Blog Archives

March of Dimes Preview Event

Apr 11

Last year I had the honor of photographing for the March of Dimes, the Signature Chef event at the Touch Me Museum. With over 900 people in attendance it was a spectacular event. For those of you interested in knowing more about it look at some of my older blogs and you will be able to see some photographs of the event.
We had last evening at the Water Works in Philadelphia under the direction of Sophia Stogiannis who is the Banquet manager, the preview for this year’s 2012 Signature Chef’s event also taking place at the Touch me Museum. So what did we do at the preview? Basically went thru the committees and organized some great functions that will take place at the Event Scheduled for November, 2012.
Joanne Marder Livingston and Amanda Young from the March of Dimes were available to answer any questions that any of the invited guests were able to throw at them. Joann and Amanda are available at anytime at the MOD Office to help anyone that is interested in becoming a sponsor at the great event. If you have a restaurant or serve a specialty type of food, Please contact the girls. Remember it is for a worthy cause. Martha and Paul Sharkey who you see in one of the images really and truly are first hand people to talk to about how the March of Dimes helped them with the birth of their premature twins.
So get on the ball people, call attend the event and even if you can’t attend, send a donation. It’s worth your time. The evening was hosted also by Tracy Davidson and Dr. Kaiser who is chairman of the Signature Chef event also got up to speak a little bit. By the way to make things easier for you. The phone number is 610 945-6050. Also Volunteer!

Joann marder, Dr. Kaiser, Lindy Snyder

Maria Valetta, Eric Grilly

Jim Cohn, Joann Marter Livingston, Steve Ross

Tracy Davidson

Sophia Stogiannis Manager at Water Works Philadelphia

Dr. Kaiser

Sophia, Tia Triplett, Mike Chowansky

Bob Smosse

Martha Sharkey, Paul Sharkey, Amanda Young, Kate Cleary

Blog Archives

Pomegranate Wine. Is it Good for you?

Mar 5

Getting away a little bit from posting wedding and Bar/Bat Mitzvah blogs, and yes I do know I am behind. I did a little research with my friend Beau at Balic Winery in the Mays landing New Jersey area. This is what I learned from him in Reference to Pomegranate wine. Yes Pomegranate Wine. If you have not tasted this special blend before, then you are truly missing something special. Here is a little information about Pomegranate wine.
The history of the Pomegranate has actually been around for more than 5000 years. The Pomegranate has a rich and fascinating history. Ancient cultures revered this fruit as a symbol of health, fertility and rejuvenation. It’s believed to have mystical healing powers.
Pomegranate wine contains one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants” more in fact than any other wine or fruit”. Antioxidants are believed to help your body guard against “free radicals,” molecules that can cause premature aging, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer.
Researchers are excited over a prospective new treatment for breast cancer from the pomegranate fruit. A study led by Israeli researchers found that pomegranate seed oil can trigger apoptosis in breast cancer cells, a process that causes cancerous cells to self destruct. Dr. Ephraim Lansky, lead researcher in two studies at Technion-Isreali Institute of Technology, also noted that pomegranate juice appears to destroy estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells, while leaving normal breast cells alone.
A later technion study found that the daily consumption of pomegranate juice dramatically lowered oxidation of LDL cholesterol, leading to the elimination of plaques in coronary arteries.
To read more about this see: www.ats.org/news.php?id=32
Just a great FYI to all my readers and I am indeed catching up. Look for more items coming soon!

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Valentine’s Day-The Myth, The Legend

Feb 13

Like nearly all other holidays, Valentine’s Day has been transformed into a commercialized nightmare. Flowers, chocolate, candy, cards and crazy love, have all contributed to the idea that Valentine’s is just a conspiracy by companies to sell more treats.
But there’s more to this day. There are several legends surrounding Valentine’s Day, and when asked about the history of the holiday, many do not really know.
In the pre-Christian era, ancient Rome used Feb. 13 through 15 to celebrate Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival.
Circa A.D. 197, martyr Valentine of Terni was imprisoned, tortured and beheaded in Rome for his Christianity. Per legend, he died on Feb. 14.
In circa A.D. 270, Valentine of Rome, another Christian, was martyred under Claudius II, known as “Claudius the Cruel.” Like Valentine of Terni, he was first imprisoned before being beheaded.
Several versions of this Valentine’s story exist. One says that he performed secret marriages against the emperor’s command; another says that he was imprisoned after aiding prisoners in Rome; still another says that he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter after healing her sight, allegedly sending her letters and signed them “From your Valentine.”
Later, circa A.D. 496, Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 to be St. Valentine’s Day, a Christian day for feasting (hoping to replace the pagan holiday Lupercalia).
But Feb. 14 has been associated with more than death, imprisonment and paganism.
During the Middle Ages, many in England and France associated mid-February as the beginning of birds’ mating season, denoting a sense of romance. Shortly afterward and into the 15th century, written valentines began circulating, around the same time Gutenberg invented the printing press.
Throughout the following centuries, other events that have fallen on or near Feb. 14 have been associated with Valentine’s Day.
Regardless of which event people associate with Valentine’s Day, many have mixed feelings on the holiday itself.
“If you really love someone, you shouldn’t need one day to show that,” said freshman communication major Presley Schwisow. “What companies have turned it into takes the meaning away from it.”
In 2009, Valentine’s Day generated an estimated $14.7 billion in U.S. retail sales. Each year, people buy about a billion Valentine’s cards, 100 million roses (in a 3-day period) and 35 million heart-shaped boxes of candy. The average consumer spends $77 on Valentine’s Day gifts.
And Americans aren’t the only ones who become starry-eyed come Valentine’s. The holiday is also celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia, with millions of cupids flying lovably crazy around the area..
Unlike other Western holidays, many today don’t look at the history of this special day. While historians remain uncertain on the specifics surrounding the origins of Valentine’s Day, they all agree that the holiday has changed into something uniquely different than any legends had intended.
Whether you’re celebrating the holiday because of what some Roman did several centuries ago or because you just like red roses, dark chocolate and sparkling jewelry, it’s a special day to extend kind words to those most special to you.

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Eli Receives His Craftsman Degree

Feb 7

After many years of hard work and love for my trade, with much time spent teaching educational programs to Professional Photographers, I am proud to have recently received my Photographic Craftsman Degree from Professional Photographers of America.
They sent me a letter to post which basically reads:
Eli has met the standards of excellence set by the Professional Photographers of America. He has been awarded the Photographic Craftsman degree in Recognition of his service to the photographic profession as an Orator, author and mentor.
PPA, worldwide association, exists to assist it’s more than 22,000 members in achieving their professional, artistic and fraternal goals; promote public awareness of the profession; and to advance the making of images in all of its disciplines as an art, a science, and a visual recorder of history.
As they say to achieve our highest dreams, we must be willing to put in the time and effort that is what this degree is all about; Time, effort, love, creativity and patience. If it weren’t for my family, friends and clients, I would not have been able to fulfill my dream to become a Professional Photographer.
To My clients, I truly appreciate your trust in me and faith in my photographic abilities and allowing me to be your historian. Thank you all!

Blog Archives

Sheva Brachot in New York

Feb 3

I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to photograph a Sheva Brachot in New York. What is a Sheva Brochot you might ask? The orthodox Jewish people believe that after a wedding, the couple should be honored for 7 evenings after their wedding with a dinner and prayers after dinner. Generally 7 blessings at the time of Grace after Meals. Hence the word Sheva which means “Seven” and the word Brachot which means “Blessings”. Alot do not do a full Seven days some might do 3 or 4 nights. Some do all.
Most of the time the Sheva Brachot might be a simple small dinner in a house or a small Restaurant. Most of the time usually friends get together and sponsor the Sheva Brachos for the couple or family get together and sponsor it.
Well this particular Shevah Brachot was more like a wedding. They had about 200 people at the Mandarin Oriental in New York. Absolutely beautiful decorations and the food was great! David and Jason Scharf made a wonderful party for the family (who will remain unnamed). I know David Scharf for many years from my days in New York and both our kids have gone into our prospective fields. He put out a prime on the main course that was 2 1/2 inches thick, shame I am a vegetarian. Expressions Cinema also had a presence at this event.
Here are some really great images. Some great decorations and some really powerful ones. Let me know if you have any questions about.