CALOR's Sunrise Dance Party, 15 April @ Club Five - 6a - 12p

Arts District Hyattsville: One Year Ago Today

It was exactly one year ago today that on Wednesday, 12 April 2006, I took a Day Photo Trip to the Arts District Hyattsville in PG County MD.

Where in the process of taking an F8 bus from the West Hyattsville Station to the Arts District Hyattsville area I took a series of Drive/Ride By Shootings. And between a morning session which included images of the Hyattsville Justice Center and Christopher Janney's Hyattsville Horn Section and afternoon shootings I lunched at Franklin's. And when waiting for a metro bus for my return trip to the West Hyattsville Station I took a series of Houses / Hyattsville photos.

My hope was to revisit the Arts District Hyattsville area exactly one year later but, due to today's weather forecast which calls for rain and cooler temperatures than expected for this time of year - and the fact that one of my cameras is in the process of being repaired, I'll wait until the weather is much better. Since, during my next day trip to the Arts District Hyattsville area I plan to revisit College Park and the University of Maryland.

Since my April 2006 visit to the Arts District Hyattsville I have become more familar with EYA at EYA's Capitol Quarter Project located in the former Capper / Carrollsburg Community which for many years was knowned as the Arthur Capper Projects in Near Southeast DC.

Click above One Year Ago Today - Arts District Hyattsville - 12 April 2006 photo which is included in the Arts District - Hyattsville (12 April 2006) photoset.

Global Warming rallies in Annapolis and Arlington this Saturday

As part of the National Day of Climate Action on Saturday, 14 April 2007, the Coalition for Smarter Growth in collaboration with the Sierra Club and Audubon Naturalist Society is co-sponsoring STEP IT UP 2007 rallies in Arlington and Annapolis. Click image for details.

Eric, freestyle 'street' bmx'er from NOVA

BMX (Bicycle Moto-cross(X)) is a form of cycling on specially designed bicycles which usually have 20-inch wheels. The sport includes races on earthern track - BMX racing - as well as the performances of tricks - BMX freestyle. Recently, BMX racing's international governing body - Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) - began sponsoring the UCI BMX World Championships.

When I began my BMX series in October 2004 with the capturing of War Town Crew Hoodlums at the Navy Memorial in NW WDC while I had photographed skateboarders at Freedom Plaza since the summer 0f 1992 I did not know that the bicycle sport was known as BMX.

Freestyle BMX is a creative way of using bicycles originally designed for bicycle motocross racing. It can be split into several disciplines, although riders will generally participate in more than one discipline. These are Street, (skate) Park, Vert, Trails and Flatland. Rather confusingly, in competitions, park riding is often referred to as 'Street'.

Street riding, [which is what I have focused on], occurs on public streets or private property, typically within cities and towns. Without purpose-made ramps, riders have to improvise with banks, walls, rails, gaps, etc. In fact, almost anything can be used as an obstacle, and it is precisely this that draws people to street riding. Riders enjoy street riding because they are not constrained to what a skatepark designer has planned for them to ride, so it allows a good deal of creativity. Street riding progresses relentlessly. Obstacles and tricks that were considered too big or technical to attempt become commonplace.

Beginning with my October 2004 War Town Crew Hoodlums series other favorite BMX - Freestyle - Street collections include a BMX - Freedom Plaza series shot on 23 July 2006 of a BMXer from Gaithersburg MD and that of Eric, from Northern VA, taken on Easter Sunday at Penn Quarter.

DC Comedy Festival . 12 - 14 April 2007

Tai chi may help prevent shingles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tai chi is already known as a good low-impact exercise for older people. Now a recent study suggests it offers benefits beyond improving fitness and balance: It may help prevent shingles, a painful skin condition.

Researchers found older people who performed the slow, graceful movements of tai chi had a better immune response against the virus that causes shingles than those who only got health education, according to the most rigorous test to date.

It's unclear how tai chi, an ancient Chinese martial art that has become increasingly popular in the West, affects the immune system. But health experts were encouraged by the positive results.

USA Today Health & Behavior dated 09 April 2007

Click photo to view ongoing Tai Chi photoset.

Tues-Wed: US Filipino Vets March again in Washington

American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc.
Media Advisory 4/9/2007
Contact: Eric Lachica, 202 246-1998 & Guillermo Rumingan 703 862-5986

1. U.S. Filipino Veterans Will Sing at National WWII Memorial at Sunset Tuesday;

2. Ask for Equity at Senate Hearing Wednesday

WASHINGTON D.C. - Elderly Filipino Americanveterans will march and lay a wreath at theNational World War II Memorial to honor their fallen comrades at sunset on Tuesday, 5:30 PMApril 10, 2007.

At the ceremonial plaza, Philippine AmbassadorWilly GAA, retired U.S. Army Maj. General AntonioTAGUBA, and guests will join the veterans in abrief prayer and a song "Old Soldiers Never Die"before marching to the Bataan marker at thePacific fountain (near 17th and Independence St.S.W).

They will commemorate the 65th anniversary of theFall of Bataan when more than 60,000 Filipino andAmerican troops surrendered to Japanese invadersof the Philippines in 1942. Afterwards, more than10,000 of prisoners of war soon died on the60-mile Death March and in prison camps.

On WEDNESDAY morning (9:30 A.M), April 11, the veterans and their supporters will participate ina Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing ontheir legislation for disability pension benefits.

The chairman, Sen. Daniel Akaka, will hold thehearing in Senate Russell Building Room 418.

Filipino veterans leaders from Honolulu, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Jersey City, New York,Virginia Beach, and metropolitan Washington, will attend the historic hearing.

On Wednesday afternoon, they will lobby door-to-door to get more cosponsors for their Equity pension bill S. 57 and Family Reunificationimmigration bill, S. 1287. Filipino soldiers were U.S. nationals and drafted by President FranklinD. Roosevelt during WWII.

For details, call 202 246-1998 or 703 862-5986 and visit the website at www.usfilvets.tripod.com.

ERIC LACHICA
Executive Director
American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, Inc.
841 South Glebe Road - Arlington, VA 22204
Phone: 202 246-1998 Tel/FAX: 301 963-6250
Web: www.usfilvets.tripod.com.
Web2: www.filamheroes.tripod.com.

Green Tea @ Artmosphere in Mount Ranier . Saturday, 14 April @ 8 pm

The time is approaching...when the Artmosphere Cafe in Mount Ranier, MD will experience the "GOOD MUSIC" takeover... so def come out and show generous support for Green Tea and the band SOul FoOd!!

You don't want to miss out...take a minute, pause, and have a cup of Green Tea!

Green Tea is looking for 50 of her dopest fans to come out and get their cups filled! You ready?

Green Tea & SOul FoOd

Saturday, 14 April 2007

8 PM @ $10

Atmosphere Digital Cafe

3311 Rhode Island Avenue

Mount Rainer MD

Washington Post teams up with classical musician Joshua Bell for "Pearls Before Breakfast" social experiment

Pearls Before Breakfast
Can one of the nation's great musicians cut through the fog of a D.C. rush hour? Let's find out.

By Gene Weingarten
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, April 8, 2007; Page W10

HE EMERGED FROM THE METRO AT THE L'ENFANT PLAZA STATION AND POSITIONED HIMSELF AGAINST A WALL BESIDE A TRASH BASKET.

By most measures, he was nondescript: a youngish white man in jeans, a long-sleeved T-shirt and a Washington Nationals baseball cap. From a small case, he removed a violin. Placing the open case at his feet, he shrewdly threw in a few dollars and pocket change as seed money, swiveled it to face pedestrian traffic, and began to play.

Click photo to read more.

This Week On Tyra Bank's: Keith Boykin discusses "Where It's Not In To Be Out!"

This week on the Tyra Banks Show, Tyra uncovers "3 places where it's not in to be out."

Keith joins former NBA player John Amaechi, former NFL player Esera Tuaolo, and several others as they talk about sports, the church and hip hop.

The show airs this Thursday, April 12. Check your local listings for air times.

Check out the Tyra Banks Show

Easter Does Not Mean To Me

After my 2004 Easter Project It Could Easily Have Been Me the 2005 Easter Project shed light on my Easter experiences, over the years. And, in 2006, I expressed that Easter does not mean to me, a black man, what it means to my white counterpart.

Nor does 4 July, Halloween or most holidays.

After my 2006 Easter Saturday and Sunday photo walks I began my Easter Monday 2006 photo walk by first passing through Lafayette Park to capture families en route to the White House Easter Egg Roll before heading down to the Emancipation Day Rally in Freedom Plaza.

Wanting to capture The African American Family Easter Celebration at the National Zoo, in the process of rushing to the Metro Center WMATA Station I happened upon this lady who I've seen many times at various protests.

Mentioning that I had just left the Emancipation Day Rally and was rushing to the National Zoo I inquired if she woulkd like for me to assist her to the Emancipation Day Rally. She said yes.

On the way down she asked where was I from. I told her that I grew up in Southern Maryland, attended the University of Maryland, worked for several years with the federal government in WDC and NYC. And that since the mid 80's I had worked in WDC's high end catering industry.

Saying that she was from Harlem she asked further what part of NYC had I lived in.

I said that I lived there in the 80's in the Chelsea, Gramercy Park and Greenwich Village areas.

She looked at me and said, "O' please ... unless you lived in Harlem or Brooklyn ... you ain't black!".

Women in Construction

Since I began photographing the area in southeast and southwest Washington DC that will be mostly impacted by the Near Southeast DC Redevelopment Project I have come across few women in construction.

When photographing one of these Women At Work last June I inquired if she knew how many other construction women were assigned to the area. She said she was one of only 4 or 5.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) originally began as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas. It was founded in 1953 by 16 women working in the construction industry. Knowing that women represented only a small fraction of the construction industry, the founders organized NAWIC to create a support network. Women in Construction of Fort Worth was so successful that it gained its national charter in 1955 and became the National Association of Women in Construction. NAWIC's core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

M. Saquon Everett Johnson, an inspiring fashion photographer

After the malfunctioning of both my cameras during my 01 April 2007 Cherry Blossom photo walk through the Tidal Basin I have spent much of the past week testing the cameras and making decisions about what to do.

It was during the Tuesday evening testing, of my cameras, that I captured M. Saquon Everett Johnson as part of my ongoing Golden Triangle Pedestrians series.

When he inquired why I had photographed him I told him that as part on my ongoing Pedestrian and Connecticut Avenue and Golden Triangle series what had caught my attention was his red tie and the white and black handkerchief which was arranged in the upper left pocket of his jacket.

Saquon Johnson is a Mens Clothing Sales Consultant at Nordstrom in Pentagon City. And an aspiring fashion photographer.

Japanese Stone Lantern "Gift of Light" Ceremony Today

Presented to the city of Washington on March 30, 1954, the Japanese Stone Lantern symbolizes the enduring cultural partnership that re-emerged between Japan and the United States after World War II. The lantern is one of two memorializing Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, or military lord, of the Tokugawa Dynasty, under his posthumous name Daiyuinden. Carved about 1651, it stood for over 300 years on the grounds of the Toeizan Kan'eiji Temple which contained the remains of the Tokugawa Shoguns. The temple was located in the ancient city of Edo, present-day Tokyo, in Ueno Park, a place famous for its cherry blossoms. Its twin stands there to this day.

A Lantern Lighting Ceremony, featuring traditional Japanese performers and Washington dignitaries will take place later today, Sunday, 08 April 2007, from 2:30 until 4:00 pm at the Tidal Basin's North Bank at the intersections of West Bank Drive, Independence Avenue and 18th Street, SW, WDC.

2007 Mayor's Cherry Blossom poster contest winners on display

Each year, DC Public School students are invited to submit posters to the Cherry Blossom Poster Contest.

Winning posters featuring this year's theme, "Cherry Blossom: Saluting a World Class City, Communities and Friendship" were on display at the National Building Museum on Saturday, 31 March 2007, during the 2007 National Cherry Blossoms Festval Family Day Kick-off and Opening Ceremony.

Some will also be displayed at the Southwest Airlines’ Terminal - BWI Airport, for at least two weeks.

I arrived at the kick-off shortly before 12 noon and left about an hour later for the Smithsonian 41st Annual Kite Festival. And, therefore, did not photograph the official opening ceremony, during which time, between 4 and 5:30 pm, winnters of the 2007 Cherry Blossom Poster Contest were to have been announced.

However, I am inclined to believe that this particular poster (on the left) is amongst its top winners.

Here is a press release regarding the 2006 Cherry Blossom Poster Contest winners.

Click photo to view 2007 Mayor's Cherry Blossom Poster Contest (Winners) and 31 March 2007 NCBF Family Day Kick-off photosets which are also included in my 2007 National Cherry Blossoms Season WDC collection.

Actress & Activist Sherry Glaser "cries out for change"

COVER - Washington Blade
Crying out for change
Gay Actress Sherry Glaser brings her hit play — and her anti-war activism — to D.C.
By KATHERINE VOLIN Friday, April 06, 2007

In Sherry Glaser’s long-running play, “Family Secrets,” she becomes her father, her mother, her sister and her grandmother. It’s the ultimate fear and hope of many a family-obsessed person, but it’s become Glaser’s bread and butter as a performance piece.

Click Blade Photo by Henry Linser to read more.

I first met Sherry Glaser during the 8 March 2003 International Women's Day March on the White House and then on the following night saw her one woman show, "Family Secrets", at the Source Theater.

Glaser will perform "Family Secrets" in Theater J at the DC Jewish Center from 7 March through 15 April 2007. Located at 1529 16th Street, in NW, WDC, tickets range from $15 - $45.

Telephone at 202-518-9400.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 06 April 2007

The Archadians Acoustic Dixieland Jazz Band

2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival

Cultural Stage at the Jeffferson Memorial

Tidal Basin . East Basin Drive, SW, WDC

Monday, 02 April 2007

MUSICIANS HANDS 2007

2007 Friday's Photos of the Week

Green And Blue Clothing comes to Dupont Circle South

Focusing on Dupont Circle South Windows during my 01 April 2007 Sunday Photo Walk I captured windows of a soon to open Green And Blue. Which I am not familiar with.

Returning to the Dupont Circle area on Tuesday evening I took a series of Men At Work - Green And Blue images - a further indication that the store should be opening soon.

When searching the internet, this afternoon, for "Green & Blue Clothing - Dupont Circle" I found an interesting picture taken by UK photographer Jez Coulson of model Kate Michael with an excerpt that reads Green and Blue clothing.... due to launch worldwide with a first US store in DC at Dupont Circle.

Green And Blue is located on the Connecticut Avenue side of the 1350 Connecticut Avenue Building at Dupont Circle South, and just doors down from Proper Topper, a store whose windows I have photographed many times, dating back to 1994. And, in years past, purchased hats from for my mother as Mothers Day gifts.

Fishmongers at Maine Avenue Fish Market

Though the term fishmonger is most often used in reference to someone who sells fish and seafood my fishmongers pictorial project brings focus on to anyone who works in the industry, primarily at but not limited to, fish markets and wharfs.

Launched during a 01 April 2007 Sunday Photo Walk, the Fishmongers at Maine Avenue Fish Market located at the Southwest Waterfront Marina(s) Complex in SW WDC represents my first exploration of fishmongers.

Porters & Bellhops at the Mayflower Hotel

In a similar way that I have always captured Men At Work or Cop Duty or Photographers In Action, in recent weeks, several new themes and onoging projects have been launched - the documentation of UPS Workers, Fed-Exers and US Postal Couriers. As well as Fishmongers at Maine Avenue Fish Market and Porters & Bellhops at the Mayflower.

I actually began my Mayflower Hotel project in September 2005. Since then seldom have I passed through that area of Connecticut Avenue, NW, and not take a series of photos in connection with my Mayflower Hotel project.

Porters & Bellhops at the Mayflower Hotel pictorial project is also part of Golden Triangle Collection.

Circa Cafe opening soon at Dupont Circle North

When out taking pictures of Spring at Dupont Circle North on Wednesday afternnon, 28 March, I observed that a new restaurant will soon be opening at the former Wrap Works location at the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Q Street, in NW Washington DC.

According to a posting at Craig's List dated 2007-03-30, 5:29PM EDT, Circa At Dupont will hold an EMPLOYMENT OPEN HOUSE from 12 noon until 5 pm TODAY. Which is Saturday, 31 March 2007.

Here is the entire posting:

CIRCA is our contemporary take on the classic European cafe. We'll open early in the morning and continue until late evening, serving delicious coffee, cocktails, and food. Chef Munehiro Mori's unique menu includes small and medium-sized plates with an international flair. CIRCA's bar menu features house-infused vodkas, signature martinis, and an extensive wine list.

CIRCA seeks energetic, friendly, and professional service staff who enjoy working in a fast-paced environment. Now accepting applications for:

HOSTS
SERVERS
BARISTAS
FOOD RUNNERS

Apply in person Monday-Friday from 11am-7pm, or attend our EMPLOYMENT OPEN HOUSE this Saturday, March 31st from Noon-5pm. Our management team will conduct on-the-spot interviews and provide information about CIRCA's concept.

1601 Connecticut Ave, NW Washington, DC 20009 (across from the Dupont Circle Metro, North entrance).

Viisit Washington Post's Blog posting dated 30 October 2006 by Julia Beizer to see what all the fuss is about...

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

After photographing Elwood Gibson's "I Love No One Else" display at UDC's Gallery 42, I visited the Japanese cherry trees along the Tidal Basin. Instead of walking back across the National Mall to one of the downtown subway stations I decided to return to my SW apartment by taking a photo walk along Maine Avenue and Water Street through the Fish Market and Southwest Waterfront Marina.

Which, as a result of my research last night, I now realize that what for many years I regarded as one marina the Southwest Waterfront marina, located in the Washington Channel, actually, consists of three different marinas, if you don't include James Creek Marina. Which is situated across the channel between the War College at Fort McNair and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Southwest Waterfront Marina(s) complex, located along Water Street and Maine Avenue in SW, consists of the Gangplank Marina at 600 Water Street, the Capital Yacht Club at 1000 Water Street, and the Washington Marina at 1300 Maine Avenue, SW.

Which brings me back to the real purpose for this posting.

One of the main reasons that I take photo walks is to learn more about my surroundings and history. Which, always, involves a great deal of research once I get home and sometimes visits to the library or contacting other sources for information.

As was the case when on Tuesday that I came across a sign pertaining to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail.

Without skipping a beat and while snapping pictures of bicyclists along Maine Avenue, my first thought was "the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail will definately be one of my Spring 2007 photo walk projects. Which I'm sure will take me across the South Capitol Street Bridge affording me the opportunity to gather more great historic shots of the construction of Washington Nationals Ballpark.

It was during my research, last night, that I learned more about the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. And, the fact that there are three different marinas at the Southwest Waterfront Marina complex. Which, effective immediately, I will now curate as three seperate, but respective, photosets - beginning with images that I took on Tuesday, 27 March 2007 of the Washington Marina.

Click above photo to view my newly launched Anacostia Riverwalk Trail photoset.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 30 March 2007

95th Anniversary of Cherry Trees Gift

Tidal Basin, SW, WDC 27 March 2007

2007 National Cherry Blossoms Season

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Photo Safari in the Golden Triangle - Thursday, 19 April @ noontime

Love to take pictures? Grab your camera and brown bag and head to Farragut Square on April 19 for a noontime photo safari in one of the most beautiful areas of Washington, DC.

Produced by Washington Photo Safari in cooperation with the Golden Triangle BID, the noontime class will be led by professional architectural photographer and Washington Photo Safari director E. David Luria.

The event will begin at Farragut Square with an orientation on good travel photography techniques. Mr. Luria will show you how to capture tulips and the people enjoying a spring day in the park and then will lead you up Connecticut Avenue to photograph the magnificent St. Matthew’s Cathedral.

The photo safari will be held on Thursday, April 19, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m (Rain date: April 26). The fee is $39 per person and includes photography instruction materials. Space is limited. To sign up or for further information, contact Washington Photo Safari at info@washingtonphotosafari.com or 202.537.0937.

Click above Street Life 2007 photo to view my ongoing Farragut Square photoset.

Elwood Gibson's "I Love No One Else" / UDC's Gallery 42

Interior Designer Elwood Gibson was one of the featured artists in the UDC - Gallery 42's Valentine Day 2007 art show, "Public Display of Affection". Indicative of a store window, Gibson's "I Love No One Else" glass case display featured 4 minature dolls arranged in a garden of flowers and greenery, each viewing themselves in a mirror. Or, in mirrors.

Gibson who is now 51 was born and raised in Washington DC. After attending Howard University in Business Management he studied interior design at the Corcoran School of Art and the International Institute of Interior Design in Washington DC. Graduating from each in 1978 and 1981, respectively.

Gibson was also one of the featured artists in The Dollhouse Book: An Illustrated Guide to Miniature Mansions, Little Living-Rooms, Cozy Castles, Diminutive Dwellings, Small Shops and the Dolls and Furnishings that Inhabit Them by Cara Finnegan. Published in March 2004, Chapter 6 of The Doll House Book entitled "On the Street Where We Live", takes a rare peek at Shillmans Department Store window displays, in which, Gibson pays homage to the grand department stores of the past.

With the exception of a few first years in the NYC interior design industy, Gibson has desgined windows in the Washington DC area for regular and consistent clients for almost 25 years.

As an independent Visual Merchandiser, Elwood Gibson can be reached at 202-635-3035 or email elgib2009@aol.com.

The "Public Display of Affection" art show was on display at UDC's Gallery 42 from 20 February thru 16 March 2007. The above image was taken at UDC's Gallery 42 on Tuesday afternoon, 27 March, just before Gibson's "I Love No One Else" was dismantled.

According to a flyer posted to the entrance, UDC Gallery 42's next exhibition, UDC Annual Student Art Show 2007, will be on display from 11 April - 3 May 2007.

For more information regarding Gallery 42 or future exhibitions contact Professor Daniel Venne at 202-274-5781.

Located on the University of the District of Columbia's Van Ness Campus, at 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, WDC, Gallery 42, is in Building 42, Room A12.

27 March 2007 marked the 95th anniversary of Tokyo's 3000 cherry trees gift

The 2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival marks the 95th celebration of the original gift of the 3,000 cherry trees from the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC in 1912.

In a simple ceremony on March 27, 1912, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted the first two of these trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. By 1915 the United States government had responded with a gift of flowering dogwood trees to the people of Japan. In 1927, a group of American school children reenacted the initial planting; the first festival was held in 1935, sponsored by civic groups in the nation's capital.

After reading an article in The Politico on the subway Tuesday which reported that 27 March 1912 had been the day in history when Tokyo officially gave 3000 cherry trees to the city of Washington DC I walked down 17th Street, NW, from Farragut North subway station, capturing street scenarios along the way, to the north bank of the Tidal Basin to photograph and commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Japanese gift to the people of Washington DC.

This 27 March 2007 - 95th Anniversary of Cherry Trees Gift photo project represents the launching of my 2007 National Cherry Blossoms Season Collection.

Blue Ball - Philly - 4 - 6 May

Michael Berman's studio returns to F Street (Downtown Arts District)

I first became acquainted with Michael Berman as a result of my documentation of the 2005 Downtown Holiday Market which may be viewed at the Eastern Market Newsletter. However, I did not meet Michael Berman, face to face, until the 2006 Downtown Holiday Market at Penn Quarter.

A nationally recognized and collected artist Berman, for many years rented an artist's studio in the historic Downtown Arts District in Washington DC, in the 900 block of F Street, NW. But, as a result of the redevelopment of downtown DC many artists, including Berman, were forced out.

Relocating his studio to 29 Kings Court on Capitol Hill, in 2001, and while an exhibitor and organizer of the Eastern Market Flea Market, in recent years, Michael Berman has been very active in preserving artists' studios in DC. He is President of the Downtown Artists Coalition (DAC), formed in order to preserve and foster artists' studio space in Washington. The DAC has been instrumental in re-establishing artists' spaces on the 900 block on F Street, as well as promoting live/work studios in the Historic Mather building on the 900 block of G Street and other areas in the traditional arts district of downtown DC. Michael is also an active member, and currently serving on the Board of Trustees, for the Committee of 100 on the Federal City, the oldest civic planning organization in DC. In addition to displaying artwork, Michael also organizes, curates, and promotes exhibitions. Michael is co-founder of the unique art organization Project BRASAS and the inter-disciplined artists' collective, CAOS (Coalition of Artists on the Shore), based in Cambridge, Maryland. Both organizations focus on alternative exhibitions done for and by artists.

Additionally, Michael operates an artists property management business, Arts Enterprises LLC, a Washington D.C. company that offers a variety of real estate products and services to the arts community. As Managing Director, he is active in promoting and creating new opportunities for artists to acquire real estate and flourish in D.C.

When out taking pictures on Tuesday afternoon, along F Street, I ran into Michael. Pointing to the 3rd floor of a building that he was standing in front of he said that, if things go as planned, he will soon return to his old studio on F Street, in the Downtown Arts District.

2nd Annual National Marathon

I began my documentation of the 2nd Annual National Marathon on Friday afternoon when I photographed a sign at the entrance/exit of the Waterfront- SEU Station that read "M Street Closed Saturday 7am - 1pm". Followed by WMATA signs, on the subway, that read Early Opening National Marathon.

On Saturday morning, I jumped off the sofa at 6 am, quickly got dressed and rushed to the Waterfront Station where I arrived at 6:36 am and would take photos, along the way, to the DC Armory.

When exiting the DC Armory Station I turned to get a look at the clock above the kiosk. It read 6:58 AM. With a scheduled 7 AM step-off I had less than two minutes to run one block north to East Capitol Street.

Rushing through the crowd, an early morning darkness and a light drizzle I heard an official announce "We'll just seconds away from starting the 2nd Annual National Marathon!"

At about two yards from where I tried my damndest to be, to capture step-off, the race began.

I spent the next few minutes snapping shots, of the step-off. Rushed back to the DC Armory Station and took the train to L'Enfant Plaza Station where I exited the system at 7th Street and Maryland Avenue, SW. About 5 or ten minutes later I captured the front runners as they passed through.

Wanting to capture the marathon in the SW Community, which is where I live, I followed the marathon south on 7th Street, across the 7th Street Bridge / Overpass to M Street and then east to 4th Street, in SW, across from Waterfront Mall.

I may would have stayed longer and proceeded further east along M Street, SW, but the rain was getting a little heavier and I did not want my cameras nor lens to get wet.

Click photo to view my 2nd Annual National Marathon collection. Since I took many images most of them will be featured in conjunction with the 2008 National Marathon as Never Before Seen photographs.

I Am A Man!

When taking pcitures during my 25 March 2007 Sunday Photo Walk and stroll through Dupont Circle this young afro-american man's tee shirt brought to mind the 1968 I AM A MAN! Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike.

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.