Is New York Dead With Its Sights, Sounds and Tastes
Theater, A Spiritual Tour and Great Food in New York
Memories of New York, An Exciting City That is Not Dead
There was a discussion by Jerry Seinfeld in #The New York Times regarding whether New York city is dead due to the existence of Coronavirus. My interest was drawn because of the countless memories experienced by family and friends. My husband Walker and l spent our last wedding anniversary in New York. After seeing amazing plays, touring the city and eating delectable food; two weeks later my husband was killed. New York will always have a special place in my heart because my husband l spent many good days there.
During the interview #Jerry Seinfeld an, “American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director. Also known for playing a sem-fictionalized version of himself in the sitcom Seinfeld, which he created and wrote...” Jerry defended New York with news archor Tony Dokoupil of CBS This Morning, “It’s not dead. There is no way.” Tony continued as he discussed some of the points in this New York Times article entitled, So You Think New York ls Dead. “In defense of city living and l think it can go for any city in America. He said it’s not dead. To say that New York is not dead for the fundamentally true reason. There is no way you can remotely pipe human energy and ambition and personality through #Zoom as much as we love it and as a result.“ Seinfeld expressed with heartfelt words, “Once this crazy virus goes away, our cities New York in particular is gonna bounce back. Real, live, inspiring, human energy exist when we coagulate together in crazy places like New York City.”
News anchor Anthony Mason agreed and said, “Oh yeah! If you have ever watched Ric Burn’s fabulous documentary about the history of New York. This city has been dead and buried so many times and it always comes back. It’s like a weed you can’t kill. I mean a beautiful weed. Don’t get me wrong l love my city.” I totally agree with Seinfeld, Anthony and Tony, New York will bounce back after this pandemic is over. There are innumerable memories invested in this city. Now we can reminisce on some of the unforgettable experiences we shared in the grand city of New York.
Motown the Musical Was Incredible
Theatre, with its pulsating sounds, glorious dance steps, beautiful costumes and whimsical protrayals, is the epitome of #MotownThe Musical, which was live at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, located on 295 West 46th Street, NYC more than a year ago. Finally, the legendary experience of Berry Gordy, was told from his perspective. "People said if I didn't do something on broadway, I would be insane. That is why I am here," stated Gordy during a #YouTube interview. These masterfully arranged love songs, connected all races, cultures and people together from generation to generation. Smokey Robinson excitedly explained, "To see your entire life depicted accurately was incredible."
Diana Ross, was impressed with Krystal Joy Brown, the young woman who magnificently played this role of Ross. Berry Gordy, revealed secrets within this resplendent musical that Diana Ross, did not anticipate he would reveal. Gordy admitted concerning Ross, "She was responsible for all I accomplished. Without that inspiration, everyone would have suffered." Motown The Miusical, was delightful not because it featured a well known romance but as one audience member stated, "Motown was music and a movement."
Motown the Musical Was Outstanding
I attended the musical with my husband Walker, on a Tuesday which allowed us to get great seats in the orchestra area. We were surrounded by audience members that spoke French, Italian, Spanish and Hindi. A dainty teenager named Rachel Berry from Indiana, sat on the row in front of me. I inquisitively decided to ask her what caused her to attend the show? Rachel smiled and expressed, "I grew up with this music. My parents would always play it in our home." She came to #Motown The Musical with her parents and she was elated when the show started just as I was. We were disappointed to hear the announcer say that we could not utilize our cameras or cell phones. My creative juices consumed me as I decided to take stenographic notes in the dark. I was determined because Motown's music had a tremendous impact on my life. As a little black girl in the south, I would be mezmerized every time I saw The Supremes, The Temptations or Stevie Wonder, on our little black and white television. I remember being estatic, the first time I heard #Diana Ross sing, Stop in the Name of Love. My sister Paulette and I, were so impressed, we practiced in the mirror for days because we wanted to look like Diana and even sing like her. When The Temptation appeared on Ed Sullivan's show my brothers would try to immitate their steps and sing like them. This musical helped me recapture my childhood.
It was now showtime. The cast of Motown The Musical, hit the stage blazing, as they performed, Sugar Pie Honey Bunch by The Four Tops. Next, the actors performed, Ain't Too Proud To Beg as well. During the performances the audience went into a thunderous applaude. Brandon Victor Dixon, played the role of Berry Gordy. He admitted how the Brown Bomber, Joe Louis was a source of inspiration while growing up in Detroit. He realized that boxing was not in his future but Gordy was able to write beautiful love songs. From that concept, even after his wife left him, Motown still became a reality. Gordy, later met Smokey Robinson, and their song writing skills continued to increase. He created Hitsville, U.S. A., with $800. Mind-blowing hits evolved such as Get Ready and Dancing In the Streets, sang by Martha Reeves. Berry Gordy, created a funky house band that created amazing music. Now the Motown sound had evolved.
Barriers developed as some called this sound, "race music." Such major artists as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Commodores, Mary Wilson, The Jackson Five and Gladys Knight and The Pips, came from the depths of creativity. Hitsville, went on the road and continued to consume the charts with major top hits. Berry eventually started "a bromance with Smokey and a romance with Diana Ross." Through popular shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Dick Clark, allowed Motown to receive the recognition it deserved. Such hits as My Girl, You're All I Need to Get By, War, What's Going On and Ball of Confusion, were at the top of the charts. Hit after hit came from what is now know as Motown.
Eventually, the company moved to California and became involved in making movies starring Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams, such as Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany. By this time Diana Ross, had become a solo artist after she separated from The Supremes. She went on to create such major hits as Reach Out and Touch, Ain't No Mountain High Enough and numerous other major hits. The Jackson Five, became an entity of popularity within the music industry as well. Michael Jackson, left The Jackson Five and became one of the world's most popular entertainers. It is true that eventually, all these artist left #Berry Gordy. Gradually, he felt unappreciated as mentioned within the musical. All of this drama was transcended before our eyes into an uplifting musical that enabled each audience member to take this ingenious ride through history, as we experienced some of the best music our world has encountered. I was thankful to be along for the ride for this amazing journey. We always enjoy visiting New York but this time, "We did New York, our way."
Theatre, Sightseeing and Delicious Food Discovered In #New York
Our four day getaway in New York, allowed my husband and I to stay at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Manhattan, at 1605 Broadway, New York. With our discount through AAA, our room was about $200 per night. We chose during the week which also made the price a little more affordable. This was the perfect location for shopping, restaurants and entertainment. We were a block from the Barrymore Theatre where Denzel Washington appeared in the play, A Raisin In The Sun. Two blocks from Motown The Musical and Rocky. Tickets for these shows were available for less than $70. On the Broadway Channel, one man talked about how the musicals affect us, "Finding a musical that you deeply connect with is important." An additional comment was added concerning how, "everyone roots for the underdog" on broadway plays. The commentator then discussed, "For 130 years we have been here for you, creating art and love." These dramas enabled people to "change the world when you change your mind," stated one actor. There were over 40 different plays and musicals available on broadway that were mentioned in the Playbill. The choices you can make are unbelievable.
We Viewed A Live Recording of #Good Morning America
We also had the opportunity to be only a few blocks from the taping of #Good Morning America, a morning talk show with Robin, George, Laura and Ginger Z. Numerous entertainers appear on a daily basis. Recently, the winners of #Dancing With the Stars appeared on GMA. #Alfonso Ribeiro and Witney Carson, appeared as season nineteen mirror ball winners. Sadie Robertson came in second place and Janel Parrish, took third place, in the #Dancing With the Stars competition. You can also obtain tickets or just wait in line for available seating as such shows are being taped like #Live With Kelly and Michael, Who Wants to be A Millionaire, The Chew, The View with Whoppie Goldberg and numerous other shows that are taped within the city of New York. There is no charge to attend the taping of these television shows.
was a little cold, so I would recommend breakfast at another location. Overall, our meals were delicious and at reasonable prices which made us very happy.
A Spiritually Uplifting Bible Tour In Brooklyn, New York
My husband and I decided to do a getaway in New York, not just for the entertainment, food and sightseeing but also for a spiritually uplifting exhibit called, #The Bible and the Divine Name. The display was previously located at Watchtower Headquarters, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York. Now the exhibit has been relocated to Warwick, New York the current headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses. Their location is firmly established on a mountain, surrounded by trees and unique creatures. This display continues to be one of the most adroit and amazing sources of information I have ever seen. It mentions how, "The first two humans knew and used God's name. (Genesis 4:1,2) Under divine inspiration the name Jehovah was included in the Bible some 7,000 times." More than 15 prominent points were mentioned which included "God's name Jehovah, was known by both Jews and non-Jews."
The exhibit goes on to acknowledge, "There is only one translation that has respectfully restored God's precious name. It is #The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Now available in more than 120 languages, this translation honors Jehovah's purpose; to make his name known to all people." True and historical facts are revealed in this exhibit starting from the Garden of Eden. Proven facts about the events of world wars as foretold in the Bible are revealed. Modern day experiences are given regarding, how Satan the Devil, continues to slander Jehovah God's name and persecute his people, although they are under his protection. "They shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee, saith Jehovah, to deliver thee." (Jeremiah 1:19) American Standard Bible Almighty God has taught his children how to love one another regardless of their race. Haggai 2:7 states, "The desirable things of all the nations must come in."
The First Photo Drama that Featured Motion Picture and Color Photos
Photos of the first "Photo-Drama Creation" is still featured at the Warwick headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses. This drama creatively, "combined motion pictures and a slide presentation, synchronized with sound." By the end of 1914, this "Photo Drama" was previously presented to more than 9,000,000 people, in North America, Europe, and Australia. This was revolutionary because color motion picture and photos did not exist until this photo-drama about the Creation, came into existence.
Persecution Under the Nazi Regime Against Jehovah's Witnesses
This display also covers historical facts that is rarely revealed concerning the #Nazi regime and how Jehovah's people were mistreated and murdered as well. A point that is rarely revealed in movies based on the #Holocaust. The imprisonment, torture, murder and persecution has been focused on by historical writers over the years. "Their neutrality was put to a grueling test during World War II, outstandingly in Germany. Historian Brian Dunn stated: 'Jehovah's Witnesses were incompatible with Nazism. Most important of the Nazi objections to them was their political neutrality. This meant that no believer would bare arms, hold office, take part in public festivals, or make any sign of allegiance.' (The Churches' Response to the Holocaust, 1986) In A History of Christianity, Paul Johnson added: 'Many were sentenced to death for refusing military service . . .or they ended in Dachau or lunatic asylum.' How many Witnesses in Germany were imprisoned? #Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany later reported that 6,262 of them had been arrested and 2,074 of that number had been put into concentration camps. Secular writers usually opt for higher figures." (Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom)
There are historical facts about greed which caused slavery that eventually destroyed nations of people. This is still one of the best exhibits I have ever seen which truthfully combine heavenly events, that affect mankind on earth up to our day. You will leave this display spiritually uplifted and well informed. There is no entrance fee for this exhibit and you can obtain free Bibles as well as free Bible based literature. Unlike most things in New York City, this exhibit now in Warwick, New York with individual interactive tours are free of charge. You can also take a personal tour on your own of The Bible and the Divine Name display. Should you decide to make a contribution, designated boxes are available. The best time to visit this exhibit is during the week. To obtain more information on these exhibits or to take a tour, go to www.jw.org
Our Unforgettable Experience in New York
Our four day getaway in New York, proved to be a source of invigorating, artistic brilliance. Magnificent sites and delectable food, caused our trip to be one of the most memorable events. Motown The Musical, took me back to a time of beautiful music and lackadaisical days that just lingered. The finale, was the indisputable evidence of how Almighty God Jehovah, still fights for his people. Our trip to New York, once again gave me the assurance that this city can inspire true love to surge to its greatest heights. We hope to return to New York, in the very near future. Look out for my next article on #Monica, produced by Rick Coley and staff.
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An Exciting and Spiritually Uplifting Tour of the Bible's History
While staying at the Crown Plaza Times Square Manhattan, during our four day viisit, we decided to take a taxi over to Brooklyn, New York. My husband Walker and I, had the privilege to see a powerful display entitled, The Bible-And The-Divine Name. The stunning organization of Bible translations that included, God's name, Jehovah. "In 1612 Henry Ainsworth used the form "Iehovah" throughout his translation of the book of Psalms-a first for the divine name in the English Bible." Darwin's Theory of Evolution is featured as well as the issue of slavery is addressed. "Southern preacher Stephen Elliott asserted that slavery 'is a divinely guarded system planted by God.'" U.S. President Abraham Lincoln explained this concerning slavery that, "Each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be wrong." Well researched historical events are presented, from the beginning of World War 1 and World War 2, with information of the horrific experiences of individuals during the Nazi regime. The pinnacle of this tour is the victories God's people overcame during these tumultuous events as well as their wonderful hope for the future. This tour is no longer available due to the pandemic.
New York Is the Center of the World Just as Ancient Rome Was the Center of the World When Christ was on earth.
New York At Its Best
A current website stated, "New York city may be an expensive place to live. Jobs are not easy to find, even as the city rebounds from the recession and the public transit system is not always reliable or comfortable. But despite the challenges of city living, the city's population is growing in ways not seen in decades."
Amazing Sightseeing Tours And Restaurants In New York
Sightseeing tours are available through a New York pass for a cost to see over 80 different sites such as the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, American Museum of Natural History, NBC Studio Tours, Inside BroadwayTours and Wall Street Financial District Tours. Fares for train or bus passes can be obtained for about $2.50. Various stores for shopping were right in our midst. Restaurants with delectable food such as Broadway 49 Bar & Lounge, in the lobby of the Crowne Plaza, has an outstanding bone in Grilled Ribeye Steak with buttermilk mashed potatoes, sauteed wild mushrooms in a chambord sauce. A variety of dishes can be obtained for less than $20. A view of Broadway can be experienced as you consume a sophisticated drink from their bar menu.
Ruby Foo's was a block away from our hotel. We decided to go there after Motown The Musical. A very talented young woman named Zana, was our waitress. She talked about how, she had auditioned for Motown's play as well. Zana, hoped to be on Broadway as well. Being patient and remaining positive, have helped her continue to pursue her dreams. Zana, eventually served us our delicious order of Seafood Fried Rice, Spicy Beef Noodles, Wonton Soup, Shrimp and Lobster Rolls and Salted Caramel Cake for dessert. The food was very tasty and it culminated our evening after the musical in a euphoria of pure love and joy.
We also had lunch at Bubba Gump's, where we saw the sign "Run Forrest Run" and I purchased a box of candy with that famous saying, "Life is Like a Box of Chocolates." My husband also was determined to partake of his favorite eggplant parmesan at Lincoln Contemporary Italian Cuisine. All these meals were off their lunch menu which kept the prices at a reasonable amount. We also had a breakfast buffet at the hotel in the lobby. The Brasserie 1605, has won top chef awards during the past few years. The buffet’s food was amazing.
New York Is The Most Celebrated City As Ancient Rome Was During The First Century
Many historians and writers have stated that New York, is the modern day Ancient Rome. It is the "most celebrated city in the world" with its mixture of various races and cultures. Information was presented on Wikipedia concerning ancient Rome that it was, "The most celebrated city in the world at the time of Christ. It is said to have been founded B.C. 753. When the New Testament was written, Rome was enriched and adorned with the spoils of the world, and contained a population estimated at 1,200,000, of which the half were slaves, and including representatives of nearly every nation then known. It was distinguished for its wealth and luxury and profligacy." Sounds similar to our modern day New York, with its conglomerate of races, some of the world's wealthiest inhabitants and expensive real estate.
Theatre Performances and the Taping of Live Television Shows Are Just Some of the Things you can do
Monica a resident of New York performs one of her major hits. Shannon Brown, is the husband of Monica and he plays for the New York Knicks.
For more information on the tour "The Bible and the Divine Name," go to website below.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses—Official Website: jw.org
Jehovah’s Witnesses: Our official website provides online access to the Bible, Bible-based publications, and current news. It describes our beliefs and organization.
Comments
Claudette Coleman Carter (author) from Media, Pennsylvania on March 31, 2014:
Thanks NewYorker11, I appreciate you opinion.
NewYorker11 from New York on March 30, 2014:
An interesting and informative post with great pics. Thank you.