Ready For 3-D TV?

Will.i.am. of the Black Eyed Peas sits in the Grammy Award audience with his 3-D glasses in place for the Michael Jackson tribute that was broadcast in 3-D by CBS (where I got this screen grab) at Staples Center in Los Angeles. My 3-D glasses didn't work ... a different format (there are at least three different 3-D formats and you need the proper glasses for each one). The 3-D version of Avatar was fine - but the novelty wears off quickly and, for me, the viewing experience is not enhanced because it's 3-D. But more TV's and movies in 3-D are on the way this year so get use to the glasses.

Biggest Full Moon of the Year

I'm posting much earlier than usual to give my western blog-viewers a heads-up to the Friday night full moon. It's said to be the biggest such moon of the year. I was tipped off by a friend who sent me this article. So I braved the 20 degree temps on the roof of my Brooklyn, New York home and got some shots including this one when a jet flew into the path of the bright moon light. My timing was a little off because my hands where shaking and I was using a camera that only allowed me one shot. The local TV weatherman just said this is called a "Wolf Moon."

Two landmarks

When you first look at this photo it's not hard to miss the famous Brooklyn Bridge. However it might be harder to find the Statue of Liberty. But there it is ... on the far right standing against the light of the setting sun.


To see it better, just click on the picture for a larger version.


The sky is pretty much clear over the bridge and the rest of the waterway, but where I'm standing - on the Manhattan Bridge - a brief snow shower had just ended.

How Cold Is It?

The color blue - at least on the photographer's color wheel - represents cold. So when I saw this grouping of branches reflecting the downtown Brooklyn - Borough Hall -facade lights I thought a photo could convey the season. It's winter back here and after a day in the mid-50's, the highs will only be in the upper 20's by Friday. These twisted branches might not need any lights to be blue in those conditions.

Caught In The Rain

Here I am in a subway car seeking refuge from an sudden rain shower in Manhattan. It was rainy and very windy this morning (part of a fence surrounding my upstairs deck was blown over) but it wasn't supposed to rain later in the day when I was out and about. Wrong! But at least the mild January conditions continued. It was 58 degrees. And we'll take that in New York in mid-January any day.

Fast-Food Changing Fast

Earth tone colors, big screen TV's, flowers on the table and plenty of seating for the family. Where is this? ... none other than at a McDonald's burger joint in New York. McDonald's restaurants look like this in many parts of Europe and in a few U.S. locations. But soon, things could appear vastly different at the fast-food giant after it reported its first quarterly loss in the history of the chain. A promise of better food and friendlier counter personnel is on the grill for Mickey D's.

On The Run

I've started running again and I'm taking my small Panasonic camera with me in my jacket pocket (it's in the upper 30's and low 4o's when I go out - a mild January so far in Brooklyn, New York). I want to be ready for any photo opportunity that arises. And in this case, a great sunset behind the BQE - the Brooklyn - Queens Expressway - during rush hour. That big-rig truck (L) came along at the right time to give the viewer the information that it's a busy roadway. I just happened to be in a parking lot of a hardware store at the time when the light became just right. So it pays to be ready - camera set to go. After snapping a few frames, I resumed my run.

Prepping For The Pros

One of my favorite shots (November 2008) from my sideline days at USC football games is this one of former QB Mark Sanchez who was on his way to a rushing touchdown against the University of Washington. Now an NFL rookie, Sanchez will probably let others do the running against the Colts as his New York Jets look to shock the NFL world and get to the Super Bowl if they win their playoff game at Indianapolis.

When Do We Land?

From my window seat - 20F - I thought I might be in for a long flight from Florida because I had a two-year-old sitting in front of me in row 19. But, much to my surprise, the kid was quiet for most of the flight. As he gazed out of the window shortly after take-off, I was able to fire off about four frames before he found other things to do before falling asleep.

My Turn With The Trophy

While in Tampa to do the stadium announcing for the January Yankees Fantasy Camp, the participants and I were given the chance to be photographed with the coveted World Series Trophy. It commemorates the 27th title for the Yankees and it caps off a great year for me.

Didn't Get The Memo

While passing through the Union Square subway station in New York, I came upon hundreds of people not wearing any pants. It was 27 degrees up top, but very warm in the tube area where I learned Sunday was "Don't Wear Any Pants Day." This group was more than willing to pose for the cameras. Only in New York!

How To Handle Cold Weather

All those fancy window displays aimed at getting the attention of shoppers was topped by this simple, weathered paper sign that stopped many a frigid New Yorker in their tracks. Hot coffee on these very cold days here - it's fresh and it's delicious! That's a hard to beat combination when it's 20 degrees.

A Bright Light

I liked the simplicity of this window display. Nothing was being sold. Maybe it was an art exhibit along New York's Broadway near NYU.
I like all sorts of lighting fixtures from the elaborate to the mundane.