APRIL FOOL 2014

April Fool!

This is the 40th year of my annual incarnation of the spirit of this season.

Joan Mulholland, Freedom Rider, with Operation Understanding DC Class 20

Civil rights activist, Freedom Rider Joan Mulholland recently spoke with the participants of Operation Understanding DC.

Joan was arrested for her activities to end racial discrimination in Mississippi during the civil rights era, and served time along with other Freedom Riders at the notorious prison, Parchman Farm. A moving film about her life, An Ordinary Hero has been produced. She has retired from teaching in Arlington, Virginia, and continues to be involved in community work.

A quote from the film: "I saw something was wrong and I decided to do something about it."

Straight up. Thank you Joan.

A minor note: I taught photography to a couple of Joan's sons when they were in my high school class at the HB Woodlawn Program.

Alan Bern | with Joel Rubin and the University of Virginia Klezmer Ensemble

Alan Bern, noted klezmer musician with Brave Old World and The Other Europeans, recently was in residence and in concert at the University of Virginia, with their Klezmer Ensemble.

Thanks to Joel Rubin of UVA for his vision, and his help.

Folger Library at night/ US Capitol

This photograph was made on assignment for the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC. They have lit the building in a festive way in preparation for the 450th birthday celebration of the Bard.

The US Capitol Dome in the background.

Thanks to Garland Scott of the Folger.

This land is your land, this land is my land...

I made this photograph of two homeless folks sleeping outside near the US Capitol this morning, on my way to cover events in Congress.

Perspective.

Herman Taube z'l, Yiddish poet

I had the privilege of photographing the wonderful Yiddish poet, Herman Taube some years ago. Born in Lodz, Poland in 1918, he passed away yesterday. He was a survivor of the Holocaust, and a military veteran of the conflict. He was a totally charming living repository of Yiddish language and culture.

May his good name be remembered for a blessing.

A poem can be found here, and a biography here. His many books are available on Amazon.

"I live on a reserve of burdensome memories amassed in dark times. They are the power that excites, provokes, and stimulates my actions."—Herman Taube

Daffodils in the snow

From my garden, about ten minutes ago. Welcome to spring.

AIMBE portraits of leading research engineers 2014

These images are made of research engineers at the AIMBE - American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering's - annual conference.

All the photographs were made in-camera, with minimal post-production work.

First day of spring after a long winter... daffodil blossoms in my garden

It's been a long cold winter. With a bit of snow still left on the ground...

These daffodils in my garden are ready to bloom. Ripe, ready to bust forth.

It's the first day of spring.

Sunshine happy glow

Purim, round two - Ohev Sholom's Purim parade

These photographs of Ohev Sholom's Purim parade on Washington's DC streets were made on assignment for Washington Jewish Week.