Multiple People Reported Shot Near Empire State Building « CBS New York

Multiple People Reported Shot Near Empire State Building « CBS New York

From the streets of the Upper East Side

My usual uneventful commute home (7 minutes by foot) along 1st Ave was interrupted this evening by the Presidential cavalcade. Not clear which vehicle POTUS was in, most of which were more heavily armored than the Bismarck, so I waved to them all. That wasn't the only excitement on the local streets in the past 24 hrs. Yesterday, there was a big explosion on 2nd Ave at 72nd, along the Second Avenue Subway construction zone. Witnesses described a shock wave at around 12:45 p.m. Tuesday that knocked people off their feet and created a 30-foot mushroom cloud of smoke and rubble on East 72nd Street and Second Avenue. It might have been caused by two serious errors by the contractor, the MTA said today. Officials said that the blast appeared to be the result of too much explosives in one area. In addition, the deck that was placed above the explosive site was not properly anchored into the area, according to the preliminary investigation. In other news, Xavi had to fast overnight for a minor operation this morning. Half an hour later, he was spotted stuffing his face with a croissant and some apple juice at "Oslo" coffee shop on 75th, so obviously everything went smoothly.

Guess who was 14 months yesterday...

He's a happy little guy, getting more steady with walking. says a few words, mostly jargon ("nah-nah"=food {"crrrr"=croissant, or cheese}; "gah-gah"= water [or juice]; "car"=any toy with wheels) and understands lots more. Eating like a horse. Loves the playground and he is very curious and and loves anything with buttons, knobs or levers. Really in to Thomas the tank engine

A tale of two cities

Liberty Mutual Insurance ad

Been watching the Olympics on NBC (obviously don't get to see much of the Aussies) but they often play this funny ad
http://youtu.be/UB3oEHzakOwhttp://youtu.be/UB3oEHzakOw

#375. Xavi the lady's man

Been here 4 years now and Sunday we went down to Tribeca for our annual celebratory meal to mark the anniversary, this time for Sunday brunch at the popular "Bubby's" on N. Moore St, which is very Park Slope/Paddington/Prahran. Xavi put on all his charms when meeting this cute little girl while we were waiting for a seat. He was also amused by the wooden cow out the front. After his midday nap, we went over to the Central Park Zoo where he had close encounters with several other species including the penguins and tropical bird shown here, as well seals, snow monkeys, and a mongoose. Between the thunderstorms we also visited the High Line so Xavi could have a play in the water feature, which Maxi had done a year earlier...

Severe storms hit Ohio, Pa., N.Y.; possible tornado reported

In the 30's deg C again today. According to USA Today newspaper, severe thunderstorms that spawned at least one possible tornado raked Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York this afternoon before rolling across other Mid-Atlantic and New England states.Chemung County (in south-central New York state) emergency officials said a tornado went through the middle of Elmira township, just after 4 p.m. No serious injuries have been reported. More than 120,000 utility customers are without power in the three states. New York City and Philadelphia were next in line to be hit, followed by southern New England.

Ligthining in upstate NYC, pic courtesy of USA Today. 8pm update: the storm comes to NYC. The storm system is expected to stall near the City with thunderstorms hanging around until Monday. Looks like Xavi will have to get used to playing inside (great...)