Photography

I went to Philadelphia for a conference and wandered into an amazing flower show. The purpose of my Amtrak trip to Philly was to speak at an AI conference, AAAI. I led a panel on the topic of responsible AI in education. I left DC at 6:00 am and was in Philadelphia by 7:20 am, then walked across town, had breakfast at a classic diner and was on time for the 8:30 am workshop. ...

An embassy row fills the mansions of 16th Street NW, and today the Spain was open to the public. High-concept design was featured as the main exhibit, but I found myself enjoying the mansion itself more than the exhibit. I spent some time in a central, indoor courtyard with a gurgling fountain. As I relaxed into the space, I found photographic possibilites. Lots of wonderful spanish detail just in this one room in the heart of Washington, DC. ...

On a winter Saturday, I ambled around 14th and U Street, a part of Washington, DC. The U Street area was the birthplace of Duke Ellington and was the heart of a Black culture that blossomed in DC. Then it became run down. Over the past couple of decades, it has rapidly gentrified, and now has designer furniture and clothing stores, trendy restaurants, and nightlife. I particularly like the large mural of the mailman taking a saxophone break. One photo captured the photographer! ...

For our 8th Anniversary, our dogs took us for a walk to Paterson Falls. Ollie was particular enthusiastic about making sure we saw all the paths, and Sugar Baby made sure only good smells awaited our footsteps. The dramatic view was a favorite of my father, who photographed Paterson Falls often. It’s still great! Paterson Falls is near my hometown of Wayne, NJ. It’s a national historic park. And Paterson Falls is the 2nd most voluminous waterfall east of the Mississippi. The most water, of course, descends Niagara Falls. ...

On a sunny but cold December Saturday, I rode a city bike down to the US Botanical Garden, near the Capitol in Washington DC. The building itself is a sprawling greenhouse, with sections for each climate. The centerpiece is the tall tropical garden. In the outdoor garden, I was delighted with the holiday model train exhibit. Many different tracks and trains were running through the garden at varied heights. There were sculptures of creatures that pollinate and the plants they serve. And the tracks ran along and through a landscape made of wood, camelias, and other organic material. ...