City Storms (I'll take the rain)

On Sunday, August fourteenth New York City received quite a storm beginning in it's evening hours and extending through three in the morning.  I found myself out and about with my Chaika in hand when the torrential downpour began.  I decided to seek shelter underneath some scaffolding and wait it out. After several hours spent standing in, more or less, the same spot watching the evening progress I found myself becoming rather, poetic. This was the result:

Sincerely,


-S.

©Steve Shilling II; 2011 -  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

©Steve Shilling II; 2011 -  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

©Steve Shilling II; 2011 -  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

©Steve Shilling II; 2011 -  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

New York In a Nutshell

There is so much I could say following THAT as a title. Tom Waits once described his so loathed town as "a ship, and the water's on fire" and I admit to sharing similar feelings. I'm specifically talking about Manhattan. Yes, it's true that I've not fully become jaded to the New York scene, mainly its inhabitants. I could even speak towards some of the still endearing qualities of this place but seeing as if I do it'll undoubtedly morph into a rant and take up too much of your time. I'll keep it short and throw in some video clips.

This first one you can choose to omit as it's a bit slow. However, I warn you it's quite interesting. It's a clip of beat writer William S. Burroughs paired up with the unique and distinguished musical stylings of Kurt Weil. Burroughs sits, alone in what seems to be stage light warehouse as he recites Bertolt Brecht's lyrics to What Keeps Mankind Alive? This is a song originally written by both Weil and Brecht for their musical drama The Threepenny Opera. Without further introduction, the late, great William S. Burroughs ladies and gentlemen:

This next song Is the Tom Waits cover version. Those of you who are familiar with and shy away from Waits' music can also choose to omit this in which case I apologize for waisting your time. Hopefully you've clicked on a link that's interested you, followed it to Wikipedia and searched the links towards the bottom for more information.

I needn't say anymore, it's all in the music.

Best,


-S.

Luxury Living: A View from Below

©Steve Shilling

What you're looking at is 200 Eleventh Avenue located near Chelsea Piers.  While on a gallery tour the other day I snapped a photograph of the monumental building with my trusty Blackberry.  The new 'In-Style' way of living in Manhattan (for those wealthy enough to afford it) is to reject the notion of "oh it's the city I can't have my own garage for my Mazaratti (insert pointlessly expensive car of your choice)."  For the right price you are now able to park your car in your very own personal garage.  Yes you read correctly. Below I've posted a video from Youtube that explains and illustrates this outrageous new form of luxury living created by the outstanding Selldorf Architects.  Their known for their beautiful modern designs that almost always tend towards the hi-end style of living and lets be honest...if the notion of having your own personal garage in your two story apartment doesn't scream hi-end then these images certainly will.

The mastermind behind this breakthrough leap in Manhattan residential living is non other than architect Steven Kratchman. Great name if you ask me. Among other honors he holds the prestigious Full Member status of the Urban Land Institute's Mixed Use Urban Development Committee Chapter. You may read more about both Steven and the Urban Land Institute by clicking on their links.

Sincerely,

-S.

P.S. Selldorf Architects has a beautiful book available highlighting their architecture. It features some fabulous architectural photography. It's a bit pricey so if you can find a better deal on Amazon and you're an Architecture enthusiast I seriously suggest you buy it.


Video displaying the car elevator and garage feature of 200 Eleventh Avenue.

Google Maps with Street View for those who'd like to investigate further:

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