THE RED EAGLE PAGES

SUPER BOWL XLVI Giants vs Patriots

2012-02-04T14:10:00.001-05:00

Giants Stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands

The 46th Super Bowl will take place on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

Sunday's game, between two of the NFL's most popular teams; the New York Giants and New England Patriots, makes for a great Super Bowl recipe. The game should be a good one.

Here in the New York-New Jersey area, fans of 'Big Blue' are already out in full force and brimming over with team spirit and pride. Can the Giants bring home their 4th Super Bowl win?

With more than 100 million people expected to watch the game live this year, NBC has sold out of its Super Bowl commercials inventory for the game broadcast. The average cost per 30-second advertising spot is said to be $3.5 million.

This year, Grammy Award-winning recording artist Madonna will perform in the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show.

Security will be tight in and around Indianapolis this weekend. The U.S. armed forces, police, and other federal agencies, including NORAD and Customs and Border Protection, already have special emergency situation personnel in place. Police estimate that over 140,000 people will pour into the downtown area, and that it could be the highest concentration of people ever for a Super Bowl game.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'Giants Stadium' by Robert A. Vena)

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SUNRISE OVER MANHATTAN

2012-01-28T15:47:00.003-05:00

Sunrise over Manhattan

This photo was taken through the window of a NJ Transit train on the morning of January 12, 2012.

I often ride the trains between Hackensack and Hoboken on my way to and from my acupuncture office in New York City. The train route runs roughly parallel to, and just west of the Hudson River, at times offering spectacular views of the New Jersey Meadowlands and the Manhattan skyline.

This photograph was taken from across the Meadowlands and Hudson river, as the early morning sun rose above the tops of the buildings of the city.

The New Jersey Meadowlands is the name given to the large ecosystem of wetlands in northeast New Jersey. It is also known as the Hackensack Meadowlands - the Hackensack River being the primary river that flows through it.

The area is widely known and recognized for the MetLife Sports Complex; the sports and entertainment facility formerly known as the Meadowlands Sports Complex, which is located in East Rutherford, Bergen County, NJ.

The sports complex includes MetLife Stadium (formerly known as Giants Stadium, and current home to the Super Bowl XLVI bound New York Giants and New York Jets football teams), the Izod Center (former home of the New Jersey Nets basketball team and the New Jersey Devils hockey team), the Meadowlands Racetrack, Meadowlands Rail Station, the Timex Performance Center (the main headquarters and practice facility of the NY Giants), and the American Dream Meadowlands shopping and entertainment complex which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in Autumn 2013.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'Sunrise over Manhattan' by Robert A. Vena)

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THE CHRYSLER BUILDING - A True NY Giant

2012-01-22T12:23:00.000-05:00

The Chrysler Building - A True New York Giant

New York City's Chrysler building was one of the last skyscrapers to be built in the Art Deco style.

The structure once stood as the world's tallest building before being surpassed by the Empire State building back in 1931, making it a true New York giant.

The Chrysler Building, which stands at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, was restored in 1996 and still glitters as it must have back in the 1930s.

This scene was captured on Sunday, January 12, 2012 as dusk settled over New York City.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'The Chrysler Building' by Robert A. Vena)

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WINTER SOLSTICE

2011-12-21T10:33:00.003-05:00

Winter Solstice

December 22, 2011: Winter officially arrived this morning at 12:30 a.m. ET, marking the point known as the winter solstice. The solstice marks the end of fall and the beginning of winter.

During the winter solstice, the northern half of the Earth faces away from the sun, causing us to experience the shortest day of the year as the planet rotates on its axis. Until now, the days have been growing shorter here in the Northern Hemisphere, but they will now begin to lengthen.

Although the days begin to grow longer, the coldest temperatures of the year are yet to come. This is because much of the weather on our planet is driven by ocean temperatures, which continue to cool during the relative lack of sunlight this time of year.

In earlier times, the winter solstice was among the biggest festive events of the year. Scandinavia's Norsemen referred to the festivities as the Yule, and the Romans called it Saturnalia.

Saturnalia eventually grew into one of the most significant events of the Roman calendar year, but other festivities soon eclipsed it. When Christianity took hold of the Roman Empire, Christmas became a more prominent event.

The Jewish festival of Hanukkah, the Greek festival of Kronos, the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa, and other celebrations also occur at this time of year, and these days the solstice passes mostly unnoticed and uncelebrated.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'Solstice' by Robert A. Vena)

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NEW PLANET

2011-12-07T10:15:00.001-05:00

New Planet Found

Exciting News: NASA has announced the discovery of a new planet that is similar to Earth in many ways.

The discovery was made by NASA's Kepler planet-hunting telescope, and the new planet has been named Kepler-22b.

Scientists say the temperature on the surface of the new planet is near 70 degrees and that it probably has land and water. Its star could almost be a twin of our own sun.

This is the first time that NASA has confirmed a planet outside our own solar system that is located in "The Goldilocks Zone"... that not-too-hot, not-too-cold habitable zone in which the potential for life exists.

But don't start packing your bags yet. The new planet is not close. In fact, Kepler-22b is 600 light years away... so far, that it would take our fastest spacecraft something like 300,000 years to get there.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'The Lonely Planet' by Robert A. Vena)

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CABIN IN THE WOODS

2011-12-06T17:31:00.001-05:00

Cabin in the Woods

It's been a beautiful fall here in the Northeast, with lot's of mild weather and beautiful colors.

I took this photo of a cabin in the woods while out hiking at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center in Englewood, New Jersey.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'Cabin in the Woods' by Robert A. Vena)

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GIVING THANKS

2011-11-23T14:41:00.001-05:00

Giving thanks and celebrating the close of the harvest season

Among other things, I am thankful for your visit to The Red Eagle Pages Photo-Journal.

I wish you a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

May you reap the bounty of this year's harvest and be thankful for all that is set before you.

Come back again soon,

Rob

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'Give Thanks' by Robert A. Vena)

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THE BEACHES OF CANCUN

2011-11-15T10:12:00.001-05:00

The Beaches of Cancún

Along with Acapulco, Cancún is one of the most renowned Mexican resorts in the world.

Brilliant, turquoise-blue water and soft, dazzling white sand make the beaches of Cancún some of the most beautiful in the world, and because all Mexican beaches are public property, everyone has the right to walk on swim on any of them at all.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'Cancún' by Robert A. Vena)

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OUT OF THE WOODS

2011-11-12T12:23:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that it was one year ago today that I was first rushed to the hospital with a nosebleed so severe that it led to a total of four weeks of hospitalization, two surgeries, months of (physical and emotional) pain, countless doctor visits, and a whole series of treatments and medications designed to get me back up on my feet and running again.

The nightmare began when I woke up sometime after 3:00 AM with a steady stream of blood gushing forth from my nose and mouth, and running down my throat.

I had never seen this much blood before (except in horror movies), and the bleeding was so severe that I was convinced that I was going to bleed to death before any help could arrive.

I was home alone that morning, and I raced around the place in a total frenzy, holding a bloody towel to my face with one hand, and trying to dial for help with the other. I was in such a panic that I repeatedly dialed 4-1-1 instead of 9-1-1, until I finally I was able to coordinate my thoughts with my finger movements enough to dial the right number.

My nose continued bleeding, and the 9-1-1 operator remained on the line until the ambulance arrived.

Although I was frantic, the operator remained calm and patient, and advised me to apply strong pressure to the bridge of my nose. She instructed me NOT to tilt my head back, but rather forward... explaining that this was the latest protocol for nosebleeds. I begged her not to hang up until the paramedics arrived. And since my phone was beep, beep, beeping (indicating that it was about to run out of batteries), I recited a list of phone numbers for her to call in the event that I didn't make it.

Within just a few minutes my head was spinning and my hands and feet were growing cold and numb. I knew I had to get off my feet. I moved over to the front door, cracked it open, sat down, and placed my foot in the doorjamb to hold it open. This I did as a precaution, just in case I passed out before help arrived. I didn't want them to have to break the door if I lost consciousness.

Needless to say, I was never more relieved than I was when those EMTs and police officers showed up at my door. They quickly strapped me into a stretcher, stuffed me upright into the elevator, and then rushed me to the hospital. I was quickly wheeled into the emergency room, where I waited alone for over an hour before any doctor or nurse came to see me.

By the time the ER doctor arrived, the bleeding had stopped. He asked me a bunch of general questions as he probed my nose with a small, lighted camera device and then coldly stated that the bleed was due to the unregulated heat in my building that had caused my sinuses to dry out and crack. He gave me the name and number of an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, and sent me on my way. It was as if I was just another early morning false alarm in the ER.

I felt like crap, and I walked out of the hospital that morning convinced that the doctor was wrong, and that this was no ordinary nosebleed. I was also in disbelief that I was allowed to walk out of there in blood spattered clothes, with no jacket on my back, and no shoes on my feet. Fortunately, there was a payphone in the lobby, and I was able to reach a friend at that early hour. She raced over to pick me up and got me home safe.

I was a complete and total mess.

Two days later, I went to see the ENT, who agreed with the ER doctor, stating that dry heat had caused the nosebleed. He too probed my nose, and then cauterized the area where he thought the bleeding was coming from. He assured me that this was a very common occurrence during this time of year, and that I was going to be OK.

But that night, I was again delivered to the hospital via ambulance with another severe nosebleed.

I remember exactly what the ER doctor said to me that morning after unsuccessfully trying to control the bleeding for well over an hour…

“I’ve used every trick in my toolkit,” he said, “And, I just don’t know what else to do.”

After he said that, I had to put on anti-panic medication just to keep my heart from racing out of control and making the bleeding worse.

I spent the next two weeks in the hospital with my nose bleeding on and off. It continued to bleeding… even with both nostrils packed tight with the inflatable balloon-like devices that had recently been developed to help control posterior nosebleeds such as this.

It was a dark, painful, and miserable time for me.

At the end of the two weeks I was wheeled into surgery, and the surgeon cauterized the area surrounding the artery in my left sinus cavity. He said that upon examination, he had found that the whole area was a mess, and that he was sure that this was where the bleeding was coming from.

Two days later, I was sent home… just in time for Thanksgiving. And there I sat there for weeks, trying to regain my strength and feel better.

By the time February rolled around, things were going pretty well. I was back on my feet again and feeling good, when suddenly, it happened again... One cold morning, I woke up at around 1:00 AM with another severe nosebleed.

And the nightmare started all over.

This time however, my ENT referred me to a colleague at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC, and I was whisked over there in an ambulance for another surgery.

I spent another two weeks in a hospital bed and underwent a second round of surgery in which the artery in question was secured by ligation (a closing off of the vessel). A number of polyps and scar tissue from the previous surgery were also found and removed, and my new doctor was convinced that this would solve the problem for good.

Just hearing him say that, made all the difference in the world.

Regardless of the nightmarish sequence of events, I learned a great deal from the whole experience.

I learned a lot about myself… especially while sitting there alone, late at night in that hospital bed… bleeding… calling out for help… and wondering whether or not I was going to die… And believe me; I really had to dig deep to find strength enough to convince myself that I would not allow that to happen, and that ‘Death’ himself would have to come find me and drag me out… kicking and screaming.

More importantly (and especially as a healthcare provider myself), I learned what it means to suffer… and how it feels to be a patient in need of proper care. I learned how important a caregiver’s words and demeanor can be, and what kind of an impact they can have on a patient’s overall condition. And I learned how important it is to 'know' what you 'don't know', and to be able to admit to yourself when you cannot provide the kind of care that is required, and to be able to refer to others when necessary.

I saw a lot of things that I would never want to emulate, and a lot that I hope to be able to incorporate into my own practice.

So again, it’s been a year since that first early morning round of bleeding occurred… and I have to be honest; I have been waiting for this day to arrive.

For some weird reason, I have set this day as a benchmark in my mind, by which it would be possible for me to gauge whether or not I was truly ‘out of the woods’ with regard to this condition. And I now feel as if I can move forward and put this whole thing behind me.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

(Accompanying photo, 'Out of the Woods' by Robert A. Vena)

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THE DISCIPLINE OF QIGONG

2011-11-11T08:13:00.001-05:00

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." ~ Jim Rohn

Discipline: Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character.

Qigong: The art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate life energy, or Qi (pronounced 'chee').

Last week, my teacher spoke to the students of his weekly Qigong class about character building, and of the positive effect it has on the overall health of the human body.

In not so many words he explained that each time you discipline yourself, you build character... and that this, in turn, helps build better Qi and leads to improved health.

Well, my teacher's words struck a cord deep within me that day, and they have ever since been turning around and round in my head like a ferris wheel... until they appeared again here on this page.

It's amazing how certain teachers can have this kind of effect on us...

This simple teaching of his caused me to reflect back on my life, and on the role that discipline has played in it... and it has become very clear to me, that the times I exercised the most discipline in life, have by far been the most productive, happy, and healthy of of them all.

As stated in the quote above by Jim Rohn, "Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment."

Of this there can be no doubt.

It is oh so very important to discipline ourselves if we ever wish to reach the goals we set... not just in Qigong, or other martial arts practices, but in every aspect of our lives.

I wish you great success in reaching your own goals. May you have the discipline required to easily transform them into realities.

See more of my photographic work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.

(Accompanying photo, 'Autumn Bridge' by Robert A. Vena)

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CHOCOLATE MOUSSE

2011-11-09T10:54:00.001-05:00

A Delicious Chocolate Mouse with Fresh Cream and Strawberries

A Chocolate Mousse is a Mousse (which is a chilled dessert plate usually made up of gelatin, eggs, and (sometimes whipped) cream) with a chocolate flavor mixed into it.

See more of my work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.

(Accompanying photo, 'Chocolate Mousse' by Robert A. Vena)

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VETERANS DAY 2011

2011-11-07T11:11:00.002-05:00

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11th.
This national holiday is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars, particularly living veterans.

As a veteran myself, I know and understand the needs of these special men and women who have sacrificed so very much in service of their country. And, although I offer special rates on acupuncture to veterans and active duty military personnel year-round, I offer extra special 'thank you' rates during the month of November.

If you, or someone you know is a veteran who is in need of my acupuncture services, please contact me to learn more about this year’s special rates for November.

This offer is only valid in my New York City office.

For contact information and more about my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.

See more of my work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

(Accompanying photo, 'Veterans Plaza' by Robert A. Vena)

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BANK TRANSFER DAY

2011-11-05T10:04:00.001-04:00

The original headquarters of The Bowery Savings Bank at 130 Bowery Street in Manhattan

Saturday, November 5th, 2011 is 'Bank Transfer Day'.

The 'Bank Transfer Day' protest movement is a grassroots effort that started out on Facebook urging banking customers to pull their money out of accounts with big banks and place it in smaller community banks and credit unions instead. The deadline for the transfer was set for today.

The movement has attracted a lot of attention for its anti-big bank sentiment, and as of this morning had over 48,500 followers on its Facebook 'Bank Transfer Day' cause page alone.

Although the movement really seems to have struck a chord with 'Occupy Wall Street' supporters, the owners of the 'Bank Transfer Day' Facebook page have posted the following disclaimer right at the top of the page:

"While the Bank Transfer Day Movement acknowledges the enthusiasm from Occupy Wall Street, the Bank Transfer Day movement was neither inspired by, derived from nor organized by the Occupy Wall Street Movement, and the Bank Transfer Day movement does not endorse any activities conducted by Occupy Wall Street."

It will be interesting to see what impact the movement, and today's deadline, have on the big-banking industry.

See more of my work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information on my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.

(Accompanying photo, 'Bowery Savings Bank' by Robert A. Vena)

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CELEBRITY APPRENTICES?

2011-11-04T10:58:00.001-04:00

Dee Snider of Twisted Sister

Lou Ferrigno, The Incredible Hulk

Arsenio Hall and Clay Aiken

Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller

Teller of Penn & Teller and Clay Aiken of American Idol

Rob with Dee Snider of Twisted Sister

Rob with Paul Teutul, Sr. of Orange County Choppers

The celebrities were selling this booklet for $5.00. I was able to get them all to sign it.

This set of photos was taken at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Avenue in Manhattan on Thursday, November 3rd, 2011.

I was out walking along Broadway when I noticed something going on over by the Flatiron Building. I walked over to see what was happening and came across a group of celebrities being filmed as they conducted a fundraiser.

The group included Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Lou Ferrigno of The Incredible Hulk, Arsenio Hall of the Arsenio Hall Show, Clay Aiken of American Idol, Magicians Penn Jillette and Teller of Penn & Teller, and Paul Teutul, Sr. of Orange County Choppers.

I am assuming that the filming was for an episode of Celebrity Apprentice, but the celebrities did not want to confirm this. I stood nearby and overheard a discussion between Arsenio Hall and Clay Aiken talking about how they were not allowed to reveal the reason for their being there, and how they would 'be in trouble' if they disclosed this information to the public. If this filming was in fact for Celebrity Apprentice, then this was obviously a fund raiser for the Men's Team.

I found each of the celebrities to be very approachable and pleasant to deal with, and was even able to get all of their autographs and have my picture taken with a few of them.

See more of my work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information on my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.

(Accompanying photos by Robert A. Vena)

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NEWPORT, JERSEY CITY

2011-11-02T13:48:00.004-04:00

This nighttime photo of Newport, Jersey City was taken from the waterfront in Hoboken, New Jersey.

See more of my work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information on my Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.

(Accompanying photo, 'Newport, Jersey City' by Robert A. Vena)

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ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER

2011-08-31T16:19:00.008-04:00

I took this nighttime photo of the New York City skyline and One World Trade Center from across the Hudson River at the Train and Ferry Terminal in Hoboken, New Jersey on Thursday, October 6, 2011.

Follow the progress of the construction of One World Trade Center as seen by me at One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) ~ A Work in Progress.

See more of my work framed and available for purchase at Rob Vena Photos.

Follow me on Twitter, or visit my Facebook Artist Page (Please be sure to click the 'Like' button!)

For information on my Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Practice, visit www.RobVenaAcupuncture.com or Rob Vena Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine.

(Accompanying photo, 'One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower)' by Robert A. Vena)

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CEMETERY SCENES

2011-06-25T11:42:00.009-04:00

Some may find it tasteless; but I have a strange fascination with cemeteries, and even find them to be quite inspiring at times. I love to wander cemetery grounds alone and take photographs whenever I visit one.

But as a young boy, it was quite a different story of course.

It just so happens that I grew up in a house that stood no less than arm's length from Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City, New Jersey. My own bedroom window in fact, looked straight out and over into that sprawling complex of death, with its weathered marble and granite grave markers and its eerie, old chestnut tree that seemed to beckon me thither with its withered and creaky, old limbs.

A spooky sight for sure to a child of only 5 or 6 years old!
Needless to say, I spent many a sleepless night buried deep beneath the covers, shivering and shaking... perspiring with fear... listening and on the guard for ghosts and goblins that never came.

But things have changed since then.

Nowadays I find myself stopping in cemeteries all the time. And, I don't find them to be spooky or scary places at all anymore, but rather, hauntingly beautiful and peaceful places where I can meditate and remind myself of my own mortality. Being there reminds me that my time here on Earth is limited and that I should make the best of life while I can.

When was the last time you were in a cemetery? Why not stop in the next time you pass one? And, who knows? It may just be the source of your next great inspiration!

Please vote for this story at Cemetery Scenes.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

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(Accompanying photo, 'Weathered Stones' by Robert A. Vena)

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RED & YELLOW FLOWERS

2011-04-20T09:52:00.005-04:00

This photo of colorful red and yellow flowers was taken using my Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2 digital camera.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

Follow me on Twitter or visit my Facebook Artist Page and click the 'Like' button.

(Accompanying photo, 'Red & Yellow Flowers' by Robert A. Vena)

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FLATIRON ROW

2011-04-16T08:11:00.007-04:00

A contrast between the old and the new in this photo of the Flatiron Building and surrounding structures. This shot was taken from West 23rd Street in Manhattan's Flatiron District, NYC on April 15, 2011.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

Follow me on Twitter or visit my Facebook Artist Page and click the 'Like' button.

(Accompanying photo, 'Flatiron Row' by Robert A. Vena)

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EMPIRE TULIPS

2011-04-15T18:42:00.006-04:00

The Empire State Building as seen from the intersection at Broadway and 23rd Street in Manhattan, NYC.

This photo was taken on April 15, 2011.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

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(Accompanying photo, 'Empire Tulips' by Robert A. Vena)

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HUGH O'NEILL BUILDING

2011-04-10T09:26:00.005-04:00

The Hugh O'Neill Building is a golden-domed, cast-iron structure located at 655 Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. It was built in 1887 as the Hugh O'Neill Dry Goods Building (a department store).

Situated between 20th and 21st Streets in New York City, it was the first full-blockfront building on a strip of popular department stores below 23rd Street known as 'The Ladies Mile'.

The building was converted into condominiums in 2005.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

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(Accompanying photo, 'Hugh O'Neill Building' by Robert A. Vena)

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TIE-DYE SKY

2011-04-07T16:34:00.006-04:00

This photo was taken using my Motorola Droid 2 Global cell phone camera. Visual modifications were made using the iPhoto application on my MacBook laptop computer.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

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(Accompanying photo, 'Tie-Dye Sky' by Robert A. Vena)

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EMPIRE ALLEY

2011-03-26T08:01:00.009-04:00

I snapped this photo of the Empire State Building on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011... a cold and rainy day in New York City... so dark and gray a day in fact, that this color photograph almost appears to be a black and white.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

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(Accompanying photo, 'Empire Alley' by Robert A. Vena)

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TRAGEDY IN JAPAN

2011-03-13T07:56:00.005-04:00

My heart is torn as I watch the video footage coming out of Japan... a country that served as my home for four years.

These poor people are facing an incredible series of disasters; earthquake, tsunami, aftershocks, power outages, winter weather, and now the threat of a nuclear meltdown.

The Japanese are a strong and resilient people, and I know that they will pull themselves together as a community and overcome this disaster... as they have done many times in the past... but I just feel helpless as I watch.

My prayers and thoughts go out to all who are suffering... and watching all of this puts my own troubles and concerns into better perspective. I am so fortunate to have never had to face such hardship, and so thankful for all that I have been blessed with in this life.

I took this photo during Japan's Cherry Blossom Festival in Spring 1990.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

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(Accompanying photo, 'Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan' by Robert A. Vena)

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THE VERRAZANO-NARROWS BRIDGE

2011-03-06T09:38:00.009-05:00

This photo of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was taken from the waterfront in Hoboken, New Jersey.

The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is a double-decked suspension bridge that connects the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City at The Narrows.

The bridge is named for both the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, the first known European navigator to enter New York Harbor and the Hudson River, and for the body of water it spans: The Narrows.

Much of my work is available at http://robvena.imagekind.com/.

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(Accompanying photo, 'The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge' by Robert A. Vena)

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