Bear out Back

When we moved to Long Island years ago and I met my next door neighbor, he didn’t shake my hand or give words of welcome but instead pointed to 8 foot hedges that bordered our property and said, “Those are yours, make sure you trim them!”. That experience essentially framed my three years of living on Long Island or as I describe it hell on earth. Fifteen years later we left the welcoming and friendly town of Montclair NJ where we raised our family and got a new set of neighbors. Now as we prepare to leave the mountains and return home to Pittsburgh I will miss these new neighbors which turned out to be friendlier than most. I took this image from my back yard deck and you can buy a print and see others by clicking here.

Bear out Back

Bear out Back

The Ultimate Brunch!

A few years ago a friend of ours celebrated their 50th Birthday with a brunch at the Rainbow Room atop of Rockefeller Center in New York City. You don’t have a career like mine without eating at some fabulous Restaurants. I have dined in a Belgium castle, in the mountains of Japan and at fine restaurants in many countries. I have never been a real fan on Brunch, however the spread at the Rainbow Room was something special. From fresh sushi to hand carved roast beef and lamb, this was a magnificent place to have a special brunch. When you are done you can see one of the best views in Manhattan from the Top of The Rock. See more images at my commercial gallery.

The Rainbow Room

Leonardo’s Wonderful Museum

Milan is the wonderful bustling commercial center of Italy. Some call it the New York City of Italy and as you would expect from any business center it has wonderful hotels, restaurants and a rich history. It was also the home of Leonardo Da Vinci and in the center of the city is a large plain building honoring the man and his inventions. The inside is as spectacular as the outside is plain. You can see all his inventions and how the man lived in the renaissance city of Milan. This image is one small slice of the second floor housing two magnificent globes that he made and are lighted from within. You can buy a print of this image and see others at my commercial gallery.

Leonardo Da Vinci Museum

Leonardo Da Vinci Museum

Brera Fortune Teller

Brera is the arts district of Milan in Italy. The streets are lined with great restaurants, galleries and street vendors. At night women set up tables outside and read people’s fortunes with tarot cards and other mystical devices. This cigar smoking seer caught my eye. You can buy a print of this one and see others at my commercial gallery.

Brera Fortune Teller

Brera Fortune Teller

Parma Ham

I am sure if you live in any major city in the United States you know where to get the best Parma Ham or prosciutto. You may even drive out of your way to go to some special Italian American deli to procure this expensive delicacy. I am also pretty sure that nothing can touch the real deal made in Italy and served in Italian Restaurants. This one was in a neighborhood bistro in milan where they give you a couple slices as an amuse bouche to wet your pallet. Buy a print of this one and see others at my commercial gallery.

Real Deal Parma Ham

Real Deal Parma Ham

Chicago’s Millenium Park

Millennium Park is located in the Chicago Loop and best known for it’s world famous structure called Cloud Gate (The Bean). However scattered through the park are other sculptures. The one designed by Frank Geary is not only art but functions as an acoustic band shell for the outdoor amphitheater and concert venue. You can bu a print of this one and see others at my Commercial Gallery.

Millenium Park Chicago

Millenium Park Chicago

A Face in the Crowd

Millenium Park in Chicago is a wonderful park known for the Cloud Gate Sculpture or as locals call it, The Bean. Next to The Bean is a small plaza featuring two gigantic talking heads having a discussion. I have to go back at night. See other pictures from around the world at my commercial site.

Giant Taking Head!

Giant Taking Head!

Back to Chicago

We are Headed off tomorrow to see our family in Chicago. Yesterday, I was converting old videos and found this piece of nonsense which was shot in Chicago but has little to do with the great city or my family. It is a little surreal which is probably while I like it. Please let me know your thoughts and I will be back with more in about a week. Have a great Easter and Passover to everybody!

Back to Chicago from Richard Burke on Vimeo.

Rodeo Daze

Even though we lived in Texas for three years, I had never been to a Rodeo before. So a couple of years ago when a Rodeo came to the Poconos I went with a couple of friends. I won’t go to another Rodeo ever. I like animals too much and dislike pompous jingoistic assholes. Watch the video and let me know if you agree.