Daily photographs by HANS VON RITTERN, with humorous, artistic and social commentary on life in the big city.

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Photo of the day: MEET 35 OF MY NEW FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER GERMANY

GERMAN GROUP PHOTO WITH HOLLY

Photo of the day: MEET 35 OF MY NEW FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER GERMANY – I spent 5 days showing them New York through my eyes. From picking them up at the airport and showing them Manhattan for the first time as we drove down Fifth Avenue, to my full up and downtown tours including, of course, a visit to the Empire State Building. Their last full day is spent shopping. I chose either uptown Macy*s or downtown SOHO. I felt like Santa – so many had their special requests: “Where can I find a wooden train?” “I need Levis jeans.” “Where is the Harley Davidson store?” “Does Tiffany carry charm bracelets?” Hansanta answered all thier wishes.
I went with the SOHO group and those who weren’t so eager to shop got a walking tour with me of the Brooklyn Bridge, the stock market on Wall Street, the Trade Center and St. Paul’s Church. Topped off by a subway ride back to SOHO. German’s on their first New Yawk subway ride is a hoot – like little kiddies in an amusement park!
Here we are on our last day, all big smiles on our way to the airport. The next group is just 4 days away….
FRÖHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN !

Photo of the day: 121212 CONCERT, WHERE IS THE HELP NOW?

121212 posters edt

Photo of the day: 121212 WHERE IS THE HELP NOW? – One year ago today there was a monumental concert effort to help the victims of our hurricane Sandy. While a valiant effort it was, there are still today thousands of people without homes in New York and New Jersey, miles and miles of seashore destroyed. 
One year later, there are thousands of people suffering in the Philippines from Super Typhoon Haiyan. The destruction was catastrophic. Storm clouds covered the entire Philippines, stretching 1,120 miles — equal to a distance between Florida and Canada. The deadly wind field, or tropical storm force winds, covered an area the size of Montana or Germany. Winds gusted an unequaled 195 to 235 mph! Over 10,000 are dead, most of the poor population is homeless. 80% of the structures are flattened.
One year later: Where is the 121213 concert?
philippines-tacloban-city-horizontal-gallery

Photo of the day: THE APOLLO THEATER in HARLEM MOURNS MANDELA

Apollo Theater, 125th Street Harlem. 12-6-2013

Apollo Theater, 125th Street Harlem. 12-6-2013

“The Apollo Theater mourns the loss of civil rights leader, educator and revolutionary politician Nelson Mandela. In 1990, Nelson and Winnie Mandela visited Harlem, New York shortly after his South African prison release. His triumphant story of fighting against the South African government for their racist policies resonated deeply with the Harlem community.
It was an honor to have Mr. Mandela visit us in Harlem and we send our condolences to Mr. Mandela’s family, friends and supporters around the world.”

 

© 2013 Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Apollo Theater, June 27, 2009

Apollo Theater, June 27, 2009

Photo of the day: BENT OUTTA SHAPE

BENT OUTTA SHAPE

Photo of the day: BENT OUTTA SHAPE – Dinosaurs of a (not so long ago) bygone era. A fire call box. When was the last time you saw someone use one? In today’s era of cell phones (what happens if there’s a blackout and you can’t recharge??) and the national 911 system, the corner fire alarm call boxes are ceasing to exist here in New York along will public telephone booths. This casualty was seen in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn at the corner of 7th Avenue and 86th Street.
The next dinosaur to go into extinction are the gas stations, they are being sold off rapidly in Manhattan for the valuable land. Next…?

Photo of the day: HANS CRUISES NEW YORK

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises

Photo of the day: HANS CRUISES NEW YORK – I spent five days taking 35 Germans and one American on a total sightseeing tour of New York City! They saw the whole big apple from top (Harlem) to bottom (Battery Park/World Trade). The minuses: getting up at 4:30 am to travel from Queens so I can meet them at their hotel in Seacaucus, Jersey at 8:00am. Dropping them off in Jersey at night and that long, long cold mass transit bus ride back. The pluses: The wonderment in their eyes seeing Times Square for the first time. Taking the famed Circle Line Manhattan boat cruise at sunset. Their eagerness to walk along Fifth Avenue decorated for the holidays.  The giddy Empire State building visit. The look in their eyes the next morning after they visited the places I had recommended. The hugs and German home made cookie I got at the airport as they sadly said goodbye…makes all worth while 🙂
Can you tell it was cold?

Can you tell it was cold?