United States « Moving On

Posts Tagged ‘United States’

New York, New York City, Staten Island, United States

Stapleton, Staten Island

In take it as it is, tips, travel, Uncategorized on August 5, 2011 at 5:30 am

Image via Wikipedia

Stapleton, Staten Island http://ow.ly/5VHQt

This is the neighborhood where I currently live & I’m happy of being in Staten Island! We’re closer to the St. George Ferry Terminal, which allows us 45 minutes commuting time to downtown Manhattan. This neighborhood has lots of businesses that are run by the owners themselves; most of the owners live in the same neighborhood. It’s got fascinating character, history, lots of people of different races, and a cool mix of the suburb and the city found in its old streets.

Travel time spent on commuting can be a challenge for some; you can take the train, the bus or take a walk to the ferry terminal. Or you can take the express buses to Manhattan, which is costlier. Or you can drive your car and pay extra for having such. But no matter what your choice in doing your daily travels, the time you spent on coming back home after a day’s work can be worth it; the community is progressive and a pleasant place to live in (depending on your personal requirements).

Staten Island commuters eye rail link on rebuilt Bayonne Bridge (nj.com)
Boat from Manhattan to Staten Island – Statue of Liberty (dosooye.com)

▶ Comment

Chrysler, Chrysler Building, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, United States

History of the Chrysler Building

In 42nd St, NYC, one ordinary day, Uncategorized on March 5, 2011 at 5:45 pm

Image via Wikipedia

History of the Chrysler Building http://ow.ly/48wDs

Some notes on the article found in the link above:

The Chrysler Building on the far end of 42nd Street on the east side of midtown Manhattan has caught my fancy since I first came here in NYC. I’ve always been surprised at the way it looks, and have always told people I know and meet here in NYC of it ‘being my favorite building in NYC.’ Actually, it has inspired several other structures, one of which I saw when I visited downtown Philadelphia.

The Chrysler Building remains very interesting to look at anytime of the day, unless if it becomes too cloudy up there such that the upper floors are covered from view of the people down below. What distinguishes it from other buildings is its very crown: very iconic, daring and proudly designed and set-up amidst other building tops that are generally very boring to look at.

My researches about the building when I was writing the article have instilled some pride in being able to see this building every chance I’ve got. Fortunately, I’m still here in NYC. I get reminded from my readings that this building has been designed by an architect whose succeeding other works after the Chrysler Building have been relegated practically to oblivion. I can only guess the genius of a man gets to be shown only once according to the Lord’s purposes, and not for anything else – the architect got his only chance with this work that remains to impress and awe people even up to now.

The Chrysler Building remains interesting because it marks a defined period in architectural history when people would compete furiously to come up with something beautiful and unique when building skycrapers before WWII. The story continues up to now as we take note of other buildings being put-up in other locations. I’d love to be given the chance to check what’s inside the Chrysler Building one of these days, and also the chance to visit and see soon other outstanding structures that I only chance upon now in pictures.

The New Yorker Art Deco Keyboard (luxist.com)
‘Mostly Indoor’ Walking Tour Takes A Look At NYC From The Inside (newyork.cbslocal.com)

▶ Comment

English as a foreign or second language, English language, Queens, United States

blog:Chito Atienza, 2008 ESOL Teacher of the Year Awardee

In advocacy, art, artists, artworks, everyday life, getting a life, life, life search, lifelong learnings, love, love life, motivational, one ordinary day, Uncategorized on March 2, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Image via Wikipedia

I personally know Chito Atienza and proud of having known and met him. We happened to go the same prayer meeting group every Friday at St. Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Lefrak, Queens, NY. I’m happy that he’s been among the awardees of the New York Times for 2008. This is a no mean feat as you face a lot of challenges from all directions as a teacher for long years. He’s remain as accessible as he’s been all these years. He’s among the many ESOL teachers I’ve met in New York City; there are quite a number of them in the city and who’ve started their teaching careers back in the Philippines. Chito, just like all other Filipino teachers like him based in NYC, has trail-blazed the pathway in overcoming ethnic stereotypes on jobs people have in mind when they meet someone of different color or looks on the street. You don’t normally expect ESOL teachers from the Philippines here in NYC, do you? And it’s really amusing listening to him tell stories how his white-skinned colleagues would look down on him and make remarks that he looks like a ‘monkey.’ Some people can be just so petty and immature about what’s seen on the surface – you can just wish something ill will happen to them soon. LOL. On a more personal note, I was just wondering why no one from the Philippine Consulate in New York was able to make it when he was given the award — perhaps, it was deemed ordinary by the Consulate staff. But that’s all water under the bridge now, so to speak.

I’ve been to his place in Woodside, Queens many times, where a lot of Filipino families live and work. It’s always been an amazing experience visiting his private nook of a space where he has placed his collections of icons, religious statues, pictures and other items that mostly the Catholics among us can understand. He has lovingly spent time maintaining this space and the collection inside has grown more and more these years. If ever you get the chance to find yourself in that nook, you will be surprised at Chito’s efforts. He’s turned it into a small chapel where you’ll get a sense of what’s religious, holy and awesome. If you’ll ever get to know him, ask him about this space, as he may probably decide to invite you in.

Here’s my write-up on him that gives highlight to his collection: blog:Chito Atienza, 2008 ESOL Teacher of the Year Awardee - http://dyer-movingon.blogspot.com/2010/04/chitos-sanctuary-somewhere-in-woodside.html