100th anniversary for the Times Square ball-drop event

Details of the ball are in this video here

It was indeed exciting to check out the ball at the Macy's store in Herald Square before it was up there on Times Square for the New Years' eve. I plan to check out the whole event from my firm's office at Broadway. A noteworthy aspect about the ball is that it is GREEN i.e., it is made with some 9.5k energy efficient bulbs. I bet Philips had an agenda to advertise for free by entering in this feature. This is also a true indication of where NYC wants to project itself as a pioneer and leader in energy efficiency.

Revelers began celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square as early as 1904, but it was in 1907 that the New Year's Eve Ball made its maiden descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square. This original Ball, constructed of iron and wood and adorned with 100 25-watt light bulbs, was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds. In 1920, a 400 pound ball made entirely of iron replaced the original. The Ball has been lowered every year since 1907.

This year, the temperature is expected to be around 25 to 35 and the fog isn't going to be there. Hence, I am expecting a good visibility from the office - which is about 7 streets away.


Silence before the storm - the silent Broadway before the madhouse... (around 2 pm) !

The celebration was scheduled to include countdowns with entertainment gurus Carson Daly and Ryan Seacrest, who will be joined by New Year's Eve legend Dick Clark, and performances by Kid Rock, Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood and The Bravery. In addition, the USO Troupe of Metropolitan New York will perform and a "salute to armed forces" was planned.

About a million revelers are expected to pack the streets of the city for this event. Also new to this year's celebration is that confetti (about a ton of it) dropped when the clock strikes midnight will include wishes for the New Year written by people around the world.

I am all excited to check it out at midnight.... though I wont be a part of the madhouse downstairs on the streets !

To see what I see, you can go to earthcams here.

community service in the city

I felt that I should contribute to the city where I work. Of course, I pay taxes. However, I had this yearning to offer my efforts as well.

Along came an email from one of the volunteering groups in the firm for publicolor volunteering. It was a good opportunity to achieve further honing of my painting skill and also, contributing in some form to the community. Besides, I had never been to that part of the city - a school in Bronx, where every incoming person is asked to pass through metal detectors.

During the effort, I could come across a few teenagers, who appeared eager to learn more about the world. I gave them my contact details if they needed further guidance beyond what we discussed about pursuing dreams despite of difficulties. One of the stories was particularly heart rendering - it was of a sister in a group of three sisters. She was being denied education by her mom as her mom didn't have any money to support her education. Her fees were free but didn't have money for books etc. Fortunately, someone in the group could guide her during the discussion about the resources to tap in order to get that kind of help. She was delighted and I felt happy that I could facilitate that discussion.

Publicolor was started by Ruth Lande Shuman, an industrial designer and is managed by Deven Parekh, a partner in Insight Venture Partners. I found the concept of publicolor unique and creative.

movie review: charlie wilson's war

I had waited for this movie for long, alike American Gangster. Both the movies that I waited for had lived upto my expectations. In fact, they had surpassed my expectations.

Acting:
10/10
Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts at their best... .Julia didn't have much of a role - but did perform it well.

The most surprising one for me was Phillip Seymour Hoffman - yea, Gust from CIA !

Story:
N/A - it's a true story - hence, I have another parameter to evaluate....the screenplay !

Screenplay was very well adapted. Just to evaluate this aspect, I ran to the Barnes and Noble on last Friday (between my shopping and going out that night) and read most of the book. The screenplay seemed a bit rushed - but indicative of the way things were progressing in Charlie Wilson's life - quickly ! I would rate screenplay at 8/10.

I hope the writer's strike doesn't lead to a drought period of my newly found hobby of movies.
May be I can continue that hobby with foreign films - that implies more variety and exploration.

art lovers galore !

Check out the presentation of MoMA's online exhibits. I must tell you - they never stop to reach beyond expectations....

For instance, while making decision regarding whether I must visit MoMA for Puryear's exhibit, I checked out the online exhibit and the full-screen version was simply marvellous; and no, I am not talking about the linear exhibit but the clusters which are shown when you want to check out the work based on medium, chronology, etc.

Go MoMA Go !