Tom Walsh's New Paintings (Preview) & Studio (Holiday) Sale

Coordinated by his life-partner Tony Carcaldi who is a sales associate at The Washington Design Center on Saturday afternoon, 9 December, I had the pleasure of attending Tom Walsh's annual New Paintings Preview and Studio (Holiday) Sale opening reception at Walsh's main studio which is located on the third floor of the Thomas Law House in the Tiber Island complex.

Trained in painting and printmaking at the prestigious Philadelphia College of Art and Philadelphia's Tyler School of Art, Thomas Walsh, returned to painting about five years ago after having retired from a life-long career in graphic design.

A resident of the SW WDC community, Mr. Walsh works primarily with acrylic paints, experimenting with color, light, and translucency. When viewing his work at his Thomas Law House Studio I could not help but imagine his paintings integrated with the writings of artists such as Patti Smith and Susan Sontag.

Though he mentioned that he has a second studio, I was not able to locate it on his website. His Thomas Law House Studio is located at 461 N Streets, SW, in the Tiber Island complex directly across from the Southwest Waterfront MPDC HQ.

To schedule an appointment contact Tony Carcaldi at 202-479-4698 or DivineMamaC@aol.com.

When clicked, the above photo of Tom Walsh (l) and Tony Carcaldi (r) links to my 9 December 2006 Tom Walsh New Paintings (Preview) and (Holiday) Studio Sale photoset.

Robert Parry's Tribute to Gary Webb

Gary Webb's Death: American Tragedy

Two years ago, journalist Gary Webb -- his career and his life in ruins -- killed himself. Though a terrible personal tragedy, Webb's suicide also marked the last page of a dark chapter in American journalism, the end result of his punishment at the hands of colleagues for helping expose the Reagan administration's contra-cocaine scandal.

DCFD - Engine 16, Tower Ladder 3 (Midnight Express)

When posting pictures earlier today that I took on 2 November of DCFD Engine 16 I'd learn that the firehouse and quarters located just north of Franklin Square at 1018 13th Street in NW has its own website, Midnight Express.

When ever I have walked pass this particular firehouse as well as a few others I've always wanted to introduce myself to the staff and inquire if I may include them and the firehouse in an ongoing documentary project. After visiting Midnight Express which brings attention to Baltimore-based artist Robert McClintock who has released several works of art featuring D.C.F.D. Engine Company 16 and Tower Ladder 3, I feel very confident in approaching them.

And as a result, I have created the DCFD Engine 16, Tower Ladder 3 photoset.

NGA Sculpture Garden Ice Skating Rink

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden ice-skating rink is open mid-November through mid-March, weather permitting. View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system.

This never before seen photo was taken on 21 January 2006.

Downtown Holiday Market @ Penn Quarter . 11 - 22 December

For the second year in a roll, Diverse Markets Management will produce the Downtown Holiday Market, from 11 - 22 December 2006. While the 2005 DHM event was held at the old Convention Center site, this year it will be held on historic F Street between 7th and 8th Streets in the Penn Quarter area. Grand opening takes place on Monday, 11 December at 4 PM.

Visit more than 40 local artisans offering diverse and hand-made gifts such as jewelry, pottery, paintings, photographs, textiles and more. Plus, prepared food offerings of preserved smoked seafood; The Tender Rib's sandwiches, chili, and soups; baked goods, hot cocoa and cider to sip. There will be even be seasonal decorations of wreaths, garland and potted trees for sale.

It will be a festive occasion on opening day with live music, celebrities, and both Mayor Williams and Mayor-elect Fenty! But all 12 delightful days will offer special activities and treasures. With over 100 different exhibitors participating in the event overall, the selection of goods will vary daily.

A jam-packed entertainment schedule (pdf) is sure to spread cheer with festive tunes for the holiday shoppers. And, each day we'll give away a prize from a market exhibitor or Downtown business. Visit the market and drop your business card at the Downtown SAM info kiosk for your chance to win!

Have a musical talent or handy craft of your own to share? Exhibitor and entertainment spaces are full for this year. Please e-mail Ashley@downtowndc.org with your full contact information and craft or musical offering if you would like to receive notice when applications are available for next year's market.

Michael Berman is Executive Director at Diverse Markets Management. Email diversemarkets@yahoo.com, telephone 202-543-3370 or visit contact.

Or visit www.downtowndc.org/holiday_market. Located in the Penn Quarter area of NW WDC on F between 7th and 8th Streets in NW WDC, Downtown Holiday Market 2006 will operate from 12 noon until 7 pm from 11 - 22 December 2006.

08 December Friday's Photo of the Week

Dinner . 1301 . River Park . SW WDC . Thursday, 7 December 2006

2006 Friday's Photo of the Week

Eileen Ivers - 'An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas' - MD, VA

It was during the Labor Day Saturday, 2 September 2006 Planet Arlington World Music Festival at the Netherlands Carillon - Iwo Jima Grounds in Arlington, VA that I would first hear Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul.

'An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas', Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul's new Christmas show will be in the Baltimore/Washington DC area on the following dates:

Thursday, December 14 - PM
The Lyric Opera House
Baltimore, MD
BOX OFFICE: 410-547-SEAT

Friday, December 15 - PM
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA
BOX OFFICE: 703-993-2787

Eileen & Immigrant Soul will be joined by the Conta Nova Choir and the Broesler Irish Dancers. Do not miss this opportunity to bring your family and friends to a wonderful evening of Irish music, song and dance celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

CLICK HERE to purchase the new CD 'An Nollaig - An Irish Christmas'

Patti Smith's "A Pythagorean Traveler" exhibition at Robert Miller Gallery

New work by Patti Smith, entitled "A Pythagorean Traveler" will be on display at the Robert Miller Gallery, in Chelsea NYC, from 1 December 2006 - 13 Jaunuary 2007. The show includes recent photographs as well as an installation piece, a composite of objects, drawings, and a vintage silk cloth that has been inscribed by the artist. Patti Smith has exhibited her drawings with Robert Miller Gallery since the late seventies. This is the gallery's second exhibition featuring her photographs.

Robert Miller Gallery is located at 524 West 26th Street in Chelsea NYC. Phone 212-366-4774. Fax 212-366-4454. Email rmg@robertmillergallery.com. Hours: Tue-Sat 10-6

Street Musician & Blues Artist Vladimir featured in Chelsea Now

When In NYC for the 2006 Saint Black Party and in the process of my 25 March 2006 NYC street photography I'd capture street musician and blues artist Vladimir, at the corner of 23rd Street and 7th Avenue in Chelsea.

In the 1 - 7 Devember 2006 issue of Chelsea Now, journalist Lawrence Lerner sheds light on Vladimir's story who, a graphic designer and photo re-toucher by trade, fell on hard times three years ago when he was laid off and subsequently had a mild heart attack.

Nov 30th: Submission Deadline - 10th Brooklyn International Film Festival

The 10th Brooklyn International Film Festival will be held 1 - 10 June 2007 at the Brooklyn Museum. The deadline for submitting early submissions is Thursday, 30 November 2006 while Final submissions are due by 15 March 2007.

To be eligible for the EARLY DEADLINE, submissions must be MAILED BY November 30, 2006 to 10th BROOKLYN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL at 180 South 4th St., Suite 2 South, Brooklyn, New York 11211. Telephone 718-486 8181 or 718-388-4306 Visit www.wbff.org or email submit07@wbff.org.

Dreamgirls Special Advance Screening @ IFC Center NYC . Tuesday, 5 December

Special Advance Screening of Dreamgirls sponsored by HX/Barracuda @ IFC Center (323 Sixth Ave, NYC). All seats $25 to benefit LIFEbeat. Tickets include post-screening party at Barracuda and one free cocktail and chance to win CDs---hosted by Aurora. Tickets through TICKETWEB 866-468-7619

37th National Day of Mourning @ Plymouth Rock

Thursday, November 23, 2006 @ 12 Noon
Cole’s Hill (the hill above Plymouth Rock) Plymouth, MA
United American Indians of New England/LPSG
Contact at 617-232-5135 or info@uaine.org
Potluck Social to follow

Since 1970, Native Americans have gathered at noon on Cole's Hill in Plymouth to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the US Thanksgiving holiday. Many Native Americans do not celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims and other European settlers. Thanksgiving day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture. Participants in National Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive today. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience.

Join us as we dedicate the 37th National Day of Mourning to our brother, Native political prisoner Leonard Peltier. Add your voice to the millions world-wide who demand his freedom. Help us in our struggle to create a true awareness of Native peoples and demonstrate the unity of Indigenous peoples internationally. Help shatter the untrue glass image of the Pilgrims and the unjust system based on racism, sexism, homophobia and war.

17 November Friday's Photo of the Week

Tattoos of Fort Lauderdale . November 2006

2006 Friday Photos of the Week

Bruce Bart Tattooing . Fort Lauderdale

I first visited Bruce Bart Tattooing in November 2005 when in Fort Lauderdale. So when Richard said that he wanted to stop in a Rustica Pizza as we had last November I said that while he was ordering the pizza I would revisit Bruce Bart Tattooing as I had a little more than year ago, for the purpose of an impromptu photo session that would capture Tattoo Artists at Work.

Once inside, I'd inquire of the attendant at the front entrance if I could take similar photos as I had last year. I'd take a few shts of the attendant, Jose L. Flores, and then walk to the rear which is where I'd find Tattoo Artist Chris Slota as had been the case last year. And with his consent as ell as that of his client asked that I not photograph her face I would conduct the second installment of my ongoing documentary project that, over the years, will feature 'impromptu' images of Bruce Bart Tattooing artists at work. Which in Fort Lauderdale is located at 3323 East Oakland Park Boulevard. Telephone 954-56-1865.

A second South Florida location is in Pompao Beach at 1650 North Federal Highway. Telephone 954-783-2339.

A third Bruce Bart Tattooing shop is located in Woodstock NY. Telephone 845-679-7562.

Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to revisit Bruce Bart Tatooing before returning to Washington DC later this monh.

Peter Bakes Chocolate Autumn Cake

A TEXTURE, A COLOR, A FAVORITE FLOWER OR FABRIC – can all be the starting point for designing the perfect cake for your wedding, celebration, or ceremony. Whether sculpting sugar flowers to match your bouquet, making chocolate leaves to echo the time of year, or matching a favorite color, PETER BRETT will create a cake that will reflect both your style and the theme of your event.

To arrange n appointment (202) 302-3883 or email Peter@PeterBakes.com. Please include your name, contact info, the date of your event, and the number of guests you expect to attend. and the theme of your event.

Photo is the work of Kyle Walton. More images may be viewed at Peter's Bakes photo gallery or at Kyle's 'Peter's Cakes' photoset.

Gay Life Expo NYC 16 - 18 November 2006

Gay Life Expo @ Jacob Javits Center

Hit the seventh annual Gay Life Expo bang on noon Saturday, and not only will you be first to see all the incredible exhibitors, vendors, information kiosks and entertainment involved, you’ll also see tennis legend Martina Navratilova cut the ribbon to launch the event. But the Expo isn’t just about over 400 exhibitors showing their support for us LGBT folk, although obviously that’s pretty damn huge. You can also find out about the best gay-friendly employers at the Job Recruitment Pavilion, or get a new baby at the Pet Adoption Pavilion.

11th Ave (34th St), 212-352-3535, gaylifeexpo.com, noon–7pm Sat Nov 18 & noon–6pm Sun Nov 19, $15, $10 w/ ad

Census report: Broad racial disparities persist

Amani Moore, 8, chases her brother Ronald Moore, Jr., 7, behind their home in Dumfries, Va., in this March photo. White adults were more likely than black and Hispanic adults to have college degrees and to own their own homes, according to data released Tuesday by the Census Bureau. Photo credit: Nikki Kahn/Washungton Post.

Differences in income, education, home ownership continue, data finds

WASHINGTON - Decades after the civil rights movement, racial disparities in income, education and home ownership persist and, by some measurements, are growing.

White households had incomes that were two-thirds higher than blacks and 40 percent higher than Hispanics last year, according to data released Tuesday by the Census Bureau.

White adults were also more likely than black and Hispanic adults to have college degrees and to own their own homes. They were less likely to live in poverty. Read more.

Yellow Cake Walk in front of the White House every Saturday

Every Saturday of each month, performance artist(s) Yellow Cake Walk demonstrates against the Bush/Cheney administration in front of the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in NW WDC. As was the case on Veterans Day Saturday afternoon, 11 November 2006 which is when this picture was taken.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Ceremonial Groundbreaking

A Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial groundbreaking ceremony will be held from 9a until 12n today, 13 November 2006 on the National Mall @ Independence Avenue & West Basin Drive, in SW, WDC. For info visit www.buildthedream.org.

The Incident @ 15th & K, NW

It being Veterans Day my ritual is to visit the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. After having first stopped in at the Robert Cole Studio in support of the Mid City Artists Open Studios fall campaign, en route to The Wall, I'd walk south on 15th Street in the direction of McPherson Square Park with hopes of getting some fall 2006 shots of Lafayette Park and The White House before converging onto Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Since the spring of this year whenever I pass the the intersection of 15th and K, NW, I take a series of photos in a similar way that I capture pedestrian traffic at various locations in WDC.

Standing at the northeast corner of 15th and K, waiting for the traffic light to change, and while looking south into McPherson Square Park, I'd hear a 'bang' as if two cars had collided but the sound was more muffled than metal. I'd turn to my right, looking west along K Street, and observed that a peice of furniture had fallen from a vehicle into the center of the street.

It being a moment in time that can not ever be again, I take my first photo of the incident at 15th and K streets, NW, Washington DC

Turning around to look behind me, since I had heard the slamming of two doors, I'd observe two young males running toward the wooden piece of furniture. And parked directly benind me on 15th Street, north of K Street and McPherson Square Park, was a red pick-up truck filled with the back filled with furniture.

While snapping pictures of the incident at 15th and K Street, NW, I'd reflect on the focus of my photography which is to capture moments in time that can not, possibly, ever be again! This, certainly, was such a moment.

Wanting to get to The Wall before too late in the afternoon concerned that one the sun begins to go down the chill that then fills the air will cause the bones in my left knee to ache, making it difficult for me walk or to bend my knee, I'd continue on my 11 November 2006 Saturday Photo Walk ...