At the heart of Hudson River Park’s Apple Garden, sits “The Apple”, a nine feet tall, three ton ode to the city where visitors can sit upon the circular bench at its base and enjoy the pleasant views of the Hudson River. “The Apple” was designed by artist Stephan Weiss, a New York native and the late husband of renowned fashion designer Donna Karan. While Mr. Weiss played a large role in launching and running his wife’s famous fashion label, he never stepped away from his art. He spent much of his time working on his sculptures and abstract paintings in his art studio on Greenwich Street in the West Village. As part of Mr. Weiss’ Larger than Life series, “The Apple” honors our beloved New York City and symbolizes both the city’s heart and the core of life. Mr. Weiss’ structure truly brings to life what it means to live in “The Big Apple.”
The Humane Perspective
The Ford Foundation Atrium


Photos by Andrew Markey
In Midtown, Manhattan, the Ford Foundation Building provides a lush green space where the public can escape the frenzy of NYC life. The atrium houses a garden with nearly 40 species of plants, a reflecting pool, and a reverberating fountain that permits guests to hear the garden around them. Designed in 1963 by Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo, the indoor public garden is a calming treat for our senses, and a welcoming nirvana for all visitors.
DOS Adopts New Technology and Enhanced Coordination to Streamline Administrative Processing Security Screenings
As part of the visa application process at Embassies, applicants are subject to a background screening process. In accordance with Department of State (“DOS”) procedures the consular officer may determine that “additional information from sources other than the applicant may help establish an applicant’s eligibility for a visa” requiring “administrative processing.”
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Memorial Day Weekend
As we unofficially kick off summer and head into the long Memorial Day weekend, wanderlust has set in. We look forward to whiling away our weekend at the Venetian Pool in Miami. Built in a former rock quarry in 1924, this freshwater marvel beckons amidst tropical trees, coral rocks, grottos, and waterfalls, transporting us to a Mediterranean get away. Wherever your travels or staycations lead you, we hope everyone has the opportunity to unplug and relax. Have a good Memorial Day!
We All Have a Story
"Old Tree" by Pamela Rosenkranz
With its roots planted upon the High Line Plinth and standing twenty-five feet tall at the Spur on 10th Avenue and West 30th Street, Swiss artist Pamela Rosenkranz has cultivated a beaming reddish pink hued tree at the elevated New York City Park. “Old Tree” prompts us to consider the interrelation between human and plant life as its color and shape “resembles the branching systems of human organs, blood vessels, and tissue.” Known for her juxtaposition of what is natural and what is human Ms. Rosenkranz’ “Old Tree” is rooted in such a way “as if the tree would like to leave its planter”, in a quest to escape the urban jungle it will call home for the next eighteen months.
We are a Mosaic
Biden and the Border: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
With the expiration of Title 42 on May 11, 2023, we thought it apt to share the Last Week Tonight with John Oliver April 30, 2023 episode “Biden and the Border” which examines President Biden’s failure to deliver on a key campaign promise to asylum seekers allowing them back on US soil to file for asylum. The British-American comedian, political commentator, and television host, appropriately notes “we’re just entering a different phase of an immigration dystopia, particularly for asylum seekers.” Mr. Oliver shines a light on the administration’s “bad policy and s*itty apps”, namely the “CBP One” app.
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