Saturday, December 22, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Centennial activities
This year is flying away.....the fall was really brief and the first snow has lightly blanketed New York a couple of times this month. The holiday preparations, exchange of greetings, and events participation started early and are ongoing.
On November 28th I went to Washington to attend the celebration of Albania's 95th birthday at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel at the invitation of the Albanian Embassy. It was a crowded, stand-up affair with exquisite foods and drinks, where it was a pleasure meeting more involved Albanians and also speaking with various US and Albanian personalities, including Albania's young Deputy Prime Minister Oketa. I was so busy talking that my camera never came out of my bag, unfortunately.
Yesterday, instead, I was able to snap a few pictures at a private party for the 100th birthday of a very good friend of mine. As blogged last year, at her 99th birthday, I was amazed by her stamina in meeting and speaking for hours with everyone, and I can say that the same happened this year. Notwithstanding the bad weather, there was an incredible turnout of relatives and friends some of whom traveled more than 3 hours to reach her residence. She was chipper as usual, and greatly enjoyed the company.
She is a mom, a grandma, and a great grandma, who originally emigrated from Italy at the age of 12. Happy 100th, dear Lina, and onward to 101!
On November 28th I went to Washington to attend the celebration of Albania's 95th birthday at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel at the invitation of the Albanian Embassy. It was a crowded, stand-up affair with exquisite foods and drinks, where it was a pleasure meeting more involved Albanians and also speaking with various US and Albanian personalities, including Albania's young Deputy Prime Minister Oketa. I was so busy talking that my camera never came out of my bag, unfortunately.
Yesterday, instead, I was able to snap a few pictures at a private party for the 100th birthday of a very good friend of mine. As blogged last year, at her 99th birthday, I was amazed by her stamina in meeting and speaking for hours with everyone, and I can say that the same happened this year. Notwithstanding the bad weather, there was an incredible turnout of relatives and friends some of whom traveled more than 3 hours to reach her residence. She was chipper as usual, and greatly enjoyed the company.
She is a mom, a grandma, and a great grandma, who originally emigrated from Italy at the age of 12. Happy 100th, dear Lina, and onward to 101!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Fall in NYC
Finally last week the leaves started turning and fall is now in full swing in NYC, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, and my place is surrounded by a sea of gold.......
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Nuclear in Albania?
It's an intriguing and quite curious proposal. The small country of Albania that is still suffering from lack of power aims at becoming "a regional energy superpower", and even supply Italy, where a similar project was rejected a few years ago, but it's now resurfacing, as also reported by Italian TV. It would really be quite a feat! True to the Albanian spirit, thumbs up for the courage to dare!
Monday, November 05, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
NYC Marathon
It's a breezy, chilly, and cloudy day in New York, but nothing stopped the 38,000 people that reached this city from all over the world, to participate in the annual fall marathon today.
The cheering crowds lined up the entire course that went through all of the city's 5 boroughs, starting from Staten Island, and ending up in Manhattan's Central Park.
The planning logistics for such an event must be incredible - nothing is missing: from ambulances, and medical facilities, to water and wet sponges supplies, from police manning every crossroad, to complete tv coverage, and even portable toilets, all strategically located.
What was interesting to me, located in midtown Manhattan, was the difference between the large crowds on both sides of First Avenue, and the very few groups of people on balconies that could have a far better overall view.
While the restaurants and eateries along the long avenue were packed with diners, totally immersed in their food and conversation, some preferred to just sit outdoors and read the paper in the midst of a very noisy environment that could be heard from blocks away!
I was so busy trying to zero in on the large discard of empty paper cups dumped by the runners, that I didn't even notice that I had, inadvertently, turned a dial on my camera, and ended up even with the a brief video clip. I just tried to post it here, but a bit more time is needed to get acquainted with YouTube, a brand new experience for me!
The cheering crowds lined up the entire course that went through all of the city's 5 boroughs, starting from Staten Island, and ending up in Manhattan's Central Park.
The planning logistics for such an event must be incredible - nothing is missing: from ambulances, and medical facilities, to water and wet sponges supplies, from police manning every crossroad, to complete tv coverage, and even portable toilets, all strategically located.
What was interesting to me, located in midtown Manhattan, was the difference between the large crowds on both sides of First Avenue, and the very few groups of people on balconies that could have a far better overall view.
While the restaurants and eateries along the long avenue were packed with diners, totally immersed in their food and conversation, some preferred to just sit outdoors and read the paper in the midst of a very noisy environment that could be heard from blocks away!
I was so busy trying to zero in on the large discard of empty paper cups dumped by the runners, that I didn't even notice that I had, inadvertently, turned a dial on my camera, and ended up even with the a brief video clip. I just tried to post it here, but a bit more time is needed to get acquainted with YouTube, a brand new experience for me!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Disturbing trends
Two recent online articles offer puzzling outlooks in the Albanian political situation: is there a need to add a new foundation to be sponsored mostly with government funds, when there is already a plethora of them enriching themselves at everyone's expense, and such money could be spent more effectively to improve citizens' life?
And is boycotting (also used extensively in neighboring Italy for similar purposes) a veracious method of satisfying the electorate's trust in their government, instead of having the courage of making decisions to benefit the entire country?
And is boycotting (also used extensively in neighboring Italy for similar purposes) a veracious method of satisfying the electorate's trust in their government, instead of having the courage of making decisions to benefit the entire country?
Friday, October 19, 2007
Necessary maintenance
A month has gone by quickly without postings from me. Nothing interesting to report on except lots of ‘maintenance’, or I should say ‘ordinary upkeep’ at all levels.
In any case, my days were full amidst some routine medical checkups, furniture reupholstering, a couple of lectures, and some very attention-grabbing Italian tv programs (have subscribed to 24/7 RAI TV, an issue that deserves a separate posting by itself).
Most of my labor during the past 2 weeks, however, went into reconstructing my computing facilities, with some reorganization and archiving of my huge data bases. I’ve had a similar experience a few years ago because of hardware failure, but this time it was due to my need of restructuring and streamlining what I had at my disposal into a single, more efficient, capable desktop system that allows me better software and online conveniences.
This whole exercise remains a challenge; it requires attention and appropriate choices at every step, and knowledge of how to navigate in the solution of the myriad of little stumbling blocks that are par for the course in this work. I’ve reorganized, relocated, documented all hardware with all its cables and plugs, and have nicely fitted also external additions into the equipment cabinetry that I had purposely constructed two years ago. The results are quite satisfying.
Still have to do lots of work with my data, but the operating system (have decided not to go with the new Vista for a while) and the updated applications, coupled with a larger monitor are a pleasure to work and have fun with. Hurrah! Onward now with what else needs to be followed up on.
In any case, my days were full amidst some routine medical checkups, furniture reupholstering, a couple of lectures, and some very attention-grabbing Italian tv programs (have subscribed to 24/7 RAI TV, an issue that deserves a separate posting by itself).
Most of my labor during the past 2 weeks, however, went into reconstructing my computing facilities, with some reorganization and archiving of my huge data bases. I’ve had a similar experience a few years ago because of hardware failure, but this time it was due to my need of restructuring and streamlining what I had at my disposal into a single, more efficient, capable desktop system that allows me better software and online conveniences.
This whole exercise remains a challenge; it requires attention and appropriate choices at every step, and knowledge of how to navigate in the solution of the myriad of little stumbling blocks that are par for the course in this work. I’ve reorganized, relocated, documented all hardware with all its cables and plugs, and have nicely fitted also external additions into the equipment cabinetry that I had purposely constructed two years ago. The results are quite satisfying.
Still have to do lots of work with my data, but the operating system (have decided not to go with the new Vista for a while) and the updated applications, coupled with a larger monitor are a pleasure to work and have fun with. Hurrah! Onward now with what else needs to be followed up on.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Annual Albanian dinner
The annual dinner of NAAC (National Albanian American Council) took place on Friday evening at the Cipriani restaurant, again this year, in midtown Manhattan, and it was well attended as usual. One in the past, I remember it well, was held in the lovely restaurant that was on top of the World Towers.
It is an annual affair that attracts between 400/500 people; it includes foreign dignitaries, and it honors, via a couple of awards, special people who have helped the Albanian cause around the world in one way or another. In the past, in addition to some Albanian American personalities, the honorees included Pres. Clinton, Secretaries of State Baker and Albright, and Sen. Dole.
This year's theme being "Kosova Independence Now" , the "Lifetime Achievement Awards" were bestowed posthumously to the former President of Kosova. Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, and the Albanian Patriot and martyr, Adem Jashari, while the "Hand of Hope Award" went to Gen. Wesley Clark, ex NATO Supreme Allied Commander who was, among other things, responsible for the peacekeeping operations and major combat action in Bosnia, during the ethnic cleansing time of the late 90's. His emotional speech recounting those times was interrupted by many standing ovations, as it did the video that followed about the atrocities of the Bosnian war.
NAAC's Exec.Dir. Mustafaj, Gen Clark, Min. Basha
Among some foreign dignitaries and ambassadors was the new, and young, Albanian Foreign Minister, L. Basha, who spoke and graciously made the rounds in the crowded, enormous hall of the restaurant that used to be the headquarters of an old American bank a few years ago.
For me it was a unique opportunity to revisit many friends and acquaintances and I was all talked out by the end of the evening, when the younger crowd lingered to enjoy some (very loud!) music and line dancing.
Gen. Clark with a couple of my friends, the Lekas
It is an annual affair that attracts between 400/500 people; it includes foreign dignitaries, and it honors, via a couple of awards, special people who have helped the Albanian cause around the world in one way or another. In the past, in addition to some Albanian American personalities, the honorees included Pres. Clinton, Secretaries of State Baker and Albright, and Sen. Dole.
This year's theme being "Kosova Independence Now" , the "Lifetime Achievement Awards" were bestowed posthumously to the former President of Kosova. Dr. Ibrahim Rugova, and the Albanian Patriot and martyr, Adem Jashari, while the "Hand of Hope Award" went to Gen. Wesley Clark, ex NATO Supreme Allied Commander who was, among other things, responsible for the peacekeeping operations and major combat action in Bosnia, during the ethnic cleansing time of the late 90's. His emotional speech recounting those times was interrupted by many standing ovations, as it did the video that followed about the atrocities of the Bosnian war.
Among some foreign dignitaries and ambassadors was the new, and young, Albanian Foreign Minister, L. Basha, who spoke and graciously made the rounds in the crowded, enormous hall of the restaurant that used to be the headquarters of an old American bank a few years ago.
For me it was a unique opportunity to revisit many friends and acquaintances and I was all talked out by the end of the evening, when the younger crowd lingered to enjoy some (very loud!) music and line dancing.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Albanians everywhere
A few years ago when I visited the then newly restructured Museum of Immigration on Ellis Island in New York harbor, I made an interesting discovery.
In the lobby of this huge and marvelously equipped museum I pushed the "Albania" button that was provided at the foot of a large map of the United States, among the many others related to all of the nations in this world. The map presented then digital displayed statistics of Albanian immigrants for each state of the union.
To my great amazement I discovered that Albanians emigrated to all of the 50 US states in various degrees of concentration!
For years everyone knew that the largest groups of Albanians could be found in 3 major areas of the US: Massachusetts, New York, and Michigan, but not that some Albanian communities, such as the one in far away Anchorage, Alaska, are also very active.
Today's article in "The American Spectator", entitled "Tirana on the Mississippi", confirms the above. It describes a typical scene at an Albanian cafe/restaurant in the middle of St. Louis, Missouri.
In the lobby of this huge and marvelously equipped museum I pushed the "Albania" button that was provided at the foot of a large map of the United States, among the many others related to all of the nations in this world. The map presented then digital displayed statistics of Albanian immigrants for each state of the union.
To my great amazement I discovered that Albanians emigrated to all of the 50 US states in various degrees of concentration!
For years everyone knew that the largest groups of Albanians could be found in 3 major areas of the US: Massachusetts, New York, and Michigan, but not that some Albanian communities, such as the one in far away Anchorage, Alaska, are also very active.
Today's article in "The American Spectator", entitled "Tirana on the Mississippi", confirms the above. It describes a typical scene at an Albanian cafe/restaurant in the middle of St. Louis, Missouri.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
More Albanian discoveries
Notwithstanding the hot and difficult summer more foreigners flocked to discover the 'mysterious' land of Albania this year, and, within it, they did find interesting things and sights.
From lovely little beaches along its long coastline, to nooks and crannies in its majestic mountains, and archaeological sites on land and under water, Albania is beginning to appeal to the adventurous tourist, and consequently to enlarge the horizon for enterprising travel agents.
From lovely little beaches along its long coastline, to nooks and crannies in its majestic mountains, and archaeological sites on land and under water, Albania is beginning to appeal to the adventurous tourist, and consequently to enlarge the horizon for enterprising travel agents.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
New-old sites in Albania
Some people spend interesting summer time digging and Albania offers new archaeological discoveries.
Albanian update
Where has the past month or so gone? For me it has been a quiet time at home in NYC, taking care of my dwelling's maintenance, but with an eye on Albanian news on a daily basis, as usual.
While there are no special news on a personal level, much has been happening in the Mediterranean area where the summer of 2007 is still in full swing with it the ups and downs of extreme temperatures, the disastrous fires, the lack of water and electricity especially in Albania, and my heart aches thinking of all this.
On the web, meantime, there is a proliferation of information relating to Albania that spans over many subjects: from the "sworns virgins" (just discovered by the western press !?!) that are still surviving in the northern areas, to the British real estate companies that furiously advertise sales of modern lodgings in Tirana and along Albania's pristine coast, from the environmental and economic projects to attract foreign investments and tourism, to the many more blogs of young people that are enjoying adventurous vacations even in the roughest and remote parts of the country. Albania is slowly and surely coming up in the world, but it still has a long way to go!
Today's posting on the ineffective roles of NGOs that have permeated the country for years without accomplishing much for it, is finally bringing to light a sad and regrettable situation well known and understood by the local population, and the Albanian diaspora, who has stepped in and furnished for years now a more direct and substantial financial input.
While there are no special news on a personal level, much has been happening in the Mediterranean area where the summer of 2007 is still in full swing with it the ups and downs of extreme temperatures, the disastrous fires, the lack of water and electricity especially in Albania, and my heart aches thinking of all this.
On the web, meantime, there is a proliferation of information relating to Albania that spans over many subjects: from the "sworns virgins" (just discovered by the western press !?!) that are still surviving in the northern areas, to the British real estate companies that furiously advertise sales of modern lodgings in Tirana and along Albania's pristine coast, from the environmental and economic projects to attract foreign investments and tourism, to the many more blogs of young people that are enjoying adventurous vacations even in the roughest and remote parts of the country. Albania is slowly and surely coming up in the world, but it still has a long way to go!
Today's posting on the ineffective roles of NGOs that have permeated the country for years without accomplishing much for it, is finally bringing to light a sad and regrettable situation well known and understood by the local population, and the Albanian diaspora, who has stepped in and furnished for years now a more direct and substantial financial input.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Summer in NYC
Manhattan Island never stops or rests, but the effect of summer is definitely noticeable in certain parts of the heart of this metropolis, and I’m not referring to the weather.
Except for the midtown areas crowded with tourists and shoppers of all kinds, and especially during weekends, the residential areas are so quiet and pleasurable that one has the feeling of being in the country instead of the “city that never sleeps”.
Most avenues and streets now are lined by huge trees and walking along them when the traffic seems also non existent is a delightful experience.
Along the rivers that flank the island there are plenty of areas for walks, jogging, or rest, in addition, obviously to the mini parks in many key zones, and the immense Central Park that takes up most of mid Manhattan.
The highways that surround this island are always busy thoroughfares that incessantly take in and bring out of this metropolis most of his vehicular traffic, but many inland areas are small oases of peacefulness for the local inhabitants.
In addition to a variety of street carts that serve anything from breakfast treats to ice creams at some corners, greenmarkets also regularly pop up all over town in specific areas, such as school playgrounds, or empty parking lots, to offer their fresh products that, however, are not much cheaper, but definitely fresher than the one in supermarkets.
As I’ve already mentioned elsewhere, there is a continuous transformation that quietly goes on in many places with buildings’ renovations, beautification of streets, rerouting of traffic, and this happens even at a micro-level, as shown by the following creative disguise of garbage bins crowned by blooming plants!
Summer in NYC can really be an enjoyable experience not only for the tourists, but for the locals too!
Except for the midtown areas crowded with tourists and shoppers of all kinds, and especially during weekends, the residential areas are so quiet and pleasurable that one has the feeling of being in the country instead of the “city that never sleeps”.
Most avenues and streets now are lined by huge trees and walking along them when the traffic seems also non existent is a delightful experience.
Along the rivers that flank the island there are plenty of areas for walks, jogging, or rest, in addition, obviously to the mini parks in many key zones, and the immense Central Park that takes up most of mid Manhattan.
The highways that surround this island are always busy thoroughfares that incessantly take in and bring out of this metropolis most of his vehicular traffic, but many inland areas are small oases of peacefulness for the local inhabitants.
In addition to a variety of street carts that serve anything from breakfast treats to ice creams at some corners, greenmarkets also regularly pop up all over town in specific areas, such as school playgrounds, or empty parking lots, to offer their fresh products that, however, are not much cheaper, but definitely fresher than the one in supermarkets.
As I’ve already mentioned elsewhere, there is a continuous transformation that quietly goes on in many places with buildings’ renovations, beautification of streets, rerouting of traffic, and this happens even at a micro-level, as shown by the following creative disguise of garbage bins crowned by blooming plants!
Summer in NYC can really be an enjoyable experience not only for the tourists, but for the locals too!
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Construction boom everywhere
For the past several years, as I travel to Tirana, I observed that roads’ and buildings’ construction there have been a never ending process, which contributes a great deal to the awful pollution that affects Albania’s capital.
When I was born, this city had a population of 30,000, and the newest part of it (called, since then, Tirana e Re) amounted only to 3 lonely villas! By the early 90’s its population was up to 250,000 and most of its buildings and houses badly needed maintenance after years of neglect. Some of these remnants are still around today right in the middle of the capital, but now the population has more than tripled in size due to the flow of incoming villagers. Additionally, the roads are now traveled by an extremely heavy vehicular traffic, inexistent during the communist dictatorship that didn’t allow private car ownership, and, ironically, enjoyed a clean air environment.
Many streets still need to be asphalted, but many others are been systematically restructured (with underground lying of telecom cables and water pipes) and still many potholes are popping up everywhere, including the main large Skanderbeg square. Even though at times the development of some buildings has been interrupted for a variety of reasons (such as lack of proper license, or lack of funds), construction continues, and will be ongoing for many years to come in Albania.
Well, New York does not seem very different from Tirana these days. And, come to think of it, seemingly for similar circumstances.
More and more old brownstones are slowly been replaced by high-rises that not only have changed Manhattan’s skyline, but also the one of other boroughs, and, consequently, the roads are being affected by the ongoing constructions, the expansion of utilities’ needs, and the replacement of old (6 floors) underground equipment that services the city.
In NY we are also plagued by potholes, due to poor patches, or by the destructive force of our harsh winters. Building boom is on, however, in full force, while the Mayor is trying to find a solution to the maddening traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, which is not dissimilar from the one in Tirana.
As I can watch, from one of my windows, a new complex coming up just a couple of blocks away from where I live, I can see differences in building techniques and processes between NY and Tirana, but that’s worth another write up.
One thing, though, is common: the ever present tall, over towering crane that’s scary to look at when right below it!
When I was born, this city had a population of 30,000, and the newest part of it (called, since then, Tirana e Re) amounted only to 3 lonely villas! By the early 90’s its population was up to 250,000 and most of its buildings and houses badly needed maintenance after years of neglect. Some of these remnants are still around today right in the middle of the capital, but now the population has more than tripled in size due to the flow of incoming villagers. Additionally, the roads are now traveled by an extremely heavy vehicular traffic, inexistent during the communist dictatorship that didn’t allow private car ownership, and, ironically, enjoyed a clean air environment.
Many streets still need to be asphalted, but many others are been systematically restructured (with underground lying of telecom cables and water pipes) and still many potholes are popping up everywhere, including the main large Skanderbeg square. Even though at times the development of some buildings has been interrupted for a variety of reasons (such as lack of proper license, or lack of funds), construction continues, and will be ongoing for many years to come in Albania.
Well, New York does not seem very different from Tirana these days. And, come to think of it, seemingly for similar circumstances.
More and more old brownstones are slowly been replaced by high-rises that not only have changed Manhattan’s skyline, but also the one of other boroughs, and, consequently, the roads are being affected by the ongoing constructions, the expansion of utilities’ needs, and the replacement of old (6 floors) underground equipment that services the city.
In NY we are also plagued by potholes, due to poor patches, or by the destructive force of our harsh winters. Building boom is on, however, in full force, while the Mayor is trying to find a solution to the maddening traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, which is not dissimilar from the one in Tirana.
As I can watch, from one of my windows, a new complex coming up just a couple of blocks away from where I live, I can see differences in building techniques and processes between NY and Tirana, but that’s worth another write up.
One thing, though, is common: the ever present tall, over towering crane that’s scary to look at when right below it!
Sunday, June 17, 2007
A different kind of birthday
This past week's weather in NY has been,to say the least, spectacular with my kind of temperature between 58 to 72 degrees F! Because of it and since the week included also my birthday I decided on that day to decline another luncheon invitation (had 3 last week) and just be outdoors as much as possible.
The morning went by very quickly with phone calls galore, also from Albania and Italy, but in the afternoon I took a ride all the way to the very tip of Manhattan island, and, when there, I couldn't resist getting on board the Staten Island Ferry which crosses the large bay of NY. It was the perfect day to be on the water!
I hadn't been in that area in years and I was very pleasantly surprised about the many changes that have occurred in it, not only in the skyline, but also at the ferry's terminals. They have been completely modernized inside out, with roofs made of solar panels, spacious terraces to relax on, and digital display monitors for the many bus connections at destination.
(solar panels barely visible amidst the highraisers)
The rides scheduled every half hour are one of several free things that NY offers not only to tourists, but also to its residents, many of whom commute this way every day.
The boats remain crowded, as usual, with people armed with camcorders and cameras, and one has to elbow his/her way to the outside railing to be able to snap pictures, especially on the side that faces the Statue of Liberty.
The Brooklyn's commercial waterfront
The old fort on Governor's Island
The Verrazzano's Bridge (= port of NY entry)
The Manhattan's skyline seen from Staten Island
On right, low, flat, Ellis Island against the coast of the state of New Jersey
Liberty Island
Differences noticed on board from the past are the presence of uniformed policemen that patrol the decks, and the fact that the return trip cannot be taken anymore without disembarking. One has to leave the boat at destination and use a different one to get back.
Downtown Manhattan (void of the Twin towers on the left)
By the time I returned home I felt drunk with air since I don't normally spend so much time in the wind and in such bright sunshine that reflects its rays over the water. I hadn't played tourist in my own town in a long, long time and enjoyed it!
The morning went by very quickly with phone calls galore, also from Albania and Italy, but in the afternoon I took a ride all the way to the very tip of Manhattan island, and, when there, I couldn't resist getting on board the Staten Island Ferry which crosses the large bay of NY. It was the perfect day to be on the water!
I hadn't been in that area in years and I was very pleasantly surprised about the many changes that have occurred in it, not only in the skyline, but also at the ferry's terminals. They have been completely modernized inside out, with roofs made of solar panels, spacious terraces to relax on, and digital display monitors for the many bus connections at destination.
The rides scheduled every half hour are one of several free things that NY offers not only to tourists, but also to its residents, many of whom commute this way every day.
The boats remain crowded, as usual, with people armed with camcorders and cameras, and one has to elbow his/her way to the outside railing to be able to snap pictures, especially on the side that faces the Statue of Liberty.
Differences noticed on board from the past are the presence of uniformed policemen that patrol the decks, and the fact that the return trip cannot be taken anymore without disembarking. One has to leave the boat at destination and use a different one to get back.
By the time I returned home I felt drunk with air since I don't normally spend so much time in the wind and in such bright sunshine that reflects its rays over the water. I hadn't played tourist in my own town in a long, long time and enjoyed it!
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