Been away for a while, while I was on vacation I thought of the blob often. Although I encounter many interest subjects worthy to blog about, unfortunately this is a blog about true encounters in the city, therefore anything does not related to the city does not count.
I am back and the encounter continues.
So it was the gay pride weekend. No matter how proud the gay community may be and how tolerant the city may be. I can’t help but wonder what did our New Yorkers think of the traffic nightmare created by the parade last Sunday. It went on all day from the time it kicks off at noon till 5PM on a unbearably hot and humid afternoon. If any one wanted to go cross-town in the island of Manhattan, they may as well forget it.
Not to mention it is also came on the same day when our infamous cash strapped MTA cut services thru out the entire system. No matter how long we’ve been expecting the unavoidable, until it actually happen, one will never feel the impact. However on yesterday, a lot of us did.
I read nothing but horror stories in the paper this morning. Unfortunately service cut is reality not fiction, and it is here to stay. If we make this sacrify now, In is suppose to help the agency get out of the desperate situation or at least slow it down. Let keep our finger cross for now.
As for the pride parade in NYC often bill as the most colorful parade in the city. If you are interested in seeing bare breast, well tone bodies or not so well tone bodies, lots of feathers, sequences in the millions, and drag queens on size 12 high heels. I suppose it is worth it. Otherwise…
I think the parade lost its color and it’s focus thru the years, the primary goal of the parade was to show the world the gay community is untied and is a force to be reckoned with, both socially and politically. Unfortunately it is turn into no more than a colorful circus parade in every city of our nation. Are we still proud and pride and why? Your thought is appreciated.
The pressing issues facing the community like “Marriage equality” is often unrelated to the every day reality. If I am the other half of the society, with problems facing the nation like unemployment, housing crisis, especially with the major oil spill in the gulf. Do you think gay marriage equality will be on my priority list of issues to support? Politically correct or now.
The parade will go on.
Chance Encounter NYC.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Separation anxiety.
Most of us have experience the joy of reunion and the heartbreak of separations. It is life.
Perhaps it is a contradiction while we are happy to see our love ones for the moment, yet like a dark cloud hanging over the horizon, knowing the banquet will not last forever. Even knowing the inevitable, I am not willingly forgone the few stolen moment of happiness on reunion. Who would? Would you?
Instead. I rather concentrate on the present. It may be short, but the memories and the pleasure will last forever.
It seems strange that I am writing such a moody blog on the same day I am going on a sailing trip at a far away land with families, a holiday of a life time, while most people can only envy my good fortune. It happens very often on the eve of all my holidays, like having a dose of high on participation with the expectation of a very low when it all comes to an ends. I hate good byes.
I should enjoy the moment let tomorrow take care of itself.
Last night I had the most memorable time with my one true love, we watched the brilliant sunset over the Statue of Liberty, walked the Hudson shore under the moonlight. Had dinner under the stars. It was an evening of perfection, after a long absence. When the sun finally rises, is like the scene from the classic Shakespeare. It’s time to part, and long for the swift return.
I am now on my way to an even bigger adventure. On the time of separation, I wonder if we ever will have our uninterrupted life together in the future? Only time will tell. All things are temporary isn’t it?
I am off on my adventure, for the next couple of weeks check in if you will. I will be writing my blog from the Aegean Sea.
Perhaps it is a contradiction while we are happy to see our love ones for the moment, yet like a dark cloud hanging over the horizon, knowing the banquet will not last forever. Even knowing the inevitable, I am not willingly forgone the few stolen moment of happiness on reunion. Who would? Would you?
Instead. I rather concentrate on the present. It may be short, but the memories and the pleasure will last forever.
It seems strange that I am writing such a moody blog on the same day I am going on a sailing trip at a far away land with families, a holiday of a life time, while most people can only envy my good fortune. It happens very often on the eve of all my holidays, like having a dose of high on participation with the expectation of a very low when it all comes to an ends. I hate good byes.
I should enjoy the moment let tomorrow take care of itself.
Last night I had the most memorable time with my one true love, we watched the brilliant sunset over the Statue of Liberty, walked the Hudson shore under the moonlight. Had dinner under the stars. It was an evening of perfection, after a long absence. When the sun finally rises, is like the scene from the classic Shakespeare. It’s time to part, and long for the swift return.
I am now on my way to an even bigger adventure. On the time of separation, I wonder if we ever will have our uninterrupted life together in the future? Only time will tell. All things are temporary isn’t it?
I am off on my adventure, for the next couple of weeks check in if you will. I will be writing my blog from the Aegean Sea.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Something About Times Square.
“Time Square is for tourists and theatre lovers only”? I heard that expression recently from some New Yorkers. They view Time Square as place like many other tourist attraction in Manhattan Island. Avoid it at all cost, they do not want to see nor experience this neon light wonderland.
My Times Square is more than that. It is magical. A fascinating place to observe people from all over the world, it is priceless to see their wide eye and excitement, when they saw the light in the evening, or just take in the atmosphere in silence.
While all the frantic is going on, there is still a patch of peace in the traffic free sitting area, open in recent months. Even with the recent bomb scare, the square remain strong, still the number one attraction of the city, a must see if you are visiting NYC.
Then why did New Yorker does not visits the square more often? Not sure if it is because they don’t care for the traffic and pedestrian congestion? Perhaps it is the larger than life neon billboard of advertisements turns them away? No matter what the reason may be. I think it is time for they to give Times Square a chance.
Times Square with all her glory and frantic pace could be overwhelming, or exciting, depending on your mood. The old lady also changes it color from day to evening. I pass by the square everyday, and everyday is a different experience. The city try it’s best to make it a destination for everyone. Don’t be surprise to see the pedestrian plaza that was traffic free. Just sit down and enjoy after a long day of sight seeing or shopping. May be you like to visit in the early morning hours, before the tourists jam the street. You can actually have a cup of coffee and read your newspaper on the square if you preferred.
It is also a perfect place to people watch. You do not need to have any agenda to be there. Relaxation may be an alien idea for many New Yorkers living in the city. They do not understand the concept of just sit in the middle of the city and do nothing, like our European counterpart does. If you really have to do something Times Square is equipped with Wi-Fi. So bring your laptop come on down. All you need to be mindful of is pigeons.
The lighted pyramid Step platform above the half Price ticket booth is one of the most wonderful additions to this high-energy plaza. A perfect place to take in the vista of Time Square. Start climbing the steps, when you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with the exhilarating experience like someone just finish the ascended of Mt Everest. May be not quit that dramatic, but close. Your body immersed in lights; you can almost feel the energy generated by them. Not to mention the sound of people and traffic. It is an almost religious experience.
I took many of my skeptical friends there, and managed to change many opinions about visiting The Time Square. If you have not been there lately, come on down. It may changes you mind as well.
Chance Encounter NYC
My Times Square is more than that. It is magical. A fascinating place to observe people from all over the world, it is priceless to see their wide eye and excitement, when they saw the light in the evening, or just take in the atmosphere in silence.
While all the frantic is going on, there is still a patch of peace in the traffic free sitting area, open in recent months. Even with the recent bomb scare, the square remain strong, still the number one attraction of the city, a must see if you are visiting NYC.
Then why did New Yorker does not visits the square more often? Not sure if it is because they don’t care for the traffic and pedestrian congestion? Perhaps it is the larger than life neon billboard of advertisements turns them away? No matter what the reason may be. I think it is time for they to give Times Square a chance.
Times Square with all her glory and frantic pace could be overwhelming, or exciting, depending on your mood. The old lady also changes it color from day to evening. I pass by the square everyday, and everyday is a different experience. The city try it’s best to make it a destination for everyone. Don’t be surprise to see the pedestrian plaza that was traffic free. Just sit down and enjoy after a long day of sight seeing or shopping. May be you like to visit in the early morning hours, before the tourists jam the street. You can actually have a cup of coffee and read your newspaper on the square if you preferred.
It is also a perfect place to people watch. You do not need to have any agenda to be there. Relaxation may be an alien idea for many New Yorkers living in the city. They do not understand the concept of just sit in the middle of the city and do nothing, like our European counterpart does. If you really have to do something Times Square is equipped with Wi-Fi. So bring your laptop come on down. All you need to be mindful of is pigeons.
The lighted pyramid Step platform above the half Price ticket booth is one of the most wonderful additions to this high-energy plaza. A perfect place to take in the vista of Time Square. Start climbing the steps, when you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with the exhilarating experience like someone just finish the ascended of Mt Everest. May be not quit that dramatic, but close. Your body immersed in lights; you can almost feel the energy generated by them. Not to mention the sound of people and traffic. It is an almost religious experience.
I took many of my skeptical friends there, and managed to change many opinions about visiting The Time Square. If you have not been there lately, come on down. It may changes you mind as well.
Chance Encounter NYC
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Kamikaze Food Delivery Guys
Have you ever encounter on of those Kamikaze deliver people on bike? If you have not, consider yourself lucky; the city is full of them. They are the product of survival to many restaurants.
As time goes by the competition became intense. The burden for them to deliver their food in the shortest of time to their customers became a burden for the delivery person.
A lot of them are immigrants; they speak little English let alone traffic rules. I suppose in their native land there is no traffic rule to follow. There for can blame them from riding on the wrong side of the road. Running traffic lights. I myself get mold down by these guys at least three or four times a week.
While everyone had to make a living, that is fair enough, but traffic rules must be obeyed. You can call me old fashioned. Can't imagine got hit by these delivery guys while crossing the city street? We have plenty to watch for while crossing the street already, the road raged drivers. The predestines that bump in to you, the flying pigeon droppings, added to the long lists of things to watch for, the Kamikaze delivery guys.
Therefore when some one made a proposal the city should impose fine for these delivery guys. I think a better solution should be fine the restaurant owners, and educated the bike delivery guys. My opinion is that if you do not know the rules in the first place how can they be expected to follow the rules.
One more thing came to mind these guys do not wear protective gear either. I suppose the restaurant own the bike that they are riding; therefore the restaurants should supply them with protective helmet. What are you thought on the subject?
Most importantly, these guys really need to obey the law, because some tragic happening to them all.
Chance Encounter NYC
As time goes by the competition became intense. The burden for them to deliver their food in the shortest of time to their customers became a burden for the delivery person.
A lot of them are immigrants; they speak little English let alone traffic rules. I suppose in their native land there is no traffic rule to follow. There for can blame them from riding on the wrong side of the road. Running traffic lights. I myself get mold down by these guys at least three or four times a week.
While everyone had to make a living, that is fair enough, but traffic rules must be obeyed. You can call me old fashioned. Can't imagine got hit by these delivery guys while crossing the city street? We have plenty to watch for while crossing the street already, the road raged drivers. The predestines that bump in to you, the flying pigeon droppings, added to the long lists of things to watch for, the Kamikaze delivery guys.
Therefore when some one made a proposal the city should impose fine for these delivery guys. I think a better solution should be fine the restaurant owners, and educated the bike delivery guys. My opinion is that if you do not know the rules in the first place how can they be expected to follow the rules.
One more thing came to mind these guys do not wear protective gear either. I suppose the restaurant own the bike that they are riding; therefore the restaurants should supply them with protective helmet. What are you thought on the subject?
Most importantly, these guys really need to obey the law, because some tragic happening to them all.
Chance Encounter NYC
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Visiting family
How often did you pay your family a visit?
I suppose not often enough. I often heard my friends said that they “HAVE TO” spend the weekend with their parents. As if they rather stay away. Is it really that horrible to spend time with family?
We are only blessed with one set of birth family, that is all we got. Our parents gave us life, and make sacrifies because of us. Once we flew the cop does that means we cut all ties. We are not birds, we are human, at least I think I am.
Some times distance prevent us from being with family as often as we could, visits reduce to holidays or an occasional calls. Some of our parents or siblings are computer savvay. That makes staying in touch a lot easier. However, I find that phone calls are a lot more acceptable. These days with “ SKYPE” or inter net phone. We can actually talk in real time with our families. There is nothing can replace seeing someone rather than just their voice on the phone line.
We do not have family visit in the city often, for start, I live in NYC, we have everything but space. Many families use to suburban living, found our average apartments in Manhattan rather uncomfortable.
For the rest of us, the anticipation of the arrival of families seems to drain every ounce of my energy. Trying to balance work and visiting families seems like a momunental task at time. However once family arrived, we will found that all the worries are not necessary.
Family grow up with you, understand your personality, no matter how long it has been since you saw each other last, or the distance that keeps you apart. There will be no pretending, no apologie necessary. They settle in. Not too comfortably, but they did.
I had an enjoyable family visit recently. After all the tourist destinations we took a rare opportunity to take a stroll thru Central Park. I ran through the park in many of my exercise morning runs, I have never taken the time to appreciate the beauty, while staying on the course. With visitors strolling on foot, allow you to flash back on any other times, when your parents were young and able, and siblings were care free to life. Those times had gone by all we have left is memories, and each other, that makes each family visits the more important.
While US Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner. Many of us may be planning a trip to get away from the city. Why not go home for a visits.
Chance Encounter NYC
I suppose not often enough. I often heard my friends said that they “HAVE TO” spend the weekend with their parents. As if they rather stay away. Is it really that horrible to spend time with family?
We are only blessed with one set of birth family, that is all we got. Our parents gave us life, and make sacrifies because of us. Once we flew the cop does that means we cut all ties. We are not birds, we are human, at least I think I am.
Some times distance prevent us from being with family as often as we could, visits reduce to holidays or an occasional calls. Some of our parents or siblings are computer savvay. That makes staying in touch a lot easier. However, I find that phone calls are a lot more acceptable. These days with “ SKYPE” or inter net phone. We can actually talk in real time with our families. There is nothing can replace seeing someone rather than just their voice on the phone line.
We do not have family visit in the city often, for start, I live in NYC, we have everything but space. Many families use to suburban living, found our average apartments in Manhattan rather uncomfortable.
For the rest of us, the anticipation of the arrival of families seems to drain every ounce of my energy. Trying to balance work and visiting families seems like a momunental task at time. However once family arrived, we will found that all the worries are not necessary.
Family grow up with you, understand your personality, no matter how long it has been since you saw each other last, or the distance that keeps you apart. There will be no pretending, no apologie necessary. They settle in. Not too comfortably, but they did.
I had an enjoyable family visit recently. After all the tourist destinations we took a rare opportunity to take a stroll thru Central Park. I ran through the park in many of my exercise morning runs, I have never taken the time to appreciate the beauty, while staying on the course. With visitors strolling on foot, allow you to flash back on any other times, when your parents were young and able, and siblings were care free to life. Those times had gone by all we have left is memories, and each other, that makes each family visits the more important.
While US Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner. Many of us may be planning a trip to get away from the city. Why not go home for a visits.
Chance Encounter NYC
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
To Talk or Not To Talk
That is my question here.
After you come on board of a flight and finally find your seat. You struggled to squeeze your luggage into the super small overhead bend, you were exhausted, cramping into your economy class seat, while trying to adjust to your new environment, buckling your seat belt, checked out the exit. Some one craw in right next to you, before you even have the chance to look up, you heard that dragged word. “Hello”
In a polite society we are obligated to return a greeting. More like “How are you in the morning” in the office, more often than not no one really stop and listen to your story. The fear in this case in the cabin is that I have no place to escape. It is a captive situation. The fear of the greeting will turn into a prolonged conversation lasted the duration of the trip make me hesitate to reply, what will you do?
Again out of the blue, some one sit next to me without utter a word, offer me a piece of gum. While I appreciate his generosity, I am also being self-conscious if I need to check my oral hygiene. Again, not sure if that is a bribe to start a conversation, or a friendly gesture.
On my return flight it happened again, someone site next to me for the entire trip, buried herself in her reading materials, again upon landing she offer me a piece of gum. That really got me curious. Is that I, or is that my breath that need my attention? But there is no indication that I should be embarrassed of. May be I am over reacted.
What about people that felt asleep before the flight took off, snoring loudly and rested their head on your shoulder? Should you weak them up, or let it be? What would you do? May be say something?
There are passengers that were so over weighted, can even fit into their slim size seat. That was miserable to see him took every chance to stood up thru the entire flight. May be that is the idea that some airlines are thinking of, standing room only flights. Listen airlines, this is not a bus trip; I like to have my seat for the least. You took away, the sandwhiches, we have to purchase travel sizes toilettes, pay for check luggage, less flights getting to the destination, and where is my peanuts? I give up.
There are many encounters on any given flight, I can hardly write it all down unless I experienced it first hand it is not getting into this blog. If you have anything you have encountered on your travel, please comments. I am sure it is a lot more interesting than the chewing gum I was offered over my weekend flights.
Chance Encounter NYC.
After you come on board of a flight and finally find your seat. You struggled to squeeze your luggage into the super small overhead bend, you were exhausted, cramping into your economy class seat, while trying to adjust to your new environment, buckling your seat belt, checked out the exit. Some one craw in right next to you, before you even have the chance to look up, you heard that dragged word. “Hello”
In a polite society we are obligated to return a greeting. More like “How are you in the morning” in the office, more often than not no one really stop and listen to your story. The fear in this case in the cabin is that I have no place to escape. It is a captive situation. The fear of the greeting will turn into a prolonged conversation lasted the duration of the trip make me hesitate to reply, what will you do?
Again out of the blue, some one sit next to me without utter a word, offer me a piece of gum. While I appreciate his generosity, I am also being self-conscious if I need to check my oral hygiene. Again, not sure if that is a bribe to start a conversation, or a friendly gesture.
On my return flight it happened again, someone site next to me for the entire trip, buried herself in her reading materials, again upon landing she offer me a piece of gum. That really got me curious. Is that I, or is that my breath that need my attention? But there is no indication that I should be embarrassed of. May be I am over reacted.
What about people that felt asleep before the flight took off, snoring loudly and rested their head on your shoulder? Should you weak them up, or let it be? What would you do? May be say something?
There are passengers that were so over weighted, can even fit into their slim size seat. That was miserable to see him took every chance to stood up thru the entire flight. May be that is the idea that some airlines are thinking of, standing room only flights. Listen airlines, this is not a bus trip; I like to have my seat for the least. You took away, the sandwhiches, we have to purchase travel sizes toilettes, pay for check luggage, less flights getting to the destination, and where is my peanuts? I give up.
There are many encounters on any given flight, I can hardly write it all down unless I experienced it first hand it is not getting into this blog. If you have anything you have encountered on your travel, please comments. I am sure it is a lot more interesting than the chewing gum I was offered over my weekend flights.
Chance Encounter NYC.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Why Jobs In The Office Always Due Yesterday
As usual I went to the preparation depart. (Comp department) to check on one of my project in progress, what they do in the comp department in advertising agency is try to make and idea, from a concept to a real piece, that can be touch and feel it in my hand.
I ask them if they will make the deadline for the final approval this evening, they told me jokingly; “Do I ever realize that all the jobs that go thru the department is always due yesterday”.
Why did that really means? Why are we not on the schedule? What happen to the scheduling and traffic departments that were responsible for all the job flow? Just like dropping a package off at FedEx I don’t care how it gets there? Just wanted it gets there when it was promise right?
Let’s be honest. I actually knew the root cause of most of the delay. Creative people are legendary in changing their minds. Nothing can make them happy. If they have the time to fine-tune any projects, they will make endless alternations until time ran out. Is that fair to the other colleague on the receiving end? May be not. But that is creative process. How do we be certain that we created now is the best solution.
Can we change the process? Not sure about that either. In a creative world, we often over think any subjects. We may make an 180ยบ turn around eventually. On the other hand, looking a problem from a different prospective, may take us to an entirely new dimension, that could lead to a break thru concepts, which is timeless. Does that mean it is justified to causing delay or creating a haven for procrastinators? I have no answer to that either.
I am not sure it is a practice happens across the business world. However, I knew people would try to perfect their presentation until time ran out. The different is, they can work this out on their own with out involving other departments, and cause everyone to stay late, or over time.
The whole point is, we are all taking more than our share these days, trying to be effective and multi tasking. However if our action causing others to suffer the consequences, than it defeated the purpose of what ever we are trying to achieve.
The bottom line, respect others personal time.
Love to hear from you.
Chance Encounter NYC
I ask them if they will make the deadline for the final approval this evening, they told me jokingly; “Do I ever realize that all the jobs that go thru the department is always due yesterday”.
Why did that really means? Why are we not on the schedule? What happen to the scheduling and traffic departments that were responsible for all the job flow? Just like dropping a package off at FedEx I don’t care how it gets there? Just wanted it gets there when it was promise right?
Let’s be honest. I actually knew the root cause of most of the delay. Creative people are legendary in changing their minds. Nothing can make them happy. If they have the time to fine-tune any projects, they will make endless alternations until time ran out. Is that fair to the other colleague on the receiving end? May be not. But that is creative process. How do we be certain that we created now is the best solution.
Can we change the process? Not sure about that either. In a creative world, we often over think any subjects. We may make an 180ยบ turn around eventually. On the other hand, looking a problem from a different prospective, may take us to an entirely new dimension, that could lead to a break thru concepts, which is timeless. Does that mean it is justified to causing delay or creating a haven for procrastinators? I have no answer to that either.
I am not sure it is a practice happens across the business world. However, I knew people would try to perfect their presentation until time ran out. The different is, they can work this out on their own with out involving other departments, and cause everyone to stay late, or over time.
The whole point is, we are all taking more than our share these days, trying to be effective and multi tasking. However if our action causing others to suffer the consequences, than it defeated the purpose of what ever we are trying to achieve.
The bottom line, respect others personal time.
Love to hear from you.
Chance Encounter NYC
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