Manuel's Views

Keeping In Step

2011-09-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Fall Is Close

2011-09-27T16:43:00.001-07:00

For those who like the seasons, leaves have begun to change color in central Pennsylvania.

Neither Rain, Nor . . . Keeps Students From Class

2011-09-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

A Penn State student rides her bicycle through the beginning of a thunderstorm Tuesday morning on her way to class at Penn State University Park.

Ag Progress Days in State College

2011-08-23T09:38:00.001-07:00

The girls were lined up to watch a rescue demonstration by Alpha 1 fire/rescue at Ag Progress Days in State College.

Ag Progress Days in State College

2011-08-23T09:34:00.001-07:00

The grounds at this year's Ag Progress Days are reflected in the windshield of a huge tractor parked on the grounds. Don't ask me what kind of tractor.

New Granddaughter

2011-07-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

I have a new granddaughter, and her name is Madison. I spent the weekend in Virginia visiting her. She'll never be the same after my brief indoctrination course.

Flares

2011-07-07T11:46:00.001-07:00

The door gunner in an Blackhawk helicopter over Iraq watches as the pilot releases flares to attract any heat-seeking missiles from the ground.

Would Have Never Believed This

2011-07-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

I would never have believed that I would be attending a barbecue with a group of Iraqi Naval officers. This is a Navy captain (equivalent of a full colonel in the army).

The Coaches and I

2011-07-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

I just finished another USO Tour to Iraq, this time with NFL coaches as seen here in Iraq. (Left to right) Gary Kubiak, head coach Houston Texans, Jim E. Mora, former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, Me, Ken Whisenhunt, head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and former coach with the Steelers, and Jim L. Mora, former head coach-turned-NFL Network analyst. It was a great tour, and the coaches were very cool.

Sand Storms Over Kuwait City

2011-07-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

The view from my hotel window shows the Kuwait City skyline at sunset during a sand or dust storm.

Kuwait City

2011-07-07T11:31:00.000-07:00

Times Are Changing

2011-06-20T08:52:00.000-07:00

Windmills dot the Pennsylvania landscape along the mountaintops.

Doubleplay!!

2011-06-19T20:46:00.001-07:00

The State College Spikes pull off a doubleplay during Sunday evening's game at Medlar Field in State College, Pa.

Lady Overboard!

2011-06-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

While out driving in the country today, we stopped by a bridge overlooking the Little Juniata River where several people were kayaking down the river. This young lady almost made it to the bank before her kayak overturned sending her into a chilly river.

Fly Fishing

2011-06-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm sure there is a reason people enjoy fly fishing, but I have no idea what it is.

Traffic Accident

2011-06-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

The wife and I went for a drive in the country today in the Jeep, and we ran into (not literally) an accident involving a truck hitting and taking down a utility pole and its power lines along SR 305. The Corvette was not involved in the accident.

Ladies' Football Fantasy

2011-06-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

The first wave of ladies runs through the tunnel at Beaver Stadium and onto the field before yesterday's Football Fantasy game.

Jenn & Sherry

2011-06-08T08:19:00.001-07:00

There's nothing more flattering than a portrait taken under a noon sun as Jennifer and Sherry soak up some rays during lunch.

Right Down the Pipe!

2011-05-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like little league baseball.

Preparing For Softball

2011-05-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

What better way to prepare for a playoff softball game than to kick around a soccer ball pre-game.

Nittany Lion Softball Field

2011-05-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

The Lady Lions' new stadium is the host site for the University Park Regional 2011 NCAA Softball Championships.

Nittany Lion Softball Field

2011-05-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

The Lady Lions' new stadium is the host site for the University Park Regional 2011 NCAA Softball Championships.

Oregon Homerun

2011-05-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

The left fielder for Fordham University watches as an Oregon homerun flies over the left field wall during Saturday morning's University Park Regional 2011 NCAA Softball Championships in State College, Pa. Oregon upset Fordham in the double-elimination tournament,2-0.

Another Jeepster

2011-05-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Michael's ready to go; just give him the key.

Wedding Day

2011-05-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

My son James and his bride Kaya minutes after saying "I do" during ceremonies held Saturday in Carlisle, Pa.

One Last Leap Before Graduation!

2011-05-14T06:20:00.001-07:00

Penn State students take a flying leap off the wall in front of Old Main at Penn State's University Park campus Thursday night. Graduation is this weekend.

Ready?

2011-05-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

They look ready, but as General George Patton once asked: "But can they fight?"

Waiting For An Ellis Lob

2011-05-10T06:12:00.000-07:00

Mark shields his eyes from the sun as he waits for the first of 500 Ellis lobs during doubles action Sunday at Penn State.

Focus, Footwork, and Shock!

2011-05-10T06:10:00.000-07:00

Leland demonstrates all the qualities that make him the tennis player that he is: good foot movement, eyes on the ball, a backup racquet (in the form of his left hand) in case he misses with the primary racquet, and the look of shock that he hit the ball.

Tennis Anyone?

2011-05-10T06:09:00.001-07:00

Mark hits a winner while moving away from the ball (eyes as well) during Sunday morning's doubles behind the Natatorium at Penn State.

Kids Are Kids

2011-05-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

Youngsters make faces into the ESPN2 cameras during a timeout at Saturday night's national championship match in men's volleyball between Ohio State University and the University of California Santa Barbara at Rec. Hall in State College, Pa. Ohio State defeated UCSB in five sets to win their first men's volleyball national championship.

OUT!!

2011-04-20T19:31:00.001-07:00

Penn State first baseman Kailyn Johnson hangs on to the ball to record an out as the Michigan base runner tries to beat the throw from the infield during Wednesday's game against number one-ranked Michigan in State College.

So Close, But Safe!!

2011-04-20T19:28:00.001-07:00

Penn State's Lauren Rossi (2) hits the bag at first base a micro-second before the softball hits the first baseman's glove during Wednesday's game against number one-ranked Michigan in State College.

Kailyn Johnson Hits 3-run Home Run

2011-04-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Penn State first baseman Kailyn Johnson approaches home plate and her waiting teammates after hitting a 3-run home run against number one-ranked Michigan Wednesday in State College.

At The End of The Day . . .

2011-04-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Following a day of rain that caused the Blue-White Penn State football game to be stopped just after halftime, a rainbow appeared over Beaver Stadium as the men's lacrosse team played Towson at Jeffrey Field

Silent Carnival

2011-04-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Low-hanging clouds create a backdrop behind the ferris wheel outside Beaver Stadium in State College following a day of rain and a shortened Blue-White Penn State football game.

Blue-White-Wet

2011-04-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

The sky opened up in the second half, which only last one or two plays before the 2011 Blue-White football game was called off due to inclement weather.

Rain Couldn't Deter Them

2011-04-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Not even downpours could discourage the Penn State football fans from attending a rain-shortened Blue White game Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

No Lift-off!

2011-04-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Doug Steigerwalt shows off a golden eagle at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center in State College today.

Golden Eagle

2011-04-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

A golden eagle is perched on the arm of Doug Steigerwalt at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center this morning in State College.

Golden Eagle

2011-04-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

Doug Steigerwalt returns a golden eagle to its cage this morning at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center in State College.

Eagle-Eye

2011-04-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

The bald eagle is just a beautiful bird. This one was taken this morning at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. I was also photographing a golden eagle.

It's Truly Spring

2011-04-14T18:22:00.001-07:00

It must be Spring. The worms and night crawlers have arrived.

Finally, Outdoor Tennis In State College

2011-04-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Our semi-pro tennis group was finally able to play tennis outside in State College Sunday morning behind the Natatorium. Ellis shows off his near-perfect form during a doubles match.

Whiplash Performs For Autism

2011-04-09T14:44:00.002-07:00

Penn State's unofficial dance team Whiplash performs prior to Saturday's Walk/Race For Autism in State College, Pa.

Off And Running For Autism

2011-04-09T14:44:00.001-07:00

Race For Autism

2011-04-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

The annual Race/Walk For Autism kicked off under overcast skies in State College, Pa., today.

Another Dreary Spring Day In State College

2011-04-08T04:36:00.000-07:00

Old Main's bell tower seems to be under a perpetual shroud this season. Winter may officially be over, but no one has told Mother nature in Happy Valley.

Millheim, Pa.

2011-04-08T04:34:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for an interesting Thursday night and good food, try the Elk Creek Cafe in the center of beautiful downtown Millheim, Pa.

Another Elm Tree Gone

2011-04-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

State College Borough workers being taking down one of two diseased elm trees along Pugh Street Wednesday, April 6, 2011. It is estimated that all of State College's elms will be gone within two years due to disease.

National Anthem

2011-04-02T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Penn State Lady Lions lacrosse team stands for the National Anthem prior to Saturday's game against the Florida Gators.

Stopped Down Low

2011-04-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

Penn State goalkeeper Dana Cahill stops a shot down low during Saturday's game against the Florida Gators at Bigler Field in State College, Pa.

Should Just Throw The Ball Up

2011-04-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Beginning play in women's lacrosse requires the two players to stand perfectly still with the ball placed in or on between or something their sticks until the official blows the whistle. It's a balancing act that should be replaced with something else.

Fighting Her Way Through

2011-04-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

Penn State senior Aly Adams (28) attempts to get by a Florida defender during Saturday's game at Bigler Field in State College, Pa.

One To The Head

2011-04-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Penn State's Katy Wick (21) is hit in the head by Florida's Kitty Cullen during Saturday's game at Bigler Field in State College, Pa.

Student Feature Photo of the Week

2011-04-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken by Introduction to Photojournalism student Kelly Martin for a Feature photo assignment at Penn State University. It is the photo of the week for my section of photojournalism.

No Catch

2011-03-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

A Wisconsin infielder makes a diving attempt to stop a hard ground ball, but can't hold on during Saturday's softball game against the Lady Lions at Penn State.

Incoming!!

2011-03-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

A foul ball at Saturday's softball game between the Penn State Lady Lions and Wisconsin Badgers goes into the stands causing the fans to scatter.

Don't Drink The Water!

2011-03-19T06:04:00.001-07:00

Drinking the water in Iraq is a bad idea, so bottled water is the order of the day. Here, acres of pallets containing bottled water waits for use by U.S. forces serving in Iraq.

Life In Iraq

2011-03-19T05:12:00.001-07:00

Life in Iraq for me and the professional boxers who visited Iraq last week was quite different from life for U.S. troops serving there for a year at a time. As I stand outside my quarters surrounded by concrete t-walls and 12-foot walls of sandbags, it's a sober reminder that regardless of how much defense officials and news media say it's that things have quieted down in Iraq, it's still a very dangerous place for U.S. troops who spend seven days a week confined to a small piece of real estate waiting to return home.

Back From Iraq

2011-03-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

I returned Tuesday evening from another terrific tour to Iraq for the USO with 10-time world champion and Olympic gold-medalist Oscar De La Hoya. De La Hoya was joined by up-and-coming boxers Seth Mitchell, Danny Jacobs, and Adrien Broner. An HBO camera crew accompanied us to document the trip for air on June 4. The three boxers will be fighting that night, and HBO will air a special on the trip to Iraq. I will be putting some photos from the trip over the next few days. The boxers put on clinics, posed for photographs with the troops, and signed autographs over the week-long visit to Kuwait and Iraq. In this photo an Army Blackhawk helicopter, one of two we were aboard, releases flares shortly after takeoff to steer any possible heat-seeking weapons that might be fired from the ground.

Save Attempt

2011-03-04T07:08:00.000-08:00

An Ohio State player makes a diving attempt to keep the ball in play during this week's game at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College between the number one Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Battling For A Basket

2011-03-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Penn State's Talor Battle challenges three Ohio State defenders during this week's game against the top-ranked team in the nation at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College.

They Have Survived

2011-02-28T18:53:00.000-08:00

Some 400 cancer survivors line up for a group photo during halftime of Sunday's Lady Lions Pink Zone basketball game at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College.

Jump!!

2011-02-28T18:51:00.000-08:00

The Penn State dance team, the Lionettes, perform during a timeout at Sunday's Lady Lions basketball game.

Snow Monster

2011-02-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

The morning after our latest snowfall on Penn State's University Park campus.

30-Year OCS/TBS 1981 Reunion

2011-02-21T14:52:00.001-08:00

My wife and I just returned from a weekend in Quantico, Virginia, where we attended our 30-Year Reunion for Officer Candidate School (Charlie Company) and 115th Basic School Bravo Company 1981. It was a magnificent weekend which culminated with a dinner at the National Museum of the Marine Corps at Quantico. Hts off to Col. Adele Hodges for putting it together and making it successful gathering of colleague, friends, and fellow Marines three decades later.

Brooks Fights For A Rebound

2011-02-13T17:58:00.000-08:00

Penn State Jeff Brooks fights a Northwestern player for a rebound during Sunday's game at the Bryce Jordan Center, in State College.

A Dribbling Cup

2011-02-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Penn State men's basketball Sunday against the Northwestern Wildcats featured a mascot basketball game at halftime. The Quiznos cup was one of several mascots that participated in the game.

Will Not Be Denied

2011-02-13T17:38:00.000-08:00

Penn State's Talor Battle (left) goes up and around Northwestern defenders Sunday for a score.

Pretty Exciting

2011-02-13T10:22:00.001-08:00

Judges scoring the boxing matches at Saturday night's fights at the White Building on the Penn State University Park campus don't look to excited, but it was about 3.5 hours of boxing.

That Has To Hurt

2011-02-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

Chelsea, a Penn State student and member of the Penn State Boxing Club delivers a blow to her opponent during Saturday night's matches in the White Building on the Penn State University Park campus. Chelsea went on to win the three-round bout.

Ouch!!

2011-02-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

Brandi Gentry of the Altoona Boxing Club lands a blow to the chin of her opponent during Saturday night's smoker sponsored by the Penn State Boxing Club at the White Building on Penn State's University Park campus.

A Right To The Chops

2011-02-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

Flying High

2011-02-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

A member of the Penn State dance team flies high during a timeout at the Penn State - Michigan State women's basketball game Thursday night at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Tough In The Lane

2011-02-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

Penn State's Mia Nickson fights her way through Michigan State traffic in the lane during Thursday night's basketball game at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College.

Kilroy Was Here

2011-01-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

The roof of a building on the University Park campus of Penn State University has the look of a cartoon character used by American GIs during WW II. Two eyes, a large nose, and the words "Kilroy was here" was painted on buildings and faces wherever they traveled in Europe.

Another Ranked Opponent Goes Down To PSU

2011-01-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

Andrew Jones slams the ball home during Tuesday night's game against 16th-ranked Illinois at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa. Jones put the nail in the coffin with a slam dunk with one second remaining in the game to edge Illinois 57-55. He scored a career high 16 points. Less than a week ago the Nittany Lions defeated then 18th-ranked Michigan State at the BJC for back-to-back wins against ranked opponents.

Up And In!

2011-01-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

Penn State's Talor Battle scored a game-high 26 points in Penn State's second consecutive win against a ranked opponent in less than a week. Penn State edged then 18th-ranked Michigan State. Illinois was ranked 16th.

The NEWSEUM

2011-01-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

The Newseum, located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, in Washington, DC, is a must-see.

Newseum

2011-01-08T18:40:00.000-08:00

The Newseum in Washington, DC, features many wonderful exhibits, one of which is part of the broadcast tower from the top of one of the World Trade Center towers in its 9/11 exhibit.

Pulitzer Prize Photos

2011-01-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

The Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, features a wonderful exhibit of Pulitzer Prize-winning images throughout the decades.

Berlin Wall

2011-01-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to spend a couple hours at the Newseum in Washington, DC, Thursday afternoon and wished I could have spent a few more. The museum contains, among many other wonderful exhibits, slabs from the Berlin Wall as seen here behind me. The museum is six floors, and it would take a full day to see and take in everything, but it's a must-see, even if one isn't a news junkie.

Battle Scores!

2011-01-08T18:33:00.001-08:00

Penn State guard Talor Battle beats a Purdue defender during a recent game played at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa.

Purdue Block

2011-01-08T18:27:00.000-08:00

A Purdue defender goes over the top to block a shot by Penn State's Jermaine Marshall (3) during a recent game at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa.

Blocked Shot

2011-01-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Penn State's Billy Oliver has his shot blocked from behind by a Purdue player during a recent game at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa.

Battle Surveys The Field

2011-01-08T18:23:00.000-08:00

Penn State's Talor Battle brings the ball down court during Saturday's win over 18th-ranked Michigan State at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa.

Heads-up!!

2011-01-04T20:17:00.000-08:00

Members of the Penn State Blue Band display their heads which spell out L-I-O-N-S-! during halftime activities at Raymond James Stadium and the Outback Bowl last Saturday. Penn State played Florida.

Flying Nittany Lions

2011-01-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

Soldiers from Special Operations Command parachuted into the stadium for last Saturday's game between Penn State and Florida at the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Florida.

Transporter?

2011-01-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't the transporter on the Star Ship Enterprise. It's an extension to an aquarium tank above at the Tampa Aquarium.

Jellyfish

2011-01-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

Dozens of colorful jellyfish float in a tank at the Tampa Aquarium in Tampa, Florida.

Battle Lends A Helping Hand

2010-12-21T20:32:00.000-08:00

Penn State's Talor Battle lent a hand to the young sweeper during Penn State's basketball game against Maine Tuesday night at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Talor "Battles" It Out!

2010-12-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Penn State's Talor Battle gave everything he had Tuesday night against the Black Bears of Maine at the Bryce Jordan Center, but it wasn't enough to pull off one last win before Big Ten play begins.

Spy Planes and Space Shuttles

2010-12-20T18:48:00.000-08:00

The SR-71 Blackbird, one of America's premiere spy planes highlights the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum located near Dulles International Airport outside Washington, DC. The aircraft, when in service, flew at March 3.3 (approximately 2,200 mph) at an altitude of 85,000 feet. On its last flight, March 6, 1990, the SR-71 set a speed record by flying from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., in 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 20 seconds. Behind it is the Space Shuttle Enterprise.

Slam Dunk!

2010-12-11T21:01:00.000-08:00

Penn State freshman outside hitter Deja McClendon (right) hits a "killer" against Oklahoma Friday night at Rec. Hall in State College, Pa., to move on to the Regional Championships Saturday against Duke University.

Great Stop!!

2010-12-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

Penn State Icers' goalie takes a shot to the chest from a Delaware player during Friday night's game in State College.

He Shoots, He Scores!!

2010-12-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

A Penn State Icer takes a shot on goal against the Delaware Blue Hens Friday night in State College.

Penn State ROTC Color Guard

2010-12-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

Penn State ROTC students participate in opening ceremonies for the Penn State - Maryland basketball game earlier this week at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College.

Outlet Pass

2010-12-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

A Maryland basketball player makes an outlet pass as he goes down during a recent game against Penn State.

A Diving Score, But Not Enough

2010-11-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

Penn State running back Evan Royster (22) dives for a touchdown during Saturday's football game against the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa.