Nicholas Greiner Lens

January 15, 2016 by nicgreiner 1 Comment

I have only been on this earth for 24 years, but I feel like the earth and I are good friends. It seems like time after time good old mother nature likes to remind me of my mortality and how fast your world can change. Perhaps it is my upbringing in the mountains that makes me feel so small. In the day I would see the large majestic mountains and during the night there is nothing to obscure the billions of stars in the sky. Perhaps it is my experience around pain and suffering that causes me to think that life can change in a matter of seconds. Watching four of my friends almost be killed over a stupid decision to drift around dirt corners next to a river wakes you up those thoughts we all must face about our own lives. Perhaps as I first held my two boys, those two small flickers of new life, thoughts of how fragile they were filled my mind. Perhaps those feelings of hopelessness come as I watch movies that depict scenes of terror and the end of the human race. Perhaps I am filled with the feeling of insignificance as I read books with characters that go above and beyond to accomplish things they never knew they could do.

On the other hand, something inside me tells me that life is precious and that it should be celebrated. Something in my heart tells me to enjoy the moments of peace and of joy because those are the gems of my existence. Perhaps it was when I understood my oldest son’s first word and his face lit up with the brightest smile, consequently filling my soul, if you believe in such a thing, with blinding joy. Perhaps it is when I found out that my four friends would live and that there would be no lasting damage to their brains or otherwise so they could continue to be happy and reach their goals. Perhaps when I look up at the night sky I am filled with awe and wonder and when I look at the mountains I see clarity and the desire to climb to the top. Perhaps as I watch apocalyptic movies I am filled with hope watching the survivors fight all odds to live and make a happier future for themselves. Perhaps I am filled with desire to reach my goals and go above and beyond to accomplish when I read books with amazing characters.

This is a small glimpse into my contemplative brain.

Nick Mooney Bridges

January 15, 2016 by nickmooney 3 Comments

To compare the most iconic bridges in the USA is a daunting task. The Brooklyn bridge has been around for over 130 years old, that alone is to show the level of craftsmanship. I think the main reason it has not been changed is because of that fact alone. It is stated that Roebling built it 6 times stronger than required. He also revolutionized suspension bridge construction with the steel web supports on both sides of the bridge which increased stability. Because of his forethought to build something so strong it has become a mainstay of the New York landscape. Which i believe is why photographs of the bridge tend to include the whole landscape of Lower Manhattan. Having been build over a 100 years ago gives the bridge a very rustic look. With lots of stone it has a blocky appearance which shows the age of the bridge, but also shows how far New York has come since the 1800’s.

The Golden Gate bridge is 50 years younger than the Brooklyn bridge. It is also a suspension bridge, because of this it has a lot of the same revolutionary designs from the Brooklyn. Being newer there was no stone used in the construction, because of this it looks much more contemporary. Which works in to the progressive beliefs of the state and the city. I also believe that they left the Golden Gate as more of a blank slate, in that they have added an amazing idea. They added a movable center barrier, which increased safety so that were no head on crashes. Also because it is movable they can increase traffic flow in one direction over the other, helping with commute times. The way that the Golden Gate is photographed shows more of a serene type setting. Usually with lots of fog around to make it feel that it is reaching for the sky.

BRIDGES

January 15, 2016 by elliejayo Leave a Comment

Ellie Jay

1.02 Your Lens

History

1/15/16

The Brooklyn Bridge is far older than the Golden Gate Bridge. Both of these structures capture so much beauty and history in our world that many people do not realize. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883 this bridge was known for being the first steel wire bridge. This bridge is absolutely stunning especially what it is lit up at night sitting above water with the lights of New York City behind it. This bridge has been seen in many movies because of the beauty that it captures. The structure of this building contains many different elements, from limestone to granite. It’s literally breathing taking. The Golden Gate Bridge is also a very well know and eye catching structure. This bridge is located in San Francisco California this bridge was constructed far after the Brooklyn Bridge, in 1933 construction began and was completed in 1937. This bridge offers a more simplistic view and far more rural atmosphere. It does not have the lights or busy traffic the Brooklyn Bridge does, although it is known to be far more peaceful and out of the way of the busy city life compared to the Brooklyn bridge. It does not offer the beautiful stone work the Brooklyn Bridge does but what it does offer is a beautiful scenery or mountainous terrain surrounding it. I believe that both of these areas value these structures more than most people realize. They have made sure to keep these bridges safe and fully functioning not only because they are a high source of transport but they are a huge mark in these areas and it’s important to people to still have these types of treasure around and catching people’s eye. Many people go out of their way to travel just to see these bridges in their lifetime and if one were to visit either bridge they would see why, they are part of our history and a treasurable sight to see. These are not your typical bridges you see every day unless of course you live in these areas.

Wikipedia. Golden Gate Bridge Vs. Brooklyn Bridge. WEB. 15 Jan 2016