The Manrilla Blog | Life. Art. Religion. Culture.

Took this one at morning’s light. Man. Can’t believe it. 33. Doesn’t feel like anything, though. Well, now that you mention it, my joints do feel a little bit more rickety.

So by now, most of us have either seen or heard about the cartoons originally published by Danish newspapers. We’ve heard the stories from all sides. Quote un-quote Westerners have laid down their claim that it is about freedom of speech. Muslims have rebuttled that freedom of speech should not constitute vulgarities. Who’s right and who’s wrong? As usual, we’re both suspect. Read more this entry »

Spent the weekend in NYC. It was really “something else”. You know, I do like New York. It’s a great city - endlessly fascinating. But there was a time when New York held a certain mythical quality for me. That is no longer the case. Maybe it’s because I live in the 6th Borough. No! - I don’t buy that. But, any way, it was fun. One of the biggest things that is different about New York and Philly is cash money. I mean, you can spend a lot in Philly if you want but damn!, NYC’s expensive. It’s as if muggings are optional ‘cuz either way you gon’ be out some money! I won’t go into details but I dropeed $60 at TGI Fridays [don’t ask, don’t ask…]. Well, here’s a few.

Subway, China Town

Façade, The Village

Bricks & Door, The Village

Abetta Boiler & Welding Service, The Village

Door & Graffiti, The Village

New York Sports Club, The Village

99 Problems But A Spoon Ain’t One, The Village

Yours Truly, The Village © 2005 Denise Botcheos

Subway, Going Uptown

Buildings - Nightime, Uptown

Times Square, NYC

View From The Westin, 43rd Street

Yours Truly In A Very Small Bath Robe, The Westin, 43rd Street

Enjoy.

I had to get up early today and head out past Conshohocken to talk to some folks regarding Web design stuff. I took some shots on the way back.

Old Bridge, Manayunk

Garage Door, Manayunk

Old Trailer, Manayunk

Old Door, 10th & Callowhill

Doorway, 12th & Buttonwood

Center City Grocery & Produce, 10th & Carlton

Pipes, 12th & Vine St.

Lung Hing Noodle Co., China Town

Enjoy.

Took a quick trip into town to get some supplies for school. Shot these few on the way.

Brick Façade, Bainbridge & Broad

Abandoned Housing, Bainbridge & Broad

Window and Chair, Bainbridge & Broad

Graffiti and Façade, Bainbridge & Broad

Warning - Garage Door, South Philly

Buddhist Temple, Washington & 13th

Black Smoke, Passyunk & 15th

Enjoy.

This weekend brought a few pleasant surprises. My friend Nick stopped in from Madison. We got together with Rob and Brad and had cheesesteaks and hoagies at Tony Luke’s. Thanks for stoppin’ in, Nick. I hope to visit you soon in Madison. Rob - Brad: we’ve got to do Tony Luke’s again!

I also had the pleasure of having breakfast with Orfeo at the Silk City Diner. We’ve managed to continue our tradition of fine dining at diners. It started in Madison and it’s on its way to being a tradition here in Philly.

Nick, Tony Luke’s, South Philly

Nick, Tony Luke’s, South Philly

Rob, Tony Luke’s, South Philly

Brad, Tony Luke’s, South Philly

Yours Truly, Tony Luke’s, South Philly © 2006 Rob Jennings

Self Portrait, Broad & Jackson

Enjoy.

I had a conversation with an acquaintance today which brought back some thoughts I had before to the forefront of my very crowded mind. One of those crowded thoughts is the concept of Arabic being the gateway to Islamic Knowledge. Before I proceed further, let me say first, that I mean no ill will to the one with whom I had this conversation with. If any thing, it brought up a topic I believe needs discussing. And oh! do I love discussing. Read more this entry »

If you thought we were gonna skip town on Winter and not have to pay our tab then you’re sorely mistaken! But hey, at least we’re not livin’ in Central Park, where they got 27+” of snow. Documenting the City one hoof at a time.

Oval Façade, 16th & Brandywine

Snow and Doorway, 17th & Brandywine

NTR, 17th & Brandywine

One Way, 16th & Brandywine

House In Detail, 16th & Spring Garden

Steam Pipe, 16th & Spring Garden

Snow On Ramp, Center City

Snowy Bench, 15th & Market

Church, Center City

Expressway, Center City

Enjoy.