DRESSED TO KILT

Today marks the beginning of TARTAN WEEK in New York, a week-long spirited celebration of Scottish culture. I checked out the "Scottish Village" in Grand Central's Vanderbilt Hall earlier today. There are shops selling a variety of authentic Scottish goods like food and clothing. Part of the daily schedule are Scottish fashion show, flim screening, cooperage (making oak barrels or casks) demonstration by distillery workers, and live music including a performance by the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Pipe Band. Pictured above, well at least in part, is one of the members of the band. In addition to the Scottish Village activities, there are other exciting events at different venues detailed at tartanweekny.com.

GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL

This is one of several passageways inside the GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL (GCT). An original landmark, the GCT is a terminal rail station in Midtown Manhattan. GCT has 44 platforms and 67 tracks, serving commuters traveling to neighboring counties in New York and Connecticut. GCT was almost torn down in the mid 1960s but preservationists like former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy campaigned hard to save this impressive train station. It is estimated that 750,000 people pass through GCT each day. The original chandeliers like those shown above are truly an amazing sight.

THE COLOR PURPLE

Last Saturday night, two former classmates in college and I saw the Broadway musical THE COLOR PURPLE. I have neither read Alice Walker’s novel nor seen the movie version so I didn’t know what to expect that evening. The gospel-inspired musical revolves around Celie, a black woman who suffers indignities ranging from incest to physical and emotional spousal abuse. She is also kept in the dark as to whether her own children and her beloved sister are alive or not. In the end, she prevailed, found strength to overcome adversity and discovered love, independence, creativity and spiritual renewal. The story is very moving and the performances were flawless. Celie was wonderfully played by KENITA MILLER who understudied the role since the beginning of the Broadway run in December 2005. Although sometimes I got tired of looking at her stiff “in despair” facial expression, MILLER effectively used her rich and powerful voice to interpret the songs beautifully, especially the song “I’m here.” In between over the top dramatic scenes were dance numbers blended with with blues, gospel, jazz, swing, rural roots and African music. Plus, the crowd-pleasing scene stealers. The most prominent scene stealer was NATASHA YVETTE WILIAMS’ Sofia. She accompanied her advice to Celie to stand up to her abusive spouse with the entertaining song called "Hell No!" to the delight and wild applause of the audience. Also remarkable were the three gossipy church ladies who acted throughout as an entertaining chorus to give an amusing commentary on what was happening. The audience didn’t seem to mind too many characters and plots in the show. I am always amazed by the artistry of set and lighting designers in stage plays and musicals. And this show is no exception. John Lee Beatty's set and Brian MacDevitt's gorgeous lighting were just poetic and evocative. Overall, the story was moving and the performances were unforgettable.

The show was nominated for 11 Tony Awards last year, winning only one for LaChanze (Best Actress in a Musical), who originated the lead role of Celie. In a few weeks, Celie will be played by FANTASIA, adding to the list of AMERICAN IDOL singers to appear on Broadway. One of the show’s producers is OPRAH WINFREY who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the movie version. THE COLOR PURPLE plays the Broadway Theatre at Broadway and 53^rd Street.

PERSIAN CHANDELIER BY DALE CHIHULY AT THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

Thinking spring reminded me of renowned artist DALE CHIHULY’s past exhibition at the NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN in the Bronx. He brought his spectacular glass sculpture in vibrant colors and organic shapes designed specifically for the Garden's collections and vistas. One of my favorite pieces is the PERSIAN CHANDELIER hanging from the glasshouse ceiling. I took a close-up photo of the glorious chandelier as shown above.

“My work to this day revolves around a simple set of circumstances: fire, molten glass, human breath, spontaneity, centrifugal force and gravity.” - Dale Chihuly

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Today is the first day of spring, although it's probably the coldest day of the week in New York. This is when the sun sits directly above the equator on its apparent trip northward. As the Earth revolves around the sun, the Northern Hemisphere, becomes tilted more toward the sun as winter turns to spring. The Southern Hemisphere, on the other hand becomes tilted more away from the sun.

The daffodils and tulips are not in bloom yet in the city. Above is a film-based image that I made a while ago of white Ranunculus blooms on a stack of plates. The Latin name ranunculus means "little frog". These flowers originated from the Middle East, hence their alternative name "Turban Buttercup". They have tuberous roots and hollow stems.

Mythology of Ranunculus (from http://www.flowers.org.uk): In fairy tales frogs are apt to change into princes and it was an Asian prince in just such a story who gave his name to this flower, which grows naturally in swampy ground. The prince was so good-looking that he was loved by everyone. He also had a beautiful voice but this was his undoing. He loved the open country and sang delightful songs in the presence of nymphs. He did not have the courage to declare his love to them and this haunted him so much that he died. After his death he was changed into the flower with delicate tissuey petals which bears his name.

THE NEW YORK DOLL HOSPITAL - one of a kind

Not far from where I live is a hospital that is quite unique – the New York Doll Hospital. Owned by Irving Chaise, this is an establishment for doll restoration and repair. The hospital is a family business, founded by Chaise's grandparents in 1900, taken over by his parents, and then, in 1946, by Irving himself. It has had three homes over the years but the mission has remained unchanged: The New York Doll Hospital repairs and restores, buys and sells dolls. This is one hospital where they “don’t use anesthesia, never lost a patient, or bury their mistakes.” The owner also claims that “the risk of complications is low, unless that is, you're talking about a customer's feelings.” The Doll hospital is located at 787 Lexington Ave Ste 2 (Cross Street is 61st St) New York, NY 10065-8164. Phone: (212) 838-7527