Yes, I can photograph that!

photographer with MTA Police, originally uploaded by threecee.

I just read on Picture New York that the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting is now making it more explicit, and hopefully more hassle free, to be shooting with a camera on the streets of NYC, effective August 13, 2008. Read all about on their website and all of the juicy legal stuff (pdf).

These new rules are a modification of much stricter rules proposed sometime ago that caused a major groundswell of opposition.

From the Picture New York website:

It appears that public opposition and input have resulted in a substantial turnaround by the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre, and Broadcasting. Changes from earlier proposals can be considered a major victory for civil liberties, artistic expression, and democratic action in our city. We hope the new rules will clarify to police and security personnel the people’s right to take pictures in New York without harassment and free from burdensome demands for permits or insurance.

You may have heard about a couple of my personal incidents of what I call "You Can't Photograph That!" here and here.

Here's hoping that all of our authority figures are well educated about this.

Maha's is closing

window box, originally uploaded by threecee.

I'm sad to report that Maha's, a small, friendly, cozy Middle Eastern restaurant, run for 6 years by Maha Ziadeh, will be closing its doors at the end of August. I will miss her falafel wraps and oatmeal-walnut-chocolate chip cookies. That was my standard lunch most days of the week.

Here's her farewell letter:

Dear Friends,

As you all know Maha's is closing for business. I want to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for your support for six great years. I feel sorrow that I have to go, but I want to be in touch, not only on a professional level, but also on a friendship level because that is what you gave me for the last six years.

Maha's became a family friendship spot. This is the hard part to lose the daily contact with people I saw every day, political exchanges, knitting, sharing food, drinks. We've shared our lives with each other for the last six years. I gained a different perspective of feelings and understanding. It matured me big time.

But I am optimistic because I am moving further up in the field of cooking. I want to be a personal cook and private caterer for special events. I'm working on a website. When I launch it, I will inform everybody, but until then, I can be reached at mahaziadeh@gmail.com, or on my cell 917-771-0715. Also, I just joined Facebook. This is another way to keep you informed with my latest.

Love you all,
Maha

Isaac Hayes, RIP

Isaac Hayes, originally uploaded by threecee.

Damn! Yesterday, it was Bernie Mac. Today, it's Isaac Hayes.

The photo was taken in June, 2008 in Brooklyn at the opening concert for Celebrate Brooklyn. See more photos of the concert here.

Again, my thoughts go out to his family and friends. I will miss his music and talent.

Bernie Mac, RIP

Bernie Mac checkin her out, originally uploaded by threecee.

Bernie Mac, one of my favorite comedians, died on August 9, 2008, apparently from complications of pneumonia.

My thoughts are with his family and friends. I will miss his humor and talent.

This photo was taken on a trip to Mexico City in 2007. A great piece of art by Kraken E3 was posted next to an ad for the movie Ocean's Thirteen.