Shine Silently

George Mason vs Delaware Pictures

2012-01-18T22:19:00.011-05:00

Took my family to the Patriot Center again tonight to see George Mason take on Delaware as my boss gave me his tickets. Again, we had a fantastic time and Benjamin is starting to really get into following basketball. A brief recap and some pictures below. For a slideshow, just click on a picture. Enjoy!

George Mason vs Delaware
Ryan Pearson scored 24 points and Mike Morrison scored 17 as George Mason hammered Delaware 89-63.

Pearson was solid for the Patriots (14-5, 6-1 CAA). He had 10 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocked shots. The Patriots Byron Allen also contributed to the party with 12 points.

Delaware got off to a slow start, scrapped back but faced a 15 point deficit at the half. Delaware cut the lead to nine early in the second half but George Mason went on a 15-3 run, never panicked and took care of business for the victory.

Devon Sadler led the Blue Hens (7-10, 3-4) with 21 points and Josh Brinkley scored 14 before he fouled out.

For the best George Mason coverage go to GMU Hoops

George Mason's Byron Allen

Ryan Pearson was a beast tonight

Sherrod Wright on defense for the Patriots

GMU's Mike Morrison on defense

Patriot defense led by Byron Allen

George Mason was on a roll tonight

Freshman Guard Corey Edwards

Frustrating night for the Blue Hens

GMU for two!

GMU's Mike Morrison

Sherrod Wright

Ryan Pearson photo sequence

Mike Morrison

George Mason vs Georgia State Pictures

2012-01-07T23:49:00.024-05:00

Georgia State came into Patriot Center with an eleven game winning streak. George Mason entered the game having won four straight. Something had to give. George Mason came through in the clutch with a 61-58 victory.

We got a family group together and bought tickets at the door. While I was a little farther away from my usual courtside spot at Comcast Center at the University of Maryland, I thought these shots came out ok from the upper part of Section 110 of the Patriot Center.

A couple things great about George Mason basketball: a. They have an impressive home record over the past couple years and b. I can take Benjamin (age six) and the two of us can get in for less than the cost of a matinee movie. All of us in our group had a great time tonight and will be back. Enjoy the shots and for a photo album, just click on one of the pictures.

For more about George Mason Basketball go to GMU Hoops

Opening tip off

Georgia State's James Fields scores over the George Mason defense

George Mason's Ryan Pearson guarded heavily by Josh Micheaux

George Mason's Mike Morrison surrounded by the Georgia State defense

George Mason's Sherrod Wright gets off his shot

George Mason's Sherrod Wright defends Jihad Ali of Georgia State

Tony Kimbro scores two for Georgia State

Eric Buckner scores on the George Mason defense

Georgia State's Jihad Ali scores

James Vincent scores for Georgia State

George Mason's Vaughn Gray looks to score

George Mason's guard Byron Allen runs the offense

George Mason's Erik Copes blocks a shot by James Fields

George Mason's Andre Cornelius for three

Andre Cornelius and the swarming Georgia State defense

Erik Copes blocks another shot

Devonta White looks to blow past the George Mason defense

Josh Micheaux looks to get past the George Mason defense

George Mason's Andre Cornelius vs Jihad Ali

Andre Cornelius leads the George Mason attack

Byron Allen looks for an open teammate

Sherrod Wright scores over Devonta White

George Mason's Ryan Pearson battles for a basket

Mike Morrison gets the basket for George Mason

Morrison with the jam for the Patriots!

George Mason Guard Vertrail Vaughns scoring sequence

Andre Cornelius leads the George Mason offense

Clutch George Mason basket late in the game by Vertrail Vaughns

Ryan Pearson goes to the basket for the Patriots

Ryan Pearson looking for a basket

Georgia State Head Coach Ron Hunter doesn't agree with a call

Late in the game Georgia State fouls Ryan Pearson

Pearson sinks a clutch free throw

George Mason's Andre Cornelius senses victory

Time out by George Mason Head Coach Paul Hewitt to discuss end of game strategy

George Mason wins!!!

Street Cars Revisited

2012-01-05T21:07:00.003-05:00

Back in 2007 I wrote about street cars in the DC area.

Thanks to You Tube videos, one can re-live the glory days of street cars in Washington, DC. This was posted on a Facebook group called Bethesda Chevy Chase Back In The Day

Leaving the East Captitol Street Car Barn. Going West around Lincoln Park and Up East Capitol Street

This short 16 mm film was discovered by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 recently and converted. It appears to be shot in the early to mid 1950s.

Been Absent

2011-11-27T20:22:00.003-05:00

My work with the University of Maryland Football team at Section 19 kept me pretty busy this Fall. Now that the season is over I can go back to posting regular happenings here with our family in time for Christmas.

I think I will be shooting some Maryland Basketball games but that's to be determined down the road.

Stay tuned...

Happy Halloween from Benjamin!

2011-10-31T21:25:00.007-04:00

A look at Benjamin's Halloween through the years.

2011: Wolverine

2010: Iron Man. Photo taken at his day care's parade

2009: Spider-Man

2008: Soccer player

2007: Elmo

2006: Bumblebee

Benjamin's Class Pictures

2011-10-11T22:28:00.002-04:00

Here are Benjamin's class pictures over the years. He sure is growing up!

Fall 2006

Spring 2007

Fall 2007

Fall 2008

Fall 2010

Fall 2011

Kindergarten Revisited

2011-09-25T12:01:00.003-04:00

I love to compare pictures of Benjamin to when I was a kid and here is another version. Our kindergarten classes. You can get a larger version just by clicking on the picture.

Benjamin's Kindergarten class. He's in the first row, right.

Daddy's Kindergarten class. I am in the top row, second on the right.

Maryland Football

2011-09-22T20:48:00.006-04:00

Five years ago I started recapping University of Maryland Football games here on this blog. I did this for three seasons until I received a Nikon D40 digital camera for Christmas in 2008. I created a blog called Section 19 where I would tell the story of the games in pictures from my seats at Byrd Stadium.

As I was doing this, I thought that one day it would be great to be on the sidelines shooting the game. Last Fall I was on the sidelines at a couple of Centreville High School football games and this Spring I took pictures for a few South Lakes High School Soccer games. Valuable experience which paid off.

This season I am on the sidelines at Byrd Stadium taking pictures for Inside MD Sports.

I'm really enjoying myself and I am learning a lot. A couple photographers have been very helpful to me so far during the two home games I've shot. I am gaining more confidence each game. For the record, during the 2010 season, I've upgraded to a Nikon D90.

You can find my archive of photos at Section 19

Just wanted to throw in a photo comparison here. The first image is from Getty Images which I saw on a lot of web sites following the game and the second image is the one I shot for Inside Maryland Sports. I'm gaining more confidence every game. This is a dream come true for me!

Parish and School Picnic

2011-09-11T10:10:00.007-04:00

Beautiful Saturday after a week of steady rain (see prior post) so I took Benjamin to the Parish and School picnic. It was a great chance for him to meet up with his classmates at his new school and for me to meet other parents.

Benjamin and his classmate Dennis

Benjamin waits for his turn on a ride

Benjamin enjoying the inflatable slide

Benjamin and Dennis enjoying themselves

The fellas

Benjamin and Dennis after romping in the moon bounce

Ahhh, nothing beats a sno-cone in warm weather

Prize winner

Benjamin and his cousin Jacob

A Rainy Ride Home

2011-09-08T21:55:00.005-04:00

A ton of rain made the Thursday evening commute a mess.

Not as bad as the commute I had back in January

More from the Reston Patch

Took me nearly three hours to go from McLean to Route 7 West where everyone was re-routed due to floods, to the Dulles Toll Road, to Herndon to pick up Benjamin and then home. I know others had it worse than I did so no complaining here. When I got to the house with Benjamin, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Here are some phone camera shots.

Route 7 5:15

Route 7 re-route at 5:30

Dulles Toll Road at 6:00

Brave biker at 6:15

Herndon 6:45

Benjamin's First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-29T11:29:00.006-04:00

Today was Benjamin's first day of Kindergarten at his new school. He was anxious and excited, telling me to hurry up and get going. When we arrived, he told me he was a little scared and nervous. Once he saw his classmates, he warmed up and started talking. Business as usual.

Classic first day of school front door photos

At the school parking lot with Mommy

At his meeting spot. A little anxious here...

Meeting his favorite Priest, Father Jim

Ready to go!

Holy Water blessing. Benjamin made us proud by doing the sign of the cross.

To the classroom!

More Toronto Trip Pictures

2011-08-13T11:00:00.016-04:00

Canada's Wonderland

Centre Island trip

Park visits

Niagara Falls

First visit to Niagara Falls, November 1964. Holding me is my God Father Bob while Dad is on the left.

47 years later I'm holding Benjamin with the Falls behind us.

My Annual Trip To Redskins Training Camp

2011-08-10T21:01:00.024-04:00

Washington Redskins Training Camp: Ashburn, VA
I live about five miles from Redskins Park so I always make an annual trip to training camp. Here is a photo essay from today's trip. I had an early appointment nearby and got there right as they started so I missed getting the choice midfield spot. The defense worked on the farther field so unfortunately I didn't get to see the drills from them but I got a lot of offense shots.

It's a fun outing to see how an NFL team practices. It's kid friendly and best of all, free!

Hope you enjoy the photo essay. To enlarge the photo, just click it.

Guard Corey O'Daniel gets his stretching in before practice

Linebacker Obi Ezeh

Offensive Linemen before practice

Tackle Clint Oldenburg

Quarterback Rex Grossman leads a drill

An assistant coach holds up the play that's to be run

Redskins kicking team doing what kickers do when not kicking

Offensive Line drill

Offensive Line practice a drill

Wide Receiver Brandon Banks going one on one

Quarterback John Beck works on a passing drill

Beck and the offensive line working on a passing drill

Wide Receivers taking in the instruction from assistant coach Keenan McCardell

Redskins Wide Receivers

Assistant Coach Keenan McCardell works on a contact drill with the receivers

Anthony Armstrong pulls in a reception

Brandon Banks

Donte Stallworth

Brandon Banks works with Keenan McCardell on a receiving drill

Wide Receiver Santana Moss

Donte Stallworth sequence

Quarterback Ben Chappell gets in some work

Brandon Banks working hard

Quarterbacks and receivers working on patterns and timing

Santana Moss with the grab

QB's Rex Grossman and John Beck. Who gets the starting job?

Running Backs Tim Hightower, Darrel Young and Ryan Torain

Running backs working with the QB's

QB John Beck

QB Rex Grossman airs it out.

QB Kellen Clemens and RB Tim Hightower

QB Rex Grossman

QB John Beck and RB Evan Royster

Hockey Hall of Fame Photo Essay

2011-08-05T11:45:00.052-04:00

Here is my photo essay of my visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. For a larger version, just click on the picture. Enjoy!

Goalie masks

Goalie mask that the Capitals Ron Low wore during the 1976-77 season.

Enterance to the Hall of Fame

Record breaking sticks

Bonton Bruins: 2011 Stanley Cup Champions

The Norris Trophy for the NHL's best defenseman

Hall of Fame Class of 2010

Former Caps radio announcer Ron Weber is in the Hockey Hall of Fame

Retired rings of the Stanley Cup

Stanley Cup rings

Anaheim Ducks 2007 Stanley Cup ring

Detroit Red Wings 2008 Stanley Cup ring

Montreal Canadiens locker room

Maple Leafs jersey

The net used when Wayne Gretzky scored his 802nd goal, breaking Gordie Howe's goal scoring record

World Hockey Association championship trophy

Capitals display

Sidney Crosby. Caps fans can print this out and put it on their dart board. When I first saw this I thought someone used a Sharpie pen under his nose.

2001 Game 7 Avalanche vs Devils

Me in the Montreal Canadiens locker room

NHL vs USSR

Sidney Crosby's equipment in which he scored the game winning goal in OT as Canada won the 2010 Olympic Gold medal over the USA

Wheaties box honoring the 1980 USA Hockey team

Hockey cards!

Tim Horton

Hockey cards from the World Hockey Association

Hockey keg cans from Molson Brewery

Dave Schultz "200" Club. If a member of Flyers aka the Broad Street Bullies, hit 200 penalty minutes, he was immortalized here.

50 goals in 50 games club: Maurice "Rocket" Richard & Mike Bossy.

Skates

Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy

Prince of Wales Trophy. The Capitals have won this once in 1998.

Here I am with the Stanley Cup. The Capitals seem to be allergic to this...

The Original Stanley Cup Bowl

Chicago Blackhawks Goalie Cristobal Huet's Winter Classic mask.

Table Top Hockey Games

Various table top hockey games over the years. There was an interactive EA Sports game area. While those are great games with cool graphics, I'll always love and play the older games when I can.

NHL Jerseys

Capitals Winter Classic and Flames Heritage Classic jerseys

Pittsburgh Penguins

Montreal Canadiens

New York Islanders, 1980

Kansas City Scouts

Anaheim Mighty Ducks alternate jersey

Edmonton Oilers alternate jersey from 2001-02

More old jerseys

1960 USA Olympic team jersey

1980 USA Olympic team jersey

Bernie Parent, Goalie, Philadelphia Flyers

Toronto Maple Leafs Hall of Fame Classic jersey

Wayne Gretzky jerseys from Team Canada, Los Angeles Kings, 1983 NHL All Star Game and Edmonton Oilers

Great Players

Steve Yzerman

Denis Potvin

Mark Messier

Wayne Gretzky: The Great One

Tim Horton

Mike Gartner

Johnny Bower

Gordie Howe: Mr. Hockey

Bobby Orr

Toronto's CN Tower

2011-08-02T22:19:00.016-04:00

Our family got together after a birthday party and decided to go to the CN Tower late Monday afternoon. Here is the photo essay. Benjamin and other kids loved standing on the glass floor there but when I stood on it, my legs turned to rubber bands. All seventeen of us had a lot of fun and Benjamin really had a blast with his cousins.

I used my zoom lens from the top of the tower and was surprised that the quality of the pictures came out pretty good despite shooting through thick glass. As you can see, it was very sunny out at 7:00 PM. I was pleased with the way these came out and these give you a nice view of the city.

Getting ready to enter the subway.

Upon arrival, we see this sign. Hmmm, tempting...

Here is a promotional picture for Edgewalk, which opened August 1st.

Ground view of the CN Tower

Inside the CN Tower before we got on the elevator

Rogers Center aka Skydome, with the roof closed

Various city views

Benjamin on the glass floor

My fifteen seconds on the glass floor produced this picture

Rogers Center from the glass floor

Outside on the Observation Deck

Bryce and Karina enjoy CN Tower

Cool kids

More city views

Blue Jays-Rangers & Roberto Alomar Day

2011-08-02T14:19:00.031-04:00

Been almost a month between posts so here we are in Toronto. I got to see the Toronto Blue Jays take on the defending American League Champion Texas Rangers. I had wanted to bring Benjamin but it was too hot and he opted to play with his cousin. I was seated four rows behind the Blue Jays dugout. Before the game, Roberto Alomar was honored by the Blue Jays. He starred at second base for five seasons for them and was enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame recently. His number 12 was retired by the team as you'll see below.

The Blue Jays won this game 7-3 as Edwin Encarnacion hit a two run homer and Blue Jays pitcher Brandon Morrow struck out eleven Rangers. Enjoy the photo essay, click on the picture for a larger version.

Subway stop. It was a quick twenty minute ride from here.

Air Canada Centre where the Maple Leafs play.

CN Tower

Rogers Centre aka Skydome

Shots of downtown Toronto before the game.

Inside the park, honoring Roberto Alomar

Alomar makes his way to the podium

Former Blue Jays Manager Cito Gaston addresses the crowd

Alomar's #12 is officially retired

Roberto Alomar addresses the crowd

Alomar with his parents.

Blue Jays Jose Bautista before the game

Game shots:

Rangers Pitcher CJ Wilson delivers the pitch...

Edwin Encarnacion connects for a 2 run homer.

Celebration after the homer.

He's......

Safe!

CN Tower from Section 126, 4th row.

Canadian Mounties and I discussing the ball game under cover.

Benjamin's 4th of July Weekend

2011-07-05T09:21:00.005-04:00

Hanging out with Grandpa at Aunt Kim's

Checking out the stock portfolio at lunch

Dancing at a wedding

Reunited with his friend Madelyn at Uncle Marc and Aunt Julie's house.

Playing Where's Waldo

Checking out the games on the I-Pad

Solution!

Benjamin and Leah with Miagi

More play time

Benjamin and Leah checking out the I-Pad

Benjamin and Miagi

We just relaxed on the 4th of July and managed to get some father and son wiffle ball in over at the park.

Saturday Night with D.C. United

2011-06-29T11:35:00.005-04:00

I took Benjamin to see D.C. United play the Houston Dynamo this past Saturday evening. The game time was at 6:00 PM, which is perfect for us as we can watch the game and get home at a decent hour. Memo to D.C. United, schedule a couple more of these 6:00 PM games please!

Readers of this blog know I love taking sports pictures but I left my camera at home this time as I really wanted to explain parts of the game to Benjamin as we were watching it. Benjamin already knows a lot about soccer having played the past three years. He would comment on a plays as the game progressed but one comment stuck with me after the ball bounced off the goal post. He said "Daddy, that's the goalie's best friend" so I told him he was correct and asked him where he learned that and he said "I heard you say it when you were watching the Caps and the puck hit the goal post"

He's got an amazing memory. We enjoyed the game very much and I captured this image with the camera on my phone.

Orioles at Nationals: The Battle of the Beltway

2011-06-19T22:14:00.024-04:00

Saturday afternoon, June 18th 2011. Nationals Park, Washington DC

I had a third base box seat to this game and thanks to a friend, managed to get on the field as batting practice was winding down. We met Nats Manager Jim Riggleman, who gave each of us an autographed baseball.

The Nationals won their 8th game in a row 4-2 over the Orioles in what is called The Battle of the Beltway.

Enjoy the photo essay. Click on the picture once for a larger view.

Centerfield view of batting practice

Orioles Pitcher Jeremy Guthrie gets his throwing in

Johnny Holliday with 3B's Mark Reynolds and Ryan Zimmerman

O's 3B Mark Reynolds chats with Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman

Me and Nats Manager Jim Riggleman before the game

Kids greet the Nats players at their position before the game

Nats Pitcher Jordan Zimmermann warms up

Nick Markakis takes a cut

Ryan Zimmerman fields a grounder

Adam Jones circles the bases after his homer in the first inning

Orioles Pitcher Brian Matusz

Jayson Werth: 6 years, $ 126 million and one cool beard

Jayson Werth at bat

Ryan Zimmerman connects for a homer

Derrek Lee is...

Out!

Ivan Rodriguez discusses strategy with Jordan Zimmermann

Nats Catcher Ivan Rodriguez connects

Sequence of Nats Pitcher Jordan Zimmermann

Ryan Zimmerman anticipates a play at third base

Bucky Harris & Walter Johnson: Washington Senators in the Baseball Hall of Fame

Roger Bernadina squares to bunt

Bernadina opts to hit instead

Nats grounds crew. I've always wanted to do this!

Orioles Catcher Matt Wieters

Derrek Lee slides safely into second base

President's Race

Teddy fails to win...again

Orioles Pitcher Brian Matusz

Ryan Zimmerman in the field

Nick Markakis connects

Jayson Werth at bat

Nats Pitcher Jordan Zimmermann makes the put out at first

Nats celebrate after Michael Morse's homer

O's Manager Buck Showalter makes a pitching change

O's Pitcher Brian Matusz leaves the game after hurting his left hamstring

Orioles Reliever Clay Rapada

Nats Danny Espinosa gets caught in a run down

Out!

Nats Catcher Ivan Rodriguez connects

Nats Manager Jim Riggleman appreciates his pitcher's effort

Nats Reliever Henry Rodriguez

Nick Markakis pops up

O's Reliever Brad Bergesen

Ryan Zimmerman at bat

Rodriguez and Rodriguez discuss pitching to the O's next batter

Nats First Baseman Michael Morse at bat

Danny Espinosa at the plate

Nats closer Drew Storen enters with a 4-2 lead

O's Shortstop Robert Andino batting in the 9th inning

Drew Storen gets the last out

Nationals win 4-2!

The autographed baseball I got from Nats Manager Jim Riggleman. Benjamin was thrilled and we have display case for it.

U.S. Open: Practice Round Photo Essay

2011-06-15T22:18:00.024-04:00

Today I went to Congressional Country Club, site of the 111th U.S. Open golf tournament. On this beautiful 80 degree day I took the shuttle from Dulles Airport and arrived around 9:00 AM. There were no pairings sheets being handed out so I found the board where the players were listed and who they were playing with. I snapped a photo of it for future reference and set out to follow my first group of Adam Scott, Padraig Harrington and Nick Watney. After I picked them up on #16 and followed them in, I hung out at #18 for awhile before walking the course and taking a variety of pictures of players and sites from the course that interested me.

Comment heard often throughout the day: "I can't believe how lost I am without my cell phone".

Got a lot of autographs for Benjamin as well as a couple souvenirs from the day.

I left around 3:30 PM and made it back to Dulles in an hour. Very efficient.

Enjoy the photo essay and if you want a larger image, double click the picture you want to see.

My pick this week? Phil Mickelson. He's a five time U.S. Open runner up and he's due.

Adam Scott and his caddy Steve Williams.

Adam Scott

Padraig Harrington: Three time major champion.

Adam Scott tees off #17.

Adam Scott and caddy Steve Williams talk strategy.

Padraig Harrington works on his sand game.

Adam Scott and Steve Williams share a laugh.

Nick Watney tees off on #18.

18th green and Congressional's clubhouse.

Adam Scott and Nick Watney test the greens on #18.

Sergio Garcia on #18.

Gregory Havret practices on #10.

Hole #11

Hole #11

Hole #11

Congressional CC Clubhouse.

NBC 4's Chris Gordon interviews a marshal on #9.

Hole #9

Johan Edfors hits approach shot to #9 green.

Lee Westwood on the practice range.

Hunter Mahan on the practice range.

Michael Tobiason Jr.

Autographs

Lee Westwood signs for the fans.

Bubba Watson during an interview.

Dustin Johnson signs during an interview.

Ryo Ishikawa

Hunter Mahan

Sam Saunders. Arnold Palmer's Grandson

First tee bleacher shots.

Sam Saunders

Fred Funk greets Chad Campbell

Ian Poulter on the practice green

Hole #13. Used to be hole #12 for the Kemper Open (1980-86) My Dad and I were part of the marshaling team at Chevy Chase Club and this was our hole we were assigned to.

2010 British Open champ Louis Oosthuizen at #13.

Three time major champ Ernie Els on #13. Els won the 1997 U.S. Open at Congressional.

2011 Masters champ Charl Schwartzel on #13.

Charl Schwartzel tees off on #14.

Louis Oosthuizen tees off on #14.

Ernie Els tees off on #14.

Ryo Ishikawa plays his shot from the bunker on #13.

2009 PGA champ Y.E. Yang and Ryo Ishikawa practice on #13 green.

More practice on #13 green.

Focus!

Jonathan Byrd hits from the sand on #13.

2007 Masters champ Zach Johnson plays his sand shot from #13.

Benjamin's Spring Soccer

2011-06-11T23:42:00.003-04:00

This was taken last Saturday June 4th. Benjamin was playing defense here.

His final Saturday session of the Spring here. These two took place right in front of me and I was happy with the results.

Benjamin enjoyed his soccer session this Spring with the Five and Under group. He missed the league's age cut off by a couple months but in this session, he improved his skills and play. In the Fall, he will move up to the Six and Under group.

D.C. United

2011-05-31T13:48:00.018-04:00

I took Benjamin and my nephew Ariel to see D.C. United play one of the world's most successful teams Ajax on Sunday May 22nd. It was a friendly match and both Benjamin and Ariel participate in soccer so I decided they would enjoy an afternoon at RFK Stadium. We left in the 80th minute with the score 1-1. Ajax ended up winning 2-1. We had a great afternoon.

Pregame tailgate action

Benjamin hanging out with Talon at the tailgate

D.C. United before the game

Game on!

Ajax first goal

D.C. United attacking

More pressure from D.C. United

Santino Quaranta looking for a teammate

Chris Pontius leading the attack

More game action

Benjamin enjoying halftime with a snack

Benjamin and Ariel enjoying halftime

Second half

D.C. United's Andy Najar on the attack

D.C. United's goal by Blake Brettschneider!

Brettschneider's first professional goal

Match all even at one!

United celebrates!

Benjamin following the action

My Favorite Picture

2011-05-26T09:51:00.004-04:00

This was my favorite vacation picture. It was Benjamin just enjoying himself, getting wet and tossing sand in the air. No prompts by me to pose. I was just sitting in the sand with my camera just taking random shots when I caught this. I love how the colors of his swimming attire came out.

Throughout Benjamin's life he's been exposed to the beach. When Weena was pregnant, we went to Pawleys Island SC where she swam in the ocean and since 2006 we've spent time at either Emerald Isle NC or Pawleys Island and Benjamin just loves the ocean, the breeze and the water. This picture just captures his love for it all.

Vacation

2011-05-22T09:10:00.054-04:00

Some vacation pictures I took when we were at Indian Beach, NC which is very close to Emerald Isle where we have rented a beach house in the past. We arrived Tuesday and headed home Friday as Benjamin has Saturday soccer sessions (see previous post). So here are a couple days worth of shots I took. We were able to spend a lot of time on the beach and we visited the North Carolina Aquarium.

PS: The snakes in the pictures are enclosed in glass. No chance do I get that close!

Soccer

2011-05-22T08:54:00.010-04:00

Soccer Saturday
Despite the rain washing out every Saturday session in April, Benjamin's Saturday (and sometimes Sunday) soccer sessions have gone on strong in May. He's continuing to learn skills, playing in games and learning about sportsmanship. He loves the game a lot to the point where mid week we go to the park to work on skills.

Drumfish at Jammin' Java

2011-05-16T22:11:00.033-04:00

Went to see the band Drumfish at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA this past Saturday evening. I've been a casual fan of Drumfish since I bought their Memoirs CD which was released this past Fall. After this show, I will be purchasing more CD's as they really put in a great show.

For the record, the band is:

Larry France
Alex Petty
James Hanford
Aaron Bertoglio
Margie Lang-Garnhart

I was fortunate enough to be able to take pictures during the show and here is a recap of the evening in pictures. As usual, for a bigger shot just double click the photo you are viewing. Enjoy!

For more information about the band, please check out their website. You can purchase CD's and find out when their next concert is.

Outside before the show. Getting ready to set up.

Inside Jammin' Java

The band setting up prior to the show.

Aaron checking the drums.

What'll it be?

The soundboard

Set up continued.

Alex

The setlist

Larry

James, Margie and Alex getting ready.

Holly Montgomery before the show. She performed during the intermission.

The bar was getting busy before the band came on stage.

The stage

Drumfish before taking the stage.

I love how this shot turned out.

A couple enjoy the music.

Holly Montgomery performs during the intermission.

I tried getting close ups of Aaron in front of the stage but went to the side where the band enters and got these.

My favorite shot of the night.

Fans are getting into the music.

Final song of the night

Greivis Vasquez Update

2011-05-10T22:21:00.003-04:00

As posted here several months ago, Benjamin met former Maryland Guard Greivis Vasquez at a sports memorabilia store close to home. Vasquez has had a pretty decent rookie season coming off the bench for the Memphis Grizzlies. He played a key role in last night's classic triple overtime playoff game (see below) in which his Grizzlies ultimately lost.

“It was a good shot,” he told reporters. “You practice that when you’re on the court by yourself. Every time I work out with Biggie — Damon Stoudamire — before we start working out I work on those type of shots. Today it was me, it was mine, and it got us to [double] overtime, but it wasn’t good enough to get the win that we wanted. This is truly gonna motivate me to get better, because you got to take advantage right now, because you never know when you come back.”

He's our official favorite NBA player now and Benjamin thought this was "pretty cool" in his words when I showed this to him tonight. Go Greivis! Go Grizzlies!

New Wizards Uniforms

2011-05-10T14:23:00.007-04:00

Today the Washington Wizards unveiled their new uniform design. I checked around the web and found the following pictures.

I like the home white uniform.

The road one is not that impressive. Maybe if I see them on TV.

The arm and the hoop ball remind me of the old Bullets logo shown below.

I like the Washington Monument "d" in Wizards here:

Overall, they don't have the wow factor of the Caps uniform unveiling of a few years ago but I am glad they got rid of that awful blue, bronze and white color scheme.

Now please do the right thing Ted Leonsis. Please give us back the Bullets nickname.

Gary Williams Retires From Maryland

2011-05-05T20:08:00.009-04:00

Gary Williams is retiring from the University of Maryland. He was their basketball coach for 22 seasons. He led the Terps to two NCAA Final Fours, a national championship in 2002 and an ACC Tournament title in 2004.

He also resurrected a program that was in turmoil after Len Bias's death in 1986.

He was Maryland Basketball, period. He will be missed.

Here are some of my favorite shots of Gary, doing what he does best. Coaching. I was fortunate to attend a Maryland Basketball scrimmage this Fall as well as a game against my alma mater, Elon University. Enjoy and thank you Gary Williams from this Terrapin fan.

A Capital Failure

2011-05-04T21:29:00.004-04:00

The Capitals Stanley Cup run came to an abrupt end tonight as the Tampa Bay Lightning just walked all over the Caps, winning the Eastern Conference semi-final series 4 games to 0.

For those long time Caps fans who are keeping score, this is the second time the Caps and Lightning have met in the playoffs. Tonight's win by the Lightning makes eight straight playoff games they have won over the Capitals since the Caps took a 2 games to 0 lead in the 2003 playoffs.

Several changes need to be addressed this off-season. FWIW, I'll throw in mine and the fifteen or so people who check in here can weigh in.

One is head coach. Bruce Boudreau is a nice guy, worked hard to get to the NHL but this team has not progressed in the four seasons under Boudreau. With no advancement past the second round, it's time for a new voice.

General Manager George McPhee. He's made some good trades and some bad ones during his time here. He did a nice job at the deadline this year acquiring Jason Arnott, Marco Sturm and Dennis Wideman. But he's been here 14 years now and his teams have not won the Stanley Cup. Time for new blood and a new GM. Part of the reason why Tampa Bay was so successful was they brought in former Detroit Red Wing Captain Steve Yzerman, who won three Stanley Cups as a player and another as a member of the front office. He knows what it takes to win.

The Captain Alex Ovechkin. I just don't think he has what it takes to be an on ice, in your face leader. Fantastic, talented and fun to watch player but I think being the team captain has hindered him. Time to take the C off his jersey and hand it over to a long time vet like Mike Knuble or Brooks Laich.

Sure, Caps Owner Ted Leonsis will hang yet another Southeast Division Champions banner like the collection the Caps have amassed in the above picture. Maybe us fans are spoiled, I don't know, but this Fall I hope the Caps just raise the damn thing before opening night without ceremony. No one really cares how many division titles you've won. All that matters is the Stanley Cup.

Something this franchise year after year fails to deliver.

South Lakes Soccer Revisited

2011-04-17T20:45:00.014-04:00

South Lakes played George C. Marshall High School in Falls Church this past Friday. I've enjoyed covering South Lakes this season and submitting photos to Reston Patch, an online newspaper.

For this game I decided to bring Benjamin along as I told my friend Jesus, an assistant coach for South Lakes, that I would bring him to a game just so he can understand the game better.

I was glad I did as in the second half, I decided to take pictures from the end where South Lakes attacked. A few instances, the ball would go out of play and Benjamin enthusiastically would chase after the ball and either throw it back to a player of give it to a ball kid.

One of the other ball kids noticed this and came over to ask if Benjamin wanted to help him out. Benjamin was thrilled and I moved over to where they were stationed. Benjamin learned what needed to be done when balls went out of play and he was so happy to be part of the team and I was proud of the way he did his job.

Turned out it was the Marshall coach's son who introduced himself to Benjamin. After the game he took Benjamin around to meet players, sit in on the post game talk (South Lakes won their their third straight here, 1-0) and he even met some of the Marshall supporters, taking home a cup cake for his efforts.

After he said his goodbyes to everyone involved with the Marshall team, he hung out with Coach Jesus before we had to go.

Just an outstanding evening and it was really cool how one boy and his act of kindness made another boys night. I took time to e-mail the coach at Marshall to let him know how appreciative I was of his son's gesture.

Here are some game pics and Benjamin's evening.

South Lakes scores on this play

1-0 South Lakes!

Benjamin's ball kid debut

Marshall's post game meeting

Benjamin and Coach Jesus after the game

Capitals Playoffs: Will They Finally Put It All Together?

2011-04-12T21:22:00.011-04:00

It's that time of year again. The Stanley Cup Playoffs start for the Capitals tomorrow vs the New York Rangers.

The Capitals have never won the Stanley Cup. I've retold the story hundreds of times. I've have been a fan of this team since day one when my Dad bought season tickets with some of his co-workers and sat through their first season when they were the worst hockey team of all time at 8-67-5. If I were to ever get a tattoo I would put the original Capitals logo and 8-67-5 under it.

I sat through some really bad hockey games at the Capital Centre but it was a lot of fun. The love for the team kept growing as players and coaches came and went and the losses mounted up year after year. When they first had a shot at the playoffs in 1980, they needed to win their final game at home against Atlanta. They ended up tying. I remember the players slumped over on the bench. So close, so far. That crushed me as a high school senior because I wanted it so bad for those guys.

In 1983 they finally made the playoffs. I was in North Carolina at school and I remember tuning into WTOP AM 1500 with my Panasonic Tech 1000 to listen to Ron Weber call the action. In 1985, I went to my first playoff game against the Islanders and Alan Haworth won it in OT for the Caps. That same series I experienced the first of what was many in person playoff disappointments as the Caps lost the deciding game five at home. This was after they had a 2 games to 0 lead.

I won't go through their entire playoff history here (see the videos below) but it has not been pretty along the way. Sure, there have been some awesome moments (Dale Hunter OT series ender in '88 vs the Flyers) and some not so awesome (Ron Hextall scoring a goal...he was the Flyers goalie). They even got to the Stanley Cup Finals once in 1998 and I saw the Stanley Cup awarded on our home ice. However, it was to the Detroit Red Wings as they completed the four game sweep of the Capitals. Just my luck as a Caps fan I guess.

The Caps went through a rebuild after the NHL lockout in 2005. Since they made it back to the playoffs in 2008, it's still been rough sailing following this team in post season. They have played four series, all lasting seven games and have won one of them (2009 vs NY Rangers). I sat in stunned silence in 2009 as the Caps got drilled in game seven of the second round at home to the hated Penguins, who went on to win the Stanley Cup. In fact, in each of the Penguins three Stanley Cup years, they have defeated the Capitals along the way. That hurts.

Nothing hurt more than last year though. The Caps were the President's Trophy winners as the team with the best overall record in the NHL. Heavily favored and number one seeded, the Caps lost game seven at home to the eighth seeded Montreal Canadiens. That is still burning inside me as every Caps fan thought it was their year.

So you can see it's not easy this time of year for us Caps fans but there is no chance I will ever, ever abandon ship. I don't have season tickets and I don't often get out to the arena as much as I'd like to but I've got a ton of emotion invested in this team over the years. I've worn white, I've "Rocked the Red". I've come home with my ears ringing. I've come home with no voice. I've met some really great folks along the way. What would I do, drop them and root for the Anaheim Ducks? Are you kidding me!

So this year the Caps are the top seed in the Eastern Conference and are taking on the eighth seeded Rangers. As usual, there are a lot of questions: Will the Caps learn from their early exit last year or will they continue to be the Greg Norman (Google him if you don't know who I'm talking about) of the NHL? Will this team under Alex Ovechkin finally make a long run in the playoffs? Will this long suffering Caps fan ever see his team hoist the Stanley Cup in June?

Stay tuned...Let's go Caps!!! Believe!

Outstanding "History Will Be Made" Videos. Here are the Capitals two.

Alex Ovechkin's Overtime Goal and Dance Celebration

2011-04-06T09:05:00.001-04:00

The Stanley Cup Playoffs start soon. The Capitals clinched their 4th straight Southeast Division title last night and are currently battling for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with a week to go in the regular season. All this doesn't mean a thing as they found out last Spring when they won the President's Trophy (NHL's best record during the regular season) and were stunned in the first round in seven games by Montreal.

This is a much different team than last year. They struggled at mid-season, made a couple moves at the trade deadline and have been playing great to close out the year. I sure hope the coaches and players learned from last year's playoff debacle.

Enjoy this video from this past Saturday night. I've been a fan of this team since year one and I still get charged up seeing overtime game winning goals. Hopefully I can see this team win the Stanley Cup. Maybe this is the year.

Frank Howard's Nestle Quik Commercial

2011-04-05T21:59:00.006-04:00

Saw this on Dan Steinberg's Sports Bog and needed to post an archive here of my boyhood baseball hero.

A Note To The Spammers

2011-04-01T13:35:00.002-04:00

+ or - fifteen people a day read this site. You will not sell any spy cameras, get folks to refinance a mortgage or sell any insurance here. Just letting you know. Thank you!

Looking Back: The 1986 Masters

2011-03-26T16:26:00.009-04:00

With The Masters coming up in a couple weeks it's hard to believe it has been twenty five years since Jack Nicklaus won the 1986 Masters at age 46. I was in the gym yesterday about to hop on the stationary bike. Before doing so I grabbed the current issue of Golf Digest for my entertainment over the next thirty plus minutes. I'm glad I did as I found a great article about that Masters (see below). Golf Digest sat down as Nicklaus and his son Jackie reminisced about that historic final round. When you click on the link, it will take you away from this page and lead you to the Golf Digest web site. Enjoy the article and as a bonus there are audio highlights to the right of the article which I recommend listening to. Great commentary from the greatest in the game.

The Masters: A Father and Son Moment

My flashback to that day in April 1986: I was sharing a house with a couple friends in Bethesda MD and a buddy and I had nothing much to do that day (Translated: Hungover from Saturday night) so we were tuned into the television coverage. Normally we'd talk about other sports or stuff going in our lives, make a bet or two and channel surf to the Orioles game. As Nicklaus started to make his move up the leaderboard, we shut up and just soaked up the telecast. The best call of the tournament was CBS's Verne Lundquist yelling out "YES SIR!" as Nicklaus's putt dropped in the hole on #17 and he seized the lead. I still get chills hearing this call.

When the tournament was over my buddy and I looked at each other knowing we just saw one of the coolest sports stories ever. To this day I still feel this. Nicklaus shot a 30 on the back nine of Augusta National to win his sixth Masters at 46 years old. Amazing!

Here is a ten minute video of the 1986 Masters

Spring is here on the calendar. The coolest month of sports arrives on Friday. Enjoy!

International Festival

2011-03-26T09:10:00.015-04:00

Benjamin's school had their annual International Festival yesterday. There was a parade with the kids wearing outfits and displaying flags from their countries. Benjamin proudly displayed his Filipino-American roots in the parade. After the parade, they went on stage in the gym and sang various songs. Here is the program:

"This Land Is Your Land"--All countries
Ceremonial Dragon and celebrations of North & South America, Europe, Asia
"It's a Small World"--All countries

It was nicely put together and it was great seeing all the various costumes and flags that the kids wore and displayed.

Here's some parade scenes

Benjamin as he saw Mommy and Daddy for the first time yesterday.

Ceremonial Dragon

Hula Dance

More celebration

Benjamin and his classmates

Dancing

"It's a Small World"

Tired performer

After the show. Best back stage pass ever!

Virginia High School Soccer-South Lakes vs Herndon

2011-03-18T23:49:00.015-04:00

My friend Jesus is an assistant soccer coach at South Lakes High School in Reston VA. Tonight was South Lakes opening game and they played Herndon High School. It was also the first time I brought my Nikon D90 to a soccer game so I enjoyed learning how to shoot soccer players as the game flowed.

Herndon beat South Lakes 3-0 and it was a beautiful night out with a game time temperature at 65 degrees. Next time I go I will bring Benjamin as he starts his Spring soccer session on April 2nd.

Game recap here courtesy of Reston Patch

I like these next four action shots

Coach Jesus enjoys a moment with one of the players before the 2nd half starts.

Harlem Globetrotters at Verizon Center

2011-03-05T20:43:00.011-05:00

My Dad took me to see them at University of Maryland's Cole Field House when I was a kid. I still remember how awesome this was so when I saw the Harlem Globetrotters were making their annual DC area appearance, I sprung for three tickets up close behind the Globetrotter's bench at Verizon Center and took Benjamin and Weena for their first experience seeing the Globetrotters. As you can see, we had a great time.

The Washington Generals were pretty scrappy, taking a two point lead into halftime. They extended it to five early in the secong half and I was wondering if the Globetrotters coach would call a time out. Then I thought that the Globetrotters haven't lost since 1971 and they probably called their last time out in 1993.

The Globetrotters pulled away in the 4th quarter hitting several four point shots to win the game 94-73.

Pregame warm up.

Clowning around with the ref.

More clowning around.

Thunder for three...yes!

Benjamin enjoying the show.

Different kind of defending here.

A four point shot.

Benjamin signals it's good!

Slam dunks!

This is what a Globetrotters show is all about.
Fan participation and I love the emotion!

Uh oh...Here comes the water trick....

Scooter entertains the crowd before the second half begins.

Another slam dunk!

More clowning around.
A Generals player yanked down Hi Lite's shorts to reveal a tu tu.

Benjamin loving the Globetrotter experience!

Fire Department Visits Benjamin's School

2011-02-24T08:53:00.008-05:00

The local fire department visited Benjamin's school on Monday. Since I had the day off, I was able to check this out.

There was a home safety video presentation, followed by some questions and answers. One of the firemen showed the kids how he put on his fire fighting equipment. They wear up to seventy pounds of equipment when fighting a fire.

Later, the kids got to check out the fire truck and what equipment it stored. Overall, everyone enjoyed their visit, including me!

Determination

2011-02-12T23:37:00.004-05:00

You've seen those motivational posters in offices or in stores. An example is this:

Here's mine:

This was taken before Benjamin's indoor soccer session today. He missed this particular attempt but later he made two. One shot went around the basket before dropping in and another was nothing but net. That's determination.

Greivis Vasquez To Be Honored By Maryland

2011-02-10T22:15:00.004-05:00

The University of Maryland announced that it will honor Greivis Vasquez in a ceremony at Comcast Center on February 20th when the Terps host N.C. State.

Vasquez, now playing in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies, is Maryland's second-leading scorer all-time with 2,171 career points. He's the only player in ACC history with 2,000 points, 700 assists and 600 rebounds in his career. Vasquez was named ACC player of the year for the 2009-10 season and won the Bob Cousy Award, given to the nation's best point guard.

Vasquez will be the 16th Maryland player honored with a banner at Comcast Center. Maryland Coach Gary Williams also has been honored with a banner above the court.

The other Maryland players with a banner at Comcast Center

Bosey Berger (1929-32)
Gene Shue (1952-54)
Tom McMillen (1972-74)
Len Elmore (1972-74)
John Lucas (1973-76)
Albert King (1978-81)
Buck Williams (1979-81)
Len Bias (1983-86)
Walt Williams (1989-92)
Joe Smith (1994-95)
Keith Booth (1994-97)
Steve Francis (1999)
Juan Dixon (1999-2002)
Lonny Baxter (1999-2002)
Steve Blake (2000-2003)

Here is Benjamin hanging out with Vasquez at a sports memorabilia store this past Summer.

A Long Commute Home

2011-01-26T23:17:00.010-05:00

We got hit with a Winter mix today. It began early this morning when sleet and snow fell. In clearing off the cars this morning before heading to Benjamin's school and to work, it felt like a giant Slurpee from 7-11 was dumped over us. I dropped Benjamin off and headed into work without any problems. It would be a different story coming home from work.

Read up on what the Post says about this evening's commute:

Barrage of rain, snow, sleet snarls roads and cuts power

Evening commute turns into endless crawl

I left my office in McLean VA at 4:00. What is normally a forty five minute commute home took five hours and forty five minutes!

I had XM Radio, The Sports Reporters on ESPN 980 to keep me company. As the evening dragged on, I started posting mobile messages and pictures to my friends on Facebook while traffic was not moving. The messages I got back kept me from being bored. I tried to put some entertaining thoughts in each message and I can say that helped me relax in a tough situation.

Weena and Benjamin called to check my status. They got home a lot earlier than I did and I was thankful for that. I tuned into the Georgetown-St. John's basketball game and I also flipped over to listen to the Caps as well. XM's Bruce Springsteen channel, the '80's station and First Wave also kept me entertained.

Several cars were stuck on the roads. Plows tried working but they were stuck like we were. A three lane road became one lane. A car broke down in front of my car and someone helped jump it. I helped a group of folks push a couple cars that were stuck. The rain and ice on the road was like a hockey rink after the Zamboni passed over it. Cars were abandoned on the side of the road.

I am thankful I got home ok. It was truly an unreal experience. As I watched the drivers of the plows work, I was amazed at how they did their jobs despite all the cars around them. If I see one of them in 7-11 I'll try to remember to buy them a large cup of coffee or something in thanks.

Here are the pictures I took with my phone:

Dolley Madison Drive

Lewinsville Road

Route 7

The car in front of me would break down.

A person next to us tried to jump start the car. Didn't work and the car was abandoned.

Route 7. Fairfax County Parkway and Algonkian exit on the right

Miscellaneous Sports Pictures

2011-01-03T20:52:00.009-05:00

Went to two games during the last week of 2010. On December 28th I went to the Caps vs Canadiens game and the next day I went to what's now called "Historic" RFK Stadium to see Maryland in the Military Bowl. RFK Stadium turns 50 years old this year. Here are some random shots I took at both games. Caps and Maryland both won.

December 28, 2010: Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens

Caps greats

Would love to see a Stanley Cup Champs banner one day

Bullets won it all in 1978. I was in 10th grade at the time.

The tools of their trade for the Caps.

Alex Ovechkin with his traditional pregame ice splash.

Canadian National Anthem

A scene from Animal House fires up the crowd.

December 29, 2010: Maryland Terrapins vs East Carolina Pirates

Game pics here

The colors

Fly over

Field and stands

Maryland extra point attempt

Game action

Upper deck at RFK Stadium

End zone. There used to be temporary seats and a beer stand when the Redskins played here. It got real loud there.

Sadly there is no more end zone seating in RFK Stadium. Replaced by hospitality barns. Boo!

Here is where I stood and took my game pics. Decent view and I blocked no one.

Lower bowl shots in what is probably my final trip ever at RFK.

Christmas Eve Traditional Lunch

2010-12-24T22:44:00.003-05:00

Today we got together for our annual Christmas Eve lunch and the highlight was Benjamin reading to his Great Grandmother. This is something I will never forget. We are very proud of Benjamin.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Aida and Emmanuel: Golden!

2010-12-20T21:16:00.012-05:00

On December 10th, 2010 my inlaws Aida and Manny celebrated 50 years of marriage. On Saturday December 11th 2010,they celebrated this by renewing their wedding vows at our church. The ceremony was witnessed my many family and friends. Here is a photo essay courtesy of Dina and Tetet, with Louie creating the anniversary picture at the end. Double click for a larger picture. Enjoy!

Wedding Day: 12/10/1960

The invitation

Before the ceremony

Walking down the aisle

Father Jim performing the ceremony

Group photo time

To the reception!

The Reception

Dancing

Benjamin's Winter Show

2010-12-14T22:10:00.004-05:00

Benjamin's school put on their annual Winter Show last Friday. His Transitional Kindergarten class performed two songs and joined in with the two Kindergarten classes on a third song.

They have been preparing for this show since October and it was nicely put together and I think Benjamin is a better dancer than his Dad is.

Let It Snow

White Christmas

Five Years!

2010-12-10T11:16:00.004-05:00

This blog is five years old this month and Benjamin is also five years old. I decided to go back in the photo archives of Casa Benjamin and post the five pictures of Benjamin that mean the most to me. This was hard to do but I'm pleased with my selections.

Here was Benjamin during his first day in the world. He was cleaned up, fed and tucked away like a little bundle. I believe Weena was asleep when I took this shot so it was just Benjamin and I hanging out, getting to know one another.

This has long been a favorite of mine. Benjamin is almost two months old here and I was just amazed at him and couldn't believe how tiny he was when I got the idea to do a hand comparison.

I submitted this picture to The Washington Post shortly after Benjamin learned how to walk. At five years old he still assists his Lolo. Here is the note I sent to the Post.

A Good Soul Lends a Helping Hand
Just about the time he first learned to walk, my son, Benjamin, sensed there was something a little different about his grandfather, who is blind.

Benjamin watched as he maneuvered around the house with his cane. And then, with help from my wife and mother-in-law, he learned how to take him by the arm and escort him to the table for each meal. He does this with love and a smile.

February 2010, Benjamin was asked to be an escort at Marc and Julie's wedding so here he is escorting Madelyn down the aisle. He's very confident here. The truth is I only got one picture of this moment as I stood in the pew realizing that Benjamin is growing up so fast. Seeing this hit me hard and I got a little choked up watching him. Very proud moment.

April 2010 at his soccer session. The reason why I like this a lot is his smile. He's really enjoying himself here.

Benjamin the Baker

2010-12-01T21:12:00.009-05:00

We decided to make cupcakes. Benjamin loves to help so Mommy gave him a bigger role tonight.

Get some eggs

Toss it all in

Mixing it up

Pouring it in the cups. I get the spoon!

These cupcakes will be this big!

Ready to bake

Come on, hurry up!

Baker Benjamin

Oh yeah!

Reward!

Ho Ho Ho!

2010-12-01T09:01:00.001-05:00

Took Benjamin to see Santa Claus yesterday. Coming home from his daycare I played a little game with him saying I saw a shining star and I think that it could lead us to Santa. So I drove to the mall. He asked me what Santa was doing at the mall so I said he was checking his inventory system as he's got an unbelievable method of distributing toys to everyone around the world. He was a little shy but the picture came out pretty good.

Afterwards we went to a sports memorabilia store and got Redskin temporary tattoos and an Alex Ovechkin hockey card.

Maryland vs Elon at Comcast Center

2010-11-27T00:26:00.024-05:00

I graduated from Elon College (now University) in 1985. So when the Maryland first played Elon in basketball at the Comcast Center in December 2008, I went. Elon was never in that game then and they lost 76-50. Later that season, the Phoenix (They were the Fightin' Christians when I attended Elon) played in their conference championship game, losing to a Davidson squad led by future NBA player Stephen Curry by 15 points.

This year the Phoenix came to College Park with a 2-2 record and they hung in there with the Terps for a half before losing 76-57. Here is my photo essay from the game. Yes, I was rooting for my beloved Terps, who I've rooted for since I was a kid.

Jordan Williams led the Terps (5-2) with 24 points and 13 rebounds
Maryland comes alive vs. Elon in second half for 76-57 win

As usual click for a bigger picture. Enjoy!

Dunks during warm up

Elon warming up

Pregame discussion with the team captains

Gary's fist pump

The colors brought to center court

A calm Gary Williams and the ref before the game

Elon is introduced

Game on!

Maryland's Jordan Williams

First half action

Elon's Drew Spradlin runs the offense

An upset Gary Williams

Maryland's Berend Weijs leaps, scores and gets fouled

The free throw by Weijs

Elon pressures the Terps

Maryland's Pe'Shon Howard

Maryland's Adrian Bowie

Maryland's Cliff Tucker

Maryland's James Padgett

Elon Guard Chris Long

Elon's Lucas Troutman screams for the ball

Elon's Head Coach Matt Matheny instructs his team

Gary Williams intensity

Elon on the run!

Elon free throw

Elon on defense

Adrian Bowie drives to the hoop

Terrell Stoglin as the first half expired

Start of the second half. Terps were down three

Terps on the run!

Elon's Scott Grable vs Maryland's Jordan Williams

Three pointers!

Elon Coach Matt Matheny talks with Guard Chris Long.

Terps time out

Maryland's Jordan Williams wants the ball

Maryland defense puts pressure on Elon's Sebastian Koch

Jordan Williams with the swat

Jordan Williams with the basket

Jordan Williams shooting a free throw

Elon's Chris Long looking for an option

Game winding down

Dino Gregory

End of game

Centreville Wildcats Lose To Chantilly

2010-11-20T00:16:00.018-05:00

Chantilly proved to be too tough for Centreville and as a result, they beat the Wildcats 30-13 in the Virginia AAA Northern Region Division 6 semifinal. Chantilly moves on to face Lake Braddock in the final next week, while Centreville finishes their season 9-3.

Thanks to Jimmy Sanabria, Centreville's Director of Student Activities,I was able to roam the sidelines and take pictures. After the game I listened to Head Coach Chris Haddock address his team. First, he said Centreville Football was back. After a couple of bad seasons, Centreville hired Haddock away from Fairfax High School and in his first season with the team, he guided the Wildcats to the playoffs and back to respectability. Haddock stressed that the returning players needed to hit the weight room to get stronger. He also thanked all his seniors and told them this experience will help them in college, in starting a career and becoming a parent. It was neat hearing this and I was thinking one day perhaps my son Benjamin will be a part of a team like this.

It was a fun time being on the field, I shot from a lot of different places. I thank Centreville High School for the opportunity. I saw professional photographers and journalists at work up close. One day I hope to gain the knowledge and experience they have. I do plan on taking a class or two in the future to improve my skills.

Those who check in here on a regular basis and live in the Northern Virginia area, keep this team in mind next season as I think they are going to have another excellent year. Who knows, maybe there is another Virginia State Championship for Centreville.

Here is the Post recap of the game
Chantilly Bounces Back

Centreville Patch
Chantilly Ends Centreville Football Season in Regional Semifinal

Enjoy the photo essay.

Centreville vs Chantilly

2010-11-16T13:21:00.002-05:00

Very cool Centreville High School used one of my pics to promote their playoff match up vs Chantilly this Friday night.