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

While I may not be a Hobbit, I did take a trip around the neighborhood this evening. It was such a relief to have some cooler weather. Enjoy.

Melrose Diner, South Philly

Smoke Stack, McKean & 15^th St

Meters, McKean & 15^th St

Smoke Stack, McKean & 15^th St

Barrier, Saint Agnes Medical Center

Hydrant, Saint Agnes Medical Center

Deliveries, Saint Agnes Medical Center

Mail, South Philly

Tomboutou, Moore & Broad

Graffiti, Moore & Broad

Aflac (Behind Bars), South Philly

Private Property, 13^th & Snyder

Patriot Games, South Philly

Door and Wall, South Philly

Hydrant, South Philly

Pipes and Bricks, South Philly

Menu - Pop’s Ice, Broad & Oregon

Animal Hospital, South Philly

American Flag, South Philly

New Moon (Jumadah al-Akhirah), South Philly

So hot out. Been meaning to shoot more but time has been constrained so it’s just short little trips and quick snaps while running errands. Today’s six were fruitfull. Enjoy.

Tunnel Wall, Spring Garden

Shoe Co., Spring Garden

Unlawful Detainee, Northern Liberties

R-D-W-I-L-L-W-L-D-I, Northern Liberties

Overgrown Weed, Northern Liberties

Three Windows To Nowhere, Northern Liberties

Getting towards the end of June and summer’s in full swing. Hot weather’s here. Just a few from bein’ out and bein’ about somethin’. Enjoy.

Ghostly Visage, Old City

8AM - 4PM, 47^th & Parrish

Self Portrait, Prayer Beads

News Stand, South Philly

Underpass, South Philly

Old Cabinet, South Philly

Two Smoke Stacks, 25^th & Christian

G. Antonini Construction, 40^th & Lancaster

Old Door, New Door, South Philly

Castro’s, South Philly

Building Façade, South Philly

Trees, Medford, NJ

It was my pleasure to speak at Rutgers University today. I was invited to speak by the professor, Joanna, to her class on spiritual autobiography. The students had good questions. I fielded a variety of inqueries ranging from women’s positions and roles to my own personal experience delving into Islam. I hope that I was some what entertaining and not too long winded (!!). I enjoy this type of engagement because it allows for outreach and understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim parties. I hope to have the pleasure to speak at Rutgers again.

Tip of the hat to Muhammad for sending me this one. A small Muslim women’s basketball team in Atlanta competes in full headscarves and sweats. The went from 0-20 to 21-1. Are they victims? Oppressed? Brainwashed? If so, they got a funny way o’ showin’ it! Last, before I give you the link is: where can I get a jersey? Go Lady Caliphs!!

I first heard of Joseph Phillips’ book, He Talk Like A White Boy on NPR’s News & Notes with Ed Gordon. I was intrigued by the title and also of Gordon’s brief interview of Phillips so I headed down to Border’s to pick up a copy. Phillips tackles tough topics such as masculinity, anti-intellectualism and the lack of pluralism in how blacks are viewed in American society as well as clueing us into his various political and religious ideologies. While I do not agree with everything that Phillips has written I none the less have found it a good read and perhaps even an important book. Important with a small “i” but still significant. Read more this entry »

Took a small trip to Princeton to catch a lecture and then down to Northern Liberties to catch some poor artists. Saw some really good photography and other crafts as well. Enjoy.

71, Princeton University

Bench, Train Station, Princeton University

Waiting, Self Portrait, Princeton University

Standing Pipe, Northern Liberties

Bricks and Leaves, Northern Liberties

Art For The Cash Poor, Northern Liberties

Crane Co., Northern Liberties

Building and Clouds, Northern Liberties

Doorway, Northern Liberties

Pipe and Bricks, Northern Liberties

Hole In The Wall, Northern Liberties

Door, Northern Liberties

A/C, Northern Liberties

Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy, Nothern Liberties

Façade, Northern Liberties

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is dead. The media is touting this as a major victory for the Iraqi people and for the United States military. Zarqawi has been labeled a terrorist and may indeed be responsible for many acts of violence. But with the American military coming under fire for alleged massacres of Iraqi citizens, past visions of the convenience of apprehending Saddam Hussain start to wash over me. So if this is a major victory why does it smell funny? Why do I get the feeling that this is Mission Accomplished 2.0? Read more this entry »