tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-289899672024-03-13T15:52:34.464-05:00Brooklyn Ramblingsphotos, mapping projects, biking, cheap eats, explorations of Brooklyn and environsS Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-49761533671544326022008-05-25T11:04:00.016-05:002010-03-18T20:48:51.229-05:00City Reliquary Celebrates Brooklyn Bridge's 125th<pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVlkDOg9io6asgCMI4unYKSpGEKnrpXN0i_sk7Tva2nLSrIb6-SpFEO5u_SjC4O84zUxwhVfzepQWXd9vFdEkrLH3yTTEXv_MPsCvMc46NK6MRsYXEgvk6gxxM80qD6G80W-y/s1600-h/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVlkDOg9io6asgCMI4unYKSpGEKnrpXN0i_sk7Tva2nLSrIb6-SpFEO5u_SjC4O84zUxwhVfzepQWXd9vFdEkrLH3yTTEXv_MPsCvMc46NK6MRsYXEgvk6gxxM80qD6G80W-y/s400/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+005.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></pre></pre></pre>In honor of the Brooklyn Bridge's 125th birthday, the City Reliquary hosted a ride Saturday to the Brooklyn Bridge with birthday cake and song atop the bridge. Here, City Reliquary president Dave Herman gives a thumbs-up before cutting the birthday cake.<br /><pre class="code"><table border="1"><tbody><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/ME/LOCALS%7E1/TEMP/moz-screenshot-48.jpg" alt="" /><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNTNbw2nLfJRmG_mt4dXKQukrR-rRkq3P0Kq4CpmSPDU8YfX0AG9GiERVEuYdYPyaiIPIQPKo645t8wJQ0BsL_Don4WABGl7q2zhLsLRTl5zBP-RTYmcuJwyU8EhdQN429Sj3/s1600-h/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhNTNbw2nLfJRmG_mt4dXKQukrR-rRkq3P0Kq4CpmSPDU8YfX0AG9GiERVEuYdYPyaiIPIQPKo645t8wJQ0BsL_Don4WABGl7q2zhLsLRTl5zBP-RTYmcuJwyU8EhdQN429Sj3/s320/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450154689559817106" border="0" /></a></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre><pre class="code"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >The group prepares to depart the City Reliquary.</span></pre></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUktC6jU5PGD9oc2R6aWZcgyHjjC_QqSzc1yLbtemVFxcTpkUQYFjIEez5x778w64650pRAtAvCPyrLuhdvPSl0xD-hhjgAEUc9x3rdZv83_IFui0Ef3z_NpaoD6pSGRzzk4_/s1600-h/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUktC6jU5PGD9oc2R6aWZcgyHjjC_QqSzc1yLbtemVFxcTpkUQYFjIEez5x778w64650pRAtAvCPyrLuhdvPSl0xD-hhjgAEUc9x3rdZv83_IFui0Ef3z_NpaoD6pSGRzzk4_/s400/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+004.jpg" border="0" /></a></pre></pre><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Birth</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >d</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >ay cu</span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >pcakes for the birthday bridge!</span><br /></div></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq6PjQ5m2uH8oyK3_eMtzNY1hUJy8-md3WHWFKvLoSFVqFcM7YoL2z01RzGL0QO3Mf_-EtYIe-TtEmcKpsuKOcwZaQtQndm8hxH0jNvJxYgPAkyFrjNPgitYdnLpRgIQz2pu5/s1600-h/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+006.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNq6PjQ5m2uH8oyK3_eMtzNY1hUJy8-md3WHWFKvLoSFVqFcM7YoL2z01RzGL0QO3Mf_-EtYIe-TtEmcKpsuKOcwZaQtQndm8hxH0jNvJxYgPAkyFrjNPgitYdnLpRgIQz2pu5/s400/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+006.jpg" border="0" /></a></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre><pre class="code"><span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >Bikes lines the bridge.</span></span></pre></div></pre></pre></pre></div></pre></pre></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><pre class="code"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><a href="http://localhost:1153/63d33de9f07f72880dea88400cb639ae/image41482.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="http://localhost:1153/63d33de9f07f72880dea88400cb639ae/image41482.jpg?size=400" border="0" /></a></pre></pre><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><pre class="code"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPovAfcN6sma8OL9ZM3ryc5Uh_bYskpJobv_93cjn_AXrIliYSR7qDrGI5wP-tdIebwyA7luHuN9F6OzyA3LR4gDy9q-ZbulNM_SmyiavN5enlxD4iKJoLUxPiBraxruegpA8N/s1600-h/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPovAfcN6sma8OL9ZM3ryc5Uh_bYskpJobv_93cjn_AXrIliYSR7qDrGI5wP-tdIebwyA7luHuN9F6OzyA3LR4gDy9q-ZbulNM_SmyiavN5enlxD4iKJoLUxPiBraxruegpA8N/s320/2008_05_24+Brooklyn+Bridge+125+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450155380947894146" border="0" /></a></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre></pre> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >NYC tour guide and City Reliquary events<br />coordinator Matt Levy gives a rousing history<br />of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge.</span><br /></div></pre></div></td></tr></tbody></table></pre><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div><br /><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"> </div>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-8529406584810279552008-04-02T17:30:00.001-05:002008-04-02T16:02:45.612-05:00Finally, Goodbye to Zimbabwe's Mugabe?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://kubatanablogs.net/kubatana/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/zapiro_result_080402.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://kubatanablogs.net/kubatana/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/zapiro_result_080402.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Results of Saturday's presidential election in Zimbabwe are still undisclosed. However, it appears possible that the 28-year reign of President Mugabe, a former independence hero who has since thoroughly destroyed his nation's economy, may finally be over. But, a new leader is in no way a foregone conclusion. It's widely believed that he rigged the election results in the last presidential election, and many fear he will find a way to do the same this year.<br /><br />Martin Weaver at the UK's <a href="http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/news/2008/04/zimbabwe_crisis_live.html">Guardian Unlimited</a> has been live-blogging the developing situation over the last few days. He posts this very funny spoof call to the Zimbabwean embassy:<br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5nJz6PJGuzg&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5nJz6PJGuzg&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Other useful sites:<br />Sokwanele's blog <a href="http://www.sokwanele.com/thisiszimbabwe/">This is Zimbabwe</a><br />Blog <a href="http://kubatanablogs.net/kubatana/">Kubatana</a><br />Blog <a href="http://crybelovedzimbabwe.blogspot.com/">Cry Beloved Zimbabwe</a><br />Blog <a href="http://comradefatso.vox.com/">Comrade Fatso</a><br />Official Zimbabwean paper <a href="http://www.herald.co.zw/section.aspx?sectid=12&cat=12">The Herald</a>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-18592859305585209882008-03-22T18:04:00.003-05:002008-03-22T18:12:01.439-05:00The Grand Union Square Pillow Fight, 2008 Edition<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2241/2353261396_12c6465f1b.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2241/2353261396_12c6465f1b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2353260272_9cde90219b.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2353260272_9cde90219b.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2353260862_b61ae21422.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/2353260862_b61ae21422.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2353258434_cb7d4d1b69.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/2353258434_cb7d4d1b69.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/2352427967_06f0aa65d7.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/2352427967_06f0aa65d7.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>More on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield">flickr</a>.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-80826054532840110232008-03-18T09:10:00.003-05:002008-11-13T01:59:00.182-05:00Bike Racks for a New City<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6LgQ6lkTOK2XzjhWIf5QtcKzUoH6NMzER0gitT61h7nOGWZAHQ2pcSOkQnpkl1L60I_l2s5uWMyf9bQltQYBitRaY7S9cZrjRu1zi2Ac2Qm4Oc7a11En1przTwQsMOFIObfl/s1600-h/bikerackdesigncomp.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6LgQ6lkTOK2XzjhWIf5QtcKzUoH6NMzER0gitT61h7nOGWZAHQ2pcSOkQnpkl1L60I_l2s5uWMyf9bQltQYBitRaY7S9cZrjRu1zi2Ac2Qm4Oc7a11En1przTwQsMOFIObfl/s400/bikerackdesigncomp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179084496767547858" border="0" /></a><br />On Friday the NYC Department of Transportation and the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum announced an international design competition for bike parking in New York City. The design competition's website explains that although U-racks, the current model, are functional in many ways, the current design "does not fulfill the potential to be an icon for New York City cycling."<br /><br />They are soliciting a new design that will become the standard for sidewalk bike racks and racks inside buildings and garages. The City plans to add at least 500 bike racks per year to the existing stock of approximately 4,000 bike racks. Your design could be the new model. The international competition will be juried by a panel of experts from the worlds of industrial design, art and transportation.<br /><br />Find out more and register at <a href="http://nycityracks.wordpress.com/">City Racks Design Competition</a>.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-43980822928961596172008-03-15T09:02:00.002-05:002008-03-15T09:04:33.086-05:00It's Spring, Let's Play!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/210597150_7d95a75c53_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/210597150_7d95a75c53_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I may be getting a wee bit ahead of the season but I saw my first Mr. Softee truck last night. It's spring!S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-10688507433574176532008-03-13T09:10:00.005-05:002008-03-15T09:05:04.103-05:00Hearing Today on Proposed Gowanus DevelopmentThanks to Eric McClure over at <a href="http://www.parkslopeneighbors.org/index.htm">Park Slope Neighbor</a> for this heads up on a hearing that's happening today about proposed development along the Gowanus Canal.<br /><div><b></b></div><blockquote><div><b>1) City Planning Scoping Hearing for Proposed Toll Brothers Gowanus Project, Thursday</b></div> <div><br /></div> <div>Just wanted to remind everyone that the Department of City Planning will be holding a public scoping hearing tomorrow pertaining to the large housing project being proposed by Toll Brothers for a site along the western bank of the Gowanus Canal. A scoping hearing is the first step in the City's land-use review process. The final scoping document sets the "scope," or the parameters for what will be studied in the Environmental Impact Statement.</div> <div><br /></div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Toll Brothers Gowanus Scoping Hearing</div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday, March 13th</div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">2:00 to 5:45 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:45 p.m.</div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Department of City Planning</div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Spector Hall</div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">22 Reade Street</div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Manhattan</div> <div><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=22+Reade+Street,+New+York,+NY&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.999041,59.238281&ie=UTF8&ll=40.715176,-74.004464&spn=0.008181,0.014462&z=16&iwloc=addr" target="_blank"><span></span>[Map]</a></div> <div><br /></div> <div>Toll Brothers only recently revealed details about its <a href="http://gowanuslounge.blogspot.com/2008/02/starting-bell-toll-brothers-reveal.html" target="_blank"><span></span>plans to build a 577-unit mixed-income project</a> (130 of the units would be below market rate) on a three-acre site along the Gowanus, bordered by Bond, 2nd and Carroll Streets. The development would include buildings ranging from four to 12 stories in height, with the tallest building, at about 125 feet, adjacent to the canal. The project would include a small amount of retail and "community" space, and 260 off-street parking spots.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>The developer is seeking a special "spot rezoning" of the parcel in advance of a likely overall rezoning of the Gowanus by City Planning. <a href="http://gowanuslounge.blogspot.com/2008/02/starting-bell-toll-brothers-reveal.html" target="_blank"><span></span>The Gowanus Lounge</a> has renderings and a map of the project.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>More information, including downloads of the Draft Scoping document and scoping meeting protocol, and contact information, is available at the <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/env_review/scope.shtml#363_365_bond_street" target="_blank">Department of City Planning website</a>. Written comments regarding the draft scope can be submitted through March 24th.</div> <div><br /></div> <div>If you're interested in the future of the Gowanus Canal, you might want to attend the hearing or submit comments. The City's willingness to consider a special rezoning for one site seems backward; some critics believe that a multi-agency Master Plan for the entire Gowanus should be put into place before any rezoning is undertaken. Count us among them.</div></blockquote><div>More at <a href="http://gowanuslounge.blogspot.com/2008/02/starting-bell-toll-brothers-reveal.html">The Gowanus Lounge</a> and the <a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/env_review/scope.shtml#363_365_bond_street">Department of City Planning</a>.<br /></div>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-62743094372400987062008-03-13T07:16:00.002-05:002008-11-13T01:59:00.332-05:00Opening Screening of 'A Hole in a Fence'<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODBYLBNDoRDpHXyiQyUu1zIW9kM6M65MrRP8PJA6eE3GXSglOY3mibZsgxIhDQoil54UdhzRvMaPdDJKgjV9NwipZQPiPAaCMmFu1UFkLZcbt_xKn0omUVIAVJXQV7SAIqi7_/s1600-h/invite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODBYLBNDoRDpHXyiQyUu1zIW9kM6M65MrRP8PJA6eE3GXSglOY3mibZsgxIhDQoil54UdhzRvMaPdDJKgjV9NwipZQPiPAaCMmFu1UFkLZcbt_xKn0omUVIAVJXQV7SAIqi7_/s400/invite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177230196177107298" border="0" /></a>I had the pleasure last night of attending the opening screening of <span style="font-style: italic;">A Hole in a Fence</span>, a documentary by Brooklyn-based filmmaker D.W. Young. <span style="font-style: italic;">A Hole in a Fence</span> visits a hidden corner of Red Hook where a massive boat repair yard used to be. By interviewing neighbors, homeless residents, graffiti artists, photographers (full disclosure - me), businesses and non-profits, Young captures varying visions of and perspectives on a quickly changing site. It was exciting to see the final cut, and a lot of fun to meet some of the other interviewees.<br /><br />For anyone who's enjoyed a summer afternoon eating tacos at the Red Hook Ball Fields and wondered what else Red Hook is about, here's your answer.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-58030590674362686962008-03-03T20:43:00.003-05:002008-11-13T01:59:00.429-05:00Vote or Die<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MduRwPwzADin7BR5un_vMxS9EeIXWkcAc3qVhxA60VY2BZY6ofb1euTGiNdDuejbLMsAZQLoTndVOCz-hsXXEjhhYnWije4eTuZ4g0qLaZ8vuNxxvqhlsGKq-FyAPYaIHJN3/s1600-h/0303081752.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MduRwPwzADin7BR5un_vMxS9EeIXWkcAc3qVhxA60VY2BZY6ofb1euTGiNdDuejbLMsAZQLoTndVOCz-hsXXEjhhYnWije4eTuZ4g0qLaZ8vuNxxvqhlsGKq-FyAPYaIHJN3/s400/0303081752.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173697176516070274" border="0" /></a>Seen on Crosby St, just south of Houston. But I'm not sure what Laser Guided Democracy means.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-19084975048148207652008-02-14T09:03:00.002-05:002008-02-14T09:06:40.369-05:00Photoblogging Valentine's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2264331565_efcc378da2.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2264331565_efcc378da2.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Thanks to Jeff over at <a href="http://www.urbanvelo.org/">Urban Velo</a> for <a href="http://urbanvelo.org/on-this-valentines-day">blogging a photo of mine</a> today for Valentine's Day. Be sure to check out Urban Velo for more hot bike pics.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-25347904180451864252008-01-28T22:58:00.000-05:002008-11-13T01:59:00.980-05:00Bronx Courthouse Finally Opens<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXOGtVMb6sjml4c0rG4YORX01-I1R476lnsXZFLZhSKZ1ja20ATaVpOSuaJb858HGMTkX9CjVRKOYArW0VqDN_jidslXgEHsz8qhGachhJ7Py4etI0NbKQjwzmgyGBzDyKTdn/s1600-h/2008_01_28+043.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXOGtVMb6sjml4c0rG4YORX01-I1R476lnsXZFLZhSKZ1ja20ATaVpOSuaJb858HGMTkX9CjVRKOYArW0VqDN_jidslXgEHsz8qhGachhJ7Py4etI0NbKQjwzmgyGBzDyKTdn/s400/2008_01_28+043.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160745266750063442" border="0" /></a>Three years late and $100 million over-budget, the new Bronx courthouse finally opened today. Many structual and design problems still exist - for example, a mere handful of elevators and defendant interview rooms were built - and are unlikely to be remedied.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8GlpBmmNfj6ukil5WfSJVpM1dNS3WbBrQ96CDvujTev2eAURHmgmWNj5mY8HlL_qKFdRCJ-e2wCSCcKt58IlHqE1ylFD9jY2tb3ljfX3akqqSHbpZWCsTXkhn9W7Xds-u3zy/s1600-h/2008_01_28+042.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8GlpBmmNfj6ukil5WfSJVpM1dNS3WbBrQ96CDvujTev2eAURHmgmWNj5mY8HlL_qKFdRCJ-e2wCSCcKt58IlHqE1ylFD9jY2tb3ljfX3akqqSHbpZWCsTXkhn9W7Xds-u3zy/s400/2008_01_28+042.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160744360511963970" border="0" /></a>Meanwhile, the block-long line continues unabated outside Bronx Criminal court.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1Q3ZRrYG1dKPtiLjx5cqsgEriz5ttSAPR8IUS-uieOCgY1BCzsXY0kznznH9YTG_zZTri56wtFQoQShgzcpbOAKisvgF9n3P6gU7FYuptyAV3yJ5WEtMm56TxaiPjmdD_ZR3/s1600-h/2008_01_28+040.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1Q3ZRrYG1dKPtiLjx5cqsgEriz5ttSAPR8IUS-uieOCgY1BCzsXY0kznznH9YTG_zZTri56wtFQoQShgzcpbOAKisvgF9n3P6gU7FYuptyAV3yJ5WEtMm56TxaiPjmdD_ZR3/s400/2008_01_28+040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160743815051117362" border="0" /></a>Opposite the courthouse on 161st street, New York parents protest the court house opening.<br /><br />More: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/nyregion/25courthouse.html?_r=1&oref=slogin">New York Times</a>, <a href="http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=12&aid=77905">NY1</a>.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-59617804115450900642007-12-28T16:41:00.000-05:002008-11-13T01:59:01.666-05:00Rural Massachusetts Through the Viewfinder<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tJwQNr2TwZx9hKea8cW5J2WbOb7ukzzxbAuJNvSBdC3YjmGh621ijorjEFePgW1rbbP5wF6BDHKpbRIlGyVprWqdBtjHgdLoNmPyypraFP3Z7prL38j48sNn-UXbunRtS7Sm/s1600-h/IMG_0200.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tJwQNr2TwZx9hKea8cW5J2WbOb7ukzzxbAuJNvSBdC3YjmGh621ijorjEFePgW1rbbP5wF6BDHKpbRIlGyVprWqdBtjHgdLoNmPyypraFP3Z7prL38j48sNn-UXbunRtS7Sm/s400/IMG_0200.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>While home with my family over the holidays, I spent some time playing around with "TTV" - a technique known as Through the Viewfinder, where you shoot through the viewfinder of a 1950s era camera with another camera, using the older camera solely as a lens. In trying this out, I was inspired by the flickr group <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/throughtheviewfinder/">Through the Viewfinder</a>. This technique produces a slightly distorted effect, softens the colors, and allows you to capture the crackles and scratches on the older lens.<br /><br />Though not without its difficulties - I found myself wishing I had a third hand to help juggle two cameras while also keeping my image framed, in focus, and out of the sun's glare - I like the new way it lets me see the world.<br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkkEwpXfmfKHrWJIFbgMkoysFadXF-M5G5L2Wdh6-azwqJXgL2jlfQ5rhbW0uEEcgGUdU5-eDKR8OhJNd153YO9VmQeLQsHj9CGW9VrPzNxW5soyDBIM-PKb7P1ZDNgi4WkSq/s1600-h/IMG_0209.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkkEwpXfmfKHrWJIFbgMkoysFadXF-M5G5L2Wdh6-azwqJXgL2jlfQ5rhbW0uEEcgGUdU5-eDKR8OhJNd153YO9VmQeLQsHj9CGW9VrPzNxW5soyDBIM-PKb7P1ZDNgi4WkSq/s400/IMG_0209.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1v8w95ZAx_p-jm0ulHsROkSEZhitRICvHKpW1nT3AodSZkwgzwvjV-gVKYcZ9mouswmHO66eWA9oLlDavrhX93Bvb9P1evzn6rkDdn6ttrN5EqltTEOOpvHyx2M762w_nyUtY/s1600-h/IMG_0206.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1v8w95ZAx_p-jm0ulHsROkSEZhitRICvHKpW1nT3AodSZkwgzwvjV-gVKYcZ9mouswmHO66eWA9oLlDavrhX93Bvb9P1evzn6rkDdn6ttrN5EqltTEOOpvHyx2M762w_nyUtY/s400/IMG_0206.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjip5S4ZOt3B448-UNtZ4MJ0lYflQ46k8GxUho4_N5LJ01-GSSwpS-wc53YKyfYG53tTVhA3q39GF2F62tG1PrGfLbrQfEbxIeUmL-br3hiSVVVcsvn6P2COeRdRIJwmd8ae_Tu/s1600-h/IMG_0223.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjip5S4ZOt3B448-UNtZ4MJ0lYflQ46k8GxUho4_N5LJ01-GSSwpS-wc53YKyfYG53tTVhA3q39GF2F62tG1PrGfLbrQfEbxIeUmL-br3hiSVVVcsvn6P2COeRdRIJwmd8ae_Tu/s400/IMG_0223.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div></div>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-57688865264543930382007-12-26T13:03:00.000-05:002008-11-13T01:59:02.487-05:00Flashback to 1979: Military AdsSince America ended the draft, the military has had to recruit. Like any good advertiser, they've learned how to couch their message in the style and medium of teen culture. Today, they produce video games where you can fly combat aircraft. In 1979, their target audience wore bell bottoms and rode Harleys. And in that more innocent time, the selling point could still be the path to an affordable college education that the Army could provide.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbXyHnEK1q7DGIAolZTDe6yG3SfxyEMN28E16q3AyAXfvQHcoPnrbn_SeTzuGMz92SImqOKtSQTbjhzRCc64u5r6wkmFfU3UOS8RwQ0NyM3PwO5PNn6iUUvoSmfnLhkuQ9Pn9/s1600-h/image0-12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbXyHnEK1q7DGIAolZTDe6yG3SfxyEMN28E16q3AyAXfvQHcoPnrbn_SeTzuGMz92SImqOKtSQTbjhzRCc64u5r6wkmFfU3UOS8RwQ0NyM3PwO5PNn6iUUvoSmfnLhkuQ9Pn9/s400/image0-12.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Army National Guard ad, November 1979, from Currents Events magazine<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9lxIrfaoMTI0EOQEs9PrNrEaMD_zPQDSzOiGbNYW9y2kEqAyU66v6PM7SVL0s-KTIItqr6dBaiB7xIRXViRdcMOPUKLlnz4GZEWalPL7JIYss0cpQYxUHCcggpaYt3c9miGo/s1600-h/image0-11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; clear: both;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9lxIrfaoMTI0EOQEs9PrNrEaMD_zPQDSzOiGbNYW9y2kEqAyU66v6PM7SVL0s-KTIItqr6dBaiB7xIRXViRdcMOPUKLlnz4GZEWalPL7JIYss0cpQYxUHCcggpaYt3c9miGo/s400/image0-11.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Army ad, December 1979, from Scholastic Search magazineS Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-9855286045409239272007-12-16T19:32:00.000-05:002008-11-13T01:59:03.011-05:00Dyker Heights Christmas Lights ExtravanzaTo those of you who, like me, have an odd soft spot in your heart for suburban homes dedecked with over the top Christmas decorations (yet have no car), look no further. Let me point you to the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dyker Heights.<br /><br />Dyker Heights sits between Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, and Gravesend Bay, with a lovely view of the Verrazano Bridge. Its residents go to town at Christmas time, festooning their homes and yards (yes, Virginia, they have yards) with lights, moving reindeer, and plastic blow-up Santa dolls. I wouldn't want to pay anyone's light bill, but it's quite a spectacle.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsryqWJKPTWIZ6QvkSb4c6rk76GjbQ455tWDvLRW9E_-Gnoc_tBWB-fJSJTYuWxIGduYjv-KZqKUZqNvHBmhVATMk59w3eTQ-TRm7-_DoDCir-8d_10U7zVizfPmuB8qO8VGGp/s1600-h/IMG_0145.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsryqWJKPTWIZ6QvkSb4c6rk76GjbQ455tWDvLRW9E_-Gnoc_tBWB-fJSJTYuWxIGduYjv-KZqKUZqNvHBmhVATMk59w3eTQ-TRm7-_DoDCir-8d_10U7zVizfPmuB8qO8VGGp/s400/IMG_0145.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144738935433931010" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mxQDavZ-6miR4pNfZba_1dVYkrjikURocrGDFm61jC5op6JMRb-WK51CuGqbFNCFShTcoQw-XmDf1q_giGIAFUryVzUwrgs_EJp7CXyPFrpJIB49qPCPD0N32jEw7pZhtD8V/s1600-h/IMG_0150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mxQDavZ-6miR4pNfZba_1dVYkrjikURocrGDFm61jC5op6JMRb-WK51CuGqbFNCFShTcoQw-XmDf1q_giGIAFUryVzUwrgs_EJp7CXyPFrpJIB49qPCPD0N32jEw7pZhtD8V/s400/IMG_0150.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144738140864981234" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdez9tE9poLw8p8SYlgY7xS-5d-1Jka78uvLj7qCQyh3yN1RYfrJLQ0Y04cU6ob0P7YtXvrI9Fa8NF6XGGtndo5djXVNXy5GR4G-HZoYczrLCghXD2pLdPIECHUFtDN8XItXAK/s1600-h/IMG_0154.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdez9tE9poLw8p8SYlgY7xS-5d-1Jka78uvLj7qCQyh3yN1RYfrJLQ0Y04cU6ob0P7YtXvrI9Fa8NF6XGGtndo5djXVNXy5GR4G-HZoYczrLCghXD2pLdPIECHUFtDN8XItXAK/s400/IMG_0154.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144736972633876706" border="0" /></a>In the early days, I'm sure each family was responsible for their own decorating, and a few clearly still do the work themselves. But many call in the professionals. B&R Floral Decorators, for example, take some time out from their usual work providing floral arrangements for funerals to decorate some of the most elaborate houses.<br /><br />If you plan to visit, the epicenter is 84th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues. And, if you don't have a friend with a car and are too lazy or cold to brave the walk from the subway, you can watch Conan O'Brian's trip in 2000 from the comfort of your warm living room.<br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/axGb_plicAs&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/axGb_plicAs&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-13046739020656570872007-12-01T17:26:00.000-05:002008-11-13T01:59:03.152-05:00Lost in Red Hook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHhqQg6pRWn2GJrdwjUch9dJYVgzjTOydjZyPBf_0PHZSVZWC6oOoqMO9MXNxZPRhLgCsBzV5USyLH6z55EG09JAkkoilhXcXDoHWalCPU8dTLuCVzvVtORq5J0LicKq7uslq/s1600-r/1201071525.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt52svMWn9S-8YwqPQ3G67EC6a7_w4JzwixzAmo_FKx91OdA-tSJVOLx7IbYD9EVD93YuJd5zlNGTc4eV15nhl70j_JStYET-ytjq3ntKXgUht1Oe4YLAqBikmO6F91UVSu24/s400/1201071525.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5139134786547931298" border="0" /></a>Seen on the streets of Red Hook - someone lost their cat.<br /><br />Despite the cat's technical difficulties ("does not meow properly"), mediocrity ("not worth very much") and "general scruffiness and bad behavior," the owner does sorta love kitty and wouldn't mind having him back, if just for the whoa-dude trippiness of its two different colored eyes.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-69063494931657888282007-12-01T12:40:00.000-05:002007-12-01T12:48:42.539-05:00Mini Concerts in Back Alleys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://creativetime.org/email/113007/mini-tubby.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 620px;" src="http://creativetime.org/email/113007/mini-tubby.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Totally last minute but this looks cool. Enjoy before we're all confined to our mini-apartment muffled worlds by tomorrow's snow. Here's the 411 on today's performance, presented by Lower East Side gallery <a href="http://www.smith-stewart.com/">Smith-Stewart</a> and local nonprofit <a href="http://www.creativetime.org/index.php">Creative Time</a>, just back from a nationally-acclaimed performance in New Orleans of Waiting for Godot:<br /><br /></span>Though your mother may have warned you not to go into the back alleys, this certainly won’t be the first time you ignore her, and this time for good reason. Creative Council Member Carlton DeWoody, with Jen DeNike and Smith-Stewart Gallery, invite you to a one-day rock out in Lower East Side.<br /><br />Mini Concerts in Back Alleys<br />Saturday, December 1, 2007<br />2:00 – 11:30 PM<br />locations throughout the Lower East Side (see schedule below or <a href="http://www.smith-stewart.com/documents/miniconcertsinbackalleys.pdf">click for more info</a>)<br /><br />Mini Concerts will make various interventions on sites chosen by each artist throughout the Lower East Side. Be it on a mews or median, in an alley or cellar, each site specific location marries the audience to the performance, which collectively can only be described as shiny moments in dusty corners. All performances are between 5 and 15 minutes long, and are only performed once, serving to expose the drama of time. In a land where ‘before’ and ‘after’ are as significant as the ‘during’, the planned meets the impromptu and the important meets the forgotten.<br /><br />Here’s the musical line up featuring Creative Time curator Mark Beasley.<br />Schedule: <br />2:03 pm Rachel Mason Hamilton Fish Park- Pitt btw Houston and Stanton<br />3:11 pm Mind Castle Freeman Alley- Rivington btw Bowery and Chrystie<br />3:41 pm Dirt Mound Rivington btw Chrystie and Forsyth<br />4:29 pm Artic Circle Hester btw Chrystie and Forsyth<br />5:43.21 pm Y.O.U. 1st btw 1st and A<br />6:27 pm Mads Lynnerup 227 Bowery btw Rivington and Stanton<br />9:03 pm Georgia Sagri Delancy and Allen<br />9:36 pm Caroline Breton 162 Eldridge btw Delancy and Rivington<br />10:16 pm Brian Bellot 71 Hestor btw Orchard and Ludlow<br />11:01 pm Mark Beasley and Rose Kallal 35 Orchard btw Hester and CanalS Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-63758957011224690092007-11-22T11:14:00.001-05:002007-11-22T11:24:21.487-05:00Most Depressing Thanksgiving Article<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper869/stills/9yjp425s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper869/stills/9yjp425s.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />NYU undergrads say that for the right price, they would sell their vote. Two thirds would give up their vote for a free ride to NYU. And half said that for $1 million, they'd give up their vote forever. <br /><br />More than 3,000 undergrads were surveyed for the study, conducted by an NYU journalism class. The study found that "sixty percent of the students who said they'd give up their vote for tuition also described their families' income as upper middle or high."<br /><br />Not everyone can be bought, though - one undergrad responded that "anyone who'd sell his lifelong right to vote should be deported."<br /><br />[Src: <a href="http://media.www.nyunews.com/media/storage/paper869/news/2007/11/14/News/Most-Say.Their.Vote.Has.A.Price-3099547.shtml">Most say their vote has a price</a>, Lily Quateman, Washington Square News]<br />Media Credit: Illustration by Dana Laventure/WSNS Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-17785023085942295792007-11-18T13:00:00.000-05:002007-11-18T14:26:06.886-05:00A Hole in a Fence<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UmEe2tRG51E&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UmEe2tRG51E&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Last summer I was interviewed by D.W. Young, a documentary filmmaker, who was shooting a film about an abandoned lot in Red Hook. This chameleon of a site has been, variously, a graffiti spot, a homeless encampment, a formerly industrial truck loading zone, a magically-invisible overlooked and forgotten lot, contested urban space, a possible Ikea parking lot, and a reed-filled shallow pond. D.W. Young tracked me down because I had shot a series of photos of the site (you can see my set, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/sets/72057594129633615/">Red Hook Marshland</a>, on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/sets/72057594129633615/">flickr</a>).<br /><br />The film, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmEe2tRG51E"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Hole in a Fence</span></a>, has just come out and is pretty damn cool. Young interviews a range of people about the site, from local teen graffiti artists who use the site as an artist wall, to a Yale Architecture School student interested in sustainable building, who used materials found on-site to build a shelter and live there for a week. And you can see yours truly opining about the site, and catch some of my photos.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/142492041"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/142492041_1c43d83156.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><hr><br />Watch the trailer on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmEe2tRG51E">YouTube</a>.<br />Or go to the <a href="http://www.aholeinafence.com/index.html">website for the film</a>.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-50350796802483748362007-11-12T11:26:00.000-05:002007-11-12T11:51:21.605-05:00Veterans Day in Chinatown<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/1972651085/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2354/1972651085_8a3a71242a.jpg" alt="IMG_7105" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/1972172045/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2209/1972172045_6c6b2db12c.jpg" alt="IMG_6992" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/1972173223/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2162/1972173223_c23a76b07c.jpg" alt="IMG_7105" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Members of the American Legion post in Chinatown -- Lt. B.R Kimlau Chinese Memorial Post 1291 -- gathered yesterday at the Kim Lau Memorial Arch in Chatham Square, Chinatown, to commemorate Veterans Day and honor their service.<br /><br />The Kimlau American Legion Post was formed in 1944 by a group of Chinese-American veterans of World War II.<br /><br /><span class="body">The post is the largest in New York City, promoting numerous patriotic programs and community service initiatives within Chinatown. </span><br /><br />The Post is named after <span style="">Lt. Kimlau, who was an American of Chinese descent who served as an Air Force bomber pilot in World War II. While assigned to the Southwest Pacific theater, he was killed in action during air battles over the New Guinea Islands.<o:p><br />[Src: <a href="http://www.ltkimlau.com/post_history.history.htm">History of Kimlau Post</a>, <a href="http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=7318">NYC Parks Department</a>]<br /></o:p></span>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-45978274126350060132007-09-11T07:07:00.000-05:002007-12-01T17:40:09.553-05:00Bronx 9/11 Graffiti Memorial<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/1365150927/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/1365150927_b69b58746c.jpg" alt="Bronx 9/11 Graffiti Memorial" height="324" width="500" /></a><br />170th & Jerome, The Bronx.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-85309344201130797342007-08-11T15:00:00.000-05:002007-08-12T00:41:12.069-05:00Rock Camp for Girls Rocks<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/1089944132/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/1089944132_22d11d064b.jpg" alt="IMG_7105" height="333" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/1089084727/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1392/1089084727_aed42da47d.jpg" alt="IMG_6992" height="333" width="500" /></a><br />School of Rock isn't just a movie.<br /><br />The Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls played a noon show today at the Highline Ballroom. The show was the culmination of a week-long crash course in every aspect of rock - picking an instrument, getting a band together, silk-screening band t-shirts, and more. One volunteer teacher estimated that only about a quarter of the girls, who ranged from 8 to 18, had any experience on their instruments before getting to camp Monday morning. By the show today, they were poised, confident, and ready to rock.<br /><br />If you missed today's show, there's no need to wait until next year. You can catch the second session's show on August 25th at the Highline Ballroom. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.williemaerockcamp.org/images/head-home.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://www.williemaerockcamp.org/images/head-home.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-44532080543285986842007-06-24T20:43:00.000-05:002007-06-24T21:47:08.942-05:00Mermaid Parade Characters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/617619322_eb4f702272_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/617619322_eb4f702272_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1431/617024787_37e6133617_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1431/617024787_37e6133617_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This year at the Mermaid Parade, some political commentary against the anticipated destruction I mean development of Coney Island, and a green creature from the Gowanus Canal crawled all the way down to Coney to join the party.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-41192392759537207932007-06-24T18:58:00.000-05:002007-06-24T19:20:03.396-05:00NYC Dyke March<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1220/615967849_48a98ffdd9_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 500px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1220/615967849_48a98ffdd9_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My favorite photo from yesterday's Dyke March shows two spectacularly turned out groups - New York's own <a href="http://www.myspace.com/vixxenparty">Vixxxens</a>, in the pink sequins, and a hotter version of the Village People that I happened to run across <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/176022958/in/set-72157594178884068/">last year</a> as well.<br />More photos <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/SonjaShield/2007DykeMarch">here</a>.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-87554253000044710192007-06-12T09:37:00.001-05:002007-06-12T09:42:32.885-05:00Spectators & Spectacle: Photos from the Dyke March<a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonjashield/542337030/"><img height="500" alt="flyer for Spectators & Spectacle: Photos from the Dyke March" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/542337030_04e0772de6.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />I'll be showing photos from the NYC Dyke March on Wednesday June 13th (tomorrow!) at <b>Sincerely</b>, an incredible new afterwork dyke party at Dirty Disco on 14th Street.<br /><br />The photo series is called <strong>Spectators & Spectacle: Photos from the Dyke March</strong>. At the last few dykes marches, I've turned the camera back on the spectators and taken pictures of those observing. And of course there are lots of fabulous photos of eye-candy paraders in the dyke march.<br /><br /><i>The Show: </i><br /><i>Wednesday June 13, 5-10pm</i><br /><i>Sincerely at Dirty Disco</i><br /><i>248 W. 14th St</i><br /><em>RSVP required to sincerely@dirtydisco.com</em>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-61764556401949574372007-05-31T07:20:00.001-05:002007-05-31T07:20:41.916-05:00June Begins<strong>FRI. JUNE 1</strong><br /><div><strong></strong><a href="http://www.lmcc.net/sitelines">Sitelines</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lmcc.net/art/programs/2007.6.1sitelines/thumbs/grahamthumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 100px;" src="http://www.lmcc.net/art/programs/2007.6.1sitelines/thumbs/grahamthumb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>An annual site-specific dance festival, part of River to River. The first performance is a Martha Graham dance originally from 1936 that was created to protest the killings of the Spanish Civil War by Franco and the fascists. It's the first outdoor street performance the Graham Company has done, and is an interesting anti-war commentary.<br />Intersection of Wall and Broad streets, outside the NY Stock Exchange, Manhattan<br />12:30p; free. Also on June 2nd and 3rd at the same time. 18 minutes long.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artsinbushwick.org/images/map_images/map_sidebar_icon.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px;" src="http://www.artsinbushwick.org/images/map_images/map_sidebar_icon.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Arts in Bushwick presents: <a href="http://www.artsinbushwick.org/">Bushwick Open Studios and Arts Festival </a><br />The festival kicks off Friday night with Hotbox, a night of dance,theater, sex, and magic. The evening features performance and theater followed by music by the Dive, Pass Kontrol, and Ways. Festival continues through the weekend. Check website for complete listings.<br />Bushwick Starr 207 Starr Street, no. 4, Brooklyn<br />L train to Jefferson station, 7-11p; free<br />Festival continues through Sunday<br /><br /><strong>SAT. JUNE 2<br /></strong><a href="http://www.rooftopfilms.com/">Rooftop Films summer kick-off</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.rooftopfilms.com/images/trailerpic_rtf2006.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.rooftopfilms.com/images/trailerpic_rtf2006.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Black + White = Grey<br />Rooftop Films' Summer Series sneak preview. Quirky comedies, startling dramas, and powerful political documentaries about racial misunderstandings, subtle deceptions, and flat-out lies.<br />8 PM: Music by Noble Society<br />9 PM: Short Films Begin<br />On the lawn at Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn. Free.<br />Directions: G train to Fulton; A or C to Lafayette; 2, 3, 4, 5 to Nevins; R, Q, B, M to Dekalb. Enter at the Myrtle Avenue Side of the park and you will see the big screen at the bottom of the hill.<br /><br /><a href="http://creativetime.org/programs/archive/2007/performance/monk.html">Jonathan Monk presents Five Ballerinas in Manhattan</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://creativetime.org/email/spartacus.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://creativetime.org/email/spartacus.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Jonathan Monk will restage Daniel Buren’s key performance work, <em>Seven Ballets in Manhattan</em>, on its 32nd anniversary. This enigmatic work in its original presentation prompted questions regarding the status of art in the public realm and how such confrontations are defined in its initial presentation. For example, audiences in SoHo, then the center of the commercial gallery scene in New York, accepted the work as art, but audiences on Wall Street interpreted the parade of placards as a potential unidentifiable threat.<br />Friday, June 1, 2-3pm: CENTRAL PARK beginning near Rockefeller Center<br />Saturday, June 2, 12-2pm: WALL STREET beginning near Greenwich and Fulton Street<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a921.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/22/m_dfbc5e223ae66cca2978e1b007f94230.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px;" src="http://a921.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/22/m_dfbc5e223ae66cca2978e1b007f94230.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.myspace.com/vixxenparty">Vixxxen</a><br />My friends and I are kicking off a new monthly dyke party. Come before 11 for 2x1 drink specials.<br />**go-go dancers ** pool table ** drink specials ** dj **<br />Saturday June 2nd 9pm<br />40C (40 Ave. C btwnn 3rd & 4th St), Manhattan<br /><br /><strong>SUN. JUNE 3</strong><br /><a href="http://www.tourdebrooklyn.org/">3rd Annual Tour de Brooklyn</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tourdebrooklyn.org/images/tdblogo07.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.tourdebrooklyn.org/images/tdblogo07.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>This year’s 18 mile tour features Brooklyn’s southern neighborhoods along the waterfront like Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst and loops towards the heart of Brooklyn, Kensington and Prospect Park South to end at the Carousel. Family friendly ride.<br />Check-in: 8 am; Line-up: 9 am; Ride: 9:30 am<br /><br /><a href="http://chili-takedown.com/">Manhattan Chili Takedown</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ricksdivecenter.com/take_dive/images/chili_bowl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://www.ricksdivecenter.com/take_dive/images/chili_bowl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>A chili contest from unholy hell. The Village Voice raved: "the fieriest concoctions this side of Texas."Competitors are invited to come down and go head to head against other amateur chefs for the much-coveted Judged ($100 prize) and People’s Choice Award ($200 prize). Hosted by NYC comedian and chili producer Matt Timms. This event has grown from its humble beginnings in Williamsburg to its chili monster status in the Lower East Side. We bring in real chefs, food writers,and experts to judge the proceedings.<br /><a href="http://www.mopitkins.com/">Mo Pitkin’s</a>, 34 Avenue A, between 2nd and 3rd streets, Manhattan.<br />4-8:30p; $15 to enter, bring down two gallons of your best recipe, or $8 buys all you can eat plus the opportunity to vote for your favorite.<br /></div>S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28989967.post-89563871515380890072007-05-29T20:14:00.001-05:002007-05-29T20:28:04.991-05:00The US ZipScribble Map<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://eagereyes.org/media/attachments/ZIPScribbleMap-color-names-borders-thumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 550px;" src="http://eagereyes.org/media/attachments/ZIPScribbleMap-color-names-borders-thumb.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />From Robert Kosara at Eager Eyes comes the <a href="http://eagereyes.org/Applications/ZIPScribbleMap.html">US Zipscribble map</a>. He says "What would happen if you were to connect all the ZIP codes in the US in ascending order? Is there a system behind the assignment of ZIP codes? Are they organized in a grid? The result is surprising and much more interesting than expected."<br /><br />Very few of the zip codes connections cross state lines. As a result, you can clearly see the state lines even in the monochrome <a href="http://eagereyes.org/media/attachments/ZIPScribbleMap-thumb.jpg">black and white version</a>. Even fewer of the actual zip codes themselves cross state lines - but <a href="http://eagereyes.org/Applications/ZIPScribbleMap.html#comment-93">a few do</a>.<br /><br />Interest piqued? More at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zip_code#By_geography">Wikipedia</a>. Geek away.S Shieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07406791466677393940noreply@blogger.com0