Eastern Market E-Newsletter dated Monday, 25 August 2008

Click image to view Eastern Market E-Newsletter dated Monday, 25 August 2008.

A Note That MICHAEL MOORE Sent You ...Three Years Ago!

Reflecting on a blog posting that he wrote two weeks after Hurricane Katrina, Michael Moore is speechless after listening to Barack Obama's speech last night.

As relevant today, on Katrina's 3rd anniversary, as when he wrote it on 11 September 2005, click the above image to give it another view.

Mason/Rhynes Productions: PS24's shows this weekend and upcoming gigs

According to Mason/Rhynes Productions ... if Obama wasn't in Colorado ... he'd be at PS24's shows this weekend!

Click image to view Mason / Rhynes Productions E-News dated Friday, 29 Augsut 2008 regarding PS24's appearance on Friday night, 29 August at Busboys and Poets, and on Sunday night, 31 August at Wonderland Ballroom.

As well as for upcoming appearances by PS24.

To stay up-to-date with Mason/Rhynes Productions and Mason/Rhynes Management events visit www.mason-rhynes.org for a complete event listing.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 29 August 2008

Young Man Reading New York Daily News

Chelsea Midtown Democratic Festival

Chelsea . 8th Avenue & 21st Street, NYC

Saturday afternoon, 8 September 2007

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

JustCircuit.com News Flash :: August 27, 2008

Click image for JustCircuit.com NEWS FLASH dated Wednesday, 27 August 2008.

OBAMArama by CALOR & TOWN - Sunday, 31 August 2008

Click image for details

Artist Rafael Gallardo "Dancing In The Woods" on Q Street on Saturday evening, 23 August 2008

When en route to Werner Jampen's Georgetown artist studio on Saturday evening, 23 August 2008 to drop off some material from my 15 August 2008 session that I happened upon an artist painting in his front yard ... and inquired if I may capture him in connection with my ongoing Q Street and Dupont Circle West series ... the artist, Rafael Gallardo said yes.

When I inquired as to the name of the piece, Rafael Gallardo who has studios in WDC and Barcelona, replied "Dancing In The Woods".

Here is my Rafael Gallardo's - Dancing In The Woods - Q Street Studio, NW, WDC - 23 August 2008 video.

Click image to my Rafael Gallardo photoset.

My Werner Jampen's "Strange Fruit" 15 August 2008 Video Interview

After my 2 July video interview with artist Werner Jampen I would return on Friday afternoon, 15 August 2008 for a second interview.

While we discussed several of his past, current and ongoing projects including the "What's Inside The Pants" series, a renewed interest in abstraction and his book editing which I refer to as book de-struction as well as the process by which he engages in his projects ... this particular posting brings attention to my compilation of excerpts from the 15 August 2008 session pertainining to "Strange Fruit".

Which, inspired by books that he read on the Afro-American / Negro slave experience Werner's "Strange Fruit" series is a tribute to Nina Simone and her version of that song by that same name.

Click the above image to view my Strange Fruit - Werner Jampen - 15 August 2008 video compilation. Other videos from the 15 August 2008 session will be posted later.

My Review of Nisos Restaurant in Chelsea NYC at Yelp

Though I have passed by Nisos Restaurant many times when, in recent years, that I have visited NYC since Chelsea is where I usually stay when visiting NYC ... it was not until last Labor Day weekend when my partner and I stayed in Chelsea that I ate at Nisos for the first time.

Click image to read my review and photos of Nisos Restaurant at Yelp.

Here is my Chelsea - 8th Avenue - NYC (September 2007) photoset and NYC September 2007 collection.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 22 August 2008

Street Vendor in front of CVS at Dupont Circle West

Street Vendors / WDC 2008 Series

NW WDC . Saturday afternoon, 16 August 2008 Photo Walk

2008 Friday's Photos of the Week

"The Hand", commissioned for the 1968 Resurrection City on display at the Historical Society of Washington DC's Grounds

Most who know me are aware that hands are one of my most prolific themes and, therefore, would not be surprised of my interest in the hand sculpture that I happened upon, for the first time, on the Historical Society of Washington DC grounds during my Saturday afternoon, 16 August 2008 photo / video walk.

Situated on the south side of an historic landmark, the Carnegie Library, on Massachusetts Avenue between 7th and 9th Streets in NW Washington DC ... since when taking several photos of the sculpture I did not observe a plaque nor inscription pertaining to its sculptor I went inside of the District of Columbia's Central Library to inquire of the staff any information pertaining to the hand sculpture.

Unfortunately, the security guard and receptionist with whom I spoke were not able to assist me with such details and, therefore, suggested that I contact the administrative office on Monday or during the week.

Having searched the internet for "hand sculpture Historical Society of Washington DC" over the weekend with no positive results - I made a telephone call to the Historical Society of Washington DC yesterday morning, 19 August 2008.

After explaining the nature of my call to the telephone receptionist she referred me to a more informed staff person who sounding almost as fascinated with the hand sculpture as I ... shared with me that the sculpture, known as The Hand", had been commissioned by Southern Christian Leaders Conference (SCLC) leader Vincent deForest for the Poor Peoples Campaign's Resurrection City 1968 encampment on the National Mall.

And, in fact, during a conversation with Mr. deForest regarding the history of the piece he had informed her, just last week, that he could not recall the name of the sculptor.

It was after that telephone conversation that I then searched the internet for "the hand - Vincent deForest - 1968 Resurrection City" and located the most informative article entitled "Forgotten sculpture memorializes African-American struggle" by Diana Kohn of the Takoma Voice.

When I send this posting to the staff at the Historical Society of Washington DC I will inquire as to when "The Hand" was installed on the grounds of the Carnegie Library and how long it will be on display.

Click the above image to view my ongoing The Hand (1968 Resurrection City), Commissioned by Vincent deForest, - Historical Society of WDC / Carnegie Library photoset which will be added to my Public Art in Public Spaces 2008 collection.

Displaced Artists Return To F Street

After first blogging of Mike Berman's pending return to F Street in March 2007 I learned last August from Berman that the Downtown Artists Coalition was then still in negotiations with 'the powers that be' for F Street artists studios at the Carroll Square Complex.

And each time that I've since walked pass the Carroll Square Complex in the 900 block of F Street I have looked up to the second and third floors to see if Berman's studio was completed.

Well, in a Monday 18 August 2008 press release Downtown Artists Coalition announces that displaced artists will return to F Street at 6:30 pm on Friday, 5 September 2008.

Called F St Arts the studios occupy the 2nd and 3rd floors of the preserved and rehabbed townhouses that are incorporated into the development. Paintings, photographs, sculpture, crafted jewelry, and wood furniture are some of the artwork that will be featured in the space. Artists will be producing as well as displaying work.

F St Arts will hold quarterly open studio events, in conjunction with the gallery located in the Carroll Square lobby, as well as other functions. Studios are open by appointment only in August. Public hours of operation will be announced in September.

Click the above image to view my Michael Berman photoset.

Here is the Downtown Artists Coalition press release dated Monday, 18 August 2008.

Aioli Gourmet on P Street at Dupont Circle West

After my second video interview with artist Werner Jampen on Q Street in Georgetown which took place Friday evening, 15 August 2008 ... hungry ... but not in the mood for cooking once I would arrive home, yet, cautious about eating out in restaurants since, in recent months, I often experience difficulty when swalling food I took a stroll down P Street at Dupont Circle West and stopped in at Aioli Meditalian Gourmet to check out its take-out menu.

Though in the process of my Dupont Circle West - P Street photo walks I have observed Aioli Gourmet many times since its October 2007 opening ... this was my first visit.

Having worked in the catering industry for many years I remembered the occasion that Bill Homan of Design Cuisine explained to me what aioli was. But, on Friday night I could not remember what it was. These kind of details always interest me.

Not one for pizza, I mentioned to the very friendly server that I was interested in an entree take item to take home. He mentioned that with the exception of one of the items which I now do not recall which one it was ... all pasta entrees which normally cost $12 were at a $9 special ... for that evening.

After some contemplation I ordered the Chicken Piccata, in lemon and butter caper sauce. While the sous chef was preparing my take-out I took a look around. And was impressed with the openness and brightness of the space.

After a little more than five but less than ten minute wait, when presenting me my order, he placed a coupon in the bag that will afford me $1.oo off my next meal at Aioli. When I inquired of a take-out menu he informed me that they deliver within a six block radius.

Expressing that I live in SW DC I joked "I guess you want be delivering to me!".

Joking back he replied "I guess not".

Once home, after first placing a bed of Organics Brand Fresh Herb Salad mix in a large salad bowl which I squeezed a quarter of lemon over, then adding a little more than half the pasta and then a little more than half of the chicken medallions, I topped the dish off with some of the capers that had been included with the meal as a garnish.

Added some olive oil and within minutes ... sat down to a tasty, healthy and organic meal.

There was enough left for a repeat of the same for brunch on Saturday afternoon before I stepped out for my Saturday Photo Walk.

After my Chicken Piccata entree, I definately will be returning to Aioli Meditalian Gourmet to try out other items on its menu which includes salads, paninis, fresh pita wraps, pasta and ravioli and brick oven pizzas. As well as Meditalian gourmet desserts.

Beverages include turkish coffee, expresso shots, cappuccino, latte, nescafe, natural chai tea, natural iced tea, organic hot tea and hot cocoa.

Salads, pastas, sauces and fresh deli cuts may also be purchased by the pound.

According to its carry-out menu, Aioli uses fresh, organic and natural ingredients from local farms and suppliers whenever possible. And, in all their cooking, only filtered water is used to ensure freshness and taste.

The prices are very reasonable And I give the service top marks as well.

Located at 2153 P Street in NW Washington DC, Aioli Gourmet is open from 11 am until 8pm on Monday through Saturday. And from 11 am until 6 pm on Sunday. Telephone at 202-558-6188.

Deliver within a six block radius.

Click the above image to view my ongoing Aioli Meditalian Gourmet photoset.

Friday's Photo of the Week - 15 August 2008

Man Sitting and Reading On His Front Porch

Q Street between 17th & 18th Streets, NW,

WDC . Thursday, 14 August 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

What's Happening At The Saint At Large!

Shortly after my September 1980 relocation from WDC to NYC the Saint opened. And from its opening through February 1982 Frank Gramarossa, my best friend, and I partied at the Saint most weekends. And when I moved back to WDC in February 1982 my subsequent weekend trips to NYC were always in connection with a party at the Saint.

And when I relocated back to NYC in March 1984, the Saint or the Garage, were the two places that I partied at ... until my return to WDC in December 1984.

And from 1985 through 1987 my trips to NYC were in connection with a party at the Saint. In fact, it was the March 1987 Black Party that a 1986 image of me by Robert Mapplethrope was featured in the invitation.

However, with the death of both Frank and Mapplethorpe in May 1989 I did not return to the Saint until the 2003 White Party. And then the 2004 and 2006 Black Partys.

I was happy to learn in the Now What's Happening? Saint-At-Large E-News Letter dated Thursday, 14 August 2008 that the Saint-At-Large website is now offering its first SPECIAL 2 Volume CD SET collection of The Music of the Saint (1980 - 1988) at the cost of $20, including shipping and handling.

Here is my Google document of the 14 August 2008 Saint-At-Large E-News Letter which includes details pertaining The Music of the Saint (1980 - 1988) 2 Volume CD Set as well as a link to the Saint's Radio which is where you can Listen to DJ Robbie Leslie's final set from The Saint's THE LAST PARTY.

In addiction to Junior Vasquez at the 2008 NYC Pride Chamption After Party also available for listening at the Saint Radio are the 1988 last performances of Jim Burgess, Michael Fierman and Warren Gluck.

Click the image above to order the THE MUSIC OF THE SAINT (1980 - 1988) special 2 volume cd set. At $20, it is a steal.

As I now listen to Robbie Leslie's May 1988 final set ... and remembering the times that Frank, Steve and I shared at the Saint ... tears come to eyes!

My DJ Alex Funk's compilation from the Dance Tent during Baltimore Pride's Block Party

While in my 23 June 2008 blog posting brought attention to two videos that I shot of DJ Alex Funk's performance during Baltimore Pride's 21 June 2008 Block Party ... this posting connects you to a video compilation representing all five clips that I shot of DJ Alex Funk during the event.

Click image to view the compilation. Though still under construction, here is the Flickr photoset and my 2008 Baltimore Pride webpage.

On Saturday, 6 September 2008 DJ Alex Funk and VJ Jon Corun of AV CLUB Visuals will team up to produce LONDON - DESTINATION HIPPO.

Hmmmmm ... that sounds like an event that I may would like to capture. And an excuse for me to revisit Baltimore for a night of some serious partying!

Yelp's Climbing To New Heights - Columbia Heights!

Though I began my exploration of the area in June of 2005 in recent weeks I have returned to the Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan and U Street Corridor neighborhoods with more intensity.

Apparently, folks at Washington DC Weekly Yelp spent last week exploring this historic area as well.

Here is the WDC Weekly Yelp E-Newsletter dated Tuesday, 12 August 2008 featuring an article entitled "Yelp's Climbing To New Heights -- Columbia Heights! which I have uploaded to my Google documents.

Click the above image to view my Columbia Hieghts WDC 2008 photoset.

Book Your Winter Party Hotel Room Now and Save!

Now is the time to Book Your 2009 Winter Party Festival Hotel Room Now and Save!

Click image for Task Force / Winter Party Festival E-News dated Monday, 11 August 2008.

Here are my 2007 and 2005 Winter Party Festival photo collections.

2007 National Police Motorcycle Rodeo Photos Never Before Seen

In connection with this weeks 14 - 16 August 2008 National Police Motorcycle Rodeo which takes place at the RFK Stadium Complex here are a few never before seen images from the 2007 National Police Motorcycle Rodeo event.

With the recent upload of these never before seen images the 2007 NPMR photoset is now complete. And the images may also be found in the Cop Duty 2007 set.

Here is my 2008 National Police Week webpage.

Should the Third Church of Christ Scientist at 16th & I be demolished?

Upon hearing a TV news report last Friday afternoon that in a battle for the church's demolition and to make way for a new structure the congregation of the Third Church of Christ Scientist had filed a lawsuit in federal court on Thursday against the DC Historic Preservation Review Board ... which, designed by architect Arraldo Cossutta of the I. M. Pei firm the DC Historic Review Board had designated as a historic landmark since it falls under the "Modern Brutalist" school ... during my 8 August 2008 Friday Photo / Video Walk ... I made a point to visit the Third Church of Christ Scientist and Christian Science Monitor Building Complex at the corner of 16th and I Streets in NW Washington DC.

Click the above image to view my Third Church Scientist / Christian Science Monitor Building Complex photoset and 16th Street Historic District collection. Here is the video footage compilation from my Friday, 8 August 2008 visit.

The fate of the ... monolithic example of modernist architecture, will now be decided in court.

The architecture of I. M. Pei and Marcel Breuer are also amongst my ongoing themes.