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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10 Best Fall Activities in New York City 2017

I think I must say Fall is my favorite time of the year. I am not a fan of extreme heat and humidity, I just love the whole theme of Fall. New York City can be very hot in the summer months. I would tell any tourist that the best time to visit would be September and October. I am a huge lover of all the flavors of Fall as well, pumpkin anything makes me happy! I thought it would be nice to give you an idea of some of the best Fall activities in New York City. There are lots of great choices, for just about everyone. In no particular order, here is your list :

Fall Foliage - which is great in Central Park or on a sightseeing cruise to experience in the Hudson Valley.

Columbus Day Parade  - October 9, 2017 - The parade honors Italian-Americans' contributions to New York City and draws around million spectators and 35,000 marchers. The parade travels from 44th Street to 72nd Street and marching bands will perform along its length, and there's also a "red carpet" area between 67th and 69th Streets for stage acts—special passes are needed to get up close.

Fest of San Gennaro - The 91st Annual Feast of San Gennaro will be held in Little Italy for 11 days from September 14, through September 24, 2017, on the streets of historic Little Italy, the lower Manhattan neighborhood which served as the first home in America for hundreds of thousands of Italian immigrants who came here seeking to improve their lives beginning in the early part of the 20th century.

Halloween - Fabulous parade in Greenwich Village as well as amazing decorations displayed in the Upper East Side and throughout the city

NY Comic Con - takes place in Javits Center October 5 - 8, 2017

US Open Tennis Tournament - in Flushing Meadows, Corona Park August 28 to September 10, 2017

Open House New York -  a five borough wide celebration of architecture and design will take place on October 14 to 15 2017. OHNY Weekend, which is becoming a New York City tradition, engages the public in the built environment by offering free access to hundreds of sites that exemplify New York City's diverse architectural, design, engineering, and cultural heritage.

NYC Biking Tours - you can google NYC biking tours to see other companies as well

NY Fashion Week - to be held September 4 to 14, 2017 showing Spring 2018 collections - people watching near the shows is a great pastime if you cannot get a ticket inside!

The German American Steuben Parade - In 2017, it's 60th year takes place on Sept. 16th AND Oktoberfest in Central Park at East 72nd Street on Sept. 16th starting at 1:30pm to 7:30pm.

PLUS 1 more - Food Network Wine and Food Festival  -  This year’s 10th anniversary celebration is set for October 12 through October 15, and the events are slated to be bigger and better than ever. The cast of Chopped is kicking off the festival with a rooftop Smorgasburg event on Thursday, Oct. 12, while the Blue Moon Burger Bash, a longtime favorite event hosted by Rachael Ray, will take place on Friday night atop a Midtown Manhattan rooftop as well. On the weekend, it’s all about wake-up-worthy brunches, back-to-back Grand Tastings, featuring demos from chefs like Anne Burrell and Alex Guarnaschelli, and late-night soirees under the stars.

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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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The US Open 2013 with Bill's Bar and Burger

Bill's Bar & Burger has 3 locations in NYC, Downton - Meatpacking District - Rockefeller Center. I have had a few visits when I wanted to just have a light dinner or lunch, the Rock Center location is pretty convenient for me. I was thrilled when their parent company BR Guest contacted me about one of my photographs of their cupcakes. They make some very tasty and original cupcakes, and you know I am a sucker for a good cupcake! 

The cupcake loved it's photo session with me! They are doing these fabulous tennis cupcakes again in 2013 for the 2 weeks during the US Open tennis tournament in Flushing Meadows, Queens. I felt very honored that they wanted to use one of my shots on their website and in their emails to their customers. You can check it out HERE on their site. 

Grey Goose makes a specialty cocktail called the Honey Deuce which is the original Grey Goose, fresh squeezed lemonade, chambord, crushed ice and honeydew melon balls (that look like tennis balls) ! 

Some of my photos from various years at the US Open, which I have been attending since 1997!! 

If you are in the mood for some great burgers and cupcakes, be sure to stop by Bill's Bar and Burger during the tournament August 27th to September 9th, for their US Open inspired food and drink specials. I am sure you will not be disappointed in the least! 

A huge shout-out to Bill's Bar and Burger for this wonderful opportunity and I can't wait to visit again for a lunch or dinner in Rockefeller Center! 

Today's Words of Wisdom: Your big opportunity may be right where you are now. Napoleon Hill 

*Disclaimer: There has been no monetary compensation for posting this content. Brands mentioned are not affiliates or sponsors of this blog post. The opinions expressed are completely my own based on my experiences.

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Foods to Celebrate the 2011 US Open Tennis Tournament

After having just come back from a few days in the city, thought it would be neat to show some items the cities restaurants have to offer during the 2 week US Open tournament......... 

The Honey Deuce cocktail was created by Grey Goose for the tournament a few years ago and has some lemonade, chambord and honeydew melon balls... 

Too Boots pizza has a US Open special pie in Grand Central that I had to try...quite an interesting mix of flavors .....and proceeds go to the Harvey Milk High School, how great is that?  

I really like their pizza.....crust not very thick and the flavors on this US Open slice hit an ace with me!!  

over at Bill's Bar and Burger on West 51st street in Rockefeller Center, their cuppies are always very talked about so.......I did have a shrimp burger with sweet potato fries ( very tasty I may add) but sorry no photos, I was taking a photo break for the moment........ 

this little guy came home with me......a burger cuppie....how cute is this?? just love it ........ 

and their US Open cuppie was something I had to pick up to take home......this will be served until the tournament ends next Sunday..........

During the US Open, you never know what restaurant may be celebrating the tennis with a special food item and it's always fun when you come across them!! Good Luck to Rafael Nadal in this last week of the tournament, my favorite pick for the men's side............

Today's Words of Wisdom: Do Not Be Afraid to Let Things Inspire You 

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