The Plaza Rink

Today, that sign comes down.

After being closed for several years (due to State budget problems), the ice skating rink on the Empire State Plaza will open again today.

I don't skate. Well, I don't skate well. Last time I tried, I spent the entire time clinging to a rink's wall in desperation. But the Plaza rink has been a familiar sight since childhood and I'm glad to see it open again.

Skating is free, skate rentals are about $4.00. Which isn't a bad deal at all.

Holiday Hardware

A tree decorated with paintbrushes and tools - and topped with an saw-wielding angel - stands outside a soon-to-open custom framing shop on Lark Street.

Holiday Cheers

A Christmas tree decorated with corks outside a wine shop at the corner of Lark and State Streets.

Santa Speedo Sprint 2011

Today was the 6th annual Santa Speedo Sprint on Lark Street. This crazy, fun event has become my favorite holiday happening. It's festive, silly, irreverent, and all for a good cause.

This year's sprinters included scores of scantily-clad Santas, a variety of elves, at least one Christmas tree, the traditional Gingerbread Man, Wonder Woman, a "drunken" Beaker ("Meeeeeep"), a biker, Jesus, Spandex-wearing reindeer, a Sock Monkey, and an older man in nothing but a black g-string, sneakers, a white Panama hat.

Next year's Speedo Sprint is set for December 8. Looking forward to it already!

Santa Speedo 2010
Santa Speedo 2009

Not A Winner

Old scratch-off lottery tickets litter the floor of an empty building on Broadway.

Bronzed

Impressive bronze doors give a rather imposing flourish to this building on lower State Street.

Albany Evening News

Looking up at the former Albany Evening News building (attached to the gorgeous old D&H Building on Broadway, now SUNY Plaza).

Skeletal Stairs

Stairs inside the long-empty Trailways station at Broadway and Division Street.

A Church Door On Chestnut

An old church doorway on Chestnut Street

New York City And Points South

A very worn sign on a departure gate at the former Albany bus station on Broadway, a distinctive building which has been vacant for years.

See also:

Gateways and Getaways

Vaults

Graceful lettering on a bronze plaque for a former bank on State Street.