Through My Third Eye

Robert Plant @ The Beacon (January 29, 2011) #2

2011-02-01T10:58:00.003-05:00

Robert Plant @ The Beacon (January 29, 2011) #2, originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Robert Plant @ The Beacon (January 29, 2011) #3

2011-02-01T10:58:00.001-05:00

Robert Plant @ The Beacon (January 29, 2011) #3, originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

My Top-10 "Exit-Songs" PlayList

2011-01-19T16:49:00.001-05:00

My Top-10 "Exit-Songs" PlayList, originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

The subject came up... If you could choose the last 10 Pop/Rock/Soul songs that you would ever hear (when that fateful moment arrives), what would your Top-10 "Exit-Songs" Playlist be?

Originally, my list was just going to consist of my Top-10 sentimental favorite songs. Songs that I would want to listen to one final time, before shoving off from this mortal coil. The songs -- including guilty pleasures -- that secretly make me happiest. Such a list would surely be heavy in songs I loved as a child. Probably something by the Beatles and Supremes, songs that were popular on WABC-AM back then and probably -- shamefully -- the Archies "Sugar, Sugar."

Well, after I got to thinking about the list, the songs started drifting towards a "goodbye theme" of sorts. I guess that was inevitable.

So what is YOUR Top-10 "Exit-Songs" Playlist (use your own criteria)?

Here is my list as it stands now (subject to change, ad infinitum)...

My Current List (v.2):

* Badlands (Bruce Springsteen)
* Watching The Detectives (Elvis Costello)
* Tiny Dancer (Elton John)
* And Your Bird Can Sing (Beatles)
* Life's Been Good (Joe Walsh)
* I'll Take You There (The Staple Singers)
* Higher Ground (Stevie Wonder)
* Let It Be (Beatles)
* What A Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)
* Spirit in the Sky (Norman Greenbaum)

Under Consideration:

* In My Life (Beatles)
* I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For (U2) -- Thanks Liz
* Once in a Lifetime (Talking Heads) -- Thanks Liz
* The End (The Doors) -- Thanks Larry
* Glory Days (Springsteen)
* Sympathy For The Devil (Rolling Stones)
* You Can't Always Get What You Want (Rolling Stones)
* Into the Mystic (Van Morrison) -- Thanks Nansi
* Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton) -- Thanks Nansi
* Dust in the Wind (Kansas) -- Thanks Dino

PHOTOGRAPHERS NOTE: This image was put together in Photoshop as a composite (or collage) of three images plus the musical notes. The face on the dead guy, of course, belongs to me and I wasn't really dead for it. The main image in the background is the painting "Lord Byron on His Deathbed," (c.1826) by Joseph-Denis Odevaere. The record player was an Internet capture of an old Edison Cylinder Phonograph.

The Tail End (Gulf of Maine, October 10, 2010)

2010-10-12T00:58:00.001-05:00

The Tail End (Gulf of Maine, October 10, 2010), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

My 1977 Stuyvesant High School Graduation Photo

2010-08-27T11:45:00.001-05:00

My 1977 Stuyvesant High School Graduation Photo, originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Egg Head (Created in 2007)

2010-02-01T13:10:00.001-05:00

Egg Head (Created in 2007), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Towers & Stacks (NYC, October 2009)

2010-02-01T11:57:00.003-05:00

Towers & Stacks (NYC, October 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Empire State Candy (NYC, November 2009)

2010-02-01T11:57:00.001-05:00

Empire State Candy (NYC, November 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Portrait of A Visiting Extra-Terrestrial Alien Chillaxin With His Pet Fish (NYC, January 2010)

2010-02-01T11:53:00.001-05:00

Portrait of A Visiting Extra-Terrestrial Alien Chillaxin With His Pet Fish (NYC, January 2010), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Kayaks Under Bridges (NYC, October 2009)

2010-01-28T12:24:00.000-05:00

Kayaks Under Bridges (NYC, October 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Midtown Lightning (NYC, March 2009)

2010-01-15T10:54:00.003-05:00

Midtown Lightning (NYC, March 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

This is a new edit of a photo I've posted before. It is available as an 8X10 print.

This photo was taken from my balcony during an early Spring thunderstorm. I've captured lightning before -- but never anything like this.

Smoking Zombie Youth (NYC, August 2009)

2010-01-15T10:54:00.001-05:00

Smoking Zombie Youth (NYC, August 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

A young woman puffs away while perfectly aligning herself with the column behind her for this colorful photo. Thanks!

Gorilla's Foot, Bronx Zoo (NYC, July 2009)

2010-01-15T10:53:00.003-05:00

Gorilla's Foot, Bronx Zoo (NYC, July 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

I'd like to shake that foot... and keep my arm. Almost human... don't you think?

A Bird & The Setting Sun (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2010-01-15T10:53:00.001-05:00

A Bird & The Setting Sun (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

This is a re-post - I've cleaned up the image a bit. The original image processing overwhelmed Photoshop and the result was a pronounced, unnatural, bright red corona on the sun along with some leaking of the intense orange and reds onto the bird itself. A bit of work and it's all fixed now -- restored to what my eyes actually saw.

A bird settles in on his perch to view the stunning sunset on Martha's Vineyard. The beach is just yards away to the right. Don't be fooled by the 2nd bird, just below and to the right of the perched bird. Although it looks like a predator bird carrying off a fish, it is actually just a wind directional on top of the house. Gotcha!

... And yes, I was in the right place at the right time... but I saw the shot coming in advance, set up for it, calibrated and waited. I'm glad I did.

Proud Bird (NYC, August 2008)

2010-01-15T10:52:00.007-05:00

Proud Bird (NYC, August 2008), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

For some reason, this is one of my most popular animal photographs. I'm not sure why that is -- as I believe that I have far better animal photos posted on Flickr (including photos of other peacocks and birds). None-the-less, thank you!

... And so I've decided to re-post this photo, but in this case, I've faded the background so that the peacock can stand out more clearly (no other retouching was done).

This proud bird was spotted in 2008 at the Central Park Children's Zoo in New York City.

Again, thank you all for liking this photo, for your encouragement and your support!

Cowdy Pardner! (Connecticut, October 2009)

2010-01-15T10:52:00.005-05:00

Cowdy Pardner! (Connecticut, October 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Peacock's Head (NYC, July 2009)

2010-01-15T10:52:00.003-05:00

Peacock's Head (NYC, July 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Here is a re-post of my favorite peacock photo. Can you feel him???

This shot was taken at the NY Bronx Zoo.

A Little Lion Under Covers (November, 2006)

2010-01-15T10:52:00.001-05:00

A Little Lion Under Covers (November, 2006), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Homeless 2009 (NYC, February 2009)

2010-01-15T10:46:00.005-05:00

Homeless 2009 (NYC, February 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

And I don't know a soul who's not been battered
I don't have a friend who feels at ease
I don't know a dream that's not been shattered
or driven to its knees
But it's all right, it's all right
We've lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the road
we're traveling on
I wonder what went wrong
I can't help it, I wonder what went wrong

-- Paul Simon

Can you recommend better lyrics for these four photos of the homeless? If so, make a recommendation and if I agree, I'll replace them.

Homeless 2008 (NYC, May 2008)

2010-01-15T10:46:00.003-05:00

Homeless 2008 (NYC, May 2008), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Until you've seen this trash can dream come true
You stand at the edge while people run you through
And I thank the lord there's people out there like you
I thank the lord there's people out there like you

While Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
Sons of bankers, sons of lawyers
Turn around and say good morning to the night
For unless they see the sky
But they can't and that is why
They know not if it's dark outside or light

-- Bernie Taupin & Elton John

Homeless 2007 (NYC, July 2007)

2010-01-15T10:46:00.001-05:00

Homeless 2007 (NYC, July 2007), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Even Flow...
Thoughts arrive like butterflies
Oh, he don't know so he chases them away, yeah
Ah, someday yet he'll begin his life again, yeah
Oh, whispering hands gently lead him away

-- Pearl Jam

Homeless 2006 (NYC, January 2006)

2010-01-15T10:45:00.003-05:00

Homeless 2006 (NYC, January 2006), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Day after day alone on the hill,
The man with the foolish grin is keeping perfectly still,
But nobody wants to know him,
They can see that he's just a fool,
And he never gives an answer,
But the fool on the hill
Sees the sun going down,
And the eyes in his head,
See the world spinning around.

Well on his way his head in a cloud,
The man of a thousand voices talking percetly loud
But nobody ever hears him,
Or the sound he appears to make,
And he never seems to notice,
But the fool on the hill . . .
Nobody seems to like him
They can tell what he wants to do.
And he never shows his feelings,
But the fool on the hill . . .

-- McCartney & Lennon

Can you recommend better lyrics for these four photos of the homeless? If so, make a recommendation and if I agree, I'll replace them.

Less Than Thrilled (NYC, November 2009)

2010-01-15T10:45:00.001-05:00

Less Than Thrilled (NYC, November 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Pensive Teen (Home, November 2009)

2010-01-15T10:44:00.002-05:00

Pensive (Home, November 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Study of Teenage Photographer with Mysterious, Out-of-Place, Badly-Photoshoped, Goat Wandering Around Aimlessly (NYC, November 2009)

2010-01-15T10:37:00.001-05:00

Study of Photographer with Mysterious, Out-of-Place, Badly-Photoshoped, Goat Wandering Around Aimlessly (NYC, November 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Empire State Blue 2009 (NYC, December 2009)

2010-01-15T10:34:00.003-05:00

Empire State Blue 2009 (NYC, December 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Mother & Daughter (NYC, November 2009)

2010-01-15T10:34:00.001-05:00

Mother & Daughter (NYC, November 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

"Dad, Can I Have Your Mustache?" (NYC, November 2009)

2010-01-15T10:33:00.003-05:00

"Dad, Can I Have Your Mustache?" (NYC, November 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Mom, Then & Now (NYC, 1978 & 2010)

2010-01-10T11:59:00.000-05:00

Mom, Then & Now (NYC, 1978 & 2010), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Mom, back in 1978, showing how thrilled she was at my taking a photo of her as she did the dishes... and standing before her Christmas Tree in early 2010 while fighting the profound effects of Alzheimer's/Dementia.

Pink Automat (NYC, April 2007)

2009-10-28T14:25:00.001-05:00

Pink Automat (NYC, April 2007), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

This pink automat is a New Addition to St. Mark's Place (8th Street) in Manhattan. Sadly, while the Automat is still there (Yay!) and while it still features Pink... they have way toned down the pink (boo!).

The Automat use to be popular in NYC from at least the WWII period into the early 70s. I used to eat at the famous Horn & Hardart's Automat on East 42nd St., with my dad. However, that and all other old-school Automats are long-gone. This is the first automat to open in New York in a very long time.

Begrudging Love (NYC, May 2006)

2009-10-28T14:24:00.001-05:00

Begrudging Love (NYC, May 2006), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

I wonder if these two are still together? She certainly was trying her very best to cheer up the lad. But he so sad! She make glad.

Mona Lisa Smile in Central Park (NYC, August 2009)

2009-10-28T14:23:00.005-05:00

Mona Lisa Smile in Central Park (NYC, August 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

An attractive young lady, with piercing eyes and a Mona Lisa smile, poses for a sketch artist in Central Park on a glorious weekend, Summer afternoon.

Tough Guy In Pink (NYC, August 2006)

2009-10-28T14:23:00.003-05:00

Tough Guy In Pink (NYC, August 2006), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Union Square Park, New York City

Park Life: Watching Him Watching Her Emphatically Conversing (NYC, April 2009)

2009-10-28T14:23:00.001-05:00

Park Life: Watching Him Watching Her Emphatically Conversing (NYC, April 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Just a lazy, Spring, late afternoon in Madison Square Park, New York City.

Street Ham (NYC, July 2006)

2009-10-28T14:22:00.005-05:00

Street Ham (NYC, July 2006), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Save It Honey, He Doesn't Want To Hear It (NYC, April 2009)

2009-10-28T14:22:00.003-05:00

Save It Honey, He Doesn't Want To Hear It (NYC, April 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Street Ham (NYC, April 2009)

2009-10-28T14:22:00.001-05:00

Street Ham (NYC, April 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Her friend does not look amused!

She's The Girl With The Far-Away Eyes (NYC, May 2006)

2009-10-28T14:08:00.001-05:00

She's The Girl With The Far-Away Eyes (NYC, May 2006), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Silly Mime, There's No Rain in the Subway! (NYC, May 2006)

2009-10-28T14:07:00.001-05:00

Silly Mime, There's No Rain in the Subway! (NYC, May 2006), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Manhattan in Motion (NYC, March 2009)

2009-10-28T14:04:00.007-05:00

Manhattan in Motion (NYC, March 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Blossoming Zygote (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-10-28T14:04:00.005-05:00

Blossoming Zygote (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Boat & Stream (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-10-28T14:04:00.003-05:00

Boat & Stream (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Another Fishing Village Doohickey (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-10-28T14:04:00.001-05:00

Another Fishing Village Doohickey (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Love (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-10-28T13:55:00.001-05:00

Love (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Mother & daughter snuggle up in the chilling air of a Summer's evening as the sun sets behind them on Martha's Vineyard.

Late Summer Fun! (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-28T13:54:00.001-05:00

Late Summer Fun! (NYC, September 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

A very young girl explores the effects of interrupting the water flow of a spraying fountain with her teeny, young hand. The tot perceived the effects to be pleasurable!

Today (October 16, 2009), this little girl is, like the rest of us in NYC, ducking the effects of a different kind of spraying water -- two back-to-back nor'easters!

Water Balloons (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-28T13:53:00.001-05:00

Water Balloons (NYC, September 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

"Hmmm, well, let's see. I have two water-balloons, both aching to be thrown. And there, I spy, a photographer... a man just begging to be drenched. Should I do it? It's soooo, tempting! Man, I really want to nail that Mo-Fo in the ass for taking my picture!"

Losing Her (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:16:00.003-05:00

Mom, ravaged by Alzheimer's/Dementia and a variety of other things.

The Greatness of New York (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:15:00.005-05:00

The Chrysler Building lords over Mid-Town Manhatta

The Face of New York (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:15:00.004-05:00

The magnificent Empire State Building stands against a glorious, velvety curtain of clouds as the sun sets on Manhattan.

Who Needs Bottled Water? (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:14:00.002-05:00

A young boy finds a variety of uses for a park water fountain.

Dancing In The Park (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:10:00.005-05:00

This couple was shakin' it like they just don't care, in Madison Square Park.

Before & After (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:10:00.004-05:00

A Mother and daughter enjoy a couple of Ice Cream bars at a small park in Manhattan.

Do You Take This Cash To Be Your Lawfully Wedded Husband? (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:09:00.005-05:00

On a dingy corner in Manhattan, a bride and groom stop at an ATM machine for some quick cash. Wait? What?

Given the look on his face, I will assume it is his cash... was.

The New, New York (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:09:00.004-05:00

Herald Square, just outside of Macy's, has been converted into a pedestrian plaza instead of a street for cars and other vehicles. Quite a change! These new pedestrian plazas can be seen at various main intersections, along Broadway, in Manhattan. In the background is the glorious Empire State Building... this evening glowing yellow for god knows what reason... but I like it!

Details #1 (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:08:00.002-05:00

Lucky Dog (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:01:00.005-05:00

A beautiful young woman and her pug hanging out in Central Park. Wasn't this pug one of the stars in "Men In Black"?

Details #2 (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:01:00.004-05:00

Architectural Details of Joseph Papp's Public Theater in New York.

Three Amigos (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T14:00:00.002-05:00

Girlzilla! (NYC, September 2009)

2009-10-15T13:57:00.002-05:00

A billboard featuring a giant naked woman... seemingly about to attack the water tower!

Ferry III (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-09-11T11:41:00.002-05:00

Ancient Cliffs (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-09-11T11:40:00.005-05:00

These cliffs, photographed here in mid-August 2009, were severely damaged by the surf spun off by Hurricane Bill as it passed Martha's Vineyard, just days after this photo was taken.

Ferry I (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-09-11T11:40:00.004-05:00

Surf & Stones (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-09-11T11:39:00.008-05:00

Four days after this photograph was taken, Hurricane Bill was lashing this shoreline!

It's A Little Beach Nook (♫ You Don't Know What I Got ♪) (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-09-11T11:39:00.007-05:00

Seagulls on a Cliff (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-09-11T11:39:00.006-05:00

Four days after this photo was taken. this cliff was severely damaged by the heavy surf kicked off by a passing Hurricane Bill. What a pity.

Lobster Monster Bids Farewell To Summer (August 2009, Martha's Vineyard)

2009-09-11T11:34:00.002-05:00

Oh my Baby Jesus!!! What on Earth is happening here? What is this thing that crawled out of the sea:

Rock Lobster (by The B52's):
We Were at the Beach
Everybody Had Matching Towels
Somebody Went Under a Dock
And There They Saw a Rock...
It wasn't a Rock...
It was a Rock Lobster!!!

Martha's Vineyard Sunset (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-08-22T21:04:00.004-05:00

Sunset On Wood (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-08-22T21:02:00.005-05:00

Boat & Stream (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-08-22T21:02:00.004-05:00

Tabernacle Seating (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-08-22T21:00:00.002-05:00

A Blast of Summer Color (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-08-22T20:52:00.002-05:00

Postcard Cliffs (Martha's Vineyard, August 2009)

2009-08-22T20:51:00.003-05:00

50th Birthday Declaration! (February 9, 2009)

2009-08-12T15:30:00.002-05:00

Ahem... so I am paraphrasing the words of one of my favorite sci-fi action flicks (Independence Day) which was, in turn, parodying a great Shakespearean speech (St. Crispen's Day Speech, from "Henry V"). Is that so bad?

So you want the words of a REAL poet instead? OK, your wish is my command:

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

-- Dylan Thomas

Almost Human (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-18T03:20:00.005-05:00

Ebony Langur Monkeys #6 (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-18T02:26:00.004-05:00

Bronx Zoo, July 11 2009: Why are these monkeys ALL hanging their heads so low? Are they all ashamed of something? Are they all praying together? Did they all fall asleep at once?

Giving You The Bird (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-18T02:23:00.003-05:00

Bronx Zoo, July 11 2009: A handsome peacock gives me a little attitude.

Gogh, Man, Gogh! (Photo 2003/Composition 2009)

2009-07-17T13:42:00.004-05:00

The original image of me here, was taken on a beautiful island while on a Caribbean Cruise in the Summer of 2003. Here, my head receives the Van Gogh touch!

This image is part of my ongoing Art-Parody series featuring images of me, taken over 33 years, alongside great works of art. All props go to Vincent Van Gogh, Don McClean, the Internet and Photoshop CS2/CS3 for making this image possible.

This image is not quite finished... I have to find a way to add the proper paint-strokes texture to my head. Anyone know how?

Talkative Bird (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-15T09:53:00.005-05:00

Can anyone identify this bird (please)?

This bird was not a captive of the Bronx Zoo, it was just there visiting it's animal friends.

Bronx Zoo, July 11 2009.

He's A Cardinal, But Not Catholic (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-15T09:53:00.004-05:00

He's A Cardinal, But Not Catholic (NYC, July 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Bronx Zoo, July 11 2009: A wild cardinal visits the Bronx Zoo, in order to make fun of the captive animals.

Ebony Langur Monkeys #2 (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-15T09:51:00.005-05:00

Bronx Zoo, July 11 2009.

Ebony Langur Monkeys #1 (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-15T09:51:00.004-05:00

Ebony Langur Monkeys #1 (NYC, July 2009), originally uploaded by Hernan Hernandez.

Bronx Zoo, July 11 2009.

Ebony Langur Monkeys #3 (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-15T09:49:00.004-05:00

Bronx Zoo, July 11 2009.

Ebony Langur Monkeys #5 (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-15T09:48:00.006-05:00

Bronx Zoo, July 11 2009.

Pablo & Me (Photo 2003/Composition 2009)

2009-07-14T17:47:00.004-05:00

The original image of me here (my face), was taken while I was on a Caribbean Cruise in the Summer of 2003.

This image is part of my ongoing Art-Parody series featuring images of me, taken over 33 years, alongside great works of art. All props go to Pablo Picasso, the Internet and Photoshop CS2/CS3 for making this image possible.

Rainbow Over Manhattan #2 (NYC, June 2009)

2009-07-13T12:35:00.007-05:00

Soon after a very brief, but ferocious Summer storm, I went out to my balcony to enjoy dinner with my guests... when what should materialize to the East? It was the most spectacular rainbow I've ever seen in New York, and only the third full rainbow I've ever seen. Here's a portion of it as it dipped behind Waterside Towers.

Does this qualify as a Supernumerary Rainbow? There were two distinct rainbows at first and then just one but with an unusually large number of bands.

Rainbow Over Manhattan #1 (NYC, June 2009)

2009-07-13T12:35:00.006-05:00

The Persistence Of Me (NYC, 1986 & 2009)

2009-07-13T09:40:00.005-05:00

The original image of me here (my face), was taken at a NYC restaurant, back in 1986, by my date for the evening -- a beautiful Greek-American girl I would never see again. The work of art used here is, of course, Salvador Dali's brilliant "The Persistence of Memory".

This image, "The Persistence of Me," is part of my ongoing Art-Parody series featuring images of me, taken over 33 years, alongside great works of art. All props go to Dali, the Internet and Photoshop CS2/CS3 for making this image possible.

H2dez: The Early Years (NYC, 1976 & 2009)

2009-07-13T09:39:00.006-05:00

This 1976 image of me was taken in my homeroom during my Junior year at Stuyvesant High School, in New York City. The photo was taken with my camera, but I can't remember who I recruited as my photographer.

I also can't say for certain why I was walking around with an apple in my mouth and a bowler on my head. Perhaps it was the fashion back in 1976. I was very fashionable.

"The Son of Hernan" is part of my ongoing Art-Parody series featuring images of me, taken over 33 years, alongside great works of art. All props go to Rene Magritte, Surrealism, 1964, 1976, The Internet and Photoshop CS2/CS3 for making this image possible.

-- Hernan (that's me!)

Flying #1 (NYC, July 2009)

2009-07-13T09:26:00.004-05:00

A bird in flight, set against the lush verdure canopy of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in New York City, on Sunday, June 12, 2009. Yes, New York City has wildlife areas, nature preserves and marshlands!

¡Ai, Caramba! (Florida, 1999 & 2009)

2009-07-08T17:45:00.012-05:00

The original image of me here was taken in Disney World in 1999, at one of Disney's theme restaurants (can you guess the theme?). The gorgeous whale image was found on the Internet, but I don't know the name of the original artist, or I would credit him/her.

This image, "¡Ai Caramba!," is part of my ongoing Art-Parody series featuring images of me, taken over the last 33 years, alongside great works of art. All props go to the unknown artist, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, Captain Ahab, the ocean, The Internet and Photoshop CS2/CS3 for making this image possible.

The (Ice) Scream (Bahamas, 2003 & 2009)

2009-07-08T17:45:00.011-05:00

Ice Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for... Art-Parody!

The original image of me here (my face), was taken by my ex-wife while on a Caribbean Cruise in the Summer of 2003. Perhaps my "scream" here was simply foreshadowing of what was to come! The work of art used here is, of course, Edvard Munch's famous "The Scream".

This image, "The (Ice) Scream," is part of my ongoing Art-Parody series featuring images of me, taken over 33 years, alongside great works of art. All props go to Munch, The Internet and Photoshop CS2/CS3 for making this image possible.

Mona Me (Italy, 1503; France, 1519; NYC, November 2008)

2009-07-07T12:19:00.006-05:00

The image here has a bit of a complex history -- the original image featuring my face has been processed and used several times before. It's first appearance was as a family photo, taken by myself (with a tripod), from Thanksgiving 2008. Later on, I used the image of my head in a highly processed homage to Heath Ledger's Joker. Since then, I've used the head in several other images, culminating with this one.

This image, "Mona Me" is part of my ongoing Art-Parody series, featuring images of me, taken over 33 years, alongside great works of art. All props go to Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa, Batman, Heath Ledger, Heath Ledger's makeup artist, DC Comics, The Internet and Photoshop CS2/CS3 for making this image possible.

And YES, I know that my head just looks like it's been crudely pasted on the Mona Lisa and is just floating above the painting. Well, that's true (albeit with a little more art, skill and work than that implies) -- but I like it that way. It's more demented that way.

2009 Coney Island Mermaid Parade #9 (NYC, June 2009)

2009-06-29T10:08:00.003-05:00

2009 Coney Island Mermaid Parade #4 (NYC, June 2009)

2009-06-29T10:07:00.003-05:00

2009 Coney Island Mermaid Parade #1 (NYC, June 2009)

2009-06-29T10:06:00.003-05:00

The 2009 Coney Island Mermaid Parade got rained on, but for those there.. it did not dampen their spirits!

Lightning Over Manhattan (March 29, 2009)

2009-06-02T11:54:00.004-05:00

The Sky's Alight (NYC, May 2009)

2009-06-02T11:53:00.003-05:00

Midtown Manhattan on a cloudy night in Spring.

ESB in Yellow, White & Blue (NYC, May 2009)

2009-06-02T11:52:00.003-05:00

The Empire State Building in Yellow, White & Blue.

ESB in a Rainbow of Colors (NYC, August 2008)

2009-06-02T11:51:00.003-05:00

The Empire State Building in a rainbow of colors.

ESB in Green (NYC, April 2009)

2009-06-02T11:49:00.003-05:00

The Empire State Building in Green.