Body Art

                                                                    Tattoos


      As a ship sailor out on the Pacific, in my younger days, I listened to many tales of my fellow crew mates. For every adventure there had to be special acknowledgement.( A tattoo)
 Some  sailors had potty mouths and dirty minds. Wine, whiskey and women were what they talked about. When the smoking lamp was lit, ( a Navy term allowing the crew to smoke for a period) smoke clouds filled the air. Often the conversation turned to tattoos.
   There where sailors who had more than one tattoo. I don't remember them being overly covered but of course, each tattoo had special meaning.    When the ships pulled into port many declared their intentions of, getting drunk, finding a girlfriend and a getting a tattoo.  Usually the white sailors and some orientals were the first and boldest about getting them.
  Not too many black sailors were attracted to the phenomena at that time although a few did indulge.
   The sailors were proud of their tattoos and wore them as  badges and symbols of honor and respect.
  Those were military days. I'm sure that tradition continues. 
      Today, pro. basketballers, footballers, boxers singers and entertainers have become apart of the body image culture.
         I know people have the right to decide what they want to do with their bodies but some people make bad decisions. If someone wants to wear a tattoo that's fine but when your body is covered with tattoos it says something of your thought process. When individuals choose to tattoo there faces,  I think they have taken it to the extreme. When I see beautiful women who turn their bodies into murals I wonder what they were thinking.
   God created beauty in women but some decided to redesign their image.  If one wears a tattoo for others to see, they must expect to be noticed. If tattoos tell stories then some people have to be read like a book. The extreme tattooed person becomes a museum piece, a conversation item, or a circus freak. To read each tattoo and listen to the story behind them could take hours.
        I have never had or wanted a tattoo but have no problem with others getting one. One well placed tattoo is not bad if you must. What I find extreme is the wallpaper affect on the human body.
       The tattoo artist go from fair to fantastic. There are some extremely talented Artist out there. Recently I read an article of tattoo artist crafting their work on canvas. 
  Many are able to work under extreme conditions. Some practice while incarcerated finding ingenious ways of designing tools while in jail. The most extreme practice  was shown on the news. An artist skydiving and tattooing another while still in the air.
     There are tattoo artist whose work is worthy of a museum. The problem is how do you place a live human in a museum. I have seen incredibly awesome tattoo art on humans.
      Body art comes in many forms.  People have a right to choices. While I will in no way condemn a person's choice to receive a tattoo, I will say.. choose wisely.

   

Germantown Is Swinging

                       
          Germantown is a hot spot for music and entertainment. Various venues exist throughout the area.  Jazz, poetry, art, line dancing at the the Center In The Park, and restaurants etc.
 While driving up Germantown Ave. Saturday evening Aug. 22nd 2015, I saw the crowd and heard the music. Vernon park was packed with excited onlookers. Vendors with their colorful signs sold food as the musicians performed. The crowd was dancing to the music in the park.
     I missed many of the performers but caught up with the band called Breakwater. They closed the evening out with their funky brand of R&B.

 Philadelphia has so many talented musicians. Many have migrated to New York,
and various other cities that support their talents. In years gone by as well as today musicians travel to other countries where the demand is high for American Music. London, Paris, and other nations love our music.
      The great thing about Philadelphia today is that many free concerts are being held all over the city.
We are honored to see many of the best Musicians in the world for free on special occasions in this city. I take at advantage every chance I get.

The Gathering Of Oldheads

June 5th 2015

                                                         The Olive Garden

      The gathering of Old Heads is a wonderful thing in such turbulent times as these. In spite of all the tensions, economic strains, wars and political struggles, we can still eke out a time for fellowship.
  Our friendship was born at Germantown High School. We kept it alive over the years. We came together on the 4th of June 2015 at Chilies Restaurant then did it again on the 5th when Eddie Drummond came to town. This time we chose the Olive Garden .
   We did well for ourselves in life. Among the group was a George Palmer Lawyer, Judge Gwen Conway, Scientist Eddie Drummond, Law enforcement Officer Louis Crenshaw, a Writer/Movie Producer Milton Mcgriff, and a Maintenance Mechanic/Photographer Ronald Dove
      We have become family. After so many years of friendship and seeing many of our former schoolmates transitioning, we value the connection we now have.

                                           Left to right, Milton Mcgriff, Eddie Drummond.
                                           And Louis Crenshaw

                                           Left to right George Palmer, Louis Crenshaw,
                                           Eddie Drummond, Milt Mcgriff and Ron Dove

                                           Standing next to Eddie's new Lexus

                                          Big George in the city.
                                           Below, Parting is much easier knowing that we
                                           will continue to meet as much as possible. We
                                          know the future is not our's to predict but we are
                                          family to the end.

30th. Anniversary Of The Bombing OF Move

5/17/2015

                                              Move 

  May 13th 2015 was the 30th. Anniversary of the bombing of the move home in the 6200 block of Osage Avenue here in the city of Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

  In May 13th 1985 the Philadelphia Police Dropped an incendiary device on the move home resulting in the deaths of 11 people. About five of them were children. The fire that ensued partially destroyed the block causing people to leave their homes. Eventually houses had to be torn down and new homes were built. The new homes had various problems.

          The fire and police shooting at the home was tragic news that travelled across the country. A decision was made to let the fire burn after the bombing. The move members that tried to escape were fired on by police according to reports. Romona and little Birdie Africa were the only ones to escape. 

      Thirty years later a commemoration took place at the end of the block.
Sixty Third Street at Osage Ave. Was Blocked off for the demonstration. There were White People, Hispanic, Oriental, American Indians, Palestinians, Rabbis, rappers

members of the clergy, the Jewish Community and many more in solidarity for the event.

   There were speeches, poetry, signs and drummers. When the speeches were over, the group marched from Osage Ave to the Thirty-Eighth District Plaza.

  Speeches took place, by the many guest. Cornel West and Chuck D were on hand as well as other National Figures.

 

While We Are Able

May 14th 2015


                                                          While We Are Able


                       We are like flowers that wither with age. We are living in the evening of our hours
sleeping through the night and waiting for the sunshine of a new day. We celebrate our neighbors
in the same garden by coming together every three months. Roses, lilies, daffodils, tulips , violets
and thorns. Yes, it takes all kinds to make a garden. We all have a season.
   Meeting at the Hibachi Buffet on Cheltenham Ave in Philadelphia has been a joy.
  While we are still able we are going to push it to the max when it comes to enjoying ourselves.
 God has blessed us with longevity. Many of us are yet strong and alert and have much to offer.
We are former Germantown High School Students and Friends. Let us continue to enjoy one another
and keep the fellowship alive.

Arts And Crafts

5/12/2015


                                                        Arts And Crafts


       Mothers are known for their abilities and special talents in the home. They cook, sew, decorate and design. A mothers touch is in her home decor. She has her way of expressing her feelings through the artistic styling she chooses to display. Some mothers take it to another level with creative thinking. Some skills are so extraordinary they are worthy of an art show.
      Mother's day hosted an event of arts and crafts down at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.
There was jewelry, pottery, sewing art, and many other skills displayed. The men were not left out. They demonstrated the masculine ideas of art along side the women. Ideas abound in the creative mind only limited by ones imagination.  Being at the free event gave me much to think about.
   There is so much to do for an artistic person. It takes time and dedication to produce works of art. In the end, a labour of love is worth the effort.

Philadelphia/ Baltimore Solidarity March

                                   The Philadelphia /Baltimore Solidarity March


       April 30th 2015 launched the solidarity coalition march from downtown Philadelphia. A few thousand people gathered around 4pm in the evening at City Hall. The protest speeches and poems started shortly after. There were white, hispanic, oriental and other ethnics. Solidarity marches were in other cities across the nation. The statement was strong that black lives matter, but why is it needed  to be said when it should be understood. Of course, all lives matter but why are black men dying at the hands of police more than any other race.
      Another well needed speech was given on the fact that blacks are killing blacks.
It seems with this rash of killings so close together, we have an epidemic of major proportions. If fear is the true motivator of these killings then do we blame Freddie Grey for running, or understand the police reacting. Do police fear dark skin men? Do blacks fear police?
   It is unacceptable that justice is absent in the face of abuse. Any group can say justice for us but to level the playing field it should be justice for all. Where there is no justice, absolutely there is no peace. We need police. We have some great police officers who are truly professional an compassionate and are doing fantastic work. Officers have a dangerous job and I take my hat off to them. When officers do the wrong thing, just like the general public, they should be held accountable.
  The justice system is at the root balancing the scales of equality.
       It should be understood that inequality, greed, incompetent leadership and poverty is at the root of violence in this country. Those who have the most power to change this dynamic refuse because of selfish greed. Black men need jobs and education. Those who have been incarcerated and released back into society need help. They can not just be thrown into the free world with no support system.
          Young black women and men, the new blood flowing through the veins of an awaking giant,  are on the verge of revolution. Revolution does not always mean violence but strategy and thinking.
  The black single woman who struggles to maintain  a Fatherless household while raising her children faces tremendous odds. The cost of child care, housing, education and other expenses is astronomical.
   Black women are also crying out for respect and recognition in a male dominated world becoming more and more divided with unequal distribution of rewards given for the same achievement. America's sleeping giant is a rising army of powerful women in leadership positions whose voices are about to be heard as never before. All over the world women are stepping in to high offices of leadership in many countries. Women Presidents are the wave of the future. The solidarity of progressive movement toward change is being forged by young dynamic and intelligent sisters along with their female allies from other ethnic groups.

Ron Dove
   

Cousin Tommy

                                                 Cousin Tommy
       Cousin Tommy is like the cat with nine lives. He has one life for every adventure. The difference is when those nine are over, he has nine more. His thirst for excitement is not easily quenched. He is always one step ahead of your expectations. Now you see him, now you don't. Like a magician he will suddenly appear smiling with laughter and glee, then disappear shortly after. Everyone will ask,
" Have you seen Tommy lately?" When he reappears his dominating personality fills the atmosphere.
He immediately becomes the life of the party. But until such time as he does, he remains a mystery.
He slips back into the unknown, perhaps unable to deal with the boredom of uninteresting and unproductive people.  He becomes Mandrake without the cape.
          Tommy the business man has always been able to survive by using his wit and imagination.
He can be quite the salesman when the need arises. His ability to create hope and exciting possibilities out of thin air is only exceeded by his theatrical demonstrations of drama and action.
     If he walks with a friend who is hesitant and afraid, his actions will most likely say, " Stanback, learn, and watch me work my magic." He is true to his character and self confidence, by never conceding to defeat. He must walk away from weaklings for they will drain his energy, sap his  superior strength, and slow him down. He must have his creative imagination stimulated by fascinating personalities that feed his ego and comfort his restless nature.
   When it comes to acting and he is a professional actor, tell him what you want.
Preacher, gangster, homeless lover, comedian, adversary, friend, salesman, producer or family member, he can do it all.
     He can contort and change his facial expressions to represent the message he wants to convey. If you look into his face and read his lips, you will know which Tommy you are dealing with.
Don't get it twisted, but be correct when you ascertain who you are dealing with.
    I remember him as the Tommy who can run with the bulls and not get gored, laughing all the way.
I remember the preacher in him that could strike fear into your heart with sermons of hell fire.
I remember the fun loving joker, that kept you laughing and smiling and entertained. I remember the Phenomenal  Actor that performed two separate plays in one night. I thought," what a remarkable memory.
   With all due respect I'm happy to know that he has recently emerged as King Solomon and most currently added, the Juice for 2015. Yes I realize that Cousin Tommy must keep up with the times.
He is not your ordinary senior citizen. Tommy supersedes age; he is ageless.
          In order to write, act or produce a movie, one must draw from real life situations. It is often necessary to experience the character you wish to perform or write about. You must go on the spot in be in real life places that you hope to project. I think Cousin Tommy had to do his homework and became characters in order to know how to best represent their image. In other words, The brother had to go undercover, something like F.B.I. and C.I.A. You see, I think he had to operate under secret circumstances. Therefore we were not allowed to see him. He became the unseen alien that walks among us in society undetected, on a mission of purpose.

       When it comes right down to it, we all love Cousin Tommy. Every family should have a Cousin Tommy. He should be cloned or bottled like perfume (the genie in the bottle) and spread through out the world. The world needs more, laughter, love, and fun. Cousin Tommy knows how to deliver  but of coarse there can be only one....... Cousin Tommy.
Ron Dove 1/16/2014       

     

                                                            United We Stand
 
    We are one nation of people who happen to be a mixture of various ethnicities. We can not afford to become divided. We have one government split, Democrat and Republican.
 Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians and any other group must unite to protect our country. Foreign invaders will have an open door if we fail and are weak. We must continue to fight for education, equality, jobs and our children.
   Yes we have some major issues and deep seated adversity on all sides but we can not let that stop us from moving forward. There will be protest, marches, arguments and many disagreements but all that is a part of having a democracy.
















       In the past our heroes were strong fighters who pushed us forward. They are gone but we who are here must use o    
our time wisely to the best advantage. The struggle continues. There is plenty of work for all to do. We need all hands on deck. Everyone is needed. Let us not fail to recognize our responsibilities. Lets not forget the past, while we push toward the future.                                        

We Will Rise Again

I'm running with feet made of brass, I got ball bearings in my hips, so I'm made to last
My copper tone skin is only slightly affected buy the sun, it just turns golden brown.
My muscles are made of steel and I've got iron running in my blood. My heart is like a lion's;
it's fearless. My eyes are like polished diamonds that sparkle in the sunlight. That's why I see crystal clear. My hair is like wool, I'm made of God's greatest materials.
              I come from the land of many rivers, where the valleys are deep and the forrest is vast. My world is rich with minerals and precious stones. The luscious fruit on the trees are the sweetest on the planet. My neighbors are a vast array of the fiercest and most exotic animals of every description.
  The agriculture of my continent's most fertile soil is unending.
    My linage goes back to King David and Solomon.  My ancestors came from the Valley of the Kings. I have royal blood flowing through my veins. The women of my village are descendents of Queens.
   If you try to destroy me I'll multiply. In former times millions of my people were stolen from their lands and spread through out the world to serve evil men. We were held down for centuries, hated
abused and murdered. Our legacy was stolen and our history destroyed and we were not allowed to learn. Even in this day the truth of our existence and past is denied.
  Our destiny is planned and we will rise again. We have lent our blood to many nations. Just one drop is so powerful it will dominate and re create.
        Today our women our the most luscious on the planet and our men are greatly to be desired.



In spite of what has been done we have the most potent power of love in our hearts yet the most aggressive  of passions once stirred but believe in peace with all men and sharing together
     Out of the ashes and dust of the past arises a new image and even more powerful version of
what we once were. We have been tested by the fires of time and made stronger, to withstand the pressures of this present day.
    The spirit of our ancestors resides in our souls. Their voices whisper in the wind. Deep down in the blood stained earth, rest the dry bones of our heroes. We must carry on the struggle. We will not be held back but march through time and space to arrive at our appointed places. We can be confident that God will walk beside us if we are his. With his help no man will be able to stop us. We will rise again.

                  Ron Dove 12/25/2015