The New World: August 2013

As a native son of Corning, New York - the "Crystal City,"

I love Pryex, and my stovetop is proof.

Not just any Pyrex, only vintage Pyrex. I prefer the clear and solid color Pyrex from the 1940's and 1950's over the patterned baking dishes and bowls from the 1960's and 1970's.

Like this clear tea pot.

First introduced by Corning Glass in 1915, it was manufactured for 83 years before being sold off in 1998. The name is still around, but it's no longer a Corning product, and it's now clear tempered soda lime glass instead of the original, stronger borosilicate glass.

Clear coffee pot.

Clear percolator.

There's a lot of old Pyrex out there, but it's becoming "collectable," so the prices are going up, and there seems to be less available from the pre-1960 era.

Clear sauce pan.

All of my vintage Pyrex has come from the antique stores and thrift shops of Corning, a town where there's a lot of old Pyrex waiting patiently in basements and at the back of kitchen cabinets to be used again.

And it is both useful and beautiful.

Clear pot with a blue tint.

Color!

Red, green, and yellow bowls.

Orange, red and clear refrigerator dishes.

Clear custard cups.

A set of colored mixing bowls.

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Sturdy measuring cups.

The joy of Pyrex!

This year's Pride celebration in New York was particularly sweet - coming the same week as the Supreme Court decisions striking down the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8 in California. Of course, the court could have gone further in defense of equal rights on the federal level, instead of still leaving a major civil rights issue up to the states, but it was a major leap forward - especially in contrast to the Court's shameful gutting of the Voting Rights Act on the previous day.

The Empire State Building was sporting celebratory rainbow colors in the fog.

On the day of the Supreme Court's ruling, Thursday, June 27, there was a rally on Christopher Street (near the intersection of Gay Street) to celebrate.

83 year old Edith Windsor was the star of the day (and the weekend and the year). What a hero! It was her legal struggle following the death of her wife, Thea Spyer, for the recognition of their marriage, that led to the Supreme Court decision.

The Stonewall Inn where the riots at the end of June 1969, 44 years ago, jump started the modern gay rights movement.

Everyone deserves the freedom to marry!

Even pervy straight politicians like this one!

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Equality Now! from the fire escape.

Christine Quinn - mayorial candidate:

Sheridan Square:

Edie and Thea forever:

On Sunday, June 30, the huge Pride Parade down 5th Avenue started off - as it always does - with the roar of Dykes on Bikes!

It was a very colorful event.

A live parrot hat is only the beginning!

Mayor Mike Bloomberg in full politician drag. Everyone's got their costume!

An anonymous wizard with castanets.

Senator Chuck Schumer with a bull horn and a rainbow flag - watch out!

Governor Andrew Cuomo in khakis.

Yes! Thank you Edie.

Newlyweds.

Fifth Avenue putting on her queer face!

The N.Y.P.D. - we've come a long way from the Stonewall riots.

The F.D.N.Y - enjoying the party.

Firewomen and Firemen.

A buffalo with six-pack abs?

He was popular.

A gay marching band.

Flags and people of every country.

During a lull in the action we crossed the avenue to check out the view from the other side.

Anthony Weiner - pride goes before the fall!

The Royal Family.

Everthing from under the kitchen sink!

Look who's here! Mr. Peter Edlund gettin' his pride on!

Christine Quinn (again):

Had a big following.

A big gay dog.

Somewhere over the rainbow.

The Arab Queer Collective.

There was a lot to be happy about.

Whip your hair!

By the time the Renaissance Fair folk showed up we were beginning to get Pride fatigue.

Sadly, Russia is a dangerous place for LGBT people these days.

Act Up! Now and forever.

We wandered over toward Christopher Street and the river past the demolition of St. Vincent's hospital - soon to be the site of more super luxury housing.