#Grand Central Air Terminal | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

sizebrained · 30 days ago

Text

New Year, New You, New York - Part 3

CW: Adult themes, language, sexually suggestive, fluff, angst. *** Ben couldn't wait to get off the train. Hazel had done her best job distracting him. It had worked. It had worked extremely well. Afterwards he fell asleep for the rest of the train ride, surprising Hazel. She actually had to wake him as they neared the city.

As Ben came around to the living again, Hazel went back to staring out of their cabin's big window. She was blown away by the skyline coming into view. It looked so different from what she remembered. The buildings were somehow even higher. It had been over 60 years, but still they seemed impossibly tall then. She looked over her shoulder at Ben and had the same thought.

Hazel wondered what London would look like now. She watched Ben getting anxious again, overfilling their little cabin. He quietly held out his hand to help her get positioned in his headphones.

As soon as Hazel was safely secured, Ben rushed out of the cabin and stood at the train doors ready to burst out like a spring. It was even more cramped for him in the main cabin but he seemed very intent on escape.

Then in an instant they were out of the train and in Grand Central Terminal. She could feel Ben's relief even though she couldn't see him.

She marveled at the sights and sounds of it all. Some things she recognized as they made their way through the station. But most of it was all new and simply wondrous.

Glass, metal, and stone seemed to be everywhere she was used to seeing wood and plaster. Modern human buildings really were so much more inhospitable to her kind now than they used to be. She wondered how other small creatures made due.

She thought about rats but stopped herself. She hated rats.

She was soon distracted again by the scenery outside of Ben's headphone hideaway. She looked harder through her peephole wishing she could be on his shoulder or hand instead.

"This is so..." Hazel started to say out loud to herself rather than Ben.

Ben was clearly planning on walking everywhere. As they got onto the street he asked to the seemingly open air.

"I don't suppose you remember your way around do you?" Ben asked as he looked left then right.

"Well even if I did know my way around this human city, it has been quite a long time...I am afraid I cannot be much help. Sorry," Hazel replied. Ben took out his phone and followed the directions feeling like an idiot as he did. It took longer than he expected because he kept getting turned around. Eventually, he walked the right way and the tell tale signs of the theater district came Hazel's small view. They passed by show poster after show poster.

Everything was so busy. There were people all over. She was thankful for the headphones, this really would be too risky otherwise.

It reminded Hazel of the last time she was here and of London. She realized how much she missed cities like this. "Here it is," Ben said triumphantly as he stood in front of the theater where Camelot was showing. Ben took it in and decided he'd buy a poster at the gift shop to bring home for Hazel. He hoped Hazel would like that and wondered if he could get it without her noticing as an added surprise. "We are going straight there?!" Hazel asked excited. "Well yea but no...our tickets are for tonight. It's only 2 o'clock. I thought we could stop here though since it's on the way to the hotel. And then maybe relax and have dinner and..." Ben started explaining.

"A hotel and dinner and a musical?" Hazel asked pressing into the foam of his ear speaking directly into it. She said musical like Ben and it didn't seem right.

"Ben is this gift...a date?" Hazel asked grinning.

"NO!" He shouted making the headphones on him rattle and shake.

It made Hazel fall backwards away from the peephole but she caught herself with her hands, a little dazed.

"Sorry...I mean...no...well...uh...well....I guess..." Ben kept going shifting in place. He still standing in front of the theater like a misplaced lamp post.

Rather than wonder at the overgrown body in the middle of the sidewalk, most of the city natives looked annoyed if they noticed him at all. However, tourists started to think Ben was there on purpose like some kind of attraction.

A group of Japanese girls soon stood near him posing for several photos followed by a few awkward moving gawkers with selfie sticks.

Ben was oblivious to it. A costumed performer who actually was heading towards Times Square for tourist selfies did a double take. They were on stilts but seemed surprised that Ben was still taller.

Ben raised his hand and cupped it over the headphone can where Hazel hid inside. She noticed the few rays of light from outside disappear and was in total darkness. She felt her pulse quicken for a moment out of instinct. Her brain reminded her it was only Ben and felt immediately calmer.

It was like she was friends with the sky itself.

"I guess...yeah. It is sort of like a date. Is that...ok?" Ben asked hopefully, his eyes were tilted to the side towards his ear.

He really wished he could see Hazel's face at the moment to gauge her reaction. He fiddled with his lips nervously.

With his headphones broken, Ben could hear the sounds of New York all around him. Everything was just a little muffled and he was straining to hear Hazel's answer. Her silence seemed to last forever.

Hazel's hesitation wasn't over whether she wanted to go on a date with Ben. She now felt foolish for pointing it out. Before her blundering observation, they at least had some pretense behind their arrangement.

Now that pretense was gone and it was now in the open between one another. What Ben was to Hazel, and what Hazel was to him, was so glaringly obvious and inescapable.

Even what they had done on the train ride could be excused as an extreme measure by Hazel to keep him from having a panic attack in a public, inescapable place.

It certainly did keep his mind off anything else and it was quite an experience for both of them. A rather pleasurable one, Hazel thought. And she was glad he fell asleep for so long afterwards, she needed some time to recover and collect herself again.

But a formal, outright date was going past a point of no return.

As she remained silent, the exaggerated outcomes of a "Yes" or "No" played out in Hazel's mind, pondering her response to Ben's question.

If the date went well, Hazel would be with Ben as he lived out his short human life. When he died before her, like all humans she knew did, she'd be wrecked. Like she had been with Mary. Or even more wrecked than she had been after Mary died. Everything with Ben seemed to be amplified and she wasn't sure if it was because of his size or her feelings for him.

She'd enjoyed herself more with Ben this past year than decades with Mary. She didn't think Ben had ever said a harsh word or even made a crossed look at her. Ben and Mary couldn't have been more different. She loved that...and she knew she loved him.

That was the other problem.

If the date went badly, Hazel couldn't possibly stay with him like they were. She'd have to leave and being without him seemed just as bad. She wanted him, she needed him, and not in any particular way. She just needed him in her days and nights. She needed to talk to him and know what he was thinking and watch how he changed through time. And if it did go badly, she'd get the added sorrow of knowing that she hurt his feelings. She couldn't stand to hurt him.

She realized in that long moment of silence just how much she loved him. She loved him desperately.

This made Hazel realize that there wouldn't be a good ending for her either way. Her suffering was unavoidable. She just got to choose the flavor. It didn't seem like much of a choice at all.

"Yes it is okay...A proper date with you would be lovely..." Hazel finally replied.

Suddenly Hazel's whole body lifted up then fell back down awkwardly fast in the hollowed out headphone. Ben had jumped off his feet in excited triumph. She tried to catch herself but it was hard in the dark and strange space.

"Could you please not do whatever you just did?!" Hazel pleaded clutching her chest and rubbing a freshly sore spot on her body.

"Oh sorry!!! Umm....I mean Great! Let's get to the hotel. We can change and..." "Change?" Hazel asked confused.

After a short walk, at least short for Ben's stride, they were at the hotel. Hazel thought it looked a lot like Ben's building. Everything was beautiful, clean, and modern.

She couldn't help the involuntary memories from rushing back. It made her think of the much more old fashioned, far more economical hotel that her and Mary had stayed at so many decades ago.

This was turning out to be so different in so many ways. And yet somehow still so similar.

Ben was taken up to what Hazel was expecting to be a room. Instead the concierge, not a bellhop, led them to a suite that was bigger than Ben's home. Hazel gasped.

She didn't quite fully appreciate how human money worked but she had a general idea. This suite must have cost a fortune.

"Ben! We didn't need all of this! I don't even need a bed," Hazel exclaimed once the concierge left and they were alone together.

Hazel felt Ben's hand wrap around the headphone again as he warned her.

"I'm going to lift this up. Do you want me to catch you or do you want to just land on my shoulder?" He whispered, mindful of his voice after messing up several times.

Hazel thought for a moment before answering.

"Catch me..."

Without another word, Hazel felt the world open up under her and she barely fell before her feet touched Ben's ready fingers.

His hand closed around her lightly and brought her around from the side of his head in his grasp. As soon as his hand was in front of his face, his hand opened flat to reveal Hazel sitting back on her own hands, knees bent in front of her.

Hazel looked up at him from his palm.

It was the first time they'd really gotten to see each other since the train. Ben suddenly looked bashful.

Hazel grinned at his reaction.

"Uh..hey," He finally said through his reddening cheeks and flustered look.

"Hey yourself," said through a chuckle. She scooted to the edge of his palm and let her legs dangle over. She only ever did this with humans who she truly trusted felt safe with, and she enjoyed doing it with Ben.

"Ben this is truly a wonderful hotel suite but it's so wasteful we don't need all of this..." Hazel looked at her surroundings from her vantage point in Ben's hand.

It very well may have been the nicest space that Hazel had ever seen in hundreds of years of being alive.

He still look flustered and she recognized the signs of him wanting to ask something he was having trouble saying.

"Yes?" Hazel prodded, "Something on your mind?"

Ben cleared his throat and paused. Then he turn his head to look straight at her. It was Hazel's turn to feel flustered. He suddenly looked very determined. Nervous. But determined.

"I want...would it..." Ben started and sighed.

"Can I kiss you? I mean would it be ok if I..." Ben kept going before Hazel interrupted him.

"Yes...kiss me you big dummy," Hazel said softly.

Ben puckered his lips and his enormous face moved closer before he pulled back and readjusted to try again. Hazel wanted to laugh but stopped herself. He was trying his best. "Ben bring your hand closer to your lips for me..." Hazel instructed. He did and Hazel leaned forward and planted a kiss on his upper lip as hard as she could so she'd know he would feel it. "Is that alright or did you want more?" Hazel asked. Ben's hand pulled back and she got a clearer view of him. He looked even more flustered than before. "No...I mean....yes...I...uh..." Ben started before finally deciding on, "Mmn." Hazel laughed out loud.

"You mentioned something about changing?" Hazel asked standing up from the edge of his hand and taking a step backwards.

"Uh yeah it's uh another surprise? Gift?" Ben explained while walking over to a large dining table in their suite.

Hazel guessed one reason he picked this hotel suite was for the high ceilings.

Ben slipped the duffel bag slinged over his shoulder down onto the table and unzipped it with one hand. He preferred to keep Hazel in his palm and struggle to do it with his free hand. Hazel wondered if their experience on the train ride was making him even more sentimental and protective towards her.

Ben's hand searched for something inside, and then very slowly removed his hand. In between two pinched fingers was a Hazel sized dress made of silk and black sequins.

Hazel was stunned into silence as he held it in the air just beyond her standing in the middle of his palm.

"Cob helped. It was for a bigger doll and it took them forever. They said they weren't as good at needlework as you but I think they did pretty good." Ben explained while secretly trying to eyeball the dress compared to Hazel to imagine how well it would fit.

Hazel was still in stunned silence.

"Ben...that is incredibly thoughtful of you..." Hazel said through halted breaths.

Mary had never done anything like this for Hazel. She had just gotten so used to being mistreated, especially towards the end, that Ben's generosity now was overwhelming. Hazel started to sob, hunching over a bit to try and hide her feelings getting out of hand.

Ben suddenly looked horrified.

"Oh god you hate it don't you? You hate it? I told Cob you don't like black unless you're doing your ninja thing..." He said, misunderstanding her reaction.

Without warning, Hazel leapt from Ben's palm to his neck. She held onto him, or rather as much of him as she could.

It caught Ben off guard and he tumbled backwards like he'd walked into a spider's web in a haunted house.

Thankfully a nearby couch broke his fall and he landed with a loud thud and grunt. It took a second to recover from his tumble, but his hands had cupped around Hazel clinging to his neck. He pulled his hands away quickly.

"Are you ok? What the hell was..." Ben started before she interrupted him.

"Sorry I startled you....You're such a kind, wonderful, amazing...I..." Hazel stopped and just hugged into him harder. She started laughing and confused Ben even more. Hazel thought it was a nice change from him always startling her.

She climbed off of his neck and onto his chest so he could see her more easily. Hazel wiped her eyes and cheeks with her sleeve. She took a deep breath and looked at him adoringly.

"Why would you..." Hazel continued before Ben interrupted her.

"I love you so...it's easy..." Ben said plainly, like he was telling her the time of day.

Hazel stepped forward towards his face again and hugged the underside of his jaw in silence. Ben raised up a hand and pressed two of his knuckles gently against her back.

He didn't press her to say she loved him too. He didn't need to hear it to know.

"Uh mind if I order dinner now? I'm starving..." He finally asked.

*** End

#g/t community #g/t #g/t writing #borrowers #g/t fluff #giant tiny #giant/tiny #gt community #giant tiny writing #giant tiny community #borrower #g/t scenario #g/t angst #g/t author #g/t related #g/t story #g/t stuff #g/t concept

12 notes · View notes

sunsetschloe · 2 months ago

Text

live for me - natasha romanoff fic

summary: if there's one thing Natasha learned from it all, it was that everyone dies alone. but that's okay, because if you truly lived, if you meant something, anything, to someone, if you found the strength to love through the pain, then you're still living in the memories of the people you loved.

chapter one: clint

Budapest was so much emptier without Natasha.

The streets of Budapest were still bustling with merchants selling their crafts, calling out to the tourists that traversed the city, looking for the best spots for group selfies.

But Clint wasn't here for relaxation. As soon as he got off the plane, he headed straight to the nearby bus stop, where he got in line to buy a shuttle ticket. The line moved fast, and the couple in front of him left without tickets because of some "currency exchange issue."

"One ticket to Keleti Station."

"One way?" The man in the booth peered at him over his shades. Clint nodded in response. "2200 forints."

Clint handed him the bills he had prepared beforehand silently. "In five minutes," the man explained as he slid the ticket to him, and Clint murmured a quiet thank you before he left.

The entire bus ride, he looked out the window at the familiar sights he last saw in 2003.

Keleti train station was big, and hard to navigate. Nothing compared to Grand Central Terminal, but the signs in Hungarian didn't give much information. He weaved through the crowd, trying to locate the ticket counter.

As a solo archer, he wasn't sure why him being alone felt so...off.

He boarded his train half an hour later, and they arrived at his destination within twenty minutes.

"We have arrived at Budapest Nyugati Station," a bright voice chirped from the speakers. "To transfer to Deli Station, please exit from the right for metro line 3 or M3, or..." Clint tuned out the station broadcast, drawing his jacket more tightly around his body as he walked briskly from the train tracks.

He still knew these paths by heart.

Towards the end of the exit, he spotted the vent cover they escaped into last time. He was tempted to just open it right there and then, but it was broad daylight, and he didn't want to cause a fiasco by climbing into the air duct in front of all these people.

He slipped into a hall by the main area, where another vent cover sat on the ceiling. Glancing around anxiously, he scaled the wall, hauling himself into the vent.

The vent was smaller than he remembered. He crawled along awkwardly, occasionally glancing upwards at the little drawings Natasha made, next to their sad attempts of tic-tac-toe to amuse themselves.

He eventually stopped at a turning point of the vent, and started digging through the cracks of their old hideout, where candy wrappers and empty bottles remained. His hand caught on something loose, and he pulled it out, stuffing it into his pocket without a glance.

The vent felt weirdly suffocating.

He crawled forward to the next exit of the vent, opened the cover with a slight squeak that made him wince. Making sure no one passed by the empty hallway, he jumped down quietly, closing the cover with his motion.

He stopped before making it out of the hall and back to the main station, retrieving whatever he found from the pocket of his jeans.

It was a photo of him and Natasha in front of Liberty Square, eyes squinting at the camera. He wasn't sure how he got her to agree to the picture in the first place, but he wasn't about to dwell on it. He found the picture, and it was all that mattered.

He flipped the photo to reveal a date hastily written on in permanent marker: April 24th, 2003.

"We were so young", he muttered to himself. He turned back to the side with their picture, and inspected their faces. He was smiling broadly, stance relaxed, while Natasha only gave a slight grimace. "I hope you're in a better place now."

He pocketed the photo with a sigh, and left without looking back.

ao3 link if y'all wanna leave some kudos <3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/61978525/chapters/158489269

#writing #ao3 #fanfiction #fanfic #natasha romanoff #mcu #marvel #avengers #budapest #clint barton #black widow #after endgame #kinda implied clintasha?#friendship #grief #love

11 notes · View notes

crownedstoat · 8 months ago

Text

Ground crew member loading luggage into a Fokker F-32 aircraft at Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale.

#1930's #California #Passenger plane #Fokker #F-32 #Glendale

9 notes · View notes

posttexasstressdisorder · 1 month ago

Text

WhatMatters

Your guide to California policy and politics

By Lynn La

January 24, 2025

Presented by Alibaba, Californians for Energy Independence and Uber

Good morning, California.

CA earmarks $2.5 billion for LA fire aid

Gov. Gavin Newsom holds signed bills to support wildfire response and recovery efforts for Los Angeles during a press conference at Willard Elementary School in Pasadena Jan. 23, 2025. Photo by Frederic J. Brown, AFP via Getty Images

With President Donald Trump bound for Los Angeles today and once again threatening to withhold wildfire aid to California unless the state abides by his water policies, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two bills Thursday to provide $2.5 billion in state funding for wildfire response and preparedness, writes CalMatters’ Sameea Kamal.

Newsom, at a press event in Pasadena: “People feel helpless, but not everybody feels hopeless. This is about distilling a sense of hopefulness.”

State and local agencies can use the money for a variety of recovery efforts, such as providing shelters, removing hazardous waste and testing air quality. It also includes:

$4 million for the Department of Housing and Community Development to help local governments speed up building permits;

$1 million to rebuild schools;

$250,000 to the Division of the State Architect;

$750,000 to the Office of Public School Construction.

Funds for the relief package will be drawn from the state’s reserve fund specifically earmarked for economic uncertainties, which had about $8.3 billion as of Jan. 10, according to a California Department of Finance spokesperson. State officials say the $2.5 billion should be reimbursable by the federal government. Hours before receiving the governor’s signature, the bills passed the Legislature unanimously in both chambers. The mood was somber, and while legislators acknowledged the urgency of the matter, some also stressed that the state should carefully track where the money would go, and that vulnerable communities should be prioritized.

Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, a Los Angeles Democrat: “Fire does not discriminate. But what can discriminate is how we rebuild. … It is crucial to do so ethically and equitably.”

The wildfires that broke out earlier this month have killed at least 27 people, and displaced tens of thousands of others. New fires continue to ignite in Southern California this week, including the 10,000-acre Hughes Fire in L.A. County that began Wednesday. Also Thursday, Newsom's office was left trying to discern the details of Trump's planned visit to the fire zone — and the White House seemed just fine to leave the governor hanging. It's unclear whether the two, whose relationship is frosty at best, will appear together as presidents and governors normally do at disasters scenes. CalMatters' Alexei Koseff previews what could be an awkward day in LA in this story.

Wildfire newsletter: CalMatters is teaming up with PBS SoCal, LAist and KCRW to offer a free newsletter that delivers new and accurate information about the Southern California fires. Read an edition and subscribe.

Focus on inequality: Each Friday, the California Divide team delivers a newsletter that focuses on the politics and policy of inequality. Read an edition and subscribe.

How will Trump’s second presidency affect your corner of California? CalMatters is working with public radio partners to gather perspectives across the state. Share your thoughts here.

Read more here.

And lastly: CA youth shifting right?

Students and voters wait in line to cast their ballots at Modoc Hall at Sacramento State on Nov. 5, 2024. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Compared to 2020, Trump made small gains in the November election not only among California’s general voting population but voters ages 18 to 29 as well. Find out why from June Hsu of CalMatters’ College Journalism Network.

California Voices

CalMatters columnist Dan Walters: With its economy and population size similar to Canada, should California breakaway from the U.S. and become its own country?

Other things worth your time:

Some stories may require a subscription to read.

Amid fires, LA needs housing and downtown’s empty office towers have appeal // Los Angeles Times

What LA schools can learn from Northern CA districts that survived wildfires // EdSource

What will happen to LA’s palm trees? // The Guardian

CA’s 250,000 federal employees await fate as Trump roils civil service // The Mercury News

How will Trump’s anti-trans executive order affect Californians? // The Sacramento Bee

CA prepares for battle with Trump on immigration raids in schools and hospitals // San Francisco Chronicle

Stanislaus farmers could lose vital workers from Trump’s mass deportations // The Modesto Bee

New recall effort targets Newsom, citing CA’s rising costs, policies // KTLA 5

How the latest US court ruling impacts Central CA’s DACA recipients // The Fresno Bee

Sonoma State University faces backlash over deep cuts to faculty and programs // The Press Democrat

See you next time!

Tips, insight or feedback? Email [email protected]. Subscribe to CalMatters newsletters here. Follow CalMatters on Facebook and Twitter.

About Us· How We're Funded· Subscribe· DonateCalMatters 1017 L Street #261 Sacramento, CA 95814 United States

2 notes · View notes

strictlyfavorites · 4 months ago

Text

Stand by Me cover

youtube

The beautiful Dassault Mirage IVA 2

A 354FS A-10C Thunderbolt 2. (t. mcbride)

Dassault Aviation Mirage 2000 D

RAAF Mirage A3-2 (Dassault Mirage III)

The SR- 71 was not only the fastest air-breathing airplane in the world. It was also the most photogenic. 3

TWA

Pan Am's big rival was Trans World Airlines. Its HQ from 1962 was the TWA Flight Center, a futuristic terminal dubbed the "Grand Central [Station] of the jet age" that will soon reopen as a hotel.

sexy_flight_attendant_6

#Youtube

6 notes · View notes

deancasbigbang · 1 year ago

Text

Title: Sleepwalk

Author: Bees

Artist: natmoose

Rating: Mature

Pairings: Dean/Cas John/Mary Lee/Lisa

Length: 27000

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence, period typical homophobia

Tags: 1950s, coming of age, eventual HEA, Beat literature

Posting Date: November 6, 2023

Summary: Set during the 1950s in the small town of Hays, Kansas, Dean's got it all: great family, friends aplenty, and he's star of the basketball team, a real popular fella. But something's missing, he feels like he's sleepwalking, like nothing's ever enough, so he dreams of a life of adventure outside the confines of his hometown. Then one day, in strides Cas, this blue-eyed bohemian from NYC, and things start changing quick like a jackrabbit. They set out to explore their true selves and identities—Cas becoming a catalyst for the change Dean would like to see in himself—all while wanting nothing better than to make it through their final year of school.

Excerpt: Dean stands on the dock panting, out of breath from fear and rage and he screams. He screams at the water and listens to it bounce back, echoing and mocking, his voice but not his own. When he can't scream any longer, he takes another breath and lets it all out again, hysterical. Dad finally catches up, pulling Dean close, embracing him with his giant arms. Dean sobs into his perfectly starched and pressed uniform, the hand-stitched Sheriff's badge soaking up his salty tears and blood. He feels like a small child again, engulfed in that embrace after a night of bad dreams, rocking gently and soothed with a tender hand through his hair. "I fucked up, Dad." John strokes his hair again and kisses his head, replying, "I know." It's not an accusation, just acknowledgment of truths that need to be spoken, things that could destroy them if they weren't true to themselves. A simple understanding that none of them are perfect. "I know, kid. So did I." --- --- --- Dean steps foot off the platform and makes his way through the winding tunnels of the dingy terminal and up through the beautifully tiled main concourse and out the wide, gaping doors of grand central station. The streets of Manhattan are dirty and packed and filled up with cars. Horns honk and the air smells stale, nothing like the fresh small-town air he is so used to. He’s never smelled anything so liberating. He closes his eyes and tips his head up to the sky, letting the sun soak into his skin as ladies in ermine stoles and gentlemen in fine fedoras skirt past him, rushing to get back to their hectic city lives. He stands there for what must be mere moments, but to him an eternity of perfect harmony within his soul. He floats above the city and stares down from the heavens. His whole life, his dreams, his hopes, never had any of these things prepared him for the absolute sense of bittersweet finality, a family left behind—and of the pure joy at the thought of a new family about to begin. A future yet lived, a future with Cas. It is there with the chill breeze of springtime on his cheeks that his old life ends, where life truly begins, and it all begins with one simple phrase in a lemon whiskey voice: “Hello, Dean.”

DCBB 2023 Posting Schedule

#dcbb 2023 #fic preview #2023 promo #deancas #destiel

21 notes · View notes

the-outer-topic · 1 year ago

Text

1934 Classics at the Air Terminal - Stan Stokes

Stan Stokes, in his painting, 1934 American Classics, beautifully portrays a Hollywood movie star and her pet dog embarking on a chartered Ford Trimotor from the Grand Central Air Terminal (owned and operated by Curtis-Wright) in California. Probably bound for a weekend visit to San Simeon, the palatial retreat of the publishing magnate, William Randolph Hearst, the trip to San Luis Obispo will take only ninety minutes. The early afternoon rains have left puddles on the tarmac, but fair skies have returned to the San Gabriel mountains, and the trip should be a smooth one. During the Great Depression the Packard Company introduced some of its most stunning and high performance automobiles. The 1934 Packard LeBaron Speedster, pictured in the painting, was one such machine. Costing nearly $8,000 the Packard LeBaron Speedster was about two to three times the price of a nice three bedroom house. Only the very wealthy could afford such luxuries during the Depression. Note that the Speedsters fenders are reminiscent of the wheel covers on racing planes during the era of the Thompson Trophy Air Races. The Speedster was powered by a 160 HP V-12 engine which displaced 445 cubic inches. Around this time it is believed that among the Hollywood notables that owned Packard Speedsters were both Clark Gable and Douglas Fairbanks. The Ford Trimotor was introduced in 1926 and between 1926 and 1933 Ford produced approximately 200 of these capable aircraft. Ford Trimotors remained in service long after they were made technically obsolete by more modern aircraft, and it is reputed that one aircraft built in 1928 was still in regular service as late as 1970. Admiral Byrd utilized a 4-AT version of the Trimotor for his 1929 Antarctic expedition. The Ford Trimotor played an important role in introducing commercial aviation to the general public during the years of the Great Depression. The basic model carried eleven passengers and a crew of two, had a cruising speed of 107 MPH, an operational ceiling of 16,500 feet, and a range of 570 miles. Due to its corrugated metal exterior skin the Trimotor was affectionately known as the Tin Goose. The Tin Goose had a wingspan of nearly 78 feet, and was fifty feet in length. In 1930 Transcontinental and Western Air (TWA) began the first coast-to-coast commercial service utilizing Ford Trimotors. The trip took only thirty-six hours, if the weather was cooperative

#stan stokes #automotive art

11 notes · View notes

mezimraky · 7 months ago

Note

What's your favorite poem?

i thought long and hard about this. i started out my response to this ask three times, with different answers planned. i think i finally figured it out, though. don't get me wrong, it's been nice, revisiting some things that struck me. through my poetry tag, or memory alone. wondering if and how i could ever approximate czech poetry to you, and if it would even be worth it to try. i read the poem by my friend that i keep on my fridge for the first time in a few months and cried, because i'd forgotten it was there. i wanted to choose one so desperately but at the same time i didn't want to choose just one. so instead, here's something else. an extract from an interview i'd read a few years back, one that i return to sometimes.

"The hunger for poetry is real. I feel as if, if we made more poetry more available to people. If it were as available to people as CNN or billboards, I think people would just love it. What we did in New York was we put poets at Grand Central Terminal, which is a large place where trains come and go, all the subways come and go. It’s the intersection of New York City. We put tables with poets, but we domesticated the spaces. So if you had table, you would have a desk and a chair and a chair next to you, and a lamp and a rug and a typewriter and carbon paper and a little bell. It’s something I originally created for my daughter’s fair at school. But remember with Peanuts the Doctor is in, Lucy’s booth? It was like that. The poet is in. [laughter] So all these poets from different places with tables and lamps and typewriters, we invited the public to come and have a poem written for them, really with them. We had no idea what would happen. We thought, you know. The line formed quickly and within minutes the wait was two and a half hours. Two and a half hours people stood with strollers, with briefcases, with all sorts of things, waiting to sit down with the poet. And then the poet would ask questions, questions that would engage them and provide images from their deepest life. “Tell me a dream you’ve had more than once. Tell me an article of a toy you used to love. If there were a door in the air right now, and what you longed for was behind it, [phone dings] what would it be?” And people said things like, “My dead daughter’s shoes, my grandmother.” And then the poet would take this and transform what the poet heard using language and silence and musicality. But take what the person had given them, transform it, type it out, sign it, and then read it to the person. Everybody wept. The poets wept, the people wept because it was their own lives given back, if you will. But put through this whatever, when we’re being writers, this imaginative language, silence, place that gave them back something. I wish we could do it every week. I wish there could be a permanent installation at Grand Central Terminal and everywhere around the world where people could experience the transformative act of poetry."

-- marie howe, in can poetry save the world?

it contains poetry, without really speaking it. it's not that important how those singular poems went, they weren't meant for us the crowd anyway. but the sheer fact that this happened, that these people got their hands on a poem reflecting their own lives. well, it means the world to me. in a way, that's what i hope to do with my own poetry. though i cannot hope to contain anyone's life within it besides my own.

#poetry #thanks for the question. hope this response wasn't too much of a cop out in your eyes..#marie howe #anonymous

3 notes · View notes

sonatine · 2 years ago

Text

Highlighting some important passages below:

“To help encourage New Yorkers to do that, public facilities shut down and events were canceled. Theaters, beaches, stadiums, and zoos closed, sure. But so did public libraries, vital indoor gathering places for the unhoused. And so did some public schools, leaving thousands of kids in apartments and houses that might have been overventilated, letting the toxic air in, and unfiltered, leaving it there. What were people supposed to do? Where were they supposed to go?”

The government would be providing a million of them, the good kind, N95s, Governor Kathy Hochul announced. But this is a city of 8.5 million people. The masks were not available when the air-quality index hit its peak—the worst air ever recorded in the city, the worst air in the world at one point in time. Plus, to get the masks, folks would have to travel, exposing themselves to the grotesque air. Who was going to schlep to Grand Central Station or the Port Authority Bus Terminal for the chance of picking one up? Would the masks even be there?

Everywhere needs to be prepared for everything. That is another takeaway. The climate catastrophe is screwing with the weather and the seasons. It is amplifying unpredictability—ginning up freak storms, early fires, unexpected mudslides, sudden heat waves. By the time a crisis hits, it is too late for places to plan, and the results will be what they always are: Everyone is rendered vulnerable, though people with money have options that people without money do not.

#everything about this experience was so scary and frustrating #‘stay inside’ doesn’t work when buildings are old and leaky and smoky air is clogging up your home!#‘use AC with HEPA filters’ doesn’t work when most homes don’t have central air!#nyc #canada wildfires

4 notes · View notes

kocamaaanbirkucukkiz-blog-b-blog · 2 years ago

Text

SHORT NY GUIDE

Bloguma hepiniz hoş geldiniz. Beğendiyseniz butona basmayı ve arkadaşlarınızla paylaşmayı, beğenmediyseniz yüzüme söylememeyi unutmayın lütfen, iyi eğlenceler :) 1- GEZİLECEK GÖRÜLECEK MÜZELER Hepsi için online bilet alıp önceden rezervasyon yaptırmak gerekli, sitelerinden kolayca yapılıyor. Pazartesileri genelde kapalı oluyorlar, gitmeden mutlaka sayfalarını ziyaret edin. Kendi öncelik sırama göre hazırladım, ilgi alanlarınıza bakıp hoşunuza gideni seçebilirsiniz. - American Museum of Natural History (28 $) (12:00-17:30) https://www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit - Solomun R Guggenheim (Modern Art) (25 $) (11:00-17:00) https://secure.guggenheim.org/ - Metropolitan Museum of Art (30 $) (10:00-17:00 – Fri/Sat 21:00) https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit#tickets - The Morgan Library & Museum (22 $) (10:30-17:00) (Cuma gğnleri 5-7 arası FreeFriday var, rezervasyon yapılırsa gidilebilir, bahçesi güzele benziyor) https://www.themorgan.org/visit - 9/11 Memorial Museum (29 $) (9:00-19:00) https://visit.911memorial.org/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=tickets&C=museum#740747 - Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum (8$) (10:00-17:00) https://www.intrepidmuseum.org/Plan-Your-Visit - Skyscraper Museum (Free) (12:00-18:00) https://skyscraper.org/visit/ - Museum of Modern Art MoMA (25 $) (10:30-17:30) https://tickets.moma.org/orders/198/calendar?cart=true&eventId=5ef36ac25eeba32ee256c78d&ticketsga=1684388127&_gl=1*s4az7m*_ga*Mjc1MTg1NDU2LjE2ODQyMTgwMjY.*_ga_8QY3201SLC*MTY4NDM4ODEyMy4yLjEuMTY4NDM4ODEzOC4wLjAuMA..&_ga=2.225957082.1134058564.1684388124-275185456.1684218026 - Museum of Ice Cream (33-49$) (9:30-11:00) – Çılgın bi deneyim, değişiklik sevenler deneyebilir :) https://www.museumoficecream.com/new-york-city?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmZejBhC_ARIsAGhCqneF7t-hp2mSETALTiFGi97NywX0Pd8Fuico72mp1QnBTxCmZ-yoc1YaAnNPEALw_wcB - New York Public Library - St Patrick Cathedral

ÇATI VE MANZARALAR - Rockefeller Center (Top of the Rock) (40 $) https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/top-of-the-rock-observation-deck/#ticket-offerings - Empire State Building (44-74 $) https://www.esbnyc.com/buy-tickets - The Edge (Hudson Yards) (35 $) https://www.edgenyc.com/en/buy-tickets - SUMMIT One Vanderbilt (42-62 $) https://summitov.com/tickets/ - One World Observatory (44-64 $) https://www.oneworldobservatory.com/buy-tickets/ - Liberty Statue and Ellis Island (Ferry 25 $/person) https://www.cityexperiences.com/new-york/city-cruises/statue/search-result/?destination=Reserve%20Ticket&date=20230620 ÖNEMLİ: Şöyle bir kampanya var Newyork City Pass bileti alarak yukarıdaki yerlerden 5 tanesini 138 $’a ziyaret edebiliyorsunuz. Tavsiyem, eğer manzaralardan birine çıkacaksanız bu bilet çok avantajlı, diğer gezeceğiniz yerleri de hemen belirliyorsunuz ve bir rota oluşturuyorsunuz. https://www.citypass.com/new-york PARK, BAHÇE VE YAPILAR - Central Park - Bryant Park /atıştırmalık ve içecek alıp yayılmalık, öğleden sonra dinlenmesi için sosyal bi ortam) - Brooklyn Bridge - Brooklyn Bridge Park (gün batımı için) - High Line (Hudson River) - Times Square - Wall Street - Soho - Harlem - Grand Central Terminal - Broadway - 5th and 6th Avenue - Manhattan - Manhattan Bridge - Chelsea (Özellikle Chelsea Market’e gidin, hem yeme-içme hem alışveriş için ideal bir ortam, keyifli olur) - Madison Square Park 2- YİYECEK-İÇECEK ROTASI Öncelikle belirtmeliyim ki iyi yemeğin köpeğiyiz, sizin için kabalaşmayacağım ama iyi yemeği sevdiğinizi biliyorum. Roof Bars & Local Pubs Bir roof barda imza kokteyllerini içmeden gelmeyin bence. Eğer yukarıdaki “çatı ve manzaralar” bölümünden bir mekana giderseniz bence kokteyl dahil fiyatı değerlendirin, avantajlı olabilir. - Bailey’s Corner Pub - The Sky Room - 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar - Harriet’s Rooftop - Westlight - The Crown NYC - McSorley’s Old Ale House - pub - The Dead Rabbit - pub Güzel mekan önerileri için şu siteyi de kullanabilirsiniz. https://mybartender.com/places/best-pubs-nyc/ Mesela Beer Gardenlar: https://mybartender.com/places/best-beer-gardens-nyc/ Bagels and Sandwiches - Katz Delicatessen – tercihler şunlar olabilir: All beef hotdog, Jewish snacks and deli, pastrami sandviç – Hiçbi yere gitmezseniz buraya mutlaka gidin pastrami için) - Russ & Daughters - Lox sandwich – somon fümelidir dikkat - Numpang - sandviç türevleri Vietnam işi, denenebilir. Bu yukarıdaki ikisi Yahudi restoranı, et konusunda çok rahat olabilirsiniz inek ve türevleri. - Absolute Bagel - Murray’s Bagels - Hudson Bagels - Ess-A-Bagel Burada plan şu, bi öğleden sonra yorulmuşsunuz ve bagel/sandviç+drinklerle birlikte Bryant Park’ta oturuyorsunuz. Sonra bana fotoğraf atın, sad story. Burgers and BBQ - Shake Shack (zincir ama gidin, yerlisi bile bayılıyormuş) - Taim (Falafel tarzı zımbırtılar var, alternatif) - Minetta Tavern (30 $ bandında fiyatlar, kendinize jest yapacaksanız gidin, abartılmış olabilir bilmiyorum.) - Hometown Bar-B-Que – “et yiyeceğim ben klasik Amerikan iteminin tadına bakacağım” diyenler için gidilebilir, her türlü et var. Food Trucks Food Truck deneyimi yaşamak lazım. - Wafels + Dinges - Kimchi Taco (kore + meksika mutfağı, ilginç olabilir) - Coolhaus (çok acayip bi dondurmacı gibi duruyor, gidilebilir, al-götür park yapılabilir.) - The Halal Guys (baya uzun yıllardır hizmet veriyormuş, et yemek isteyen helalcilere alternatif) Desserts - Levain Bakery - cookie masterlarmış – yer fıstıklı ve chocolate chip walnut gibi tarzları övüyorlar. Hiçbi tatlıcıya gitmeyecekseniz buraya gidin. - Crumbly – Crumb Cake - Magnolia Bakery (yerinde iyiym şu banana pudingi diyorsanız, bi şans verin, İstanbul’da da açıldı, esprisi kalmadı diyebiliriz ama hala popüler mekanmış) - Dominique Ansel Bakery – The Cronut (ödüllü şef, bi bakılabilir) - Little Cupcake Bakeshop – Banana Nutella Cake - Jacques Torres Chocolate - çikolatacıymış, şöyle bir bakılabilir, abartılmış olabilir. - La Maison du Chocolat - çikolatacı, antin kuntin şeyler var, sarmayabilir sizi ben olsam bi bakardım. - Sugar Sweet Sunshine – yani rastlarsanız bakarsınız bi aman aman değil. Strawberry Cupcake with PB Buttercream diyorlar, değerlendirilebilir. Doughnut (Amerika’nın National Item’ı :) ) - Doughnut Plant - Dough Ice-Cream - Ample Hills Creamery - Il Laboratorio Del Gelato - Big Gay Ice Cream (arkadaşlar salty pimp veya Bea Arthur meşhur diyorlar, çok acayip tatlar varmış, külahınızı mutlaka biscoff veya nutellaya batırtın diyorlar) - Morgenstern’s Ice Cream Pizza - Joe’s Pizza – dilim pizza ve ikonik-gidilir. - John’s of Bleecker Street – dilim pizza, bu da ikonik. - Fernando’s Focacceria (bakın burada asıl riceball yiyorsunuz, değişiklik olsun güzel bir İtalyan tercih gibi) - Mama’s Too (Doyurucu, İtalyan tarzı sandviçleri de var, öğlen yemeğinde de gidilebilir) Breakfast - Lunch-iesh - Dinner - Ruby’s Cafe - çok iyi duruyor ve aşırı ucuz, kahvaltı da yapılabilir, öğlen veya akşam da yenebilir. Tavuk burgeri iyimiş. AŞIRI UCUZ, F/P. - Balthazar – kahvaltı mekanı ama biraz pahalı, karar sizin. Gereksiz gibi, daha verimli harcanabilir para. - Paris Baguette Bakery Cafe – sabah gidin alın alacaklarınızı, parklardan birinde piknikle başlayın güne. Tercihen aşşırı gezdiğiniz bi günün ertesi günü olsun. Veya gün batımında aynı senaryoyu uygulayın. Zaten Hudson kenarı yakınındasınız, nehir kenarı keyfi yapılır gün batımında hem drink hem pastry, tatlı olur. - Sunday in Brooklyn – kahvaltı-brunch veya öğle yemeği. Ucuzdan biraz pahalı. - Crif Dogs - hot dog cenneti, öğlen gider bence. Parka al-götür de yapılır, local beerla bi denersiniz. - Clinton Street Baking Company – tatlı da var, yemek de fena görünmüyor. Kahvaltı da yapılabilir gibi. Ucuzdan biraz pahalı. - Vanessa’s Dumplings – çin mutfağı severler için mantıları güzelmiş. (öğlen) - 12 Chairs Cafe (akşam yemeği) - Jack’s Wife Freda (öğlen veya akşam) Fine-dine tarafına hiç bakmadım, isterseniz bikaç alternatif bakarız. 3- KONSER & ŞOV Gönül isterdi ki Broadway’de şov izleyin ama biletler 250 $’dan başlıyor, çok da güzel şovlar var karar sizin. Güzel bir konser veya festival de bulamadım o tarihlerde, Temmuz’da başlıyor güzel konserler. Şansımıza küselim. Yine de: HAFTALIK KONSER TAKVİMİ İÇİN: https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/7644-us-new-york-nyc?filters%5BmaxDate%5D=06%2F22%2F2023&filters%5BminDate%5D=06%2F18%2F2023 Benim tercih edebileceğim Bebe Rexha (R&B-fiyat göremiyorum) ve The Blaze (elektronik – 70$dan başlıyor) var, gerisi çok açmadı. Bir de şurası var bakabilirsiniz. https://www.jambase.com/concerts/us/new-york/genres/hip-hop-rap-concerts?date-first=20230618&date-last=20230622

2 notes · View notes

brookstonalmanac · 28 days ago

Text

Events 2.2 (before 1920)

506 – Alaric II, eighth king of the Visigoths, promulgates the Breviary of Alaric (Breviarium Alaricianum or Lex Romana Visigothorum), a collection of "Roman law". 880 – Battle of Lüneburg Heath: King Louis III of France is defeated by the Norse Great Heathen Army at Lüneburg Heath in Saxony. 962 – Translatio imperii: Pope John XII crowns Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, the first Holy Roman Emperor in nearly 40 years. 1032 – Conrad II, Holy Roman Emperor becomes king of Burgundy. 1141 – The Battle of Lincoln, at which Stephen, King of England is defeated and captured by the allies of Empress Matilda. 1207 – Terra Mariana, eventually comprising present-day Latvia and Estonia, is established. 1428 – An intense earthquake struck the Principality of Catalonia, with the epicenter near Camprodon. Widespread destruction and heavy casualties were reported. 1438 – Nine leaders of the Transylvanian peasant revolt are executed at Torda. 1461 – Wars of the Roses: The Battle of Mortimer's Cross results in the death of Owen Tudor. 1536 – Spaniard Pedro de Mendoza founds Buenos Aires, Argentina. 1645 – Scotland in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms: Battle of Inverlochy. 1653 – New Amsterdam (later renamed The City of New York) is incorporated. 1709 – Alexander Selkirk is rescued after being shipwrecked on a desert island, inspiring Daniel Defoe's adventure book Robinson Crusoe. 1725 – J. S. Bach leads the first performance of his chorale cantata Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin, BWV 125, based on Luther's paraphrase of the Nunc dimittis. 1814 – The last of the River Thames frost fairs comes to an end. 1848 – Mexican–American War: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed. 1850 – Brigham Young declares war on Timpanogos in the Battle at Fort Utah. 1868 – Pro-Imperial forces capture Osaka Castle from the Tokugawa shogunate and burn it to the ground. 1870 – The Seven Brothers (Seitsemän veljestä), a novel by Finnish author Aleksis Kivi, is published first time in several thin booklets. 1876 – The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs of Major League Baseball is formed. 1881 – The sentences of the trial of the warlocks of Chiloé are imparted. 1887 – In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the first Groundhog Day is observed. 1899 – The Australian Premiers' Conference held in Melbourne decides to locate Australia's capital city, Canberra, between Sydney and Melbourne. 1900 – Boston, Detroit, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Chicago and St. Louis, agree to form baseball's American League. 1901 – Funeral of Queen Victoria. 1909 – The Paris Film Congress opens, an attempt by European producers to form an equivalent to the MPPC cartel in the United States. 1913 – Grand Central Terminal opens in New York City.

#Events

0 notes

jamieleicurt · 3 months ago

Text

A Tourist's Guide to New York City's Hidden Gems Best Seen In The Winter

Ice skating rink in New York City.

New York City in winter has a unique charm—twinkling lights, crisp air, and a distinct coziness in every neighborhood. While landmarks like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Central Park are must-sees, the city holds plenty of hidden gems that offer a more intimate experience during the winter months.

From quiet nooks to vibrant cultural hubs, here’s a guide to NYC’s lesser-known attractions that will make your winter visit unforgettable.

Hidden Gems in Manhattan’s Winter Wonderland

Manhattan is full of secrets, and winter makes its hidden spots even more magical. These hidden gems in Manhattan offer cozy escapes from the busy streets and reveal a quieter side of the city.

1. The Elevated Acre

This hidden park in the Financial District is like a peaceful oasis above the bustling city. Located on a rooftop near the East River, The Elevated Acre is a small, tranquil space with a beautiful view of the waterfront. In winter, the park transforms into a frosty, serene getaway. Wrap up in a warm coat and take in the views of the city’s twinkling skyline from one of its benches.

The Elevated Acre, Manhattan, New York.

2. The Mysterious Grand Central Whispering Gallery

The Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal is one of NYC’s lesser-known wonders. This unique acoustic spot allows you to whisper in one corner and have your voice heard clearly in the opposite corner. Visit it on a chilly day to experience the magic with fewer crowds around. It’s especially enchanting during the winter when the station’s holiday market fills the terminal with seasonal cheer.

3. Museum of the American Gangster

For an unconventional indoor activity, this quirky museum in the East Village tells the story of New York’s Prohibition-era gangsters. The Museum of the American Gangster occupies a former speakeasy, making it an ideal stop for history lovers who want to escape the cold and learn about NYC’s grittier past.

Queens: A Cultural Winter Escape

Queens shines in the winter, offering cozy spots and vibrant cultural experiences. The borough is known for its diversity, and winter is the perfect time to dive into Queens tourist attractions that reflect its multicultural essence.

1. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

While most people flock to Central Park, Queens’ largest park is a hidden gem. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is home to the iconic Unisphere and numerous cultural institutions. In winter, you can explore the Queens Museum and its Panorama of New York City, a model that captures the entire city’s layout. You’ll also find plenty of authentic food options nearby to warm up with after a chilly walk.

Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York.

2. Astoria’s Cozy Cafés and Bookshops

Astoria is famous for its community of artists, musicians, and food enthusiasts. The neighborhood’s charming coffee shops and bookshops, like Kinship Coffee and Astoria Bookshop, provide a cozy refuge from the cold. Spend a quiet afternoon here, sipping on hot drinks and browsing local books, surrounded by Astoria’s vibrant energy.

Brooklyn’s Winter Art and Culture Scene

Brooklyn becomes even more atmospheric in winter, with its historic brownstones and snow-covered streets. The borough is also packed with hidden cultural experiences that add to the city’s seasonal magic.

1. Green-Wood Cemetery Winter Tours

Green-Wood Cemetery is a 478-acre historical cemetery in Brooklyn with Gothic architecture and sprawling grounds. The cemetery offers winter tours where you can learn about the notable figures who rest there, including famous artists, politicians, and musicians. It’s an unexpectedly beautiful, quiet spot that holds a lot of history—perfect for those seeking a unique, contemplative experience.

2. The Brooklyn Museum

This well-loved museum becomes a peaceful retreat in winter, where visitors can explore art collections that span ancient to contemporary periods. The Brooklyn Museum often holds special exhibitions, and in winter, it’s less crowded, offering a perfect environment to appreciate art while escaping the chill.

The Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York.

3. Williamsburg’s Winter Markets

Williamsburg is home to a variety of winter markets that pop up around the holidays, including artisanal goods, crafts, and local foods. These markets are usually open-air, so bundle up and enjoy unique handmade gifts, vintage finds, and seasonal treats.

Exploring Staten Island and the Bronx: Off-the-Beaten-Path Winter Wonders

Winter is a fantastic time to venture beyond the usual attractions and explore Staten Island and the Bronx, two boroughs that often remain under the radar for tourists.

1. Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island

Snug Harbor on Staten Island is a historic site that combines museums, galleries, and botanical gardens. In winter, the gardens take on a quiet, magical quality, and the center often hosts seasonal exhibitions and performances. It’s an ideal day trip for those looking to escape Manhattan’s hustle.

2. New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Located in the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show is a family-friendly winter attraction featuring model trains weaving through miniature replicas of NYC landmarks. The show brings holiday magic to life and is especially enchanting during evening viewings.

New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York.

Embrace NYC’s Winter Magic with VisitNYC.com

For an unforgettable winter adventure, VisitNYC.com is your essential New York City travel guide. Discover hidden places in New York and uncover hidden gems in Manhattan’s quieter neighborhoods.

Whether you're interested in last-minute Broadway tickets NYC locals snap up or a unique sightseeing tour New York offers in winter, VisitNYC.com has everything you need to explore.

Plan your perfect winter itinerary and see NYC like a true New Yorker. Head over to VisitNYC.com today and start uncovering the best of winter in New York City!

Contact them to learn more.

About the Author

A true New Yorker, Alex Bennett knows every nook and cranny of NYC’s bustling streets and serene corners. From hidden speakeasies to quiet parks, Alex’s passion for revealing the city’s secrets makes every visit feel like an adventure.

#new york city #botanical gardens #botany #plants #greenlife #save the planet

0 notes

yoonwithmyowneyes · 3 months ago

Text

Bangkok Beyond Kitsch | 20240801-04

May 2017. That was the last time I travelled alone. Has it really been seven years? Through the bus terminal-like part of SYD that I never knew existed, and after some delays, I was finally onboard QF295, the Finnair dry-lease that I wasn't expecting (but it's nice to actually see what you had worked on), and the feeling that took over me wasn't exactly an excitement, but rather a sense of familiarity - just like riding a bicycle after many years, I felt like I was right back in my element.

Despite being in the middle of the wet season, BKK was impressively busy. With the very best smile on for the immigration, I was on the ARL in less than an hour. The view outside was expectedly lush with green and watery landscape, as this megacity of 17 million people occupies the Chao Phraya River delta.

I wanted to make the most of my three days in Bangkok, and do what I most enjoy while travelling - talking to local people. With hopes of meeting the everyday Bangkokian, I opted to join a Meetup socialising event. I generally avoid these things like a plague, but time was of the essence, and honestly it's been so long that I had forgotten what they are like. The Meetup did not disappoint, and was full of 'expats' and a few locals who were largely looking to hook up. I did manage to get a little glimpse of what life is like here and what their interests are, but one consistent topic was 'money'. There seems to be an insatiable appetite for either making a lot of money or meeting someone with a lot of money. With some interesting and mostly dull conversation behind, I headed to my hostel in the very residential but centrally located Sam Yot and went to bed hoping for more quality interactions for the rest of my time in the city.

I predictably woke up too early the next morning, and started walking towards the palace for a pre-booked tour. I came across a queue in front of this mobile cafe, asked for what everyone else was having. The espresso was poured into iced soda with lemon and honey, and it was a perfect drink in this muggy morning. Coffee seems to be THE drink in Bangkok, and I saw many good cafes around the city. Of all the great food and drinks I will have in Bangkok in the next three days, I will keep thinking about this refreshing brew.

Food stalls open in early mornings to lure commuters looking for a quick breakfast. The fried chilli permeated the air and I had to work hard to not sneeze on all the lovely food on display.

The Grand Palace, despite being too hectic with selfie sticks for my liking, was gorgeous indeed. It blended the traditional Thai architecture with 19th-century European styles as well as Buddist motifs.

I carefully asked the guide, a soft-spoken gentleman, about Thai people's sentiment towards the revered monarch. I had noticed the portraits of the king displayed all over the city. I knew about the severe punishment against any criticism towards the king. And I also knew the current Maha Vajiralongkorn drew a lot of controversies in his private life. The guide mentioned that the once deeply-rooted love for the monarch is dissipating with the younger generation. I sensed almost a dictatorship-like control by the fear of speaking out against the king.

I also met a friendly Italian couple who are primary school teachers in Rome. We lunched and walked around for a few hours after the palace tour ended. We talked about Thailand, travel, the world in crisis and the immigrant kids they were teaching in a rough neighbourhood. It's been many years since I spoke to fellow backpackers and it was a delight.

The famous 46 meter long Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho

Of the countless small and large Buddhist temples around Bangkok, there always seem to be Thais and monks in prayer. They seem to be some of the most religious, if not spiritual, people that I have ever come across.

A group of Western family listening to their local guide

I enjoyed seeing these wooden houses along many canals running across the city.

This was the first time I spectated combat sports. Rajadamnern stadium had a very modern setup completed with large screens and pop music, and it was definitely geared towards overseas tourists. It was still good to see some ceremonial aspects of Muay Thai performed by the fighters, and there were some exciting moments there including a couple of TKOs.

The Buddhist monks would walk around in the morning and the people would donate food. I have a vague memory of the similar practice by Korean buddhist monks from my childhood. Apparently it's a thing that some of the 'corrupted' monks would break the rule and stand in one spot to ask for donations, and the 'monk police' would patrol the known areas to apprehend and punish the naughty monks.

To make up for the first night's failed attempt of a community engagement, I joined a cooking class. The instructor was energetic and delightful. I had a great time cooking some classic Thai dishes which turned out ok.

The class was a mix of solo travellers and mums with kids. I chatted with an Italian lady with a young boy. She was happily divorced and tried to travel with her son as much as possible to get him to experience the larger world.

Presentation 1/5 Taste 5/5

After some interesting conversations about food with the instructor, she asked 'so, do you cook at home?' which I answered with a big 'nope' and we just laughed. It was good to learn some of the core ingredients of Thai cuisine and their basic approach to cooking. One small surprise for me was that there seems to be a lot more Chinese influence than I realised.

A gift from the Portugese embassy! It was a pleasant surprise to see the azulejo again only a few months after my visit to Lisbon.

A typical juxtaposition of skyscrappers and traditional residences along Chao Phraya River

This is NOT a floating market. It's the food court of the popular ICONSIAM shopping centre. Shopping centres are typically popular in many Asian cities, but it feels even more so in Bangkok. I came for the kitsch and stayed for the air-conditioning.

I also managed to see the famous KSR. It was pretty much what I expected - getting menus shoved at my face and almost being dragged into bars/clubs. I didn't mind the kind of sillyness and farce, but there were a few too many sunburnt tourists in Singha singlets and thongs, and I promptly made my exit.

I headed to Chinatown where the hippest bars of the town are located, and had some excellent cocktails at TEP BAR while listening to the traditional Thai music performed by young musicians.

I enjoyed the outstanding cocktails from friendly bartenders. As I was leaving the bar, a heavy thunderstorm flooded the street and it became impossible to book a Grab. The $2 poncho I had bought from 7/11 came handy and just managed to keep me dry. The metro station was packed with people waiting for the rain to pass. It was the time to call it a night.

On the third and last morning, I visited Wat Arun ("Temple of Dawn") which I had seen from a ferry ride the day before. Bangkok isn't exactly full of outstanding architecture, but this temple was absolutely stunning.

I arrived just as the temple opened for visitors, and I got to enjoy the serenity of the place for a little while before the tour groups started pouring in.

After checking out of the hostel, I decided to make Chatuchak Weekend Market my last stop before getting to the airport. The market was mostly for bootlegs, cheap souvenirs and food stalls, but there was one alley with shops selling hip/retro goods.

As I was eagerly waiting for my last meal of the trip, the flight load that I was on standby suddenly vanished. In panic mode, I just got up and ran straight for the airport, and by the time I got there, the load came back to normal. It must've been a temporary system glitch. I felt a little disappointed that my last hours were rushed, and missed the chance to savour the last bit of the country that I started to grow fond of.

I came to Bangkok on a whim, without being sure of what to expect. While the stereotypes of maddening metropolis and tacky places like KSR were real, what touched me was the tenderness of the people and culture I got to see during my short visit. It made an impression on me like no other SE Asian countries that I visited did, and I genuinely look forward to exploring more of Thailand in future.

0 notes

bu1410 · 9 months ago

Text

Good afternoon TUMBLR - June 6th - 2024

“Mr. Plant has owed me a shoe since July 5, 1971.”

Gazoducto Samalayuca - Sasabe. Mexico - Nuevos Casas Grandes - Chihuahua.

Part 1

Six months had passed since my final return from Iraq, when I was contacted by the Chief of Personnel of SICILSALDO, a Sicilian company operating in the construction of pipelines. I had already had a first contact with this company in 2009, when I met the owner at the Crown Plaza hotel in San Donato Milanese. The topic then was a possible assignment in a project in Algeria, under sub-contract to SAIPEM: nothing had come out of it, and I had even forgotten the existence of this company. I was therefore somehow surprised to hear HR Manager Giuseppe Verdone's voice again, 7 years after the last call. After a quick all-retour to Gela, the Company's headquarters for the signing of the contract, December 7th - a Milan's patreon holyday of Sant'Ambroeus - I was already on the Alitalia Boeing 777, heading to Mexico City. It's a long flight from Italy to Mexico, like 12 hrs and 30 min, but I was a little worried when I saw on the screen in front of me that the plane was definitely heading North and after a couple of hours we passed over the vertical of Dublin, and then continued on to Greenland, Labrador, New York, and finally heading South, flying over Miami and the Gulf of Mexico. Compared to competitors such as Air France or KLM, the average flight time on the Europe - Central America route with Alitalia is almost an hour longer. The service on board – at least in Business class – is still decent. However, after more than 12 hours I finally landed at Benito Juarez airport. Once the entry formalities were completed, I took the internal train to the domestic flight terminal to continue the journey onto Chihuahua. To the final destination, Nuevo Casas Grandes, from Chihuahuha it would have taken another 4 hours of travel on a company van the next day.

Flight to Chihuahua After an infinite wait (which could have been avoided - for me like all the other Sicilsaldo employees coming from Italy simply by staying overnight in one of the hotels right outside the airport, but it was too difficult to make those who managed the flights and logistics in this Company) I boarded the plane to Chihuahua. A flight of just over two hours, and after having already spent 12 on another plane, it's really stressful. I asked the elderly Aeromexico stewardess where Mr. Davide Caracciolo - Comany Country Manager - was sitting, explaining that he was my Director, but that I didn't know him personally. She looked at me amazed and told me that for security reasons the names and seats of the passengers were not revealed, and she left. After about an hour of flight, the same stewardess, walking in the corridor and looking at me, made a sign with a finger on the head of a gray-haired gentleman: ''El…el…''. So I called Davide, who was sitting 3 rows ahead of me. He turned and said:

''Ahhh…thank goodness…here you are!!!''

And where was I supposed to be?

But how… I call hoe office, it seemed like you were still in Rome!

Really…. We landed in Chihuahua and it was already night, the taxi driver booked by the company had gotten tired of waiting and had left the airport. Luckily there were others, and so I realized that we were a group of 10 people. In addition to Mr. Caracciolo and myself, there were 8 Italians welders who would reinforce the teams on the gas pipeline. After an hour we arrived at the hotel on that sort of urban highway called Peripheral de la Juventud.

En route to Nuevos Casas Grandes The next early morning I met Miguel, the driver who with his Toyota minibus would take us to Nuevos Casas Grandes, located more than 300 km North of Chihuahua, along the highway through the Sierra. Quite a boring journey, we stopped for a rest in Flores Magon, when we were about 120 km away from our final destination.

We arrived at NCG – as it was commonly called by the natives – in time for lunch. I entered the Hacienda hotel for the first time, the location that would be my home for the following 3 years. The hotel itself wasn't bad, but it certainly needed extraordinary maintenance in the common areas and rooms. It had never been renovated since it was built in the 1970s, and you could see it with the naked eye.

Typical Mexican structure with two floors, with a large internal courtyard onto which the rooms overlooked, a useless swimming pool (the water was perpetually dirty and in 3 years I never set foot in it). Two restaurants, a pub and a recreation room. We ate lunch served by one of the most tired and listless waiters I have ever met. Mexico seemed to confirm its most common stereotype.

People looks perpetually tired and just want to sleep, especially in the early afternoon. I quickly realized that NCG didn't offer any decent apartments or houses to rent, and for safety reasons it was much better to live in hotel. I took possession of my spacious room, with two queen-size beds, bathroom and sitting area: I didn't know it yet, but I would sleep there - eventually with interruption for holydays - until May 8, 2019.

The Project Mexico is an oil and gas producing country but with a serious corruption problem. The state company Pemex is the typical expression of this contradiction whereby Mexico produces hydrocarbons, but must import them from abroad - mainly from USA, especially the refined products that its economy needs to function. The refineries managed by Pemex on the national territory are either closed or are operating at 50% of their capacity. Maintenance is not carried out, or carried out just to keep the few systems still capable of running. In the winter of 2017-2018 there were very serious problems of lack of fuel throughout the country, with a protest movement called ''gazolinazo'' during which ordinary citizens and gangs of criminals caused numerous accidents throughout Mexico.

The Samalayuca – Sasabe project fits into this perspective: a gas pipeline financed by US banks, which will bring the gas extracted in Texas to Mexico – the Americans financed the project with a dual purpose:

Sell gas to Mexico

After 600 km in Mexican territory, the pipeline re-enters the USA and the gas not consumed in Mexico will be sold to consumers in Arizona. So the Texans - by paying a fee for transportation to Mexico - will essentially find themselves selling gas to Arizona with a negligible transportation cost and with a pipeline paid for by Mexico. The final customer of the gas pipeline is Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), while the contracting company is GRUPO CARSO, the conglomerate owned by the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. The consortium set up to carry out the work was called CAFIG and was made up of CARSO, FCC Espana and Italiana Ghizzoni, a company of SICILSALDO group. So on paper it was quite a mess, because two out of three companies were in clear conflict of interests, being at the same time the contractor (CARSO - Ghizzoni) and the executor of the work (SICILSALDO). In reality everything turned out for the worse, at least as far as SICILASALDO is concerned, as the modus operandi of the Mexicans (I am the master and you are the slave) has resulted in so that the Italian company has been subject to continuous injustices and unbelievable pressures from the Mexican and Spanish management of the project. The management of the project was – to put it mildly – disastrous. A gas pipeline, in principle, should be built starting from one point, ending at the other end of the route (unless you want to attack the route at multiple points). Conditio sine qua non is the total availability of the corridor - the so-called ROW - where the pipe must laid down. Well this basic condition was never respected during the project. Not only were the sections made available late, but they were always fragmented, forcing us to move the complex machinery used for the works (heavy vehicles, automatic welding, personnel, transport, etc.) from one end of the route to the other - sometimes at hundreds of kilometers from each other. And always on rough tracks, which put men and vehicles to the heavy test. (There were thousands of punctures and tires changed, especially in the section where the tube was installed at the side of the old route of a disused railway. (In the end the bill for tire replacement will reach the monstrous figure of 176,000 USD).

Furthermore, the route - chosen on GOOGLE Earth with the criterion ''the shortest line from one point to the other'' favored a route of incredible difficulty. Deserts, impassable mountains with slopes of over 60%, 40+ km of rock trenches that had to be opened with explosives. And the Customer who clung to the smallest contractual quibble to deny any type of compensation for the major difficulties, the constant travel, the frequent stops of activities due to the impossibility of accessing the work areas.

1 note · View note

verdantsecretary · 10 months ago

Text

Lucky Jet: juego y estrategias

En el panorama de los casinos online, que cada vez capta más la atención de entusiastas en Colombia y alrededor del mundo, emerge Lucky Jet. Este juego representa una fusión de adrenalina, estrategia y la oportunidad de obtener ganancias significativas, todo encapsulado en una interfaz atractiva y fácil de usar que se ofrece en la plataforma 1win.

¿Qué son los Juegos de Crash?

Los juegos de crash, incluido Lucky Jet, también conocidos como juegos de ruptura, son un género innovador y emocionante en el mundo de las apuestas y los casinos en línea. Estos juegos combinan elementos de azar, habilidad y tiempo, ofreciendo una experiencia de juego dinámica y cargada de adrenalina. La mecánica central de un juego de crash implica una línea, normalmente representada por un objeto como un avión, un cohete o, en el caso de Lucky Jet, un personaje con un jetpack, que asciende verticalmente y el multiplicador de apuestas aumenta conforme gana altura.

El objetivo principal para el jugador es decidir cuándo "salir" o retirar su apuesta antes de que el objeto estrelle o desaparezca, momento en el cual el juego termina. Si el jugador no retira a tiempo, pierde su apuesta inicial.

Cómo Jugar para Ganar de Lucky Jet

Antes de cada ronda, los jugadores deben realizar una apuesta. Cuando comienza el juego, el multiplicador de la apuesta aumenta según Lucky Joe sigue volando. Los jugadores pueden retirar sus ganancias antes de que Joe se estrellara o el juego termine, lo que ocurre aleatoriamente. Si el jugador no retira a tiempo, pierde su apuesta inicial. Este momento de 'crash' es impredecible, lo que añade un elemento de riesgo y emoción al juego.

El vuelo de Lucky Joe puede durar entre 0 y 30 segundos, durante los cuales el multiplicador puede aumentar significativamente. Cuanto más tiempo esté en el aire antes de caer, mayor será el multiplicador aplicable a las apuestas de los jugadores. Esta incertidumbre requiere que los jugadores equilibren la codicia (dejar que el multiplicador crezca) con la prudencia (retirar antes de que termine el juego).

Rentabilidad y estrategia

Con un RTP (retorno al jugador) del 97%, Lucky Jet no solo promete un entretenimiento excepcional sino también una oportunidad legítima de rentabilidad. La estrategia juega un papel crucial, ya que los jugadores deben equilibrar entre la avaricia y la prudencia, decidiendo cuándo retirarse antes de que el multiplicador se desplome.

Una táctica popular entre los jugadores novatos y aquellos que prefieren minimizar riesgos es la estrategia conservadora. Consiste en establecer un objetivo de multiplicador bajo, como 1.2x a 1.5x. Al retirar apuestas en estos niveles bajos, los jugadores pueden asegurar ganancias pequeñas pero consistentes. Esta estrategia reduce la probabilidad de perder una apuesta, aunque limita el potencial de ganancias más significativas.

Para los jugadores que disfrutan del vértigo del riesgo y las recompensas potencialmente grandes, la estrategia de alto riesgo implica esperar multiplicadores más altos antes de retirar. Algunos pueden establecer su objetivo en 5x, 10x, o incluso más alto, dependiendo de su tolerancia al riesgo. Aunque esta estrategia puede llevar a ganancias sustanciales, el peligro de perder la apuesta completa es considerablemente mayor.

Lucky Jet permite a los jugadores establecer una opción de retiro automático a un multiplicador específico. Esta función puede ser útil para implementar una estrategia disciplinada sin intervención emocional. Estableciendo un multiplicador objetivo, como 2x o 3x, los jugadores pueden asegurar ganancias automáticamente antes de que el juego termine.

En conclusión, Lucky Jet es más que un simple juego de casino; es una aventura que combina riesgo, estrategia y la posibilidad de ganancias significativas. Atrae tanto a jugadores ocasionales como a veteranos del casino, todos buscando hacer crecer sus apuestas en el emocionante ascenso de Lucky Joe.

0 notes