Saturday, December 31, 2011

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.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

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.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Holiday Cheers

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

Saturday, December 10, 2011

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

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Bronzed

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

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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).

Monday, December 5, 2011

Saturday, December 3, 2011

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

Friday, December 2, 2011