan bridge over the East River is not enough, there was a lighted subway train going across the stage, while everything else is going on below. You will experience many surprises sprinkle through out the show. If it was a movie production, a bird eye view of the city is not hard to shoot Try to achieve the same effect in a theatre environment. I gave them a lot of credit. I actually feeling like I am flying thru the city in 3-D, and this is not a video effect.
If you are looking for an unconventional story in Spiderman, you are kidding yourself. Just like you will not have a different story line in “Romeo and Juliet”. If you are looking for some big time Broadway tune like in “Jesus Christ Super star”. Bono’s music is not for you. I found all the rock tunes in the show is unimpressive; No identifiable rock jingle, no main focus on the musical score, even the love songs fail to evoke any of my inner romantic feelings. I was looking for that identifiable song. Nothing was there.
The first act although a little to at the beginning, but it does build a momentum eventually. I was satisfied when intermission came. The second act seems floundering a little, in my humble opinion.
If you go and expecting to see the old format in the same old formula of the many Broadway shows that is playing now, you will be utterly disappointed. If you are going to see the show with an open mind, the sheer set design, to experience Broadway the next generation; I guaranteed it is worth it. You will never see another one like this one any time soon, if this show goes down as a failure. That will be our lost.
In “the Phantom of the Opera” the chandelier on drop down from the ceiling once, in “Miss Saigon” the helicopter only rises up from the stage once. In Spiderman, I lost count of surprises.
I knew the critics were unkind and down right unfair, I saw the review on this morning’s newspaper, they label the show as a bust. You are a fool if you only listen to the critic, and I hope you don’t. Give the show a chance. You will not be disappointed. You can only find out if you go.
Chance Encounter NYC
That bring me to the most talk about show of the season so far, the eternally cursed “Spiderman” Which had been besieged with accidents, lead actor departures, mechanical failure on the set and surge of bad publicities. Even after three month of previews.
I can’t claim to be an action movie or show fan, nor am a comic book fan neither. In this case I make an exception, longing to see what the hype is all about, after a two months wait, I thought I was going to see the show after it is open, instead it is still in preview. Never the less, here is my take on the show.
To see a show like Spiderman, I suggested that you should at least tighten your belt for the next three months you did yourself disservice if you did not get seats on the first balcony. Unless you are willing to take a chance of getting a headache and neck injury not from falling objects, rather to follow the acrobatic of the show, you will be looking up into the air majority of the evening.
As for the upper balconies, I am not sure if they will see all the acrobatic movement of the show, since all the flying that is going on is below the seats.
The set designs were absolutely fantastic, at time I was so overwhelm by the size and movement of the sets, I was in awe. The lighting and the dances were elegant. For just these two reasons alone is worth every penny of your ticket.
To a New Yorker seeing the show, I identify the building and the location of the scene. A little sample for the detail that was put forth into the set design: Just showing the Manhattan bridge over the East River is not enough, there was a lighted subway train going across the stage, while everything else is going on below. You will experience many surprises sprinkle through out the show. If it was a movie production, a bird eye view of the city is not hard to shoot Try to achieve the same effect in a theatre environment. I gave them a lot of credit. I actually feeling like I am flying thru the city in 3-D, and this is not a video effect.
If you are looking for an unconventional story in Spiderman, you are kidding yourself. Just like you will not have a different story line in “Romeo and Juliet”. If you are looking for some big time Broadway tune like in “Jesus Christ Super star”. Bono’s music is not for you. I found all the rock tunes in the show is unimpressive; No identifiable rock jingle, no main focus on the musical score, even the love songs fail to evoke any of my inner romantic feelings. I was looking for that identifiable song. Nothing was there.
The first act although a little to at the beginning, but it does build a momentum eventually. I was satisfied when intermission came. The second act seems floundering a little, in my humble opinion.
If you go and expecting to see the old format in the same old formula of the many Broadway shows that is playing now, you will be utterly disappointed. If you are going to see the show with an open mind, the sheer set design, to experience Broadway the next generation; I guaranteed it is worth it. You will never see another one like this one any time soon, if this show goes down as a failure. That will be our lost.
In “the Phantom of the Opera” the chandelier on drop down from the ceiling once, in “Miss Saigon” the helicopter only rises up from the stage once. In Spiderman, I lost count of surprises.
I knew the critics were unkind and down right unfair, I saw the review on this morning’s newspaper, they label the show as a bust. You are a fool if you only listen to the critic, and I hope you don’t. Give the show a chance. You will not be disappointed. You can only find out if you go.
Chance Encounter NYC
Friday, January 28, 2011
When the snow melting
In my experience, I found people in general complain about anything that does not go smoothly. My take in life however is to find a solution first instead of complaining about it.
Complain does not really do any one any good. Producing solution is far more rewarding then spending your time making yourself miserable, Not to mention raising one’s blood pressure.
Recently New Yorkers all complains about the pile of snow that was not clear after a record snow fall in the city. I heard that on TV, radio, the media had a field day and the city council scramble to make damage control, and play the blame game. I would consider some of the complains were legitimate, consider some streets were impassable a week after the storm.
Today on the street I heard a different kind of complain on the condition of the city street with too much accumulated dirty snow water on most corners. The fact is just this morning the city been pleading to everyone, while clearing the driveway or sidewalks, don’t dumping all the excess snow on to the street.
When I told the concierge at my office building this morning not to do it, they may get a fine if get caught doing it, they told me that is not their problem, call the management office. That attitude is exactly what we do not need. Their action is what created the puddle in the first place.
When weather gets warm, snow melt. What so difficult to understand. When the drainage is block, water remains on the service. How difficult for everyone to understand. If that is not clear, try plug in the tub while you are using the shower. Same effects.
Instead of complaining about the city not doing a good job, making the MTA run smoothly, or not clearing the street fast enough for the traffics to flow and the sidewalk clear, we should just let nature take it course. In a day or two, all will be back to Normal. New York City will be the same as always
Chance Encounter NYC_ London
Complain does not really do any one any good. Producing solution is far more rewarding then spending your time making yourself miserable, Not to mention raising one’s blood pressure.
Recently New Yorkers all complains about the pile of snow that was not clear after a record snow fall in the city. I heard that on TV, radio, the media had a field day and the city council scramble to make damage control, and play the blame game. I would consider some of the complains were legitimate, consider some streets were impassable a week after the storm.
Today on the street I heard a different kind of complain on the condition of the city street with too much accumulated dirty snow water on most corners. The fact is just this morning the city been pleading to everyone, while clearing the driveway or sidewalks, don’t dumping all the excess snow on to the street.
When I told the concierge at my office building this morning not to do it, they may get a fine if get caught doing it, they told me that is not their problem, call the management office. That attitude is exactly what we do not need. Their action is what created the puddle in the first place.
When weather gets warm, snow melt. What so difficult to understand. When the drainage is block, water remains on the service. How difficult for everyone to understand. If that is not clear, try plug in the tub while you are using the shower. Same effects.
Instead of complaining about the city not doing a good job, making the MTA run smoothly, or not clearing the street fast enough for the traffics to flow and the sidewalk clear, we should just let nature take it course. In a day or two, all will be back to Normal. New York City will be the same as always
Chance Encounter NYC_ London
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Separation affects 2011
Distance may make the heart grown fonder or is it stress on the relationship?
Having spent endless hours last summer together, living separate lives in two continents and more time spend on virtual visits then actual togetherness is putting our relationships through a test of a life time.
We still believe we were meant to be together, a little distance would not hurt so we think. For that fact remains is there future in this arrangement? Meeting every three months for a short few days is that enough to sustains a long-term relationship? The strains on our relationship are sometimes intense.
We also thought, “Absence only makes our heart grow fonder” as a way of reassuring ourselves that our love will allow us to conquer any difficulties that distance and long absences brings. However reality seems to tell a different story. As time passes it seems to be increasing being “Out of sight, out of mind.” The immediate demands of our work out weighted the availability of attractive and love. There are times we misses our scheduled calls. However email is still intense about three to four a day.
As we beginning to miss calls, I beginning to have doubt if both of us are committed to our commitment, even though we did not experience any of the classic symptoms of often ups and downs, and a whole host of less-than-wonderful feelings, like other couple does. We still make each other laugh as we were together. However virtual relationships seems not enough to replace the pleasure of a gentle touch and a face-to-face conversation on any given night, the longing of his arrival thru the front door, I miss waking up in the morning greeted by that gentle kisses. arise as a third party beginning to enter my protected world. It became almost impossible to resists the advances. I try to keep my partner visible to others, there were news update in gatherings, there were forwarded email, to ensure it is public knowledge that I am not available. As the third party tempting as it may be, I am trying my best to keep all the advances at bay. However I am not sure how much longer the levy will hold without repair.
On the eve of long waited flight to his side, I am excited and also have doubt. I hope it all works out for us. If not, there will be months of depression and swollen eyes ahead to look forward to.
Chance Encounter NYC.
Having spent endless hours last summer together, living separate lives in two continents and more time spend on virtual visits then actual togetherness is putting our relationships through a test of a life time.
We still believe we were meant to be together, a little distance would not hurt so we think. For that fact remains is there future in this arrangement? Meeting every three months for a short few days is that enough to sustains a long-term relationship? The strains on our relationship are sometimes intense.
We also thought, “Absence only makes our heart grow fonder” as a way of reassuring ourselves that our love will allow us to conquer any difficulties that distance and long absences brings. However reality seems to tell a different story. As time passes it seems to be increasing being “Out of sight, out of mind.” The immediate demands of our work out weighted the availability of attractive and love. There are times we misses our scheduled calls. However email is still intense about three to four a day.
As we beginning to miss calls, I beginning to have doubt if both of us are committed to our commitment, even though we did not experience any of the classic symptoms of often ups and downs, and a whole host of less-than-wonderful feelings, like other couple does. We still make each other laugh as we were together. However virtual relationships seems not enough to replace the pleasure of a gentle touch and a face-to-face conversation on any given night, the longing of his arrival thru the front door, I miss waking up in the morning greeted by that gentle kisses. arise as a third party beginning to enter my protected world. It became almost impossible to resists the advances. I try to keep my partner visible to others, there were news update in gatherings, there were forwarded email, to ensure it is public knowledge that I am not available. As the third party tempting as it may be, I am trying my best to keep all the advances at bay. However I am not sure how much longer the levy will hold without repair.
On the eve of long waited flight to his side, I am excited and also have doubt. I hope it all works out for us. If not, there will be months of depression and swollen eyes ahead to look forward to.
Chance Encounter NYC.
Monday, December 27, 2010
A thought during the Christmas storm
OOK, I have not been updating my blog much in the last couple of months, and I though no one cares, until a friend of mine bought the subject during Christmas phone call. She told me how much she misses the blog, so here I am writing again in this very snowy Monday after Christmas weekend.
Yes we were blanketed by the winter storm that dump 12 to 16 inches of snow on the city. It was kind of beautiful to watch the storm raging thru the streets of Manhattan all day yesterday, that was of course I have no agenda but to stay in door all day in the warmth and comfort of my home.
However, I saw those less fortunate souls, working as take out deliver guys struggling and balancing their bikes, tracking thru thick snow in the almost white out condition, this small human figure on his bike struggling heads on with the giant of the raging wind and snow in almost a hopeless march trying to deliver food for their customers, at time, they almost knock off balance from their bike by the shear power of the mighty wind.
I wonder what kind of people will order take out in these kind of conditions, with little or no concern of other’s well being especially during the holiday seasons, while they themselves do not want to encounter the elements out side. I wonder did nay of these customers ever think the struggle these poor souls had to endure?
I was also unprepared yesterday, thinking I will have time to go to the store in the morning, when the forecast on the approaching storm was suppose to approach the city at least until the afternoon. I though of order in as well, as I have no intension of leaving the safety of my home instead of head into the white out snow storm, while that street were almost empty, and everyone I saw was struggling to get home. My conscious reminded me on the other side, if I choose to do so, I might have put someone else’s life in danger. This person I am sure if left with an alternatives, he may not wanted to risk his life to perform such a task as well. He is a living breathing human being, may be a father, a son or even a husband to someone else. I certainly do not wish any harm upon him.
Therefore next time if you insist of order delivery in hazardous conditions, think you may have order a death sentence on someone’s life. Can you eat your food now?
Chance Encounter NYC
Yes we were blanketed by the winter storm that dump 12 to 16 inches of snow on the city. It was kind of beautiful to watch the storm raging thru the streets of Manhattan all day yesterday, that was of course I have no agenda but to stay in door all day in the warmth and comfort of my home.
However, I saw those less fortunate souls, working as take out deliver guys struggling and balancing their bikes, tracking thru thick snow in the almost white out condition, this small human figure on his bike struggling heads on with the giant of the raging wind and snow in almost a hopeless march trying to deliver food for their customers, at time, they almost knock off balance from their bike by the shear power of the mighty wind.
I wonder what kind of people will order take out in these kind of conditions, with little or no concern of other’s well being especially during the holiday seasons, while they themselves do not want to encounter the elements out side. I wonder did nay of these customers ever think the struggle these poor souls had to endure?
I was also unprepared yesterday, thinking I will have time to go to the store in the morning, when the forecast on the approaching storm was suppose to approach the city at least until the afternoon. I though of order in as well, as I have no intension of leaving the safety of my home instead of head into the white out snow storm, while that street were almost empty, and everyone I saw was struggling to get home. My conscious reminded me on the other side, if I choose to do so, I might have put someone else’s life in danger. This person I am sure if left with an alternatives, he may not wanted to risk his life to perform such a task as well. He is a living breathing human being, may be a father, a son or even a husband to someone else. I certainly do not wish any harm upon him.
Therefore next time if you insist of order delivery in hazardous conditions, think you may have order a death sentence on someone’s life. Can you eat your food now?
Chance Encounter NYC
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