Snow mounds in New York City are like shag carpeting in a cheap motel - better not look too deep inside, because the contents are not pleasant at all. And no need to, because soon, when melted, all will be revealed.
To some, mounds of snow appear to be a good place to discard all manner of trash and for their dogs to do any business. As if somehow the refuse will take on the properties of snow and melt along with it or perhaps, seeing dirty piles of snow as sanctioned trash receptacles, permitting them to add to it incrementally.
Whatever the case, when snow accumulates in this city (and it does from time to time) and is shoveled and plowed, remaining piles can become temporary embalming sites.
For a time, dirty mountains of snow become temples for garbage. Trash pickups are reduced by the city and street sweeping delayed until snow is gone. Bags of garbage accumulate to adorn the mountains of dirty snow.
Just as autumn leaves require certain conditions for optimal fall foliage color, ideal conditions for large captures within snow temples also exist - amount of snow, length of time on the street, temperatures during various periods with adequate time where the snow is soft enough to swallow and entomb any trash deposited on it. A nice freeze gives the whole thing the aura of secret treasure until the days of melting. I’m reminded of the 50 cent secret prize of childhood that you could order, guaranteed to be of greater value than 50 cents. That prize, unlike the treasures entombed in the gray snow temples of New York City, was worth waiting for Read the rest of this entry »

New York Daily Photo started originally as a photoblog, a publishing format where postings are driven by photos rather than text. In time, however, with an interest in research, small descriptions grew to longer articles. With an interest in giving subjects a less clinical and more personal view, I have drawn from anecdotes in my life and the writing in many postings may be better described as stories and are more about the about the story than the photo. Now there is an expectation, both on your part and subsequently on mine, of writing.
I have come to really enjoy the writing of this blog and recently, in reading about writing short works, I came across an entire genre of fiction I was completely unaware of - flash fiction aka sudden fiction, microfiction, nanofiction, micro-story, postcard fiction, and short short story. There are even types of fiction which use exact word counts: 55 Fiction (55 words), the Drabble (100 words), the Drouble (double Drabble or 200 words) and the 69er (as the name suggests). There is no better time for flash fiction with the growth of visual media, competition for everyone’s time, sound bites and the decline of book reading.
The bane of nearly every student of English in High School was the dreaded writing assignment where there was a word length requirement. For me, being somewhat verbose, these assignments were not quite as painful, but there still was always the concern that I would not have enough truly meaningful things to say. Certainly there is value in exposition and learning articulation skills, but there also is much to be said for one’s words sparingly and not padding the writing. I am sure flash fiction would have been heartily welcomed in my English classes.
Flash fiction is, of course, not without its critics. In the same way that assignments with minimum word lengths may encourage verbosity, some feel that flash fiction with maximum or exact word lengths is no better, artificially pare a story down, where perhaps a few more words may have improved the story. I think there is value, at the very least, to use flash fiction as a writing exercise.
I hope you enjoyed today’s unnecessary digression because after all, not only is brevity the soul of wit, but this picture should be able to speak for itself and be worth at least four hundred and one words Read the rest of this entry »

Walk Quickly, Hurry, Run - I am running out of unique words and phrases to convey the urgency to you if you want to see Olde New York before it disappears completely. Vesuvio has just closed. This was my first posting on March 17, 2006 - see it here. The choice of making it a first posting was not whimsical at all - Vesuvio was emblematic of the quintessential small family run business. Its images were used everywhere to represent New York City.
There are many places which have closed since I started this website in 2006. Some I captured before closing, some immediately after and some I did not get the opportunity to photograph at all.
Manny’s Music at 111 West 48th Street is one of those places that goes beyond nostalgia and providing a basic service. This is a business that had an influence and provided musicians the tools of their trade for 74 years. The business was started by saxophone salesman Manny Goldrich in 1935, passed on to his son Henry who then passed it on to his two sons in 1998. In 1964, Manny died at the age of 64. See more photos of the store here.
Manny’s is not just a great mom and pop store - this establishment is a legacy business with a unique heritage. Over the course of many decades, hundreds of legendary musicians have passed through their doors. Their signed photos signed cover the walls - Jimi Hendrix, Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, U2, Nirvana are just a few among the crowd. This display, known as their Wall of Fame, has been documented by in a book by the same name.
In 1999, Manny’s was sold to rival Sam Ash, located across 48th street on the block known as music row. The word is however, that larger business interests are slowly accumulating all the properties on the street and that Sam Ash will also meet its demise.
So if you have been making a checklist of places to see and things to do in New York, add Manny’s, which is scheduled to close at the end of May, 2009. And don’t walk, run … Read the rest of this entry »

The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry. I am not against planning nor do I fully embrace an unbridled, reckless, impulsive lifestyle. However, I do believe that, especially in New York City, being spontaneous can be rewarding and lead to some pleasant surprises. I highly recommend occasionally wandering this city with no agenda. Looking through the postings I have done on this website, the majority of the most interesting experiences were the unplanned. One of the most remarkable was my running into a major street healing with internationally renowned preacher Todd Bentley - see it here. Of course planning the unplanned is itself a tricky proposition and can lead to forced spontaneity, with results perhaps as unsatisfying as over planning.
With none of these thoughts in mind, and just meandering the streets on a warmish evening, my steps led me to Terra Blues (see my article here). I thought I would take a quick peek inside. It was after 11 PM. There is no cover charge at these times, so I walked right in. Typically, this club is quiet on a week night.
I was rather shocked to find the place jammed, with the feeling of a religious revival meeting. The leader of the band, who I was later to learn was Slam Allen, was walking and working the audience, shaking hands and greeting everyone in the middle of his music set. Extremely amiable - Slam appears to make bonding with an audience the absolute center of his performances. At one point, a woman started singing to him in a voice which, if not trained, was startlingly confident. In New York City, any performer should be prepared for this - I have often seen talent in an audience which is greater than that of the performer.
Many performers would give something like this a lukewarm reception and patronizing approval, perhaps feeling upstaged. But Slam was wowed, not threatened nor competitive at all and without hesitation insisted she join him onstage. They did a number together - the photo is a still image from a short video I took - you can see the one minute clip here. Be forewarned - the quality of the video is rather unpolished, as the spontaneous often is …

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In cities like New York and Paris, where living spaces are smaller and street life is so vibrant, cabin fever and the craving for spring reach a leve where people become irrational in their desire for warm weather activities and wardrobe. A hint of spring and some are dressing for August - at 60 plus degrees I am seeing flip-flop sandals, shorts and T-Shirts. And beach goers. You get a feeling that their summer wear is waiting by their doors, lest they risk spending even a second outdoors in clothing even a bit too heavy for the day’s warmest moment.
I am seeing tables dotting the sidewalks and people with coats on eating al fresco with temperatures in the 50s. The snowstorm of only one week ago is alreadyforgotten.
Preferences for climate and season are as varied as people themselves, but who is it that is that is not pleased by a coming spring? And what place is not improved by the onset of spring, a time synonymous with renewal?
The photo was taken on the rocky beach in Dumbo at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge looking northwest towards Manhattan - you can read about it here with more photos. This area is one of the most scenic in New York City - both the neighborhood itself with buildings, cobblestone streets, the East River waterfront; our trinity of bridges (Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg) and vistas of the Manhattan skyline. That’s a lot of punch for your dollar and these people were delighted to spend it Read the rest of this entry »

To launch a website for a new product line of hoops, we wanted photos that would differentiate us from other vendors. We decided to go for imaging which would have an unmistakable New York City look. What better place than a rooftop with views of water tanks, ventilators, high rise buildings and the Empire State Building? Or the waterfront in Brooklyn with the Brooklyn Bridge as backdrop?
Of course we needed a hooper who not only has the skills but was not afraid of heights. We happened to know just the person.
Meet Viktoria Shvartsman, professional contortionist, acrobat, aerialist, hand balancer, juggler and hooper. When I asked prior to the shoot, just as a formality, if she was afraid of heights, she laughed and said “absolutely not.” Perfect, because we wanted precarious looking stunts. The afternoon photoshoot was split between the rooftop and Brooklyn waterfront in the Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Viktoria is the fifth generation of a circus performing family that dates back to 1912 in Russia. Her older sister Gena and younger sister Maria also are performers, as well as her father and mother. Here is a photo from 2002 of the entire family including her mother, father and myself in my studio. If you would like to see a performance montage of her act - you can find it here.
Viktoria has acted and modeled. She has been in two international circus competitions, including the world circus competition in Italy and Premier Rampe in Monte Carlo. She has been in varioius TV shows including ABC Family “Switched” and performed in numerous venues: Busch Gardens Tampa, Hannaford, Cirque Du Joir, Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus, Circus Hamid, Circus circus, Grand Tunica. Mohegan Sun.
I have known her since she was a young girl. Like her two sisters, she is an extremely pleasant and personable. Very talented, confident but humble. And now you know Viktoria’s secret

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The city daily photo concept was started by journalist Eric Tenin of Paris in March, 2005 with Paris Daily Photo. The original idea was to show a daily slice of life in Paris. The idea spread to now include hundreds of cities worldwide. The idea is a noble one, however, most readers do not want to be privy all the mundane chores of everyday living, so Eric’s site, like most of the others, show a side of daily life of interest to outsiders which includes a spectrum of the more known to lesser known.
There are many things which are both unique and so commonplace in many locales that they are part of the fabric of that city or town, but perhaps not blogworthy or worthy of inclusion in a travel guide. The establishments every resident knows and uses. One of those places in New York City is Duane Reade, a local chain of stores that dominate the pharmacy business and is part of the love-hate relationship many New Yorkers have with this city.
At one time, there were only TWO all night drug stores in Manhattan. A late night pharmacy was a huge deal. Now Duane Reade is ubiquitous and New Yorkers are spoiled - we all just assume that a Duane Reade is a few steps away. And they are, with over 240 locations throughout the five boroughs and nearby suburbs, 59 of which are open 24 hours (5 with a 24-hour pharmacy). Two locations offer walk-in medical care.
However, although on paper these places seem like a godsend, many tend to fall down in service and overall management. Like many discount operations in New York City, getting good help at low wages who will take their jobs seriously is difficult. The experience in this chain tends to be uneven. There is even a blog ihateduanereade.
But the situation is really quite similar to the arrival of big box behemoths like Home Depot or Kmart. While many bemoan their presence, complaining of service and quality of product, many secretly appreciate the pricing, selection and hours.
One of the big factors in this equation is the walking nature of the city. In the suburbs, most customer patronage of retail stores is not so much a function of proximity to one’s home or neighborhood - bad service or better pricing and customers will just drive elsewhere.
But in NYC, neighborhood delis and drugstores have virtual captive audiences - most residents will shop at the most convenient location to their home or office. Add competitive pricing and late hours to the mix and you can see why service is overlooked.
The quality of the Duane Reade establishments themselves vary quite a bit - some are newer and more spacious than others. I was surprised with this one in the Times Square area, appropriately (but atypically) with neon-framed windows. Quite visible to the person in need, but invisible to the visitor awed by the other lights on Broadway …

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This is not a story of vanishing New York, fading New York, forgotten New York, lost New York or End of an Era. This is the survival of tradition. Olde New York. It does exist. And you can find it at Colony Records. See photos inside here.
Colony Records was founded by Harold S. Grossbardt and partner, Sidney Turk, in 1948. Born in Brooklyn, Harold started work after the seventh grade. He was a salesman at Melody Music Shop in Brooklyn and Colony Sporting Goods located at 52nd Street and Broadway in Manhattan.
When Colony closed for business, Grosshardt took it over and renamed it Colony Records. In 1970, they moved to the current location in the Brill Building at 1619 Broadway at 49th Street. The Brill Building is its own story. Built in 1931, the building became a center for music publishing - by the 1960s there were an estimated 165 music-related businesses in the building. Colony records became a central fixture of Tin Pan Alley. Located here in the heart of the music and theater districts with nightclubs like the Copacabana and Birdland, it was convenient to concertgoers and musical artists. Colony has seen a parade of legendary artists throught its shop, including names like John Lennon, Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra.
I was impressed by Colony’s enormous selection of sheet music - reportedly the city’s largest. They also sell vintage vinyl records, CDs, karaoke and have an interesting memorabilia selection. They also have posters and photos for sale.
Of course the survival of these emporiums is never guaranteed. So if you want to see them, I would not say you have to run, but perhaps you should walk quickly ...

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I intended to tell you what I knew for sure. However, after reflection, I realize it would only be what I thought I knew. So, I will tell you what I saw.
What am I talking about? I was drinking a juice on the second floor of Whole Foods Market on Union Square at 10PM. The second floor has tables and has been designated as a space for eating food purchased by customers. It is a very casual, cafe type of atmosphere.
The place was abuzz with nearly every table occupied even at that late hour. A man who had two overfilled bags knocked into my table while stepping on my foot. His canvas bags were stuffed with all manner of goods including what appeared to be an empty paper coffee cup.
The most noticeable thing about this man was his enormous bulk from his layers of coats. He removed his large outer coat and went off briefly, leaving his bags unattended. He returned rather quickly with a paper plate of pasta - however, it felt it too quick to have have gone through the Whole Foods line queue. So this is where I started to pay attention.
He took his plate of food to the microwave provided by Whole Foods for reheating of food. I say reheating because a sign was clearly posted that the microwave was for reheating only. After pondering this for some time, I realized that due to the volume of people and with what appears to be no one policing the floor, the space and services offered are most likely used by the homeless - warm places to sit, water fountains, bathrooms with some perhaps preparing meals from foods brought from outside.
The mechanics of survival of the homeless, quasi-homeless and severely disadvantaged are seen by most of us in sight bites. I am sure that there is an undocumented survival guide known by many of the have-nots which enumerate the soup kitchens, public bathrooms and best places to pass time such as bookstore cafes and public spaces - libraries, bus and train stations, places to sleep and how to get or recycle food. I am reminded of stories I have read of the old Horn & Hardart automats of New York City, where poor writers often made tomato soup from ketchup and hot water or bought tea with bread and made pickle relish sandwiches.
The man ate and left as quickly as he came. I have made an assumption about him - I could be very close or very far from the truth. I have seen him frequently in public parks. Knowing the source of that pasta would have told me much more …

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Let’s get the negatives out of the way. M&Ms or MARS group does not need to be promoted. We don’t need to market candy to children. Do we need a two-story shrine to M&Ms candy in Times Square? Is this another sign of the dumbing down of society? Why does a product like this need to be branded and line extended ad nauseum? Is this further evidence that shopping has now become America’s favorite pastime and that, as Reverend Billy has warned for some time, that we have excessive consumerism and a nation of shopaholics? Perhaps, but this is the the best economic times for anti-consumerist messages.
The M&M Store at 1600 Broadway at Times Square, like the Coca Cola or Warner Brothers stores, is a quintessential example of branding merchandise and merchandising a brand. There is application of the M&M iconography to every possible consumer item. And, of course, there is plenty of candy - self serve M&Ms in large, transparent tubes in a staggering array of colors - for those who like blue, you can get Blue, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Teal or Aqua. See more photos of the interior of the store here. The exterior of the store has an enormous, spectacularly bright LED panel display. See my photos and story, Let’s Have a Parade.
Technology is not the only thing to see enormous advancement. Business and associated vocabulary have also become highly refined. Brand has become a buzzword in business marketing and the term now extends past its original business usage. The meaning of brand at one time was much narrower and more specific, usually limited to consumer products like food or appliances. Pepsi or GE was a brand.
The first time I saw the word brand used in a broader sense was in a TV interview with Joseph R. Francis, the founder of Girls Gone Wild. In that interview, Francis referred to the Girls Gone Wild brand. I was surprised to learn that filming young naked girls could be a brand or franchise, or at least referred to as such. Since that time I have become very sensitized to the use of the words brand and branding as well as merchandising itself.
But let us not forget another part of the picture, lest the curmudgeon squash all of life’s fun. These are M&Ms - one of the icons of our childhood and virtually synonymous with pleasure. And they don’t melt in your hands

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