Morphological Confetti

I must admit that Halloween has very little meaning to me now as an adult. I still like to see the weird and funny costumes when I walk on the street, but otherwise I have no interest. Now, it was a different story when I was a kid in 1976 because this meant free candy and cool costumes! All the little kids in my neighborhood wore the latest fad costumes ( ex. Six Million-Dollar Man, Kiss, Wonder Woman, etc. ) while the big kids were out snatching bags. Yeah, I was a victim. I think that I first got robbed in 4th grade. I stood there trembling as some “Big Boy” went through my pockets. We were scared of those larger kids, but the one thing that big and little kids were scared of the most on Halloween was The Green Lady ! She was our very own Southeast/Northeast DC urban legend. There were only a few sightings of The Green Lady , but all the kids were afraid of her. She was worst than Candyman and she hated children. She was this old lady with skin that was painted green. She had wil...

Fountain In Dupont Circle Beauty Public Service Announcement from -borf Also...Public Service Announcement. *smile* Enjoy your day, your evening and your weekend! Peace~

Happy Birthday Thomas!!!! Well, my younger brother is just a little older today. I felt that an appropriate way to celebrate his birth is to honor him by featuring his artistry. It's different, huh? *Laughing* Yeah, I love it too. He's a writer, poet, painter, spoken word artist, son, and brother to many. I am in awe of his dedication and concentration when it comes to his craft. He is an inspiration to me. I love you, Thomas! By the way, check out Thomas's latest cd, on CD Baby: ACTION THEORY: Action Theory . He also has a spot at: www.myspace.com/thomasbessjr .

Source: The Examiner, Washington, D.C. Wednesday, Februrary 2, 2005 Cartoon by: Nate Beeler I first posted this cartoon in 2005 after seeing it in The Washington Examiner. Unfortunately, more lives are being lost as I post it again. Please click title to find out the latest news in Sudan. Peace~

Good morning! I was so difficult for me to get up this morning, but I pulled myself out of the bed. I caught a ride with my wife on her way to work so I didn't have to deal with the bus and subway. I don't mind the commute, but it was nice to sit back and talk on our way in. I like riding the train too because I get a lot of reading in. I am on this campaign to read more books and watch less television. It has been working! It is all in my efforts to become a more effective educator. I also feel that it will better prepare for what is to come. So, I seek knowledge and pray for wisdom. Knowledge + Wisdom = Understanding The journey started young. I have been infatuated with knowledge since I was boy, but I was always afraid to approach her. She seemed larger than life and beyond my realm of comprehension. I would come close enough just to get a little of what she had to offer me. I didn't get too close because my peers would tease me and girls would call me soft. I be...

Mumbo Jumbo Noun. 1. Confusing or incomprehensible language or activity. 2. An obscure ritual or incantation. [Mandingo origin.] American Heritage Dictionary Of the English Language Mumbo sauce? Anyone who has ever traveled east of the Anacostia River has heard the term, Mumbo Sauce. What do I mean by east of the river? I mean if you have ventured anywhere near Benning Road, Wheeler Road, Southern Avenue, or Minnesota Avenue in North/Southeast Washington, D.C. There is no way that you can go into any Korean owned and operated “Kerry-Out” [ trans. Carry-Out food ] in DC and not hear someone order french fries with chicken wings and Mumbo Sauce. Impossible! Some like it on the chicken and others (like me) like it on the side. I’ve always thought of Mumbo Sauce as a DC thang, but where did it really come from?  Actually, Mumbo Sauce originated on Chicago's Southside in the early 1950s by a man named Argia B. Collins, who was known for his famous ribs and barbeque Mumbo Sauce. N...

These are photos that I took of Union Station here in Washington, DC. Union Station is a major hub for Amtrak along the Northeast corridor. I find the architecture near the main entrance fascinating! Preview: On Wednesday I'll take you back across North Capitol Street towards Benning Road (east of the Anacostia river). I have a little story to share. Peace~

As you can see, I made a few changes on my blog today. Yeah, I wanted to brighten things up a bit so I changed the template. It's nothing special or fancy with bells and whistles, but I like it. Problem: I have to put all of my links back! I didn't realize that it would erase my links! Anyway, I remember all of you. There are also a couple of new friends that I'll be adding as well. I hope that you guys have a great day or evening if you're in Europe. Well, I have to go. I have work to do that is not related to this blog. *smile* Peace~

(Gibbs Elementary front school yard) I was in my old neighborhood this weekend when I passed by my old school, Gibbs Elementary. The memories. I looked over at the school as I always do as I passed it, but this time I pulled over. It was just after the rain and the little playground was glistening with puddles of water on the asphalt. No, there was no foam rubber to protect our little heads/shoulders/knees/toes and apparently there still isn’t. I stood on that playground and briefly went back to my first days of kindergarten. Gibbs was only right down the street from the apartment that we lived on E Street in Northeast DC. I even remember where my classroom was. It was 1972 and My Amanita got little Stevie dressed and ready for school. (The entrance to my kindergarten classroom at Gibbs) I don’t remember my teachers name, but I recall the classroom in some details. I remember the round tables, the coat racks and the location of the restroom. I remember going on field trips. I remembe...

This is a poem that I posted last Columbus Day. It was dedicated to the people of the Caribbean. I hope that you enjoy it and have a great weekend. Poetry: God's Creation Oh, and how can I forget the plantains for NML , Geoffrey Philp and Guyana-Gyal . What is a more delicious way to celebrate the day when the indigenous people of the Caribbean discovered Columbus! *smile*

My boss gave all of us Halloween baskets early this year. It's cool because it had all sorts of treats in it. Guess what? I caught Clifford sneaking out of my bag today while his little buddy was on look out in the bottom left corner. I got cha Clifford!

Dreams DREAM on, for dreams are sweet: Do not awaken! Dream on, and at thy feet Pomegranates shall be shaken. Who likeneth the youth Of life to morning? 'Tis like the night in truth, Rose-coloured dreams adorning. The wind is soft above, The shadows umber. (There is a dream called Love.) Take thou the fullest slumber! In Lethe's soothing stream, Thy thirst thou slakest. Sleep, sleep; 'tis sweet to dream. Oh, weep when thou awakest! Poem by: Paul Laurence Dunbar Revision: I will have to separate the poem from the baby because the poem, I've discovered, is relating to the after life ("In Lethe 's soothing stream..."). This cannot be used in reference to a new life. This is my error because I didn't really study the poem before I posted. Doh!!! :) So, because I am a big fan of Dunbar's work I will leave the poem on this post, but separate from Jamari. Please feel free to comment about the poem and/or picture. Thanks! This is a photo that I took on Sa...