Friday's Photo of the Week - 11 April 2008

US Postal Service Headquarters Building

I. M. Pei's L'Enfant Plaza / Promenade Complex

Southwest Federal Center Project

10th Street, SW, WDC . 1 April 2008

2008 Fridays Photos of the Week

AIDS Walk Miami "Art for AIDS Auction" at eBay until Saturday, 19 April

Click image for details

Centaur Music's $5 Sale on Blue Ball & Cherry Official CDs thru 15 April

Centaur has been a Proud Sponsor for two of the east coasts greatest fundraising weekends for the past several years and this year is no exception.

Blue Ball (Philadelphia) and Cherry (Washington) are fast approaching and you are encouraged to join the excitement and show your support with the purchase of the Official CDs for past events. All Blue Ball and Cherry CDs produced by Centaur are currently on sale for only $5.00 each. This offer included: Blue Ball 2, Blue Ball 3, Blue Ball 4, Blue Ball 5, Cherry Six and Cherry 2. No coupon code is needed and the discount will be added during checkout. Offer expires on Tuesday April 15, 2008.

FREEDOM: Junior Vasquez w/ Kevin Aviance at Cielo / NYC - Sunday, 13 April

From Mark Nelson Events:

VIDEOS on FLICKR is NOT A GOOD THING!

When I first heard of the idea a week or so ago either in an email that I got from flickr contact Billy Warhol or from a posting on one of his blog sites I did not know for sure if it was true. Or a rumor. At the time, busy working on some project, I did not take the time to read it further.

And then, when I heard the day before yesterday that it was to go in effect later that evening, at first, I thought it may would be a good idea.

But after reading some of the feedback from many flickrites who object and several attempts to upload ... realizing that there are already other video sites including YouTube, Google, Daily Motion, AOL, and even Yahoo Videos ... I now think that it is not a good idea.

Or, as Martha Stewart may would say "... its NOT a good thing!"

If YAHOO / FLICKR wishes to offer video sharing than, perhaps, they should start up a new site, separate from FLICKR. and by another CATCHY NAME. Or, update the YAHOO VIDEO service.

But, by all means, what ever video service that they start up ... it should be an improvement upon the various video sites that already exist.

I, Elvert Barnes, say "Videos on Flickr is NOT A GOOD THING!"

No, no, no ... videos at flickr, is NOT the one for me!

My 1996 Olympic Torch Relay departure from the White House photos

Here are some of my images taken on 21 June 1996 during the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay departure from the White House.

While I captured runner #1 exiting the White House east gate with a lighted torch I was not able to capture runner #1 passing the torch to runner #2, perhaps, at 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

I did capture runner #2 passing the torch to runner #3, Kim Brown, on 15th Street, at the half-way point between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues.

And a series of images of runner #4, a Special Olympics boy and his family, as he signed autographs at the Washington Monument Grounds.

So if you want to see what the official Olympic Torch looks like, check out my 1996 Olympic Relay - White House Depature / WDC - 21 June 1996 photoset.

Cherry Blossom Festival's Annual Gala Dinner Cruise Aboard The Odyssey TONIGHT

Set sail on the Annual Gala Dinner Cruise aboard the Odyssey TONIGHT, Wednesday 9 April, a fundraising event to benefit National Cherry Blossom Festival programs.

Cruise the Potomac with Japanese and American dignitaries and friends on Washington’s premiere dinner cruise vessel. This unique Washington experience includes fabulous views of the nation’s lighted monuments as well as the cherry trees along Haines Point. Enjoy Japanese cultural performances, dancing to live bands, four-course dinner and open bar. Proceeds from the National Cherry Blossom Festival® Gala Dinner Cruise support Festival programs.

The Odyssey departs from Gangplank Marina, Southwest Waterfront - 600 Water Street, SW, wdc. Boarding starts at 6 p.m. and cruises from 7 - 10 p.m. Cocktail attire is recommended.

Reservations are required; space is limited. Tickets are $125 per person and available by phoning (877) 44BLOOM or visiting http://arestravel.com/2209_attraction-tickets_a577.html

DJ Brett Henrichsen's Masterbeat World Tour Coming to TOWN / DC - Saturday, 19 April 2008

After the incredible kick off in Los Angeles, the Masterbeat World Tour is starting with it's first stop at Town Danceboutique in Washington DC next Saturday, April 19th ... for an incredible audiovisual journey with DJ Brett Henrichsen spinning the music that has made Masterbeat famous simultaneously with projections on Town's gigantic video screens synchronized with the music.

Free downloads for the new masterbeat.com will be given to the first 500 people through the door!

Watch for the Masterbeat World Tour to hit your city as it travels this summer to Atlanta, New York, Houston, Dallas, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sao Paulo, Rio, Berlin, Amsterdam, Sydney and more ...

Brett Henrichsen will spin from 9 pm until 4 am on Saturday, 19 April 2008. Tickets at $12. Town Danceboutique is located at 2009 8th Street in NW WDC.

NOTE: Every Friday and Saturday, the Town Danceboutique hosts two different drag shows, at 9:30 amd 11 pm, featuring hostess Lena Lett and a cast including Blair Michaels, Destiny B. Childs, Ophelia Bottoms, Regina Jozet Adams and Shi-Queeta-Lee.

Here are images that I took of Brett Henrichsen at the 4 March 2007 Muscle Beach Party at South Beach during the 2007 Winter Party Festival.

DCFD Spokesman Alan Etter Rocks at Cherry Blossoms Festival Fireworks Prelude in SW DC

Stopping in at the Southwest Waterfront Associations 4th Prelude to the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Firework Display at the Southwest Waterfront Park on Saturday evening, 5 April 2008, I found out that DCFD spokesman Alan Etter 'can rock' ... as he, Jacob Keaton, Jim Wilson and Jodie Knox (lead vocals) of the Seacocks Band 'rocked' the crowd just before the fireworks display began.

Listening to the music and capturing the crowd dancing in the street was exactly what I was looking for, after staying in for most of day due to weather predictions of rain.

But by days end, not only had it not rained but the weather had been absolutely gorgeous. So much for predictions!

Click image to view Seacocks Band or Fireworks Prelude or (2007 - 2008) Southwest Waterfront Marinas / Washington Channel photosets.

Visit the Seacocks Band at myspace. Band members include Alan Etter, Jacob Keaton, Jodie Knox and Jim Wilson.

Here is the compilation of all 5 videos.

Alberto's Wooden Pencil Cases & Chaulk Boards for Children

During my March 2008 trip to Fort Lauderdale I happened upon Alberto & Sandra's Designs at the 8 March 2008 Las Olas Art & Crafts at Las Olas Riverfront / Riverwalk.

A husband and wife team, Alberto's and Sandra's Designs wares, all designed for children, also include Peruvian handcrafts and handmade clothing.

Contact Alberto and Sandra by email at soviediz@hotmail.com

17 - 20 April 2008 Cherry Weekend / WDC

Jim Lucio (defekto) book signing at Shine in Hampden / Baltimore tonight from 6-9pm

Just a reminder that Jim Lucio, aka Defekto, will be holding a 6 - 9 pm book signing tonight at Shine Collective in the Hampton area of Baltimore.

Only 100 books were printed, each signed, numbered and come with an original Polaroid! Books are $50 and your support will help Lucio to continue to promote his work to produce bigger and better things.

And as most of you already know, Polaroid has stopped production on its film. Going the way of the dodo bird, what is available is scarce and already hard to find, this really is the beginning of the end for this type of photography.

Shine is located at 1007A West 36th Street in Hampden. The number there is 410.366.6100.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 4 April 2008

Mirror, Mirror! . Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

Beneath the CSX Transportation / Washington Railway

Maine Avenue, SW, WDC . 1 April 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

FIRE, 40 Years Ago: Sam Smith's reflections on the 1968 Riots

This Friday, 4 April 2008, marks the 40th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination.

In "Fire", an excerpt from Multitudes: the Unauthorized Memoirs of Sam Smith, writer, activist and social critic and the Editor of The Progressive Review / DC CITY DESK reflects on the '68 riots in Washington DC.

Click image by Sam Smith to read article.

Berlin Artist Nicolaus Schmidt's "Kosmographie Gayhane" Exhibition at NYU's Deutsches Haus

Following a September 2007 visit in connection with his New York Breakdancer ( Steps Away Dancers) Project, Berlin artist Nicolaus Schmidt will return to NYC for the 12 April 2008 "Kosmographie Gayhane" Opening Party at NYU's Deutsches Haus.

Click image for details.

Founded in 1977 as one of New York University’s prestigious international houses, Deutsches Haus at NYU is a key American institution in the New York City area fostering German-American and international understanding.

For media purposes, Nicolaus Schmidt can be reached by email at nicolaus.schmidt@gmx.de or nicolaus.schmidt@lycos.de. Since I'm not able to locate Fatma Souad's contact info, perhaps the staff at Berlin's SO36 Club, which is where Gayhane is held, may be of assistance.

Deutsches Haus at NYU is located at 42 Washington Mews, one block north of Washington Square Park. Telephone is 212.998.8660.

The exhibit will be on view from 12 April through 17 May 2008.

Robert Parry at Mark Crispin Miller's 1 April "First Tuesdays Series" Book Talk in NYC

Award-winning investigative journalist Robert Parry will be discussing his latest book, Neck Deep: The Disastrous Presidency of George W. Bush as part of Mark Crispin Miller's "First Tuesdays Series," at 7 pm on 1 April 2008 in New York City.

The book talk will be held at McNally Robinson Booksellers, 52 Prince Street, New York City, between Lafayette and Mulberry.

Parry also will be available to sign copies of Neck Deep, which he co-authored with two of his sons, Sam and Nat.

For more details on the event, contact McNally Robinson Booksellers at 212-274-1180.

For our spring fundraiser, we have set a modest goal of $25,000. But we must reach it if we are to continue functioning through the months ahead.

You can make a tax-deductible donation by credit card online or by mailing a check to Consortium for Independent Journalism (CIJ); Suite 102-231; 2200 Wilson Blvd.; Arlington VA 22201. ( For readers wanting to use PayPal, you can address contributions to our account, which is named mailto:consortnew@aol.com).

With donations of $100, we'll send you an autographed gift copy of our latest book, Neck Deep: The Disastrous Presidency of George W. Bush. (Or you can request that we substitute either Robert Parry's Lost History or his book on the rise of the Bush dynasty, Secrecy & Privilege.)

With donations of $150 or more, we'll send the hard cover version of Neck Deep. (We also have a few copies left of Parry's Trick or Treason, which we can substitute, if you wish, while supplies last.)

"Mondo Defekto: The Polaroid Photography of Jim Lucio" booksigning at Baltimore's Shine Collective on Friday, 4 April 2008

Twenty years in the making, NYC defector and now Baltimore inhabitant Jim Lucio will be on hand this Friday evening, 4 April, in Baltimore at the Shine Collective's 'First Friday' event to sign his new book, "Mondo Defekto: The Polaroid Photography of Jim Lucio".

From the author: "The book is a self-published, limited edition of 100 signed and numbered copies. The images were selected from the 1,000s of Polaroids that I've taken over the course of 20 years. Most of the images included were taken in Baltimore over the last few years. The support I get for this book is allowing me to further promote my Polaroid work and hopefully get a book deal that would allow for a more complete and retrospective look at what I've been photographing with my Polaroid cameras all these years."

For this book signing Jim will be taking personal photos of the buyer. Please note- for the first time since 1943, Polaroid film production has ended. As of this moment, there is no new Polaroid film available in any markets anywhere- only what can be found left on the shelves of random drug and grocery stores. This is a rare moment in the history of photography.

In true form with his medium, Lucio's book is very limited. Pre-order now and reserve your copy. $50.

Shine Collective was founded in 2002 by Melissa and Matt Kirby. Having lived in NY and LA- but moving back to be with family in Baltimore, their experience in fashion, music and film industries left them wanting to bring it all back home. Shine's original mission was to combine their affection for fashion, film, music, art and independent designers into one store.

A 'First Friday' event, the Mondo Defekto: The Polaroid Photography of Jim Lucio's book signing will take place this Friday, 4 April 2008, from 6 until 9 pm at Shine Collective which is located at 1007A West 36th Street in Baltimore, MD. Telephone at 410.366.6100.

Learn more about the artist Jim Lucio, aka Defekto, by visiting his website. Email at defekto@gmail.com

Baltimore '68: Riots and Rebirth Conference at University of Baltimore . 3 - 5 April 2008

For two weeks in April 1968, beginning in the dark hours following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the city of Baltimore was devastated by a series of civil disturbances that left six dead, dozens injured and hundreds of properties, both private and public, burned, shattered and in ruins. The events, which culminated in the deployment of thousands of armed National Guard troops across the city on the orders of Gov. Spiro Agnew and the addition of regular Army troops by Pres. Lyndon Johnson, riveted the attention of the nation, which already was reeling from similar riots in other cities across the country.

In 2008, the 40th anniversary of King's death, the University of Baltimore will offer a close-up examination of the riots—their causes and the short- and long-term consequences—in a series of public events called "Baltimore '68: Riots and Rebirth".

The highlight of the events will be a conference exploring the effects of the riots and the many efforts at civic healing that followed. This national gathering of experts, including scholars across disciplines as varied as race relations, civic engagement and 20th-century history, will take place on campus in April 2008, 40 years to the date of King's murder and the unrest that followed.

Register online now.

DC Cowboys DVD Release Cocktail Party at Nellie's Sports Bar - Friday, 4 April

On Friday, 4 April 2008, the DC Cowboys Dznce Company will host a "DC Cowboys: On Stage and At Play" DVD release party at Nellie's Sports Bar / Upstairs Pub Room.

Enjoy complimentary vodka cocktails from 8-9PM and 1/2 price vodka cocktails from 9-11PM sponsored by Surreal Vodka while you watch the exciting DC Cowboys: On Stage and At Play DVD - 70-minutes of non-stop action! For the first time on DVD, see live theater performance footage of the DC Cowboys as well as a behind-the-scenes peak at a nude photo shoot from a local B&B in Dupont Circle and never-before-seen dancer interviews and backstage photos.

Get your copy of this professionally edited, performance DVD at our Nellie's party or at our on-line store for $20.

50% of the proceeds will benefit Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry's (NOVAM) ORION Program a peer-facilitated HIV/AIDS education and prevention program for GLBTQ youth.

Situated at the corner of 9th and U Streets, Nellie's Sports Bar is located at 900 U Street in NW Washington DC. Telephone (202) 332-NELL (6355).

Here is my DC Cowboys Dance Company FLICKR COLLECTION.

Graffiti Epidemic on 14th Street

Though graffiti has always been of interest to me as evidenced by my very first photography exhibition, "Graffiti, Propaganda & Other Writings on the Wall" at Cafe Luna on P Street in NW Washington DC from June through September 1994 ... it has been since June 2005 that in the process on my 14th Street and Logan Circle photo walks that I have taken particular note to document graffiti along 14th Street.

So when I heard news last week of the graffiti epidemic on 14th Street though, not surprised, I felt 'affirmed' in the fact that I had had the 'foresight' to document / record the 'epidemic' in the process of my walks.

While, in the past, I may not ventured north on 14th Street beyond Columbia Heights with my camera gear, my exploration of the corridor will eventually lead to the Maryland border just as my exlploration south has already taken me through Thomas Circle down to Ohio Drive at the Tidal Basin - East in SW and the 14th Street Bridge Complex.

Where when crossing the Potomac River by the WMATA Yellow Line I seldom miss an opportunity to 'capture' the traffic along the 14th Street Bridge. And the the graffiti on the CSX Transportation - Washington Railway and Virginia Railway tracks, as well.

Fortunately, for District residents and business owners along 14th Street Corridor, last September the DC Department of Public Works announced its Graffiti Removal Voucher Program for those whose property has been defaced by graffiti.