U.E.S. Santa Sightings

This Santa was found outside Mansion deli on 86th and York. Their decorations are great!!

My advice to Tiger

Life wouldn't be complete if I didn't weight in on this situation. Tiger is a powerful, successful young male. He likes the ladies a lot- obviously. My advice to Tiger is this.

First, get a divorce, there is no way you are going to stay home, stop golfing and suddenly become a better husband. Obviously you don't want to be married so pay the girl.

Second, keep golfing. It's the only thing that you have left, it gives you strength it's part of your identity. If you keep yourself from that sport it will be like cutting off your right arm.

Third, close the checkbook. Pay no one for their silence. Let them have their moment of fame. This to shall pass. Best of luck Tiger!!!!

Fourth, fire all the people that surrounded you and created this nightmare. You were set up to fall. You might be down for the count but you're not out.

U.E.S. Winter Windows Flowers of NYC

The challenge for me has been to find as many wonderful windows and lobbies on the U.E.S as I can find in this Xmas season.

First mention goes to Flowers of NYC on 1621 First Avenue, at 84th street. They made this window look like a winter wonderland and I just love it. Also they have a great St. Nicholas Santa that your kids are going to love to pose with.

I'm sorry I haven't blogged lately, but I'm shooting a sixteen episode reality show and it's been an awesom expereince.

U.E.S. Gossip Insider #10

Here's the problem. Someone on 81st street has placed a huge giant plaster foot on his front yard. The neighbours are loosing their minds. The foot as you can see is just that a plain old foot. I think it is a cast of the foot of the person who owns the duplex and he has put his foot down What do you think?

U.E.S.Sightings #24

While walking down 86th street the other day I saw these wonderful young men carrying what looked like palm leaves. They stopped me and said Suka. This is a Jewish holiday that I know very little about.

St. Francis Day!

I took my little Chihuahua ,Henry to be blessed at the church of the Epiphany on Sunday. The day could not have been nicer.!!

U.E.S. Subway sightings #22

I found this woman dangerously teetering in stilettos on the subway platform. Is she waiting for someone to push her or just loose her balance?

Another reason NOT to wear high heels in NYC.

U.E.S. Events #27 Oktoberfest

Got nothing to do tomorrow? Head down to the early Oktoberfest on 84th street between York and First for some fun. It should be a nice day!

Happy New Year to my Jewish Friends.

I just want to wish all my Jewish friends a very happy new year. I'm dipping a slice of apple in some honey right now!! (For those who don't know that act symbolizes the sweetness of the New Year to come). Everyone should try it...you can't go wrong.

And P.S. What a beautiful day! I'm headed over the museum with Peter.

U.E.S. Business Highlight #2

I stopped in my tracks when I saw this baby. Finally a mannequin that looks like me! Bravo Intimacy the hottest bra shop in Manhattan It's located on 91st and Madison.

U.E.S. Hot#19 Gift Ideas Star of David

This is a great gift idea for the Holiday Season. You can purchase prints from Peter G. Pereira from the Logos Bookstore 1575 York Ave. Check out the star of David a hot, original gift idea for the season. I've included a review of the show from one of the premier art critics in NYC. The great Ed McCormick from Gallery and Studio Magazine. He's been around since the 60's coined the term "puck rock" and hung out with Warhol. He raves about Pereira in the Sept/Oct issue. I'd take him seriously if I were you.

Remember this is a local artist and these works were inspired by the Carl Shurz Park that we all love so keep it real keep it local!!!!

Art Review. Peter G. Pereira Hydragea Epiphanies

Visual Alchemy: Peter G. Pereira’s “Hydrangean Epiphanies” by Hila Ratzibi August 10. 09

The latest work by artist Peter G. Pereira straddles genre and mediums to create a hybrid form dubbed by the artist as “surreal photographic paintings.”

Composited over a period of four years, these pieces were gleaned from roughly 10,000 photographs of hydrangeas taken by the artist at Carl Shurz Park, on the upper east side of Manhattan, which were later “painted,” modified, and reconstituted digitally. The result is a kaleidoscopic panorama of floral repetitions, in hundreds of shades of purple and blue, which draw the viewer in and hold the gaze in a kind of sustained hypnotic attention.

Appropriately, the pieces were exhibited in the backyard garden of the upper east side bookstore, Logos, run by Harris Healy, who had the unique vision to display the work among plants and flowers. The juxtaposition of real plant life with artistic representations of flowers added a layer of visual irony to the experience, highlighting both the confluences and contradictions between nature and art which were part of the artist’s vision.
What appear at first glance to be merely O’Keeffe-like photographs of flowers, doubled and redoubled in mechanical arrangement, become more than what they seem upon closer examination. Like a Rorschach test, strange images emerge between the surface shapes, out of the emptiness of negative space. Seemingly innocuous images yield sudden, minor terrors; black eyes peer out of the space where petal corners meet: eerie, yet simultaneously delicate and gentle. The eye travels between the foregrounded floral images and the shapes hidden in the background, as though journeying between consciousness and unconsciousness. Peel your eye for seated Buddhas, lotuses, alien-like faces, birds, and dragonflies. At times, images seem to randomly materialize, and one wonders whether these are visual coincidences or part of the artist’s plan. In other cases, the artist imposes more authorial control, by chiseling recognizable symbols out of the photographic compositions, such as crosses and stars of David.

This collision of the organic image of flowers with familiar human symbol systems represents the fundamental irony and contradiction inherent in this work. It brings to the forefront the human influence on nature, but without the obvious display of the artist’s immanence found in more painterly pieces. These are vestiges of technology’s cold yet consistent hand, its ability to reproduce, refract, and reassemble. But human vision, while distant and removed from these surfaces, is ever-present though unseen, like an omniscient, third-person narrator, more organizing principle than immediate presence.

The technological dimension of these pieces brings to mind mass production, the commodification of the natural world. Yet at the same time, the computerized reproduction of these botanical photographs mimics the very patterns in nature itself. Look closely at the leather-like texture of a leaf, its repeated lines and surface symmetries, and it is not unlike the repetitive patterns imposed by the artist. There is a harmony between the world of nature and the world of human technology, but an acknowledged detachment is required for the artist (and the viewer) to enact that relationship. Where realism attempts to represent an exact visual replication of nature, these abstract photographic manipulations attempt to mimic the underlying patterns that govern the natural world. The human witness disappears, the artist’s hand invisible, and what remains is the almost hubric desire to understand the secret processes of creation. These pieces are an act of visual alchemy, sometimes bizarre, but often wondrous and playful. They transport the viewer through realms where reality and imagination are blurred, where nature is simply a mirror of the human mind.

U.E.S. Business Highlight

You're not going to want to miss this one! Ever sit at home on the U.E.S.wondering what fabulous restaurant to experience only to end up with same old same old? Well.. Michael Frankel (that's him on the left) has solved all our dining problems. He has opened a company called Specials by Zip. That means you can sign up for FREE and you are emailed all the specials from the local restaurants... including full menus, pictures, and payment methods.

You can even channel the Julia Child in you and write and post a review!

It's free to sign up and there's lots of giveaways in December. So remember... http://www.specialsbyzip.com/

U.E.S. Gossip Insider

Mr Young owns the K.Y. Grocery on 83rd and York. He's been running the place for 30 years. Just recently however Mr. Young began to tire of pointing and yelling when asked for the location of refrigerated items. Consequently, he has devised a brilliant system. Mr. Young has now placed numbers on all the doors of his refrigerator and is exceedingly proud of his discovery. So when you go to the K.Y. Grocery please ask for an item and then ask for the door number.... it only took him 30 years in business to figure it out! LOL

Fab Art Show by Peter G. Pereira

Exclusively "Hydrangea Epiphanies" by Peter G.Pereira.

The art show at Logos last night was a huge success. Set in the back garden these pieces just flew off the walls. At $20.00 for a small signed print people who had never bought a piece of art before perused the collection like budding art collectors. It was a magical experience. Bravo Peter!

Prints can ONLY be purchased exclusively from Logos Bookstore at 1575 York Avenue in Manhattan. (tel: 212- 517- 7292 ) Here's to keeping it local, keeping it real!

Local Celebrity Loves Art

Harris Healy the owner of one on the last independent bookstores in North America stands in front of his special shop to announce an art show. The show is of artist Peter G. Pereira and is in a style called "abstract surreal painting". It's a combination of photography, painting and CAD. And it was inspired by the flowers in the Carl Schurz Park!

This is what it's about folks. Keep it local...keep it real!

Don't miss EVENT Aug 6th @ 7:00

This is an art show by local artist Peter G. Pereira. You'll be able to pick up signed prints for $20.00 and an original album that the artist also composed for $10.00. Stop by for some wine and fun. Logos Bookstore on York avenue between 83rd and 84th.

This series is inspired by the flowers from the Carl Schurz Park.

Get Rid of the Bigtop!!!

As many of you know I am an animal rights person with a lot to say on the matter. Today the Daily News reported animal cruelty taking place at the Barnum Bailey Circus. Its not the first time such allegations have surfaced. It makes me wonder about the psychological profiles of the people who are allowed to work in the field of training and caring for exotic animals. This has got to STOP! I am sick to my stomach.

Also, congratulations to the individual who had the guts to secure this footage whoever you are!

And... a request from me. Please take some time out of your life this week, to do whatever you can to educate yourself about this situation....Thanks...kay

U.E.S. Events #26 TONIGHT!!!

You've got two choices tonight. You can head over to the Carl Schurz Park at 7:00 for a free outdoor concert. Grab a blanket, a soda, a sandwich and a friend, and settle in for a great evening.

On the other hand, you can hear a poetry reading at Logos Bookstore!!

U.E.S. Who Knew?

Say goodbye to Champagne Video on 82nd and first avenue. This historic video store had a sister store on the west side which appeared regularly on the Seinfeld Show. For 35 years this store provided entertainment to everyone in the neighbourhood, and Mike gave the best recommendations! I will miss this place and I wish the owners well. Unfortunately they must get rid of all their inventory so ...if you have chance go pick up a little reminder that this place existed.

U.E.S. Events #25

If you're not doing anything this Thursday. Please head over to the Yorkville Creperie on York between 83rd and 84th. You'll want to get there around 9:00 to experience the solo guitar of Paul Stayfer. I've never heard him before but he's supposed to have a really unique way of playing.

It's also an opportunity so spend some quality time with your teenager in a bar setting.

There will also be $3.00 Coors Light specials a $1.00 off all drinks and a great crepe special with for $9.00 including soda or a beer.

U.E.S. Who Knew?

Ok folks, this is for real. They are actually selling Obama Chia pets. U.E.S. who knew?

U.E.S. Events #24 HOT!

You heard it here first. The best wine tasting on the Upper East side takes place on July11th at 306 East 86th street between first and second. Come around two o'clock and don't miss this neighbourhood event. It'll blow your mind with food and the wines from all over the world.

The owners name is Dean and he can help you with all of you liquor and wines needs at a very reasonable price. His personal selection is extensive. He also has a monthly wine club where he just sends you his weekly pics. Fantastic!!

U.E.S.Events #24

I never thought I'd say it but I've joined a knitting club. No, I don't kit. No, I don't really want to learn but I'm telling you I never had a better time with a group of women in my life. So now I've officially joined the Knitting Club which will be going on in June every Tuesday night in the garden at Logos Bookstore (York between 83rd and 84th) at 7:00. Be there!

U.E.S. Hot or Not #18

NOT!

Businesses are falling like flies on 86th street and the consequences are dire. I have noticed the awnings looking ratty, the empty storefronts staying empty and the sniff of quiet desperation from the remaining businesses. If you're wondering why the landlords won't make a deal to a tenant they have know for years, you just need to look at the tax law. There's a rule which will let them write off the empty space as a loss. Therefore, landlords have no motivation to rent or negotiate. If you think we learned something about greed after the economic collapse you're wrong. Apparently some people still did not get the message.

I took a pic of the Georgica which used to sport a spotless entrance. Now elegance has taken a turn for the worse. Turns out it's expensive to keep up appearances.

U.E.S. Hot or Not #17

Business are dropping like flies on 86th street but when I saw this one go my heart sank. Nature's Gift is gone after over 15 years in business. I often remember walking home late at night it could be dark, or rainy or just plain lonely and so often my eyes were drawn to the welcoming sight of great tomatoes at an even greater price. Because of their top quality produce I found myself experimenting with eggplant, avocados and artichokes. By giving me choice they expanded my palate and made me a healthier person over the years.

I recall their home cooking take -out, and a variety of soups so yummy they fed me for a full meal.

Walking home last week I saw this sign. And thought this shouldn't have happened after all those years couldn't the landlord negotiate a deal? Then someone informed that the landlords get a tax break when store front goes unrented so they have no motivation to lower rents. Let's not loose anymore of our neighbour heart beats this way. Once they're gone they don't come back. We don't get a second chance.

U.E.S. Sweet Secrets #1

There is a certain neighborhood woman who must be getting on a hundred years old. She guards 83rd street mostly although in her younger days she tore through the neighbourhood like butter.

I call her the "troll of 83rd street" because she pretends that she doesn't see you when you walk by. This is really a test because she sees EVERYTHING and if you walk by and NOT say hello your up shits creek.

UES Events. #22 Free Movie

If you can get yourself down to the Church of the Epiphany on 74th and York Tuesday night at 6:30 you will be treated to a free large screen version of "The Mission". This is a great way for anyone thinking about church or going to church to introduce yourself in an informal way.

(That's my dog Henry in the Church Garden)

UES Events #23 Live Music

Come one come all to the Logos Bookstore on York Av, between 83rd and 84th on Wed June 17th for a Garden Party. Complete with live music, drinks and a little nosh it's great way to introduce yourself to one of the heartbeats of this neighbourhood.

Peter G. Pereira Sculpture

My favorite artist had a sculpture exhibition on Governors Island this weekend. It was during a festival called "Figment" which is getting bigger and better every year. Do yourself a favour one weekend jump on the 4 Train, get to Bowling Green and catch the free ferry over to Governors Island. It's simply a magical place.

Peter G. Pereira made me look at a tree like I never looked at it before. The natural bumps and bruises became heightened as he wrapped them up in abstract swirling paintings that mimicked the age of the tree from the outside in. This was simply spectacular! The kids loved it and I hope he gets to do all of Central Park!

Logos Bookstore Interfaith Reading Group

Please join in the lively discussion at Logos Bookstore on York and 83rd tomorrow night at 7:00. We'll be reading and discussing passages from the New Testament. This is a special group of folks so if your looking for something new and spiritual come one come all!

Spotted Planting Tress on the UES

YEAH....Bloomberg!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Animal Lovers- Stop Animal Cruelty!!!

While watching 60 minutes last night I happened upon a story by Morley Safer called "Fountain of Youth in an Rx bottle". And what's the story here?

It's about Sirtris Labs, combining 1000 bottles of wine into one pill. What outraged me are the lab scenes.

The real story that 60 minutes missed was the blatant cruelty that their lab monkey's are suffering. Check out these cages!! And kept there for up to 27 years, isolated from any contact with their brethren. Look at these pics and tell me if this doesn't violate animal rights laws. I want these monkey's out of this nightmare and into an sanctuary!!!!
HELP ME PETA

Irisis in New York City??

Yep, you can find them at the Carl Schurz Park. Why knew? Irises in an area I call Van Gogh's Place.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy mother's day to all mothers and would be mothers. The mothers of the U.E.S. were out in full force for the beautiful day at the Carl Schurz Park!

Strange Sightings U.E.S

Mathew Mcconaughey

The spelling of this guy's name is as nightmare!!! Now his face matches.

Ok, really I think he's cute and can't wait to see the new pic. You do run this risk when you put your face in a NYC subway.

Priest or Rabbi?

Adopt a Pet Weekend

The Animal League of New York is having a 36 hour pet adoption marathon. For more info see
www.AnimalLeague.org. Find a friend for life today!

Spring Fling for Animal Lovers

The Animal Care and Control is having a spring fling, silent auction and raffle on Tuesday, evening May 12th 6-9 pm. It will take place at the Ciao Bella Restaurant 1640 Second Ave 85th street second floor. The tickets at $50.00 and $55 at the door.

If you can please support this wonderful organization.
www.nycacc.org

Awesome Annie Duke Celebrity Apprentice

I'm a big fan of the show. I run my own business and I play along from home and I'm getting an enhanced M.B.A. compliments from Mr. Donald Trump. I wonder if he realized how invaluable this show is for small business people.

But what I saw Annie Duke do over the past few episodes has blown me away. This woman can pick up the phone and have someone fly to New York from Vegas with fifty grand in cash for her at the drop of a hat.

Do you realize how hard it is to ask people for money? Try this exercise. Phone up a local friend and ask them for five hundred dollars cash and get them to deliver it to your home in a couple of hours. Then we can talk.

The respect and love and loyalty and commitment and trust that her friends have for her is over the top awesome and I've never heard of anything like it. This is something worth striving for in all our relationships in our own lives.

NOTE TO ANNIE... I sell original high end oil paintings and if you ever want to switch gears it would be an honour to work with you.

Kay Hall

Yorkville Creperie OPENS!

At last a creperie opens on the Upper East side on York between 83rd and 84th. Bring the strollers and stop in for a free coffee this week. If you miss DTUT, this is the perfect replacement.

The price of the crepes range from $5.00 to $9.00 from the very sweet to the Fluff-a-Nutter , with peanut butter, fluff, nutella, banana and graham to the savory Roma crepe with chicken mozzarella and tomato bruscetta . They've also got a fantastic morning crepe with bacon eggand Swiss and.. for those of you who don't want a crepe they've got a selection of mouthwatering panini.

Don't forget about the wide selection of of coffee wines and fresh baked good. So come one come all!

I snapped a picture of Harris Healy the owner of the Logos bookstore across the street. He loved his crepe and you will too.

New York...Never a Dull Moment

At about 9:45 last night I headed home from my night class. While walking down 84th street I heard middle eastern music. Here was a crowd gathered in front of Eli Hair Design.

The hairdressing place was having a party!

So... I stopped in and took a couple of photographs Belly dancer and all.

That's what I love about walking around New York. You never know what you're going to walk into.

If they throw a party like this they must do kick-ass hair!

Pic of Mugger on U.E.S.

We've finally got a picture of the guy who is coming up from behind women on the U.E.S. and hitting them in the head with a brick. Once again I remind the ladies to take the iPODS out of their ears when they are walking in the street... and GET OFF the phone. Please keep alert and safe.

Oprah gets it WRONG

Ive been watching the Oprah show lately and overall Oprah is the bomb. On the subject of sex and our kids however I think she has got it wrong. Gail and I stand on the same side on this one.
It's really NOT necessary to tell our young daughters about vibrators and pleasure at ten years old. Girls are different than boys in that they DO NOT have a penis.

She's suggesting that the more information the better but I don't think this is necessarily true. Our bodies will tell us when it's time to start asking questions. Our body always have. Little boys will get erections that what the male body does. It is really necessary to arm these little boys about the intimacies of little girls anatomies so that then can get started on their exploration right away?

What happened to the mystery? Why is mystery and self discovery such a problem? Our generation turned out OK and most of our moms didn't even talk about sex. Do we really have to throw ourselves in doing the exact opposite of what our mother's did? Is this about sex ed or proving a generation wrong?

And ..I don't buy the argument that because we are uncomfortable with our bodies we're uncomfotable taking about it. We're giving kids a gun and the bullets and we're letting them laod and shoot.

Best Mexican UES

On the corner of 86th and Lexington avenue you will find by far the best Taco's EVER. It's not a restaurant but mobile truck called Paty's Tacos. Never in my life have I tasted food so fresh and clean and I can't wait to try the rest of the menu. You can order to go and eat it standing up on the street at a stand attached to the truck ...or you can take it to go.

Their menu says they will deliver for a minimum of $12.00. The number is 347-216-9358. Do yourself a favour... before you hop on the bus or on the subway grab a taco.