The best crew ever from 5 POINTZ !
Here’s the crew behind the BEST birthday gift EVER!! Being tagged at 5 Pointz! I love u guyz ! — with Jonathan Meres Cohen, Marie Cecile Flageul, Anthony SpinChenzo and Will Iam Wavey.
Photo of the day: A PRIVATE CONVERSATION WITH SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, 135 W. 31st Street, New York, NY 10001. 212-736-8500
Photo of the day: A PRIVATE CONVERSATION WITH SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI – I was passing by the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi on West 31st Street when I came across this man who found solace in the early morning court yard of the church. He kept looking up at the cross of the church and was having a casual conversation with Saint Francis. It’s good to know people in high places 🙂 .
The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi
built 1892 feeding the poor ever since, renovated 1961
135 W. 31st Street
New York, NY 10001
212-736-8500
Photo of the day: SANTA AND A TWIST on ‘THE NIGHT BEFORE/after CHRISTMAS’
“Twas the day after Christmas…”
Photo of the day: WHAT DOES SANTA DO AFTER CHRISTMAS CELEBRATE ! ! – Here is my ‘poetic’ twist on Clement Moore’s classic poem as I encounter drunk Santa after Christmas in front of Macy*s . . .
. . . And then, in a twinkling, I heard something uncouth
The prancing and pawing of Santa whose had too much vermouth.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down 34th Street St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fake fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with cigarette ashes and street soot;
A giant stuffed fish he had flung on over his back,
And he looked like a street peddler just opening his pig pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! His eyes, how blurry!
His cheeks and nose were like roses, he surely was in no hurry.
His drawl from his mouth was Southern – a bit slow,
And the beard on his chin with gray as the street snow;
The stump of a ____ pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a crazed face and a little round pot belly
That shook when he ranted, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was happy and drunk, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and his twisted head,
Soon gave me to know he was out of his head;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
To fill his own stockings from tourists that looked like a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up ‘snow’ did rose;
Then he sprang into his dance, and the crowd did whistle,
And their cameras clicked until the arrival of a policeman’s dismissal
But I heard him exclaim, ere he stumbled out of sight—
Happy returns to all, if you kept your receipt – you done right!
(with my apologies to Clement Clarke Moore)
MY OLD FASHIONED GERMAN CANDLE LIT CHRISTMAS TREE 2013
Von Rittern traditional German candle lit Christmas tree
MY OLD FASHIONED GERMAN CHRISTMAS TREE 2013: Yes – those are real candles. We celebrate with no flashing lights or loud music, our ‘church’ is the tree. The tree is decorated with ornaments dating back several generations, about ninety years. Modern ones are included of course, that way the tree is a living story of the family’s history. The favorite ornaments are hung so that they will catch the candlelight and the whole tree tells a story of the family’s history. Mementos from trips abroad, favorite childhood ornaments, all that tell our likes, hobbies and loves. Tin foil wrapped chocolates and marzipan fill the tree as well. We usually get the biggest tree that will fit in the apartment (we once had a 14 foot tall tree) but now that mom is downsizing, we get a smaller tree and it is placed on a turn of the century old wooden steamer trunk that was used when my great aunt came to visit us in the New York and it is used as a table base to place the tree upon.
Depending on the size of the tree, anywhere from two to four dozen candles are placed in strategic spots in the tree. Each candle illuminates the special ornaments nearby. The candleholders are metal clip-ons in the shape of a pine cone. You can still buy the candles and holders at Schaller and Weber’s, a surviving German delicatessen just off 86th Street on Second Avenue in what was once an entire German neighborhood.
December 24 Christmas eve, we have our traditional Christmas goose dinner with roasted apples (this year we had duck), home made dumplings, white asparagus, red cabbage, string beans with topping and lots of gravy.
Christmas dinner
After dinner, the elder of the family lights the candles in the room and on the Christmas tree and puts the ‘Christmas record’ on the phonograph. The record is of German church bells and church choirs singing. When all is ready, a golden bell is rung and the rest of the family comes into the glow of the room. We stand quietly side by side, arm in am or holding hands and quietly listen to the beautiful music we have listened to for decades before. That is ‘church’ to us. As the first side of the record ends, we play the other side, sit down and just quietly gaze into the serene candlelight, watching the ornaments glisten. No electric lights are on in the room, just the glow of candlelight, just as it is in Germany, France, and all of Scandinavia. Let your imagination go back to the late 1800′s enjoying a room just simply lit by candlelight.
The second side of the record ends with a jolly children’s song “Der Weihnachtsman ist da!/Santa Claus is here!”, signifying it is time to open presents by the amber glow. We grab some of the marzipan, gingerbread and chocolates that are on the dining table for all to enjoy as we open our treasures. At midnight a bottle of champagne is opened to ring in Christmas day and we all have a helping of mom’s strong rum pot preserves!
Rum pot preserves with vanilla ice cream
At one time it was my whole family enjoying this tradition, now it is just my mother and me left to carry on, and one day it will just be me, but I will always do it, perhaps with a heavy heart. But this is Christmas, a German Christmas, my heritage. My great grandmother’s, grandparent’s, mother’s and my heritage. Fröhliche Weihnachten!
Photo of the day: BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS
Photo of the day: BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS – Believe in flying reindeer, believe in wishes coming true, believe that a sleigh can fly, believe that there is a wondrous place at the North Pole (not a factory in China), believe that Santa can deliver toys to all the boys and girls in one magical night, believe that he knows if you’ve been good or bad, believe that all things are possible, believe in love, believe in miracles and above all, believe in yourself.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !
Foto des Tages: GLAUBEN SIE AN DIE MAGIE VON WEIHNACHTEN – Glauben an fliegende Renntiere, glauben an sich erfüllende Wünsche, glauben, dass ein Schlitten fliegen kann, glauben, dass es einen erstaunlichen Platz am Nordpol (nicht eine Fabrik in China) gibt, glauben, dass der Weihnachtsman Spielsachen an alle Jungen und Mädchen in einer magischer Nacht liefern kann, glauben, dass er weiß ob Sie artig oder bös gewesen sind, glauben Sie, dass alle Dinge möglich sind, glauben an der Liebe, an Wunder und vor allem glauben, an sich selbst glauben. FRÖHLICHES WEIHNACHTEN ALLE!
Photo of the night: I WAS JUST IMMORTALIZED AT 5POINTZ ! ! !
My birthday wishes at 5Pointz
I WAS JUST IMMORTALIZED AT 5POINTZ ! ! !
This is by far – the coolest, most unexpected, AWESOME birthday present EVER!! Created by my friend Anthony SpinChenzo (he’s a hugger!), thank you so much ♥ ! Jonathan Meres Cohen – thank you for my disco party, you rock!
Photo of the day: IT WAS 72° TODAY – THE BAD SIDE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
Photo of the day: THE BAD SIDE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING: . . . is this.
It was 72 degrees (22.2 Celsius) today in New York City! And what does that result in – one of the older ‘regulars*’ in Times Square, still wearing winter mittens and a pair of Uggs. Of course the Christmas velvet reindeer antlers with a Statue of Liberty crown to hold them in place. The pink wig matches his pink bike and matching pink streamers. Since it was so warm today that rest of his outfit was shed to reveal tiny polka dot bikini.
But . . . don’t you just hate it – when you realize, after you’ve left the house, that your bikini top doesn’t match your bikini bottom? I hate when that happens!
* We have several ‘regulars’ – the naked cowboy, the naked cowgirl, the naked Indian and the naked candy man.
THANK YOU !
THANK YOU ! – for the over 200+ (I lost count) international happy birthday wishes on Facebook and here on my blog! I am truly overwhelmed 🙂
I tried answering many of you but couldn’t personally answer all, it was just a matter of time and logistics. So – I’ve put up this road sign to say THANK YOU and VIELEN DANK to all of my international friends. You have made me feel so special. (Mom says: “Over 175?! You got that many cards?” “No mom, they’re email wishes.” “Oh, I guess that how things are done nowadays.” “Yes, mom.” Mom thought a little bit – “Let me see them!”)
My personal thanks to my neighborhood friends Marie and Meres for giving me an extra special local birthday celebration. And of course a very special thanks to Ursula/mom, who at 87 still makes the best home cooked German birthday dinner in New York ❤ !
Photo of the day: NOT BAD FOR 58?!
Photo of the day: NOT BAD FOR 58?! –
Hans Von Rittern, born December 21, 1955. Happy Birthday to me!
Photo of the day: “YOU GOTTA HAVE FREUNDE/FRIENDS”
Photo of the day: “YOU GOTTA HAVE FREUNDE/FRIENDS” – Meet 40 more of my new friends from all over Germany! This was “group #2” that I took all over town for the Christmas holidaze.
Isn’t funny how in every tour group there are always certain types: the ones who HAVE to sit up front in the bus “or I’ll get sick”, the permanently befuddled, your instant best friend, the camera buff, the person who constantly sez “I saw this when I was here last time”, the note taker, the spendthrift, the shopaholic and of course – the know it all. I will not reveal who is who . . . but they’re all there, and I love ’em all.
FRÖHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN !
Photo of the day: HOW ARE YOU BRINGING HOME YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE?
Photo of the day: HOW ARE YOU BRINGING HOME YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE? – Despite the fact that you see endless traffic in New York City, most New Yorkers don’t have cars nor even know how to drive. (I didn’t learn till my move to Tucson, Arizona at age 38.) The cars you see are from the far reaches of the outer boroughs, from tourists and rentals.
So we have to be a little more inventive when we bring home our Christmas trees. I have seen Christmas trees rolled home on skateboards, pushed in shopping carts, taken on the subway (a 7 footer!), by sleds in the snow, in taxi cabs and even in baby carriages. So, how are you bringing home your Christmas tree?
Mine came home via mom’s mint green Floridian shopping cart
♫♪ “There’s a light over at the 5 Pointz Place” ♫♪
5 Pointz Dec. 14, 2013
In the velvet darkness of the blackest night
Burning bright, there’s a guiding star
No matter what or who you are.
There’s a light over at the 5 Pointz Place
There’s a light burning in the artist’s space
There’s a light, light in the darkness of every artist’s life.
I can see the tags through the white, I can see through the hate
Just the same, there has got to be
Some place better here for you and me to create.
There’s a light over at the 5 Pointz Place
There’s a light burning in the artist’s space
There’s a light, light in the darkness of every artist’s life.
The darkness must go down the river of nightmares dreaming
Flow paint slow, let the colors and light again come streaming
Into our lives, into our lives.
There’s a light over at the 5 Pointz Place
There’s a light burning in the artist’s space
There’s a light, light in the darkness of every artist’s life.
Photo of the day: “COMMON LET’S GO HOME, MY PAWS ARE COLD!”
Photo of the day: “COMMON LET’S GO HOME, MY PAWS ARE COLD!” – Another snow day for my dog ‘Noel’. She loves sniffing all the new snow, and making paw prints in the snow. But, after a while when her paws are too cold, she grabs my handle of the leash and pulls me to let me know “common let’s go home, my paws are cold!”
Photo of the day: FRIDAY THE 13th SPECIAL $31 TATTOOS
Photo of the day: FRIDAY THE 13th SPECIAL $31 TATTOOS – Rushing along St. Mark’s Place this past Friday, I came across this colorful tranquil scene in the window of Whatever Tattoo. It reminded me immediately of the many old master paintings of reclining nudes I have seen in museums and books. This handsome tall hunk was just in the perfect classic pose, eyes closed, so peaceful and at rest while getting a giant tattoo on his back.
Now some people if they suffer from triskaidekaphobia (fear of Friday the 13th) they stay indoors, away from ladders, avoid making decisions and all possible harm – others go to tattoo parlors. I think though, that this tattoo will cost more than the $31 advertised Friday the 13th special.
17 St. Mark’s Pl, New York, NY 10003 (212) 777-2430
Modigliani’s ‘Reclining Nude’ 1917
Photo of the day: I’M NOT DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS AT 5 POINTZ
5 Pointz International Graffiti Museum. December 14, 2013.
Photo of the day: I’M NOT DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS – With the horrific heartless vandalizing of the 5 Pointz international graffiti art museum by owner Gerry Wolkoff by smearing white paint over 1,000’s of pieces of incredible breath taking art, I thought it would be sadly ironic to photograph the remains of the museum in tonight’s first blizzard of the season. The loading dock has now been cordoned off with a tall chain link fence with mesh netting so you cannot ‘see’ through, god forbid scrooge let’s you have a glimpse. (I squeezed my camera through an opening in the gate). The two gates are kept closed with a big steel chain link and lock. As the wind whipped the snow around, the gates rattled back and forth with the only sound to be heard of the chain links and the lock rattling, eerily like that of a ghost in an old movie haunting his final resting place. It felt like a cold place of death as the wind howled, the chains rattled with not a sign of life except for the occasional rats wondering where all the food has gone. Perhaps the rats will find good company with the despicable owner Gerry Wolkoff since misery loves company.
I just stood there for about an hour and watched the snow envelope the now ghostly white building in a graveyard of snow. In this particular case, I am not dreaming of a white Christmas.
(More photos to follow.)
Photo of the day: A LEG UP ON CHRISTMAS
Photo of the day: A LEG UP ON CHRISTMAS – So I’m sitting in cozy Da Gennaro restaurant on Mulberry Street in Little Italy, enjoying a lunch by myself, feeling a little like Rose Castorini (Olympia Dukakis), Cher’s mother in “Moonstruck.” My corner window seat had a perfect view of the intersection of Hester and Mulberry Streets. As the snow flurries danced about, I watched the people scurrying by. Most were tourists wondering where to eat or find that Dean Martin cd. Then I saw this guy crossing the street and I noticed something rather unusual sticking out of his backpack. Let’s hope it was a mannequin’s leg and not a real one. Maybe he was taking it home to create another ‘leg lamp’ from the 1983 movie “A Christmas Story”, let’s hope . . .
“A Christmas Story” 1983 film
Photo of the day: MEET 35 OF MY NEW FRIENDS FROM ALL OVER GERMANY
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?
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?
Photo of the day: THE NEW DEFINITION OF ‘HOT POCKET’
Photo of the day: THE NEW DEFINITION OF ‘HOT POCKET’ – Seen in Chinatown, New York – a woman in one of the open air markets straddling an electric heater between her legs to keep warm. That’s some intense heat – ouch !
Photo of the day: NUNS ON STATEN ISLAND FERRY – a few of my favorite things!
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
Brown paper packages tied up with strings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Dreamy desserts with bright colored berries,
Nuns back and forth on Staten Island ferries,
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings,
These are a few of my favorite things!
(I think this nun’s name might be Maria)
Photo of the day: THE APOLLO THEATER in HARLEM MOURNS MANDELA
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.” |
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© 2013 Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  Apollo Theater, June 27, 2009 |
NELSON MANDELA mural in Harlem on 125th Street. R.I.P.
Nelson Mandela mural 125th Street Harlem
Nelson Mandela 1918 – 2013. Thank you for changing the world peacefully. May you now rest peacefully.
(Harlem mural by Franco Gaskin, seen on 125th Street. Malcom X, Obama, Mandela, Dr. King)
Photo of the day: 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
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?
NEW YORK CITY - IN THE WIT OF AN EYE 