Christmas in the Big Apple

For Christmas I finally had the chance to get out of Texas and experience New York City for the holidays. It was a much needed departure from the scenery and pace of Texas during the Winter. The differences in almost everything were so overwhelming at first that I barely shot anything the first day I was there. It is still amazing to me how a simple change in scenery makes you think in a completely different way such as walking 20 or 30 blocks really isn't that bad. Me and Victoria only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer in our short time there and I definitely want to go back for more once the World Trade Center memorial is completed. Below is the almost 13 minute video of what we experienced over the week and a few of my favorite shots. There is so much to see that it just couldn't fit on one page so check out the rest of my images from the trip on my Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2242323&id=25316359

Manhattan from the sky during our helicopter tour of New York City. It was my first time in a helicopter and was surprised at how smooth it was compared to a small plane.

A drummer plays for tips in Central Park. There is so much to see just in the park that it would take weeks just to explore it all. Even then, performers and wildlife always offer a new experience.

Steam rising from a manhole cover in Manhattan. For some reason this image is an inherently New York scene to me. Maybe its because of movies and TV.

Times Square on our last night in New York. Our hotel was in Times Square so it and all of the taxis flying by were a daily experience for us.

This shot was taken at 11:30 p.m. on the last night of our trip. It was amazing to me how many people would be in Times Square all day and night regardless of the 26 degree temperature.

Victoria searches for a Starbucks on her phone as we walk through Wall Street.

The Statue of Liberty with New Jersey, left, and Manhattan in the background. It was interesting that security was more strict than at any airport I've ever been to. There were two "full body" checkpoints between Manhattan and the inside of the statue.

Central Park at sunset. This is one of the best parks I have ever been to because of its diverse landscape with grassy fields and rocky hills. Check out the rest of my images like the one above on my Facebook.

This display at the American Museum of Natural History was amazing. It seemed like it had every species of crustacean, reptile, plant, etc. known to man. Just looking at this image makes me want to go out and have a huge lobster dinner.

The view from our hotel window in Times Square. Taxis really define the landscape in Midtown Manhattan and they somehow coexist with hundreds of thousands of pedestrians walking in the street at their own risk.

Shorthorn Shots of the Week 10/31

This week was definitely more challenging logistically rather than technically. Schedules didn't come together and good stories were hard to find. Overall pretty frustrating but there were some bright spots. I had to opportunity to cover the museum opening of Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science, an exhibit in Fort Worth where visitors learn how modern science is used to study mummies and the culture of ancient Egypt. I wasn't planning on doing a video but once I was there I thought it needed more than just a couple of pictures in the paper to show what the exhibit had to offer. The rest of the week was spent mostly trying to set up shoots for the upcoming basketball preview. I'm definitely looking forward to putting out some quality work next week with the preview and a profile piece that I'm hoping will work out Monday. Happy Halloween!

Cover of Pulse, our special section on Thursdays.

Lost Egypt: Ancient Egypt, Modern Science Video

Archaeologist Dr. Mark Lehner points a few of the important archaeological areas in Egypt on a large floor map at the entrance to the Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science exhibit at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History on Friday. The 6,000 square-foot exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to see how archaeologists are using modern technology to study ancient Egyptian society and culture through interaction with real artifacts. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

This illuminated panel shows a few of the views that CT scans create, allowing Egyptologists to see inside of sarcophagi and study mummies without disturbing the physical remains. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Sculptures of four women who lived in Upper Egypt between 2,200 and 2,900 years ago were created with scientific data gathered from mummies using the same techniques police use to identify human remains. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Architecture junior Qudus Ogunmefun, left, jumps through a hula hoop as communication technology senior Chris Baker looks on during the Black Student Association’s Fall Carnival on Wednesday on the Central Library Mall. The carnival featured a variety of games including musical chairs and a candy toss. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Biology Junior Anthony Adromiwa shows off his mummy mask at the Fall Carnival on Wednesday. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)

Sophomore outfielder Preston Beck hits during batting practice on Thursday at Clay Gould Ballpark. Beck lives with a hectic schedule from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. while balancing training, practice and classes. (The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley)