You Write the Story
Here’s the scene.
Found on a New York City Sidewalk on Bleecker Street- Night time- a tad grainy and soft.
High Chair and TV Tray Table.
Pyramid of LED Lights on the Gulf Tower, Change with the Weather
Dear Blog Readers,
Thank you for the thoughtful expressions of sympathy, your comments and emails yesterday, on the passing of Murphy the Airedale.
It means a lot to the whole family to read such an outpouring of love, care and concern. Your words offer comfort and understanding. xxoo Ruth
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For years the Gulf Tower Building ( built in 1930) had a beacon that displayed the weather- red lights for fair or blue lights for precipitation
Now The Gulf Tower has a fancy installation of programmed LED lights that change with the holidays, sporting events and special occasions but still tell the weather at five minutes before the hour. The combination of lights can produce any color.
Designed by Cindy Limauro, professor of lighting design at Carnegie Mellon University and husband, Christopher Popowich, partners in C&C Lighting LLC.
Read more: at the Post Gazette article with a chart telling how to”read” the lights.
This photo was taken from my car window while waiting or my sister to buy her train ticket back to NYC at the AMTRAK station downtown.
Vampire’s Assistant at Midway Theatre, Forest Hills, Queens
A theatre lit up at night attracts my eye. (Is it theater or theatre? This sign ends in tre) I see theaters transformed and repurposed all the time so want to preserve the genre before they all disappear.
I shot the Midway Theatre when I visited my sister in NYC and we went out to Queens on the subway to meet friend Matt and eat at Just Like Mother’s Restaurant. You can read a blog about the mostly Eastern European fare, see some Borscht- if you click on the name.
I took this about three years ago (11/2009) but came across it when I was looking for a response to a weekly challenge and since theaters are a vanishing breed, I like to photograph them, read what’s playing. Thought this was an interesting selection. Always like to work on my night photography and think about how I would change the settings next time.
City Rooftop Night View
Thank Kathryn for sharing your hotel room view. I love the night sky and lights. 
Roberto Clemente Bridge at Night
Roberto Clemente Bridge from a different angle. High up! What a view.
Photographed from the lovely Renaissance Hotel’s fourteenth floor – my fellow blogger’s room. The Allegheny River looked pretty chilly.
If you follow me you know how I enjoy working on my night photography. Love all the lights’ reflections, especially in the water. Too bad it wasn’t baseball season as we could have watched the game from her room!
I was telling Kathryn about how the bridge is closed when there are Pirates Games and you can walk across to PNC Park. Thanks for inviting me up to see the city at night. What fun. I think I need to book a corner room with a river view and just take photographs at different times of day.
Madison and 57th, Looking West
A week of bright shining stars.
The Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination inspired me to post twice and then I received these photos in my email.
I love it when my friends, family and followers respond with a photograph.
My college friend/ artist/ photographer Joyce Grasso sent this to me. I wrote back and she graciously consented to be guest blogger.
Shot through a car window with a cell phone. Last Spring my sister and I met Joyce at MOMA and toured the Cindy Sherman exhibit.
Thanks for sharing your illumination capture of the star in New York City, Joyce!
There are at Least 14 Ways to Spell It!
And here is an article explaining the most popular and the second most popular way to spell- Hanukkah or Chanukah? The Festival of Light.
Tuesday- the fourth night.
I was invited for potato latkes and the lighting of the Hanukkah candles at my friend’s house. We taught together these past 6 years until I moved to the high school this year. The first photo is her beautiful Menorah on the mantle. Her kids are grown up and out of town, too. She and her husband and I sat by there fire and then she lit the fourth candle. It gets dark so early now as we approach the shortest day of the year. The warmth of the fire and the glow from the colorful candles was lovely.
After we ate the latkes(served with sour cream and or applesauce) Ann lit the fourth candle.
We left for an adventure, traipsing around Squirrel Hill, Murray Avenue and Forbes. Up and down trying to decide where we should eat! At least it wasn’t raining. We had a nice evening, catching up on our families and school and mutual friends. When we walked by the Giant Eagle supermarket and a young man asked if we were Jewish and she said, yes and he asked if she had candles. Then we saw the table set up in front of the market with another young man cooking latkes on a griddle. They had applesauce available and their organization had a big sign on the Menorah. They told me they were “spreading light in the world.” I asked if it would be okay to blog them and they gathered to gather for a group shot. Pulled out the cell phone camera. Yep, my camera was back by Ann’s house in the back trunk of the car.
Thanks Ann for including me in the candle lighting and for taking me on a good healthy walk around the neighborhood to find the best dinner.
Night Game Christmas Tree at Heinz Field
On the way back home, after a weekend with the family, I drove by the night game.
We’re not talking about who won. It’s been a rough season. Not looking so good.
I didn’t post it on the Monday after due to the disappointing outcome for the Steelers. But I like the scene. And it was exciting to hear the roar of the crowd.
Shot with a 50mm lens, ISO 200, f/1.8 and a slow shutter 40- propped on the rolled down driver’s window- without a remote cable release but managed without camera shake. Canon 5D Mark ll
The Music of Michael Jackson, Tuesday Night in Town
A friend had an extra ticket to the The Music of Michael Jackson Tribute with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra who put on a stellar musical performance. People were on their feet, clapping and dancing to the familiar music as the star of the show gave it his all. It was a tribute not an impersonation pointed out the star, James Delisco. It was a fun night and an unexpected outing on a Tuesday evening. Thanks Barb and Penny.
The Heinz Hall was elegantly decorated for Christmas. Single glittery gloves were passed out and kids 13 and under got a chance to come up onstage for the last number, Thriller, and show their moves.
Photos by iPhone again.
Macy’s windows were filled with holiday displays. The giant Nativity scene and the Menorah display were by the old USSteel building, now UPMC. Preparations for the holidays are in full swing in downtown Pittsburgh. 
Swivel Stools and Ice Cream Counter at Yetter’s in Millvale
It gets dark early these days. The interior of Yetter’s caught my eye after we parked and headed down Grant Ave to Sedgwick Street.
Steve and I were on our way to Panza Gallery for an art opening reception last Saturday night. Do you remember Millvale Days when I didn’t bring my camera and had to shoot with my phone? Well, we headed for the art opening and all I had was my phone to capture this scene at night.
Yetter’s is known for their homemade candies which you can mail order online although I must confess I have never eaten a chocolate covered potato chip. Just an old fashioned place with fresh candies and ice cream and delicious milkshakes.
Night Game
and the row of houses on the road above the stadium intrigued me. It was homecoming. This is the other side in the stands- Perry HS.
The view from the home side is so different. No city skyline and the church with the gold dome. A totally different view.
A lovely night weather-wise and 12 points on the scoreboard but not enough to win.
Today I wore blue and gold for school spirit and I won the faculty raffle for being dressed in school colors.
I won a navy fleece on Thursday -with the school insignia. I took it to the game tonight but no chill so lugged it around instead of getting to wear it. Morning is going to come early tomorrow. Night now.
On the way home on Carson Street
The Swimming Pool in Raging Bull
My sister walked with us from the Parking Lot on the West Pier. We walked down St. Luke’s Place as we made our way to her apartment. Film locations abound in New York City but she thought this one especially interesting looking at night.
Mary goes to the library and can watch the swimmers right from the library window.
AND- Audrey Hepburn’s Wait Until Dark was filmed across the street on St Luke’s Place.(click to see location)
The pool location is Carmine Street Pool(click to see the scene from film) and it was about two am Monday night/Tuesday morning and really dark. There were some bright spotlights, too, and didn’t have time to monkey around with the ideal settings.
I set the camera on the timer so I didn’t get camera shake. Propped it on a concrete ledge of the fence base.
I took it from the angle where the Keith Haring Mural wasn’t visible and didn’t go back in the daytime as I’d planned. Next trip.
A personal note-
Drove home from NYC Thursday afternoon and Friday morning at 7:30 I start a new job as the Digital Photography Teacher at Carrick High School. After 20 years in Elementary Art it is going to be different and I am quite excited. Thanks to everyone for the good wishes and emails and for following the blog, leaving thoughtful comments and being patient when I don’t reply to each note. Making adjustments to the daily post as no more staying up past midnight to blog since I have to leave my house so early.
The Theater in The Blob, Guest Blog
My son Mark sent me this photo he took with his phone. He’s on business. He said I could use it as a guest blog today. Thanks, Mark. I have to watch this classic film again. Here is the theater from the movie The Blob filmed in 1958. Phoenixville PA.
More info on The Blobthe blob says it’s the screen debut of Steven McQueen
St. Paul Cathedral at Night- Pittsburgh PA
Oakland section of Pittsburgh. Looked like Europe to me. I was surprised to see it so bright as I guess I haven’t driven this route at night lately.
After the poetry reading at Pitt, I was driving by last Thursday night and noticed the illuminated facade so drove around the block and photographed the cathedral at night.
The building history is available here. The date of the building on their website is 1906.
General Grant’s 190th Birthday Party
We have interesting friends. Here’s a creative celebration Steve and I went to on Saturday night. What a fun event. Here are a few of the details. Hardtack crackers and dried black-eyed peas. The sheet music for Tenting Tonight on the piano. Photographs and books bearing the General’s likeness. A willingness to celebrate and have fun. A Prantl’s cake with five candles for his rank. I made Rice Pudding after reading that it was a favorite on the Presidents’ Food Timeline. Thanks Tim and Bernadette for being such welcoming hosts. We had a wonderful time!
Elvis the Penguin Paints at National Aviary for Persad Patron Party
Pittsburgh’s National Aviary was the happening scene on Friday night in the city. Steel Band music. Desserts.
Artist Reception and Patron Party was in full swing.
Elvis the African Penguin Makes Art to Auction Off to Benefit Persad Center
His feet were all aflutter. Perhaps he enjoys making art without an audience.
Here is the piece I donated. They invited a group of artists to create a commemorative artwork to celebrate their fortieth anniversary. I know one should just make a donation and not tell about it but it is a good cause and perhaps some of my students might seek counseling here in the future and be helped as my good friend J always tells about a former student the organization helped a long time ago.
Below is the photograph I created to commemorate their 40th Anniversary.
Thanks to Steve I was able to get 40 candles lit and photograph quickly in the dark dining room at night.
Had to bake the cake first before I could photograph it and I chose the wedding cake recipe from the Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum and used lots of gel food color by Wilton. Buttercream icing.
UPMC presents Celebrate Life, Celebrate Art
Monday, May 14, 2012
August Wilson Center for African American Culture
980 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
6:00 – 11:00 p.m
“Persad’s signature event is both a verbal and silent auction featuring over 200 pieces of art from local, national and international artists including photography, painting, sculpture and jewelry. Come enjoy great food, drinks and entertainment and take home some fabulous artwork.
To purchase tickets to the event or to purchase an underwriting package, click here.“
Yes, That’s Crabmeat on the Asparagus- La Cucina Flegrea
V and I went La Cucina Flegrea on Murray Avenue for a decade and then it closed. We had missed going there for the Spaghetti Arugula and Rigatoni in Vodka Sauce. J and I took a cooking class there, you might remember that post click here
Well, Chef Anna is back and she was glad to see us. Our first visit to the new place. She opened last November but it was Laura’s wedding and all. It was my friend R who told me about this new location. Here is the website for the new one, complete with menu-La Cucina Flegrea to downtown’s Market Square. We were celebrating V’s birthday. Happy birthday V!
We started with the 5 Fagioli soup and then because we ordered the Baccalá with Sweet Onion and Shrimp Sauce, a Mozzarella Wagon with Fresh Tomato sauce came as an appetizer- 4 balls of mozzarella breaded and fried and accompanied by a delicious sauce. Here’s a shot of the Asparagus with all the lovely, succulent crab meat on it.
Dessert was Baba au Ruhm. Whipped cream and raspberries, a rum sugar sauce. And a cup of hot tea.
It was a happy birthday dinner and we were glad to eat at La Cucina Flegrea again. Everything was delicious.
The La Cucina FLegrea entrance is the Pumpkin colored awning
Elegant and Delicious: Spoon
A classy restaurant we’ve driven by on a daily basis but never stopped to dine.
Celebrating 19 years- our unanniversary- a solid friendship and steadfast companionship, not sure where all that time has gone but there we were in East Liberty and we headed to SPOON.
What we ate- the service was excellent and even though we weren’t ordering up the Foie Gras or the Tasting Menu or a Magnum of Champagne, they treated us hospitably and did not make us feel out of place as we were “walk-ins” and didn’t have reservations which would be a good idea for future visits.
Breadbasket: warm cream cheese chive biscuits/baguette and warm muffins
garden vegetable baby mix green salad: Golden Harvest Farm baby mix greens, fresh garden vegetables, champagne vinaigrette
Spoon burger: 8 oz. Kobe beef, aged white cheddar cheese, parmesan + herb fries, challah bun
Too full for the desserts but they sounded wonderful.
300-500 Pounds of Potatoes on a Weekend Day – Station Street Hot Dogs and Union Pig and Chicken
Another post for indulge perhaps-
Saturday Steve and I ventured to the “new” hot dog shop just a mile from the house. It had been empty and abandoned for the longest time. The shop was built in the 60′s and the tile inside is almost Harvest Gold, Avocado Green and Burnt Orange. Saturday it was sparkling clean. Chef Kevin Sousa has opened not one, not two, but THREE new places to eat in the neighborhood! A trifecta, all winners for sure.
You can read about them in the review right here
Station Street offers French Fries fried in DUCK FAT. Wash it all down with a Mexican Coca-Cola (with cane sugar). We had the New York Dog with sauerkraut and grainy mustard and shared an order of fries.The hot dog had a good flavor and a nice bite to the casing. The music playing was the Temptations and you felt like you were in another decade but with new and fresh food.
See the countertop with the talking hot dogs. Even the rest rooms have a hot dog on the door who look like they can walk and talk.
I drove by Union Pig and Chicken the other night on the way home and took a shot from the car but have to try the food. They just opened up for business. The menu looks inviting so watch for a post in the near future highlighting the fare. And number three is Salt of the Earth which has an incredible menu on their link.
Count the baskets of French Fries ready to fry!
You can read a review here
Fountains at the Carnegie and a Sad Sign at Kiva Han Coffee Shop
I love to go to the Museum at night. It was just getting dark when I arrived and you can see the progression by the fountain photos I shot with the iPhone.
The Carnegie Museum of Art has free admission on Thursday nights for February and March. When I entered,the gift shop was still open so I bought a book for school. I had received an email that photographer Dawoud Bey would lecture (free) and show his work Thursday night. I am so glad I went to hear him and look forward to seeing his show- I was sorry I didn’t get to meet him but he was mobbed by people getting him to sign his book. I would have told him how I’ve photographed my students but can’t show them outside the school. His portraits were excellent!
Silver Eye Center for Photography has an exhibition -
Class Pictures: Photographs by Dawoud Bey until March 10th.
The Fountains When I Arrived
The Fountains When I Left
After fifteen years.....
Kiva Han is closed now. Forever. Here is the article telling what happened 
A franchise is coming in, The Bagel Factory. Bummer.
In the Crosswalk at Night- Black and White
Night photography is a satisfying challenge to me.
Like a Piece of Jigsaw Puzzle on Wet Pavement
Puddle reflection
… and Flat Ruthie is in Homer Alaska today so check out the snowy scenery here
Shadyside in the Snow
We lived in this neighborhood for two years in a little rental behind what was the Balcony Restaurant and Jazz Club. You could hear the dumpster trucks come in the early morning and the beer bottles clash in the alley. Today on the way home from school I stopped by the Food Museum where the fruit in the window is like a Flemish painting in the Metropolitan. Better known as the Shadyside Market. An elegant place. They were really nice to me although they knew I was checking the price tags before I made my selections. I knew I could buy bacon, eggs, and bread and not break the bank. The plan was to use a box of spaghetti in the pantry, the parmesan in the fridge and make spaghetti carbonara accompanied by a spinach salad with oranges and red onion. (had Spinach Salad on my mind, thanks to Chicago John from Bartolini’s Kitchen blog)
With the snow falling I knew that our big markets would be swamped as everyone rushes there to get the last roll of toilet paper or empty the shelves to stock their larder when they hear of an impending snowstorm. So no food photos of the great meal I was inspired to cook in the winter weather, But the neighborhood of Shadyside. Sometimes I cringe when I realize I would let 7 year old Laura walk around the block ALONE to Rite-Aid to buy the paper. What was I thinking? Prantl’s Bakery makes the Burnt Almond Torte everyone loves. Well, most people.
Famous for their Burnt Almond Torte. Pamela's is nice for breakfast, too.
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