July 5, 2013
A warm day today, but breezes kept the humidity and heat in check.
>>New York Public Library
This looks like one of those archetypal, Greek-influenced parthenons to an enlightened populace. Marble is everywhere - the steps, the interior and exterior walls, and all of the artwork within, suggest a level of respect we as a society one gave to education and enlightenment. There are three levels to browse in, and it's all too easy to lose oneself within the reading rooms and public stacks. Many of the books, however, are "behind the railings", and available upon request. I found the map room to be especially interesting, since it showed how the art of mapmaking evolved over the centuries. Some of the accuracy that was obtained during the Renaissance period and after is remarkable, considering we obviously did not have satellites back in those days. The section on Jewish literature and the Torah was also of interest, and from appearances, remarkably complete.
In short: if they don't have it, it probably hasn't been written.
>>Grand Central Station
More marble-constructed majesty, a time machine back to the days when railroad was the primary means of city-to-city travel. It's still a working train station - now primarily for the subway system. New York Central may not exist anymore, and Penn Station is the point of departure for Amtrak passengers, but it's still worth the visit - for the sheer size and grandeur of the main room, and for the extensive food court below, serving cuisine from what seemed to be every known culture on earth. The MTA museum/shop is also worth a peak.
>>St. Agnes Church
A small (by NYC Standards) Catholic church, but also containing one of the most vividly colorful altar murals I have seen in that type of church. For practicing Catholics, daily mass is held, confession times are frequent, and they have a full complement of Saturday Vigil and Sunday services (several on Sunday, meaning fewer excuses for practicing Catholics to play holy hooky).
>>JJ Hats (310 Fifth Avenue)
This place was recommended by Jamie McDonald on his recent TV series on mom-pop businesses in the NYC area. I agree with his approach - the true flavor and sense of a town is found in the small businesses, not in the chains. Here, you can find men's hat styles of virtually every kind - English racing (my favorite), Stetson, straw - you name it, they'll either have it or can get it. The level of service here, however, is what really sets this place apart. Their staff are thoroughly knowledgable, and they have the means of "tweaking" a hat (through hot steam and cold AC venting) to fit a customer exactly. Yes, the hats can be somewhat pricy (as the website demonstrates). But for the quality of goods and services, plus the satisfaction that comes from supporting a small business, it's actually money well spent, in my book.
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