The Intrepid Museum reopens

Bush will visit the Intrepid making a grand entry landing on the flight deck of the Intrepid, and then saying some words on Veterans Day.

Saturday I went to the opening of the Intrepid Museum where thousands turned out despite the rain. A retired battleship that has been renovated into a museum with interactive displays. There are hands on displays where you can play with some of the military’s devices, beds you can try out and a mash helicopter you can sit in. The Museum opening had a festive mood. There was a tug of war between the NYC firemen and a group of servicemen. The Firemen won twice in what became a best of three matches after the firemen easily one the first round. The only somber reminder of the cost of war in the museum is a display of the names of those killed when kamikazes attacked the ship. Three Hundred lives were lost.

New York has one of its’ tourist destinations back. A place one can get a history lesson and some macho adrenalin from the military hardware at the same time.

Halloween Parade in New York City

New York on Halloween had a festive energy this year every where I went. It was the 35th anniversary of New York City’s Halloween Parade and my first time attending. Over two million people came to see and/or participate. People in mass, took advantage of having a chance to cut loose. Click here and this link will take you to a set on flickr of more images I shot at the parade . The theme of the parade this year was ghosts. There were Santas, Batmen, witches, fairies, dominatrix and playboy bunnies. I also found a few mummies, who all used unique wrapping techniques to make their costumes. A couple wearing king and queen playing cards, where my favorite. I found them at the subway station on 8th Ave. and 14th Street, while waiting for the A train. I chatted with them on the train ride uptown. They told me they were gaint fish last year.

 My flash got a great work out, and I have a deeper perspective of what Halloween means to New Yorkers.