Veterans Day

Veterans Day had its beginnings back in 1919 when President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first commemoration of Armistice Day marking the one year anniversary of the cessation of hostilities generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In 1954 President Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" and the date become the Veterans Day holiday. A law was passed in 1968 to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. President Ford signed a new law in 1975 changing Veterans Day back to November 11th. Since 1978 when the new law took effect Veterans Day has been observed on November 11th, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. Canon G10, 1/320 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200.

Putto

A putto is a figure in a work of art depicted as a chubby male child, usually nude and sometimes winged. Putti are often confused with cherubs. While cherubs represent the second order of angels, putti are secular and non-religious. This one was found on top of a garden fountain. iPhone 5, Camera+ App, 1/20sec f/2.4, ISO 64 converted to black and white.

High Wire

These high-voltage transmission line are cast against a clear blue sky. Canon 5D Mark II, 1/8000 sec @ f/4.0, ISO 400, 1800mm focal length.

EarPods

EarPods, Apple's redesigned in earphones were released with the iPhone 5. The often maligned original Apple ear buds finally got a facelift along with the iPhone. These new buds offer a better fit and much improved acoustic quality not to mention the distinctive "Apple Style." I'm still sticking with my tried and true Shure sound isolating earphones. Canon 5D Mark II, 1/80 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 1600 converted to black and white using Silver Efex Pro 2 with Lightroom 4.

Ghent @ Night

Christ and St. Luke's located at the corner of Onley Road and Stockley Gardens is a beacon of light in Norfolk Virginia's historic Ghent neighborhood. The 102 year old building was designed by the Philadelphia firm of Watson & Huskle. The church is a traditional gable roof basilica in the English Perpendicular Gothic Revival style. Canon G1X, 1 sec @ f/5.6, ISO 400.

Fall Explosion

Time for a little explosion of fall color. Canon 7D, 1/5 sec @ f/8.0, ISO 200.

No Horseplay

I was always intrigued when Hampton Roads Transit, a.k.a HRT, decided to ban "Horseplay" from The Tide light rail platforms. I was never sure why they choose the word horseplay. I would have preferred any of the following more creative synonyms: buffoonery, capers, hijinks, rough-housing, rowdiness, shenanigans, or my all time favorite - tomfoolery.

iPhone 5, 1/390 sec @ f/2.8, ISO 50, Camera+ App