PICTURES FROM THE ATTIC

Tax Day Tea Party-Charleston, SC

2009-04-19T10:39:00.005-07:00

An old civil rights veteran explained to me why Charleston, a city once steeped in Jim Crow Laws, never got ugly during the fight for equal rights in the sixties. It was simple- “Charlestonians are much too polite-we would never, ever riot or throw things at one another in the street, we just weren’t raised that way-black OR white.” And true to our municipal character, Wednesday’s Tea Party Protest went down like a smooth brew. There was none of the histrionics or hate-filled rhetoric of a Sarah Palin rally. The signs were tame, with repetitive slogans pulled from a website specifically constructed to provide inspiration to the teabaggers. While I personally disagree with everything they stand for, I do believe they have every right to rally for their cause. Had these Tea Parties happened five years ago, they would have credibility in my eyes, we would have been standing side-by side. A few observations: I didn’t see a single black, Latin or openly gay person. The crowd thinks Glen Beck is some kind of sage; and Obama elicited a strong chorus of boos and hisses.

Teabagger in Paradise

2009-04-19T10:38:00.001-07:00

Candace and Rocky Potts feeling the love.

Onward Christian Soldiers!

2009-04-19T10:34:00.013-07:00

We are a Christian nation?
THAT'S chains we can believe in!

Contemplating The Enormous Debt They Will Inherit

2009-04-19T10:25:00.007-07:00

Don't forget kiddies! First you've got to pay for the Iraq War!

It's Lonely at the Top

2009-04-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Artiste du jour-Arnold Edmondson

2009-03-18T07:09:00.004-08:00

An outsider artist crucified on the cross of his creativity.
http://arnoldedmondson.blogspot.com/

Larry, The Queen-Sized Leprechaun

2009-03-16T18:54:00.007-08:00

Just in time for St. Patty's Day.

Angry Chimp (R-SC)

2009-02-27T00:38:00.003-08:00

Looks like somebody forgot to take his Zanax today!

Artiste du Jour-Tiffany Cole

2009-02-26T23:31:00.006-08:00

There are at least two Tiffany Cole's in this world. One is a death row inmate in Florida, convicted of a double homicide, and the other makes the most beautiful box constructions. They both seem to have their moods.

Top 10 Lessons Photography has Taught Me About the World (Part 1)

2009-02-26T21:28:00.004-08:00

1. Only a very, very good picture is worth a thousand words.

2. Every person has a great story to tell.

3. People who live out their wildest dreams are labeled eccentric, but they are most comfortable with themselves, and therefore always a good portrait subject.

4. The best photographers agonize over their work. The bad ones are always satisfied.

5. A reality show about a photographer would be far more enlightening than The Surreal Life.

Top 10 Lessons Photography has Taught Me About the World (Part 2)

2009-02-26T20:59:00.010-08:00

6. Ninety-nine percent of people are trustworthy-you can forget your camera bag, and they'll make sure you get it back.

7. Everyone has a close relative who is "really good" at photography.

8. People everywhere have the same dream-financial security,a better life for their children, and respect from others. What makes people different is the methods they use to realize the dream.

9. If you are a nosy person, you can use your camera to enter the lives (and homes) of interesting people.

10. There should be a Hippocratic Oath for photographers. Do not exploit, distort, or stereotype.

Fat Tuesday is Here!

2009-02-24T11:35:00.002-08:00

New Orleans-Scene on Bourbon Street.

A Dream Deferred

2009-02-21T19:52:00.009-08:00

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

Charleston City Councilman Kwadjo Campbell recites Langston Hughes' poem at LJ's on Spring Street

Southeastern Wildlife Expo Comes to Town

2009-02-11T16:07:00.006-08:00

Dateline Charleston: Bill Davis stalking the wild asparagus in Marion Square.

Here Kitty, Zebra, Kitty...

2009-02-11T15:46:00.001-08:00

SEWE Opera

2009-02-11T15:43:00.001-08:00

For the discerning Wildlife Expo attendee: Astro Pavarotti mines the depths of passion and sorrow for his debut performance in Janacek's opera The Cunning Little Vixen.

Ringmaster of the Flea Circus

2009-02-11T15:39:00.004-08:00

SEWE Artist

2009-02-11T12:36:00.003-08:00

Jeffrey Kennedy's got his pants on some ants.

Chillin' in Marion Square

2009-02-11T12:20:00.008-08:00

Hoping for some hot monkey love!

SEWE Sideshow: Stan Gray and his Two-Headed Peacock

2009-02-11T08:36:00.006-08:00

Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends!

I'm so glad you could attend, come inside, come inside!

Artiste du Jour-Jill Hooper

2009-02-08T20:10:00.002-08:00

A young artist with the soul and talent of an Old Master.

His First Car

2009-02-08T18:33:00.004-08:00

Sam Bailey, 93, with the 1939 Packard he bought brand new off the showroom floor.

Circus Daze

2009-02-08T17:46:00.004-08:00

This was my first visit ever to the circus. I was 26. Talk about a deprived childhood!

Oh My God!

2009-02-07T20:58:00.013-08:00

I forgot to unplug the iron!

Obama's Newest Cabinet Appointment

2009-02-07T14:32:00.011-08:00

Secretary of Kickin' Ass. And he's paid his taxes.

Artiste du Jour-Geoffrey Cormier

2009-02-06T17:51:00.002-08:00

His shadow puppets are amazing. http://wayangmodern.com

Hot Damn! It's Mama D!!!!!!

2009-02-06T17:16:00.002-08:00

My coolest BFF, Duffy Ingle owns The Daily Dose Cafe on Folly Road. Be sure to dine in this hot cowgirls' little love shack. Where else in Charleston can you play Reggae Bingo?

The Daily Dose Cafe

1622 Highland Ave.

James Island, SC

(843)225-3367

Smokin' Hot New Band!

2009-02-06T10:32:00.006-08:00

Music teacher, Mr. Fred Sabbeck, 92, with three of his star pupils.

Laughing All The Way to the Bank

2009-02-06T09:14:00.005-08:00

They actually thanked ME for the TARP money! How classy!

"It's all about the accessories, Mommy!"

2009-02-06T08:28:00.005-08:00

Must-haves for the stylish tweenager: leopard prints, hot pinks and lots of glitter.

Spring is Coming!

2009-02-05T18:48:00.002-08:00

UFO Welcome Center, Bowman, SC

2009-02-05T13:08:00.006-08:00

Earthling Jody Pendarvis is our US Ambassador to Aliens. He lives in an earthbound flying saucer that he designed and built to further his diplomatic mission. He plans to offer arriving extra-terrestrials some good ol' down-to-earth southern hospitality.

We Love Our Shiny New President

2009-02-05T12:06:00.002-08:00

"Rosa Parks sat so that Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so that Barack Obama could run. Barack Obama ran so that all children can fly."

Our Lady of Perpetual Laundry

2009-02-05T11:36:00.003-08:00

Romanian Roma (Gypsy) woman prays for a washing machine and the electricity to run it as she hangs her hand-washed laundry.

"I'll have what she's having."

2009-02-05T10:58:00.004-08:00

How do you eat this delicious creation? Do you start at the top and work your way down, or do you begin at the base and work your way up?

My Favorite Preacherman

2009-02-05T10:40:00.004-08:00

Rev. Robert Parks of Charleston, SC painted a very muscular Jesus ascending the ladder to heaven. On his house.

My Favorite Preacherman in Color

2009-02-05T10:35:00.003-08:00

Rise and shine!

2009-02-05T08:18:00.004-08:00

He's a cute little pecker, isn't he?

Now that I've got your attention:

2009-02-04T21:33:00.006-08:00

A little boy in Hue, Viet Nam who was fascinated by his reflection in my camera's lens.