New Orleans Confidential: The Twilight Edition

Sunset at Jackson Square: The Basilica of New Orleans
on the banks of the mighty Mississippi

A few hours after lunch in Meridian, we arrived in the Crescent City--New Orleans. (Or N'awlins, to the locals.) I've been to a lot of big cities in the U.S. in my short life, but none quite like this one. Let's just say that Rue Bourbon was "interesting." If your nasal passages weren't being assaulted by the none-too-subtle odor of last night's vomit and libations, your ears were being assaulted by overly loud jazz and blues at one bar in competition with the overly loud jazz and blues next door. You're accosted by hawkers for peep shows, licensed charity solicitors, and Mardi Gras-festooned fellows who ask to have their picture taken and then demand a buck for the privilege. You can walk past a prostitute leaning in a doorway putting on polka-dotted panties over fish net stockings or be propositioned by a guy with a tuba. Fun.

Okay, truthfully, not all of New Orleans is that tawdry, tacky, and cheap, and Bourbon Street is only one part of Sin City, but this place makes Las Vegas look like kiddie camp by comparison. That said, I'll be exploring the French Quarter a bit more tomorrow and hope to bring you the sunny side of New Orleans. In the meantime, here's the sunset from Jackson Square and a few photos of some of the architecture and characters that lend N'awlins its charm.



Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 04/09

Wall Confidential

Wall Drug : Famous Worldwide : Wall, South Dakota

Due to inclement weather across Washington and Montana today, we decided to stay in Rapid City, South Dakota, an additional day and give the snow time to work its way out of our way! The result was seeing parts of western South Dakota that we otherwise would have skipped because we would have been long on our way to Montana. Because we saw so much, I'm breaking today's posts up into three separate entries. Hope you enjoy them!

L: Animatronic Campfire Quartet
R: The pharmacy section of Wall Drug, complete with hunting mounts.

Our first stop for the day was 50 miles back up the road in Wall, South Dakota. Wall is famous for one thing and one thing only: its ginormous frontier drug store. It is quite literally the largest employer in the tiny town of Wall.

The Traveler's Chapel : Wall Drug : Wall, South Dakota

There are entire city blocks that are nothing but parking lots for tourists and tour buses filled with people coming to see Wall Drug. Here are a few pictures from this unique South Dakota attraction and the town of Wall.

Wall, South Dakota's Public Library and Public Utilities Bill Paying Boxes

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

Random

Downward Mysterious
(Click to enlarge)

This is a photo I took a few weeks ago at a Thai restaurant in Alexandria. I think the door leads to the kitchen, but I'm not sure. I just liked the lighting.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Two Things Challenge: Shadows / Patterns (B&W)

Shadow and Pattern : Erosion Fencing : Yorktown, Virginia

Here's another take on this week's Two Things Challenge: Shadows / Patterns. All black and white. To see color images for this challenge, go here.

Shadow : Fence : Takoma : Washington, D.C.

To see how others interpreted this week's two words or to participate in next week's challenge, visit Two Things Challenge.

Shadow : Trash Can and Gangplank Grip : Dock for the Susan Constant : Jamestown, Virginia

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Two Things Challenge: Shiny / Dull

This week's Two Things Challenge was Shiny / Dull. I've chosen a couple of pictures I recently took at the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria. This is Alexandria's industrial art space where you can not only see the work of various artists, sculptors, photographers, and jewelers, but you can also see them at work. I think the two pieces I've chosen are a good mix of shiny and dull.



What do you think? Want to see how others interpreted this challenge or would you like to join in? Visit 2 Things Challenge and be a part of the fun!

Walk Away

Walk Away : Train Station : Manassas, Virginia

Returning to our wanderings through Old Town Manassas, here is the train station that provides commuter service between Washington and Manassas via Amtrak and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE.) These two photos stood out among all of the ones I took. The one above, I'm calling Walk Away.

Washington via Manassas

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Escapist

Escapist

I was in Manassas, Virginia, a week or so ago hanging out with a friend. We went photo walking in Old Town Manassas and snapped pictures here and there of this and that. This is the alley between an art studio/gallery, which I'll be featuring on Monday as part of 100 Strangers, and some office suites.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Two Things Challenge: Partial / Whole

Whole : Ham and Pineapple on the left and on the right Pepperoni, Mushroom, and Black Olive

This week's Two Things Challenge was Partial / Whole. You'd think this one would be easy, but darned if I could find anything to shoot for this. So, in a fit of desperation, I went with last night's dinner: pizza. Hilariously, several other interpreters of this challenge chose another kind of pie--the one in the sky. Be sure to check out how others responded to this challenge, which calls to mind that great song of the 1950s, "That's Amore!" And now, I think I'm going to re-watch Moonstruck...

Partial: No fuss, no muss!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 01/09

Sixth Presbyterian Church of Washington

Sixth Presbyterian Church at 16th and Kennedy Streets NW

Moving forward with my series The Churches of 16th Street, this is the Sixth Presbyterian Church of Washington. Located at 5413 16th Street NW at Kennedy Street, this congregation has been ministering in the Nation's Capital for more than 150 years. While the church has a website, there isn't a lot of information about their history in the city. The congregation describes itself as a "welcoming, inclusive congregation of diverse cultures and talents ministering in the nation's capital."

Sixth Presbyterian: A congregation of inclusion

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

The Wall

Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Washington Monument

I haven't been out with my camera much in the last week or so. Today's picture is taken from my archives and is one that I didn't post when I took it earlier this year. This is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with the Washington Monument in the background. I love this memorial for a variety of reasons, but what I appreciate most is its power to make grown men cry and the way it has quietly healed a nation.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Cathedral Noir

Ascending : Washington National Cathedral

One of my favorite Washington landmarks is Washington National Cathedral. This is my ninth post featuring this magnificent church. On my way home from dinner with my family on Sunday, I zipped up Massachusetts Avenue to Wisconsin Avenue to grab a few pictures in the dark.

Darken the Doorway : Washington National Cathedral

I didn't take too many pictures, though, because it was 32 F/0 C with winds out of the west at 29 mph and a windchill of -7 F. In other words, it was COLD. I'm sure it's undignified or something, but I wish the Cathedral would string lights on their trees and grounds during the holidays. I think that would be lovely.

Colonnade at Night : Washington National Cathedral

To see other pictures of the cathedral, go here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. And now, I need to get out and get busy seeing other stuff. Anyone visiting this blog will get the wrong impression that all we have in Washington, D.C., is the Lincoln Memorial and Washington National Cathedral!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 12/08

Flower Man

Flower Man : Bethesda, Maryland

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, I saw this gentleman yesterday in the plaza in front of Barnes & Noble in Bethesda. It was a pretty chilly day. We were all bundled up, but he looked particularly cold sitting next to his cart of flowers.

Have you finished all of your Christmas shopping?

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 12/08

Duke Ellington School

Intermission : Ellington Theater

Last Friday found me at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Georgetown. My sister's colleague invited her to attend a Christmas concert by the school's vocal musical students and she, in turn, invited me and a couple of friends.

The Duke Ellington School of the Arts was founded in 1974 and is the only school in the District of Columbia dedicated to an education in the arts. In addition to standard high school curriculum, each student majors in one of eight areas: Theater, Tech Design/Production, Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Dance, Instrumental Music, Literary Media, and Museum Studies.

The photography of student Hank Thomas is breathtaking social commentary.
On the left: Visitors view Thomas' work. On the right: The piece they were so interested in.
Click on the right image to enlarge. The photo is a graphic composition that plays on MasterCard's "Priceless"
advertising campaign. The text on the photo reads: "3-piece suit: $250, Pair of socks: $2, Gold chain: $400,
9mm pistol: $80, Bullet: $0.60, Picking a casket for your son: Priceless."

Photography wasn't allowed during the performance I attended (which was well done and a lot of fun), but there were exhibits in the hallways featuring art and photography by some of the school's students. These are just a couple of pictures of the works on display.

Title and artist unknown : Duke Ellington School

If you get a chance to visit the school or attend a performance, do it. These are talented young men and women, many of whom go on to become professional artists in their own right.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 12/08

Traveling: Ocean Shores and Home

Line of Surf : Ocean Shores, WA

On Sunday afternoon, I left Seattle and headed out to the coast. I didn't exactly end up in the most beautiful coastal setting in Washington, I'm sure, but I did drive through some towns that were once quite prominent in the world of pulp, paper, and wood products manufacturing. Since that's what I write about professionally, it was interesting to put places with the mills and companies I've written about in the past.

Red Sky at Morn' : Ocean Shores, WA

My drive took me through Tacoma and past Olympia, the state capital. I drove through Aberdeen and Grays Harbor, but it was Ocean Shores where I ended up for the night. It was too late to take sunset pictures by the time I arrived, so I got up really early the next morning and snapped a couple of sunrise shots.

cloudsandclunkers : Peter Shelton, Artist : SEA-TAC

Then, it was back to the hotel to shower, pack, and head back up to Seattle for my flight home that afternoon. I arrived at SEA-TAC with plenty of time to spare only to learn my flight from Seattle to Baltimore with a connection through Denver had been canceled due to snow in Denver. Thankfully, United put me on an American Airlines flight and I was off. Before leaving SEA-TAC, I caught a couple of photos of a very fun art exhibit called "cloudsandclunkers" by the artist Peter Shelton.

Andrew Dan-Jumbo of The Learning Channel in the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport

My new flight plans included a layover in Dallas-Fort Worth. While waiting for my connection, I noticed this guy in our boarding area talking on the phone and using his computer. I needed to recharge the battery on my computer, so I sat across from him and snapped this photo of him using my PhotoBooth software on my Mac. This gentleman is Andrew Dan-Jumbo--TLC's DIY handyman for its home makeover shows.

Driftwood at High Tide : Ocean Shores, WA

Washington State (the "other" Washington, as we say here and as they say there about us) was a beautiful state. The people were friendly and polite, the scenery was breathtaking, the food was good--everything was a wonderful experience. My thanks to my friend, Alice, for the use of her house in Langley and to Maya, for being such a wonderful guide. I'll be back soon!


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 12/08

Two Things Challenge: Bent / Straight

Straight lamppost... Bent telephone pole

This week's Two Things Challenge was Bent / Straight. I saw this telephone pole a while ago and knew it was perfect for this!

Similar shot, different perspective

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/08

Worth the Wait

Voters in line at 8:00 a.m. at Calvin Coolidge H.S. in Ward 4

I was like a kid at Christmas this morning. I couldn't wait to vote! The polls in D.C. opened at 7:00 and I was in line at 8:00. If the line I was in is any indication, turnout today will be historic. I waited a little over an hour to vote, but as I said to a fellow voter, "This is a line worth waiting in."

The line continues up the block in front of the school.

The enthusiasm for this election was palpable and people are excited! One young man was voting for the first time. Another talked about how he hopes this election will result in more opportunities for everyone, not just a select few. We all agreed that America's isolationist policies have to end.

I spoke with voters whose parents and grandparents led the way in the fight for racial equality and justice. The shine in their eyes and the hopefulness in their voices was inspiring. Many of them have fought long and hard to see this day when one of their own is within reach of the White House.

Voters waiting in line to verify their registration and receive a card
that then allows them to pick up their ballots and vote.

I saw voters of every demographic. Sure, the majority of them were black, because D.C.'s population is largely black, but there were white people, Hispanics, Asians, young and old, gay and straight, Christians and atheists, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, able and disable, decideds and undecideds. I saw my neighbors I know and people from the neighborhood I've never met. In short, I saw America. And it is voting!

The D.C. voting ballot. Note in the upper right hand corner that
we have candidates for the offices of U.S. senator and U.S. representative,
even though constitutionally we are prohibited from having equal representation
in Congress. Nevertheless, candidates run every cycle in the hope that the Constitution
will be amended and we'll have representation.

If you haven't yet, please, get out and vote. It's the best time you'll spend in a line. Ever.

*****

Steven, a first time voter, and Mr. Johnson, a retired math teacher,
wait in line to vote.

Continuing my 100 Strangers series, I spent the better part of my hour talking with these two gentlemen while I stood in line. We had a lovely conversation while we were waiting to cast our ballots. Both of them have lived in the neighborhood a long time. Steven, the gentleman on the left, grew up a few blocks from where we were standing and attended high school at Calvin Coolidge--the location of our polling station. It was Steven's first time voting! Mr. Johnson lives not too far from here either and is a former math teacher. His son, Brandon, was with him. This was Brandon's second election. Mr. Johnson declined to state how many elections he's voted in!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 11/04/08

Books

Reading : The Physicists by Swiss writer Friedrich Dürrenmatt :
A play about the immorality of nuclear proliferation.

This month's City Daily Photo Blogger theme is Books. It's an understatement to say I have books. I have so many books, I don't have space enough for them. My library contains a broad range of fiction and non-fiction. I have books about World War II and literature by Swiss authors. I have texts on sociology of religion and biographies of religious leaders. I have the writings of Pope John Paul II and the rantings of Adolf Hitler. I read C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling.

Right now, I'm reading Hedrick Smith's The Russians and Barack Obama's The Audacity of Hope. After that, I'll probably read George Pelecanoes. In a week or two, I could be reading about folded and tilted rock in one of my geology texts or purusing a coffee table book about the National Gallery of Art. The possibilities are endless.

Just a small portion of the thousands of books I own.
You can never have too many books.

My only hang up? I wish I read faster than I do. Perhaps, if I spent less time in front the computer and more time behind a book, I would alleviate this problem! Books, as I opined last week, are the backbone of intelligent discourse and civilized living. They are the best gift we can give ourselves and our children.

To see how other bloggers around the world interpreted this month's theme, go here to view thumbnails of all the participants.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/08

Read to Me

Reading: Time well-spent with a child and a gift they'll cherish forever

Those who know me, know I'm a huge proponent of children reading (and really, just reading in general, regardless of age.) I grew up in a household where, until I was 16, we didn't own a television and my parents encouraged us to read. Our home was filled with books and both of my parents read to us as children. When you visit my home, what stands out are all of the books on a broad range of subjects. Books are the bedrock of a well-informed, intelligent civilization. Maybe that sounds elitist to some, but I truly believe that.

Books big and books little with bugs big and penguins little and lots and lots and lots of big words
for lots and lots and lots of little people. Books! Books! Books! Yeah, books!

That's why, in this internet world full of gadget craziness where soundbites rule and people get less of their information from reading and more of it from cable news shows, I'm always gratified when I see people reading. And I'm especially gratified when I see kids reading. Every time I see a kid with a book, I stop and talk to them for a few minutes. If their parent is with them, I thank them for encouraging their kid to read. I believe reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give to children and I applaud parents who give their kids books.

While I was out shooting pictures for yesterday's Two Things Challenge: Big / Little, I went into Border's Books and Music and took these pictures of parents (big), kids (little), and books. (And yes, I asked and received permission to post these photos.) I also singled out some children's book titles that feature the words big and little. I know these photos would work well for the upcoming City Daily Photo theme, but I couldn't wait.

Whether it's reading about green eggs and ham or princesses, quantum mechanics or the politics of hope,
the effect is the same. Words and ideas and our ability to understand and articulate them empower us.
So, get up from your computer and go read a book! ;-)

If you have children in your life--whether your own or others--please read to them or give them books. In addition to your time, it's one of the greatest gifts you'll ever give them.

P.S. A couple of you emailed me and said that the new "embedded below the page" comments set-up I had (thanks to Blogger who changed it without asking my permission), was making it difficult for some of you to leave comments. I've changed the settings so it's back to its original full page set-up. Hope this makes it easier for folks to comment. Thanks for stopping by!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/08

Tunnel Vision

Commuters heading home at the end of the day

Just one of the other black and white photos I had to choose from for this past Sunday's Two Things Challenge. This is the tunnel that leads from the platform elevator at the Takoma Metro station to the buses and parking lots.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/08

Two Things Challenge: Black / White

Farragut North Metro Station

This week's Two Things Challenge was Black / White. I really had a hard time choosing which pictures to use for this challenge. In the end I settled on one people watching/structural architecture combination, a nature photo, and a slice of urban decay. I had a number of others I wanted to use, but that would have been going overboard. However, in the next week or so, I'll post one or two of the other pictures from which I had to choose.

The first photo (above) is the fare gate level and train platform at the Farragut North Metro station on the Red Line (Glenmont to Shady Grove.)

Morning glory in the morning sun

This second shot is one I grabbed a few mornings ago on my walk. The sun had just come up and caught this morning glory at the right angle, making it almost transparent.

Not just closed on Sunday. Closed every day.

Finally, on a different walk a few days ago, I wandered along 3rd Street NW between Kennedy Street and Missouri Avenue and stumbled on this sign in the window of what was once a Chinese carry-out place. The place is now vacant except for a note on the door announcing the store's closure due to an illness in the family, a few chairs, and lots of dust. Oh, and this sign, of course!

To see the other participants in this week's challenge, go here.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 10/08

P.S. If you want to see these photos in color, go to Standing Room Only.