"Riding that Train"

ABOARD AMTRAK 181 NORTHEAST REGIONAL, Dec. 16--A 5:00 a.m. wake up call, three cups of coffee, and four states aboard a train in under four hours is how I spent my morning.

I was on assignment photographing the route President-elect Barack Obama will take on his way to the Inauguration in Washington a few days before taking office.

I started off in Baltimore, then Philly, Wilmington, back to Baltimore, then on to D.C. where I ended up sending my photos from our office there, hanging out and catching up some old friends I hadn't see in a while.

As you can tell from the self portrait in the bathroom, the coffee ran thru me somewhere in Maryland!

Looking forward to Christmas boys, see you in six days!

Love,
Dad

Yup, it's cold here

Baltimore, Dec. 7--It feels like it happened overnight. One day it's a mild nice day, and the next thing you know, it feels like winter.

That's what happened Sunday covering the Baltimore Ravens home game against the Washington Redskins. It was flat out cold. Bone chilling cold.

As you can tell from the photo Nick Wass shot of me before the game, I was dressed like I was going turkey hunting. Anything to stay warm, which I managed to do for the most part. Although my fingers started to feel the effects towards the end of the game despite my gloves and hand warmers. But once I got back to the workroom after the game and had a cup of coffee, I started to thaw out.

While I didn't mind being in the cold and shooting the game, I sure wish I would have been able to make it to Kentucky for your birthday Luke. We'll make up for lost time over the holidays. See you boys then and Happy Birthday Lukie pants!!!!


Love,
Dad

Among "Giants"

East Rutherford, N.J. Nov. 16--Yes, I was a mere photographer among Giants Sunday as I got my first chance to photograph the New York Giants at the Meadowlands, against my hometown Baltimore Ravens.

And while the cold wind was whipping across the field, it didn't bother me one bit as I watched the defending Super Bowl Champions beat the Ravens 30-10, proving that yes Alex, your Giants, once again, are pretty darn good.

While taking in the whole atmosphere of the game was awesome, the best part of it was walking inside the stadium, past the waiting players, then stepping out onto the field right before they did. Quite an awesome experience boys.

I had a great time shooting the game, and was able to catch up with friends and fellow photographers during and after the game. I have to say a special thank you to my co-workers, Kathy Willens, and Bill Kostroun, who were nice enough to show me around and make sure I didn't get lost.

I miss you boys.

Alex, Brady, looking forward your visit next week, we are going to have a great time. Tyler, Lukie, you boys are next. I can't wait.

As always,
Love,
Dad

I love a parade...

Georgetown, Del., Nov. 6--While I'm thankful the election is finally over, for me it still sort of lingers on as Vice-president elect Joe Biden is from Delaware, which is part of my coverage area.

And the reason I say it still "lingers on" is because good ol' Joe loves to come home every weekend to his beloved state. Which means I'll be spending more quality time in the "First State."

On Thursday, Biden made his first trip back after being elected, participating in the Return Day parade in this quaint little town. The tradition of the parade, which dates back almost 200 years, has the winning and losing candidates from Election Day riding together in open, horse-drawn carriages and antique automobiles.

As you can tell from the photo of me walking the route with a member of Biden's staff, far left, and a Secret Service agent, taken by my friend Suchat Pederson of the The (Wilmington) News-Journal, it was a miserable day. It rained the whole way on the two hour drive from Baltimore, and didn't let up until I got home 10 hours later.

A long day.

I miss you boys.

Love,
Dad

Historic Election

Baltimore, Nov. 4--Election day has finally come and gone, thank goodness, as it was a one long day for me.

I started the day out photographing Vice President-elect Joe Biden as he and his family voted in Wilmington, Del., then drove back to Baltimore to photograph the large turnout at the polls.
Later that night, I had a great experience watching the returns on a big screen t.v. at Bethel AME Church in downtown.

The atmosphere at the church was electrifying. It was an old time revival prayer service and a party at the same time.

My friend Justin Kase Conder took this photograph of me at the end of the night.

And yes, Brady, Brack Obama won, you were right!

Love,
Dad

To the hoop!!

College Park, Md., Thursday Oct. 16--Spent the afternoon covering the University of Maryland's mens basketball media day yesterday. Washington Times photographer Peter Lockley set up his lights for portraits, and I decided to jump in and have one of those "stylish" photos taken.
Fun afternoon.

Love,
Dad

Taking in some history

Philadelphia, Oct. 9, 2008--Had a few hours to kill before the start of the baseball game tonight, so myself, Houston based photographer David J. Phillip, and Milwaukee photographer Morry Gash decided to do some sight seeing before heading over the ballpark.

We started out the trip by chowing down on Philly cheese steaks at the legendary Geno's. I had mine "provolone with," which means provolone cheese with onions. You have to order the right way or it messes up the whole process.

After lunch, we drove around the city and stopped at Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, then went and the saw the Liberty Bell.

Then it was on to see the statue of Rocky, located at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs made famous in the first film. We just did a drive by of it, but it was still cool to check it, and the nearby Schuylkill (SKOO-kull) River out.

Heading over the game now boys. Sure wish you guys were here to see it with me.

See you in two days!!!!

Love,
Dad

Hello from Philly

Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 2008--Sorry for the long delay between postings boys, but I'm finally getting back into the swing of things.

Spent yesterday roaming the upper deck of Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Phillies practiced for game one of the NLCS, which starts tonight.

I'll be shooting the game and every pitch, from centerfield, which should be a blast for the next two nights, then it's off to Kentucky Saturday morning to celebrate Alex's ninth birthday!!!

I can't wait, we're going to have a great weekend.


See you then,


Love,

Dad

Are you ready for some football!!!

Baltimore, MD, Sept. 7--Finally, and I mean, finally, the NFL is upon us. Had the great pleasure of covering the opening game of the Ravens season against the Cincinnati Bengals earlier today. And, being a long time Bengals fan, I couldn't help but pull for them as they opened the season against my new adopted team, the Ravens.
But, as luck would have it, the Ravens won their opener, behind rookie QB Joe Flacco.
Above is a photo of me with a few Bengals fans, the one on the far right, a former student of my buddy Sean Elkins in Owenton. Go figure.
Love you boys,
Dad

Great Wall of Fun

Beijing--Aug. 22--Had an afternoon off and took advantage of it by going to the Great Wall of China with co-worker Liz Schultz.

It was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. It was a clear day, not too hot, and you could see for miles.

The cab ride to Simatai, the town we went to, took about an hour and half, but it was well worth it.

We took a cable car ride to get to the top of the wall, then walked the various sections and at the end, we took a zip line ride about 1000 feet from the wall to the bottom across a beatutiful lake.

It was wild.

One of the coolest things I have seen. Above is me taking a break.

Love,

Dad

Gym Team

Beijing, Aug. 21--Finally done with gymnastics and have moved on to Taekwondo for the rest of the games.

After a week and half of covering it, I was ready for a change as was the team I worked with. Above is a group photo of us on the uneven bars after it ended.

Standing on the left is Odd Anderson, who edited the event, and photographer Matt Dunham, right, both from our London office.

On the bottom, left, to right, is Cleveland photographer Amy Sancetta, me, Germany photo editor Claudia Ostrop, and New York photo editor Liz Schultz. A good crew.

Love,

Dad

Gymnastics all the time

Beijing, Aug. 15, 2008--That's me on the far right shooting the end of the women's all around gymnastics Friday. I was in "pool" for the event which means I got to shoot from the floor and get in everyones photos, as you can tell. My co-worker Julie Jacobson made this frame of me

It was a great experience, miss you boys.

Love,

Dad

Around Town

Beijing, Aug. 13, 2008--So I got brave on my only off day and took a trip into town to the famous Silk Market.

I needed a rain suit and figured this would be the place to try and get one, which I finally did after spending a good 10 minutes negotiating a fair price, which in the end, was a great price for an expensive item.

As you can tell, it was a bit of give and take reaching the price, but it was funny.

Love,

Dad

Poo Bear

Beijing, Aug. 12--Yup, that's me covering gymnastics as the pool photographer, but when my camera strap covered up the letter "L" it reads "Poo"

One of our editors, Liz Schultz, shot it from up in the stands, kinda funny..

Greetings from Beijing!!

Beijing--Aug. 15, 2008, Yes, I know, I am finally posting after being here for what seems like forever. Sorry about that, boys, but it has taken me a bit to get adjusted to working and staying here.

So, that said, hello from the "Jinger"

The flight here was better than I thought. While it took me over 20 some hours to get from D.C. to Beijing, I can't complain too much. I had a aisle seat and watched a bunch of movies during the tirp in between reading a few books. I watched Iron Man twice, it's get better everytime.

I finally got to the airport in Beijing and then to the media village around midnight, just in time to get some sleep before starting my time here.

So, anyway, I am here, safe and sound, just wanted to tell you I miss and love you and show you some photos of what I've been doing.

I love you boys,

Dad

Hanging with the Dolphins

Baltimore, Md., July 31--I had a lot of fun photographing the new baby dolphin that was born at the National Aquarium today.

The nice people at the aquarium let me into the observation area below the pool so I could try and photograph the mother and baby swimming. There was only one problem...Mama Dolphin quickly caught onto what I was doing and kept swimming so the baby dolphin was on the outside of her where I couldn't photograph her.

I had to have a bit of patience with them, so I ended up putting my camera down and just watching them swim for a few minutes. It was an awesome site to behold...very peaceful.

Anyway, above is a self portrait of me and one of the dolphins.


Love,

Dad

Put me in coach!

Baltimore, Md., July 24--Spent the afternoon at Camden Yards covering the Orioles vs. Blue Jays game. What a beautiful day to be outside covering baseball. Although the O's lost 7-1, it was nice roaming the stands and covering baseball again.

Love,

Dad

Football Fun

Westminster, Md., July 22-Spent the morning covering the opening of the Baltimore Ravens training camp, about 45 minutes from my house. 

It was fun to see some football, especially the Ravens new quarterback Joe Flacco, who I think will be the real deal in a few years. 

Above is me with Flacco signing autographs in the background after practice ended. 

Next year we'll get all four of you here to watch them practice.

I miss you boys.

Love,

Dad

Countdown to China!!!

Baltimore, July 10--Finally got my official Olympic photo credential in the mail today. Wow! It's getting close! I leave on Aug. 5, flying from D.C. to Tokyo, Japan, then onto China. I'll spend 16 hours on an airplane, which I'm not looking forward to, but I am excited about covering the games.

This is me sitting at my desk in the office. Notice all the photos of you guys!

Speaking of looking forward to things, I'll see you boys tomorrow!!!

Love,

Dad

Finally Done with golf

Bethesda, Md., July 6--Finally, the golf tournament is over. It was a long week, but then again, being outside and covering golf sure beats sitting in the office any day. Anthony Kim won the tournament, keep an eye on him, he could be the next Tiger Woods, the kid is that good.

Thought you boys would enjoy seeing the great group of photographers I have been hanging out with all week. 

Left to right next me are Toni Sandys, left, and John McDonnell of the Washington Post, and on the ground is Nick Wass, left, one of my stringers, and Jonathan Ernst of Reuters.

They made the week a lot of fun.

Hope you boys are having a good day, I miss you.

Love,

Dad

Another Day of Golf

Bethesda, Md., July 5--My friend Nick Wass took this photo of me and Reuters stringer Jonathan Ernst sitting on the 17th green at the AT&T National golf tournament today. Another day of golf, one more day and it's over. They tee off early tomorrow, I have to be here around 9am, so hopefully, if the rain holds off, I 'll be done early. Long week. I miss you guys.

Love,

Dad

Rain Delay!

Bethesda, Md., July 4--This is how I'm spending my Fourth of July holiday, waiting out a rain delay outside the media center at the AT&T National golf tournament. We had a pretty good storm come through and they called play, hoping the rain would pass over us. We are scheduled to resume play in 30 minutes, so barring any more rain, we'll finish up today.
So far the tournament has been ok. Nothing too exciting. Most of the top 10 players, and of course, Tiger are not here, so it lacks the star power from last year.
I hope you guys are having a great day and enjoy the fireworks.
I miss you,

Love,
Dad

Chop, Chop

Woodlawn, Md., July 1--Finally, and I mean finally, went and got my haircut today. Jeez, it was out of control. Big time, big hair. The lady who cut my hair was great. No messing around with her. I was in and out in no time. Only problem was I didn't have any cash on me, so I had to promise her I would pay her after walking to the money machine. She was great, and for once, I got a decent hair cut.

Love,

Dad

Boring!!!!!

Montgomery Village, Md., June 30--Yes, we all have them...boring days. A day we sit around and don't get anything done. Today, I had one of those days. I sat outside a townhouse waiting to take a photo of someone who didn't want to be photographed. So for seven hours, yes, SEVEN HOURS, I sat in my truck. Every now and then I would get out and walk around, but for the most part I sat there, waiting. And guess what...he didn't show!!! So what did I do while waiting? I called you boys several times, caught up on my email, talked with some friends online, and even listened to some music. It's kinda weird sitting and waiting to take a photo like that, but it's part of the job. It just stinks that I wasn't able to make a photo. At least I did take one of me in the truck, so you can get an idea of what it is like. Boring!!!

I miss you boys.

Love,

Dad

Greetings from the Green Room!!!!!

Gywnn Oak, Md-, June 24, 2008--So you've heard me talk about it, well, here it is: the green room. Why do I call it the green room? Well, cause it's green. This is were I sleep boys. That's Alex's old dresser in the background...thanks for letting me use it. It's not home, because you boys aren't here, but this is where I live, thought you would like to see it. I love you boys. Dad

Oh no, shots!

June 13, 2008, Baltimore--Counting down the days until I leave for the Olympics in China guys. Any guess what, part of going there includes gettings shots! Yes, shots! Remember how I always tell you they don't hurt and suck it up? Well I'm wrong about it, because they do hurt. Today I got six shots total. The nurse who gave them to me, Terry Parsons, was super nice. She evened laughed at my stupid jokes.

The above photos show me with her after getting the shots, (you like the farmer's tan?) and a detail shot of the little fellas that got jabbed into me.

I hope you boys are doing well. I love and miss you.

Dad

What's up boys!!!

Hey guys, thought I would start this blog to keep you updated on what I am doing, where I'm going, and some of the cool things I run across during my travels in Baltimore and the area.

I miss you all so much, but this is at least a way you can see a bit of what I am doing here.

I hope you enjoy it.

The Belmont

This was the fourth horse I have followed to Belmont hoping for a Triple Crown win with no luck.

It was a long, hot day, and for some dumb reason, I wore a black shirt which made it worse.

I really wanted Big Brown to win, but it wasn't his day.

For me, it was an ok day. Long hours. I got to the track after 8a.m, put up a camera on the starting gate, made a few pixs during the day and just waited for the race, which was a real let down.

The good thing was I got to see a lot of old friends, and some new ones, and I got paid to watch a horse race and hang out in New York. Sure can't beat that.

Hope you guys are doing well, I love and miss you.

Dad