It's been several days since I've posted , but I'm back now. Actually, I just needed a few days away from the computer. We have become so dependent on computers -it has really changed the way we live and communicate. I needed to unplug for a few days.
I was watching television this morning (which I don't do that often) and I saw a commercial that made me laugh. There were two astronauts cruising around on the moon in one of their moon cars (I'm sure there's a technical name for those) and they are cranking out the song "Jump Around" by Cyprus Hill, bouncing in their seats. I don't think I will ever grow tired of that song! Anyway, after break dancing and rock collecting, they go back to their car to see that the tires had been stolen. A clever way to advertise tires!
That had me thinking about all of the commercial art and advertising work I have done over the years (that's how artists prostitute their talents, by the way). I never had the opportunity to direct a t.v. commercial. That's something I would like to try one of these days. It just looks like a fun venture.
Speaking of commercial art, I just discovered an artist that I just love. Cassandra, my designer friend, stopped in to visit me last week. She wanted me to look at work by an artist named Si Scott. He's a graphic designer from the UK that specializes in typography design. You have to see his work. Website: http://www.siscottdesign.com/.
The line quality is energetic and elegant at the same time, they are just beautiful drawings. Viewing his work makes me want to get out a sketch pad and draw. Go take a look, I bet you'll like what you see.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Ciao!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Little Big Town
Monday night I had the unique opportunity to spend time with the country band Little Big Town. I've met many celebrities over the years in different genres and arenas, and I have to say that these four individuals were the absolute nicest and most humble celebs I have ever encountered. All four of them are just so genuine and sincere. It was truly a pleasure to spend time with them.
Go check out their site at http://www.littlebigtown.com/. The vocals are tremendous, their songs have real substance with strong lyrical content and they have a number of radio hits. They remind me of a young Fleetwood Mac.
Now that I'm on the subject, I will also say that I'm very excited for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This group of athletes share some of the same qualities as the band I just mentioned above- very humble and grounded. This is especially the case with Sydney Crosby, what an amazing talent. It's very impressive how dignified he is for such a young age and how well he presents himself.
So, if you haven't already discovered Little Big Town- now's the time. Trust me, they're fantastic. And if you've given up on pro-athletes for their shootings, beatings, drugs and blatant thuggery, then it's time to become a Pittsburgh Penguins fan.
Have a great night- it's time for me to go to bed!
Ciao!
Go check out their site at http://www.littlebigtown.com/. The vocals are tremendous, their songs have real substance with strong lyrical content and they have a number of radio hits. They remind me of a young Fleetwood Mac.
Now that I'm on the subject, I will also say that I'm very excited for the Pittsburgh Penguins. This group of athletes share some of the same qualities as the band I just mentioned above- very humble and grounded. This is especially the case with Sydney Crosby, what an amazing talent. It's very impressive how dignified he is for such a young age and how well he presents himself.
So, if you haven't already discovered Little Big Town- now's the time. Trust me, they're fantastic. And if you've given up on pro-athletes for their shootings, beatings, drugs and blatant thuggery, then it's time to become a Pittsburgh Penguins fan.
Have a great night- it's time for me to go to bed!
Ciao!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Michael Jackson
All this talk about the 80s...how can you leave out Michael Jackson? If you would have asked me what I thought of Michael Jackson 10 years ago, I would have said that he was a musical genius, a brilliant mind and one of the most talented musical performers in history. What happened? What the hell is wrong with him? Is he one of those minds that are so intelligent, so advanced that he resides in a different reality? Let's ignore the fact that he has had so much plastic surgery that he looks like a white woman with an eating disorder. Very strange transition to pay for, by the way. But then you have to take his bizarre behavior into consideration and the allegations, which are disgusting. What a disaster. He has destroyed what may have been the strongest legacy in popular culture. What a shame... and I really loved his music.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Are the 80's back?
Something very surprising took place on the fashion runways in Milan, Italy this winter- a resurgence of 80's styles! Interesting enough, the same exact thing recently occurred in New York City during Fashion Week.
Major designers such as Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan and Alexander Wang look as if they have embraced the big hair, shoulder pads, power suits, skin tight dresses, dark lipstick and even acid-wash jeans that were so popular in the 80's . Are we ready for that? Runway fashion can delve into fantasy, but it also has the power to change the industry. It's hard to say whether or not the 80's fashions will end up in your local Macy's by fall, but it's very likely at this point. I just had a mental picture of the WHAM! "Choose Life" t-shirt and Michael Jackson red leather jacket with zippers everywhere.... I hope those items don't make a comeback.
Don't get me wrong, I love the 80's. It was an exciting time, self divulgent, vibrant and expressive. Amazing things were happening in the art scene, music was just so distinct, so upbeat and optimistic- there was a great energy to the 1980's. The neon colors were so appropriate for mind set of the time period.
I love the 80's movies- The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, The Karate Kid... you know you love them too! And the music... I love the music from the 80's. My favorites? The Cure, Duran Duran, The Police, Peter Gabriel, The Smiths, Kate Bush....I have a great 80's playlist on my iPod.
As for the return of 80's fashion, I did have the black and white checkered Vans back in the day. If the 80's styles come back I will have an excuse to buy another pair! I'm not buying another jean jacket or high top tennis shoes though, no matter how popular they may become!
Have a great night.
Major designers such as Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan and Alexander Wang look as if they have embraced the big hair, shoulder pads, power suits, skin tight dresses, dark lipstick and even acid-wash jeans that were so popular in the 80's . Are we ready for that? Runway fashion can delve into fantasy, but it also has the power to change the industry. It's hard to say whether or not the 80's fashions will end up in your local Macy's by fall, but it's very likely at this point. I just had a mental picture of the WHAM! "Choose Life" t-shirt and Michael Jackson red leather jacket with zippers everywhere.... I hope those items don't make a comeback.
Don't get me wrong, I love the 80's. It was an exciting time, self divulgent, vibrant and expressive. Amazing things were happening in the art scene, music was just so distinct, so upbeat and optimistic- there was a great energy to the 1980's. The neon colors were so appropriate for mind set of the time period.
I love the 80's movies- The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, The Karate Kid... you know you love them too! And the music... I love the music from the 80's. My favorites? The Cure, Duran Duran, The Police, Peter Gabriel, The Smiths, Kate Bush....I have a great 80's playlist on my iPod.
As for the return of 80's fashion, I did have the black and white checkered Vans back in the day. If the 80's styles come back I will have an excuse to buy another pair! I'm not buying another jean jacket or high top tennis shoes though, no matter how popular they may become!
Have a great night.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Pittsburgh Police
I rarely make controversial or angry comments in here, but today I think I will make an exception. As you may know, three Pittsburgh Police officers were recently gunned down. The city had a very honorable and dignified funeral service for them last week. I didn’t know any of these men, but I know they left small children and spouses behind. The officers had enough control and discipline when returning fire to shoot the attacker in the legs, so he is alive, in jail awaiting his trial. By the way, the scumbag wants to write and publish a book.
I have befriended many police officers over the years, many with families, very similar to these gentlemen. I would hope that if one of them were being fired upon in such a manner that one of them would land a head shot on the attacker. Not a humanitarian comment I know, but these men go out everyday and put their lives at risk simply by wearing the uniform. They deal with psychos, crack heads, drug dealers, etc. all armed with guns and rights. You see, the news story about these men has already disappeared. People are busy with their own lives, they forget, they move on. If one of these crack heads gets knocked around by an officer though, the news story will go on for months, even years. There will be an investigation, the officer will be named in the news, the station will be picketed and there will be a protest, maybe even a benefit concert because the police officer was too tough with an armed drug addict.
This whole thing disgusts me. The officers need to go home at the end of their shift. Criminals forfeit their rights when they attack, resist or break the law.
Here’s the ugly truth- the world is full of evil people. I like to believe there is good in everyone, but I am often times proven wrong. Some people are simply evil.
I have befriended many police officers over the years, many with families, very similar to these gentlemen. I would hope that if one of them were being fired upon in such a manner that one of them would land a head shot on the attacker. Not a humanitarian comment I know, but these men go out everyday and put their lives at risk simply by wearing the uniform. They deal with psychos, crack heads, drug dealers, etc. all armed with guns and rights. You see, the news story about these men has already disappeared. People are busy with their own lives, they forget, they move on. If one of these crack heads gets knocked around by an officer though, the news story will go on for months, even years. There will be an investigation, the officer will be named in the news, the station will be picketed and there will be a protest, maybe even a benefit concert because the police officer was too tough with an armed drug addict.
This whole thing disgusts me. The officers need to go home at the end of their shift. Criminals forfeit their rights when they attack, resist or break the law.
Here’s the ugly truth- the world is full of evil people. I like to believe there is good in everyone, but I am often times proven wrong. Some people are simply evil.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Deserted Island
So...... I am still having an incredibly busy week and feeling quite sleep deprived. It looks like I will have a few days rest for the holiday weekend and then back into the insanity for another week. That being the case, I have nothing meaningful to say! My brain is too exhausted to produce interesting thoughts at the moment. Sorry about that.
If I have ever doubted the old saying that leisure builds culture, I will doubt no more. Rather than pondering the true nature of the universe in terms of cosmic conciousness, today I was thinking about the things I cannot live without, if stranded on a deserted island. What's odd about that? Afterall, you never do know when you might get stranded on a deserted island. So you should make a list too. :)
Anyway, my survival list..... surprisingly, cheese and peanut butter were ranking pretty high on the list. Not the stinky cheese though-any other kind is fine. I seriously can't live without it-I love it. Almost as much as pizza, but I can't make pizza on a deserted island, can I? Shit, wait a minute...I can't refrigerate cheese either. My life expectancy on the deserted island has just been drastically reduced. Okay, let's assume it's an apartment, with electricity.... on a deserted island (of course). That being the case, I'm happy to announce that cheese is back on the list!
Next.... My laptop computer and cell phone, but I don't know if I can call anyone from a deserted island. Would there be reception? Better to have it in case. I would need sketchbooks for drawing and supplies for painting, my iPod, plenty of clothes and a hammer...coconuts grow on islands. How in the hell do you open one without beating it with a hammer? Sunglasses, a wine cellar, beach towels, shampoo, books to read..... that might be it. All I need to survive on a deserted island. I better add a knife, first aid kit, flashlights and batteries. And that's it for me- I'm going to bed.
Good night -Sweet dreams.
If I have ever doubted the old saying that leisure builds culture, I will doubt no more. Rather than pondering the true nature of the universe in terms of cosmic conciousness, today I was thinking about the things I cannot live without, if stranded on a deserted island. What's odd about that? Afterall, you never do know when you might get stranded on a deserted island. So you should make a list too. :)
Anyway, my survival list..... surprisingly, cheese and peanut butter were ranking pretty high on the list. Not the stinky cheese though-any other kind is fine. I seriously can't live without it-I love it. Almost as much as pizza, but I can't make pizza on a deserted island, can I? Shit, wait a minute...I can't refrigerate cheese either. My life expectancy on the deserted island has just been drastically reduced. Okay, let's assume it's an apartment, with electricity.... on a deserted island (of course). That being the case, I'm happy to announce that cheese is back on the list!
Next.... My laptop computer and cell phone, but I don't know if I can call anyone from a deserted island. Would there be reception? Better to have it in case. I would need sketchbooks for drawing and supplies for painting, my iPod, plenty of clothes and a hammer...coconuts grow on islands. How in the hell do you open one without beating it with a hammer? Sunglasses, a wine cellar, beach towels, shampoo, books to read..... that might be it. All I need to survive on a deserted island. I better add a knife, first aid kit, flashlights and batteries. And that's it for me- I'm going to bed.
Good night -Sweet dreams.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Balance
This has been such an exhausting week- too much design work to do, not enough sleep and a whole bunch of coffee to make up the difference. I have been checking in to see what comments are being left, even though I haven't created a new post in a few days.
One thing I noticed about the last few days, feeling overworked and exhausted; there is simply no room left in your head for creative or meaningful thought. That certainly isn't good for your peace of mind. I wonder how many people go through their daily routines in that manner, overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted? It sucks the life out of you.
Don't get me wrong, a good work ethic is important and you always want to give 100% of yourself, but you also need a balance in your life. Here's the key: find a job that you love and you'll never work a day in your life. That being said, I guess my busy week wasn't so bad afterall. I still made it to the gym, the mall and the dojo, had a good bottle of wine and had time for dinner with an old friend.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm a bit geeked out about the new Star Trek movie coming out so I need to find out if it's in theaters yet. If so, that's on my list of things to do. Okay, so I'm a closet Trekkie, you know you are too!
Good night all.
One thing I noticed about the last few days, feeling overworked and exhausted; there is simply no room left in your head for creative or meaningful thought. That certainly isn't good for your peace of mind. I wonder how many people go through their daily routines in that manner, overwhelmed, stressed and exhausted? It sucks the life out of you.
Don't get me wrong, a good work ethic is important and you always want to give 100% of yourself, but you also need a balance in your life. Here's the key: find a job that you love and you'll never work a day in your life. That being said, I guess my busy week wasn't so bad afterall. I still made it to the gym, the mall and the dojo, had a good bottle of wine and had time for dinner with an old friend.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm a bit geeked out about the new Star Trek movie coming out so I need to find out if it's in theaters yet. If so, that's on my list of things to do. Okay, so I'm a closet Trekkie, you know you are too!
Good night all.
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