Blogs from New York, United States, North America - page 479

Thursday, September 2nd was supposed to be the last, big day for protests in the street, but with a thousand or more people still sitting in police detention at Pier 57, there seemed to be less outright animosity. Instead, the scene at Union Square was one of learning and dialogue, prompted in no small part by the efforts of Veterans for Peace, 9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows and the American Friends Service Committee's (AFSC) project entitled "Eyes Wide Open." The southern end of Union Square was the spot for a day-long vigil by numerous chapters of Veterans for Peace. Their witness was marked by a black banner with the caption, "How Can You Ask A Soldier To Be The Last Person To Die For A Lie?" It was a variation on John Kerry's famous rhetorical question ... read more

After the Man in Black Bloc at Sotheby's auction house, I headed downtown to the 42nd Street Library at Bryant Park, (site of library lions made infamous (to me) in "Ghostbusters"). A vigil was supposed to take place on the steps, and I figured it might be a good photo op. The police were blocking the top of the stairs, and so the typical standoff was taking place between nonviolent protesters and (momentarily) nonviolent protesters. But when the protesters called for a march, they were met at the end of the block by a squad of police officers and told to turn back. When they decided to instead turn the corner, the police decided to round them all up. Orange plastic net fencing, of the kind seen around sports fields and construction sites, was used ... read more

Tuesday, August 31st, was a day of civil disobedience entitled "A31" by activists. A31 proved to be the most active day for the NYPD as they struggled to maintain control over the city and the activists struggled to disrupt business as usual. ' And while the story of civil disobedience in the streets was appealing, I was also interested in documenting the story of less risk-averse but equally motivated activists. To wit, I decided to check out "The Stroller Brigade," a march of liberal parents with babies past Madison Square Garden. The march was supposed to kick off at at Madison Square Park, but when I arrived there was nary a stroller in sight. Wandering around the park I came across a television cameraman with a similarly befuddled expression. When I asked him where teh Stroller ... read more

Into 'the city' we go!! We start the day off by meeting Ted's family at the Jackson Hole diner in Bayside. It was hands down the most expensive French Toast I have ever eaten! We left the diner and caught the LIRR into Penn Station. Walked and walked and walked! We started in the West Village, The Village, Union Square, Noho, Soho, China Town, and Wall Street! Washington Square Park, Union Square Park included!! Beers at Jeremy's new ale house, dinner at Radio Mexico near the South Street Seaport. Sailing on the Pioneer, a schooner built in 1885! And it still sails beautifully! www.southstseaport.org Then a late night visit to the Empire State building! Fanstastic - except didn't quite expect the crowds at 11:30 pm! ... read more

I worked from home this morning so I could finish packing and leave early for Dayton, OH airport. My flight left exactly on time (4:35 pm, est) and arrived exactly 1/2 hour early!!! (6:30 pm, est). It was the second time I had flown into LaGuardia, but the first time during daylight hours. I kept seeing water come closer and closer! The edge of the runway is right in the water! Yikes! My friend Ted met me at the airport. First we went to Long Island sound near Little Neck Bay walking along the bike and ped trail that is part of Gateway National Park. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/pdf/2004bikemapfront.pdf The temp was probably low to mid 70's and beautiful blue skies. Unfortunately, I got distracted and 'took out' a little girl on a bicycle as I attempted to cross ... read more