little home, big world

little home, big world, originally uploaded by socs.

imagine

imagine, originally uploaded by socs.

I have to admit that I am not a Beatles fan.

But I am aware that they are one of the biggest, most influential groups in the music industry.

After an afternoon trip to the Museum of Natural History (and a failed attempt at finding Ross in there), we stopped by the "Strawberry Fields" in Central Park where Tonio encouraged us all to spend a few seconds in silence to pay our respects...and that was after he kissed the ground where this monument was (well, okay, he didnt, but I'm sure he wouldve if he needed to).

Rest in peace, John. You obviously still have a lot of people who look up to you.

being the tourist that I am

I have to admit, I was not really looking forward to heading to the historical Ellis Island and to where the Statue of Liberty herself was. I was happy with the glimpse I had of the statue from the free Staten Island Ferry on that first NY trip years ago. But, Tonio had friends over and I didnt really have anything to do...so might as well.

It turned out okay. We went to Ellis Island were the original immigrants landed in search of something better. I looked around at statistics of immigrants in the US, how they've grown over the years and they will continue to grow I guess.

And then we went to the Statue of Liberty herself. I wasnt looking forward to actually going up the monument, so I guess the fact that the actual interior was fully booked was not a disappointment for me. I tried to look around for a souvenir magnet or shot glass but didnt find anything I wanted. What I did find was this edited photo were they basically put your face on bodies of immigrants who made it to the US all those years ago. See if you can find me and my twin in the photo!

I must add, I dont think the dress is particularly flattering on me. The "other" outfit kinda suits me better hehee.

I have immigrant ancestors! (not!), originally uploaded by socs.

On our way home, we were treated to US Coast Guards as escorts...well, no not really. They were cruising just right beside our ferry. I guess I can also think they're possibly staking out a terrorist among the crowd...but I'd rather think that we were being given the VIP treatment :P

US Coast Guard, originally uploaded by socs.

More photos from this day's trip uploaded in both PBASE and FLICKR.

red sky

red sky, originally uploaded by socs.

Last week it was a full moon.

The other day it was a rainbow in a park fountain.

Tonight it was July 4 part 2.

I wonder what's in store for me this weekend?

Despite all the stress and issues I have, I must say, its things like these that remind me how lucky I really am to be where I am.

More photos are in my pbase gallery.

fancy colors

rainbow1, originally uploaded by socs.

I pass by a nearby park to and from the way to work. Each time I'm on my way home though, I make it a point to check out the fountain.

Since Summer arrived, kids have been making their way to this fountain, dressed in their swimsuits, splashing and playing around. Each time I would check to see whether or not a rainbow would form.

See, at around 6 or 7 PM, the sun hits the water at an angle...promising the possibility of rainbows.

I caught one such moment yesterday and took a photo with my camera phone.

A rainbow at the end of the day? Can't think of better ways to finish stressful days in the office.

moon over manhattan

I was checking to see if the door to the balcony was locked before I called it a day when I realized that I was missing out on something....



moon1
Originally uploaded by socs.

moon2
Originally uploaded by socs.

I've tried over and over again to get a decent photo of the full moon...and I'm thankful I was greeted with that view above to practice with. I think I'm getting closer to getting what I want...I just need a better lens to experiment with.

july 4 fireworks

IMG_3289, originally uploaded by socs.

It was an evening like any other. Except that there was no work when there should have been one. And that all roads lead to Manhattan -- more than usual.

It was July 4 and it was my first ever US Independence Day celebration. Macy's fireworks are THE fireworks display to see when in New York (or nearby New Jersey).

The original plan was to watch from Jersey City's Liberty State Park with a friend, an officemate and my officemate's family. But a few hours before that, someone offers an extra pass to watch from within the UN grounds in Manhattan. Hmm....lets see...New Jersey or New York? It was an absolute no brainer.

So I went with him to NY....got there a bit late and didnt really get a good spot. But hey, with all the people fighting for space, I'm just glad we had space to breathe and sit and be comfortable. The end result is a handful of photos which are less than half of the total photos I took from that night. I used the crowd's silhouette as a foreground and tried as best as I could to capture the fireworks.

Pbase and Flickr have photos of the event.

uploaded

where I live
Originally uploaded by socs.

I've uploaded a new batch of photos taken last week of my current 'hometown', Hoboken, New Jersey. My favorite photo is this one above...if you go to my flickr account and view that photo, you'll find the notes I made and you'll know why I'm so fond of it :p

Both pbase and flickr have been updated, please drop by when you can :)

sad, sad day

Brazil is out of the World Cup.

I have now settled down and am dealing with the shock. How could the defending champions lose?????

The answer is in Zidane great skill in leading France. He was clearly in control, moving the ball around, displaying great skill in ball control and passing it accurately to his equally impressive teammates. It was a beautifully executed free kick...landing near the edge of the far post, where a very free Henry picked it up and flicked it into the goal in one accurate touch.

What I'm not sure of is whether France's defense was really so tight that they prevented any Ronaldo or Ronaldinho attempts and plays...I suppose they were because I didnt see any Brazil magic that I've always loved and always look forward to.

Now I have to find a new favorite team to win this year's cup.