LIZARD LOUNGE 10-Year Anniversary Celebration!

This Sunday, 22 June 2008, Mark Lee and ATLAS Events will celebrate the 10th anniversay of Lizard Lounge which was lauched in June 1998.

Always complimentary admission, from 8pm until 2am with music by resident DJ Kostas (no web presence) and Luke Easley ... drink, lounge, smoke or dance ... in any combination that you choose on this and evey Sunday at LIZARD LOUNGE at LIMA.

Which, located at 14th and K Street, south of Logan Circle and Thomas Circle is adjacent to Franklin Square in NW Washington DC.

21+ / ID required.

Click image to read the entire ATLAS Events E-News dated Thursday, 19 June 2008 for more specific details.

Vote for Erick Wilund in NYC's Artists Wanted Photography Competition

a photography competition
Originally uploaded by Erick Wilund

One of my favorite and certainly most talented and best photographers on flickr, Eric Wilund, is one of the featured artists in the soon to end New American Art Boom Photography Competition at Artists Wanted.

Those who know me know that this is not something that I have ever taken lightly. However, Erick's work deserves such attention.

And, as detailed in the caption of this photo ... please VOTE FOR ERICK WILUND ... and click the 5th (far right) star to vote (below the photos, where it says "Rate this Portfolio"). Clicking any of the other stars will result in a lower rating. You can vote every 24 hours, so if you vote today, you can vote at the same time tomorrow and again on Friday. I know that this is a lot to ask, but voting ends at midnight on Friday and there is a special award for the most votes from the public.

I have little doubt that once you take a glance at his flickr site you're understand why I went out on a limb to ask something that I have ever asked of you before. And may will never ask again.

But, Erick Wilund and his photography is deservant of such attention!

Sharon Brigforth's "delta dandi" NYC AUDITIONS and more

AUDITION: Freedom Train Productions

• Wednesday, June 25th, 610pm to 9pm @ Audre Lorde Project, 85 South Oxford Street in Brooklyn
• Thursday, June 26th, 610pm to 9pm @ Ripley Grier Studios, 520 8th Avenue (16th Floor) in Manhattan

Freedom Train Productions, a political theatre company and member of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, seeks actors and actresses for an upcoming stage reading series. All plays will be featured at Fire! New Play Festival in August 2008. Last year over 500 audience members, including 50 theatre producers caught Fire! More infomation at http://www.freedomtrainproductions.org.

CLICK ABOVE IMAGE to read the entire 17 June 2008 E-News with information pertaining to play synopsis and character breakdowns.

Martin Brandt explores male bonding, bi-sexuality and 'rising from the dead'!

In celebration of GLBT Pride 2008 celebration I'd like to bring your attention to a most unique author by the name of Martin Brandt whose website I'd come across last week.

Born on the banks of the Amazon River and raised by a Kaiapo wet-nurse while his mother conducted medical research and taught the Kaiapo children how to play the violin, Brandt studied rocket science at the University of Uganda before making his home in America.

Married to a tall blonde woman who he considers as his soul mate, Brandt's 'fictional' writings while reflecting on such taboo subject matters as 'male bonding and male sexuality' also, powerly, explores the issue of bi-sexuality.

Published in June 2006, 'FIVE MARRIED MEN', a tale for anyone intrigued by the intensity and emotions of male sexuality, explores what may cause some men to risk their career and a marriage for the magic of an intimate bond with another man. Read Chapter One and Two. Here are some reviews.

Published one year later in June 2007, THE PARTISANS takes place in France during World War II and in this time of fear and oppression, and the Holocaust, the story follows a few weeks of the lives of black American Ethan Jones and French Adrienne Follett, members of the French resistance, and German defector Jhan. Read Chapter One and Two.

First published in 2005, the revised edition of A SONG IN THE PARK scheduled for an August 2008 release, is the fictional story of renowned San Diego surgeon Michael Anderson who after losing a little girl on the operating table would cross paths with Justin Brooks, a Park Ranger at Big Bend Park, who had left his bride-to-be standing at the altar. It is a celebration of human diversity and a discovery that it is the simple things in life that matter the most.

Available in December 2008, THE STRANGE HAUTNING OF JOHNNY FEELWATER is a haunting story of a man named Johnny Feelwater who having inherited an old house on Confederate Square in historic Savannah, realized, once he stepped through the door, that his life would never be same ... when Cassandra Mott, the old DEAD lady who had left him the house ... returned FROM THE DEAD as a beautiful young seductress, to begin life again at age twenty-six. Read Chapter One and Two.

Here are some of the IMAGES and ART in Martin Brandt's collection. To learn more about Martin Brandt read his biography and this recent interview.

Click the above image to view his website and contact form.

Just Circuit Mag - June / July 2008 Issue

Since receiving a printed copy of Just Circuit Mag "Summer Heats Up" June/July 2008 Issue in the mail the other day I've wanted to bring to your attention Mickey Weems' SHUT UP AND DANCE page 30 - 33 article "It All Started On April 8, 2008" in opposition Brett Henrichsen's Masterbeat World Tour stop at Town in DC during the Cherry Weekend.

And here is a pdf of page 18 which is the first page of Entertainer Editor John Kater's DJ of the Year feature on DJ / Producer Randy Bettis.

The June through October 2008 calendar begins on page 74.

Though always available FREE ONLINE, to have your copies delivered right to your door, and receive a free Centaur Music CD valued at $20, CLICK HERE.

Upload your Pride photos & videos to Washington Blade Pride Project

Friday's Photo of the Week . 13 June 2008

Susan G. Komen's 19th Annual Race For the Cure

The Runners Race . Jefferson Drive, SW, WDC

View Runners Race / Jefferson Drive VIDEO

Saturday morning, 7 June 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Pride Weekend at Town Danceboutique

Town is a sponsor of Capital Pride and is hosting multiple Pride events! Proceeds from these events are going to Capital Pride!!

Celebrate WDC'S 2008 Pride Weekend w/ Susan Morabito at APEX-DC

Celebrate the 2008 Capital Pride Weekend at the APEX when America's top DJ Susan Morabito will spin on Friday and Saturday nights, 13 - 14 June.

The Friday night line-up features:

• In our East Wing Lounge - DJ tim-e
• The Apex Dancing Studs
• Second Level Comfort Lounge withVJ Steve Rosa counting down videos from the 80s, 90s and beyond
• Cover charge is only $10
• 18 to enter/21 to drink
• Afterhours dancing

While Saturday night features:

• Caliente - All Latin dance party in the East Wing Lounge
• Showtime with Kristina Kelly & Company beginning at 11pm
• VJ Steve in the Second Level Comfort Lounge continuing with the music video countdown
• Cover charge is only $10
• 18 to enter/21 to drink
• Afterhours dancing
• DJ Susan Morabito will start spinning directly after the show at midnight

For more information visit www.APEX-DC.com or myspace.com/Apex_dc.

Save on Advance Tickets for NYC Pride's DANCE ON THE PIER and the (Saint-At-Large) CHAMPIONS After Party

Lenore Nolan Ryan's Summer Kids Kook Kamp / Lauderdale-By-The Sea

It has long been a dream of Lenore Nolan Ryan to open her door, kitchen, and heart to aspiring wee “chefs". And this summer it is happening in a place called KIDS KOOK KAMP at Lenore Nolan Ryan Cooking School & Catering in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL.

Click image for details and registration information.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 6 June 2008

Pasha Bistro . 1523 17th Street, NW, WDC

Sunday Photo Walk, 1 June 2008

See photo at Yelp

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation eNewsletter dated Thursday, 5 June 2008

click image for AEHBF 5 June 2008 E-Newsletter

WDC's 3rd Annual NAKED BIKE RIDE this Saturday, 7 June 2008

In March and June 2008, in cities around the world, people will ride bikes naked to celebrate cycling and the human body. The ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against car culture.

While most Northern Hemisphere rides will take place this Saturday, 7 June 2008, most Southern Hemisphere rides took place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March 2008.

At 3pm on Saturday afternoon, 7 June 2008, the WDC 3rd Annual Naked Bike Ride will assemble at McPherson which located at 15th and I Streets, NW, is just across the street from the WMATA McPherson Square Metro Station.

Snacks will be served in a screened off area before step-off. Here are some bike decorating and body art and body painting ideas.

Stepping-off from McPherson Square, WDC's 3rd annual NAKED BIKE RIDE will proceed to the White House and, then, down to the US Capitol Building ... "to protest against oil dependency".

To learn more visit the WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE - WDC and WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE - WDC / Wiki sites.

Talk is cheap. Spread the word by clicking onto this jpg flyer and then, download, print, distribute and post flyers throughout the city. And at your blog.

Direct media inquiries to naturerunner@yahoo.com.

Michael-Christopher's UNSPEAKABLE book release event at Jin Lounge on Sunday, 8 June

Hosted by Brian Evans, join The Series and The Brother's Network as they celebrate the release of UNSPEAKABLE, the follow up to his best seller, From Top to Bottom by Michael-Christopher.

Purchase a book, mix & mingle, and enjoy drink specials with music by SoulBounce.com.

The book signing and reading event will begin at 6 pm on Sunday evening, 8 June 2008 at the Jin Lounge which is located on the historic "U" Street corridor at 2017 14th Street in NW Washington DC.

For more about UNSPEAKABLE visit www.michael-christopher.com.

Please RSVP to ensure you get your copy then pass this evite along to your contact lists. This event is going to be the talk of the town!

Ultimate Call for Content Contest Starts at 9am Today ONLY

Don't miss your chance to win $5000 for only 500 words!

Held in conjunction with Internet Week New York, here's the assignment:

Choose a topic you have enthusiasm or expertise in -- a person, a place, a technology, a trend or even a "how-to". Then, project ahead to next year, and why that topic will be relevant. We are accepting text, video and audio entries.

All entries will be reviewed by our Content Managers and a panel of expert judges. Content must be submitted on June 3rd before midnight through our contest area.

The best piece of content will win $5,000. All other entries will earn Performance Payments. Good luck!

For more information visit The Ultimate Call for Content website.

DC Residents No Longer Have To Register Bicycles With City

When I captured this bicyclist at Thomas Circle this evening I was not aware that effective TODAY, 1 June 2008, DC residents will no longer be required to register their bicycles with the city. Nor did I know that DC residents were required to register their bikes.

Transportation officials and police instead are encouraging residents to register their bikes by serial number with the National Bicycle Registry.

The national database is accessible by police anywhere in the United States.

To register with NBR, bike owners can purchase a kit for $10 at local bike shops or go online. Or call 800-848-BIKE.

It was when I was uploading this bicyclists photos that I heard the news on Fox 10 News. But since I could not locate the link from MyFoxDC.com, for the purpose of this posting, I'm referencing the news item from WRC 4 NBC News. Which I located when searching the internet.

Click image to view my ongoing Thomas Circle and Bicyclists 2008 photo sets.

EXPOSURE Photography Competition

Friday's Photo of the Week - 30 May 2008

Memorial Day Weekend . The Couple . Dupont Circle . WDC

Sunday afternoon, 25 May 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Colorlines Magazine Wins Investigative Journalism Award

The Chicago Headline Club has awarded ColorLines and The Chicago Reporter their 2008 Watchdog Award for Excellence in Public Interest Reporting for the "Killed by the Cops" cover story in the November/December 2007 magazine.

The Watchdog Award is sponsored by the Richard H. Dreihaus Foundation.

In a joint national investigation, ColorLines and The Chicago Reporter found that Blacks are overrepresented and Latinos are a rising number of those fatally shot by police. The report raises serious issues about whether police departments across America are doing enough to identify and weed out bad cops. Read the award-winning story.

The Watchdog Award honors Chicago area news reporting that calls attention to situations in which the public is being harmed or poorly served, and award is explicitly designed to encourage stories that stick up for the everyday person. The award was presented to ARC on April 25, 2008, at the Intercontinental Hotel during the Chicago Headline Club's annual Peter Lisagor Awards for Exemplary Journalism, which honors the best Chicago-area reporting in print, broadcast and online media.

Old Convention Center site to be redevelopment as City Center DC

My interest in the redevelopment of the Old Convention Center site dates back to December 2004 when out taken pictures on New Years Ever, 31 December 2004, that I observed that the site was in its early stages of demolition.

Since then I have visited and photographed the 10 acre lot on many occasions. One year later, in December 2005, to photograph the First Downtown Holiday Market. Four months later, I returned in April 2006 to document the first installation of the 10th Street Art entitled Metamorphosis.

In July 2007 I'd capture the 10th Street Art Walk second installation entitled Drift. Most of those images have not yet been uploaded to my Drift photoset.

And then after observing photos of a 10th Street Art Walk installation at Bullneck's photostream on 7 May 2008 I'd visit the Emerge installation. In the process of research for a video production that would highlight each artists and each piece of work, it was then that wold I learned that Emerge is the third and final installment.

And on the same that I had completed the Emerge 'Outdoor' Art Installation - 10th Street Art Walk- NW WDC - 7 M ay 2008 video, TV news reported that Mayor Adrian M. Fenty had announced that the District had reached a deal with Hines/Archstone to lease the so-called B parcel to the development team.

The Old Convention Center Site will be redeveloped as CityCenterDC.

To learn more about CityCenterDC visit its website.

Josh Wood Productions newly re-constructed website is now LIVE!

The newly reconstructed website for JOSH WOOD PRODUCTIONS is now LIVE! To get nightlife, cultural and political information hosted by JOSH WOOD PRODUCTIONS ... sign up for the weekly mailing list.

Spend your weekend at the Hotels. Hosted by Josh Wood, Matt Tratner and Nick Van Bremen ... Star Fridays at The Chelsea Hotel features DJ Corey Craig while this Sunday Nights series at the Garden of ONO at the Hotel Gansevoort features the music by Brenda Black.

In celebration of the NYC Pride 2008 season, on Thursday evening 26 June, Wood's PRODUCTIONS series will present JOHN WATERS at The Concert Hall at the NY Society for Ethical Culture. A portion of proceeds will benefit The Stonewall Community Foundation.

And under POLITICS, Wood has listed several sites to send relief to Myanmar.

To keep abreast of Josh Wood Productions ... sign up for the mailing list. Contact Josh Wood by email at info@joshwoodproductions.com.

Bi-Partisan Tour Company 'Open-Air' Roadster: Either Side Can Ride!

Though I've never seen one until when departing from the National World War II Memorial on Friday evening, 23 May 2008, that a Bi-Partisan Tour open-air roadster would head north on 17th Street, when later the same evening that I happened upon the same Bi-Partisan Tour roadster on 19th Street at Dupont Circle South the driver, Bryan, would inform me that Bi-Partisan Tour Company, based at Union Station, has been in the nation's capital since April of 2007.

Here is a pdf of page 50 of the March / April 2007 issue of the Arrive Magazine which features a brief feature announcing Bi-Partisan Tour's arrival in DC.

Washington DC will come ALIVE when you cruise the landmarks and landscapes of the nation’s capital in an open-air electric roadster. Guided by a state-of-the-art GPS system, the unique narration reveals hidden history, drama, and excitement at every turn.

Bi-Partisan Tour Company truly giving a locals look into DC's past and present history and the figures involved by using audio-based GPS units installed in electric cars. For those that know the city or want to explore on their own, rentals of the classic roadster are also available.

Electric car rentals, from Bi-Partisan Tour Company, are the ultimate way to discover DC. There is no other tour in DC that offers so much freedom and flexibility in personalizing each guest’s tour.

In addition to electric car rentals, Bi-Partisan Tour Company, also offers mobile and walking tours. And here is driving and policies information. Make reservations here.

Located at Union Station, here is the pertinent contact info.

Click above image by Elvert Barnes to view Bi-Partisan Tour Company photoset.

Sharon Bridgforth receives Alpert/Hedgebrook Residency Prize

Congratulations to Sharon Bridgforth who is the recipient of the 2008 Alpert/Hedgebrook Residency Prize.

While in NYC through 1 September 2008 developing new work, hangn wid Loved Ones and participating in the following events:

• Fire & Ink at the Newark-Essex Pride on 12 June
  
• After The Ballot: A Night of Theatre Benefiting Freedom Train Productions on Thursday 19 Juneteenth at 8pm


• delta dandi STAGED READING & Talk Back Freedom Train Productions, NYC on 6 & 7 August 2008 at 7pm

... Bridgforth is in need of a dramaturg to collaborate with as she develops her new piece, delta dandi at Freedom Train Productions (NYC).

If you are interested in the dramaturg position please contact Andre Lancaster, Artistic & Managing Director of Freedom Train Productions by email at andre@freedomtrainproductions.org.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 23 May 2008

Road Dawg . National Police Week . 13th Annual Law Ride

Assemblance . RFK Stadium Parking Lot

SE WDC . Sunday, 11 May 2008

2008 Fridays Photos of the Week

Elvert Barnes Photo Blog

My "The Fight For Love & Life" 2006 NYC Pride Parade Photo Montage

In celebration of the 2008 GLBT Pride Season, here is my photo montage projections project of my June 2006 trip to NYC for the 37th Annual Heritage Pride Parade.

Featuring two teadance mixes from DJ Bryan Hughes' July 2007 'Tea & Crumpets" series, the project begans on Friday evening, 23 June 2006, when Ken, Mark and I drive up to NYC from WDC, with Ken at the wheel.

It then picks up on Sunday morning, 25 June, shortly after 11 am on 8th Avenue in Chelsea when Ken and Mark headed to the Flatiron District and I walked to the Village ... to watch the parade at our respective locations.

Images of 'folks caught in the rain' then follow while I brunched at the Dublin 6 on Hudson and West 11th Street in the Village.

Once the rain stopped, at around 12:45 pm, I took to the street and, captured the crowd waiting on Christopher Street before the arrival of the parade.

The Sirens and other women motorcycle clubs lead the parade down Christopher Street, followed by the Emprire City MC.

From the beginning of the montage, until the end of the parade, Bryan Hughes' "Tea & Crumpets" #2/3 serves as background music.

"Tea & Crumpets" #1/3 serves as background music for the "end of the parade'. Which, while reflecting on the 10 June 2006 attack upon drag performer and dance music recording artists Kevin Aviance by a gang of four male youth ... highlights the 2006 Heritage Pride theme "The Fight For Love and Life!".

And though I did not mention this in the project, when reflecting on the attack upon Aviance, I could not help but reflect on two Saturday nights ago when I was attacked on the subway in WDC by a gang of young black males who when two older black men intervened, the gang of youth then shouted '... but he's a punk ...!'

Nor did I mention that when on Sunday night that I returned to The Village to relax from having spent the entire day photographing the parade when I attempted to enter Ty's that the door manager said "... you can't come in ... the place is full!" ... in the exact same way that when visiting NYC in September 2007 the exact same door man said the exact same thing to me.

And in the exact same way that I had experienced racism at bars in WDC during the 70's and 80's.

While the fight for many may be for the right to love, as a 50 something gay black male who practiced integration not only must I still fight racism but, in most cases, my fight must now also be against those who I loved and against those who professed to have loved me.

As an older but wiser and more mature black man, F--- THE LOVE!

Its about my LIFE!

Click image to view my NYC's 2006 "The Fight For Love & Life" Heritage of Pride PARADE photo montage at Google Video. And here is my 2006 NYC PRIDE WEEKEND photo collection.

Michael David Murphy's limited-edition of "Jim Crow Road" prints available via 20x200

An offshoot of the Jen Bekman Gallery in NYC, starting at $20, 20x200 has just released limited-editions of "Jim Crow Road" by Michael David Murphy (While Seated) as one of two featured prints this week.

Click image for details.

Dalila Kriheli of Rock Star Pix Images of Raven featured in May 2008 issue of Heavy Magazine

Congratulations to Dalila Kriheli of Rock Star Pix whose two images of Raven shot during their April 2008 performance at L'amour [The Rock Capitol] of Staten Island are now featured in an article entitled RAVEN by S. A. Adams, on page 79, in the May 2008 issue of Heavy Magazine, a German metal / thrash publication.

Here is a pdf of the page. Click image to view Raven collection at RockStarPix.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 16 May 2008

Joe Shymanksi . Artomatic . 12th Floor

Capitol Plaza 1 . 1200 1st Street, NE, WDC

Opening Night - Friday, 9 May 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

RockStarPix of Belladonna's 13 May 2008 performance at Brooklyn's Europa Night Club

On Tuesday evening, 13 May 2008, Dalila Kriheli of RockStarPix captured Belladonna's performance at the Europa Night Club in Brooklyn during the New York leg of their Never Look Back 2008 Tour.

Click image to view Dalila Kriheli's Belladonna collection.

Visit the rockstarpix website to view more collections. And to learn more about or to contact Dalila Kriheli.

My NPW 13th Annual Emerald Society & Pipeband (March) Video

click image for video

13th Annual Emerald Society Pipeband Event Collection

National Police Week 2008 Collection

2001 NPW Pipeband March Photos Never Before Seen

My National Police Week 20th Candlelight Vigil Videos

In observance of National Police Week 2008 on Tuesday evening, 13 May 2008, I would attend the 20th Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcemement Officers Memorial in Washington DC.

Here are three video compilations identified as:

• Version 1 (complete compilation) - long
• Version 2 (Musical Tribute & Candlelighting) - short
• Version 3 (Candlelighting) - shorter

Though still under construction, here is the 20th Annual Candlelight Vigil photoset which is included in the National Police Week 2008 collection.

IKEA Kitchen Rhythms Contest Ends 14 May

From now until May 14th, you can still check out and vote on your favorite video submission for the IKEA Kitchen Rhythms Contest. Not only will you be helping one lucky finalist win all they can grab at IKEA — but you'll also see some amazing music being made from everyday kitchen items. Log onto www.youtube.com/IKEA to see for yourself. While there, be sure to watch new videos showing fun ways to make your home more functional and beautiful.

National Police Week's 20th Annual Candlelight Vigil scheduled for TUESDAY EVENING, 13 May 2008

The names of 358 law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty (181 during 2007) will be formally dedicated on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC on Tuesday evening, 13 May 2008, during the 20th Annual Candlelight Vigil.

U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey will deliver the keynote address and lead the lighting of candles and reading of the names of the fallen officers. In addition to the 181 officers who died in line of duty during 2007, 177 officers who died in previous years but whose deaths had been lost to history will be dedicated on the Memorial.

Read the NLEOMF Press Release for details. Keep abreast of National Police Week events or cancellations due to weather conditions by visiting the blog.

Click image to view 2001 National Police Week never before seen images of the 13th Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

The Sun Shine State - Gay & Lesbian Edition

click image

My Emerge / 10th Street Art Walk Video Project

In connection with my ongoing series Public Art in Public Spaces, since its first Metamorphosis installment, in the spring of 2006, I have documented the 10th Street Art Walk.

Metamorphosis was replaced with Drift in the spring of 2007. Followed by the final and third installment, Emerge, which opened in the spring of 2008.

Click the image to view my EMERGE - 10th Street Art Walk - 7 May 2008 video tribute to the 12 contributing artists.

The video compilation features two 2004 studio mixes by DJ Bryan Hughes as background music. The first is Sunday Morning which is followed by Dreaming.

STUDIOCOLE SPRING 2008 Newsletter

In a Spring 2008 Newsletter dated Sunday, 4 May 2008, Robert and Susan Cole report that Robert was been very busy, this past winter, creating many new works in his studio. While some pieces follow established branches others are fresh blossoms on the tree of art.

And, along with more than 20 other artists, the Robert Cole Studios will participate in next weekend's 17 - 18 May 2008 Mid City Artists Open Studio.

The Spring 2008 Newsletter also reports that Robert's "Leaf" is one of twelve sculptures included in the first ever Foggy Bottom Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit. Curated by Shirley Koller, each sculpture will be on display in front of a historic home in the historic Foggy Bottom neighborhood from 3 May thru 25 October 2008.

Perhaps, its time for me to visit the Foggy Bottom area and, in connection with my ongoing Public Art In Public Spaces series, tour the Foggy Bottom Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit.

Click the above image to view the entire Studio Cole Spring 2008 E-Newsletter.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 9 May 2008

IKEA Ad Campaign / Billboard Display

WMATA - Union Station . NE . WDC

Saturday, 3 May 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Artomatic CD release party to be held tonight at Ibiza

Get an earful of some of the musical performers that will rock Artomatic this summer at a free CD release party tonight, Thursday, 8 May 2008.

From 6 until 9pm, Ibiza Night Club will play host to some of the bands that are on this year’s Artomatic CD compilation. Live music will be provided by BanjerDan, Lou Black, 302acid, The Splints, James Terrell and Free Lobster Buffet. Ibiza is located at 1222 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., adjacent to the site of Artomatic 2008 and close to the New York Avenue Metro station.

Click above Artomatic News image for details.

Today's Sounds in the Square Concert Postponed

Due to inclement weather, the Sounds in the Square concert in Farragut Park scheduled for tonight, Thursday, May 8th, featuring No Second Troy has been postponed. The rain date for the concert is September 4th. The regular schedule will continue next Thursday, 15 May, with a performance by Justin Jones & the Driving Rain. For all of the details on Sounds in the Square -- the free, outdoor concert series taking place in Farragut Square Park on Thursday nights in May and June, visit www.goldentriangledc.com.

SmartBike DC to Debut in Mid-May

Though SmartBike DC had hoped to launch in March 2008, due to some minor setbacks the first ever bike sharing program to hit the states will now debut in mid-May.

To learn more about the SmartBike DC program visit the website or The Bike-sharing Blog.

Click image to view my ongoing SmartBike DC photoset.

"On the Fly" Eco-Vending: A New Breed of Street Vendors

Though launched last November which, after some reflecting I now recall hearing news of at the time, the first time that I'd ever come across an On The Fly Smartkart was yesterday afternoon when enroute to the 10th Street Art Walk that I headed north on 7th Street, from D Street, and turned left onto F Street in the Penn Quarter area of NW WDC.

Founded by three crazy kats that saw a void that needed to be filled ... who then teamed up with three other doods ... the odd little green vehicle with wings debuted in Chinatown near 8th and H, NW selling empanadas and other Mexican fare.

A second Smartkart would fly in, at the 7th and F Street location in January 2008. Here's a list of other locations which includes the National Arboretum and National Ballpark and the soon to open Artomatic 2008.

Here is a list of their vending partners. If you have a product that you would like to see On The Fly® carry or, perhaps, always wanted to quit your day job and start a hummus company but need some help ... drop the crazy kats / doods a line.

And here is other pertinent contact info.

Sounds in the Square Summer Concert Series Kicks Off on Thursday, 8 May

Thursday marks the first of seven concerts this summer as part of the Golden Triangle’s tenth annual Sounds in the Square free summer concert series. No Second Troy, a band Spin magazine says “burns bright as the sun” and who received a nod from Washington City Paper as one of DC’s best local bands, will start the series off from 5 until 7 pm in Farragut Square Park. Check out their MySpace page and then come by the park ... for the best live and free music the city has to offer!

National Train Day - Saturday, 10 May 2008

The first-ever National Train Day will choo choo is way, in town and across the nation, on this Saturday, 10 May 2008. And there’s never been a better time to celebrate. With passenger ridership growing every year, more and more people recognize that trains are the best way to relax and enjoy the ride. To read, talk, work or snooze the time away. Which makes traveling by train the nicer way to get there. So get ready to join the festivities, which include live musical performances, exhibits, trip planning, VIP appearances and trip giveaways.

National Train Day events will take place on Saturday, 10 May at four of Amtrak’s largest stations: WDC - Union Station, NYC - Penn Station, Chicago - Union Station and La - Union Station. And here is a list of other events, throughout the nation, that will celebrate National Train Day as well.

And here are some National Train Day promotions that may be of interest to you.

2001 National Police Week Photos Never Before Seen / May 2008

click image

NLEOMF launches new National Police Week blog

On Tuesday, 6 May 2008, the NLEOMF launched the National Police Week blog. Which not only allows you to keep up-to-date on all the activities but also affords one the opportunity to share their thoughts about and reflections of National Police Week.

Click the above image to read the entire update regarding the launching of the National Police Week blog.

This past Sunday at Malcolm X. Park's Dance & Drum Circle

Not having visited the Sunday afternoon Drum and Dance Circle at Malcolm X. Park since last July, once realizing late in the afternoon, last Sunday, that contrary to the weather predictions ... it was not going to rain ... I headed over to Malcolm X. Park / Meridian Hill to capture my first 2008 Malcolm X. Park Drum & Dance Circle Session.

Though still under construction here is where you're find the photos. Click the image to view the video compilation which represents seven (7) different clips.

And here are the various clips.

• Drum & Dance Circle #1/7 - Malcolm X. Park / WDC - Sunday, 4 May 2008
• Drum & Dance Circle #2/7 - Malcolm X. Park / WDC - Sunday, 4 May 2008
• Drum & Dance Circle #3/7 - Malcolm X. Park / WDC - Sunday, 4 May 2008
• Drum & Dance Circle #4, 5 & 6 / 7 - Malcolm X. Park - Sunday, 4 May 2008
• Drum & Dance Circle #7/7 - Malcolm X. Park / WDC - Sunday, 4 May 2008
• Drum & Dance Circle (Compilation) - MXP / WDC - Sunday, 4 May 2008

Here is my ongoing Malcolm X. Park (Meridian Hill - WDC) Drummers & Dancers webpage which has no official connection to the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers website.

Only TWO DAYS left to install artwork at ARTOMATIC

During my NoMa Corridor Walk this past Saturday I stopped in at the Artomatic 2008 location at the Capitol Plaza 1 Building situated at the corner of First and M Streets in NE to get a few INSTALLATION photos and video footage.

Here is an important INSTALLATION UPDATE, dated 6 May 2008, from Artomatic News ePublication reminding participating artists that there are only TWO DAYS left to install their artwork.

Click image to view my 3 May 2008 Artomatic 2008 Installation video. And here are the photos.

The River House Complex at Pentagon City

I first became aware of The River House Complex in the mid 70's when a military man associated with the Pentagon who I met at one of the bars invited me back to his place.

And while I do not now recall which building he lived in, our sexual relationship would span the course of several years.

So, in recent years, when I have visited the Pentagon Row Complex which Richard introduced me to in February 2006 ... seldom have I not remembered that first night or the subsequent times, in the 70's, that I visited the Pentagon man at his apartment at the River House.

And, it has also been since my February 2006 visit to Pentagon Row that I have contemplated an ongoing project that would explore the River House Complex.

So, on Friday, 2 May 2008, and while waiting for Costco Photos at Pentagon City to develop some of my 2001 National Police Week negatives (which had never before been processed) ... I took a stroll over to the Pentagon Row Complex and launched The River House Complex Exploration Project.

Here is an interesting article at Wikipedia regarding the history of Pentagon City. And it is also in this same exploration that I came across the December 1995 Washington Post article River House:Island of Calm in a Retail Swirl by Steven Ginsberg.

While I do not now recall which building 'my friend' lived in, I learned in this exploration the the River House complex consists of three buildings - The Ashley, The Potomac and The James.

Click the above image to view my River House Complex and Pentagon City photosets.

As I strolled along South Joyce Street and snapped pictures of The River House complex and Grace Murray Hopper Park on Friday afternoon, 2 May 2008, I could almost smell the scent of the cherry and dogwood blossoms that filled the air of the River House complex when the morning after my first visit, in the spring of some year in the 70's, that I walked through the parking to my VW Beetle and drove back to my apartment in Hyattsville MD.

Even now, and while I do not know where he is or if he is still alive, whenever I think of him or pass by the River House complex ... I can still smell the scent of that particular Pentagon man.

Coloradans Kirk Bockman & Jim Lee to Engrave the Names of 358 Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

Since the 1991 opening of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Coloradans Kirk Bockman and Jim Lee , of Great Panes Glass, Inc, have traveled to Washington DC, in April of each year, to engrave the names of the fallen law enforcement officers that will then be honored at the annual National Police Week event which takes place at the Memorial in May, of each year.

In commemoration of National Police Week 2008, and as family members and fellow officers looked on, it was during the 29 April 2008 Annual Engraving Day Ceremony that Bockman and Lee began to engrave the names of 358 fallen law enforcement officers (by name - pdf) on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in preparation for the National Police Week 2008.

The 358 names (by state - pdf) being added to the Memorial, in 2008, include 181 officer deaths from 2007 and 177 from previous years. Dedication takes place at the Memorial during the 20th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Tuesday evening, 13 May 2008.

Having first captured Kirk Bockman and Jim Lee in April 2006 I made a point to stop in at the Memorial, before my Saturday, 3 May 2008 NoMa Corridor Walk, to get a few photos and video footage of the 2008 engraving process.

To learn more about Great Panes Glass, Inc. or to contact Kirk Bockman and Jim Lee visit the website.