nina corvallo

(More)Tea

2012-02-09T00:33:00.007-05:00

Tea in Nonna's Kitchen :) © Nina Buesing Corvallo

My darling friends Chad & Jason just sent me a copy of Tea: An Everyday Indulgence. A fantastic gift (thank you again!). I love tea and infusions and anything to do with it. Sometimes I fantasize about having a little tea shop (maybe on Hull?!), that's how much I love tea and like to spread the gospel of tea.

Ice Floe

2012-02-06T23:23:00.005-05:00

Europe is still in the iron grip of a deep freeze. My friend Henny sent me this amazing picture from near Hamburg Harbor of the Elbe River covered in ice floe. ©Henny

Natura

2012-01-31T11:33:00.003-05:00

A dog and three moose looking at each other in the snow. © Nina Buesing Corvallo

I like seasons and weather. This winter has been very mild for us, which on one hand has made life easy on the other hand I am disappointed not to witness any blizzards this year (last year was phenomenal). Weather can be a menace but when observed from a safe place is just spectacular. If you head over to Sandra Juto's blog, you can see the best pictures of frost on windows I have ever seen: www.sandrajuto.blogspot.com.

Happy New Year! (New York Chinese New Year)

2012-01-23T09:55:00.006-05:00

Happy Year of The (Water) Dragon! Three Corvallos in Chinatown for New Years. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Last night just before midnight we trekked down to the Buddhist Temple on Center Street to welcome the Year of the Dragon. I've come to the conclusion that Western New Year is not my thing. In Germany I always dreaded it because it involves an enormous amount of alcohol and firecrackers. Serious ones. The kind that is illegal here in the US and that cause a lot of emergency room visits. Not my thing. In New York City New Year's is one of the worst days for the police department, and we usually just hole up in our home or maybe have dinner with family or friends - avoiding the alcoholic rampage in our neighborhood. Ultimately it is fine. It's one night, but it is not how I want to start my New Year. Ever since I lived in Chinatown I make a point of stopping by the Buddhist Temple for Chinese New Year. It's beautiful how the New Year is greeted there and so kind that we are always welcomed. So that is the New Year that I look forward to.
This is a special year: The Year of the Dragon! I wish you all a healthy, prosperous, happy, lucky and full of love Year of The Dragon. Make it count.
PS: yes, I know Firecrackers originate from China. And no, I have not experienced Chinese New Year in China. I am strictly speaking about my experience in New York. If you are in New York, try to make it to Chinatown and have some delicious Vegge food, watch the Dragon bless the local businesses or watch the Fireworks at Chatham Square.

Love it Here, Hate it Here

2012-01-19T10:21:00.003-05:00

So many truths in this one: S**t New Yorkers Say by Eliot Glazer.
Pat Kiernan. Love it.

Thursday This & That (First Post of 2012)

2012-01-19T01:37:00.010-05:00

We had a magnificent lunch at Ida's the other day. I love her home. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

To read and see: My classmate Hiro's writing & images at The New York Times' Lens blog: Lost And Alone Under Tokyo's Red Rain

To read and think about: The Unleashed Mind: Why Creative Peopel Are Eccentric by Shelley Carson (via Delphine Diall0)

To see: Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom trailer.

And more to see & read about: Emily's Ad for PETA!

2011

2011-12-31T09:55:00.004-05:00

2011 was a very mixed bag. We lost big and we gained big as a family.
Professionally this year was a disaster. Might as well be honest about it. And I only have myself to blame . I did nada. But the good thing about it being my fault, is that it means I have a chance to correct it. And because this was personally such an intense year, maybe it was for the best that I did not have my mind on work and photography at large.
I think this journey of highs and lows might have started before 2011. Thus the calendar year is arbitrary, but still a good opportunity to take stock and muster resolve.
I wish you all a happy 2012. I am looking forward.

Fire

2011-12-30T17:48:00.004-05:00

I can be a bit of a freak about safety, something I picked up from my dad, and I just wanted to remind everyone out there to check their fire alarms. Make sure the battery is good or if you don't have a smoke detector or not enough, get some - now.
A former neighbor of ours just lost her children and parents in a tragic house fire over the holiday. It seems that there were no working smoke detectors in that house.
Then today I read about a very similar tragedy happening in Australia. So please take a moment and check your smoke detectors.
We can't control the wind, but we can adjust the sails.

Manhattan

2011-12-16T18:17:00.006-05:00

Manhattan Sunset ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Still on a Woody kick. Last night we watched Manhattan. Find the original 1979 trailer at: www.youtube.com. So. Good.

Things to Love

2011-12-15T02:30:00.004-05:00

Wrist Womrs by Sandra Juto & Fluxi Malou ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

-Scarfs by Faliero Sarti
-Wrist Worms by Sandra Juto
-2012 Calendar by Studio Morran/Camilla Engman
-Art for the sophisticated nursery by Ida Pearle
-Midnight in Paris by Woody Allen on DVD
-The Woods by Emily Shur
-Kristiina Wilson's Blog

Love Is...

2011-12-12T08:22:00.000-05:00

Your husband noticing the new Finnish Rye (Ruis) Bread stand at the Union Square Farmer's Market; being underwhelmed after tasting the bread, but buying several buns anyway, knowing I would love them.
I think the bread is delicious. I had wanted to buy some last week, but they were all sold out. I didn't feel well Saturday, so the husband did the market run. He said he heard that Nordic accent and figured they probably have something that would delight my sometimes homesick heart. He was right.

Thank you. I love you.

Manhattan Murder Mystery

2011-12-11T11:50:00.007-05:00

Like any good New Yorker, I am fond of Woody Allen films. Last night we watched Manhattan Murder Mystery. Chuck full of great lines, my favorite probably being the following:

"LARRY: No, I...Yeah, look, no, I-I forbid you! I forbid you to go! It's a-a...I'm forbidding! Is that what you do when I forbid you? If-If that's what
you...I'm not going to be forbidding you a lot, if you do..."

The movie also made me nostalgic for "my New York", filmed in 1992 it reflects the New York I know best. The flea market on 26th & the parking lot on Astor featured, both no longer exist. Sad, but as they say you can't stop f***ing New York City.

Sedaris @ The Strand - Awesome!

2011-12-10T10:12:00.005-05:00

The Strand, Best Bookstore ever.

Last night we had the pleasure to hear David Sedaris read and speak at The Strand. If David Sedaris is coming your way I recommend catching him. Just don't say "awesome " - it will cost you ;)

The Day

2011-12-09T11:34:00.004-05:00

Day Break, Morning, Day ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Barbadian Mementos

2011-12-08T20:53:00.006-05:00

Morning at Sea-U ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Our prolonged fall is over it seems. The cold has arrived. To keep warm I keep dreaming of Barbados.

Beautiful Bathsheba

2011-12-06T22:45:00.001-05:00

The wild East Coast of Barbados, our bedroom at Sea-U Guest House and the coast below. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

When I travel, I do not like to stay in big hotels or resorts. I also prefer to have a kitchen available, because traveling while vegetarian can be a challenge.
Life has turned out such that my parents and I unfortunately live far away from another. My parents are very supportive and they never ask for anything and sometimes I feel they get the short end of the stick. So last year with their 50th wedding anniversary looming, I wanted to give them a great gift.
My love for travel stems from my parents enthusiasm for discovery, so I figured taking them somewhere would be the perfect gift.
I did not want it to be too far away and I wanted it to be some place warm with good vibes and a hospital (my parents are in their seventies), that wouldn't break the bank. I decided on Barbados after reading about a lovely old fashion Caribbean guest house on Barbados' East Coast.
Sea-U Guest House in Bathsheba was as quaint and as authentic as I hoped for. The East Coast of Barbados is a different world from the white beaches and over-developed South-West of Barbados. The East Coast is still wild and it's rougher sea has made it a favorite for surfers.
Sea-U Guest house sits high over a cliff, and always has a breeze and the soundtrack of the Caribbean Sea. The house itself is a typical Caribbean wooden house with shutters and porches.
I rented the entire floor of the main house, which comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one with Jacuzzi), a living room, a small sitting room and a full kitchen - flanked by a wonderful large covered porch with another dining table - and lots of quiet and privacy.
The decor is romantic and our bed and linens were divine.
Sea-U has it's own restaurant that will accommodate vegetarians and other special requests and it also has a delightful self-service bar.
The grounds are intimate and well kept with majestic views of the ocean and many great walks near by.
Barbados was great.It was really relaxing and I will definitely go back. If you go, rent a car, and go explore. It's well worth it.

The grounds at Sea-U. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Laughter is The Best Medicine

2011-12-06T12:04:00.006-05:00

I wasn't having such a great morning, but then I watched Alec Baldwin on Conan and he cheered me right up. He shared some very astute observations about our neighborhood. I hope Mr. Baldwin joins the Block Association :)

courtesy teamcoco.com

Weekend This &That

2011-12-03T00:01:00.005-05:00

Via several design blogs I came across the work of Shanna Murray. Bodie & Fou have a lovely image of one of the decals in Karine Candice's daugther's bedroom.
I think I might have to order me some :)

A Thousand Stars for Company © Julianna Swaney

The other day I received my copy of Menagerie; photographs by Sharon Montrose and illustrations by Julianna Swaney. What a perfect pairing!
You can revisit my interview with Julianna by clicking here.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad !

2011-12-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

The Lovebirs in the former Yugoslavia on vacation sometime in the 50s. © Buesing

Today is my parents' 51 st wedding anniversary! Last year for their 50th anniversary we took them to Barbados for a long weekend and it was awesome. We stayed at lovely old skool Caribbean place that I will blog about in a few days.

Mom & Dad by the Adriatic Sea ©Buesing

My Rudi

2011-12-01T19:22:00.004-05:00

Handsome & Sweet Boy ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

It's been 1 year and 1 day since we officially adopted The Earl Grey AKA Rudi. He was a kitten with big paws then, now he is about 15 pounds! Huge, just like his heart.

Wednesday (Peer Edition)

2011-11-30T14:09:00.006-05:00

Haiti: Tent Life © Wyatt Gallery

Wyatt's Haiti work will be display in George Soros OSI Moving Walls 19 show:

Moving Walls 19 Exhibition
Open Society Institute
400 West 59th Street (9th + 10th ave)
4th floor
Reception: 5:30-8pm --Nov 30th
RSVP:www.movingwalls.org/rsvp

© Hee Jin Kang

Hee Jin is having a book signing:

Hee Jin Kang: No Sleep
Tuesday, December 6th - 7 pm
Book Court
163 Court Street
(between Pacific & Dean)
Cobble Hill, Brooklyn
718.875.3677

You can re-visit Rona's interview with Hee Jin at: www.nymphoto.blogspot.com.

© Justine Reyes

Justine Reyes currently has a show at The Homefront Gallery and the artist will be at the gallery for a talk on Decmeber 3, 2011.

Justine Reyes: Home, Away from Home
The Homefront Gallery
26-23 Jackson Avenue
Long Island City, NY 11101

Rona interviewed Justine too, you can also find that conversation at: www.nymphoto.blogspot.com.

Holly Becker

2011-11-29T09:20:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Sandra, I was introduced to the blogs of Holly Becker, design maven and American expat living in Northern Germany. Holly Becker has a wonderful passion for design and an incredible eye. Her blog Decor8 is immensely popular for those reasons. Ms. Becker also blogs about her expat experience on her personal blog Haus Maus. I love Holly's writing and her kindness in sharing her personal insides. What makes Haus Maus particularly interesting to me is to read about Holly's experience as an expat. I am a Northern German living in the US, and she is an American living in Northern Germany. I just get a kick out of reading about the 'reverse' perspective :)
Anyway if you haven't yet, visit Holly Becker's blogs at: www.hollymaus.blogspot.com and www.decor8blog.com.

Morran

2011-11-28T09:46:00.001-05:00

My heart goes out to Camilla & her husband today, as they just lost sweet Morran.
Loosing a companion animal is very tough. If you are are an animal person you get it.
But many do not, which complicates the grieving process.
Morran was an incredible dog and I suspect one of the best known dogs on the internet.
She will be greatly missed by many, but live on in the minds of many too.

Sunday This & That

2011-11-27T10:42:00.004-05:00

- Great post by Yuki over at The Soho Memory Project about (Artists &) Taxes: www.sohomemory.com.

- As always for home decoration Danielle de Lange provides plenty of inspiration at: www.style-files.com. I loved seeing the minimalist, typical hanseatic loft of Wolfgang Behnken this week. If you scroll through The Style Files, you will discover lots of other inspiring interiors. Never over-designed, always with an individual touch.

-Also wonderful to peruses are The Travel Files: www.travel-files.com, also curated by Danielle de Lange and her excellent taste. When I travel where I stay is important to me, and Danielle has an outstanding eye for memorable and unique accommodations.

More Indian Summer

2011-11-26T19:13:00.004-05:00

©Nina Buesing Corvallo

I think we might have hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit in New York today. While strange, the weather was gorgeous and everyone was, and is, outside enjoying it.

Delphine Diallo & More

2011-11-17T15:57:00.005-05:00

Delphine Diallo is currently fundraising over at Kickstarter. I know there is a bit of backlash in regard to Kickstarter, in part because Kickstarter and sites like it, are so cluttered with perhaps not so worthy projects,taking focus away from work or projects that deserve attention and funding.
I am a supporter of Delphine Diallo's project The Gift. Hopefully you will also find this project worthy of support.
Find out more about the project by visiting Kickstarter, Delphine's website: www.delphinediawdiallo.com or visiting Marcus Samuelson's site: www.marcussamuelsson.com.
Or better, if you are in New York, head to Brooklyn for tonight's MoCADA opening reception to see work by Delphine Diallo in person:

PIXELATING: Black in New Dimensions
Curated by Zemen Kidane, Isissa Komada-John, & Jabari Owens-Bailey
MoCADA’s 2011-2012 Curatorial Fellows
November 17, 2011 – February 25, 2012

PS: Another thought on the Kickstarter backlash. I can understand that people are annoyed by the over-saturation and the gall of some people.
However patrons and artists have been intertwined for centuries. Today an artist can appeal to a wider audience than ever before and anyone can be a (micro) patron. Regardless of the over-saturation, I think that this is a better system.
An alternative is artist selling their work through third parties at depressed pricing. While perhaps gaining small exposure briefly, long term artists are diluting their work and often giving up rights and control of their work in the process.
There is a big difference between someone doing street art or consciously giving away their work without monetary compensation or even selling their work on big cartel or etsy; and artists being exploited by third party vendors and agencies, practically giving away their work and the rights to their works for nothing.

Around Town w/My Phone

2011-11-13T01:09:00.006-05:00

From A Corvallo A Day - Uptown Poodle ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

The Darkroom

2011-11-08T00:45:00.000-05:00

lots of snow and awesome dogs- the arctic circle- also meditative and communal at once ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

While finally doing a massive cleaning of my office I came across some small 4x6 B&W RC machine prints from my trip to the Arctic Circle. They were stuck together. So I took them to the sink and soaked them in lukewarm water and they came apart and now are drying.
Washing the prints triggered an intense longing for the darkroom. I haven't been in one in ages and it has been even longer since I printed B& W Fiber prints.
I didn't realize how much I miss that environment.
My favorite dark room set up was that of my undergrad studies. The Photo Department was on 2/3 of the 8th Floor of NYU's Tisch building and small. Equipped at the time with two studios, a "state of the art"digital room, a couple of classrooms, an equipment cage, two communal darkrooms (one for B&W, one for color printing) and a couple of private darkrooms for special projects. Printing, there, could be an act of solitude and meditation and/or also very communal.
I miss it.

Alec in My Pocket

2011-11-07T09:44:00.004-05:00

Alec Baldwin's WNYC podcast show has premiered and it's great. You can find the podcast at: www.wnyc.org/shows/heresthething/
I like downloading podcasts to my Blackberry so that I can listen to them throughout the day. This morning while making breakfast I had Here's The Thing playing from my pocket. Good stuff. And what a voice for radio!

Good Day Downtown

2011-11-06T00:28:00.001-04:00

Dreaming of a tropical getaway. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Joanna Goddard just went on a romantic getaway with her husband (without Toby!) and reading her post made me yearn for the Caribbean.
But for now I am in New York and that's good too. We had a gorgeous crisp fall day yesterday, which I started with the Farmer's Market and followed with a tasty brunch with friends at L'Orange Bleu -- which serves the best Brioche Perdu!
On the way home I passed by Heavenly Grace Buddhist Temple on Centre Street, which is always a lovely sight and I discovered Rebbecca Hossack Gallery on Mott Street, which I think is a great addition to the neighborhood.

Bill & I

2011-11-05T17:00:00.004-04:00

Maybe the film raised our collective awareness or maybe Bill Cunningham is out and about more than ever. Either way two of my friends recently had encounters with Bill Cunningham and I saw him this morning at the Farmer's Market. Of course he was with his camera, astutely observing. I think he might have liked my hair, but otherwise I did not arrest his gaze ;)

If you have not see the above alluded to film, you can now catch Bill Cunningham New York on Netflix. It was also available free on Hulu , but unfortunately is no longer.

Gallery Hop This & That

2011-11-04T17:47:00.008-04:00

Birdfeeder on the Highline From A Corvallo A Day ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Also on view currently is Walton Ford's latest show at Paul Kasmin Gallery in Chelsea.
Looking at new works by three of my favorite artists today (Simen Johan, Ryan McLennan & Walton Ford) I felt that all three were stretching or eager to stretch themselves. It is interesting to follow an artist over the years and see their process and evolution and perhaps even struggle.

We walked home on the Highline, which while very modern is really a great feat for New York. If you never saw the Highline before it was turned into a park, I recommend Joel Sternfeld's book Walking the High Line (with an essay by Adam Gopnik).

Things to See in NYC

2011-11-01T16:35:00.004-04:00

We hope you had a good Hallowen :)From A Corvallo A Day ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Amy Cutler: Acquainted at Leslie Tonknonow - through November 5, 2011
Julia Margaret Cameron at Hans P. Kraus - through November 18, 2011.
The Ronal S. Lauder Collection: Selections fromthe 3rd Century BC to the 20th Century/Germany,Austria and France at the Neue Gallerie - through April, 2012 - some goodies in there, such as work by a Anselm Kiefer & Franz Marc.

And online: www.delphinediawdiallo.com.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.004-04:00

Fluxi Malou wishes you a mellow Meowloween :)
From A Corvallo A Day ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Yuki at The SoHo Memory Project recalls Trick or Treating in 70's SoHo, read the entry at: www.sohomemory.com.

Saturday This & That

2011-10-29T13:30:00.002-04:00

It's snowing in New York today. Interesting ;)

Nude by Peter Robinson-Smith

Good day to stay inside. Yesterday though we had all blue skies and we spent all day walking around. At night in SoHo we came across the work of Peter Robinson-Smith who makes beautiful 3D sketches out of mesh, that throw wonderful shadows. Mr. Robinson-Smith sells his work on Wooster street during most of the year. He also has a website: www.petesmithart.com, but if you can try to see the work in person it has so much more depth that the website or photographs communicate.

I am also enjoying the work of Anne Siems, you can too at: www.annesiems.com.

New Engineering School in NYC

2011-10-28T09:19:00.003-04:00

Now this is exciting! The city is offering land and a 100 million dollars to universities to set up a new engineering & applied sciences in the city. I think this is excellent news for New York City.
You can read more about the plan at: www.cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/bloomberg-pledges-money-and-land-for-engineering-school/.

Pastry Pride

2011-10-27T00:01:00.003-04:00

Pâtisserie From A Corvallo A Day ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

The other night we watched The Kings of Pastry --which is a gem.
I saw the trailer at Film Forum way back and I remember that critics loved it and highlighted the intensity of film, with quotes such as: "I never saw so many strong men sobbing at once." - The Guardian UK and "Forget Masterchef. This is the culinary Hurt Locker." --Herald Scotland.
And it is true the movie is full of tension and dense understated emotion. I found this film absurd and yet full of truth -- and simply beautiful.
Yes, these men are making pastry but it is about so much more as well.
It is about caring& passion, pride & dedication and recognition.
At the beginning of the documentary we see French President Nicolas Sarkozy address the honorees of the competition and remind the listeners to not think of "manual knowledge to be less noble than academic knowledge, less capable to create wealth and well being." To value the artisanal skill as much as the intellectual talent is a good.
Of course to see only men compete is backwards.

Wednesday This & That

2011-10-26T00:01:00.002-04:00

Love the new work courtesy Ryan McLennan

Tomorrow: Simen Johan at Yossi Mil o Opening Reception and while you are in Chelsea check out Ryan McLennan lastets show at Joshua Liner Gallery.

Listen to Robert Levine discuss his book Free Ride: How Digital Parasites are Destroying the Culture Business, and How the Culture Business Can Fight Back on The Leonard Lopate Show Archive. Interesting segment. BTW Have you pledged? :) It's that time of year.

Tuesday This & That

2011-10-25T10:38:00.008-04:00

From A Corvallo A Day ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

These past weeks I have not posted much. I don't have many words these days. But I have been taking more pictures. You can see a snapshot a day over at: www.ACorvalloADay.tumblr.com -- just little vignettes from the quotidian.

Adam Gopnik's new book The Table Comes First: Family, France and the Meaning of Food comes out today and he will have a book signing event at (where else?!) The Strand November 14, 2011 from 7-8 PM.

(via Kottke) The story about a coupled that died hand in hand after 72 years marriage made me tear up.

You & Me

2011-10-19T14:24:00.004-04:00

The world is a messy place. But I think small actions matter.
Be active in your community, help your family and friends when you can.
Personally I also really like the idea of micro lending. As the current economy shows, when lending is not available things stall. It makes you the bank and while it might not seem like much, it could make a difference. I am sure in the past someone has done you a favor that really helped you out, maybe that certain someone was even a stranger. With Kiva you can return the favor. Check out it: www.kiva.org

Rufus & Mordecai

2011-10-18T01:01:00.008-04:00

Rufus & Mordecai (not their real names) from A Corvallo A Day
©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Sandra Juto

2011-10-16T20:49:00.003-04:00

If you follow this blog you know how much I like Sandra Juto and her work. Sandra is multi-talented and she can make everything special. Some months back Sandra started using Instagram and the selection of imagery she is creating with her phone is fantastic. I think Apple should use Sandra's images for an Ad campaign. They really should. I am enjoying my Blackberry 9900 Bold. It's a little Worker Bee. But I look at Sandra's Instagrams and want an iPhone! Of course it's not just the phone and the app, the pictures are great because of Sandra.
Anyway, go t0: www.instagram.heroku.com/users/sandrajuto to enjoy Sandra's Instagrams :)

A Corvallo A Day

2011-10-16T01:58:00.003-04:00

Yesterday in Soho from A Corvallo A Day ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Saturday This & That

2011-10-15T00:01:00.001-04:00

- Looking forward to Here's The Thing -- Alec Baldwin's podcast on WNYC!

- Fall is here and Sandra's Wrist Worms (handmade in Berlin!) are back. There is one for everyone: vegan ones, big ones, all sorts of colors and patterns. Check it: www.wristworms.com.

- Camilla has a new blog and it is Morran -centric: www.studiomorran.blogspot.com!

- And lastly something really awesome (via Kottke): The Skin Laser Gun. If this works it will change so much. Watch the video at www.kottke.org.

Next Thursday: Ryam McLennan @ Joshua Liner Gallery

2011-10-14T01:03:00.001-04:00

click to see larger courtesy Ryan McLennan

i type

2011-10-13T15:38:00.006-04:00

My SIM card got fried and at first I thought it was my phone itself, so I started to finally consider upgrading. I have been rocking a Blackbery 8700g for about six years and while it was limited (2G!), what it did, it did outstandingly. I received my push email in Bali, in the Arctic, on many beaches and in the Central American Jungle. And my Gosh, the battery life was unbelievable (simple sometimes is better).
I dropped and dropped that phone and it kept on trucking. When they made the 8700g Blackberry was the shit -- to speak plainly.
So what to upgrade to? While very tempted by the iphone (the ease, the camera, some of those apps, the design), but I can't really get over not having a keyboard (and true push email is nice too).

Right now I am trying out the Blackberry 9900 Bold. It's a really nice phone. I like having an excellent keyboard, a super responsive touch screen and a track pad. It's sweet. It is also easy to set up and navigate. But what a week I have picked to get a new Blackberry! WTF Blackberry?
A multiple day outage affecting most of the world? Seriously?!

I am no technofile, but the husband is, and from what I understand this outage might just be another nail in the RIM coffin. What a pity. You people make some beautiful & durable hardware. And I like that you get that some of us want a keyboard.
Now can you please resolve your issues and provide us also with a kick ass operating system? That would be awesome.
Alternatively, how about a freaking keyboard, Apple? I know sliders are kinda whack, but if you made an iphone with a keyboard I would be yours.

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

2011-10-06T01:14:00.004-04:00

I have never owned an Apple product. Nevertheless I greatly appreciate the leader that Steve Jobs was. He was only 56 years of age. What a loss for the world and America in particular.

Happy Birthday!

2011-09-28T10:45:00.003-04:00

©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Sending lots of love, happiness and birthday wishes to a very dear friend. You know who you are :)

Bruce Davidson @ The Strand

2011-09-26T15:49:00.004-04:00

Legendary Bruce Davidson will be at The Strand (12th & Broadway) tonight at 7 PM to sign copies of the re-issue of Subway (one of the best New York photo books ever). To attend you need to buy a copy of the book or purchase a $10 Strand gift card.

The Feast

2011-09-21T23:19:00.011-04:00

©Nina Buesing Corvallo

When I was in high school our friend Joe always made us walk through the Feast of San Gennaro. He just loved the feast. I didn't mind. It reminded me of Dom back home. But when I lived in Nolita I dreaded the Feast. San Gennaro brings noise, alarming hygiene conditions and lots of yikes to the residents; and loss of income to the businesses that are not involved in the feast.
The other day while re-watching the Godfather II, it occurred to me that I had never seen the actual procession of San Gennaro.
So the husband and I went down to The Church of Most Precious Blood watched the mass (in English and Italian!) last Monday and followed the procession up Mulberry Street. I must say that I enjoyed it. The tradition of the San Gennaro feast hails from Naples. I was very moved by it, no doubt because my father-in-law was from Naples and he recently unexpectedly passed.
My father-in-law was a staunch atheist and I am a staunch agnostic. Nevertheless it was captivating and a treat to imagine decades past of people celebrating the feast of San Gennaro on Mulberry street.
This is part of what makes New York great: That people are from everywhere and that you can celebrate Chinese New Year one month on one block and the feast of San Gennaro on the adjacent block some months later.
Culture and tradition can be stifling, but it doesn't have to be and life is a little more colorful with these elements.
As to the Feast, well I am glad I don't live on Mulberry Street this week. I wish the organizers would emphasize quality and tradition more and focus less on commerce at all cost (and keep the vendors from blasting amplified music). But I did enjoy myself and I even ended up buying something -- a flying frog sculpture hand carved in Bali.
I know.

La Festa di San Gennaro ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

The Other Night

2011-09-20T00:44:00.003-04:00

...while trying to get back into a community board meeting, I came across this beautiful moment at St. Anthony of Padua. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Saturday This & That

2011-09-17T11:02:00.006-04:00

One the most important pieces of art - for me - is Gerhard Richter's 1963 painting Hirsch (in English know as Deer or sometimes as The Stag). I was excited to read on Horses Think that Corinna Belz has completed a documentary on and with the (typically sparse) participation of Gerhard Richter. You can read more about the film and see the poignant trailer at: www.gerhard-richter-painting.de.

Via Kottke.org I cam across Clifford J. Levy's New York Times Magazine (September 15, 2011) article My Family's Experiment in Extreme Schooling, which I reacted strongly to and ultimately feel very ambivalent about.

Queens Edition!

2011-09-15T15:39:00.003-04:00

Come check out my friend Rona's new show, photographed in her home borough and our home town. All images © Rona Chang

Rona Chang: Moving Forward, Standing Still – Queens Edition
The Homefront Gallery
26-23 Jackson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101
September 17 – October 29, 2011
Opening Reception: Saturday September 17, 4 – 6pm

Woke Up

2011-09-13T07:26:00.000-04:00

On the right side of the bed today. It's been a while :)

Arcobaleno

2011-09-12T23:03:00.005-04:00

I had never seen a rainbow from a plane before. Of course I saw this while flying over the Caribbean Sea ;) The Caribbean are so full of beauty. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

The Past & The Future

2011-09-11T00:01:00.003-04:00

I was here 10 years ago today and am grateful to be here today. I ♥ U, NYC. Chronicle 1981 & 2007, Tribute in Light, 2008 & Beautiful Memorial by Michael Arad as seen from World Trade Center 7, July 29, 2011. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Dewy Night

2011-09-08T12:05:00.004-04:00

Yesterday evening. I love this sort of weather: soft dampness, mild temperature and balmy winds. I bet it was foggy out in Montauk. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Emerson Matabele

2011-09-04T10:02:00.005-04:00

This weekend I came across the work of Emerson Matabele at an arts& craft street fair. And I liked his keen eye for composition and knack for portraiture.
Travel & lifestyle photography is not well respected in photography circles. Many professional photographers think it is easy to travel and always bring back compelling or beautiful images, but they underestimate the skill & eye of photographers such as Emerson Matabele, Amanda Marsalis or Frederic Lagrange.
If you find yourself downtown today you can see & purchase prints by Emerson Matabele on University place all day.

Red September

2011-09-03T01:15:00.006-04:00

My parents are in Russia on a very personal journey right now. And I decided to re-watch Hunt for Red October.
Such a good movie (even 20 years later*), great lines, great set design, impeccable score, solid acting, and a naval themed young Alec Baldwin. What's not to like?
Oh and did I mention that Mr. Baldwin just recently purchased in the hood? I hope he joins the Block Association. No really, I do. We need some backup.

* my only criticism: a few more women should have been in the movie.

It's Friday (Saturday) Night

2011-09-03T00:59:00.005-04:00

It's definitely Friday night in the city.
I just overheard the following exchange outside my window:

"What are you F**CKING looking at?!"
"I wasn't looking at you, A**hole, I was looking over HERE!"
"F**k YOU, you f**king Douchebag!"

Kenne Valley & Irene

2011-09-03T00:31:00.008-04:00

While everyone worried about New York City, Upstate New York was one of the places hurt by Irene. Friends who live in Keene Valley got it bad: their home and their business were damaged badly. So if you find yourself up there or are heading to Montreal and you need to stop for a snack please stop by Green Point Foods! It is a win-win situation, you will support these fine people and get some tasty treats!
You can read about the destruction at www.nytimes.com in Alissa J. Rubin's report In the Adirondacks, Storm-Battered and Cut Off.
And here are some reviews for Green Point Foods: www.yelp.com.

Green Point Foods
1888 Rt 73
Keene Valley, New York
518-576-9717
greenpointfoods@gmail.com
hours: Thursday-Monday 8-6 Tuesday 8-5 + Closed Wednesday

If you want to contribute to the Kenne Flood Recover fund you can send contributions to:
ACT/ Keene Flood Recovery Fund
Adirondack Community Trust
PO Box 288
Lake Placid, NY 12946.

THIS Emily Shur

2011-09-01T19:35:00.003-04:00

Limited edition t-shirt available at the opening and online. © Emily Shur.

If you are in L.A. tonight please stop by THIS tonight for the opening of Borders, a show featuring work by my buddy Emily Shur.

THIS Los Angeles
5906 North Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA
Reception: September 1, 2011 -7-10 PM

Island Living

2011-08-27T08:55:00.003-04:00

NYC evacuation map courtesy NYC

As my friend J said, it is easy to forget that Manhattan and most of the city is surrounded by water on all sides.
And then something like Irene comes along and we all remember. We are in a no flood zone and stocked up on food, water and flashlights. We are having some friends from flood zones coming over and hopefully we will have a fun night instead of a destructive one. Glad to see Irene lost some strength.
Frankly I have had enough of the universe showing that it is in control. No more reminders please. Thank you.

Shiva

2011-08-16T23:33:00.002-04:00

One week today. We love you.

Tuesday & This That

2011-08-09T13:10:00.001-04:00

Stars over Fire Island ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

If you haven't yet, check out the re-designed & re-located Satorialist's website, now to be found at: www.thesartorialist.com.

Angelika and her musings have really grown on me: www.angystearoom.com. I came across Angelika when Scott Schuhman featured her on his blog -- it is nice to see a healthier concept of beauty (very) slowly creeping into fashion consciousness.

Johan has sailors available again in his shop: www.sailor.bigcartel.com.
My sailor makes me smile every day! I think the sailor is (per) genius ;)
Thank you again Johan & Sandra.

Monday This & That

2011-08-08T00:01:00.002-04:00

The German Four Mast Peter Rickmers ashore Fire Island. The ship was on its way to Burma when it stranded. Fire Island is still on my mind. Courtesy State Library of Queensland.

I very much like the photography of Bharat Sikka.com: www.bharatsikka.com.

And I am longing for the Caribbean. I would like to visit Saba some time. The Cottage Club Hotel looks like a nice place to stay.

Urban Dusk

2011-08-07T16:18:00.005-04:00

Shades and Shapes ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

L'île de Feu (Part Two)

2011-08-03T16:32:00.002-04:00

Impressions from Fire Island or L'île de Feu (missing France these days). Love my 'private rainbow' in the shower and the dragon fly zooming above the deer. If you look closely you can see it. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

L'île de Feu (Part One)

2011-08-02T19:10:00.002-04:00

Dragonflies at Sunset on Fire Island ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Malick Sidibé

2011-08-02T10:51:00.004-04:00

MALICK SIDIBÉ
Jack Shainman Gallery
513 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011
- through August 5, 2011

The Lousy Neighbor

2011-08-01T13:32:00.009-04:00

Over the weekend we were hanging at the beach with friends. The plan was to have mojitos at cocktail hour. However the neighbor stole all of the mint out of our vegetable garden - right in front of our noses! But he left the Basil so Johan suggested we make mojitos with Basil (and we are not the first to do so) and christened it the 'The Lousy Neighbor'. Cheers!

Never Dull in Hull (Part Three)

2011-07-30T10:45:00.002-04:00

Sunsets & Friends :) ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Of course what is important on any trip is the company!
We were surrounded by good friends on Hull: Our hosts Chad & Jason and their family, my godson and his parents, as well as two other friends we know from Bali. Good times!
Mr. Sunburn came along too. You can see pictures of him from this trip on Sandra's blog: www.sandrajuto.blogspot.com.

Camouflage

2011-07-29T09:02:00.005-04:00

Fluxi Malou sleeping. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Camilla has a great picture of a dog complementing the above picture. Find it in her Flickr stream and another version on her blog: www.camillaengman.blogspot.com.

Heidi & Anya

2011-07-28T14:08:00.003-04:00

I will make sure to catch Anya on Project Runway tonight - 9PM EST on Lifetime . Go Anya!

Never Dull in Hull (Part Two)

2011-07-27T12:38:00.006-04:00

Never Dull in Hull (Part One)

2011-07-25T16:15:00.005-04:00

Chad and I did a little sailing. Sailing is meditation. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Thanks to Chad & Jason and their family, we escaped the NY heatwave and spend a couple of days on/in glorious Hull, a mellow New England peninsula beach town.

The Bath(ers)

2011-07-23T06:19:00.002-04:00

Friday This & That (Art World Edition)

2011-07-22T00:01:00.002-04:00

The always eloquent Edward Winkelman has a good recap of the McGinley/Janine Gordan lawsuit, to be found on Mr. Winkelman's blog: www.edwardwinkleman.com.

Mat Gleason's Huffington Post piece titled The Career Benefits of Boycotting Charity Art Auctions, to be found of course at: www.huffingtonpost.com, is definitely worth contemplating.

And reading the comments on both pieces is interesting too.

Tropical

2011-07-21T23:47:00.005-04:00

Brooklyn, NY Summer 2011 ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Almost midnight and it is still a steamy 90 degrees hot in the city. At the beginning of Rear Window, as the viewer is introduced to the setting of the film, Hitchcock shows people sleeping on their fire escapes. It is that kind of night.
Yes , us New Yorkers like to talk about the weather. Hot, cold, wet, reasonable -- don't matter. We talk about it.

Thursday This & That (Animal Edition)

2011-07-21T00:01:00.006-04:00

Perhaps only a New Yorker can see the beauty in this picture. Click to see larger. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

I have a thing for pigeons. And am very tickled by Tony, The Commuter Pigeon. The Daily News has his story at: www.nydailynews.com. (tx Adam)

The Talks are just so good! Find them at: www.the-talks.com.
I relate much to what Tom Ford spoke about. Particularly in regard to nature and animals.
And the interview is also really telling in context of A Single Man.

The New York Times also just ran an article about the internal life of animals. Find The Joy of a Sun Bath, a Snuggle, a Bite of Pâté at www.nytimes.com.

The Beach

2011-07-20T00:12:00.004-04:00

Cilantro

2011-07-19T09:00:00.005-04:00

And then just add salt and pepper. Grab some bread or crackers.The extra cilantro I'll dry for later use and the winter. The microwave can provide a quick way to dry herbs. My father-in-law taught me that. BTW Avocados are toxic to most animals. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

During the summer for a quick meal/snack I grab fresh cilantro from the Farmer's Market and avocados and lemons to make guacamole. Easy and delicious. Almost reason enough to move to California or somewhere else where the weather allows for lemon and avocados to grow.

Anderson

2011-07-18T22:55:00.009-04:00

Last night we watched Rushmore. Wes Anderson is such a treat. He is not an acquired taste. I think you either love his work or you don't. Coincidentally today I came across this little video on Kottke today:

I am very much into Wes Anderson's work. So much so that I almost named Rudi Anderson (I like Anderson Cooper too).

Soccer

2011-07-17T19:52:00.009-04:00

Two ladies that love soccer. Ms. Fluxi(e) Malou already knows that St. Pauli is her team :) ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Women's soccer. I am so lame. I have not been in the spirit for the Women Soccer World Cup. Shame on me. And shame on most men. Men should get as excited for the women's world cup as women get for the men's world cup.
I love America, it's my home (Germany is my Heimat, but that's another blog post). But I am happy for Japan. Such a hard year for Japan. A win can really lift the spirit! I hope it brings some tiny bit of solace.

Fluxus

2011-07-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

If you find yourself near Dartmouth College (Hi, Eli ;) check out the Fluxus and the Essential Questions of Life installation at the Hood Museum- on view through August 7, 2011.
The exhibit will travel to NYU's Grey Art Gallery in the fall and to Michigan University in the spring of 2012.

Movies

2011-07-16T16:30:00.000-04:00

We have been (re)watching movies: Papillion, Rear Window, The Hours and Silkwood. All good films.
Big fan of Hitchcock's filmaking in particular. I think during July 4, I was channeling Alfred a but while taking pictures.The fireworks reminded me of To Catch A Thief and the cityscape had a flair of Rear Window .

Ivory Wars

2011-07-14T22:22:00.005-04:00

Alex Shoumatoff and Guillaume Bonn just published an expose titled Agony and Ivory on the ivory trade and threat of extinction for Africa's elephants in Vanity Fair. Below you can watch the supplemental video to the reportage.
I met Guillaume a couple of years back when he lectured at The Half King in Chelsea. Guillaume Bonn might seem exotic or out of movie or a novel to some, but I think of him simply as someone speaking about his home.

courtesy Vanity Fair

Fluxi Malou

2011-07-11T14:01:00.014-04:00

Supermodel courtesy Kristiina Wilson

Meet Marie-Louise Fluxus Corvallo, also known as Fluxi Malou. Our newest family member. Rudi is thrilled.

Great personality and looks to boot! She even has stripes! We all ♥ her. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Curly's

2011-07-08T00:51:00.006-04:00

A regular at Curly's ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Yesterday we ate dinner at Curly's Vegetarian Lunch on 14th Street. Simple Vegge food, well priced beer and nice atmosphere. Find New York Magazine's review at: www.nymag.com.

Galungan (Holiday)

2011-07-06T12:28:00.005-04:00

Orchid & an inhabitant of the Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Speaking of Holidays, Galungan is being observed as we speak in Bali and I wish I was there.

PS: Hi, Rona!

Holiday in The City (Part Two)

2011-07-05T17:49:00.007-04:00

Holiday Weekend in NYC ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

New York is such a treat during holidays. Many people leave and few come into town. The city thus quiets and one's pace slows. New York is many things, but lovely is rarely used to described it, but this weekend the city was lovely. We had a good (holiday) weekend! I hope you did too.

Holiday in The City (Part One)

2011-07-05T11:57:00.017-04:00

July 4, 2011 NYC ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Last night we had a champagne picnic on the roof with 'framily', nature put on a great show with a beautiful sunset and then we watched the fireworks and ended the evening sitting in beautifully restored Washington Square Park.

PS

2011-07-02T17:29:00.012-04:00

Brooklyn native Rudi looking for a playmate ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

As mentioned in my previous post I am a cat enthusiast. Today I visited my schoolmate Kristiina Wilson, who is a fabulous photographer and extraordinary patron saint of NYC felines -- and met an adorable gang of kittens for adoption. We walked in and within a few minutes a tiny little monkey walked right up to the husband and planted herself on his lap. I was so taken I did not even take any pictures. Not taking a picture is the equivalent of me being speechless and it only happens in serious moments.

We have three cats already. Yes, three. Two are close to 20 years old and 10 month old Rudi, who is sweet as pie, just like his older brothers, but who might be in need for some company of someone closer to his age.
But committing to an animal is a big decision and a family decision. Because if you are a conscientious person you could very well be embarking on a two decade long journey. If you have that in you, go for it, it is incredibly rewarding. And if you are in NYC and are looking to adopt a kitten, let me know, and I can put you in touch with Kristiina.
And while you are at it, check out her work at: www.kristiinawilson.com.

Cat Enthusiast

2011-07-02T00:12:00.006-04:00

Catapoolooza in BK ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

My husband says I am a cat enthusiast. And that much is true. I am glad he is not calling me cat krazy or a kitten junkie. He would too, if he thought I had crossed that line.
There are so many cats in New York. Cats are good in New York. If you have a cat you will not have rodents and probably not even roaches. And New York is full of vermin. So New Yorkers have a good relationship with felines. It is a symbiotic relationship.
Brooklyn in particular is full of cats. And during kitten season you will encounter cats everywhere.
Side Note: I totally dig the above ground Brooklyn pool scene.

Six Hours in Brooklyn (Part Three)

2011-07-01T19:47:00.005-04:00

Six Hours in Brooklyn (Part Two)

2011-07-01T12:29:00.005-04:00

Six Hours in Brooklyn (Part One)

2011-07-01T02:34:00.000-04:00

Onions Flowering, America and Brooklyn Beauty ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Last weekend we spent mostly in Brooklyn. Saturday I think we walked for six hours straight. My idea of a good time. Minette graciously took us in for a little while, fed and re-hydrated us. Thank you!

Thursday This & That

2011-06-30T15:16:00.006-04:00

At the Angelika's last week. Aza deserves all the accolades. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

Avalanche! Terri is being very well received and there are a tons of interviews to read with Aza right now. Here are some links: www.thelmagazine.com and www.online.wsj.com.

At Pride people expressed their gratitude to Governor Cuomo. ©Nina Buesing Corvallo

I was so thrilled with Governor Cuomo last Friday when The Same Sex Marriage Bill passed, but I am not happy with the governor this week.
Gov. Cuomo is seeking to lift the NY ban on hydrofracking.
I know we are more and more people on this tiny earth. But I think lifting the ban, even if only partially, is as things stand, a mistake. Have you seen Gasland? If not I would recommend watching it.

Terr Bear

2011-06-28T00:00:00.005-04:00

Last night Ida and I finally saw Midnight in Paris. I really liked it and was just blown away that this is Woody Allen's 41st film.
During the previews, the Angelika showed the trailer for Terri - Aza's new flick, that is receiving great reviews. Even The New Yorker likes it! Terri opens this Friday, July 1, 2011.

courtesy Ato Pictures/Azazel Jacobs

Happy Pride, New York!

2011-06-26T10:20:00.004-04:00