1 January 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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View of Blue Moon from River Park Complex

SW Washington DC . Wednesday night, 30 December 2009

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

A Retrospective of 2009 Fridays' Photo of the Week

Featuring "Return To Innocence" by Enigma as background music and the photography of Elvert Xavier Barnes this photo montage 'retrospective' includes images that throughout the year of 2009 were featured at the Elvert Barnes FREEDOM blog as Friday's Photos of the Week.

Click the cover to view the 2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week retrospective.

26th Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend (MAL) / WDC . 15 - 18 January 2010

Click banner for details regarding the 26th Annual Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2009 which takes place over Martin Luther King Day Holiday Weekend in Washington DC.

Russell Richards' Moving Sale featuring prints in wooden frames at 1/2 price

Moving to a new studio and trying to unload prints in old handmade wooden frames, Russell Richards is holding a special 1/2 price sale of prints in old wooden frames for the next week or two. Click banner to read Russell Richards' email dated Monday, 28 December 2009 for a list of prints that are for sale.

Lambda Rising's Final Holiday Window Display

Even though my shopping experience at Lambda Rising has not always been pleasant (that shopping while black thang) since first hearing news of its pending closure from the 10 December 2009 Metro Weekly feature article "Book Ends" I wanted to make sure that I captured the store's last holiday window display (designed by Jim Bennett) since its window displays have always been amongst my favorite.

In fact, according to a posting at Lambda Rising's website ... Bennett, who took a leave of absence from the store's day-to-day operations in 1999 but has continued as an officer, will be coming back to the store to install this year's holiday display window. “It's something I've always enjoyed and I know so many customers get a kick out of our campy, kicky holiday displays, so we're going to pull out the stops for this year's,” Bennett said. He added, “I spent 20 years working in Lambda Rising and it was a marvelous experience. The store has touched the lives of so many people - it was never just a bookstore, but always so much more. Every day I went to work there, I knew I was doing something that made a difference.”

Click the image to view my Lambda Rising photo album which features Sunday, 27 December 2009 images of the store's final window display.

For more information regarding its closure visit Lambda Rising's website at With “Mission Accomplished,” Lambda Rising to Close at Year's End.

PETA's fiberglass sculpture, “Ella PhantzPeril,” returns to Dupont Circle

Since her original design by Harry Bliss for participation in the May through October 2002 "Party Animals" public art exhibition in Washington DC the saga of PETA’s sad circus elephant, Ella PhantzPeril—a shackled baby elephant with tears trickling down her face, carrying the inscription, “The Circus Is Coming; See Shackles, Bullhooks, Loneliness … All Under the Big Top”—has had a more than difficult life.

Though the fourth design had been accepted in June 2002 the DC Commission on the Arts filed a lawsuit citing concerns regarding physical aspects of the “sad” elephant design.

On 7 August 2002, Judge Richard J. Leon, of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, granted the injunction and ordered the Commission to include PETA’s entry in the Party Animals exhibit.

On 26 August 2002, the commission filed a motion with the judge asking for reconsideration of his earlier ruling.

Two days later, on 28 August, the court reiterated its ruling in PETA’s favor and denied the Arts Commission’s request to reconsider his previous ruling.

Though, in November 2003, the Court of Appeals would reverse the District Court's order that permitted PETA to have its "sad" circus elephant displayed in the D.C. Party Animals event ... Ella PhantzPeril was on display at the Connecticut Avenue and Q Street overpass in NW Washington DC through October 2002 which was when the Party Animals exhibit concluded.

However, along with Ella PhantzPeril also goes much controversy.

Since her 2002 departure from the nation's capital, Ella has travelled to Bridgeport CT, Tarrytown TX, Union Square Park in NYC (August 2007) and Washington Square Park in Kansas City MO (September 2009).

And while the City of St. Louis MO may have denied PETA's request for her appearance at the October 2009 Ringling Brothers Circus at the Scott Trade Center ... “Ella PhantzPeril,” has returned not only to the nation's capital but, also, to Dupont Circle.

As was observed during my visit to Dupont Circle yesterday afternoon. Which was Sunday, 27 December 2009.

And, when exiting from the Dupont Circle Station's south exit that I'd capture Ella perched at the 1350 Connecticut Avenue Complex between Connecticut Avenue and 19th Street in NW Washington DC.

When I know more details regarding Ella's 'Winter Solstice/Holiday Season 2009' appearance in Washington DC I'll post that information to this blog posting.

Click the image to view my "Ella PhantzPeril" Party Animal Sculpture photo album.

District Safeways Gear Up for 1 January 2010 'Skip the Bag, Save the River' Fee

In compliance with the Skip the Bag, Save the River initiative beginning 1 January 2010, District businesses that sell food or alcohol must charge you 5 cents for each disposable paper or plastic carryout bag.

Introduced by Ward 6 DC Councilman Tommy Wells in February 2009 and passed unanimously by the Council on 16 June the Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act, Bill 18-150, was signed by Mayor Fenty on 7 July 2009.

Gearing up for the 1 January 2010 5-cent surcharge on disposable bags, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty on 16 November 2009 launched the District’s “Skip the Bag, Save the River” education campaign.

In promoting public awareness of the bag fee Safeway, CVS / Pharmacy and Giant have partnered with the District Department of the Environment (DDOE).

CVS/Pharmacy is contributing 12,000 additional “Skip the Bag” reusable bags and Green Bag Tag cards, and will distribute them along with DDOE at community events throughout the District. The Green Bag Tag gives CVS ExtraCare members $1 back every four times they reuse a bag. Safeway will distribute 10,000 bags beginning 1 January 2010, when the bag fee is instituted.

Giant Food Stores locations will offer up to 250,000 reusable bags to shoppers for a week starting 1 January 2010 as part of a plan to get residents to stop using disposable plastic and paper bags.

As a major recycler for nearly 50 years and, in particular, since the November 2009 "Skip The Bag, Save the River" launch, District Safeway stores have stocked up on affordable reusable bags which are available to customers for purchase at checkout points.

At the Waterfront Station Safeway in SW DC, two options are available: a regular bag at $1.99 or an insulated bag at $2.99.

25 December 2009 Friday's Photo of the Weeek

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Macy's "The Magic of Christmas" / Believe Campaign Window Display

Macy's Department Store / Metro Center

1021 G Street, NW, Washington DC

Tuesday afternoon, 22 December 2009

Holiday Windows / 2009

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2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Metro Weekly's 2009 Year In Review Issue (Thursday, 24 December 2009)

Click Metro Weekly cover for a sneak peek of Metro Weekly's 2009 The Year in Review issue dated Thursday, 24 December 2009.

Time Magazine's DECADE FROM HELL (7 December 2009)

Click Time Magazine's 7 December 2009 "Decade From Hell" cover for more info.

My Winter Solstice 2009 "Searching For Truth" Trance Mix

Midwinter the Winter Solstice 2009 season arrived earlier today, 21 December 2009, at 12:47 pm Eastern Standard Time (9:47 am PST).

Click the cd cover to listen to and/or download my SEARHING FOR TRUTH Winter Solstice progressive trance podcast which features this tracklist.

Wooden Cutting Boards for Cheese, Fruit & Food Displays

As reported by Larch Wood Canada and Kitchen Mischief wooden cutting boards are excellent for food, cheese and fruit displays.

So, if you are looking for an interesting holiday gift you may wish to check out Donna and Keith Ellingsworth's Blue Ridge Cutting Board Company exhibit at the 5th Annual Downtown Holiday Market at Penn Quarter in NW Washington DC. Which runs through Wednesday, 23 December 2009.

And, if you are connected with a catering company, you definately should contact Donna and Keith Ellingsworth of the Blue Ridge Cutting Board Company to stock up on a selection of handcrafted wooden cutting boards.

Located in Staunton VA the Ellingsworths can be reached by telephone at 540-886-1976. Or by email at blueridgecuttingboards@msn.com.

Click the image to view my Blue Ridge Cutting Board Company photo album.

Only 3 Days Left for 5th Annual Downtown Holiday Market at Penn Quarter

Having opened on 4 December there are only three days left for shopping at and experiencing the 5th Annual Downtown Holiday Market at Penn Quarter which runs through Wednesday, 23 December 2009 on F Street between 7th and 9th Streets in NW Washington DC.

Click the image to view my Sunday, 20 December 2009 Downtown Holiday Market photo album.

Safeway at Waterfront Station in SW DC Closes Due to Snow Blizzard

According to a sign posted at the front entrance the Safeway store in Waterfront Station at 4th and M Streets in SW Washington DC is closed for the rest of day on Saturday, 19 December 2009 due to the Snow-pocalypse.

They plan to reopen tomorrow morning (Sunday, 20 December 2009).

Shot during my Snow Blizzard - SW WDC - 19 December 2009 photo walk click the image to view my December 2009 East Coast Snow Blizzard / Washington DC photo album.

I'll be staying in and mixing a Winter Solstice 'trance mix' that when completed will be posted to my Elvert Barnes Mixology podcast.

18 December 2009 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Reflections of WMATA Yellow Line / Fort Totten Train

Aboard WMATA Green Line / Branch Avenue Train

L'Enfant Plaza Station . SW Washington DC

Friday afternoon, 18 December 2009

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2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week

"My Naked Soul" Year End House Mix

The 5th and final installment of my End of the 2009 / New Year 2010 compilation series entitled MY NAKED SOUL features selected favorite house and progressive house tracks that I purchased during 2009.

Click the cd cover to listen to and/or download the December 2009 "My Naked Soul: End of the Year 2009 / House Mix podcast.

My "An Ending" Year End Trance Mix

Representing installment four (4/5) of my End of the Year / New Year 2010 compilation series, click the cd cover to listen to the AN ENDING: End of the Year 2009 trance mix podcast which features selected favorite ambient, progressive and hard trance tracks that were purchased during 2009.

Year End Group Show 'Benefit Reception' at Gallery Plan b this Wednesday, 16 December 2009

Having opening on 27 November 2009, the Year End Group Show at Gallery Plan b which features a diverse collection of works by current and new gallery artists runs through 24 December.

Plan b will host a reception on December 16 to benefit Culture Capital. A portion of the art sales this evening (as well as throughout the run of the exhibition) will be donated to help support this internet tool that connects users to the arts and culture community in the Greater Washington, DC region.

Gallery Plan b is located at 1530 14th Street in NW Washington DC and the benefit reception will take place from 6 - 8 pm.

Click the image to view my Gallery Plan b photo album.

My New Year 2010 Electronica Mix "Save Your Love For Me" Spans 3 Decades

The third installment (3/5) of my End of 2009 / New Year 2010 music compilation series click the cd cover for SAVE YOUR LOVE FOR ME which features electronic dance music spanning more than 30 years.

And this mix is definately amongst my favorite.

My DECADE IN REVIEW dance mix "Everyday" features #1 hits from 1999 - 2009

When preparing for the second installment (2/5) of my End of 2009 / New Year 2010 music compilation series which as a "Decade In Review" mix features selected weekl;y #1 dance hits from 1999 through 2009 ... I checked Wikipedia's List of number-one dance hits (United States).

Click the cd cover to listen to / download EVERYDAY Decade In Review: Weekly #1 Dance Hits (1999 - 2009) mix podcast which features this tracklist.

I really, really like this mix!

My First, Last & Everything Disco Retrospective' Tribute

As the final days of 2009 draws near and we trancemigrate into 2010 and the second decade of the new millennium I can not help but but reflect on my life over the past 3 1/2 deades. It is through this reflection ... and celebration ... that I am currently in the process of mixing at least 5 music compilations that will not only celebrate and reflect on the music over the past 3 1/2 decades but will also shed light on my personal story as an openly gay black man. Though I have always been gay, and black, it was shortly after my first visit to the Pier 9 in SE Washington DC, in the fall of 1972, that I came out to friends at Great Mills High School. And, it was a year later that Frank G and I met, as freshmen, at the University of Maryland's Easton Dorm. Though he passed in the spring of 1989 not only is there seldom a day that goes by that he does not cross my mind but each and every music compilation that I have mixed over the past 3 1/2 decades has had some connection to or reflection of him. And this End of 2009 / New Year 2010 series is no exception! As a special New Year 2010 tribute to Frank Gramarossa the first installment of my "End of 2009 / New Year 2010" series entitled "First, Last & Everything" features this 70's and 80's disco track list. It is at this time that I'd like to send a special 'shout out' to Discoguy of Disco-Disco.com whose interviews with Tom Moulton and various DJs and Remixers served as the very foundation of this tribute. Click the cd cover to listen to and/or download my New Year 2010 Special Tribute to Frank Gramarossa - FIRST, LAST & EVERYTHING - Classic 70's & 80's Disco Retrospective mix podcast. No doubt, when the clock strikes midnight this New Year's Eve I'll be listening and, perhaps, dancing to "First, Last & Everything". Or "Save Your Love For Me" which represents the third mix of the installment. Both, as special tributes to Frank, feature the very music that we and our friends partied and danced to. And #2/5, as a 'Decade In Review' is titled "Everyday".

Billboard's Best of 2009

Click banner for the biggest hits, the brightest stars, the most iconic moments ... as BILLBOARD salutes the songs, albums and events that made 2009 one of the decade's most memorable years in music.

Billboard's Best of the 2000's

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From the monster-selling albums to the iconic new stars, the most blogged-about controversies to the most life-changing technologies, take a look back at the wild, unpredictable and unforgettable decade in music.

11 December 2009 Friday's Photo of the Week

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donna b. Artist / Paper Collage of Capital Art Gallery

Arts & Crafts . Eastern Market on the Hill

7th Street, SE, Washington DC . Sunday, 15 November 2009

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2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Metro Weekly Sneak Peek - 10 December 2009

Click this week's cover to read the Thursday, 10 December 2009 Metro Weekly Sneak Peek.

Russell U. Richards' 2010 Art Calendar, Holiday Sale and Other News

Click Russell U. Richards 2010 Art Calendar cover to read RUR's e-news dated Thursday, 10 December 2009.

DEBORAH COX performs at Josh Wood / FornabaioVoss New Years Eve: Black & White Ball

Presented by FornabaioVoss Events and Josh Wood Productions click above INVITE for information regarding The Black & White New Years 2010 Ball with Deborah Cox at Chelsea Art Museum.

Thomas Walter & Violet Emma Dove Biscoe's NO POINT FARM in Dameron, Maryland

Purchased by my grandparents Thomas Walter and Violet Emma Dove Biscoe in the 1920's the 100-acre "No Point Farm" was one of the few farms owned by African Americans along St. Jeromes Neck Road in Dameron, Maryland.

Click the image to read my entire essay at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) Memory Book.

A Page From African American Story - December 7, 1941 Heroes

Lonnie Bunch, museum director, historian, lecturer, and author, is proud to present A Page From Our American Story, a regular on-line series for Museum supporters. It will showcase individuals and events in the African American experience, placing these stories in the context of a larger story — our American story.

Click the banner to read the "December 7, 1941 Heroes" American Story.

Dana Ellyn's "Divinely Irreverent" exhibit THIS Saturday 4-7 pm

Click image to read Dana Ellyn's Newsletter dated Friday, 4 December 2009.

4 December 2009 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Holiday Windows 2009 and Windows on 14th Street, NW, Series

Reincarnations . 1401 14th Street, NW, Washington DC

Wednesday afternoon, 2 December 2009

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2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Mid City Artists + Friends = 11 December 2009 Reception at Coldwell Banker on 17th Street NW

Click invitation for details.

See Rod Stewart Perform on TV Tonight and Tomorrow!

Click banner for Rod Stewart TV Update dated Wednesday, 2 December 2009.

Washington Blade Resurrects as DC AGENDA

Sitting in the dentist chair at Whitman Walker Clinic earlier today I read Washington City Paper's 27 November 2009 Metro Weekly vs Washington Blade cover article and learned that the Washington Blade has resurrected as DC Agenda.

Launched on Friday, 20 November 2009 click the first edition's cover to view the print editions archives.

Launch of Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation and Web Site

Click banner to read Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation Newsletter dated Wednesday, 2 December 2009.

21st Annual World AIDS Day Events in Washington DC

In addition to 2009 World AIDS Day events listed at the DC Department of Health click the above poster for the The Cherry Fund press release dated Tuesday, 30 November 2009 regarding 2009 WAD events in Washington DC.

Poster is the work of Elvert Barnes.

In David Mixner's recent Live From Hell's Kitchen blog posting he brings attention to the 1 November 2009 New York Magazine actickle "Another Kind of AIDS Crisis" by writer David France.

27 November 2009 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Thanksgiving With The Family in St. Mary's County, MD

No Point Farm . St. Jeromes Neck Road . Dameron MD

Thursday afternoon, 26 November 2009

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2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week

JustCircuit News Flash::November 24, 2009

Click banner to read JustCircuit News Flash dated Tuesday, 24 November 2009.

Artisans Announced for 5th Annual Downtown Holiday Market

Click flyer to read the Linda Roth Associates press release dated Tuesday, 24 November 2009 regarding the 2009 Downtown Holiday Market at Penn Quarter in NW Washington DC.

Voices #2: Forward Motion 'Trance Mix' & Running Music

It was during my documentation of the 34th Annual Marine Corps Marathon and while plugged into mixes that I've uploaded to my Ipod that I contemplated that the second installment of my 'trance vocal' series may would be running music.

Featuring favorite 'trance vocals' that I've purchased over the fall of 2009 from Masterbeat and Beatport click the cd cover to listen to my November 2009 VOICES #2: FORWARD MOTION 'trance mix' podcast for excellent jogging, running or driving music.

While Running Music Mix suggest that songs fall between 135 and 190 bpm the VOICES 2 mix starts at 128 and ends at 140 bpm.

20 November 2009 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Holiday Windows 2009 . Logan Circle Neighborhood

Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams

1526 14th Street, NW, Washington DC

Thursday afternoon, 19 November 2009

MGBW's 20% Fall Fall into Savings Campaign
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2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Washington Blade's Windows Media 'Bites the Dust!'

It was just a few weeks ago that I rejoiced in hearing news that The Washington Blade was celebrating its 40th anniversary.

So when visiting Whitman Walker Clinic earlier today that a fellow client informed me and others of the abrupt closure of Windows Media & The Washington Blade ... remembering my recent blog posting pertaining to its 40th anniversary celebration I thought, to myself, "... yet, another newspaper bites the dust ...!

Click the image to view my Washington Blade photo album at Ipernity. And here is my Washington Blade set at Flickr.

And though my Newspaper Collection project is under construction here is my 1992 and 1993 Washington Blade archives.

13 November 2009 Friday's Photo of the Week

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FotoWeek DC / Crystal City FotoWalk Exhibit - Arlington VA

Tuesday afternoon, 10 November 2009

My FotoWeek DC 2009 Docu-Project

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2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Paul van Dyk creates a musical monument to the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Click banner for information regarding Paul van Dyk's WE ARE ONE musical monument to the Fall of the Berlin Wall. And here is his blog posting featuring a CNN interview which reflects his experiences during the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

Theo Eastwind on the cover of AM-NY dated 9 November 2009

Featured on the cover of the Monday morning issue of am-NY dated 9 November 2009 here is Theo Eastward's Newsletter dated Sunday, 8 November 2009.

Author Lyndia Grant Briggs' book signing event at Busboys & Poets (14th & V) on Saturday, 14 November 2009

Click Greater U St. Historic Foundation Events Invitation regarding author Lyndia Grant Briggs' book signing event at Busboys & Poets (14th & V) on Saturday, 14 November 2009 as she discusses her latest book The Sharecropper's Daughter: It's Not Where You Begin, But Where You End That Counts!.

H Street History Project Informational Session at MLK Library TOMORROW

Click flyer for details regarding the H Street History Project Informational Session which takes place on Saturday, 7 November 2009 from 11 am -12:30 pm in Room A-5at the Martlin Luther King Jr. Library at 9th and G Streets in NW Washington DC.

Here are larger versions of the flyer.

6 November 2009 Friday's Photo of the Week

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"World to Obama: Let's Do It Together" Message Board

Lincoln Memorial / West Reflecting Pool

National Mall . Washington DC

Friday afternoon, 7 November 2008

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2009 Fridays' Photos of the Week

My "Walk Through Berlin" Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Featuring Tom Colontonio's June 2009 released "Walk Through Berlin" as the title track and in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Fall of Berlin Wall click the cd cover to listen to and/or download my November 2009 WALK THROUGH BERLIN trance mix which includes this tracklist.

The cd cover features a 7 July 2009 photo that I took of the work of Berlin street artist EVOL from the (Summer 2009) Irvine Contemporary Gallery's STREET/STUDIO Exhibition in Washington DC.

Tangerine Dream's "Chandra - The Phantom Ferry (Part 1)

As a long time fan, I try and purchase at least one of Tangerine Dream's cds each October in celebration of my birthday since my huge record collection containing many of their earlier albums was destroyed some years back.

Having ordered it from Borders.com, my Tangerine Dream's "Chandra - The Phantom Ferry (Part 1) arrived the other day.

To learn more about Tangerine Dream visit their website or check out Tangerine Dream at Wikipedia.

Hosted by Chris Newman, here is the Tangerine Dream Fans Zone / Radio Show at Myspace which connects you to artiststs that have been influenced by Tangerine Dream.