Skate Season ‘09 in NYC

Spring is finally here! That means skate season is on throughout the five boroughs. After a two year hiatus, I decided to dust off all my old boards and kick around town again.

Tony Sasso (l.) and Vinny Pavadise from Nassau County take full advantage of the warm weather by skateboarding around the World’s Fair globe, a popular NYC skating destination.

The good skate community coordinators got together with the Parks Dept. and sponsored the season’s first big skate event, King Of Spring contest in East Harlem. If you looked closely you could spot legendary Gonz, godfather of street skateboarding lurking about in the shadows. Like the elusive Loch Ness, he disappeared before I could get a photo. Here are a couple from the event.

Yaje Popson?  Whoever he is, this kid rips like any of the heavyweights who were out at the King of Spring 2009 contest.

The jury of our peers at an executive board meeting. Serious business happening as always. It was great to see so many kids come out and show their support and interest in the NYC skate community.

Speaking of heavyweights, Jimmy Mcdonald of 5 Boro graced us with his hard-hitting aggro-style at the contest too.

Another one of my favorites from the Nassau skaters at the Globe.

On other unrelated news, I started a twitter. Follow me on joyphoto but it’s mostly just random rubbish for smiles and shock value.

Down with Atkins Diet

Nothing, I mean nothing tops the almond creme and chocolates croissants from my latest obsession, Spaha Cafe in East Harlem.

The owner Tika is very inviting but not as much as the glass cases of pastries. I tripped over myself to get my face closer to eating everything inside.

Tika teasing with European style delights at Spaha Cafe on 1872 Lexington Ave. and 116th St. Bring your sweet tooth.

Snowscrapers in East River Park

16 professional snowboarders from around the world ride down a nine-story tall ramp in East River Park for cash prizes worth $100,000.  Top athletes like Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, Pat Moore and Travis Rice brave the below freezing tempertures and towering heights for both the fans and the extreme sport. Red Bull energy drink sponsored Snowscraper NYC and selected the invite only contestants.(Feb. 5, 2009)

Daniel Ek #9 gets a flying start down the nine-story tall ramp. 

Boarders grab big air with the Williamsburg Bridge in the backdrop.

A view of the ramp from the ground.

Pat Moore does the interview rounds but takes a moment to size up the ramp.

Shayne Pospisil of Manasquan, N.J. takes a practice run on the hard packed, slippery snow. All that practice must have helped because Pospisil won the first place title and $50,000.

$45,000,000 Penthouse View

For a measly $45 million you too could own this exclusive view of Manhattan at 1 Madison Park that rises to the heights of the famous Metropolitan Life Tower on the corner of Madison Avenue and 23rd St. 

The penthouse is still in construction and I had the opportunity to shoot from the location before the windows and any walls went up.  The next person to photograph from this location will be the property owner.

 

Southern view from penthouse. Can you spot Union Square?

A daytime look up Madison Avenue with Metropolitan Life Tower (r.) and Empire State Building in view…

… at dusk…

…and at twilight.

This exclusive vantage point is worth every penny. All $45,000,000  of it.

In true Super Bowl style, the Empire State was lit in Pittsburg Steelers colors after the sunset.

The Amazing Barack Obama

It is a surreal experience to know that real history is being made in my lifetime. To have a leader who inspires tears of hope in so many (myself included) in a period of near national despair must be a sign that the glory days of this great nation will continue again.

Honor our military brothers and sisters. Remember those who have worked and struggled before us.

For more of my audio slideshows click on the “New York Daily News Portfolio” page on the right-hand column.

A Graceful John McCain

I believe there was an overwhelming honesty in Senator McCain’s voice as he delivered this speech, as he gracefully exited the presidential race. Despite the awkward boos and vibe from the crowd, the senator pushed through his words and conceded the seat to Barack Obama.

For more of my audio slideshows click on the “New York Daily News Portfolio” page on the right-hand column.

NYC Marathon

Women’s marathon winner Paula Radcliff of Britain at the final 150 ft. of the race.

Men’s marathon winner Brazilian Marilson Gomes dos Santos grabbing the lead from Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco in the last mile of the race.

A runner celebrates his accomplishment at the finish line.

Queens born Kara Goucher grabs third place in her first marathon and the record for the fastest debut time for an American woman. Goucher blows a kiss to the crowds in Central Park.

McCain’s Gloves Come Off

Click below for the audio slide show.

For more of my audio slideshows click on the “New York Daily News Portfolio” page on the right-hand column.

Celebrating Columbus Day

Click below for the audio slide show.

For more of my audio slideshows click on the “New York Daily News Portfolio” page on the right-hand column.

Blood Manor NYC

Click below for the audio slide show.

6 brave souls test their bravery at Blood Manor NYC, a haunted house attraction on 27th St. btw. Tenth & Eleventh Aves. that started in 2005. Working actors who love to spook and thrill make this Halloween show believable with liters of fake blood, Hollywood quality make-up and costumes.

Horrific surprises at every corner can make the toughest New Yorker scream.

Actors help each other apply fake blood for their roles.

The Blood Manor make-up and wardrobe room.

This actor blow dries his fake skin for make-up.

Happy Halloween! >’_'<

For more of my audio slideshows click on the “New York Daily News Portfolio” page on the right-hand column.