In honor to the great football game yesterday against our arch rivals the “Old Browns”, I wanted to honor Pittsburgh today. We moved from Cleveland to Pittsburgh when I was ten and no matter where I have lived since, Pittsburgh is my home town. We plan to move back next year and maybe actually GO to some Steelers games. You can buy a print of this image at my commercial gallery by clicking here.
Da Burgh!
Paris is a city of superb architectural structures both ancient and modern. When the Eiffel Tower was first constructed it was supposed to temporary and at first Parisians hated it, but learned to love it as one of the symbols of their great city. However, personally I don’t think I could ever learn to love La Grande Arche de la Défense. In my opinion, it is a monstrosity. I appreciate its functionality as an office structure but just don’t think it fits in a city of such magnificent architecture. You can see more images from my european collection by clicking here.
Le Grande Arche de la Défense
Penn State University had a fraternity fund raiser called the Phi Si 500. It was a race, where runners had to run a mile and stop and drink a beer at a number of bars along the way. They would frequently do so in costume. This is Bud Man leading the Taste Buds to the next bar in State College PA during the 1980’s. The University and the City finally agreed to prohibit the race and the Fraternity created a more standard fun raising event. You can purchase a copy of this print by clicking here.
The Taste Buds State College, PA
Americans have some dates burned in their memory. September 11 and December 6 are two notorious dates where Americans were attacked, killed and suffered extreme hardships. It is important as Americans to remember these dates and honor the fallen. However, as citizens of the world we MUST remember today as well because it is the 74th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Tonight were the first attacks on Jewish homes in Germany. At least 91 Jews were killed in the attacks, and a further 30,000 arrested and incarcerated in concentration camps. Jewish homes, hospitals, and schools were ransacked, over 1,000 synagogues were burned and Jewish businesses destroyed or damaged. Millions of others experienced death and torture by the lunatic Hitler. We must never forget and always honor this day. Things are much better in Europe now for Jewish people that have remained or returned over all these years. However, last year when visiting Italy I saw it was still necessary for soldiers to guard the synagogue in Milan and heavy fences kept out even curious tourists like myself.
Please visit my gallery to see other, more uplifting images of Europe. Click here.
Synagogue in Milan Italy
Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus is a plant native to the southwestern USA. They are fairly easy to grow at home if you have the right lighting conditions. This one was photographed at the Garfield Conservatory in Chicago, Illinois. You can buy a print of this image by clicking here.
Opuntia at he Garfield Conservatory
Although I consider myself to be first and foremost a photojournalist, I like all sorts of photography. I love photographing animals,sports contests,concerts and scenic views. Sometimes though, the devil is in the detail. Macro and closeup photography provides a different perspective and view of the world. I love photographing architectural patterns and closeup photography of plants and foliage. One of these succulent leafs is beautiful all by itself but when you photograph the foliage of many, the plant itself changes into a natural mosaic. This was photographed at Chicago’s Garfield Conservatory. You can buy a print of this image by clicking here.
Leaf Patterns at the Garfield Conservatory
If you drive to Lake Como or take a Bus or Boat you might miss this great scene. This is the side of a sculpture you see as descending the stairs from the Lake Como Train Station. It is called the Monumento ai Caduti per Servicio and dedicated to disabled service people. It was created by Francesco Somaini and is actually a sculpture of two hands but from this angle it looks like the City is waving hello. You can buy a print of this image at my commercial gallery by clicking here.
In the center of Milan is Il Duomo di Milano which is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. It seems to me that most of the Cathedrals that I have visited are hosts to crowds of people and flocks of pigeons. Milan is no different, beggars will sell you food to feed the pigeons and although I personally don’t feed the birds, there is no shortage of people who seem to find this practice exciting and entertaining. You can buy this and other prints from my European collection by clicking here.
Pigeons of Il Duomo
Tonight is the beginning of one of the most sacred holidays in Judaism: Yom Kippur. I can’t help but wonder what services would look like in the beautiful Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is known for its Red Light District, Canals, Coffee Shops and Museums. Nestled in this backdrop is one of the great Synagogues of the world. It was built by Spanish Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition. Since Holland and Spain were at war with one another, those escaping persecution said they were Portuguese to gain entry in to the country. Many Synagogues in Europe restrict access due to persistent anti-Semitic feelings. However the Portuguese Synagogue is open for visitors for a small fee. You can also attend services on Friday or Saturday without paying a fee. The entire Synagogue is lit by candles and there is an excellent Judaica store where you can buy beautiful souvenirs and find out about the history of the building.L’shanah Tovah (Happy New Year!)
Portuguese Synagogue Amsterdam Holland
We are looking to move back home to Pittsburgh soon. We haven’t lived there since 1978 although we have visited many times to see family and friends. There is a reason that Pittsburgh is frequently listed as one of the best places to live in recent years. Low real estate costs, reasonable taxes, one of the best medical centers and solid public transportation to list just a few. It is also a very clean city. People frequently see Pittsburgh as viewed from the North Side where you can see the confluence of the rivers. This is a more pedestrian view from the South Side with the deck of the Gateway Party Liner in the foreground. You can buy a print of this image on my commercial gallery by clicking here.
Pittsburgh from the Southside