View my photo gallery here. See Part 2 here for a movie of the event.
See my other Easter stories and photo galleries:
- Category Archives Festivals Parades and Events
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Mecca for the Misfits
Daily, there are still participants of Occupy Wall Street in Union Square. At night, you will find the last vestiges in what has become largely a circus with a cast of characters unseen anywhere else. It is the home of those with nothing else to do and nowhere else to go.
At night, political rants, banners, and slogans recede into the darkness. Books sit unsold. Skateboarders skate as usual, navigating around standers and sitters. Girls with wild hair walk barefoot ala Woodstock. Police presence dwindles as the likelihood of serious problems nears zero. Most lack the ambition to stage or organize any significant protest. It is about community and fraternizing. It’s fodder for some of the best photo ops of people and some of the wildest juxtapositions in New York City.
It’s an inspiration and demonstration that here, polar opposites can coexist and befriend each other. Here, an orthodox Jew sits on the ground and mingles with the young, restless, nihilistic, and disenchanted. A few members of Hare Krishna dance entranced and encourage a handful of onlookers to join them. It’s a place where everything is illuminated but nothing is clear.
And it’s a Mecca for the Misfits 🙂
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Very Awkward, Part 2
Going Fetal (see Part 1 here)
Everyone assumed that this was a magnanimous marriage proposal. However, what I learned by talking to one of their friends is that these were two NYU students who had been in a relationship and broken up. The boy wanted to rejoin with the girl and decided to surprise her with an extraordinary public proposal to reunite.
Things did not go well. The girl made no eye contact at all with her courter for much of the time and spoke to him very little. She never did accept the rose he held and offered her. He had a microphone which he offered, but she essentially refused to speak. She smiled some and cried some. But mostly she stood stoically or cowered silently. It was an embarrassment for all and, to me, an inappropriate attempt to strong-arm a woman via the pressure of public display and make rejection much more difficult. But she stood her ground. If she does not want him, then good for her. I don’t see this kind of persuasion as an effective tactic for the success of a long-term relationship.
A large portion of my accompanying video for today’s story was shot by Hellen Osgood. When initially viewing it, I was disappointed that the running commentary by her husband Harvey was audible through most of the footage. However, on reviewing it and listening to what he had to say, I found his insightful thinking to be the best part of the event and much more interesting than watching the courted stonewalling her courter. His commentary was unintentionally very funny, offering much needed comic relief to a rather tragic affair. Below are some of Harvey’s pithy remarks. Please be reminded that at the time he made them, we all thought this was a marriage proposal.
What’s she going to do, have a nervous breakdown? Brilliant, brilliant. [sarcastically]
How do you say “no” in Japanese? This is nuts. You don’t go through this. You say, “Give me five minutes.” You gotta cut it short. How long can she stand there?
She can call a lifeline, can’t ya? Can’t you ask for help?
He doesn’t understand, this is her life, her destiny, right? And they’re playing music.Nice. She’s doing the right thing… she’s going in the fetal position. That’s what I would do under the circumstances, definitely. Go fetal on him. See what he can do about that. He he he he.
Oh nice, if she throws up, do you think he will get the hint? What if she just absolutely throws up, right there? That’s considered to be a very passive-aggressive action when someone proposes marriage to you and you throw up.
Is this strictly being done for her benefit and nobody else, like a Bob Dylan concert?
This is heavy-duty stuff.
Don’t shoot the piano player. He’s just an innocent bystander.
Sadly, this embarrassing affair could have easily been avoided by heeding the age-old admonition which was simply stated and sung by the Beatles in 1964: (money) Can’t Buy Me Love. But it sure can buy the Very Awkward 🙁
More on romance and couples: Big, Big Mistake (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3), Happy Valentine’s Day, Foolish World of the Fiscally Frivolous, The Perfect Gift, Get a Room, Be My Valentine, PDA, War…and Peace
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Very Awkward, Part 1
As any experienced man knows, flowers are the way to a woman’s heart. Experts have even done a number of studies corroborating what we knew all along. In my case, I had to relearn this lesson in the most painful way. I hope my lesson helped others avoid the mistake I made.
Yesterday, photographer friend Bill Shatto, always on the lookout for photo-worthy subjects, sent me a text with an image of a massive flower arrangement. When we spoke on the phone, he said that the whole affair might be blog-worthy. Bill is not one inclined to superlatives, and when he makes any kind of recommendation, it typically is a main event. So, reluctant to run out and shoot in the rain, nonetheless, I grabbed my camera and umbrella and made my way to Washington Square Arch.
The scene looked like the type of event requiring a permit. From a distance, I could make out a large truck standing by the arch. Someone was making a monumental statement. When I finally arrived, a small ensemble was playing music under the arch. A baby grand piano had been moved in, along with a full drum set. The centerpiece of the extravaganza was a huge number of roses clustered and arranged into a large heart. A small number of friends were on hand, as were a number of passersby. It appeared that someone was making a marriage proposal.
Coincidentally, on the scene were friends and neighborhood residents Hellen and Harvey Osgood, subjects of a previous story. Hellen had been filming the event, and the impression she had gathered was that things were not going as well as planned. I approached the couple involved, and the facts were somewhat different yet. Tomorrow, I will feature photos of the couple, video of the proposal, and why I believe the best phrase to describe the whole thing to be Very Awkward…
See Part 2 here.
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Trayvon Martin
In New York City, it is often difficult to gauge the merit of an issue by those who are most vocal about it. Unfortunately, there are many who will seek any opportunity to rally, protest, demonstrate, or just be part of something. This was the case yesterday in Union Square, where the events surrounding the killing of Trayvon Martin attracted a massive throng.There were those who came out saddened by the murder of the 17-year-old teenager, civil rights activists inflamed by the details of this case, and those who will attend virtually anything – protests and parades alike. The event saw its fair share of the indigent, insolent, indolent, and indignant, along with others muttering to themselves, screaming inanities, on rants and diatribes, and even verbally hostile to police officers who maintained composure.
However, reading over the details of the Trayvon incident, it not only is a senseless tragedy but also does appear to be an incident which casts light on very serious issues of racism and justice. George Zimmerman, 28, a white Hispanic and crime watch volunteer in a gated community in Sanford, Florida, told police that he shot Trayvon in self-defense after an altercation. Martin was walking home from a convenience store, where he had purchased iced tea and Skittles. Apart from the fact that the boy was unarmed, the protestors are particularly enraged and outraged that Martin’s killer, George Zimmerman, is still free and not charged. According to the New York Times:
Florida is among 21 states with a “Stand Your Ground Law,” which gives people wide latitude to use deadly force rather than retreat during a fight. The self-defense law helps explain why a neighborhood watch captain has not been arrested in the shooting death of an unarmed teenager.The Million Hoodie March for Trayvon Martin was hosted by Occupy Wall Street. Aside from the Trayvon Martin protest, numerous Occupy Wall Street agendas were addressed as well. Union Square was congested and pure pandemonium – massive police presence, vehicular traffic on one of Manhattan’s busiest thoroughfares, a major subway station closed, protestors, activists (Reverend Billy was on hand), pamphleteers, skateboarders, shoppers, police cars and emergency vehicles, buses, and chess players, undaunted, as they typically are.
Until justice is served, I am sure that this is not the last outcry to be heard surrounding the tragic death of Trayvon Martin 🙁
More protests: General Malaise Part 2, Vigil, Eyes on the Signs, Free Laura and Euna, Unemployed, Fall Out Against the War, Picture New York
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Keep It Fresh
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the annual event SantaCon, the sight of groups of Santas, large and small, carousing the streets of New York City, is extremely perplexing.
After rereading a story I wrote on December 10, 2007 called Surly Santas, it is apparent that at that time, I, too, was not aware as to the reason why a group of Santas was walking the streets and being naughty. I certainly was perplexed until 2009, when I finally was told about SantaCon and did a story involving New York City’s participation in the event.
Recently, on the way out of Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge on the day of SantaCon (December 10), I found that the streets were teeming with Santas. In the parks, on the sidewalks – everywhere you looked, it seemed there was a group of Santas to be found. I took a number of photos from my car.
Unfortunately, this event does start to feel like the same old thing, and although the event is officially a convention, effectively it does end up becoming a bar crawl for many, which generates late-night drunken revelry on the streets of New York City. The evidence of this is plain to see in neighborhoods like the Village, where inebriated Santas spill out of bars, wander the streets, and indulge in various acts of debauchery.
There is not much new to report in New York City, but I have learned that in San Francisco, where public nudity is legal, there was an effort this year to set the world record for the largest gathering of naked Santas, to be documented by Guinness (see video). Even Santa is not immune to worrying about being seen as the same ol’ same ol’. Whether he indulges in drunken revelry, a little lewdity, or nudity, he knows that you gotta Keep It Fresh 🙂
Related Posts: Easy as ABC, Dyker Lights, Santa
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Hakafot
My contact with Jewish people was quite limited growing up in New England. Moving to New York City changed the equation dramatically. Here, it felt like the city was dominated by Jewish people. Their culture was everywhere – in the food, in the slang with a heavy use of Yiddish, in the professions. I grew to love the tight, familial nature of Jewish people. Nearly all of my best friends have been Jewish.
One thing I quickly noticed was how Jews seemed to be having more fun. Their faith seemed to be virtually defined by celebration, and unlike the Catholic faith (which is how I grew up), many of the Jewish holidays were times to party. I often remarked how envious I was – the Jewish calendar had a minor holiday every few days and allowed for so many work days off.
Near my home is an NYU Chabad center. On October 20th, I noticed an inordinate number of students overflowing into the street. I had wanted to do a story on this center and the Chabad movement, so I inquired of one of the members if he thought photography would be allowed inside the center. He escorted me in and asked the Rabbi for me. I was told it would be possible, but any other time. Tonight was a big celebration.
It was suggested that if I wanted to see and photograph a big celebration, I should head to East 6th Street, where Simchat Torah would be taking place. The holiday celebration culminates in the Rejoicing with the Torah and the dancing of hakafot (for more information, see here). For New York City in the East Village, this literally means Dancing in the Street for hours into the night.
When I arrived, people were spilling out from the Community Synagogue Max D. Raiskin Ctr. at 325 East 6th Street. There were hundreds dancing, circling, and singing. I was asked to join in by one man. When I informed him that I was not Jewish, he told me it was no matter – everyone was welcome. There was a tremendous feeling of community. I was an interloper, secretly wishing that I had grown up with festival activities such as hakafot 🙂
Related Posts: Chutzpah, Woody Was Right, Shalom, Bagels
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Simple, But Effective
I imagine you had to be there to appreciate the humor. The same man who swore that there was no reason not to move to Santa Barbara (see Not Going Anywhere here) was known for his pithy aphorisms. Some years ago, he offered one of my favorites.
When fanfare, drama, and over-the-top displays are all around, how do you distinguish yourself? If you have traveled to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, during the Christmas holiday season, you know what I am talking about (see stories here and here; see photo galleries here and here). With fierce pride, ego, and in the one-upmanship style often found among New York City residents, the Christmas displays in Dyker Heights have reached outrageous proportions. You’re certainly not going to stand out or even be noticed unless you take a radically different approach. And not everyone has the financial means or the motivation to stage a Disneyesque extravaganza on their front lawn.
One holiday season, I was on one of my first visits touring the neighborhood with friends. One of our group was that very same man who made the threat regarding moving to Santa Barbara. As we cruised the area, we would periodically see a nice, elegant, but very modest display.
As we passed these types of very simple displays, often perhaps just a string of lights in a single color hung elegantly in a tree, our friend would roll down his window in order to show respect, observe seriously as one might admire a fine work of art, and then state very approvingly with the utmost gravitas, “Simple, but effective.” This became the night’s refrain as, from time to time, any one of us spotting an appropriate candidate would call out, “Simple, but effective.” We loved it, and in the context of the evening as we became numbed by the extravagant displays, the phrase became hilarious and a mantra we would use for years to come whenever simple elegance reigned.
On Monday night at the Village Halloween Parade, I began to weary of the costumes and overwhelming experience of it all – the crowds, traffic, police, media, competing photographers, and noise. I even began to tire of the brilliant creativity and wonderful pageantry. A fellow photographer actually came over to me, said that I looked too serious, and suggested that I enjoy it. After all, it was a parade. Lest I be seen as a burnt out curmudgeon, I will tell you that all of my friends, most of whom are long-time residents of the Village, have not gone to the parade in many eons – it’s just too much work if you have done it already. In my case, only my ability to get a press pass and enter the parade gives me incentive to go.
I was not particularly focused – the sheer volume of paraders makes it impossible to see even a small number of the best costumes. Invariably, I am disappointed to see the most interesting participants following the parade night when looking at other photos.
However, in all the mayhem, I spotted one woman who shone through it all with her simple costume. Perhaps you might want to say that this woman’s makeup strains the definition of “simple”. In a vacuum, you may be right, but at the annual Village Halloween Parade, it could easily be considered simple. So, my hat off to her for such a stunning costume amid the night’s festivities, achieved in a manner that we may say is Simple, But Effective 🙂
Photo Note: This photo was to be included as the featured photo on yesterday’s parade posting, yet ironically, it was overlooked, buried on my computer desktop. When I was busy this morning closing all the parade photos, there it was, having been lost in the fanfare and flurry. This story immediately came to mind as I reflected on how one must be attentive or beauty can be missed, particularly when it is simple, but effective.
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Halloween Parade 2011
My fifth year at the annual Village Halloween Parade. A spectacular event. See my previous postings for photos and information about the parade: Halloween Parade 2010, Halloween Parade 2009, Halloween Parade 2008 Part 1 and Part 2, Village Halloween Parade 2007 #1 and #2, Village Parade 2007 Preview, Village Halloween Parade 2006 , Halloween Parade 2006 Preview
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General Malaise, Part 2
(see Part 1 here)
It’s a music festival, political protest, slumber party, social club, and bookstore. A place for the activist, party goer, malcontent, happy hippie, angry man, disenfranchised, frustrated, and defiant. It’s Occupy Wall Street. And there, you will find a General Malaise.
Related Posts: Eyes on the Signs, False Assumptions, Fall Out Against the War
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General Malaise, Part 1
I generally avoid “covering” news events – a short blog article rarely does a subject justice. And there are certainly better sources for such topics, as well as news journalists qualified to do the investigatory work.
But Occupy Wall Street has become such a phenomenon that even in the city with all that goes on, the demonstrations, marches, and occupation of Liberty Park is a topic of conversation amongst almost any group of people. I have been asked by virtually everyone I meet whether I have been down to the demonstration area, as well as whether I would write and photograph about this demonstration.
What is most remarkable is the lack of specificity regarding the goals of the movement. This very lack of goals has been the dominant issue in discussions about the event, both by the news media and the public. It is so odd to have a major political movement that is defined by not being defined. There are a number of specific complaints. Different groups with different agendas are part of the movement, such as We Are the 99 Percent. But taken all together, the whole thing feels like a general malaise.
I recently visited the headquarters for the demonstrators – Zucotti Park, now dubbed Liberty Park, located at Cedar Street and Broadway. I was surprised to see such a large encampment in the heart of New York City’s financial district. The occupation is scheduled to last 60 days, ending in mid-November. The occupants are a strange hybrid, like political protest meets Rainbow Gathering. There are also booksellers and entertainers. I timed my visit with a major march, which can be seen in the photos. I did not witness any violence or arrests, although I understand that there were some police actions and allegations of excessive force.
There’s anger, frustration, confusion, and finger pointing. It’s a very serious case of General Malaise.
See Part 2 here for more photos and a video.
Related Posts: Eyes on the Signs, False Assumptions, Fall Out Against the War
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Smile by Fire
On May 15, 2008, I wrote Mesmerized about my childhood fascination with fire. On April 29, 2009, in Little Stuff, I told of my play with bottle rockets as a young adult. In And You Can’t Make Me, I recounted my short-lived defiance of my father while playing with matches.
What I haven’t told is how playing with matches led to a fire. While playing in a field behind a Howard Johnson restaurant with a childhood “friend,” I was egged on by said “friend” to get more aggressive in the lighting of grasses. Unfortunately, this led to a small fire which quickly grew beyond our control to be large enough that a firetruck was called. Through some good fortune, I was never implicated; I recall watching the blaze and firemen with my mother from our front stoop, she not realizing that I was the perpetrator.
As part of the product line for my business, I sell many articles used for fire juggling and spinning. Some of my customers use these products just recreationally, while others use them more seriously as professionals in performance. And some, like Chris Flambeaux, have turned fire into a lifestyle.
Chris has been a customer for over 20 years, and his interest in fire has evolved into creation of his performance troupe, Flambeaux Fire. The extravaganza features everything on fire: an aerial act, fire fan manipulation, fire poi swinging, and brandishing of an array of headpieces and other torch accoutrements. Performers work on stage, within circles of fire, and also on stilts, walking through the audience:
Chris hails from Scotland; his Scottish accent is only one of many weapons in his arsenal of charm. Always friendly, accommodating, and courteous, a visit by him and a look at his work just illustrates how flames are not necessarily destructive or evil. In the hands of Chris Flambeaux, we see the beauty and can Smile by Fire 🙂
Related Posts: Rhino Rolling in Mud, Impossible, Palehorse Productions, Circus Amok
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Not Of Them
We live in a time when there is a perception that you can find everything on the Internet. Shopping, dating, socializing, employment, video, film, TV, music, travel arrangements, reviews, activity listings, books, and massive information. Certainly it is one of the most transforming technologies in humankind.
However, from a different perspective, it is only a tool to better the human condition and facilitate those things that humans love to do. Many still do not use the Internet at all, and others feel that it is a crippling, not enabling, technology. Some who hold these beliefs are quite young – not just old curmudgeons, as one might expect.
Even in New York City in 2011, there is an underground world of people, places, and things which can not be learned about via the Internet or any way other than by being personally connected. These things are cultish by nature, and the lack of information, either printed or electronic, is part of the allure and a necessary condition for participants to find authentic. A corollary will be, of course, the lack of marketing hype or any commercialization whatsoever. Although well-known at this point, the Burning Man festival very much embodies this spirit.
What may come as a surprise to many is that there is a burning community in New York City that is alive and well, comprised of individuals who enjoy fire manipulation in all its forms – fire hoops, fire poi, fire staff, fire juggling. Gatherings are very much like flash mobs, occurring spontaneously on short notice with changing venues. Open fire is not legal in this city, so the nefarious nature of these gatherings is further understandable. They are typically late-night and often continue on into the wee hours of the morning. For many, 6 AM typically means it’s bedtime, not a time to wake up.
Last week, I was told of a burn that was to take place in a park in the far East Village along the East River. Aware of these burns for some time, I decided to make a visit. Performers took turns doing fire routines to a backdrop of vehicles whizzing by on the FDR expressway. There was no hierarchy, structure, or schedule. I lurked in the shadows taking photos and video – no problem, as others were doing the same.
I left early, at 11:15PM. The person that told me of the gathering arrived after that time and told me they burned until 6AM, wandering to other locations. Many of these participants were customers, and at one time, I may have been inclined to introduce and ingratiate myself. But I am wiser now, and although I was happy to be invited by a member of the community, I know I was only with them, not of them 🙂
Related Posts: Birds of a Feather Tied Together, Supercute!, Signature, Circus Amok, You Don’t Say
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Just Another Day
In Because It’s Not, I wrote of a philosophy that I and many of my peers once shared: that birthdays and holidays really had little meaning because, in fact, they were “just another day.” We defended this position and, of course, it can be easily defended on utilitarian grounds.
However, one relationship with a woman changed all that. She was the consummate planner, participant and lover of social gatherings. A discussion once ensued about my view concerning special days carried over from my youth. She made a very simple point. To her, holidays, birthdays and anniversaries were just opportunities to celebrate.
It was finally beginning to sink in. This was about nurturing the human spirit, not about living life from a practical perspective – so easy to get lost in when living in a place like New York City, where many define their existence by money, careers and other achievements. My awakening was further cemented by other conversations, particularly one that inspired my story, Let’s Have a Parade.
Today is my birthday, and for a number of reasons, I had indicated that I wanted no party, in spite of efforts of a number of friends to plan one. After some reflection and soul searching, I have decided to read my own writing and take my own advice. It is also a time to be less self-centered and let others express their love for others and their joie de vivre. It’s time to let others have a parade and share in it, not rain on it. I will be celebrating my birthday – I will not treat it like it’s Just Another Day 🙂
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Just Married
I had intended to travel to City Hall on Sunday morning to witness and photograph New York’s first day of legal same-sex marriage. However, my reluctance to set out early morning to brave another day of heat and humidity prevented me from doing so.
Late at night, before returning home, I was alerted by a friend that one gay couple that had been married was lingering in Washington Square Park. How fortuitous – part of the event had come to me.
I sprinted over to the couple and congratulated them. I learned that Sas Velez, 49 and Mery Napoles, 47, were the last couple to be married – something that garnered media attention. Sas showed me their ticket, numbered 685.The couple currently lives in New Jersey. Sas, who hails from Brooklyn, and Mery, born in Cuba, were previously married in Massachusetts but felt that they wanted to do this in New York City – a place they both feel is their spiritual home and where they work.
They were a warm, wonderful couple and were happy to accommodate my request for photos, answer any questions I asked about details of their relationship, and allow me to make them public.Mery (in the wedding dress) has 4 children by a previous marriage – Catherine, Amanda, Kristen and Evan. This was a marriage with full openness regarding Mery’s sexual orientation. She never had an intimate relationship with a woman until age 40, when she met Sas.
This was a watershed event for gay couples, which was a long time coming. I understand that there were some naysayers at the event, brandishing signs that read “God Cannot Be Mocked.” These, however, are becoming the lone voices in a rapidly changing world.
Before leaving, I asked Sas for their full names and email addresses. When she had completed writing, I noticed that only one email address had been given (Sas’s). As I began to ask for Mery’s, Sas gestured with her finger pointing back and forth to both of them while saying that perhaps I did not need both emails, since they were together. Ah, yes, for a moment I had forgotten – they were an item now, since they had Just Married…
Related Posts: Vigil, No Red Faces, Buddies, Pride March, Gay Liberation Monument, Rubyfruit Bar and Grill