The Egg

We went to the Gem and Mineral show at the NY State Museum in Albany a few weeks ago, and I got this unusual look at the back of The Egg.  Formally known as the Center for the Performing Arts, this unusual building is part of the Empire State Plaza.  For obvious reasons, everyone simply calls it The Egg.

The crane in the background is working on the state Capitol building; the one with the pointed roof.  Actually, that crane is hauling up pieces of a larger crane which will be used to repair the original crane that was working on the Capitol!

This isn't a proper Skywatch entry this week - I don't really have a decent sky photo - but do stop and take a look at some of the photos from round the world....

F Number	11.0
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/640
Exposure Program	Program AE
ISO	200
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

New construction

There isn't much construction in Schenectady; the replacement for Center City was finished in the autumn.  This was taken near to where I work.  It will be a new State Trooper barracks when it's finished.  This crane has been hoisting steel almost every day, even when it's been 5F outside!  Of course, the crane doesn't get cold but the men working on the exposed beams do.  Construction used to stop during the winter months, but now builders see winter as an opportunity to use equipment year-round.  As long as they get the foundation poured before the ground freezes, they keep on working!

F Number	9.0
Lens ID	LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm F3.5-5.6
Focal Length	45.0 mm (35 mm equivalent: 90.0 mm)
Exposure Time	1/800
Exposure Program	Manual
Exposure Compensation	0
Flash	Off, Did not fire

Theme Day - Contrast

The first day of each month, the City Daily Photo Blog web site hosts a Theme Day, where participants can post photographs expressing their interpretation of a common theme. This month, the theme is Contrast. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

I had a surprisingly difficult time choosing a photo for this theme; I think that's a good thing. Makes me think a bit. I wandered downtown, to the site of our soon to be destroyed building called City Center. While fishing for ideas, I saw this claw resting in the shadow of the still standing building and it didn't dawn on me until I looked at it on the computer that this is a very contrasty photo. Brute force and ignorance on my part for this month's theme. I'll have to try thinking for next month!

Construction

There is some big construction near where I work. A new road is going in for the new NY State Trooper barracks being built. This dump truck was hauling gravel for the road and I managed an action shot as it was filling in the base of the road bed.