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Unseasonably mild temperatures this weekend had everybody thinking "early spring". Everybody that is except Mother Nature who quickly brought us back to reality with more realistic weather on this Monday. But even a two day break from what has been a lousy winter was cherished by every New Yorker. I was curious to see if the nearly 70 degree temperature was able to coax any of those bulbs planted last fall from their winter blanket of earth.
Signs of spring in Central Park are hard to find unless you look closely. Even though there's no ice on the lake the park still
has on it's winter face. The Bethesda fountain is not only empty of water it's also empty of tourists and Bow bridge stands
quietly waiting for a flock of ducks to pass by.
The American Elm trees that line the "Mall" are still leafless but an in-line skater seems to have shed her winter duds for
something more appropriate. A brown* squirrel tried to stare me down but I have a longer lens and he had a short attention
span. Wait!. Are those leaf buds I see on that tree?
I knew that there had to be something growing here.
Down at ground level, where the dead leaf cover has
kept the earth warm under its blanket, some very brave
shutes have decided that they too have had enough of
winter and decided to stick their heads out and have a
look around. I'm not a botanist but these early bloomers
appear to be tulips, crocuses and tulips.
Robo-Geeks
Last Friday I took a walk over to the Javits Center where they were having a robot competition for high school students from all over the world. I thought that there would be a variety of contraptions with different configurations performing unique tasks. But alas most of the robots were very similar in design which I guess was okay because they all had to accomplish the same job.
Most of the action took place back stage where the teams were frantically prepping and adjusting the robots that they have worked
so hard on. The competition itself , as best as I could make out, consisted of the robots trying to scoop up balls. The one that scooped up the most balls won that round. Since all of the bots had the same general design it appeared that the robot that was controlled or "driven" the best was the winner. In this heat old #56 was the best controlled and was all over the arena collecting
those balls.
I don't want to put this event down. It appeared that everybody worked very very hard to get here. The robots were extremely technical and complicated and the very fact that they worked at all amazed me. The complaint that I have is that the organizers of the event are not media savvy. There was very little pre-show publicity . I only found out about it because I visited the Javits web page and noticed the event schedual. The lack of publicity was evident by the lack of any media coverage. Except for the proud parents and teachers with point and shoots and cell phone cams just me and one other photog had any camera worth more that $200. There was no TV and I saw nothing about it on the news all weekend. I'm sure the kids had a great time but I bet they would have had a better if they were able to see themselves on the news. Maybe next year some PR firm would undertake this event as a pro-bono project.
*I have seen your usual gray squirrels and even the occasional black squirrel (found mostly in the Bronx) here in Central park, but this is the first time that I have seen brown squirrel. It had a very nice chocolate brown coat and a very luxurious tail. I'm thinking that this rodent's dad may have had a trist with an escaped mink.
all photos (c) 2009 Bruce Cooper.
Signs of spring in Central Park are hard to find unless you look closely. Even though there's no ice on the lake the park still
has on it's winter face. The Bethesda fountain is not only empty of water it's also empty of tourists and Bow bridge stands
quietly waiting for a flock of ducks to pass by.
The American Elm trees that line the "Mall" are still leafless but an in-line skater seems to have shed her winter duds for
something more appropriate. A brown* squirrel tried to stare me down but I have a longer lens and he had a short attention
span. Wait!. Are those leaf buds I see on that tree?
I knew that there had to be something growing here.Down at ground level, where the dead leaf cover has
kept the earth warm under its blanket, some very brave
shutes have decided that they too have had enough of
winter and decided to stick their heads out and have a
look around. I'm not a botanist but these early bloomers
appear to be tulips, crocuses and tulips.
Robo-Geeks
Last Friday I took a walk over to the Javits Center where they were having a robot competition for high school students from all over the world. I thought that there would be a variety of contraptions with different configurations performing unique tasks. But alas most of the robots were very similar in design which I guess was okay because they all had to accomplish the same job.
Most of the action took place back stage where the teams were frantically prepping and adjusting the robots that they have worked
so hard on. The competition itself , as best as I could make out, consisted of the robots trying to scoop up balls. The one that scooped up the most balls won that round. Since all of the bots had the same general design it appeared that the robot that was controlled or "driven" the best was the winner. In this heat old #56 was the best controlled and was all over the arena collecting
those balls.
I don't want to put this event down. It appeared that everybody worked very very hard to get here. The robots were extremely technical and complicated and the very fact that they worked at all amazed me. The complaint that I have is that the organizers of the event are not media savvy. There was very little pre-show publicity . I only found out about it because I visited the Javits web page and noticed the event schedual. The lack of publicity was evident by the lack of any media coverage. Except for the proud parents and teachers with point and shoots and cell phone cams just me and one other photog had any camera worth more that $200. There was no TV and I saw nothing about it on the news all weekend. I'm sure the kids had a great time but I bet they would have had a better if they were able to see themselves on the news. Maybe next year some PR firm would undertake this event as a pro-bono project.
*I have seen your usual gray squirrels and even the occasional black squirrel (found mostly in the Bronx) here in Central park, but this is the first time that I have seen brown squirrel. It had a very nice chocolate brown coat and a very luxurious tail. I'm thinking that this rodent's dad may have had a trist with an escaped mink.
all photos (c) 2009 Bruce Cooper.
As predicted the rain is falling on the streets of Queens and elsewhere in the metro area. I'm very glad I was able to get out to the wilds of western New Jersey yesterday and explore the New Jersey State Fair in rural Sussex county. I took a lot of photos and I am editing them as we speak. I should have them ready by Thursday.
Meanwhile I have some shots I took last Thursday as I was doing what old men have been doing since Ceasar strolled the streets of Rome. I went for......
A walk in the park.
I have been noticing this a lot lately. People sleeping in the park. I know people have been taking naps in parks for ever but these are usually on a bench or the grass and usually last only a few minutes. As of late however I have seen guys like this flat out on a rocky outcroping fast asleep with what appears to be all of his worldly possesions close by. I don't believe that these folks are homeless. I think they are hoteless. The occupancy rate in NYC hotels is running about 90%, making it very difficult to find affordable lodging. Many young people who are used to back packing through Europe are surprised to find that there are little or no facilities in the U.S. that cater to the casual traveler. The cheapest hotel rooms in Manhattan run about $200 a night.
There's always something going on in Central Park. I came across this Gothic figure in the bandshell rehearsing some sort of play or reading or something. The interesting thing about this is that this may be her normal street clothes.
What are these folks looking at?
It's Bethesda fountain, the heart of Central Park. Ever since construction began on Washington Square park down in the Village I've been coming here to catch the "scene". The problem is, there is no scene. The real wierdos, beatnicks, druggies, gays, hipsters and hip-hopsters don't come here. I sure hope they open Washington Square soon. I need my hippie fix.
I like flutes. I really do. But it can't take the place of guitars and bongos and impromtu jazz ensembles.
Slightly west of Bethesda Fountain is another small fountain where I found these young ladies making whoopie in the water. Shortly after I snapped this photo someone (not an official) came over and told the girls that not only was it illegal for them to be in the fountain,but the water is recycled and not cleaned. Did someone say hepititus?
The latest attraction to befall the park is this helium filled baloon which offers the public a birds eye view as it floats 300 feet above the park. For $25 dollars you can have the opportunity to dangle precariously in a narrow wicker basket. The baloon is tethered and only goes up and down so you won't find yourself drifting over New Jersey. On this particular day the baloon was not operating because of a wind condition. I guess there are no airsick bags on board.
Okay. Here's where I need your help. I am not one of those papparazzi who hang around outside of celebrity haunts hoping to get a clandestine photo of some minor talent. Sometimes I just happen to be at a place where a celeb may be.
I do not know who this person is. In fact, at first, I was not even going to take a picture of these two at all. I was just trying to get an establishing shot of people in rowboats on the lake gliding gently by on some very green algae covered water. As soon as I picked up my camera I got this very strange reaction from the women and kid in this boat. Naturally my attention turned from the algae to the rowboat.
The more I pointed the camera at them the more reclusive they got. The women hid her face altogether and actually began to steer the rowboat towards the center of the lake under the navigational skills of her young passenger. By now my curiosity was at a peak. I had to get a picture of whoever this was. It was time to use my skills as a photojournalist. I put the camera down at my side and pretended to turn away as if to leave the area....
...they fell for it. I quickly turned back around and caught them off guard. But I need your help. I don't know who this person is. Is she a celeb or just some very camera shy boating enthusiast? If you recognize this person drop me an e-mail.
Here's a closeup. Sorry about the quality but you get what you get.
The laundry is piling up so I think that today might be a good day to get at it.
All photos (c) 2008 Bruce Cooper
E-mail thebeecee@hotmail.com
Meanwhile I have some shots I took last Thursday as I was doing what old men have been doing since Ceasar strolled the streets of Rome. I went for......
A walk in the park.
I have been noticing this a lot lately. People sleeping in the park. I know people have been taking naps in parks for ever but these are usually on a bench or the grass and usually last only a few minutes. As of late however I have seen guys like this flat out on a rocky outcroping fast asleep with what appears to be all of his worldly possesions close by. I don't believe that these folks are homeless. I think they are hoteless. The occupancy rate in NYC hotels is running about 90%, making it very difficult to find affordable lodging. Many young people who are used to back packing through Europe are surprised to find that there are little or no facilities in the U.S. that cater to the casual traveler. The cheapest hotel rooms in Manhattan run about $200 a night.
There's always something going on in Central Park. I came across this Gothic figure in the bandshell rehearsing some sort of play or reading or something. The interesting thing about this is that this may be her normal street clothes.
What are these folks looking at?
It's Bethesda fountain, the heart of Central Park. Ever since construction began on Washington Square park down in the Village I've been coming here to catch the "scene". The problem is, there is no scene. The real wierdos, beatnicks, druggies, gays, hipsters and hip-hopsters don't come here. I sure hope they open Washington Square soon. I need my hippie fix.
I like flutes. I really do. But it can't take the place of guitars and bongos and impromtu jazz ensembles.
Slightly west of Bethesda Fountain is another small fountain where I found these young ladies making whoopie in the water. Shortly after I snapped this photo someone (not an official) came over and told the girls that not only was it illegal for them to be in the fountain,but the water is recycled and not cleaned. Did someone say hepititus?
The latest attraction to befall the park is this helium filled baloon which offers the public a birds eye view as it floats 300 feet above the park. For $25 dollars you can have the opportunity to dangle precariously in a narrow wicker basket. The baloon is tethered and only goes up and down so you won't find yourself drifting over New Jersey. On this particular day the baloon was not operating because of a wind condition. I guess there are no airsick bags on board.
Okay. Here's where I need your help. I am not one of those papparazzi who hang around outside of celebrity haunts hoping to get a clandestine photo of some minor talent. Sometimes I just happen to be at a place where a celeb may be.
I do not know who this person is. In fact, at first, I was not even going to take a picture of these two at all. I was just trying to get an establishing shot of people in rowboats on the lake gliding gently by on some very green algae covered water. As soon as I picked up my camera I got this very strange reaction from the women and kid in this boat. Naturally my attention turned from the algae to the rowboat.
The more I pointed the camera at them the more reclusive they got. The women hid her face altogether and actually began to steer the rowboat towards the center of the lake under the navigational skills of her young passenger. By now my curiosity was at a peak. I had to get a picture of whoever this was. It was time to use my skills as a photojournalist. I put the camera down at my side and pretended to turn away as if to leave the area....
...they fell for it. I quickly turned back around and caught them off guard. But I need your help. I don't know who this person is. Is she a celeb or just some very camera shy boating enthusiast? If you recognize this person drop me an e-mail.
Here's a closeup. Sorry about the quality but you get what you get.
The laundry is piling up so I think that today might be a good day to get at it.
All photos (c) 2008 Bruce Cooper
E-mail thebeecee@hotmail.com
A spectacular Thursday...
...and a walk into Summer.
Thursday was the official last full day of Spring, the Summer solstice doesn't arrive in these parts until about 8 pm this evening, and as I walked around town yesterday it appeared that my fellow New Yorkers were making the best of a good thing. The temps were certainly very Springlike hovering in the mid seventies. The skies were mostly blue with an occasional puffy white cloud moving into the back round as if on que from some cosmic director. A perfect backdrop for taking those city skyline pics.
I started my trek at Rockefeller Center. I usually don't go to these very very tourist laden places because everywhere you point your camera you are pointing it at somebody else with a camera. The area is busy all day from 6 am (the Today TV show starts at seven and people start lining up early for a good spot) to late at night with folks enjoying the view at the Top Of The Rock observation deck or in the plaza restaurants enjoying dinner and an adult beverage. But if one is doing a story on what people in the city are doing then where better to go then where the people are doing it. Get it?
There they are. My peeps. I'll bet you dollars to bagels that
if you yelled out "Hey,how many native New Yorker's are here" only
two people would answer, and they would probably be from
New Jersey.
The G.E. building or 30 Rock as
it's known by those who know, stands
tall against an azure sky.
O.K. Last Rock Ctr. photo. I like it better in the winter when
the skaters occupy the plaza.
I walked over to Columbus Ave., one of the best people watching
spots in the city, and found these folks relaxing near one of those
ever popular green markets. BTW. The locally grown salmonella-free
tomatoes were doing a brisk business.
I wasn't the only one drawn to Central Park yesterday. This
is a popular place for the locals on lunch hour to relax in the
splendor of the grass. This spot near one of the picturesque
ponds is close by the park entrance so one can get in and out
fast.
A carnival in the park. This is another one of those dual purpose
venues. In the winter it's the Trump skating rink. As the warm
weather approaches the rink becomes an old fashion amusement
park. I'll bet your theme park doesn't have this view.
I heard some cheers and applause coming from somewhere
behind me. I walked over to where the noise was coming from
and found myself at the ball fields where a number of softball games
were in progress. The teams were made up of members of the
casts of Broadway shows who play eachother in the Broadway Show
League. The very serious batter shown here is a cast member in
"Grease". They were playing against the cast of "Gypsy". I don't know
who won but the "Greasies" appeared to be beating the "Gypsy's" rather
soundly.
I didn't want to leave without checking on the very
controversial carriage horses. I can report that the
carriages were out in full muster yesterday as the
temperature was well below the 90 degree cut off.
This guy was enjoying a cool drink while waiting
for his next fare.
The great annual Coney Island Mermaid parade is on for Saturday. It's the best photo op day of the year. Lots of color. Lots of crazy costumes and lots of half naked babes. Combine this with sun, hot dogs at Nathan's and a carnival atomosphere and youv'e got the perfect first day of Summer. I'll be there and you can check out the pix on Monday. Have a great weekend.
questions or comments? thebeeceee@hotmail.com
want more photos? www.brucepix.com
...and a walk into Summer.
Thursday was the official last full day of Spring, the Summer solstice doesn't arrive in these parts until about 8 pm this evening, and as I walked around town yesterday it appeared that my fellow New Yorkers were making the best of a good thing. The temps were certainly very Springlike hovering in the mid seventies. The skies were mostly blue with an occasional puffy white cloud moving into the back round as if on que from some cosmic director. A perfect backdrop for taking those city skyline pics.
I started my trek at Rockefeller Center. I usually don't go to these very very tourist laden places because everywhere you point your camera you are pointing it at somebody else with a camera. The area is busy all day from 6 am (the Today TV show starts at seven and people start lining up early for a good spot) to late at night with folks enjoying the view at the Top Of The Rock observation deck or in the plaza restaurants enjoying dinner and an adult beverage. But if one is doing a story on what people in the city are doing then where better to go then where the people are doing it. Get it?
There they are. My peeps. I'll bet you dollars to bagels that
if you yelled out "Hey,how many native New Yorker's are here" only
two people would answer, and they would probably be from
New Jersey.
The G.E. building or 30 Rock as
it's known by those who know, stands
tall against an azure sky.
O.K. Last Rock Ctr. photo. I like it better in the winter when
the skaters occupy the plaza.
I walked over to Columbus Ave., one of the best people watching
spots in the city, and found these folks relaxing near one of those
ever popular green markets. BTW. The locally grown salmonella-free
tomatoes were doing a brisk business.
I wasn't the only one drawn to Central Park yesterday. This
is a popular place for the locals on lunch hour to relax in the
splendor of the grass. This spot near one of the picturesque
ponds is close by the park entrance so one can get in and out
fast.
A carnival in the park. This is another one of those dual purpose
venues. In the winter it's the Trump skating rink. As the warm
weather approaches the rink becomes an old fashion amusement
park. I'll bet your theme park doesn't have this view.
I heard some cheers and applause coming from somewhere
behind me. I walked over to where the noise was coming from
and found myself at the ball fields where a number of softball games
were in progress. The teams were made up of members of the
casts of Broadway shows who play eachother in the Broadway Show
League. The very serious batter shown here is a cast member in
"Grease". They were playing against the cast of "Gypsy". I don't know
who won but the "Greasies" appeared to be beating the "Gypsy's" rather
soundly.
I didn't want to leave without checking on the very
controversial carriage horses. I can report that the
carriages were out in full muster yesterday as the
temperature was well below the 90 degree cut off.
This guy was enjoying a cool drink while waiting
for his next fare.
The great annual Coney Island Mermaid parade is on for Saturday. It's the best photo op day of the year. Lots of color. Lots of crazy costumes and lots of half naked babes. Combine this with sun, hot dogs at Nathan's and a carnival atomosphere and youv'e got the perfect first day of Summer. I'll be there and you can check out the pix on Monday. Have a great weekend.
questions or comments? thebeeceee@hotmail.com
want more photos? www.brucepix.com
I know it's only March 31st but for heaven's sake it's been officially spring now for over a week and there is hardly a sign of it to be seen. Realizing that I probably would not find anything springlike in my own nabe I decided to look for it in the Mecca of everything flora and fauna in New York. Central Park. Did I find it? Well yes and no. There are signs of spring things but they appear to be there grudgingly. There are little chutes and buds that seem to want to break forth but they have an air of timidity about them. I'ts like they're afraid they will have their heads chopped off if they actually come all the way out.
Despite the lack of definite signs of re-birth the park was busy this Sunday with people jogging, cycling, playing and just plain strolling. Most of the people I observed were foreign. At least they were not speaking English and were taking pictures with cheap cameras of eveyrthing that moved. Hey wait a second. So did I.
more photos: www.brucepix.com e-mail: thebeecee@hotmail.com
Despite the lack of definite signs of re-birth the park was busy this Sunday with people jogging, cycling, playing and just plain strolling. Most of the people I observed were foreign. At least they were not speaking English and were taking pictures with cheap cameras of eveyrthing that moved. Hey wait a second. So did I.
more photos: www.brucepix.com e-mail: thebeecee@hotmail.com
