Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Nov 30th: Submission Deadline - 10th Brooklyn International Film Festival

The 10th Brooklyn International Film Festival will be held 1 - 10 June 2007 at the Brooklyn Museum. The deadline for submitting early submissions is Thursday, 30 November 2006 while Final submissions are due by 15 March 2007.

To be eligible for the EARLY DEADLINE, submissions must be MAILED BY November 30, 2006 to 10th BROOKLYN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL at 180 South 4th St., Suite 2 South, Brooklyn, New York 11211. Telephone 718-486 8181 or 718-388-4306 Visit www.wbff.org or email submit07@wbff.org.

Dreamgirls Special Advance Screening @ IFC Center NYC . Tuesday, 5 December

Special Advance Screening of Dreamgirls sponsored by HX/Barracuda @ IFC Center (323 Sixth Ave, NYC). All seats $25 to benefit LIFEbeat. Tickets include post-screening party at Barracuda and one free cocktail and chance to win CDs---hosted by Aurora. Tickets through TICKETWEB 866-468-7619

Saturday, November 18, 2006

37th National Day of Mourning @ Plymouth Rock

Thursday, November 23, 2006 @ 12 Noon
Cole’s Hill (the hill above Plymouth Rock) Plymouth, MA
United American Indians of New England/LPSG
Contact at 617-232-5135 or info@uaine.org
Potluck Social to follow

Since 1970, Native Americans have gathered at noon on Cole's Hill in Plymouth to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the US Thanksgiving holiday. Many Native Americans do not celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims and other European settlers. Thanksgiving day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture. Participants in National Day of Mourning honor Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive today. It is a day of remembrance and spiritual connection as well as a protest of the racism and oppression which Native Americans continue to experience.

Join us as we dedicate the 37th National Day of Mourning to our brother, Native political prisoner Leonard Peltier. Add your voice to the millions world-wide who demand his freedom. Help us in our struggle to create a true awareness of Native peoples and demonstrate the unity of Indigenous peoples internationally. Help shatter the untrue glass image of the Pilgrims and the unjust system based on racism, sexism, homophobia and war.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Bruce Bart Tattooing . Fort Lauderdale

I first visited Bruce Bart Tattooing in November 2005 when in Fort Lauderdale. So when Richard said that he wanted to stop in a Rustica Pizza as we had last November I said that while he was ordering the pizza I would revisit Bruce Bart Tattooing as I had a little more than year ago, for the purpose of an impromptu photo session that would capture Tattoo Artists at Work.

Once inside, I'd inquire of the attendant at the front entrance if I could take similar photos as I had last year. I'd take a few shts of the attendant, Jose L. Flores, and then walk to the rear which is where I'd find Tattoo Artist Chris Slota as had been the case last year. And with his consent as ell as that of his client asked that I not photograph her face I would conduct the second installment of my ongoing documentary project that, over the years, will feature 'impromptu' images of Bruce Bart Tattooing artists at work. Which in Fort Lauderdale is located at 3323 East Oakland Park Boulevard. Telephone 954-56-1865.

A second South Florida location is in Pompao Beach at 1650 North Federal Highway. Telephone 954-783-2339.

A third Bruce Bart Tattooing shop is located in Woodstock NY. Telephone 845-679-7562.

Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to revisit Bruce Bart Tatooing before returning to Washington DC later this monh.

Peter Bakes Chocolate Autumn Cake

A TEXTURE, A COLOR, A FAVORITE FLOWER OR FABRIC – can all be the starting point for designing the perfect cake for your wedding, celebration, or ceremony. Whether sculpting sugar flowers to match your bouquet, making chocolate leaves to echo the time of year, or matching a favorite color, PETER BRETT will create a cake that will reflect both your style and the theme of your event.

To arrange n appointment (202) 302-3883 or email Peter@PeterBakes.com. Please include your name, contact info, the date of your event, and the number of guests you expect to attend. and the theme of your event.

Photo is the work of Kyle Walton. More images may be viewed at Peter's Bakes photo gallery or at Kyle's 'Peter's Cakes' photoset.

Gay Life Expo NYC 16 - 18 November 2006

Gay Life Expo @ Jacob Javits Center

Hit the seventh annual Gay Life Expo bang on noon Saturday, and not only will you be first to see all the incredible exhibitors, vendors, information kiosks and entertainment involved, you’ll also see tennis legend Martina Navratilova cut the ribbon to launch the event. But the Expo isn’t just about over 400 exhibitors showing their support for us LGBT folk, although obviously that’s pretty damn huge. You can also find out about the best gay-friendly employers at the Job Recruitment Pavilion, or get a new baby at the Pet Adoption Pavilion.

11th Ave (34th St), 212-352-3535, gaylifeexpo.com, noon–7pm Sat Nov 18 & noon–6pm Sun Nov 19, $15, $10 w/ ad

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Census report: Broad racial disparities persist

Amani Moore, 8, chases her brother Ronald Moore, Jr., 7, behind their home in Dumfries, Va., in this March photo. White adults were more likely than black and Hispanic adults to have college degrees and to own their own homes, according to data released Tuesday by the Census Bureau. Photo credit: Nikki Kahn/Washungton Post.

Differences in income, education, home ownership continue, data finds

WASHINGTON - Decades after the civil rights movement, racial disparities in income, education and home ownership persist and, by some measurements, are growing.

White households had incomes that were two-thirds higher than blacks and 40 percent higher than Hispanics last year, according to data released Tuesday by the Census Bureau.

White adults were also more likely than black and Hispanic adults to have college degrees and to own their own homes. They were less likely to live in poverty. Read more.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Yellow Cake Walk in front of the White House every Saturday

Every Saturday of each month, performance artist(s) Yellow Cake Walk demonstrates against the Bush/Cheney administration in front of the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in NW WDC. As was the case on Veterans Day Saturday afternoon, 11 November 2006 which is when this picture was taken.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Ceremonial Groundbreaking

A Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial groundbreaking ceremony will be held from 9a until 12n today, 13 November 2006 on the National Mall @ Independence Avenue & West Basin Drive, in SW, WDC. For info visit www.buildthedream.org.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

The Incident @ 15th & K, NW

It being Veterans Day my ritual is to visit the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial. After having first stopped in at the Robert Cole Studio in support of the Mid City Artists Open Studios fall campaign, en route to The Wall, I'd walk south on 15th Street in the direction of McPherson Square Park with hopes of getting some fall 2006 shots of Lafayette Park and The White House before converging onto Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Since the spring of this year whenever I pass the the intersection of 15th and K, NW, I take a series of photos in a similar way that I capture pedestrian traffic at various locations in WDC.

Standing at the northeast corner of 15th and K, waiting for the traffic light to change, and while looking south into McPherson Square Park, I'd hear a 'bang' as if two cars had collided but the sound was more muffled than metal. I'd turn to my right, looking west along K Street, and observed that a peice of furniture had fallen from a vehicle into the center of the street.

It being a moment in time that can not ever be again, I take my first photo of the incident at 15th and K streets, NW, Washington DC

Turning around to look behind me, since I had heard the slamming of two doors, I'd observe two young males running toward the wooden piece of furniture. And parked directly benind me on 15th Street, north of K Street and McPherson Square Park, was a red pick-up truck filled with the back filled with furniture.

While snapping pictures of the incident at 15th and K Street, NW, I'd reflect on the focus of my photography which is to capture moments in time that can not, possibly, ever be again! This, certainly, was such a moment.

Wanting to get to The Wall before too late in the afternoon concerned that one the sun begins to go down the chill that then fills the air will cause the bones in my left knee to ache, making it difficult for me walk or to bend my knee, I'd continue on my 11 November 2006 Saturday Photo Walk ...

Physical Training

John R. Ross Elementary School
1730 R Street, NW . WDC

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Robert & Susan Cole participate in Mid City Artists Open Studios

Mid City Artists are a diverse and talented group of nearly 40 professional artists who have come together for the purpose of promoting their art, and the Dupont/Logan neighborhoods they call home. It is an opportunity to integrate their art with the fast growing retail and commercial concerns that are located in this area. They are here to let you know that “there is more than a real-estate boom in Mid City - there is a group of extraordinarily talented artists who have quietly made a name for themselves by offering great art at affordable prices to the insiders who know them. The local Community has discovered this treasure, and you can discover it, too.

Over this Veterans Day Weekend, more than 30 Mid City Artists are participating in the 11 - 12 November 2006 Open Studios campaign, including Robert and Susan Cole of Robert Cole Studios who I would first meet as members of the Blue Judy Band during the 16 September 2006 Penn Quarter Arts on Foot.

Learn more about Robert Cole by visiting his galleries or his studio.

Friday, November 10, 2006

12th Infantry 1968 Vietnam Combat Loss Vigil @ 'The Wall' Veterans Day Celebration

The A Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Vietnam 1968 was deployed to Vietnam in September 1966 and served under the 4th Division flag under August 1967 when it was transferred to the 25th Infantry Division.

Of the estimated 400 men who served under its flag during 1966 - 1967 forty-five would lose their lives. It is to these honorable men pictured (1, 2, 3) and listed (1, 2) that this 12th Infantry Vietnam 1968 Vigil pays respect to.

It is also the reason why that in commemoration of Veterans Day 2006 at The Wall that Porter Harvey from Elberton GA and Jim DeLuco from Rhode Island and 5 other 12th Infantry Vietnam comrade who served from 1966 - 67 would travel to WDC. In fact, it was at their suggestion and after I had photographed and briefly interviewed them, relaxing on the grassy knoll just east of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that I would then visit the 12th Infantry Vietnam 1968 Combat Loss Vigil.

10 November 2006 Friday's Photo of the Week


2006 Rolling Thunder WDC (Born To Run) Video

Having first captured Veterans Day Celebrations at the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC in November 1992 I would return to The Wall in May 1993 for my first documentation of Rolling Thunder. Since then, few years have gone by that I have not captured Veterans Day and/or Rolling Thunder celebrations at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial which I prefer to refer to as the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial.

Until last September (2005) I was using 35 mm cameras and film. Since many of those negatives have not yet been processed, in the future, I will curate Never Before Seen exhibitions of those images.

Rolling Thunder, by far, is one of my favorite events to capture. In commemoration of Veterans Day 2006 may I bring your attention to the launching of my Born To Run 2006 Rolling Thunder video which reflects images that I took, specifically, of Rolling Thunder scenarios in the Washington DC area over Memorial Day Weekend 2006 that have been sampled with Bruce Springsteen's song Born To Run.

I have been a big fan of Bruce Springsteen but in recent months have become an even bigger fan of Bruce.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Colton Ford, Centaur Music's featured artist of the week

Sultry, seductive, hip swinging' all words that have been used to describe Colton Ford. However, this time, the reference is not toward the man but to his music.

Fans of Colton Ford may be surprised to learn of his gift of song. In the late eighties, under the alias Glenn Street , he released a hit dance single "Hardline" and performed throughout the US, China and Mexico with the likes of Salt'n Pepa and Vanessa Williams.

In 2002, Colton began filming Naked Fame, a documentary that features Colton as he refocuses his pursuit towards pop/dance stardom with the release of his dance single, Everything and subsequently the release of his Top 10 Billboard charting dance hit, Signed, Sealed, Delivered featuring dance diva Pepper MaShay. The film aims to explore Colton Ford's journey into the music industry, and provides a true life glimpse at the club music subculture through interviews with major players including producers, songwriters, agents, managers and deejays.

Visit Colton online at www.coltonfordmusic.com.

Colton Ford is a perfect subject for my ongoing NAKED TRUTH Documentary Project.

PULP on 14th Presents ... John Herron's "Scan Art"

"Scan-Art" The Art of John Herron. Scan Art is a new art form where as the computer and scanner are used as the main tools of expression. But it's these tools in the creative hands of John Herron that set the bar for this 21st century art evolution. With a background in both computer graphics and 40+ years in photography, Mr. Herron work may mystify the viewer, but will be a delight in the visual experience.

On Saturday evening, 11 November 2006, Pulp on 14th Presents will host a 7 - 9 pm Wine & Munchies Art Reception for the opening of "Scan Art" - The Art of John Herron. Also on display will be an unique collection of Shrine Art.

Shrine Art or Our Lady of Guadalupe Art is a collection of family shrines involving a mix of religious imagery with either family photos, most often wedding or hooded wrestling heroes in the same frame. Folk Art from the early 20th Century, these pieces usually held at a respected place in the home of its original owners and are now contemporary treasures.

Pulp on 14th is located at 1803 14th Street NW, WDC. Telephone number is 202-462-7857.

Gallery Hours : Mon-Fri 11am-7pm Sat 10am-7pm Sun. 10am -5pm

SLDN's Honor Every Veteran Campaign

One million lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans have served in our armed forces. Yet, the Pentagon fires 2 people each day for being gay. Join Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and help end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

This Veterans Day weekend, November 10-12, Honor Every Veteran! campaign is a national outreach, education, and visibility effort to publicly honor the service of the more than one million LGBT American veterans. We need your help to get the word out!

Here are some ways to participate in the campaign:


Or ask your favorite business to participate!
Wear an Honor Every Veteran t-shirt
Hang an Honor Every Veteran sign
March in your local Veterans Day parade
Hang an American flag next to a Pride flag
Write about LGBT veterans and service members on your blog
Thank the veterans you know for their service
For more information contact David Hall, Major Gifts Officer by email at dhall@sldn.org or by phone at (202)328-3244 ext 119.

MySpace/ElvertBarnes launched