Recently in events Category
2009 in Photos
I just posted my annual collection of photos, for 2009. (Yes… a little late). Same as always: It’s a collection of photos I took last year. The criteria for inclusion is subjective. Some I liked for technical reasons. Some for aesthetic reasons. Some were important events or people, (or cats). Some… I just felt should be in there. They’re not the best of the best… they’re just 2009.
In past years, I’ve felt like I didn’t do much. But towards the end of last year, going through my archives, I was reminded of how much had gone on, and with who. Flipping through these photos made me very happy.
Holiday-of-Your-Choice Party
Considering it was dark and I don’t like flashy-thingying people at parties, they came out fairly good. (click for more, obviously).
come one come all
zombieland. sunday. 3:10. mazza gallerie.
DC Shorts
Reminder:
DC Shorts starts tonight. If you want to mooch off my free tickets, speak now or forever hold yourself.
(Or … you know… buy your own tickets… they put a lot of work into this festival).
birthday
21st birthday party tonight. All the cool people will be there. you know you wanna!
Save the Date
The opening reception for the DCist Exposed Photography Show is on Friday, February 20 from 5 to 9 pm, at the Flashpoint Gallery at 916 G Street NW. (Just a little over 2 weeks from now).
I have a photo in this show, and will be going opening night, (to make fun of everyone else’s work). Hope to see you there.
Inauguration
I am a very cynical person, especially when it comes to politics and patriotism. In fact, I have a hard time with the idea of patriotism at all. Having some glorious love for… a place. Yeah, I can’t do it.
But I did feel something yesterday, standing on the National Mall. It was frigid, and crowded, and made made me get up too damned early. And I really fucking hates crowds. All the ever do is confirm to me that most people are stupid. And this was a crowd of epic proportions — 2 million people. But through it all I was happy. And everyone around me was happy. The entire crowd cheered (or in the case of a Bush sighting, jeered) at the slightest provocation.
I don’t think we all realized how much we wanted Bush to leave. Yes, we’ve all* been trashing him. And yes, many people had countdowns on his term. And many others tried to get him arrested or impeached. But yesterday, there was a visible tension in every person, just waiting for the moment of change, (if you’ll excuse the use of that word). Wether it was the explosion of joy the moment the oath of office was completed, or the singing of “hey hey, goodbye” as a helicopter lifted the Bush family out of the capital, people just couldn’t wait to see him go.
(*I used “all” and similar phrases, because with approval ratings like his, Bush doesn’t have many friends left. He spent the last 2 weeks of his presidency basically asking people to not judge him too harshly.)
A politician running on “change” is like water running down hill; so I just ignore that. But Obama’s best attribute was that he gave people hope. The insanity, contradictions, and suspension of logic over the last 8 years — and the admittedly questionable practices of the last few administrations before that — have left me, at least, devoid of any respect for or expectations of the government. But along comes a candidate who doesn’t affect a man-of-the-people facade. He appears intelligent, ambitious, and energetic. He doesn’t appear to be tied to any major special interests. He seems open to whatever idea will best resolve the situation. With some of the first words of his presidency, he acknowledged groups of people and causes that most presidents ignored their entire terms.
People really did just explode in joy and excitement down there on the mall when he was sworn in. I knew it was coming, but was still impressed. I didn’t even know there was a 21 gun canon salute going on until I caught it on the video screens, because you couldn’t hear anything over the cheering.
The musical performances were great, with a classical supergroup including Yo Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman, and an incredible rendition of My Country ‘Tis of Thee by Aretha Franklin.
Obama’s speech was wonderful overall, with just a few weak sections near the end. Whereas Bushes early speeches were all dire warnings about tough times ahead, (and that was before 9/11), Obama said “yes, we have serious problems that will require serious time and resources, but yes we can and will meet them and overcome”. It was inspiring at the same time it acknowledged our rough conditions.
As I said, I have issues with patriotism. But yesterday I did feel good. It wasn’t in a “we’re better than them” kind-of-way. It was people who felt the finally had a reason to be happy again, to take pride in what’s being done in their names.
The man has made a good start. Some of his first actions, on is first full day in office were meant to instill trust in the Presidency again. He highlighted plans for transparency and openness. He supported FOIA requests, and even indirectly promised to deal with Bush’s attempts to lock up the past President’s papers out of the public eye. He placed salary caps for his top staff. He’d previous banned staffers from taking jobs lobbying his administration. They’ve leaked plans to order the shutdown of Camp X-ray and to reign in some of the CIA’s more questionable practices. And that was all just cleaning house. He also met with economic and military leaders, and spoke with Heads of State across the Middle East.
Innaug
Will be trying to go to Mall tomorrow. probably through Faraggut North entrance. call or txt to meet up.
inauguration madness
With all the madness coming up next week… if anyone is brave enough to come downtown, and finds themself in need of a place to get away or to wait out the 2-hour estimate for getting into a metro station, feel free to get in touch. I live an easy walk from the mall.
the long weekend
‘Scuze me while I work my way backwards through the last few days:
Sunday was actually both relaxing and kinda productive. Started off the morning going to Eastern Market. No new toys, (although I found both TLR and folding cameras in good condition!). But I did pick up some fresh fruit. Went from there to the mall, looking for a carrying case for my newest toy. Didn’t end up buying anything though… not willing to pay $30 for a piece of plastic, when nicer cases for older models cost less. I understand the concept — that since the newer model is a premium object, the consumer is probably going to be able and willing to pay more for the associated accessories. But that’s not me. So I went back across town again and did some grocery shopping. I am loving the new Safeway. They’ve obviously been studying the success of stores like Wegmans, because they’re picking up a lot of their architecture and methods. I now have cheesecake! When I got home and realized it was only early afternoon, I went back out and picked up some frame so I could hang some of the art I’ve been gathering over the years. I like the new wall. Though it makes me realize my photo wall is too crowded, and I need to spread those out a bit.
Saturday started with a haircut. I am once again purty. Then meeting Kier to go to the Small Press Expo. I enjoyed it, this year. There was a lot of good, quality work. Past years had seen too many shoe-gazers and too much really weak art. But this year there was a decent range and a variety of styles. Picked up a couple things. And though I couldn’t convince anyone else to go, I planned on hitting Spellbound that night. It really has been a long time since I went. But my 9:30 “quick nap” didn’t end until nearly 2am, at which point it wasn’t worth it. Gawd I’m old.
Friday was normal amounts of work. Nothing special. That night, Stephanie came over for pizza and a movie. A movie with cameras and hawt, hawt, lesbian sex, of course. Was nice because I also hadn’t seen Stephanie in a while.
Thursday was a fairly average work day as well. Though I did manage to put together a piece I really liked, and somehow the client chose that version as well. (No doubt they’ll destroy it yet in edits). That evening, I met with friends at a local restaurant to watch the Vice Presidential debate. I gotta say, regardless of your politics, Palin really is just about the worst speaker I’ve seen in national politics in a long time. There were points where the moderator looked like she couldn’t believe what was happening, and stopped to ask Palin if she wanted to answer the question that had been put to her. Thankfully, we were also drinking margaritas, which is another first for me. (Hell, so far I don’t think I’ve had any repeats in alcoholic beverages). A really good, interesting taste, as opposed to the “fun” taste of the Woodchuck Cider. After the equivalent (due to refills) of 3 or 4 of those, I got a ride home. This was probably a good thing, because by the time we pulled up in front of my place, I had to stop and consider wether I would be able to walk up to my apartment without leaning on the walls. First time I’ve definitely felt the effects of alcohol. Though I still wasn’t plastered. Mentally I was okay. Mostly concentrated on keeping my head enough to walk. Had no trouble with my keys, and my typing actually drastically improved. So just the large motor skills. And there was no hangover to speak of, in the morning. (Though I’d been drinking water throughout, and had more just before going to sleep.)
Dragon*con
Spent last weekend in Atlanta at Dragon*con. This was my second time down there, and my first time when I wasn’t obscenely sick. As expected, it was a lot of fun… a wonderful weekend. Got to see and do so much more, and spend time with a much wider range of friends.
What is it, this Dragon*con? Imagine every geek, nerd, dork, and freak you’ve ever met. Now multiply that by about 1,000 times. Send them all to Atlanta for 4 days of presentations on books, movies, tv, comics, and general pop culture; and make sure they have freaky costumes. 50,000 people. 4 hotels. Oh my.
Went to presentations by Lance Henrickson, Brad Dourif, George Takei, the cast of Firefly. Somehow managed to not buy a damn thing, despite hundreds of vendors. Went out to several REALLY good dinners. Took two trips to the Sundial, a rotating bar at the top of the tallest building in Atlanta, with amazing views. Spent lots of time with friends.
And I will so be back next year.
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