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

The weather’s changing - getting much colder. For some reason that makes me want to shoot more. On final approach to The End of Semester Grind. Three from yesterday/today. Enjoy.

Lights and Shadow, 16^th and Market

Orfeo Working, Temple University

Two Over Four, Temple University

Walked into town earlier today to do some studying but things got derailed from there. “The best-laid plans of mice and men”. Enjoy.

Building, North Philly

Self-portrait on the Train, North Philly

Steel Drum Musician, Suburban Station

Post and Beams, West Philly

Green Line Cafe - Study #1, West Philly

Green Line Cafe - Study #2, West Philly

Bike Racks, University City

Cross Walk, Drexel University

Drexel Institute, Drexel University

Tree and Crane, Drexel University

Trane Trussel, University City

5 MP/H, Center City

Schuylkill Jogger, Center City

Couple - Study #1, Center City

Couple - Study #2, Center City

Feelings of sadness gripped me today as I said good-bye to my parents who had visited myself and my two brothers this week. For me, they were a much needed breath of fresh air; my proverbial sunlight on a cloudy day. I hope that I have some time in the near future to go and visit and spend time with them. These are a few shots from running around while they were here. Enjoy.

Vegetable Truck, 48^th and Spruce

Philadelphia Convention Center, China Town

Roasted Ducks, China Town

My Son [Wyatt], Upper Darby

Little Pete’s, Center City

Old Man, Center City

I had the extreme pleasure of talking at William Penn Charter School today to Thomas Rickards’ high school class on comparitive religion. I was invited to speak on my narrative as an American Muslim and how and why I became Muslim as well as other issues facing the American Muslim community(ies). The students were all quite cordial and asked pertinent questions. I must say that I was truly impressed with the school. The students carried themselves with a quiet dignity, never shouting or creating a raucous. The school itself had an open, serene quality to it. Somewhere I could see myself sending my own children (if I had any). My parents also joined me and had an opportunity to listen in on the conversation. It was a great experience, one that I hope to have the pleasure to repeat again. Below are a few shots of the school and a few afterwards, with my parents. Enjoy.

Mom & Dad, Manayunk

Ridge Ave, Manayunk

Mom, Manayunk

William Penn Charter School, Near Germantown

William Penn Charter School, Near Germantown

Hard to believe it, but today’s the 1-year anniversary of Philly Shots. Many happy returns. Why, you can even view the entire anthology right here!

This week has seen the passing a few, not insignificant personalities. Links and thoughts on them below.

Basil Poledouris: I can’t believe it. 61’s not very old. I grew up listening to his soundtrack for Conan the Barbarian, which to me is one the great, modern film scores (it’s sampled so many times it only proves my point). He also wrote the score for The Hunt For Red October and many others. Balancing fanfare with emotional subtleness, Poledouris was a master composer in my book. He will be sorely missed. Article.

Ed Bradley: When I think of broadcast journalism, I think of Ed Bradley. I also somehow associate Bradley with my father, having many memories watching 60 Minutes with my father. Bradley seemed to have the kind of integrity someone my father would admire. I had a lot of respect for Bradley, having come up through the tough streets of Philadelphia, traversing racial obstacles to finally become something more than just a great “black journalist”. My he rest in peace. Article.

Gerald Levert: Not that I was ever a huge Levert fan but it is of some slight astonishment being that he was only 40 years old. Being a Detroit native and amatuer historian, Levert put himself through the paces of Detroit’s music scene; his grand parents lived in Detroit. Sorry to see him go. Article.

The splendor of fall has almost left us. Most of the leaves have passed their zenith in color and are now fading into the more subtle colors of decay. But despite that the weather has been more than pleasant, warm enough for just a sweater. But between the imminent visiting of my parents and the end of the semester approaching I will be inconsistent in my postings. Hope these few can satisfy you temporarily. Enjoy.

North East Philly (as seen from Gladfelter Hall), Temple University

Telephone Pole, West Philly

Two Old Leaves, West Philly

Mop and Bucket, Center City

Waiting For the Trolley, Center City

R7, Temple University

Steps, Center City

Wall - 19^th Street Trolley Stop, Center City

Felt a bit political today [so…. tongue in cheek]. Thought this might be appropriate.