Photo: Whitehouse.gov -- President Obama delivered the commencement address at Barnard College in New York City May 14, 2012

President Barack Obama shared some of his experience and advice with the graduates at Barnard College, a women’s liberal arts college, in New York City earlier this week during a commencement ceremony. Barnard is affiliated with Columbia University, the president’s alma mater.

President Obama:

“My last piece of advice — this is simple, but perhaps most important:  Persevere.  Persevere.  Nothing worthwhile is easy.  No one of achievement has avoided failure — sometimes catastrophic failures.  But they keep at it.  They learn from mistakes.  They don’t quit.

You know, when I first arrived on this campus, it was with little money, fewer options.  But it was here that I tried to find my place in this world.  I knew I wanted to make a difference, but it was vague how in fact I’d go about it.  (Laughter.)  But I wanted to do my part to do my part to shape a better world.”

The full text of the president’s speech on the whitehouse.gov website.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Wildflowers in bloom in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

The wildflowers are breaking out in gorgeous colors in the Verdugo Hills of Wildwood Canyon Park here in Burbank.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Bright wildflower in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

Freelance photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro shot these photos yesterday afternoon along the trail in Wildwood Canyon Park.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Yellow wildflower opens up in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

After the low clouds and morning fog burn off, it’s going to be sunny and warm on this Mother’s Day. The high is expected to reach into the low 80s. A great day to go out see the wildflowers, but beware of rattlesnakes.

Photo: Terje"Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Rattlesnake in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

Rattlesnakes are California’s only venomous snakes and are not generally aggressive, but will strike when startled or provoked, according to the State Department of Fish and Game. Also, rattlesnakes are not confined to rural and mountain areas, they’ve been spotted on golf courses and even in local neighborhoods. Earlier this month, a boy was bitten by a rattler in the backyard of his home in Hidden Hills. So be careful out there.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Close up of rattlesnake in Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank May 12, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Firefighters demonstrated the technique for extricating victims trapped in vehicle accidents at Fire Service Day in Downtown Burbank May 12, 2012

Fire Service Day was celebrated in Downtown Burbank today with demonstrations, exhibits, displays, and special treats for the kids. In years past, a number of other agencies and groups have participated. This time around, the Burbank Fire Department partnered with only the Burbank Police Department and the California Highway Patrol — in conjunction with National Police Week.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Young potential firefighter is shown how to handle a hose in the kids' obstacle course at the Fire Service Day in Burbank May 12, 2012

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Crowds greeted President Obama as he arrived by motorcade in Studio City for a star-studded fundraiser at actor George Clooney's house May 10, 2012

President Barack Obama boarded Air Force One at LAX  this morning, headed for Reno, Nevada. Obama’s visit to the Southland was brief, but lucrative. Last night, the president was the main attraction at a posh dinner party at the Studio City home of actor George Clooney, which reportedly raised $15 million for his re-election bid — the most ever for a campaign fundraiser.

Local freelance photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro got pictures of  the presidential motorcade arriving in Studio City around 7 p.m. last night.  Terry shot his photos from the balcony of a restaurant near Ventura and Laurel Canyon Boulevards.  Here are more of his photos.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog --A crowd gathered at Ventura and Laurel Canyon Boulevards in hopes of seeing the president's motorcade go by in Studio City May 10, 2012

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog --President Obama's motorcade in Studio City May 10, 2012

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance Photog -- Crowd cheered and waved at President Obama as his motorcade traveled Studio City streets May 10, 201

The most detailed and interesting report about the Studio City fundraiser, including observations from the White House press pool, is over on Deadline.com. President Obama reportedly spoke for about 20 minutes before going around to chat with the guests at each of the 14 tables (among them Hollywood stars and major players like Robert Downey Jr. and Barbra Streisand).  First, however, he gave some shout-outs to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Fernando Valley Congressman Howard Berman, DreamWorks’ Jeffrey Katzenberg, and of course the host, George Clooney.

President Obama:

“… let’s face it, we raised a lot of money because everybody loves George.  (Laughter.)  They like me; they love him.  (Laughter.) And rightfully so.  Not only is he an unbelievable actor, but he is one of those rare individuals who is at ease with everybody, seems to just occupy a constant state of grace, and uses his extraordinary talents on behalf of stuff that’s really important.  And he takes time to actually figure out the facts and the issues.  (Applause.)  And so we couldn’t be prouder of George.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  And I couldn’t be prouder of him as a friend.”

Also, the president gave some props to the American people and their steadfastness during the past three years or so of tough economic times.

“And one of the great privileges of being President is you travel around the country and every day there’s an affirmation of how decent and how strong and how caring the American people are.  They’re not always paying attention to the babble in Washington.  They don’t have the time to read big briefing books on the latest ideas for Medicare reform.  But they have good instincts about what’s right and what’s true.  And it’s those instincts and it’s that resilience that really has enabled this country to weather an extraordinary storm.”

Photo: Terje "Terry"Canavarro/freelance photog -- A rare supermoon in the sky over the Southland this evening. Shot from Mulholland Drive above the Hollywood Bowl May 5, 2012

A rare celestial sight is thrilling folks around the world and was caught over the Southland by local photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro. A supermoon or perigree moon, was visible in the sky between 7:30 -9 p.m. on the West Coast tonight. Scientists say the moon travels in an elliptical path around the Earth — with one side “perigee” being closer than the other “apogee.” Full moons that occur on the perigee side appear larger and brighter. This supermoon phenomenon occurs about once a year.

Photo: PRnewsFoto/Pasadena Tournament of Roses -- Dr. Jane Goodall, 2013 Rose Parade Grand Marshal, with Tournament of Roses President Sally Bixby Pasadena April 25, 2012

Legendary scientist and conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall, is the Grand Marshal for the 2013 Tournament of Roses festivities. The big announcement was made today in Pasadena. ”We selected our theme, ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’ with Dr. Goodall in mind as Grand Marshal,” said Tournament of Roses President Sally Bixby in a PR newswire release.  ”The theme can be interpreted as a celebration of accomplishment, discovery and travel of course, but equally valid is its implicit call to action.  We think Dr. Goodall’s life story is a testament to the sense of adventure and openness to possibility that this phrase suggests:  As a young woman, she defied convention to follow her dreams, and she has committed herself to a life of global citizenship, inspiring children and adults alike along the way.  2013 will be the 53rd anniversary of her field study of the Gombe chimpanzees.  I can think of no one whose life has better exemplified our theme and message than Dr. Jane Goodall.  Dr. Goodall is now an international icon, but it is her passion for discovery and how she has used her celebrity for the betterment of the world that has drawn us to her.”

“I am honored to be the Grand Marshal for the 2013 Tournament of Roses,” said Dr. Jane Goodall in the release.  ”New Year’s Day symbolizes the opportunity to work toward new goals, experience new beginnings, and make a difference.  My dream for this New Year’s Day is for everyone to think of the places we can all go if we work together to make our world a better place.  Every journey starts with a step and I am pleased to see the Tournament of Roses continue to take steps toward not only celebrating beauty and imagination, but also a cleaner environment.”

Dr. Goodall is known for her love of the planet and more than 50 years of pioneering research on the behavior of chimpanzees, which has changed “scientific perception of the relationship between animals and humans.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A new paint job for the Nickelodeon Animation Studio on Olive Avenue in Burbank April 4, 2012

The new paint job for the Nickelodeon Animation Studio on Olive Avenue is definitely eye catching. The nearby Nickelodeon parking structure/adjacent building got the same treatment. This studio produces kid friendly animated series like “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “The Fairly OddParents.”

A short while ago, Burbank City Council member Emily Gabel-Luddy brought up Nick’s new look at a council meeting and asked if  it is in line with city codes and regulations. What you think? Is it a dig or no dig?

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G --New paint job for Nickelodeon parking structure/adjacent building at Olive Avenue and Victory Boulevard in Burbank April 4, 2012

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro/Freelance photog --A bobcat caught prowling in the brush just above Burbank near the Oakwood Apartments complex April 18, 2012

Freelance photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro had a close encounter with a bobcat in the Burbank area. Terry took these photos of the wildcat in brush, above Forest Lawn Drive, near the Oakwood Apartments complex. He says he spotted this bobcat prowling  around yesterday morning.  It showed little fear of him, but just “…  went on with its business.” This is an unusual meeting — since bobcats are nocturnal, therefore, rarely seen by humans.

Photo: Terje "Terry" Canavarro -- A close up of a Bobcat in the brush above Burbank near the Oakwood Apartments complex April 18, 2012

At one point, the bobcat appeared to be checking out Terry and his camera. Soon it became bored with the game and Terry says it disappeared “… into the bushes and our encounter was over.”

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Members of the Buffalo Bills Wild West Show took part in Burbank on Parade in Burbank April 14, 2012

A special slide show of last Saturday’s terrific Burbank on Parade is now in the middle column of this website. The SnapShots feature displays highlights — more than 70 photos of the parade action and the parade goers. Check it out.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival drew a crowd on its opening day April 14, 2012

Art lovers and the curious were drawn to a blocked-off section of San Fernando Boulevard, between Olive Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard, for the biannual Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival, yesterday. The two-day event wraps up today at 5 p.m. I dropped by and was impressed with the number of talented artists who displayed their work and took time to chat with festival visitors.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Street painter Theresa Knopf Morgan demonstrated her talent at the Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival in Burbank April 14, 2012

Veteran street painter, Theresa Knopf Morgan, began her creation at 8:30 a.m. Saturday morning. It was after 1 p.m. when I took the above photo. Morgan says she loves “bold color” and begins with a sketch then fills in the image using “… chalk and soft pastels.”

Photo: Artist Beth Ashley displayed her paintings at the Downtown Burbank ARTS Festival in Burbank April 14, 2012

Artist Beth Ashley is a Southland native, but she has been inspired greatly by her six year stay in Colombia,  South America. Ashley has been painting for 15 years and specializes in capturing the details and artistry of windows and doors. For an entertainment look at her work, check out Ashley’s website.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Alumni of Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School marched in the Burbank on Parade in Burbank April 14, 2012

Oops. The marchers are alumni from both Burbank High School and John Burroughs High School. Burbank on Parade. A wonderful display of city pride and fun. More details and photos to come.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama did some push ups as part of a "Shoot for Strength" game at the Easter Roll 2012 at the White House April 9, 2012

President Obama was prompted to drop to the court and do some push ups, after a member of the famous Harlem Globetrotters made a hoop shot at the 134th annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House yesterday. It was part of a “Shoot for Strength” game where kids were encouraged to do push ups every time one of the Globetrotting pros made a basket. The president showed he was game — by doing some of the push ups.

More than 30, 000 people from 50 states reportedly attended the event on the south lawn of the White House. The theme was, “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move,” and the activities included tennis, yoga, a dance party, and cooking demonstrations as well as basketball.

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- Service Employees International Union demonstrators marched in support of janitors along Riverside Drive in Burbank March 30, 2012

Freelance photographer Terje “Terry” Canavarro caught this demonstration in the Media District of Burbank last Friday, March 30. Canavarro says  the demonstrators were “…a few hundred strong!”

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- SEIU demonstrators turned out in support of janitors in the Media District of Burbank March 30, 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- Demonstrators carried signs like, "Justice for Janitors" in Media District of Burbank March 30, 2012

The march is one of several held across the nation recently protesting the alleged inequity of the 1% of the wealthiest Americans and the other 99%. SEIU reportedly represents more than 100,00 janitors and is working to create jobs and improve working conditions.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Reception for artist Alice Asmar at the Geo Gallery in Glendale March 11, 2012

Recently, the Geo Gallery in Glendale was the site of a special reception for accomplished Burbank artist Alice Asmar. Former Burbank Mayor/Councilwoman Marsha Ramos hosted the event on Sunday, March 11. Civic leaders, activists, and art lovers mingled, chatted, munched on great eats, and viewed a collection of works by Asmar. Frequently, her work has Southwestern themes and is often inspired by her love of native American culture and nature. Considered a child prodigy, Asmar showed talent and high intelligence at an early age. She received awards and recognition before the age of 10.  Today, her work appears in private and public collections across the nation and Europe including the Portland Art Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Public Art Museum of Gabrova, Buglaria.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Councilwoman Emily Gabel-Luddy got into a deep discussion with artist Alice Asmar at a reception inside the Geo Gallery Glendale March 11, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Former Burbank Police Commission Chair Bob Frutos was among those who attended a special reception for artist Alice Asmar inside the Geo Gallery Glendale March 11, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- "Mills of the Gods" by Alice Asmar on display at a special artist reception in the Geo Gallery March 11, 2012

Photo: FLLewis/Mediia City G --"Barrel Cactus with Cactus wren" by Alice Asmar at a special artist reception inside the Geo Gallery Glendale March 11, 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "Rainbow1" shot from Mulholland Drive over looking the valley March 17, 2012

Photographer Terje Canavarro caught this gorgeous rainbow shot yesterday, but don’t ditch that umbrella, rain is still in the forecast even though we’re getting some sunshine this morning. There’s even a chance of more thunderstorms. And the temperature is going to be on the cold side with the high reaching only into the 50s and the low dropping to the 30s tonight.

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Barack Obama shared a pint of Guinness at the Dubliner, an Irish pub in Washington, D.C., with his Irish cousin Henry Healy and Ollie Hayes, a pub owner from Moneygall, Ireland March 17, 2012

Photo: Pete Souza/White House -- President Obama greeted a crowd at the Dubliner, an Irish pub in Washington, D.C., on St. Patrick's Day March 17, 2012

More photos and details on the White House blog.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Hot rod at Bob's Big Boy classic car show Burbank March 9, 2012

I dropped by the classic car show at the original Bob’s Big Boy restaurant at 4211 West Riverside Drive Burbank 91505 and found it to be a jumping affair with loads of hot rides on display and tons of folks in the parking lot. It happens every Friday from 5-to-10 p.m. Also, the show is a good excuse to pop into Bob’s, a California historical landmark, for one of their famous double-decker hamburgers and/or yummy milk shakes.

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer --"Congregating" in the Hollywood Hills January 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "Playful-1" shot in the Hollywood Hills January 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "Playful-2" shot in the Hollywood Hills January 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "Young Joe Buck" shot in the Hollywood Hills January 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "GP1" shot at Griffith Park March 2012

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer -- "GP7" shot in Griffith Park March 2012

Here are some wonderful  pictures of deer frolicking and roaming contently in the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. Freelance photog Terje “Terry” Canavarro snapped these pictures recently with his digital Canon Rebel xsi . It took some extra effort and patience to get close enough to the deer to capture these images:”One of them charged at me but I kept on shooting! I hike a few miles but I don’t consider that trouble! I love it!”Canavarro explained in an email.

Canavarro says he has “… been shooting photos since I was a boy.” Besides taking photos of nature and the environment, Canavarro has experience shooting portraits. Photography provides personal gratification for Canavarro on a number of levels including, “The adventure of seeing a shot! It’s like finding a gem!” and “The sharing! Sharing is the ultimate goal and the most rewarding part of it all!”

Photo: Terje Canavarro/Freelance photographer - "Self Portrait under High Tension Structure" January 2012

Contact Terje “Terry”  Canavarro at terje28@yahoo.com