Photography by Ian L. Sitren

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Ghetto Tango

Something I discovered in my research for a project on the Yiddish Theater; something I did not know existed, “Ghetto Tango”. From a description from the collection “Ghetto Tango: Wartime Yiddish Theater”…

“The Jews torn from their homes and crammed into the ghettoes of Lithuania and Poland included young and old, laborers and college students, teachers, doctors, lawyers — and musicians. In the Warsaw ghetto, in Lodz, Vilna and the rest of the unofficial cabarets sprang up. Orchestras and choruses pieced themselves together as well. Musicians, both professional and amateur, began writing and performing as well as adapting popular music of the time. Much of their music reflected or satirized their bleak circumstances and bolstered the spirits of the audiences. Incredibly, not only were these ghetto night clubs visited by Nazi authorities and German soldiers, but they were photographed by Nazi propaganda units.”

Leica Freedom Train

At the beginnings of Nazi Germany, Ernst Leitz II, son of the founder and then director of the company manufacturing Leica cameras conceived a plan to evacuate Jews from the Nazis. Saving perhaps thousands, it became known as the Leica Freedom Train.

My selection of cameras is not just based on megapixels or price. It reflects the place in history of the camera company and the personal support of my business for which I am ever so grateful. Thank You!

Yiddish Theater And Arnold

A wonderful PBS short documentary; when Broadway was featuring the “Wizard of Oz” or the “Ziegflield Follies”, the Yiddish Theaters along 2nd Avenue were bringing in two million people per year. My own family has it’s roots in the Yiddish Theater with then famous Yiddish actors Izidore and Jennie Casher co-founders with Maurice Schwartz of the Yiddish Art Theatre started in 1918.

The great creators of American iconic music and so many Christmas songs, George and Ira Gershwin, and Irving Berlin lived in this theater district. Many of the Hollywood stars and luminaries got their start in Yiddish Theater, even including Edward G. Robinson.

Indeed drawing a direct line, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first movie “Hercules In New York” traces back to the early Yiddish Theater.

Not Far

Downtown Palm Springs today. Something to look through, the alien babies are still there, and every sidewalk needs a yellow cow with polka dots.

Looking Through-sm

Babies-sm

Yellow Cow-sm

A-7 Corsair II Arrives

It might not look like much now, but by the end of the year, those restoration magicians at the Palm Springs Air Museum will have it looking like it is ready to fly off a carrier. A Vietnam War era Vought A-7A Corsair II. The A-7 flew from 1965 through the Gulf War. It arrived this morning.

For my photographer friends; Sometimes I still use my Fujifilm x30. Very convenient to have around. These are Velvia film simulation jpg’s.


A-7 Corsair Arrival

A-7 Corsair Arrival

Which Way?

Is this the exit or the entrance? And if it is one, coming the other way is it still the other? Doorway art installation on Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. I understand that it was originally complete with an actual door. Fujifilm X-T3 camera.

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Pucci Virus Protection

At the Palm Springs Art Museum today. Braniff International Airlines stewardess uniforms designed by Pucci. Maybe the “helmet’ today would be good virus protection for flying commercial.

Braniff Pucci

Once Upon A Time At The Salton Sea

The Salton Sea was once one of the biggest attractions in the country. A billboard at the road in to Bombay Beach.

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Bombay Beach Aircraft

Many have seen this. However it is new since my last trip to Bombay Beach. I had to see it. Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea is truly becoming dedicated to the arts. Fujifilm X-T3 camera. I would like to fly over and photograph it from the air next.

Airplane Bombay Beach

 

Giant Bird Bombay Beach

Just watch, don’t be impatient. At Bombay Beach Salton Sea. Fujifilm X-T3 camera.