April 10, 2013
February 27, 2013
February 12, 2013
Exhibited!
It may not be my best work, but three of my images are on display until the end of the month! They are part of the annual Staff Show at The University of the Arts. It's pretty cool when you are having a bad day to look over and see your work hanging in a real exhibit hall.
Stop by and see how talented my co-workers are!
October 10, 2012
June 27, 2012
May 01, 2012
The Things You See In Philly
I went for a lunchtime walk today and saw these signs. I did not see any elephants though. I was quite disappointed. I suspect that they have something to do with the Occupy Philly May Day Protests, but I am not sure. Anyone know?
April 24, 2012
Even the Littlest Ones Grow Up
Today was one of those moments as a dad.
Emma dresses herself most days. It takes about 35 minutes on a good day. An hour on a bad day. This morning she came out of her room wearing the dress and boots outfit pictured here. I raised my eyebrows a bit. It's not her usual look for school, but she switches it up now and then.
So when we got home tonight I asked her why she wore the dress today. She said 'I know it is getting too small and that it's a winter dress. I wanted to wear it one more time. My doll has a dress just like it.'
She wasn't sad, just matter-of-fact. She's growing up. A little more every day.
'Let's go take a picture,' I said. And we did and she went back to memorizing her poem for school. My little one is getting so grown up.
March 28, 2012
February 15, 2012
February 01, 2012
January 21, 2012
Snow in Medford!
I slept in a bit today and woke to the sound of ice pebbles on the window glass. The snow here in Medford has begun to change over to icy rain. I'd say we ended up with a bit less than two inches.
Not much, but just enough to coat the ground and make everything look petty!
January 18, 2012
January 11, 2012
January 05, 2012
Holy Cow! It Snowed!
We've got an unexpected coating of snow here in Medford! Be careful and take your time on the way to work!
December 27, 2011
A New Day
It started as just a hint of pink over the trees across the creek.
Then built into a glow in the trees that became a ball of orange.
Unfortunately, before the sun came over the trees, the clouds rolled in and all we got was a bright gray morning.
Still, the bright gray is better than the cold darkness and we've got the day underway!
December 07, 2011
December 04, 2011
Emma Does Some Writing
Emma has managed to find a quiet moment after the happy chaos of last night to begin writing her letter to Santa. It's a really sweet moment for me as a dad so be sitting her happily sipping my coffee and watching her.
It's in the noises and movements of children that there is peace. I hope that you are all enjoying your time with family and friends as we go through the annual parties, gatherings and rituals leading up to the holidays.
While the kids play in Swarthmore, Uncle Kevin and I are headed over to Brookhaven to put up the lights at my parents. Then it's back to Medford for some snuggling time on the couch in front of the tree.
Have a great day!
November 30, 2011
November 28, 2011
Philly is Still Occupied - For Now
Dilworth Plaza is still an occupied camp as of lunch time today, with about half as many tents in evidence than there were 2 weeks ago.
I took a walk on this beautiful late November Monday, enjoying the bright blue sky and what is probably the last day we will see with 60 degree temperatures until April. There were throngs of people out walking the Center City Philadelphia sidewalks, and lots of them were headed over to Dilworth Plaza, site of the Occupy Philly encampment.
Since the group was supposed to be out by late yesterday, some of the Occupiers have moved on. Others are very much still there. Signs up around the plaza note that the Occupy Philly group plans to move to a number of decentralzied locations once the inevitable forcible eviction begins.
The mix of hard-core homeless to hard-core activist is about 50-50 right now, with several dozen of each group milling around quietly. Police and media are prominently present. There is a much quieter air than I have seen before, no bullhorns or group chants, no music or any really signs of energy.
Warm food was being distributed, a few folks were packing up, and mostly people were sitting around, waiting to see what is going to happen next. I didn't bring my Canon on my walk today, as the big camera attracted some unwanted attention on my last visit. Instead, I snapped today's photos with my HTC Thunderbolt camera. Many others were doing the same thing, documenting what it seems may be the final day that Occupy Philly calls Dilworth Plaza home.
November 15, 2011
Changes At Occupy Philly
Yesterday I took a bit of a walk at lunch and headed over to the Occupy Philly encampment at Dilworth Plaza, adjacent to Philadelphia City Hall. I have visited four times since the occupiers took root there in September.
There has been some news lately, as just after the election, Mayor Nutter took to the airwaves to declare that the Occupy Philly group had changed, and that given the change he was going to have to start dealing with them differently. Nutter noted issues with public health and safety as well as the group's refusal to move to an area across the street to allow a planned renovation of the Dilworth Plaza site to begin.
The Occupy Philly folks on the other hand have shot back that they have not changed, but rather it's Nutter that has been on the move. Various Occupy Philly members made statements in stark contrast to the Mayor Nutter's allegations. And, predictably, there were some folks in the middle, not sure who was right as the movement heads into the winter.
From my visit, I have to say that the encampment is distinctly different than it was in late summer. Then it seemed like a large portion of the group were college students enjoying the warm nights and permissive atmosphere rather than having to stay in their dorm rooms. When I visited during the day, the core group was a combination of aging hippies, some homeless people, a group of hard-core activists and a sprinkling of young people. All of those folks were there in the evening hours too, but there was also a night-time influx of vocal college aged-students, suspiciously clean for folks allegedly living outside.
Things have changed a lot in the last few weeks. The population of hard-core homeless is much greater. There are obviously people there up to no good. Most of the college students are gone. Many of the older folks have moved on as well. The police presences is decidedly more edgy. The place has the look and smell of a homeless encampment; it does not feel like a political movement from my perspective.
My photos don't show the change as much as they should. I didnt take as many this time and I definitely was careful who I shot. For the first time, I was subjected to open hostilty as I walked among the tents. There were areas where I not only didn't feel welcome, but I didn't walk though because they did not appear safe. It's also clear that there are concerns among those camping there about safety.
I am not sure what the future is for Occupy Philly. Will it be cleared away by force like Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Oakland? Will they move across the street to the area suggested by the city? With the movement continue to with as the temerature drop anonly those experienced with sleeping outside in a Philadelphia winter are willing to stay?
Whatever happens, I do feel like it will be happening soon.
November 14, 2011
Delco Sunset
I am a sunset guy. I will pull over on the side of the road to watch the amazing play of pinks and purples across the sky on summer evenings or pull on a coat and watch the golds dance on a cold winter afternoon. I take a lot of sunset photos, some that look like an inferno is engulfing the earth, some where the sun just disappeared into the desert twilight, some others that certainly show the face of god, a few that illuminated special moments and some where the world seemed near an end.
Yesterday as the sun was setting on the Eagles' season, Dan Walklett said, "You should get your camera." I am glad he did. All my life I have enjoyed taking photos, somtimes alone, some times prompted by others, sometimes with someone special at my side.
I've never seen to that were the same and yet I alwasy have the same thought. "What a great way to end a day." Regardless of how bad the day way, a good sunset can always make it better. This time of year it's a little tough with the sun setting before I get out of work, but that just gives me another reason to look forward to the weekend!
October 30, 2011
Medford Halloween Parade
Burlington County came out in throngs tonight for Medford's annual Halloween parade. Postponed from yesterday due to the wild weather, the party was in full swing tonight, as children filled their baskets with candy, classic cars rolled down Main Street, candidates pressed the flesh and floats of all sorts lit up the night.
I'm not sure how I have missed this event in my 10 years living in South Jersey. It was way more fun that I would have thought possible for a cold Sunday evening. While certainly a night for the kids, the folks at Braddock's Tavern also made sure the adults had libations. There was music and dancing and I'm glad I stirred from my nap in time to get over to the fun. All the photos are on my Flickr site.
Whoever planned the event also had it wrap up at 8:20, so we could all get home to watch the Eagles smack the Cowboys around.
October 24, 2011
Good Morning From Medford, NJ!
We have a great sunrise here to start our day. I hope you have a great week!
October 05, 2011
Phils Set To Close It Out
While some might argue that it would be better for the Phils to drop today's 4th game of the NLDS in St. Lois, so they can win it here at home in front of the CBP faithful, I am here to tell you the Phils will win tonight and end this nailbiter of a series. They've done everything possible to create interest and buzz in the first round of the playoffs, but this one is only going 4 games folks.
They've come from behind, blown a big lead, and hung on by their fingernails in the first three games. I recommend stocking up on the Xanax and Pepto for tonight's tilt as well. Oswalt looked great in his last start, but the Phils' bats, especially at the bottom of the line up could use a wakeup call.
The Texas Rangers have already taken one Cinderella out of the playoffs, dispatching the Rays, who dropped 3 straight after opening the series with a win. Now it's time for the Phils to end the Cardinals season and rest up for the NLCS.
It's great being in town right now, with the seas of red on the sidewalks, the bridges decked out and encouraging the home team and a giant jersey making its way around town. I made it down to the staggeringly difficult Game 2, but sadly I have a work commitment, so I will miss out on the action, but thank goodness for my HTC Droid Thunderbolt.
Go Phils!
July 04, 2011
Enjoying the Maine Life
The family has gathered here in Maine for another summer vacation. We've had 30 or so years up here so far in various houses near Kennebunkport. As a neighbor said yesterday, "Oh you've got Maine blood in you now."
We can find things to do on days that are a bit cool and gray like yesterday. A bit of shopping in Freeport or Kittery, some biking or a quick, fully-clothed run on the beach all fill the day nicely. Take out lobster dinner, reading books, debating reality TV and watching kids play Wii rounds out the evening.
There will be a better day for the beach, a warmer night to go to town. After 30 years we know that it's ok to sit at home for a night. It's part of the reason we're here.
My brother Matt, who's getting married to his sweetheart Heidi this week, and I talked about the pull of Maine on our family last week. We agreed it's a romance with a place. WIth the tight clean lines of the houses, the gray rocks and cold water along the beaches, the colorful shops, good beer and crowded sidewalks. It's where we come to renew and recharge, take photos and listen to music, write in journals and devour novels.
The air is cleaner, the people more open, the sunsets just a little bit brighter. Sure there are mosquitoes, and racoons in the trash and family all on top of each other, but it's ok because we're here in a place we all came to love in our own way and time.
November 22, 2010
Sunset in Mount Laurel
This beautiful scene greeted me from my deck this afternoon. It's a fitting end to a day that featured me running hither and yon, first to work then to PTA conferences and now resting at home.
I still have not adjusted to the time change and getting home in the dark, so it's nice to be here a bit early today and watch the sun go down over the back forty.
September 07, 2010
The First Day of School
I've long thought the first day of school should be a national holiday. Given the number of posts from Mommy bloggers today, it seems that many folks either took the day off (me), or were a bit late making it into the office.
After I was informed that it was 'geeky' to wait for the bus with my newly-minted middle-schooler John, I retreated to telephoto lens distance to document his wait for the bus. Not wanting to completely mortify him, I skipped shots of him actually getting on the bus, and settled for a few during his 20 plus minute wait for Mount Laurel Schools Bus #1. He's the last kid to board and apparently some of the other parents did not show my restraint in capturing the morning's activities. Thus the delay.
As our bus (both kids ride the same bus, just about an hour apart) sped off, Emma finished up her breakfast and got herself ready for her first day of first grade by reading "Twas the Night Before First Grade." I was actually permitted to wait out front for the bus with Emma. Apparently the cutoff is Middle School. We got some nice photos of my little angel in her first day dress smiling in the long shadows of September. She was a bit less than patient during the wait. When it was time, Emma practically ran up the steps to the bus and was off!
And then there was quiet.
Now though, they are back with piles of homework for me to read and to sign, lists of more things that we need to get from Target and the Jackson Outlets. The first day went well it seems, for both the first grader and the middle schooler. John thought his homeroom teahcer, Mr. gaddy was 'cool, real cool,' and enjoyed gym the most. (We've got a guys trip to target for deodorant on tap for tonight). Emma said her teacher Mrs. Basham was 'super nice,' and lso got a hug from her Kindergarten teacher from last year, Mrs. Kinkler. Emma brought greetings home for John from his teachers last year Mrs. Siweic and Mrs. Cohen.
Both prefer the bus to being picked up and dropped off. Neither wants to pack tomorrow, both preferring to chance the 'chicken patty' over the potential of being teased for brown bagging it. Special thanks to Mount Laurel Schhols PR chief Marie Reyonlds for helping me though how to log into the cafeteria system!
Tomorrow the first full school day of the year, with lockers and changing classes as the new things for John and the cafeteria and lunch line for Emma. It's only a 2 ½ day week with the secular and Jewish holidays making for a light first week, so we will be easing back into to the school year before reality sets with 5 full days next week!
December 24, 2009
June 01, 2009
March 02, 2009
Snow Photos
At 7:30 am , there is 7 inches on the ground here in Moorestown. Still no peeps from upstairs. It's only a matter of time ...
More photos up here.
July 29, 2008
A Sign From The Past
Everywhere you look there are signs that have nothing to do with today's reality.
I find that oddly comforting.
July 15, 2008
By Request
This photo shows my freshly-shorn skull in all its glory. Many loyal readers only know me to have long hair, but back in my youth I generally sported a short cut for ease of care.
Over the last few years, I have let it grow into "the Brazilian Soccer Player Cut" that my GF loved so much.
This one is apparently loved by children, siblings and parents. I am also hearing I look younger. All good I guess.
It's still hard to get used to in the mirror, but not having to apply 2 different hair prodcuts twice a day to keep the curls under control is a HUGE plus!
July 12, 2008
May 17, 2008
A Prettier View of Maine
Another Delco Guy spent the day driving up the coast of Maine from Portland as far as Camden. It was a gray and rainy day north of Portland, but the sun broke through on the way back south.
The highlight of the day was getting to photograph the harbors of Rockport and Camden as well as wandering along Route 1. We had a few good brews from Sheepscot Valley Brewing at Sarah's in Wiscasset. I particularly liked the Pemaquid Ale, which the bartender described as being "made by some guy in the next town in his barn." Best barn-made beer I've had in a while.
We're resting up watching Casino Royale right now, and then may see if there is any nightlife to be had in The Old Port.
Is this picture prettier, Matt?
May 15, 2008
May 14, 2008
New Mower Photos
Well I got a request for a photo of the new mower, so here you go:
So that's what $300 will buy you in terms of a major-brand lawnmower these days. It's red and shiny and has that 'new mower smell.'
It's a Model 20065, made here in the US, sporting a 190cc Model 120000 Quantum 650 Briggs and Stratton Engine rated at 6.5 HP.
I used the self-propulsion more than I thought I would as dark began to descend last night. I've never been a big fan, and I'm still not, but it did get things done a bit faster. The mulching feature is very nice and I will only use the bag during leaf season I think. The longer handle takes a bit of getting used to, but I'll figure it out.
For comparison here's the 28 year old 22" Toro and it's 5.5 HP Tecumseh TVS100 engine and original bag:
I still haven't told my dad that the first mower he ever owned died, but as my brother Matt pointed out, it DID last two years longer than Dad's second mower, which passed away at 3447 a few springs ago.
May 02, 2008
April 20, 2008
April 17, 2008
One Down!
The Phils took care of their end of the Philly sport double-header today, downing the Astros 10-2 behind great work on the mound by Brett Myers. Things are crazy down here in the stadium area with Flyers fans pouring in and Phils Phans celebrating.
Let's hope the Flyers can hold up their end of the deal tonight and go up 3-1 on the Caps tonight.
Took the Afternoon Off
One of the major benefits of working in Center City is access to day baseball. Enjoy watching on your monitors gang. I am in section 121!
April 01, 2008
Opening Day Photos Up
While the day ended badly for Phils fans as Tom "gasoline" Gordon blew up, surrendering 5 runs and losing the opener for the Phightins, it was still a fun day.
All the photos are up here.
Matty and I had a great time in the parking lot for the pre-game, hanging with some of Philly's pre-eminent sports bloggers, Enrico and Meech plus Coaches Rowe and Mack and a bunch of others. We enjoyed the festivities, stayed dry during the game, and headed to McFadden's for a post game of Jody Mac and Mr. Greengenes.
It was my third straight Phils Opening Day and I still have not seen a win. One of these days...
March 26, 2008
New Wall Cabinet!
Emma and I took a trip to Home Depot (she calls it the worker store) today and came home with a new wall cabinet for over the sink. It's no masterpiece, but it will give us someplace to store the stuff that is usually all over the counter.
It's a white foil finish over particleboard and weighs in at about 40 pounds. Getting it in place was no easy task, but it's up there now. I added an under cabinet light rigged so that the switch is next to the door, which is a huge upgrade from having to fumble to the other side of the room in the dark. A pair of brushed metal knobs dresses up the rather plain white front panels.
Now out to pitch to John!
March 25, 2008
D3 National Champs
I've uploaded a batch of photos from my recent trip to Salem, Virginia to call the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship weekend.
The photos are here. And some reflections on what it's like to be a former coach returning to the site of a national Championship with out a team should be posted a bit later tonight.
March 08, 2008
Jump Rope For Heart Photos
The TES Jump Rope for Heart raised over $8400 today for the American Heart Association. Photos of the fun are up here. Have a great rest of your day!
February 17, 2008
More New Mexico Photos Up
Hey there y'all. I'm hanging out at home today watching the 50th Daytona 500 trying to get some work done. I'm taking a bit of a break now, so I thought I would let you know that there are plenty more photos up from my recent trip to New Mexico. The latest set is from Bandelier National Monument, one of the most amazing places I have ever visited. I tried to capture both the immenseness of the landscape there and the grandeur of the scenery.
I tried, but I think ultimately failed. You can judge for yourself from the photos here.
February 12, 2008
New Mexico Photos
Well, it's my last day in New Mexico, and I have finally gotten enough of a break and enough of an internet connection to put some of the photos I have taken up on Flickr.
The photos are from my first 2 days here. Sunday's drive up on The Turquoise Trail was a great way to get acquainted with the geography and breath-taking scenery of Northern New Mexico. There is also a set of photos that is part of what I shot in the Town of Santa Fe. There will be some more when I get home, but the wireless connection isn't letting me do much more today.
I also have lots of great shots coming from my afternoons in the Bandelier National Monument and on the High Road to Taos. The photo adjoining this post is a preview of the High Road set I will post in a few days.
Right now, I just hope that the bad weather back East doesn't delay my arrival home!
December 27, 2007
Christmas Photos Up
Hello all!!!!
As we begin to wind down the year, I have started to upload the images from Christmas.
The set from Christmas Day itself is up on my Flickr site. Other photos will follow shortly.
Among my gifts this year was a Tamron 180-250mm IF lens. The GF made a big investment in my photo hobby and you can see in some of the images the wide range this lens has. It's way easier to shoot indoors and close with it, given the nice wide angle ability it gives me. It was a super thing to find under the tree!
I'll have a full round up of the gifts later after we rake out the living room and I find them all!
December 23, 2007
December 06, 2007
Snow In Philly
While it's pretty much all gone now, last night marked the first real snow in Philadelphia this season. The late autumn storm brought between one and four inches of the white stuff across the area. it was enough to make driving a bit messy, though not really treacherous.
This morning, it was as cold as I can remember in a long time, with the thermometer showing 22 degrees when I got the CR-V started this morning. I uploaded a few images of Center City that I shot on the way home last night. The camera shake was desired this time, but I sure hope I get a monopod from Santa! I especially like the ghostly appearance of the lower portion of City Hall in the photo at the left.
Have a great day!
November 17, 2007
Kyla Ebbert Nude This Time
Remember this past summer when some moron at Southwest Arilines took it upon herself to decide that a paying customer was wearing a too-short miniskirt and threw Kyla Ebbert off the plane?
Yeah. I had forgotten too.
After that, Southwest issued an apology and used the situaion in their ads for a bit, Ms. Ebbert, either a college student, an aspiring lawyer, or Hooters waitress, depending on where you read, appeared on every bad TV show on the tube.
Then, blessedly, she disappeared off the face of the earth, except for parody writers and on myspace.
Until yesterday, that is, when Ebbert announced that she had posed nude for Playboy. Like we all didn't see THAT one coming! It took about 12 minutes for the photos to be leaked to the internet. If you must see the images, here they are, but you have to go to confession later.
Don't worry mom, "they are very tastefully done" according to Ebbert.
Recent Comments