Random Pictures Thread

[Arn213]

@Arn213 Would we have seen the Squibb Park Bridge in the movie Elf? Looks familiar to me.

Gotta tell you...we live next to a cornfield, and driving into our small town strikes me as being too urban, but your photos of NYC and the sights come really close to making it tempting to visit The Big Apple!! Chamber of Commerce should put you on staff!!

Earl @Greenacres2, you mentioned the movie “Elf” in-regards to the bridge I posted. I am posting the actual bridge that was filmed in the movie. This bridge is in Central Park on the west side on 62nd St. I am going to post you a link on the movie as well as reference to the scene. They made some substitution location (but still from Central Park) of the actual pathway in the movie towards the bridge. You can see how wide the pathway is in the movie and how narrow the pathway is in the actual location. That other bridge does exist, but it is not adjacent to it. The other detail is that the pathway under the bridge does not go all the way through to an open field- it is a cul-de-sac/dead end.

Link:

I have included a bonus photo as well- you remember the high rise apartment in Manhattan where Buddy stayed with his family? That building is 55 CPW (Central Park West) on 65th (or 66th St.) and walking distance from the bridge. Coincidentally, many, many moons ago in the same side street about a block away, I helped design some building units at 75 CPW which is the corner building right across Tavern on the Green. I would walk past 55 CPW and think nothing of it, until I see the movie over the holidays and remember that building was on location for the movie Elf.

 

[JD1137]

About 7 hours above from above- the Empire State Building from the Highline Chelsea neighborhood and later in the evening, the Empire State from midtown location by Madison Square Garden and US Post Office on 34th St. The tower lights calendar today is “blue and yellow” to honor Ukrainian Independence Day.

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Arn, just asking……given your artistic background, and experience, are LED’s a blessing or a curse as you look at the architecture?

I think they have served a meaningful purpose in some instances, like portraying red,white and blue on the 4th of July, or maybe pink, for breast cancer awareness day (just a couple examples). But, might they be a distraction, or annoyance, if they distract from looking at the actual building.
I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer here, just opinions.

 

[Arn213]

Thanks Arn. Your excellent pics make me wish I'd spent more time poking around over in Brooklyn.

I spent a lot of time wandering around Manhattan and took hundreds of pics, most not particularly good. I focused a lot on interesting architecture, new and old. Just as one example, I have a whole series of the Hearst building construction since I worked nearby for a couple of years and caught it from the early stages through completion. See hearst building

Paul @phinds - I was in Central Park and Columbus Circle the other day and remember you posting about the “Hearst” Building. I took a couple of pics. and the building does take on a different curb appeal when there is a “seam opening” in space and light where I was standing at the corner of Central Park West. It is much more prominent with the glass the metal framing.

 

[trc65]

I jes haf two! I jes do!

"If you build it - he will come!"

There has always been one movie that has always caused a wet cheek on Lil Mikey - It's a Wonderful Life - the last scene. Then came another - Field of Dreams, but not at first. It's taken a few years, but that moist cheek now cometh when I watch it. Then came another - Secondhand Lions, first just out of pure joy and laughter, now, I see so much of the Texas and Texans I want to remember in it and don't want to forget. Danged, guess I'm getting sentimental in my old age! Is there some kinda medicine I can take for that?

Amazing how an individuals perspective changes what they see in an image. I didn't even really notice the corn, it was just an item to "frame" the cloud. I see it every day and don't notice it.

I do like Field of Dreams, but have passed on many opportunities to visit in person. When I was in my teens (long before the movie) we used to "re-create" that scene many times daily while we detasseled corn.

I've only been to Texas once for a wedding, so don't associate Second Hand Lions with any particular memory, but I do love that movie.

 

[Arn213]

Arn, just asking……given your artistic background, and experience, are LED’s a blessing or a curse as you look at the architecture?

I think they have served a meaningful purpose in some instances, like portraying red,white and blue on the 4th of July, or maybe pink, for breast cancer awareness day (just a couple examples). But, might they be a distraction, or annoyance, if they distract from looking at the actual building.
I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer here, just opinions.

Great question and difficult to answer. We were thought to design the lighting on architecture to enhance and emphasize the shape and form, details or to create a silhouette, sometimes to soften the architecture by using cool/receding colors or make a broader statement by using bolder/warmer colors and using color contrast. Lighting using colors can be seasonal- so on cold season you want to contrast using warmer colors to subdue the winter feel and you go reverse during the summer season. The use of light too can be very symbolic (in NYC for instance) when a building use lighting to celebrate certain holidays, special occasions, ethnic celebration, pay homage to another country, even a distinguished individual, etc.. It helps put people in a better mood psychologically using lighting, especially the beginning of the holidays.

A lot of the taller building’s or say more prominent building’s here (usually high rise or skyscrapers) here do fight for attention and you will see them compete using exterior lighting and colors.

Can it be distracting? Can it take away from the natural beauty of the building. YES, it can be and though I must say, they have been used tastefully here- the Empire State Building is one that takes the lighting seriously on their building- they have what they call “A Tower Lights Calendar” that separates them from other buildings with and how they use lighting to celebrate things I mentioned above. Link here: https://www.esbnyc.com/about/tower-lights/calendar

 

[Arn213]

John @JD1137 - here are two examples for your reference as far natural lighting and the change of colors with lighting can change the look and feel of the space. This is taken from inside the Guggenheim Museum and tried my best to get the same shot (variable difference +/-) with the light change…….which one do you prefer? Would your answer be different if the season was fall/winter?

 

[phinds]

A few of my NY favs

Rockerfeller center Xmas balls:


Wall Street


The street performers down at the bottom of Manhattan were often amazing


The Cube at the Helmsley Building



World Trade Center site reconstruction just getting started


Brookfield Place



The Irish Hunger Memorial (Jersey City in the background)

 

[phinds]

And a few more

Part of the Financial District


Sculpture somewhere on Broadway.


Statue Of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry.


Staten Island Ferry


Part of the Lincoln Center


AT&T Building --- I was fascinated by the lack of windows.


Colorful building from I forget where



The BMW Building at 57th St. and 11th Ave --- I had a terrific office on the 11th floor overlooking all of Manhattan from 57th st down to the end and on a clear day I could see the Statue Of Liberty between a couple of the buildings.


Temporary art (?) installation in Central Park

 

[Arn213]

Some oldies but goodies Paul! Nice shots all over Manhattan. That’s cool you have some photo’s of WTC. Cool to see a medallion cab that is a Caprice. That colorful building I am not sure what it is now, but that is in Times Square on West 42nd St.- Loew’s Theater Marquee sign gives away the location.

 

[phinds]

And a few more

The same art (?) installation


Kids art all up and down both sides of the Columbus Circle subway station --- no idea if it's still there.


Cruise ship coming into port from my office in the BMW building --- NJ in the background


Same view, different ships


The Enterprise (it's a ship and an airplane museum) docked on the Hudson river


One of the planes on it


The Enterprise shot from my office in the BMW building --- it was pretty far away so this one's a bit grainy


One of the many fancy fountains that can be found around Manhattan.


Stitched shot of the midtown Manhattan skyline from the NJ side

 

[phinds]

EVENTUALLY, I'll get tired of this, but not quite yet

The globe at Columbus Circle


AAAARRRRGGGGHH ... they're EVERYWHERE


Horse carriage motor, sharing his lunch --- or maybe it's the pidgins sharing their lunch.


More of those Tom Otterness sculptures (somewhere on Broadway)




Interesting composite slate pieces sculpture at one side of the Time Warner Building at Columbus Circle



OK --- ENOUGH --- I have about 4,000 more but this is getting old

 

[Greenacres2]

@phinds Great shot of that SR-71 on the Enterprise!! Only one i've seen in person is at the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, MI--it's inside so it's a little tough to get the perspective of real size, other than that it is massive!!

 

[JD1137]

Great question and difficult to answer. We were thought to design the lighting on architecture to enhance and emphasize the shape and form, details or to create a silhouette, sometimes to soften the architecture by using cool/receding colors or make a broader statement by using bolder/warmer colors and using color contrast. Lighting using colors can be seasonal- so on cold season you want to contrast using warmer colors to subdue the winter feel and you go reverse during the summer season. The use of light too can be very symbolic (in NYC for instance) when a building use lighting to celebrate certain holidays, special occasions, ethnic celebration, pay homage to another country, even a distinguished individual, etc.. It helps put people in a better mood psychologically using lighting, especially the beginning of the holidays.

A lot of the taller building’s or say more prominent building’s here (usually high rise or skyscrapers) here do fight for attention and you will see them compete using exterior lighting and colors.

Can it be distracting? Can it take away from the natural beauty of the building. YES, it can be and though I must say, they have been used tastefully here- the Empire State Building is one that takes the lighting seriously on their building- they have what they call “A Tower Lights Calendar” that separates them from other buildings with and how they use lighting to celebrate things I mentioned above. Link here: https://www.esbnyc.com/about/tower-lights/calendar

Wow - thanks for your in-depth insight Arn. I knew you had some good experiences and observations re: the LED’s.
They have obviously opened another avenue into the world of architecture.
Some really beautiful creations.

 

[Mike Hill]

I've been there one time back in very early 80's. Was only in the Melting Pot, the Concrete Jungle, for maybe 10 hours. But was able to ride the subway, go to the top of the WTC and the ESB, walk a little on Wall street, went to the NYSE, walked around Times Square, went to the Statue of Liberty, and perhaps most memorable - ate cheesecake at Lindys. Imagine this rube from Tennershoe walking the naked streets of The Big City. He had of course heard about the vibrant streets of New York City, teeming with people, cars, and sounds, and was enjoying looking around, but he was worried about protecting his wife. He has his wallet in one front pocket of his jeans and the other he had his hand with his fingers wrapped around his knife at ready to use to fend off the muggers he had heard about!

 

[Mike Hill]

Wow - thanks for your in-depth insight Arn. I knew you had some good experiences and observations re: the LED’s.
They have obviously opened another avenue into the world of architecture.
Some really beautiful creations.

I'm apologizing ahead of time for being the old codger that I am. Had a boss one time that was on his 3rd wife. She was a wife of convenience, not sure they really lived together that much. He liked his Antebellum home, but she didn't - too drafty and creaky. He also liked his house on the river - lots of water and ducks. But he fixed up half the river house to suit her - spent a lot of money. After he had it done, I walked thru it after a company bass fishing tournament we based at the house. The only comment that went through my mind was that it looked like a french Maison de Prostitution! It was in the white and gold french provincial style - sort of - maybe gaudier. An office building with neon and LED's sorta affects me the same way. Reminds me of a stri........err........gentlemen's club.

In the days when the Titans were still the Oilers, before all the bachelorettes and pedal taverns, before the Batman building, in the old ages when Nashville only had 4 or 5 tallish buildings, one was then called the Snodgrass Building. Using the windows, shades, and colored lighting, it would display a message at night on it's side. It was always a highlight of a drive past downtown Nashville at night and see what was on the side of the building. Now that was a good use of building lights. Sorta pixels before pixels were cool! OR a big time, full-sized real deal Lite-Brite.

 

[Mike Hill]

Or flying through them!!!

That ain't fun in a small plane!

 

[JD1137]

John @JD1137 - here are two examples for your reference as far natural lighting and the change of colors with lighting can change the look and feel of the space. This is taken from inside the Guggenheim Museum and tried my best to get the same shot (variable difference +/-) with the light change…….which one do you prefer? Would your answer be different if the season was fall/winter?

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I personally like the more vibrant purple colors in the second photo. Almost gives it a cleaner/crisper look from my vantage point.

 

[Arn213]

I've been there one time back in very early 80's. Was only in the Melting Pot, the Concrete Jungle, for maybe 10 hours. But was able to ride the subway, go to the top of the WTC and the ESB, walk a little on Wall street, went to the NYSE, walked around Times Square, went to the Statue of Liberty, and perhaps most memorable - ate cheesecake at Lindys. Imagine this rube from Tennershoe walking the naked streets of The Big City. He had of course heard about the vibrant streets of New York City, teeming with people, cars, and sounds, and was enjoying looking around, but he was worried about protecting his wife. He has his wallet in one front pocket of his jeans and the other he had his hand with his fingers wrapped around his knife at ready to use to fend off the muggers he had heard about!

You went the right time which was in the early 80’s where NYC was in it’s new beginnings to hit it’s stride that would take a major turn after 9/11. Unfortunately most of those places are long gone. That is NYC for you- here today and gone tomorrow. You were lucky to have seen the old “Twin Towers”. I don’t know if you made it to the top of the observation deck, but if you ever made it to the “Windows of the World” which was a restaurant at the very top, it had the grandest views of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and NJ. I was probably about 12 or so when we were invited to go up there for someone’s birthday. I considered myself lucky to have been there.

To also experience Times Square back in the 80’s must have been a culture shock for you. The place was line up with Adult entertainment store front, but had the good as well as it’s bad and ugly. Those things are gone and cleaned up. Times Square is now a circus and you would not pay me enough to spend time there. The novelty had definitely worn off. The only really good things that is left in Times Square at the old Broadway the rates to see Broadway shows. However all the greatest shows like the “Chorus Line, Cats, 42nd St., Les Miserable, The Phantom of the Opera, La Cage Aux Folles, Chicago, All That Jazz, Rent, etc. came to being post 9/11 and now all gone. And the new Lindy’s is Junior’s for Cheesecake that has a restaurant and a mini store in Times Square (as well as downtown Brooklyn).

 

[Mike Hill]

Made it to the observation deck, but not Windows of the World. Did not have enough time. Lil Mikey was the taskmaster of the group. Everybody else was easily distracted and liable to go chasing rabbits.

The culture shock of the Times Square Adult entertainment, wasn't so bad, just a surprise. Only 4 years prior Lil Mikey had journeyed down and around Bourbon Street in NOLA. Now, that was a culture shock - from small town Texas to The Big Sleazy!

Only a couple of things we did not get to do that I wish we could have. One was going to some shops/stores that we had heard about. And the other was to take in a Broadway Show. We were staying in DE and had to drive back that night.

 

[Jonkou]

The living dead… residing in a well maintained yard is obviously very special to the owners. Noticed it a few years ago and finally stopped to check it out closely.