Baltimore's Baker Artist Awards Voting Thru 15 February 2010

While nominations closed on 15 January 2010 for Baltimore's BAKER ARTIST AWARDS you still have time, through 15 February 2010, to play a role in choosing the five winners of Baltimore's Choice prizes.

Click logo for more information.

Sign up here.

The Black Party 2010 Advance Tickets Available 12 February 2010

Advance tickets for The Saint-At-Large Rites XXXI: The Black Party will go on sale on 12 February 2010. This year, The Saint At Large, will also debut the BPX: THE BLACK PARTY EXPO event which will take place during the day of Saturday, 20 March 2010.

5 February 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Mark and Ken . Peter Pan Palace . NE Washington DC

Saturday afternoon, 23 January 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

My FotoWeek DC 2009 / Central 2 Gallery Photo Project

While my FotoWeek DC 2009 project is still under construction I just, this past week, completed the Central 2 Gallery photo album which located at 3306 M Street, NW, Washington DC included the following exhibits:

My Cuba - Curated by Lucian Perkins

Street Level
Ernesto Bazan
Ziyah Gafic
João Pina

InsideOutside: New Images from Russia

Curated by Lucian Perkins
Ground Level
Liza Faktor
Alexander Gronsky
Olya Ivanova
Rafal Milach

The work of Rafal Milach, click the image to view my 2009 FotoWeek DC / Central 2 Gallery photo album.

12 African American Artists Honor Black History Month in "Mixed Media Reflections" at Corner Store Gallery / Capital Hill

Curated by Alec Simpson, Kris Swanson and Tray Patterson twelve African American artists honor Black History Month 2010 in the "Mixed Media Reflections" exhibit at the Corner Store Gallery on Capitol Hill in SE Washington DC.

Featuring the works of Anne Bouie, Daniel Brooking, Alonzo Davis, Helen Elliot, Aziza Gibson Hunter, Gloria Kirk, Wayson R. Jones, Larry Lyles, Juliette Madison, Amber Robles-Gordon, Alec Simpson and Stan Squirewell ... an opening reception will be held on Friday evening, 5 February 2010 from 6 until 9 pm.

The Corner Store Gallery is located at 900 South Carolina Avenue, SE, Washington DC. Telephone at 202-544-5807.

Featuring the work of Wayson R. Jones entitled "Fourhand" click the above flyer to visit The Corner Store Gallery website.

DC Artists Dana Ellyn & Matt Sesow "Till Death Do Us Part" Exhibit & Wedding Reception at Long View This Friday

After 8 1/2 years ... Dana Ellyn and Matt Sesow have decided to make it official ... at this Friday's 5 February 2010 opening reception of the “Till Death Do Us Part” exhibition at Long View Gallery will be a landmark event for the art scene in Washington DC ... as Ellyn and Sesow exchange nuptials.

Click the poster for details.

Baltimore Winter Restaurant Week Continues Thru Sunday, 7 February

Click banner for 2 February 2010 Visit Baltimore Newsletter regarding the Baltimore Winter Restaurant Week which having launched on Friday, 22 January will continue through this Sunday, 27 February 2010.

The White House Photos of Obama's First Year

Click image to view The White House photo slideshow of President Obama's first year.

NMAAHC's February 2010 Newsletter

Click banner to read the National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) Newsletter dated Friday, 29 January 2010 regarding February 2010 events.

29 January 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Untitled (1964) tinted glass and brass sculpture by Larry Bell

Hirshhorn Museum . Second Level . Washington DC

Sunday at the Museum, 24 January 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

L'Enfant Plaza's La Promenade Undergoes Renovation

Blogger DCMetrocentric has a great article on JBG's $40 million renovation of the La Promenade Shopping Mall at the L'Enfant Plaza Complex in SW Washington DC.

Click the image to view my L'Enfant Plaza Complex photo album.

The American Prayer Hour's 'counter demo' against The Family's National Prayer Breakfast in WDC

I just received an email alert from Alison Gardner of Full Equality Now DC regarding American Prayer Hour 'counter demonstrations' that will be held in cities throughout the country in protest against the 2 - 4 February 2010 The Family's National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC which will include Uganda's Family members and supporters of what has become known as the "Kill The Gays" bill.

Visit The American Prayer Hour website to learn more about this historic call to action.

And, if you are in the WDC area, there will be a 7pm meeting tonight (Wednesday, 27 January 2010) at the Metropolitan Community Church at 474 Ridge Street in NW Washington DC to discuss plans and make signs for next week's two counter demonstrations in Washington DC.

My "You Are My Friend" Old School R&B Mix

A special mix celebrating the 50th birthday of a friend, Steve O'Toole, and reflecting music that friends and I danced to at the clubs in Washington DC and New York City during the 70's and 80's the January 2010 YOU ARE MY FRIEND mix features this old school R&B tracklist.

Click cd cover to listen to cloudcast.

Beatport's Sale Of The Decade On All Classic Tracks Thru Monday, 25 January 2010 at 6 pm (MST)

click banner for details

My Wi-Fi Hot Spots Project

In recent weeks, I have embarked on a Wi-Fi Hot Spots exploration project.

As a Verizon High Speed Internet Premium customer with access to Verizon Wi-Fi Hot Spots my exploration began on Friday, 14 January 2010 with a visit to the Starbucks at WMATA Federal Center Southwest Station at 409 3rd Street in SW Washington DC.

After checking the Wi-Fi-FreeSpot Directory for locations in Washingon DC on Thursday afternoon, 21 January 2010 I visited the Smithsonian Donald W. Reynolds Center at 8th and F Streets in NW Washington DC where free public wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Luce Foundation Center, a skylit study center and open storage facility located on the third floor.

Taken during my Thursday, 21 January 2010 visit to the Smithsonian Reynolds Center Kogod Courtyard, click the image to view my Free Wi-Fi Hot Spots photo album.

22 January 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Men at Work at Waterfront Station Complex

4th and M Streets, SW, Washington DC

Thursday afternoon, 21 January 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) from Union Station in NE WDC to Silver Spring MD

Since reading an article last fall in the NoMa's Newsletter regarding the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) I've wanted to check it out.

Having come across an MBT sign at the corner of 2nd and L Street in NE Washington DC on Tuesday afternoon, 19 January 2010 ... I'm already contemplating a spring 2010 MBT Walk similar to my 8 June 2009 exploration along the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail from Alexandria VA to National Harbor in Fort Washington MD.

Click the image to view my newly launched Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) photo album.

An eight mile trail that runs from Union Station in the District of Columbia to Silver Spring in Maryland, visit the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) website for more information.

The 2010 Washington Auto Show 'Change Happens Here' Ad Campaign

Since Obama's Change ad campaign the word change has played an important part in several advertising campaigns. Including IKEA's "Embrace Change 2009" ad campaign.

Washington, D.C. has long been the site of the country’s greatest ambitions for change in the name of progress. The 2010 Washington Auto Show: “Change Happens Here” not only symbolizes the hopes of the industry but marks the show’s achievements over the years. The Washington Auto Show has not only become the largest public show in Washington, D.C., it’s also a destination known for showcasing the latest innovations in sustainable technologies and convening the most influential leaders on the future of the automotive industry.

Included in my 2010 WMATA Billboard Displays project which focuses on ad campagins displayed through the WMATA system click the image to view my 2010 Washington Auto Show 'Change Happens Here' Ad Campaign series.

Erick Wilund participates in Artists Wanted "The Power of Self" photography competition

Originally uploaded by Erick Wilund

Since learning of his participation in the Artists Wanted "The Power of Self" photography competition I've made a point over the past few days to cast my vote for Erick Wilund.

A NYC photographer and cancer survivor who I consider to be one of the best photographers on Flickr.

The competition closes attonight ... Thursday, 21 Janaury 2010 at midnight.

Feel free to cast your vote and show support for Erick Wilund at http://www.artistswanted.org/ewilund.

Realtor Beth Hughes of DC Real Estate Newsletter - Wednesday, 20 January 2010

Click banner to read DC Real Estate Newsletter dated Wednesday, 20 January 2010 from Realtor Beth Hughes.

"Boogie Nights" by Lisa Robinson of Vanity Fair Magazine (February 2010)

Thanks to a dear friend, Raeann ... I just checked out "Boogie Nights" by Lisa Robinson in the February 2010 issue Vanity Fair Magazine which, through interviews, provides an important oral history of disco.

Click the image to read the 4 page article.

Thanks Raeann!

You'll find some of those early disco songs in my December 2009 "First, Last & Everything" and "Save Your Love For Me" mixes.

Google's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2010 Observance

Click logo for Google's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2010 search hits.

Here is the Google Logos page.

My "Set Me Free" Trance Mix pays tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2010 my January 2010 SET ME FREE trance mix samples two excerpts from Dr. King's 28 August 1963 "I Have A Dream" speech with this tracklist.

15 January 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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Trip to Staples . WMATA Gallery Place / Chinatown Station

NW Washington DC. Friday afternoon, 8 January 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Centaur's first new dance mix of 2010!

The first Centaur release to kick off the New Year is “Big Muscle Remixed,” the sophomore album from DJ Bill Bennett who was recently named the #1 leather DJ in North America by Instinct Magazine. The album features twelve continuously mixed tracks featuring some of the biggest names in dance including #1 artists Suzanne Palmer, Inaya Day, Pepper MaShay, Thea Austin and Abigail. This album will also be available on iTunes and on CD very soon. Kick off the New Year with this high energy, house vocal mix.

CLICK banner for Centaur Music E-Update dated Friday, 15 Janaury 2010.

DC's 4th Annual MLK Peace Walk | Monday, 18 January 2010

Under the banner of "Peace Begins at Home / Change Begins in Me" the District's 4th Annual MLK Peace Walk honoring of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. kicks off on Monday, 18 January 2010 with a 9 am Assemblance Rally at the Bethlehem Baptist Church parking lot at 2500 Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue in SE Washington DC.

Stepping off at 10 am the Walk will then proceed to Covenant Baptist Church at 3845 South Capitol Street in SW Washington DC.

For details click the flyer.

Stefanie Gutheil "Kopftheater" OPENING at Mike Weiss Gallery / NYC on Thursday, 14 January 2010

Click banner to read Mike Weiss Gallery press release dated Wednesday, 13 January 2010 regarding Stefanie Gutheil's "Kopftheater" exhibition at the Mike Weiss Gallery in NYC from 14 January until 20 February 2010.

Patti's New Memoir, JUST KIDS, On Sale January 19th!

In Just Kids, Patti Smith’s first book of prose, the legendary American artist offers a never-before-seen glimpse of her remarkable relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in the epochal days of New York City and the Chelsea Hotel in the late sixties and seventies. An honest and moving story of youth and friendship, Smith brings the same unique, lyrical quality to Just Kids as she has to the rest of her formidable body of work—from her influential 1975 album Horses to her visual art and poetry.

Click above banner for details.

Brookland Artspace Lofts Project Receives More Funding

Click banner to read Artspace Projects Update dated Monday, 11 January 2010.

Hamiltonian Gallery Opening Reception: Call + Response, Saturday, 23 January 2010, 7-9pm

Click banner to read Hamiltonian Gallery Newsletter dated Monday, 11 January 2010.

DC Cowboys present - Brodeo - Friday 1/15

Click flyer to read DC Cowboys Newsletter dated Monday, 11 January 2010.

The 2010 GAY DAYS DJ Contest Is On!

Gay Internet Radio Live (G.I.R.L) will be accepting entries through 24 February 2010 for the 2010 GAY DAYS DJ CONTEST.

Click flyer for details.

My January 2010 KISS THE RAIN Dance/House/Trance (26th MAL Weekend) Mix

Of equal importance to the music mixes that I create is the cd cover that I design for each mix. Which in most cases feature my photography and, sometimes, writings.

In celebration of the 26th Annual Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2010 event my KISS THE RAIN January 2010 mix is a special tribute to Ken Clark and Mark Thompson who celebrated their 30th anniversary in November 2009.

The cover photo was taken (of them) on P near 22nd Street, NW, Washington DC during the 5 June 1994 Capital Pride Festival.

Click the cover to listen and/or download the January 2010 KISS THE RAIN mix which as the 2nd of two MAL 2010 mixes features this dance, house and trance tracklist.

8 January 2010 Friday's Photo of the Week

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View of L'Enfant Plaza Hotel from La Promenade Shopping Mall

L'Enfant Plaza Complex, SW, Washington DC

Monday afternoon, 4 January 2010

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2010 Fridays' Photos of the Week

My "Now That We Are Free" Trance Mix in celebration of MAL Weekend 2010

First, let me start by stating that there is absolutely NO CONNECTION between me nor my music mixes and Mid-Atlantic Weekend. Other than the fact that I have attended some of the events over the years.

Secondly, I am NOT A PROFESSIONAL DJ but, since the early 70's when 8-tracks were in format, have created my own music mixes.

Thirdly, whether through photography, writing or mixing ... I regard my body of work as documentary. And while each mix has a theme and, of course, some connection to my personal story ... without apologies ... my hope is to record, document and reflect dance music that is associated with gay and lesbian culture and heritage.

What some refer to as a bedroom dj it has only been since the fall of 2008 that I have uploaded mixes to the Podomatic podcast site.

Similar to my Saint-At-Large Black Party 2009 series which was followed by a GLBT Pride 2009 collection and, more recently, the End of Year / New Year compilations ... click the above cd cover to listen to and/or download the first of two special mixes that will celebrate the 26th Annual Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2010 event.

Which titled NOW THAT WE ARE FREE features this trance tracklist.

Since last fall, as each mix is completed it has been uploaded to the Elvert Xaiver Barnes Mixology podcast at Podomatic. However, when storage space is needed for more recent mixes the older ones have been removed.

Though still under construction, here is the Elvert Barnes Mixology archives.

South Florida's ArtExplosion 10 LGBT Arts Festival | 6 - 20 February 2010

Click image to read the press release dated Tuesday, 5 January 2010 from Keith Clark, Executive Director of ArtsUnited regarding South Florida's 10th Annual ArtExplosion 2010 LGBT Arts Festival.

Currently, reflecting the 2009 event, the website will soon be updated with information regarding the 2010 event.

Here is my photo album and video production from the 9th Annual ArtExplosion 2009 event.

DJ Paulo's New Year 2010 "Tribal Romance" Mix

In a Newsletter dated Tuesday, 5 January 2010 DJ Paulo says ...

Happy New Year!

I want to thank everyone for their continued support-from those that have been there from the beginning to those that are just getting on the Paulo train :) This has been the best year DJ wise, I had the most amazing events from Work, Alegria and Pines party in the east coast, to my regular club gigs at Score, Hydrate, Parking and of course my residency Atlas/Reflex in Los Angeles. New Year's Eve Karmabeat and Atlas/Masterbeat this past weekend were off the charts ! I played several new things, some of which can be found on my new podcast below "TRIBAL ROMANCE".

This is a Club mix; more vocals (including my mix of Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance), chunky house grooves and of course a few of my mash ups I love to produce.

I think not having a track listing gives it some mystery so you never know what to expect :)

musically,
PAULO

• Download TRIBAL ROMANCE from MediaFire
• Download TRIBAL ROMANCE from PodOmatic

Check out the DJ Paulo website or for additional dates and news visit DJ Paulo at Myspace.

My January 2010 LIVE YOUR LIFE House / Gay Circuit Mix In Support of Marriage Equality

On Friday, 18 December 2009 Mayor Fenty officially legalized same-sex marriage in the District in a signing ceremony at the All Souls Unitarian Church in NW Washington DC.

The law now will go through a period of review consisting of 30 days in which Congress is in session. If the law passes that hurdle ... as is widely expected ... the first gay marriages in the District could take in late winter or early spring of 2010.

New Hampshire marriage and Austrian civil union laws were effective as of 1 January 2010.

In celebration of the recent advances pertaining the same-sex / marriage equality issue and representing my first mix of 2010 click the cd cover to listen to and/or download my January 2010 LIVE YOUR LIFE compilation which features a house / gay circuit tracklist.

My music mixes make it to Podomatic's "Movers & Shakers" List

I got news this morning that my music mixes podcast made it to Podomatic's 2 January 2010 Movers & Shakers list.

And for 3 January 2010 as well.

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.