Throwback Thursday "Arthur Ashe"

Since this is the week of the US Open tennis tournament, our throwback Thursday features a great man and tennis player. Arthur Ashe’s dramatic victory at the first U.S. Open, fifty years ago, ushered in a new era for diversity in the game and for the bankability of its stars.

In the early 1980s, Ashe is believed to have contracted HIV from a blood transfusion he received during heart bypass surgery. Ashe publicly announced his illness in April 1992 and began working to educate others about HIV and AIDS. He founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health before his death from AIDS-related pneumonia at age 49 on February 6, 1993.

On June 20, 1993, Ashe was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by the United States President Bill Clinton.

"From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life." - Arthur Ashe

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US Open 2018 Begins Today!

I cannot believe the US Open starts today! Summer is officially winding down. I attended the tournament for many, many years with the last time being in 2011. I don't follow the sport as much as I did, but many of my favorites like Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova are still top players today. I always want to get back to see the changes to the tennis center, but haven't made it yet. Here are some of my shots of the players taken at the tournament.  

Rafael Nadal is the number 1 men's player on the tour. He currently holds 17 grand slam titles. He can win on any surface and is one of my faves to watch!  

Maria Sharapova is someone I have been watching since she started on the tour. She is currently ranked 21 in the world, and has 5 grand slam titles on all surfaces as well as one of the top female earners in prize money at around 38 million dollars. This was a great shot of her, and I do miss photographing the players. Watching live tennis is also very cool and is nothing compared to watching on television.  

Victoria Azerenka is a former Number 1 player in the world with 2 grand slam titles under her belt. She is currently ranked 80 in the world.  

Serena Williams, many who say is the greatest player of all time, with 23 grand slam singles titles which is the 2nd all time to Margaret Court from Australia.  

The ground are really beautiful and they have expanded it many times to accommodate for the throngs of fans from around the world that attend each year.  

I love watching the matches at night as the weather cools down, and it is less crowded than during the day. One of these days, I will be back to check out the grounds and matches! 

One of my favorite photos I took of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at Arthur Ashe Kids Day. I was working for a friend's tennis website and actually sitting in the photographers pit at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was something I will never forget.  

The tournament runs for 2 weeks and it is best to get your ticket ahead of time as sessions do sell out. The first week is the best time to go as you have lots of matches going on and can see some great players in action. I prefer the smaller courts to the big stadium, I like being closer to the action.

From the US Open website:

Arthur Ashe wins the first ever US Open men's singles crown, defeating Tom Okker of the Netherlands, 14-12, 5-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, in the final. Because of his amateur status, the 25-year-old Ashe, a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, was ineligible to receive the $14,000 first prize in the $100,000 event-at the time the richest tournament in tennis history. Instead, Ashe collects only his $20 per diem. Ashe is the first American to win the U.S. men's singles title since 1955 and the first-ever African-American to win a men's singles title at a Grand Slam Championship. The New York Times calls Ashe's victory "the most notable achievement made in the sport by a Negro male athlete." Virginia Wade of Great Britain upsets top-seeded Billie Jean King for the women's title and collects a check of $6,000.

The richest prize purse in the history of tennis is set to get even bigger with the announcement that prize money at the 2018 US Open will reach a record $53 million.

Happy 50th birthday to the US Open in 2018 !!!

US Open 
Flushing Meadows
Corona Park
Queens New York

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Throwback Thursday " 1939 World's Fair"

Four of Billy Rose's 'Aquabelles' stage a fashion show of the past, present and future bathing suit styles at the New York World's Fair on July 4, 1939

I am not sure how comfortable these suits would have been, but they are quite interesting! I love the striped socks! The 1939–40 New York World's Fair, which covered the 1,216 acres of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, was the second most expansive American world's fair of all time, exceeded only by St. Louis's Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904. It actually took place where the US Open tennis tournament is now played in Corona Park. The fair opened April 30, 1939 and closed October 31, 1940.

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Throwback Thursday "World's Fair 1964"

This cool shot is from the 1964 World's Fair which was held on the grounds of the US Open tennis championships. My parents attended this fair in 1964, funny I would walk many years later on the same grounds enjoying tennis matches. This was the Vatican exhibit, my Mom said it was quite an event! She talked about the exhibit with Lincoln where he stood up and spoke, gave her chills she told me. I believe I saw the same Lincoln when I visited Disney World many years later. They said a total of 51 million people attended this fair, must have been pretty cool indeed!

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US Open Tennis 2015 at Corona Park

Can you tell me where August went? If you know, please leave a comment below! I can't believe how fast this month has flown by, and it's time for the US Open tennis tournament this Monday! I have been attending the tournament since 1994, and it has grown so much since that time. Seeing tennis live in person is much more exciting than on the television, and of course, being in New York City, is even better! It is one of "the" places to be the last few weeks of summer, and Labor Day weekend in New York City. I am so thrilled ESPN is taking over the television coverage, as NBC did a terrible job all those years. I really miss when USA network covered it, they did a fabulous job each year. 

Here is some information from the US Open website about new things going on for this year's tournament, along with my original photos in between. 

Free Grounds Admission on Thursday, Sept. 10: For the first time at the US Open, complimentary grounds admission will be offered to all fans who come during the day on the tournament’s second Thursday, Sept. 10. The day’s play will be filled with doubles, including the men’s and women’s doubles semifinals, as well as action in the Champions Invitational, American Collegiate Invitational, US Open Junior Championships and US Open Wheelchair Tennis Competition. Click here for more information.

Return to a Traditional Grand Slam Schedule: For 2015, the US Open returns to a traditional 14-day Grand Slam tournament schedule, with the men’s first round being completed over two days rather than three. The new schedule calls for the women’s singles semifinals to be played the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10, and the men’s singles semifinals to be played on Friday, Sept. 11. Finals Weekend begins with the women’s singles championship on Saturday, Sept. 12, & concludes with the men’s singles championship on Sunday, Sept. 13.Click here for more.

Full TV Coverage on ESPN: For the first time, ESPN will be the exclusive live domestic media partner of the US Open. Over the course of the 2015 US Open, ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to air more than 130 hours of live match play, with more than 1,100 hours of coverage to be seen on ESPN3, which also will be available on USOpen.org and through the US Open app – providing a “digital grounds pass” for tennis fans.

Also, in an expansion of its prior US Open coverage, ESPN will feature play from 11 courts (up from seven last year). New TV courts this year include courts 4, 6, 7 and 10, which will be available for viewing over the first five days of the tournament. Click here for more.

US Open Live Shows: Fans can tune in to USOpen.org every morning at 10:45 a.m. ET to watch “Inside the Baseline” presented by IBM for a look ahead to all the day’s matches, and return each evening at 7 p.m., to “Beyond the Baseline” presented by Westin Hotels & Resorts for an inside look at what goes on behind the scenes at the US Open. Fans in attendance at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center can stop by the Baseline Stage each morning and evening for the live taping of these shows.

Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Presented by Hess: For the 20th consecutive year, Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day presented by Hess kicks off the US Open on Saturday, Aug. 29, airing for the first time on the ESPN network on Sunday, Aug. 30 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. This year’s celebration of tennis and entertainment will be hosted by fitness guru Shaun T and features US Open champions Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic and Rafael Nadal as well as musical acts Bea Miller, Kalin and Myles, Jacob Whitesides, Natalie La Rose and American Authors.

Opening Night Celebration: Internationally renowned singer-songwriter Josh Groban will perform at the Opening Night Ceremony in Arthur Ashe Stadium prior to the evening session on Monday, Aug. 31. Groban will perform a medley from his recent release, “Stages.” Following Groban’s performance, noted actress and performer Vanessa Williams will sing the national anthem. Her performance will be accompanied by honor guards representing the NYPD and FDNY

Nightly Light Show: The new roof superstructure over Arthur Ashe Stadium will also star in a nightly light show that will highlight the steel truss and catwalk system. The light show will take place between the two evening matches in concert with the performance of “America the Beautiful” by the US Open Casting Call winners.

Original Nine Celebration: USTA President and US Open Chairwoman Katrina Adams will celebrate the “Original Nine,” the nine women responsible for helping to form the original professional women’s tennis tour, which ultimately evolved into the WTA. The celebration will include a special video tribute as well as on-court recognition of these sports pioneers.

US Open American Express Fan Experience: Now in its fifth year, the US Open American Express Fan Experience has been completely overhauled with new technological features. One of the new offerings is “You vs. Sharapova,” where virtual reality technology and computer-generated images filmed with Sharapova allow fans to play a pro at the top of her game. Also, with “Epic Matchup,” fans will be able to star in their very own shareable video simulating a rally from the baseline in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Charging Stations presented by Chase: To help fans stay connected throughout the day, Chase will be providing complimentary charging stations for phones and tablets throughout the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds. The stations will be located in a dedicated Chase booth near the Food Village, in the South Plaza, and on the Club Level of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

 Open Access: Open Access is a new fan enhancement available for all US Open patrons, allowing fans to register to participate in activities throughout the grounds – ranging from customized photo opportunities to interactive games. Fans will receive a QR code to scan at each location; subsequently, you will receive an email with access to your own personal webpage that will showcase your US Open experience. Fans who sign up for Open Access are entered to win tickets to the 2016 US Open men’s or women’s finals – and the more you scan your QR code on-site, the more chances there are to win a US Open Ultimate Fan Pack.

Twitter Mirror: For the first time, US Open fans can enjoy behind-the-scenes photos and GIFs from a new, mobile version of the Twitter Mirror. Numerous versions of the product – from handheld Mirrors to a stationary stand – will capture exclusive content of players and celebrities on-site throughout the tournament.

US Open Streak Challenge: Fans can play along with the US Open Streak Challenge presented by Esurance and test their US Open tennis knowledge with two questions every day about players, matches and tournament stats. Keep answering correctly and you’ll add to your streak and move up the leaderboard.

New Food Offerings: Lavazza coffee, Jacob’s Creek wines and Juice Press cold-pressed juices join the US Open for 2015. All will be available on-site to US Open guests.

One of my favorite photos from the 2010 Arthur Ashe Kids Day which I attended with Tennis Panorama site as press. You can check out my full post HERE and HERE of the fun day, and for all tennis news and updates, Tennis Panorama is a fantastic website! 

Have any of you attended the US Open? It is such a great end of summer tournament, and with even more improvements coming to the facility, it's going to continue to be a top notch event! 

US Open Tennis 

August 31 to September 13, 2015

Flushing Meadows

Corona Park Queens 

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Gingerbread Lane at the New York Hall of Science

Marvel at homemade gingerbread houses that are drafted, designed, baked, planned, built and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. GingerBread Lane, a 1.5 ton, 300-square-foot village made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing and candy, is a contender for the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread exhibit. Located in the New York Hall of Science until January 11, 2015. A very easy subway ride away from Manhattan, the #7 train, which I take to the US Open grounds in Flushing Meadows Corona Park! 

photo from NYSCIU 

The village includes an estimated 1,900 lbs. of icing, 400 lbs. of candy, and 500 lbs. of gingerbread dough. It is comprised of 152 gingerbread houses, 65 trees, four gingerbread cable cars, five gingerbread train cars, an underground candy subway station, candy trees and sugar signage. A behind-the-scenes window gives a peek into the makings of GingerBread Lane with ovens, models and ingredients made entirely from royal icing. Five two-foot-high nutcrackers, also made of royal icing, stand guard over the exhibit. Free with NYSCI admission.

Check out our other gingerbread-themed events:

GingerBread House Workshop – December 7 and 28
Make your own gingerbread house to take home. Free with NYSCI admission. Limited capacity; signup on day of event beginning at noon.

GingerBread Lane House Giveway – January 12
Take a piece of GingerBread Lane home with you. Gingerbread houses will be given away, while supplies last. Limit of two houses per person. Line opens at 10 am, giveaway starts at noon. Free with NYSCI admission.

More photos of GingerBread Lane in our photoset.

photo from NYSCIU 

 GingerBread Lane in the news:

Chef Crafts a 1.5-ton Village of Gingerbread, Frosting, and Candy at the N.Y. Hall of Science (article + video)

From a Bronx Apartment’s Oven, a Gingerbread Colossus Rises in Queens

Chef Attempts to Set Record for Largest All-Edible Gingerbread Village (subscription required)

Mobile Couch: Gingerbread Lane at New York Hall of Science

New York Hall of Science to Unveil Gingerbread Lane

Head to the New York Hall of Science to Witness the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village

47-01 111th Street

Queens, NY 11368

718-699-0005

Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Public Transport

Subway

Take 7 train to 111th Street Station. Walk three blocks south.
Please Note: For the most up-to-date subway service advisories, please visit www.mta.info.

Bus

Q23 or Q58 to Corona Avenue and 108 Street.
Q48 to 111 Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

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One Month to the US Open Tennis Tournament!!

For many of my new readers, and I thank all of you, you may not know I am bit of a tennis nut. It started very young, watching on the television and always wanting to go to one of the majors. My photography really began with attending the US Open in Flushing Meadows in 1996. Every year after that I attended the tournament. It started just for one day, and then eventually I would go the whole first week. The first week is the best time because there are so many matches going on and the night matches are really the best. I had a great company that provided transportation to/from the tennis center from Manhattan. I actually rode with the umpires, ball boys/girls and lower ranked players. Unfortunately that company went out of business and I really am not a fan of taking the subway to the tournament. I skipped the event in 2012, then my Mom's health declined in 2013 so I missed that year as well. This year I plan to attend for the day as I have missed it the last 2 years. I actually sold many of my photographs on Ebay for a few years, they went as far as Japan and Australia, which I thought was pretty cool! Watching tennis in person is really so much better than on television. The players are really such high level athletes. I thought I would give you a peek at the grounds and some of my tennis photos since the tournament is coming up in the next month. 

The Arthur Ashe statue on the grounds. The grounds are really beautiful and flowers are just about everywhere!  

Another fun shot of people mulling around. I had the pleasure of attending the Arthur Ashe Kids Day as press for Tennis Panorama News in 2010 and it was so amazing. I actually got to sit in the photographers pit which felt so cool. I was disappointed when some of the pros were not very nice, but I guess they have to be that way, it's a grind to get the shot you want for your publication. You can check out my post HERE of the players. Karen, who is a fabulous person, who runs the site, now covers all four grand slams as press for her site. I would love to visit the other 3, but I think the French would be my best bet.  

I always love to pop in the exhibit from the tennis hall of fame. They have some great historic items on display, and it's air conditioned which is helpful in the NYC summer heat!  

Pretty grounds, right?  

The shirt selection is always fun. I am a McEnroe and Nadal fan myself. 

I even attended a Wilson fashion show in 2011 which was very, very cool. God knows how I stood as my coach sneakers did not agree with my feet and caused blisters. I understand however when you are doing something you really love, you do whatever it takes. You can check out my full post HERE of the show.  

Feliciano Lopez was in attendance at the fashion show. He wears Wilson and yes, he is gorgeous! The Spanish players are all very easy on the eyes! 

Vintage Maria Sharapova photographs  

Marat Safin from Russia who was a two-time Grand Slam winner. This was taken when the practice courts were open and it was so much nicer. Now the players are in an enclosed area, and you have to be very tricky with your lens to get shots without fencing in front of them. 

Ana Ivanovic from Serbia, who is ranked in the Top 10 this year, during an evening match. I really love the tennis at night, the weather is much more pleasant and it's a great vibe in all the courts. 

A vintage photo of Novak Djokovic who just won his second Wimbledon this year 

One of my favorite photos of Maria Kirilenko who always makes for a cool tennis shot. 

A collage of Rafael Nadal taken during practice session where I had my lens through a hole to get direct shots. It drives me crazy that the fans pay so much money to see the players at the tournaments, and can't even see them in a normal way. From what I am told, it is like this at all the Grand Slams, so one is no better than the other. These came out pretty great I thought! 

Victoria Azarenka, from Belarus, at practice. Again, taken with the lens through a hole, not too shabby! 

One of my very old shots, Andre Agassi. taken with film camera, being at the right place at the right time. Sometimes that is all it takes to obtain a very great photograph. I sold this one on Ebay many times over. 

Another neat shot of Victoria Azarenka during her match. I love when the skirt flies in the air in a shot. 

I hope you enjoyed my little trip at the US Open. It is a great tournament, and if you are a tennis fan, a must visit for sure. I did a post with Karen from Tennis Panorama News about tips visiting, you can view that HERE. If you are planning to visit for the first time and have any questions, feel free to email me and I will try to help any way I can. 

Today's Words of Wisdom: “Success is a journey not a destination. The doing is usually more important than the outcome. Not everyone can be Number 1.” ― Arthur Ashe

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