The Wild Westside
June 18, 2013
Today began by the class meeting at Penn Station like always at 11 a.m. We then walked by foot down Broadway and ended in the Pedestrian Zone. This Pedestrian zone was made so more people would be able to go there and be able to avoid the busy streets and can sit down and relax. We then walked over to Times Square on 42nd Street. Before 1904 Times Square was dominated by horse carriages, factories and stables. It definitely not like today with cars, bikes and all of the lights and buildings. Also called the "The Great White Way" it was seen as a great attraction which in the years ahead would have billboards and electrically enhanced lights and posters. By 1928, about 80 theaters were in operation (BG, Page 217). But then by the 1970's, drugs and prostitution had taken over and was not the great destination spot it is today. Today it is much cleaner and safer and is definitely a historic location (BG, Page 218).
The next stop was the G.E. building which is alongside Rockefeller Center. This building contains various shops and also is the location of NBC studios. These shops seemed very high end and there were a variety of different stores. Rockefeller Center is a major tourist attraction. With the skating rink in the winter and in the summer many events it is definitely a place where many people visit (BG, Pages 243 - 252). I have never really visited Rockefeller Center in the summer so it was weird seeing it without the ice skating rink or the famous Christmas tree. It was also cool seeing the mural that was in the G.E. building by Josep Maria Sert. The mural is very grand and only enhances the building's beauty.
The next stop was the Museum of Modern Art. Throughout the 1940s' and the 1950s' the museum continued to blaze new territory, increasing collections, and filling up exhibitions with Pollock, Turner, Warhol and many more (BG, Page 260). We went through the 5th floor which had paintings by Van Gogh, like his famous "Starry Night", Seurat, Picasso and Monet (BG, Page 262 - 263). "Starry Night" is a very famous painting that has had the admiration of many artists and people in general. Picasso also has notable paintings here. His cubism style is very unique because of this use of geometric shapes while still showing a clear picture. Some are even said to look like a jigsaw puzzle (BG, Page 265). On the 4th floor, which contained paintings from the late 1940s and late 1960s, we saw paintings from Pollock and Andy Warhol (BG, Page 266). Pollock is an artist whose art has had many media and admiration. To any person it may look like splattered paints but for most it is amazing art. To learn that this art was a mistake and wasn't initially planned was very astonishing because it has become so famous for such a simple way of painting. Andy Warhol's was probably my favorite because it seemed like he made his art from anything he saw in his life. Like the Campbell's Soup Cans, we are able to see his uniqueness and his different style (BG, Page 268). Overall, this museum was very enjoyable and definitely caught my attention with all the different artists there.
We than went to the Thai restaurant Yum Yum 2. I have never really eaten that kind of food but I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. After that we took the 3 train to 125th street in Harlem which was our last stop for the day. Harlem is said to be the most famous center of African American life and culture in the United States. It attracted Dutch farmers who in 1658 founded this new ground. They developed mansions and estates which attracted more and more people (BG, Page 437). This is also where the "Harlem Renaissance" took place in the years 1924 to 1929. This is where literature, art, music and political thinking grew and especially Jazz became a symbol in Harlem. The great Martin Luther King has also grace these streets as well as other famous figures because of the Apollo theater (BG, Page 440). We had meet with our tour guide where he showed us the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. state building which is the congressman's building in Harlem. Unfortunately we were unable to complete the rest of the tour because of rain but he definitely told us a lot about the history of Harlem and how far it has come.
June 18, 2013
Today began by the class meeting at Penn Station like always at 11 a.m. We then walked by foot down Broadway and ended in the Pedestrian Zone. This Pedestrian zone was made so more people would be able to go there and be able to avoid the busy streets and can sit down and relax. We then walked over to Times Square on 42nd Street. Before 1904 Times Square was dominated by horse carriages, factories and stables. It definitely not like today with cars, bikes and all of the lights and buildings. Also called the "The Great White Way" it was seen as a great attraction which in the years ahead would have billboards and electrically enhanced lights and posters. By 1928, about 80 theaters were in operation (BG, Page 217). But then by the 1970's, drugs and prostitution had taken over and was not the great destination spot it is today. Today it is much cleaner and safer and is definitely a historic location (BG, Page 218).
The next stop was the G.E. building which is alongside Rockefeller Center. This building contains various shops and also is the location of NBC studios. These shops seemed very high end and there were a variety of different stores. Rockefeller Center is a major tourist attraction. With the skating rink in the winter and in the summer many events it is definitely a place where many people visit (BG, Pages 243 - 252). I have never really visited Rockefeller Center in the summer so it was weird seeing it without the ice skating rink or the famous Christmas tree. It was also cool seeing the mural that was in the G.E. building by Josep Maria Sert. The mural is very grand and only enhances the building's beauty.
The next stop was the Museum of Modern Art. Throughout the 1940s' and the 1950s' the museum continued to blaze new territory, increasing collections, and filling up exhibitions with Pollock, Turner, Warhol and many more (BG, Page 260). We went through the 5th floor which had paintings by Van Gogh, like his famous "Starry Night", Seurat, Picasso and Monet (BG, Page 262 - 263). "Starry Night" is a very famous painting that has had the admiration of many artists and people in general. Picasso also has notable paintings here. His cubism style is very unique because of this use of geometric shapes while still showing a clear picture. Some are even said to look like a jigsaw puzzle (BG, Page 265). On the 4th floor, which contained paintings from the late 1940s and late 1960s, we saw paintings from Pollock and Andy Warhol (BG, Page 266). Pollock is an artist whose art has had many media and admiration. To any person it may look like splattered paints but for most it is amazing art. To learn that this art was a mistake and wasn't initially planned was very astonishing because it has become so famous for such a simple way of painting. Andy Warhol's was probably my favorite because it seemed like he made his art from anything he saw in his life. Like the Campbell's Soup Cans, we are able to see his uniqueness and his different style (BG, Page 268). Overall, this museum was very enjoyable and definitely caught my attention with all the different artists there.
We than went to the Thai restaurant Yum Yum 2. I have never really eaten that kind of food but I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. After that we took the 3 train to 125th street in Harlem which was our last stop for the day. Harlem is said to be the most famous center of African American life and culture in the United States. It attracted Dutch farmers who in 1658 founded this new ground. They developed mansions and estates which attracted more and more people (BG, Page 437). This is also where the "Harlem Renaissance" took place in the years 1924 to 1929. This is where literature, art, music and political thinking grew and especially Jazz became a symbol in Harlem. The great Martin Luther King has also grace these streets as well as other famous figures because of the Apollo theater (BG, Page 440). We had meet with our tour guide where he showed us the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. state building which is the congressman's building in Harlem. Unfortunately we were unable to complete the rest of the tour because of rain but he definitely told us a lot about the history of Harlem and how far it has come.
Lower Manhattan and Captivating Chelsea
June 20, 2013
As always our class met at Penn Station at 11 am. We took the subway to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall and walked over to our first tour which was City Hall itself. We met our tour guide who told us about the history of this historic landmark. This City Hall is the oldest of all others. It is used for governmental purposes and is the 3rd City Hall. In the end of the 1600's the British decided to build a larger City Hall and by this point the city only had reached a mile and the plan was to expand it. After a bet for best design in 1803 with only $350 on the line, two designers created the design for this building which had been built out mostly of marble. But as time passed the marble was getting damaged and made the building not look as prosperous and the marble was then replaced with limestone. The inside of the building is just as beautiful with the stair case and the dome shaped ceiling. We were led into the governors room which was full of portraits of great majors and also George Washington alone with the desk that he signed his inaugural. It was also interesting to learn that Abraham Lincoln's coffin was in this very building (Tour Guide). The City Hall with all its collections of portraits of majors and 19th century celebrities is a historic landmark with beauty that has lasted for years (BG, Page 83).
We then visited St. Paul's Chapel which today has an amazing 9-11 memorial. It was so amazing to see all the police badges and hats and also pictures of the people involved It was so moving seeing all the people there taking their time to see the pictures and come together to remember such an event. It is the oldest church who figures like George Washington have visited. After 9-11 many workers stayed here and this location is also right in front of where the towers were so it was greatly impacted. As we went through the church and went to the back we saw only a glimpse of the World Trade Center today. We could all here construction and I became very excited because I had yet to see the site since construction began after 9-11. It was exciting to know we would be able to go into the memorial and tour the amazing site it has become. The World Trade Center as every one knows was a complex of seven buildings which on September 11, 2001 were destroyed when Islamic terrorists intentionally crashed two planes into the twin towers. It was a historic moment in history in which New York was at a stand still and everyone was shocked and confused at the same time. But to honor those who have fallen from that tragedy, a number of new buildings including the Freedom Tower and also two pools of water representing the footprints of the towers are now at the site. The famous architect Daniel Libeskind is now famous for making such a beautiful memorial that is now a place where those who lost ones as well as all New Yorker's could go and remember that day (BG, Page 62). After that we went South along Broadway to the Wall Street where we went to the NY Stock Exchange and checked out the Federal Hall National Monument where George Washington was sworn as our first President. Wall Street is New York's financial industry. Where it only was finance related businesses is now full of hotels and restaurants because many corporations had relocated after the 9-11 attacks. It is although still the most famous financial district. We also visited Battery Park. Although we didn't get to go in we could see its historic background. With sights of the Statue of Liberty it is a historic landmark that many people visit. It is a 23 acre park that offers a spectacular view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty as well as other monuments (BG, Page 46). There was also a damages sculpture from 9-11 there.
Chelsea which includes the Meatpacking District remains and still gives the neighborhood its working class edge (BG, Page 184). The Chelsea Market is also a place is that is very popular here. It was filled with shops offering high-quality foods and wines and other things. It was also cool to know that Oreo's were invented there (BG, 186). We than went on the High Line. It was built in the 19th century and New York's Central Railroad used to run at street level down 11th and along 10th Avenue. But after a while it became clogged with traffic and the trains became dirty and eventually the tracks became very dangerous. Freights trains were then used to resolve this issue. It is now not used for train service but as a great place to see the gorgeous Chelsea views. Now luxury buildings are being built and is a great addition to the city (BG, Page 188). As we got off the High Line we saw already the numerous amounts of galleries that this city had to offer. Its many art galleries like the Anton Kern Gallery were very interesting. It was full of vases and pots of various colors and styles. It was interesting to see how many different ways an artist can express themselves by art. We also stopped by the Gagosian Gallery. This is where we saw many of Jeff Koon's sculptures and art work. To me it looked like giant balloons. They looked like those balloons that clowns make that are shaped like dogs and dolls. They were more than life-sized and it was interesting to see this artist's work. It was definitely a unique gallery. Chelsea was full of galleries with each its own style.
June 20, 2013
As always our class met at Penn Station at 11 am. We took the subway to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall and walked over to our first tour which was City Hall itself. We met our tour guide who told us about the history of this historic landmark. This City Hall is the oldest of all others. It is used for governmental purposes and is the 3rd City Hall. In the end of the 1600's the British decided to build a larger City Hall and by this point the city only had reached a mile and the plan was to expand it. After a bet for best design in 1803 with only $350 on the line, two designers created the design for this building which had been built out mostly of marble. But as time passed the marble was getting damaged and made the building not look as prosperous and the marble was then replaced with limestone. The inside of the building is just as beautiful with the stair case and the dome shaped ceiling. We were led into the governors room which was full of portraits of great majors and also George Washington alone with the desk that he signed his inaugural. It was also interesting to learn that Abraham Lincoln's coffin was in this very building (Tour Guide). The City Hall with all its collections of portraits of majors and 19th century celebrities is a historic landmark with beauty that has lasted for years (BG, Page 83).
We then visited St. Paul's Chapel which today has an amazing 9-11 memorial. It was so amazing to see all the police badges and hats and also pictures of the people involved It was so moving seeing all the people there taking their time to see the pictures and come together to remember such an event. It is the oldest church who figures like George Washington have visited. After 9-11 many workers stayed here and this location is also right in front of where the towers were so it was greatly impacted. As we went through the church and went to the back we saw only a glimpse of the World Trade Center today. We could all here construction and I became very excited because I had yet to see the site since construction began after 9-11. It was exciting to know we would be able to go into the memorial and tour the amazing site it has become. The World Trade Center as every one knows was a complex of seven buildings which on September 11, 2001 were destroyed when Islamic terrorists intentionally crashed two planes into the twin towers. It was a historic moment in history in which New York was at a stand still and everyone was shocked and confused at the same time. But to honor those who have fallen from that tragedy, a number of new buildings including the Freedom Tower and also two pools of water representing the footprints of the towers are now at the site. The famous architect Daniel Libeskind is now famous for making such a beautiful memorial that is now a place where those who lost ones as well as all New Yorker's could go and remember that day (BG, Page 62). After that we went South along Broadway to the Wall Street where we went to the NY Stock Exchange and checked out the Federal Hall National Monument where George Washington was sworn as our first President. Wall Street is New York's financial industry. Where it only was finance related businesses is now full of hotels and restaurants because many corporations had relocated after the 9-11 attacks. It is although still the most famous financial district. We also visited Battery Park. Although we didn't get to go in we could see its historic background. With sights of the Statue of Liberty it is a historic landmark that many people visit. It is a 23 acre park that offers a spectacular view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty as well as other monuments (BG, Page 46). There was also a damages sculpture from 9-11 there.
Chelsea which includes the Meatpacking District remains and still gives the neighborhood its working class edge (BG, Page 184). The Chelsea Market is also a place is that is very popular here. It was filled with shops offering high-quality foods and wines and other things. It was also cool to know that Oreo's were invented there (BG, 186). We than went on the High Line. It was built in the 19th century and New York's Central Railroad used to run at street level down 11th and along 10th Avenue. But after a while it became clogged with traffic and the trains became dirty and eventually the tracks became very dangerous. Freights trains were then used to resolve this issue. It is now not used for train service but as a great place to see the gorgeous Chelsea views. Now luxury buildings are being built and is a great addition to the city (BG, Page 188). As we got off the High Line we saw already the numerous amounts of galleries that this city had to offer. Its many art galleries like the Anton Kern Gallery were very interesting. It was full of vases and pots of various colors and styles. It was interesting to see how many different ways an artist can express themselves by art. We also stopped by the Gagosian Gallery. This is where we saw many of Jeff Koon's sculptures and art work. To me it looked like giant balloons. They looked like those balloons that clowns make that are shaped like dogs and dolls. They were more than life-sized and it was interesting to see this artist's work. It was definitely a unique gallery. Chelsea was full of galleries with each its own style.
Immigrant NY
June 25, 2013
The first stop today was the Essex Market which was built in 1940 and it contains foods for all tastes. This market had a large variety of foods like seafood, breads, pastries and many other things. A market like this one is very important for a community like in the Lower East Side. That is because with everything in one place it is very convenient for those who live near by. We than met our tour guide Jim who would speak to us about the history of the Lower East Side as well as Chinatown. He spoke to us about the East River and its importance in shipping and trading . It is one of the important things to know about the Lower East Side.
The Lower East Side contains ethic eateries, synagogues and of course bargain shopping. This is definitely a immigrant neighborhood with so many different groups there (BG, Page 118). It had belonged mostly to wealthy landowners. It has definitely been through its ups and down as in 1850 because of the pressures of immigration the Lower East Side started to decline economically. Tenements were made and more and more immigrants arrived (BG, Page 119). a tenement is a multiple dwelling residence. Tenements were built to exploit all available space and maximize the return for the landlord. These tenements did not have the best conditions to say the least. They were dirty and very crowded. In 1867 the city had passed an Act that promised improvement but it did not succeed as much as the Tenement House Act in 1879 (BG, Page 122). The Tenement Museum on 97 Orchard Street was founded in 1988. It is a former tenements that consists of 5 apartments. It has been restored to its 19th century appearance. We did not get to go into the museum but it is definitely interesting to learn about how people lived then compared to now. Orchard Street is also known as the district's main shopping street.
We saw many synagogues and also the Church of Grace which is a Pentecostal and medical needs church. We also saw the first Roman Synagogue which is on Rivington Street. It was a beautiful building which was made of copper on the top but mostly made out of bricks. We also saw the Henry Street Settlement and University Settlement which worked to better the lives of the poor and immigrant people of the slums. Founded in 1893 by social work and public health pioneer Lillian Wald and based on Manhattan's Lower East Side, Henry Street Settlement delivers a wide range of social service, arts and health care programs to more than 50,000 New Yorkers each year (http://www.henrystreet.org/) . It is definitely a place that is very valuable to this community. Another place we saw was the "Jodamo" which is on Orchard and Grand and is a large apartment store filled with various famous stores within it. After viewing all of these sites we walked over the Williamsburg Bridge which on a beautiful day like today was great feeling the breeze and seeing the beautiful scenery. According to some in 1903 it was considered ugly but today it most definitely is not (BG, Page 110).
Chinatown was definitely a unique town to visit. All the signs were in English as well as Chinese and you could tell how ethnically diverse this town is. Visitors come here for the ambiance, bargains and of course for food (BG, Page 107). In late 18th century only about 150 Chinese had established residence. By the time the Transcontinental Railroad was set up in 1869 the population had increased tremendously. Arrivals from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland increased the population and created many towns like the one we saw (BG, Page 108). We were able to eat at a restaurant which had a variety of ethnic foods that we were able to eat. This was a good day to explore this diverse culture and taste their cuisine and also appreciate how they have adapted in the United States.
June 25, 2013
The first stop today was the Essex Market which was built in 1940 and it contains foods for all tastes. This market had a large variety of foods like seafood, breads, pastries and many other things. A market like this one is very important for a community like in the Lower East Side. That is because with everything in one place it is very convenient for those who live near by. We than met our tour guide Jim who would speak to us about the history of the Lower East Side as well as Chinatown. He spoke to us about the East River and its importance in shipping and trading . It is one of the important things to know about the Lower East Side.
The Lower East Side contains ethic eateries, synagogues and of course bargain shopping. This is definitely a immigrant neighborhood with so many different groups there (BG, Page 118). It had belonged mostly to wealthy landowners. It has definitely been through its ups and down as in 1850 because of the pressures of immigration the Lower East Side started to decline economically. Tenements were made and more and more immigrants arrived (BG, Page 119). a tenement is a multiple dwelling residence. Tenements were built to exploit all available space and maximize the return for the landlord. These tenements did not have the best conditions to say the least. They were dirty and very crowded. In 1867 the city had passed an Act that promised improvement but it did not succeed as much as the Tenement House Act in 1879 (BG, Page 122). The Tenement Museum on 97 Orchard Street was founded in 1988. It is a former tenements that consists of 5 apartments. It has been restored to its 19th century appearance. We did not get to go into the museum but it is definitely interesting to learn about how people lived then compared to now. Orchard Street is also known as the district's main shopping street.
We saw many synagogues and also the Church of Grace which is a Pentecostal and medical needs church. We also saw the first Roman Synagogue which is on Rivington Street. It was a beautiful building which was made of copper on the top but mostly made out of bricks. We also saw the Henry Street Settlement and University Settlement which worked to better the lives of the poor and immigrant people of the slums. Founded in 1893 by social work and public health pioneer Lillian Wald and based on Manhattan's Lower East Side, Henry Street Settlement delivers a wide range of social service, arts and health care programs to more than 50,000 New Yorkers each year (http://www.henrystreet.org/) . It is definitely a place that is very valuable to this community. Another place we saw was the "Jodamo" which is on Orchard and Grand and is a large apartment store filled with various famous stores within it. After viewing all of these sites we walked over the Williamsburg Bridge which on a beautiful day like today was great feeling the breeze and seeing the beautiful scenery. According to some in 1903 it was considered ugly but today it most definitely is not (BG, Page 110).
Chinatown was definitely a unique town to visit. All the signs were in English as well as Chinese and you could tell how ethnically diverse this town is. Visitors come here for the ambiance, bargains and of course for food (BG, Page 107). In late 18th century only about 150 Chinese had established residence. By the time the Transcontinental Railroad was set up in 1869 the population had increased tremendously. Arrivals from Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland increased the population and created many towns like the one we saw (BG, Page 108). We were able to eat at a restaurant which had a variety of ethnic foods that we were able to eat. This was a good day to explore this diverse culture and taste their cuisine and also appreciate how they have adapted in the United States.
Quixotic Queens
June 27, 2013
It was sad to think that today was going to be the last class. Mike had told us that we would be planning on walking from Penn Station to Queens and I'm not going to lie and say I was happy. But it was something I would probably never do again so I became somewhat excited. The Borough of Queens is the second most populous borough which has two major airports being the JFK airport and the LaGuardia airport. TV and motion picture production studios have returned to Long Island City. It is also the home of Shea Stadium where the popular Mets baseball team play (BG, 493 - 494). We started the day by walking down 34th Street where we stopped at Bryant Park. Bryant Park was named after William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878), editor, writer, abolitionist, and proponent of such projects as Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (BG pg. 209). At a moment in time it was deteriorating into a place where drug dealers and muggers roamed. But today its full of people who want to experience being in such a pleasant open space (BG, Page 210). It was such a beautiful park with many sitting areas and an open space for people to relax and enjoy a beautiful day. We also visited the New York Public Library is famous for its collection and much admired for the architecture of its building (BG, Page 207). We went into the Main Reading room which had an enormous collection of books and was filled with people doing work and reading (BG, Page 208).
We also visited Grand Central Terminal. This is such a beautiful railroad station that is very different from Penn Station. This station cover three city blocks and at one time it was the terminus for two major railroads, the New York Central, which reached the Mississippi River, and the New York, New Haven, and Hartford, which served New England. Today it is largely a commuter station where hundred pass every hour (BG, Page 229). The ceiling is decorated with the constellations of the zodiac designed by Whitney Warren with Paul Helleu and Charles Basing (BG, Page 230). It was definitely a beautiful building which had many details that made it different from Penn Station. We then went into the Chrysler building at 405 Lexington Avenue. It was designed by William Van Alen and was completed in 1930 with its interesting Art Deco design. This building was once the tallest over all buildings in New York City (BG, Page 231).
We then passed Tudor City on our way to Roosevelt Island by tram. It was very cool to ride the tram and not have to walk over a bridge. It was a very beautiful island with the most amazing view of New York City as well as Long Island City. Roosevelt Island was used as a place of exile for madmen, criminalsm and incurables (BG, Page 382). After that we took the F train and made our way into Queens where we would be going to the Museum of the Moving Image. This museum is in Astoria which has a very big Greek heritage. It is well known for being the most successful film-making property on the East Coast. The Museum of the Moving Image looks at the technical aspects of producing movies and TV (BG, Page 499). It was cool to see all the costumes and video cameras used back then for film making. It also showed how the use of prosthetic makeup designing has changed the film industry. For example, from the movie the Exorcist in 1973 the actress Linda Blair's head rotates a full 360 degrees. To achieve this, special effects makeup artist Dick Smith built a life-size dummy whose head mechanically turned. This was such a creepy seen in the movie and without the masterful work that Smith did it wouldn't have happened.
We also visit MoMA PS1 museum located in Long Island City. Long Island city is a largely industrial neighborhood that has become the center for contemporary art. This museum contained a lot of unique artwork which had a variety of styles and is the best place to see new and adventurous artwork (BG, Page 495). As we walked in we saw a piece that was entirely made out of skateboards. The next stop was then the 5Points which contains outdoor graffiti designed by many talented artists. The name 5Pointz signifies the five boroughs coming together as one but, because of its reputation as an epicenter of the graffiti scene, this place has actually united aerosol artists from across the world (http://5ptz.com/). There were so many storied told with all that graffiti with each artist having their own style. The building were covered in this art and it would be interesting to learn the places from where these artists come from. We ended out day by walking to the shore line which had a beautiful scene of Roosevelt Island as well as New York City. It was crazy to think we had walked that far.
Haiku
The city shines now
For those who seek adventure
This is where to look
June 27, 2013
It was sad to think that today was going to be the last class. Mike had told us that we would be planning on walking from Penn Station to Queens and I'm not going to lie and say I was happy. But it was something I would probably never do again so I became somewhat excited. The Borough of Queens is the second most populous borough which has two major airports being the JFK airport and the LaGuardia airport. TV and motion picture production studios have returned to Long Island City. It is also the home of Shea Stadium where the popular Mets baseball team play (BG, 493 - 494). We started the day by walking down 34th Street where we stopped at Bryant Park. Bryant Park was named after William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878), editor, writer, abolitionist, and proponent of such projects as Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (BG pg. 209). At a moment in time it was deteriorating into a place where drug dealers and muggers roamed. But today its full of people who want to experience being in such a pleasant open space (BG, Page 210). It was such a beautiful park with many sitting areas and an open space for people to relax and enjoy a beautiful day. We also visited the New York Public Library is famous for its collection and much admired for the architecture of its building (BG, Page 207). We went into the Main Reading room which had an enormous collection of books and was filled with people doing work and reading (BG, Page 208).
We also visited Grand Central Terminal. This is such a beautiful railroad station that is very different from Penn Station. This station cover three city blocks and at one time it was the terminus for two major railroads, the New York Central, which reached the Mississippi River, and the New York, New Haven, and Hartford, which served New England. Today it is largely a commuter station where hundred pass every hour (BG, Page 229). The ceiling is decorated with the constellations of the zodiac designed by Whitney Warren with Paul Helleu and Charles Basing (BG, Page 230). It was definitely a beautiful building which had many details that made it different from Penn Station. We then went into the Chrysler building at 405 Lexington Avenue. It was designed by William Van Alen and was completed in 1930 with its interesting Art Deco design. This building was once the tallest over all buildings in New York City (BG, Page 231).
We then passed Tudor City on our way to Roosevelt Island by tram. It was very cool to ride the tram and not have to walk over a bridge. It was a very beautiful island with the most amazing view of New York City as well as Long Island City. Roosevelt Island was used as a place of exile for madmen, criminalsm and incurables (BG, Page 382). After that we took the F train and made our way into Queens where we would be going to the Museum of the Moving Image. This museum is in Astoria which has a very big Greek heritage. It is well known for being the most successful film-making property on the East Coast. The Museum of the Moving Image looks at the technical aspects of producing movies and TV (BG, Page 499). It was cool to see all the costumes and video cameras used back then for film making. It also showed how the use of prosthetic makeup designing has changed the film industry. For example, from the movie the Exorcist in 1973 the actress Linda Blair's head rotates a full 360 degrees. To achieve this, special effects makeup artist Dick Smith built a life-size dummy whose head mechanically turned. This was such a creepy seen in the movie and without the masterful work that Smith did it wouldn't have happened.
We also visit MoMA PS1 museum located in Long Island City. Long Island city is a largely industrial neighborhood that has become the center for contemporary art. This museum contained a lot of unique artwork which had a variety of styles and is the best place to see new and adventurous artwork (BG, Page 495). As we walked in we saw a piece that was entirely made out of skateboards. The next stop was then the 5Points which contains outdoor graffiti designed by many talented artists. The name 5Pointz signifies the five boroughs coming together as one but, because of its reputation as an epicenter of the graffiti scene, this place has actually united aerosol artists from across the world (http://5ptz.com/). There were so many storied told with all that graffiti with each artist having their own style. The building were covered in this art and it would be interesting to learn the places from where these artists come from. We ended out day by walking to the shore line which had a beautiful scene of Roosevelt Island as well as New York City. It was crazy to think we had walked that far.
Haiku
The city shines now
For those who seek adventure
This is where to look
Final Impressions of NY
The class felt like it went by very fast. I remember the first day at Coney Island and hearing Mike talk about papers and journals and all the things we would be doing. Now that its over It is crazy to think how much we covered in such a short period of time, This class definitely showed me a complete new view of New York City. Although it consisted of walking there most of the time it was definitely an unforgettable experience. The places we visited were places I probably wouldn't have even looked to tour. Also the tours guides were all great and I admire them for being able to show people their view of the places they spoke to us about. Their love for these locations have led them to become tour guides.
With all the views I have seen and subways I've taken I have such a different view of New York City. I would get nervous to get lost in this huge city but now knowing how many routes these subways can lead you to makes it more comforting. The city is not the busy and crowded place but I see it as a place where different types of people moving to different destinations and having different plans for the day. There is so much to do in the city that its cool to think that each person will be doing something different in the city. New York in general is so popular because of these places that we visited and that is why I love New York.
The class felt like it went by very fast. I remember the first day at Coney Island and hearing Mike talk about papers and journals and all the things we would be doing. Now that its over It is crazy to think how much we covered in such a short period of time, This class definitely showed me a complete new view of New York City. Although it consisted of walking there most of the time it was definitely an unforgettable experience. The places we visited were places I probably wouldn't have even looked to tour. Also the tours guides were all great and I admire them for being able to show people their view of the places they spoke to us about. Their love for these locations have led them to become tour guides.
With all the views I have seen and subways I've taken I have such a different view of New York City. I would get nervous to get lost in this huge city but now knowing how many routes these subways can lead you to makes it more comforting. The city is not the busy and crowded place but I see it as a place where different types of people moving to different destinations and having different plans for the day. There is so much to do in the city that its cool to think that each person will be doing something different in the city. New York in general is so popular because of these places that we visited and that is why I love New York.