Friday's Photo of the Week . 23 March 2007

Pedestrian Traffic 2007

2007 Fridays Photos of the Week

Happy Birthday, Rosie. "Chirp, Chirp!"

Just before and then after shaving, this morning, I took a series of Happy Birthday, Rosie, photos in the bathroom of my apartment. Like Rosie, spring is my favorite time of year. Yester morning, on the eve of spring, I telephoned friends and family members and when they answered the phone I began by saying "Chirp, chirp. Chirp, chirp!". Which is how I also greeted folks in the building's laundry room yesterday.

"Chirp, chirp ... spring has finally sprung!".

March 21 is not just the first full day of spring, it's also Rosie's forty-fifth birthday.

To celebrate, Rosie's Blog Team is taking 45% off the entire r blog line in Rosie's Shop.

Pick up a go blog yourself tee , a cyber addict cap, or even Rosie's Art Buff.

To see all r blog products, visit Rosie's Shop. 100% of profits go to help kids.

Also, when Rosie was asked what she wanted for her birthday, she said "PLEASE NO PRESENTS, JUST DONATE TO MY CHARITIES!!" So we're passing the message along.

Rosie's For All Kids Foundation helps young, at-risk, under-served kids and their families get out of poverty, and funds early child care and education across the country.To make a donation, visit www.forallkids.org.

You can also check out Rosie's Broadway Kids, which provides free musical theatre programs to the neediest New York City Public School children, bringing the best of Broadway to their neighborhood schools.To support RBKids, visit www.rosiesbroadwaykids.org.

I, myself, just ordered a Blog Hog tee-shirt.

Happy Birthday, Rosie. "Chirp! Chirp!"

Keith Boykin is back!

When at a fundraiser last week that someone asked if he was still doing his web site, Keith Boykin, then realized that he had not sent out a newsletter since last November.

Today, Keith Boykin is back with his first newsletter of the year.

And, just in time - since, tonight, he'll be back on the Paula Zahn show on CNN.

Carlos Arredondo's undying tribute to son Alex

Alexander Scott Arredondo was born at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston MA, on 5 August 1984. All who knew Alex, loved him. And, he loved everyone. Alex’s final email to his father, Carlos, and step mother, Melida, sent just a few days before his demise simply stated, "Tell everyone I love them."

Anyone who saw Alex and his kid brother, Brian, usually saw one on their Dad’s shoulders and the other waiting for his turn. The three smiling faces could make the sun shine on a rainy day.

It was during a second tour of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom that Carlos Arredondo learned that his son Lcpl. Alexander Arredondo, USMC, had been killed in action on August 25, 2004. Which, also, was Carlos 44th birthday.

Working, at the time, as a handyman in Florida, overcome with anquish and grief, Carlos smashed the window of the Marine van, got inside and doused it with gasoline and then set himself on fire.

Since his son's death -- and while recovering from second degree burns over a quarter of his body -- Carlos, with the support of his wife, Melida, has devoted his time to an almost obsessive mission to keeping his son's memory alive.

Having launched the People United for Peace website, Carlos drives a pick up truck with a coffin in the back and a "my son was killed in action" sign." Arredondo also help other families as a member of the Gold Star Family Project.

Born in Costa Rica, Carlos Arredondo was become an American citizen on 12 December 2006.

I first encountered Carlos Arredondo on Thursday afternoon during my second visit, in as many days, to the Encampment to Stop the War in Washington DC, which was when I took notice of the Camp Alex tent. Observing a man, meticulously, arranging photographs and other such artifacts around the tent, I inquired if it was his.

He said yes. When I asked how would I learn more about him and his project he suggested that I first take a look at his truck, with the coffin in back, and then return if I had any questions.

After taking a series of photos of the coffin in the back of the pick up truck I returned and asked a few questions. Saying that I saw two sets of boots - one black and the other brown, I asked what was the significance of each. He said the brown boots were Alex's boots during boot camp and the black ones had been his combat boots.

When asked if he had a website, Carlos responded People United for Peace which was founded by he and his wife, Melida, not only as a tribute Alex and his buddies but whose mission also includes:

* Sharing the knowledge that we have gained through pain and loss in order to assist others in not losing their loved one to war.

* Sharing knowledge on immigration and how non-documented workers are purposefully recruited by both US corporations and the US military

* Uniting families to end violence: Gold Star families (lost family member to war), Blue Star families (have family member at war), families who have lost a lost a loved one or had a loved one injured by street violence and the families of those incarcerated

* Sharing our experiences with elected officials and other policy makers globally

I would, again, encounter Carlos on the GW Memorial Bridge during Saturday's March on the Pentagon. During which time I would take a series of photos of him pulling his son's coffin while in the process of several interviews. Unfortunately, I accidently delated an entire series of photos that I thought I had downloaded to my portable hard drive but did not realize until after I had subsequently deleted those particular photos that, due to cold weather, the hard drive battery had expired and therefore the download did not take place.

So, a large number of images taken of the March across the GW Bridge were deleted, including those of Carlos Arredondo escorting his son's coffin.

My hope was to submit the images of Carlos marching across the GW Bridge onto the Pentagon with his son's coffin to Rosie O'Donnell's March 17 Rally Photos flickr group along with a brief write-up suggesting that she arrange for an interview of Carlos and Melida Arredondo on The View.

However, I believe my Carlos Arredondo's undying tribute to son Cpl Alex Arredondo photoset in conjunction with information posted to People United for Peace will more than suffice.

While Alex's "coffin" may symbolize undying love for his son, Camp Alex represents a undying tribute not only to Alex and his buddies but to all US soilders of the US led war Iraq.

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2007

St. Patrick's Day Parade - WDC

Constitution Avenue, NW,

Sunday, 11 March 2007

Something New

When I first heard of 'Something New' which was when it first came out I did not think that I would enjoy the movie. However, after watching it last Sunday on TV, for the first time, I found it an enjoyable film. And, as a result, would decide that during the spring 2007 season, at least, once a week I would try 'something new'.

So, when shopping, at Safeway on Tuesday evening I purchased an avocado, a tomato, and a package of jalapeno sandwich wraps. Though I've delt with avocado as well as wraps in association with catering I had never purchased either for home use.

Not all that fond of avocado but, in the spirit of 'something new', I returned home and made an avocado with tomato dip. Quickly, sauteed some chicken strips while microwaving two jalapeno wraps and within minutes was sitting at my dining room table trying my first 'something new'.

Which was two jalapeno wraps filled with chicken strips, fresh herb greens and an avocado tomato dip. With mashed potatoes on the side.

Able to eat only one I saved the second until the night day. Which I ate for lunch.

My second major attempt of a sandwich wrap would be on Friday evening when I fixed myself a jalapeno sandwich wrap filled with fresh herb greens, fresh shrimp sauteeed in butter, and a mango, tomato, clantro salsa. Red beans with green and red bell peppers. And adente asparagus drizzled with butter.

Had I gone out last night in connection with my Friday Nights in Washington DC series, perhaps, I would have found not only 'something new'. ut, also, something hot!

The above photo is part of my ongoing Me, Myself & I photoset.

Ya know what I'm saying ...?

DJ Tony Moran's debut at the 2007 Black Party

The Saint At Large annual Black Party returns to NYC next weekend when at 10 pm on Saturday night, 24 March 2007, the Roseland Ballroom open its doors for the Rites XXVIII: Holy War The Black Party.

I am proud to say that Frank Gramarossa and I were amongst its first guests a few weeks after its Septmeber 1980 opening. Add to that fact, the March 1987 Black Party invitation featured an image of me by close friend Robert Mapplethorpe. And some of protest images were on display, last year, in the bathroom lounge area. See my SOME HANDS - Black Party Exhibit - NYC 25 March 2006 vidoe.

This year’s theme is a colorful amalgam of contemporary sports, theatrically staged as a gladiator-style holy war. Music for the 18+ hours will reflect the testostorone-infused, Hi-NRG pace of a NASCAR race that builds to a sexually-charged climax. Continuing its well-established formula of introducing sexy European talent to the dance marathon, Michael Marx, a leading Parisian DJ will make his first American appearance opening for international superstar DJ/Producer Tony Moran who will be making his own Black Party debut.

Visit www.saintatlarge.com for more information.

The above photo of DJ Tony Moran was taken during the 2007 Winter Party's Sunday Beach Party in South Beach Miami.

Let It Flow!

Spring, particularly, in Washington DC ... is my favorite time of year. The photo to the left of Steve Lee and a friend was taken during the 2007 Winter Party at The Beach Party in South Beach Miami.

When capturing folks 'dancing and celebrating life' as was the case at The Beach Party, it is my practice to engage in what I refer to as MOVEMENT-CHOREOPHOGRAPHY. More examples may be found at 2006 Smithsonian Folklife Festival or Planet Arlington - World Music Festival or 16th Annual Jazz Festival 0r 2006 Adams Morgan Day Festival.

So, in the process of moving about and dancing with, yet, photographing the crowd, at the Beach Party, I would say "Please ... 'no posing'. Just, let it flow ...!".

Representing the end of the Winter 2007 season I snapped my final photos Winter Party 2007 Project on the platform of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport WMATA Station when returning home from Florida to WDC on Thursday night.

Three days later, I launched my Spring 2007 in WDC Project with the Washington DC St. Paddy's Day Parade. And each day since then, from Monday through Thursday, I took the streets, capturing what I referred to as the March 2007 Spring Fling.

When finalizing my Winter Party 2007 Collection, yesterday, for donation to Stonewall Library & Archives and reflecting on the absolute joy that I had photographing the Beach Party I decided that "... let it flow ...!" would be my Spring 2007 motto in a similar way as my end of year and new year themes were Deliver Me and Progression, respectly.

Let it flow is a, yet, another example of my positive energy and proactive measures in moving forward. And, the one thing, that keeps holding me back is that god damn ... racism that I experience ... as a black male!

Friday's Photo of the Week . 16 March 2007

I. M. Pei's National Gallery of Art - East Wing

3rd Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, NW . WDC

Man in the Mirror (self-portraits) series

Thursday afternoon, 15 March 2007

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Alan Pollock, from Detroit, joins encampment on the National Mall

Gearing up for this weekend's protest commemoration of the 4th anniversary of the start of the US led war on and occupation of Iraq, 50 year old Alan Pollock, of Michigan Emergency Committee Against War and Injustice, arrived in Washington DC on Monday, 12 March 2007, to launch the then planned week long Encampment to Stop the War on the National Mall.

Called to action by the Troops Out Now! Coalition the encampment, situated on the very east side of the National Mall at the east Reflecting Pool and across from the US Capitol's West Lawn, coincides with Congress' week long debates over President Bush's request for an additional $100 billion for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Throughout the week, and usually in collaboration with other anti-war activists who will converge onto Washington DC to commemorate the 4th anniversary of the war in Iraq as well as the 40th anniversary of the historic 1967 March on the Pentagon, against the Vietnam War, participates of the encampment have staged and organized several direct actions, most, in close proximity to the US Capitol complex.

Though officials have agreed to permit the encampment from 12 - 19 March 2007, Alan Pollock says that he and several encampment participates may not leave until their demands have been met. It was a little more than 2 years ago and after Katrina that Alan began to get involved in the movement against social and economic injustice.

Moments before reaching the Encampment to Stop the War I happened upon a lone demonstrator on 3rd at Jefferson Street, from Sacramento California, who referred to herself as Grandmother "Dee" holding a counter protest against the encampment. She said that she, too, is against war but now that we are there it would be wrong to cut off the funds. According to Grandmother Dee, one of her grandsons recently was deployed in Iraq. So, while on vacation for almost a week in WDC she and her husband visited the Arlington National Cemetery.

Saying "I had no idea that people were holding protests to cut off the funding ...!" Grandmother "Dee" explained further that '... I, simply, had to do something ...' before she and her husband departed from the city, at around 2:30 pm, for the airport and an afternoon flight back to the west coast. It was then almost 1:30 pm.

I suggested to Grandmother Dee that she should check out Code Pink for Women to learn more about the real issues and, the reasons why "some people are holding protests to cut off funding and to bring the troops home."

Click above image to view Alan Pollock at the Encampment photos and March 2007 Encampment to Stop the War photosets.

Visit Encampment sites at their blog or My Space.

My trip to Frager's Hardware

The I began writing this photoessay almost two weeks ago, and between capturing March 2007 Spring Fling, the March on the Pentagon, Spring in Washington DC and sending out photo cds of my 2007 Winter Party Festival project I am just now completing it.

A day or so after my return from Fort Lauderdale in November I observed, late one night, that the kitchen light fixture was hanging from the ceiling. Though I don't know exactly when it happened I do recall thinking, at the time, that it was not hanging when I left for Florida on 15 November because, just before leaving the apartment, for my Florida trip, I made sure to turn off all lights and other such things.

It was on that same night, during the first weekend of December, that I remembered that whenever I return to my apartment after a trip to Florida or New York or a weekend out on the town ... that when I turn on the lamps or light switches, in my apartment, it is not uncommon for bulbs to blow.

Similar to when upon returning from a trip, or a night out on the town, that it has been the practice of some to find reasons but more excuses to visit my apartment or telephone me. Almost as if they live vicariously through me.

At the time, I contemplated contacting Arthur, a reputable and an excellent contract worker, but thought it best to wait until I had several things for him to fix. That time would come a few weeks ago when just after just visiting the bathroom, I smelled something that reminded me of an electrical fire. I quickly looked around at the lamp with three bulbs near my computer and then checked the bathroom light which in recent weeks had been acting weird.

It was then that I realized that the dimmer had black smoke around its edges.

Though the damn thing had never before quite worked right, in recent weeks, it had actually turned the 3 light bulbs all the way off as opposed to reducing them to a low dim (which is what it had done since my move to the apartment in November 2001).

After some checking, I realized that if I turned the switch off and unscrewed all three bulbs that it would be ok. But, if I turned it on the smell would resume.

I telephoned Richard to ask if he had Arthur's number which I could not locate in my files. At the time, Richard was "out on the town". So, I was not able to telephone Arthur until a day or so later - which, at the time, I left a message on his voice mail.

Since, after a few days, I had not heard from Arthur, who is a very busy contractor, I contacted the maintenance department downstairs. Upon inspection, they informed me that whoever installed the bathroom light switches as well as the kitchen light fixture had done a very poor job.

A matter that I have had to confront pertaining to several scenarios since my move to this apartment in November 2001.

A day or so before my 01 March 2007 departure for the 2007 Winter Party workman from the building replaced the bathroom dimmer with a regular switch. Which was fine with me. And began the process of reinstalling the light fixture in the kitchen. Which had never before been properly installed but, had, simply, been nailed into the sheet rock.

Which explains why I found it hanging from the ceiling in early December and, perhaps, why, over the years it often dimmed or blinked on its on accord. Like the bathroom light, and so many other things associated with this apartment, it just never seemed to 'work right'.

When the workmen began their work, at the end of February, I was in the process of gearing up for Florida. During which time I, literally, had to prepare myself for the racism that I may would experience, as a black man, at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and on the flight down. And, then, while in South Florida. Which would be even more intense at the airport in Fort Lauderdale and on the flight back. And, over the next few months, in my apartment and in my community, once I had returned home.

I say this because it is not unlike how I felt when on Monday afternoon, 12 March that I had decided to take a subway ride to SE WDC to Frager's Hardware to pick up a halogen bulb.

I began my trip to Fort Lauderdale on 1 March 2007 with an incident at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport which I am still in the process of writing "I Will Not Be Silent!". To make a long story short the essay expresses that "people expect for me, a black male, to always explain to them exactly what I am doing and where I am going and why!".

I expressed further, in the essay, that it has never been my nature to walk around "being too concerned" about what white people nor house negroes or law enforcement folks project in their minds about me - or black males.

When entering the airport, I inquired of the nice white lady behind the information booth "what are the restrictions pertaining to photographing" at their airport. She said that photography was permitted throughout the airport, except at or of the secuity gates. Which I suspected.

So, I took a few photos of the artwork in the lobby. Which, I, also understood would attract attention. But, not allowing racism to affect my interests I took pictures, in accordance with the information that had been provided to me. Cognitive, of the fact, that my every move was being watched.

Once through the security check point and at the Spirit gate I inquired of several security staff what where the restrictions for photographing. I was told by two TSA that I could photograph 'whatever my heart desired' as long as I stayed clear of the security gate.

Which is what I did. So, when a black policeman walked up to me and demanded 'let me see your ID ..." and said further, "I had a complaint from someone that you made them feel uncomfortable."

I said, "Sir, if you are referring to the white man who I asked to 'stop overseeing me' and to those who I said "I'm not your nigger ..." if truth be told "they made me feel uncomfortable by interferring with me and my photography." I said, further, "their reaction and your behavior is the exact same that I encounter everywhere that I go. And at museums from white tourists and black security guards and black staff.

I explained to the black policeman that as a 53 year black man who, over the years, practiced integration "I ain't got the time to be concerned about what people think or project about me!".

Because, in the past, it has been my experience "what ever it is that they have conjured up in their heads and minds - about black males - has absolutely nothing to do with me. Nor, the truth". And, yet, but ultimately, has always resulted in not only the negation of and racist discrimination against me but when you consider that my relationships, historically, have often been entwined with whites the institutionalized racism and blatant discrimination that I have experienced at each moment in time and throughout any given relationship - and by design - has resulted in a disparities between my white friends and I.

And, though I was often told to "just be silent" and that "it will be ok" the negative reinforcement was contrived to condition black males to walk around 'feeling that his every move is being watched' . And, indeed it is.

I first visited Fragers as well as District Lock & Hardware, in November 1978, which was when I joined forces with Herb Lehner Enterprises, a real estate development firm on Captiol Hill. And, while I understood, then, the racism that I may have experienced from businesses on Captiol Hill the fact that I am still experiencing the exact same racism from businesses that I have frequented for almost 30 years is not unlike the exact same racism that I've had to confront each and every day throughout each and every relationship that I have experienced, over the years.

During my 12 March 2007 Trip to Fragers Hardware, on Capitol Hill I could not help but reflect on "Then and Now". And that, as a 53 year old black man who practiced integration, I have less freedoms now than I had then.

As I walked along Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, ... taking pictures ... I reflected on the day before when photographing the WDC St. Patrick's Day Parade that I saw several groups celebrating with shooters.

If I were to drink on the National Mall, in a bar or at home or, if I sold or did drugs the way the white people that I have known did and do ... it would be 'against the law'.

My trip to Frager's Hardware was not unlike to my trips to Staples. Or to Fort Lauderdale, NYC, San Francisco, Chicago, Fire Island, Baltimore, Southern Maryland. Or, anywhere that I go.

This photoessay was completed on Monday, 26 March 2006.

Tune in to A&E on Monday for Kings of South Beach!

An action-packed film of mobsters, money and murder, Kings of South Beach is based on a true story detailing the club promoter who reinvented South Beach as a nightlife Mecca.From the writer of Goodfellas and Casino and produced by Sonny Grosso, former NYPD detective, this upcoming A&E Original Movie premiers on Monday, March 12th at 9pm EST. Tune in!

excerpted from the NLEOMF E News dated 8 March 2007.

Sunday added to Union Printmakers Atelier's "Letterpress" classes spring schedule

Last week I reported that beginning 13 March 2007 new Letterpress Classes would be offered at Union Printmakers Atelier in DC. Which at ten (10) sessions for $400 the classes would take place each Tuesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 1 PM.

I learned earliered today, that an additional class time has been scheduled for Sunday, 2-5pm.

Price for classes is $350.00 plus $50.00 lab fee for 10 open class times. Beginning to advanced students may attend class during any of the times listed above in order to study the media of their choice for as long as they wish during listed daily hours. Students may attend once a week or any 10 open class times they choose.

Please call for Instructor STUART BRADLEY for clarification at 703-683-2335.

Union Printmakers Atelier is located at 926 North St. Rear NW, Washington , DC, 1 ½ blocks from Mount Vernon Square Metro Stop.

Director/Masterprinter SCIP BARNHART offers classes in Lithography, Intaglio (Etching), Monoprints and Bookarts as well as contract printing for all printmaking techniques. For more information please call 202-277-1946 or email scip@unionprintmakers.com.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 09 March 2007

Winter Party 2007 . The Beach Party

South Beach - Miami Beach, FL

Sunday afternoon, 04 March 2007

Winter Party 2007

2007 Friday's Photos of the Week

Civilian Art Projects Grand Opening 9 March

JASON FALCHOOK, Contours & Detours
JASON ZIMMERMAN, Natural Acts

March 9 - April 21, 2007

Opening Reception: FRIDAY, March 9, 2007 - 6:30-8:30 p.m.

And Behind the Wall featuring:

Ken Ashton (DC)
Jason Balicki (NY)
Lisa K. Blatt (CA)
Breck Omar Brunson (DC)
Erick Jackson (DC)
George Jenne (NY)
Jason Kalogiros (CA)
Nilay Lawson (DC)

Innovative Black-American Designers panel discussion at MCNY 18 March

Innovative Black-American Designers: Their Struggles and Achievements Panel Discussion at the Museum of the City of New York
Sunday, March 18 • 2:00 PM

Rosemary E. Reed Miller, author of The Threads of Time, The Fabric of History: Profiles of African-American Dressmakers and Designers from 1850 to the Present (Toast and Strawberries Press, 2003) will moderate a lively panel discussion that highlights the travails and accomplishments of black designers. She will be joined by Sara Penn, owner of the renowned Knobkerry in Soho; Xenobia Bailey, noted fiber and crafts artist; and Princess Jenkins, owner of Harlem’s famous Brownstone Boutique. There will also be an informal fashion show that features their innovative designs.

Free with museum admission! For more information please call 212.534.1672, ext. 3395.

Museum of the City of New York
212.534.1672
www.mcny.org

Participate in the Redesign of Tysons Corner!

Planners are seeking your input on the redesign of Tysons Corner. This is your opportunity to share your opinions and help establish the framework for the coming changes. Attend one of the public workshops.

To participate or for more information contact Lauren or Rebecca at (202) 244-4408 or email info@smartergrowth.net

Redesigning of Tysons Corner is only one of many such projects that the Coalition for Smarter Growth is involved in.

If YOU ARE in Miami Beach YOU should EAT at CAFETERIA ...

Arriving at Miami Beach a little after 11:30 am on Friday morning we had a little more than a 1/2 before the Winter Party Welcoming Center opened. With one and 1/2 hour on the parking meeting we decided to grab a quick bite first and then return to the Welcoming Center to pick up my ticket and press credentials.

We took a walk to the plaza on Lincoln Road and found a very inviting place, at 546 Lincoln Road called Cafeteria.

After a quick glance at the menu, when the host asked "... inside or out?" we said "Inside". It was already hot, outside. Richard and I both were impressed with the decor and atmosphere. And the prices posted to the menu weren't bad either.

When our young handsome waiter asked what we were drinking I ordered a cranberry juice with ginger ale. Richard ordered an ice-tea. When the waiter returned, within a short amount of time, Richard ordered a Grilled Chicken Club consisting of bacon, avocado, arugula, tomato, red onion and mayo. I ordered the Meatloaf Sandwich with arugula and red onion on toast.

Waiting for our meal to arrive we flipped through the March 2007 issue of HOME / MIAMI and marvelled at the architectural photos and commented on the featured food article on artichoke.

Some time had past before I asked Richard should one of us return to the car to add more money to the meter since it appeared that the service was a bit slow.

It is not that the wait service was slow because our waiter was very attentive. But having observed that food orders had not yet arrived for several tables that had been seated before our arrival we were concerned that our metered time would expire at, 12:35 pm, before we finished our meal. Assuming that our plates would arrive soon.

When the meal had not yet arrived, at 12:30 pm, I ran to the parking lot, which was just one block south and inserted more money - allowing us until 1:45 pm.

Plenty of time for us to eat as well as pick up my event material from the Welcoming Center.

When I returned, about five minutes later, the food had not yet arrived. We waited for at least, 10 to 15 minutes more, before a second waiter delivered or plates.

Both were nicely displayed, Richard commented that his Grilled Chicken Club may would be too much to finish. Which was only one of my concerns with my Meatloaf Sandwich, since in recent months I sometimes have experienced difficulty in swallowing some foods. In particular, toasted bread.

Which is exactly what my meatloaf was sandwiched between. Fortunately, I had little problems with indigestion on this particular occasion.

Not only were Richard and I, both, very pleased with our sandwiches but, also, highly recommend that if YOU ARE in Miami Beach ... YOU should definitely EAT at the Cafeteria at 546 Lincoln Road.

As long as you have a lot of time on your hands!

The decor and atmosphere are quite pleasing, in an industrial sort of way ... and along with the prices ... the 'eye candy' passing through and around the Cafeteria 'ain't bad either.'

Winter Party Festival's 2nd Annual Family Pride Picnic

For the second year in a row, the Winter Party Festival collaborated with We Are Family and South Florida Family Pride to produce Winter Party's 2nd Annual Family Picnic. Which took place from 12 noon until 6 pm on Saturday, 3 March 2007, in TopeeKeegee Yugnee (TY) Park in Hollywood FL.

Photo depicts National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Executive Director, Matt Foreman, 'chit-chatting' with a family consisting of two lesbian moms, a young boy and a second child on the way. Since, the mother on the right is expecting in two months.

Images that I took during the 2nd Annual Family Picnic will be donated to the Stonewall Library & Archives, located in Fort Lauderdale FL.

When clicked, the above image links to my Winter Party 2007 - 2nd Annual Family Picnic photoset which currently features only a few uncropped and unedited images. However, once back in DC I will have access to my photo editing software and at that time, will upload more images from the event.

Top DJs Tony Moran & Brett Henrichsen team up for 2007 Winter Party Beach Party and CD

Brett Henrichsen started the Masterbeat label in 1996 with the goal of allowing the gay community to “take home the music” from dance events around the country. The Masterbeat brand quickly became a worldwide success and has released more than 60 compilations, including CDs for events such as Winter Party, White Party and Gay Days. Henrichsen took his passion for dance music to the next level by becoming a DJ in 2000.

In Februay 2007, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced that two of the nation’s top DJs — Brett Henrichsen an Tony Moran — had teamed up to play the 2007 Winter Party Festival's Beach Party as well as lend their talents to the official 2007 Winter Party CD.

When visiting the Winter Party 2007's Welcoming Center at the Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel on Friday afternoon, 2 March, to pick-up Sunday's Beach Party ticket and my press credentials Richard and I purchased a copy. Or rather, Richard purchased a copy for me.

Richard, unlike me, is not too much into 'circuit' or 'club' music. I, on the otherhand, am a bird of a different feathers. While my interest, definately, lie in the documentation of these kind of events as important and historic reflections of gay life/culture ... the driving force behind why I attend circuit events has a great deal to do with my love for the music and, of course, THE DJs.

In fact, engaging in my ritual light night to early morning writings, blog and photo postings and, of course, in anticipation of Sunday's Beach Party, I - at this very moment -am now listening to Masterbeat's Brett Henrichsen and Tony Moran's Winter Party 2007 compilation.

I hope to capture DJs Tony Moran & Brett Henrichsen on Sunday as part of my ongoing "DJs At Work/Play" project.