Having a nice weekend? I love the comments to follow the cage match post. More to come on that later!
In the meantime, here's the info on the Three Rivers Arts Festival beginning June 5....
I will have a display in either 925 or 927 Penn Avenue . I am rather excited about it because these spaces are curated by Eric Shiner of the Warhol Museum. I was telling friends this winter how lucky Pittsburgh is to have Eric here in our Arts Community - and now I am honored to be part of this exhibit he has curated.
Here is the description from the Arts Festival web site:
Eric C. Shiner, the Milton Fine Curator of Art at The Andy Warhol Museum, curates the work of Lilith Bailey-Kroll, Cara Erskine, Fabrizio Gerbino, James Wodarek and others in two vacant commercial spaces on Penn Avenue downtown. Featuring paintings, sculpture, illustration and video, the show brings together a diverse grouping of works that undermine notions of tranquility.
If you go to the Arts Festival next week (which you should!), I hope you will stop in and see my work. Also... if you go on the right night, you'll get a button with my art on it! Hope to see you there.
Ciao!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Queer Eye for the North Korean Guy
Happy Memorial Day to all. I had a very nice weekend, very relaxing and I hope all of you did as well. Although, between beers and backyard barbecues, I would have to think that world affairs were on the minds of many, creeping into the conversation.
I'm going to skip to the chase here- what the hell is wrong with North Korea? Nuclear testing?? Shouldn't the leader of a nation posses an ounce of common sense?
Here are my thoughts on this situation: war is horrible and should be avoided at all costs. The problem is that if North Korea has armed itself with nuclear weapons and insists on making defiant demonstrations to the rest of the world as it has done- what counter situation will that force? It's not a good scenario folks.
I have a peaceful solution- Pyongyang and Obama put on the boxing gloves and go into the ring. No wait, let's make it a cage match! It's an international pay-per-view event, with all revenues going directly to the national debt. Who wouldn't love to see it? It would earn a ridiculous amount of money as well. Obama would kick the snot out of Pyongyang on international television which would end the macho pissing contest. Maybe for a follow up show, Pyongyang could get a make-over! "Queer Eye for the North Korean Guy" has a nice ring to it. Is that show still on television? If not, maybe they will consider a reunion for the occassion. The only thing worse than his fashion sense is his commitment to world peace.
Funny? Perhaps, but what would be better- my idea or their way of doing things? (which always ends up killing millions of innocent people) I'm not so funny now am I?
I'm going to skip to the chase here- what the hell is wrong with North Korea? Nuclear testing?? Shouldn't the leader of a nation posses an ounce of common sense?
Here are my thoughts on this situation: war is horrible and should be avoided at all costs. The problem is that if North Korea has armed itself with nuclear weapons and insists on making defiant demonstrations to the rest of the world as it has done- what counter situation will that force? It's not a good scenario folks.
I have a peaceful solution- Pyongyang and Obama put on the boxing gloves and go into the ring. No wait, let's make it a cage match! It's an international pay-per-view event, with all revenues going directly to the national debt. Who wouldn't love to see it? It would earn a ridiculous amount of money as well. Obama would kick the snot out of Pyongyang on international television which would end the macho pissing contest. Maybe for a follow up show, Pyongyang could get a make-over! "Queer Eye for the North Korean Guy" has a nice ring to it. Is that show still on television? If not, maybe they will consider a reunion for the occassion. The only thing worse than his fashion sense is his commitment to world peace.
Funny? Perhaps, but what would be better- my idea or their way of doing things? (which always ends up killing millions of innocent people) I'm not so funny now am I?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Albert Einstein and Mike Tyson
I'm back.... I haven't written a blog post since Sunday, but I finally have a moment. I've been a little busy preparing a display of three large works for the Three Rivers Arts Festival. I'm very excited about it. More to come on that later ....
In the meantime, the Penguins keep winning, which is exciting. I missed some of it because I went to the dojo for a couple hours, but I saw the exciting parts.
I do have something to share with you this evening. My designer friend Marisa sent this link to me today. It's an oil painting titled "Discussing the Divine Comedy with Dante", but it has Wiki Links & mouse over tagging added to it now, making it interactive. The artists are Dai Dudu, Li Tiezi, and Zhang An. You are going to find everyone from Einstein to Mozart to Mike Tyson in there. Curious? Go check it out at http://cliptank.com/PeopleofInfluencePainting.htm. It's lots of fun!
Have a great Friday and a better weekend!
In the meantime, the Penguins keep winning, which is exciting. I missed some of it because I went to the dojo for a couple hours, but I saw the exciting parts.
I do have something to share with you this evening. My designer friend Marisa sent this link to me today. It's an oil painting titled "Discussing the Divine Comedy with Dante", but it has Wiki Links & mouse over tagging added to it now, making it interactive. The artists are Dai Dudu, Li Tiezi, and Zhang An. You are going to find everyone from Einstein to Mozart to Mike Tyson in there. Curious? Go check it out at http://cliptank.com/PeopleofInfluencePainting.htm. It's lots of fun!
Have a great Friday and a better weekend!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Parenting and the Village
Over the last week I have made a few posts that unintentionally carried the same theme, or at least lead to a theme that combines them. The theme, based on the old African proverb, "It takes a Village to Raise a Child". It's common sense, right?
The first step and the most important lies on the parents. Now that's a no-brainer, yet there are too many parents that find themselves too busy. Too busy with work and outside obligations. Here's a news flash- your child is your highest priority. If you don't see your child all week long, don't go golfing all day on Saturday. If you don't see your kids before they go to sleep everyday, skip happy hour with the co-workers and get your ass home. If you only have two weeks vacation a year, why are you using one of those weeks to go on a fishing trip with your friends?
Being a parent is such an honor, it amazes me how many people can screw it up. For example: Why is childhood obesity such a problem? Because fastfood is soooo convenient, as is packaged, food (loaded with synthetics, chemical flavor enhancers and preservatives). Is that burger really worth the 99 cents? Another reason, parents are too busy- too busy to get involved. The t.v., video games and computers have become in-house baby-sitters and tranquilizers. Watch a kid in front of a computer or t.v., they look like zombies.
Want to improve national scores in the United States? Make parenting a higher priority. Make sure someone is reading to children everyday from birth. Make sure someone is introducing them to music, history, art, nature and how to think creatively. Make sure proper decisions are being made in regards to children's diet (no processed foods or chemicals).
The change starts at home. It's like Gandhi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
With the right background, that every child deserves, then mentors like Ted White or Martha Fairchild can truly make a great impact on a young mind. Parents who put all of that responsibility on schools need to change their ways. Schools don't get children until they are 5. It's too late to undo the neglect at that point. Teach you children to become life long learners by teaching them to love learning.
Okay, so that's my rant for today. The concept of taking a village to raise a child has serious limitations if kids aren't being introduced to classical music, art museums, foreign language, world cultures, etc. until the school field trip. If you do have the opportunity to mentor or teach, then pass on everything, give them everything you have, don't hold back. If you have a little neighbor, a nephew, neice, baby cousin, then get involved and make a difference. It's not difficult and very rewarding. Okay, I'm done now.
The first step and the most important lies on the parents. Now that's a no-brainer, yet there are too many parents that find themselves too busy. Too busy with work and outside obligations. Here's a news flash- your child is your highest priority. If you don't see your child all week long, don't go golfing all day on Saturday. If you don't see your kids before they go to sleep everyday, skip happy hour with the co-workers and get your ass home. If you only have two weeks vacation a year, why are you using one of those weeks to go on a fishing trip with your friends?
Being a parent is such an honor, it amazes me how many people can screw it up. For example: Why is childhood obesity such a problem? Because fastfood is soooo convenient, as is packaged, food (loaded with synthetics, chemical flavor enhancers and preservatives). Is that burger really worth the 99 cents? Another reason, parents are too busy- too busy to get involved. The t.v., video games and computers have become in-house baby-sitters and tranquilizers. Watch a kid in front of a computer or t.v., they look like zombies.
Want to improve national scores in the United States? Make parenting a higher priority. Make sure someone is reading to children everyday from birth. Make sure someone is introducing them to music, history, art, nature and how to think creatively. Make sure proper decisions are being made in regards to children's diet (no processed foods or chemicals).
The change starts at home. It's like Gandhi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
With the right background, that every child deserves, then mentors like Ted White or Martha Fairchild can truly make a great impact on a young mind. Parents who put all of that responsibility on schools need to change their ways. Schools don't get children until they are 5. It's too late to undo the neglect at that point. Teach you children to become life long learners by teaching them to love learning.
Okay, so that's my rant for today. The concept of taking a village to raise a child has serious limitations if kids aren't being introduced to classical music, art museums, foreign language, world cultures, etc. until the school field trip. If you do have the opportunity to mentor or teach, then pass on everything, give them everything you have, don't hold back. If you have a little neighbor, a nephew, neice, baby cousin, then get involved and make a difference. It's not difficult and very rewarding. Okay, I'm done now.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ted White
Sad news... I just read an email informing me that Ted White has passed away. He was a truly great man and I am honored to have known him.
Ted White was one of my instructors at Seton La-Salle High School. He also taught at Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University and had his own program on KDKA television at one time.
He was one of those teachers that gave you an adrenaline surge when he lectured. He made you believe in yourself. I am a better person for knowing him.
Ted White was one of my instructors at Seton La-Salle High School. He also taught at Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University and had his own program on KDKA television at one time.
He was one of those teachers that gave you an adrenaline surge when he lectured. He made you believe in yourself. I am a better person for knowing him.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Art Collecting 101
So many people tell me "I don't know anything about art. I don't know what's good and what isn't." As a result, they don't go to galleries, they don't buy art and they don't go to museums.
Okay, we need to fix that mentality. You don't know what you're missing!
First rule: there are no rules. Art is no longer about stuffy gallery openings and pretentious art dealers. Art evolves with pop culture and, even though there are still some galleries perpetuating the elitist attitudes that people do in fact find exclusive and intimidating, they are a dying breed. There are so many other great ways to view, collect and experience art now.
Here are my suggestions: with summer approaching, go to some of the many arts festivals and browse. Meet the artists, talk with them about their work. Go to a gallery crawl, often times held one night per month and there are some great little galleries that are dedicated to their artists. Stop in each gallery, sip some wine, have some cheese and crackers and look at the art. Buy something if you like, if it appeals to you, but don't feel pressured.
When you do find something you like, it may become a replacement for a mass produced item in your house. The difference is that this new item you are acquiring is an original, one of a kind work of art. Start small and find pieces one at a time, before you know it, you'll be an art collector!
The second rule: it's good art if you like it! When you are out clothes shopping, you wouldn't buy something you didn't like- art is the same way.
Third rule: Art is everywhere! You can find great art on the internet, in coffee houses, at festivals, on the street and in the galleries and museums and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to be valuable. If you love it and it looks great in your home, then it has value to you.
That's it, now get out there and begin your art collection. Seminar over.
Okay, we need to fix that mentality. You don't know what you're missing!
First rule: there are no rules. Art is no longer about stuffy gallery openings and pretentious art dealers. Art evolves with pop culture and, even though there are still some galleries perpetuating the elitist attitudes that people do in fact find exclusive and intimidating, they are a dying breed. There are so many other great ways to view, collect and experience art now.
Here are my suggestions: with summer approaching, go to some of the many arts festivals and browse. Meet the artists, talk with them about their work. Go to a gallery crawl, often times held one night per month and there are some great little galleries that are dedicated to their artists. Stop in each gallery, sip some wine, have some cheese and crackers and look at the art. Buy something if you like, if it appeals to you, but don't feel pressured.
When you do find something you like, it may become a replacement for a mass produced item in your house. The difference is that this new item you are acquiring is an original, one of a kind work of art. Start small and find pieces one at a time, before you know it, you'll be an art collector!
The second rule: it's good art if you like it! When you are out clothes shopping, you wouldn't buy something you didn't like- art is the same way.
Third rule: Art is everywhere! You can find great art on the internet, in coffee houses, at festivals, on the street and in the galleries and museums and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to be valuable. If you love it and it looks great in your home, then it has value to you.
That's it, now get out there and begin your art collection. Seminar over.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mother's Day
End of the weekend... I hope everyone had a happy Mother's Day. Now there's a category of people who can truly experience the meaning of life. Is there a human experience that could match the intensity of the bond between a mother and child? Is there anything more sacred?
Hmm, I read that and realize what a hopeless idealist I am. If that were the case, we wouldn't see cases in the media about the neglect, abuse and murder of children by their own parents. You have to wonder what kind of sick individual could harm their own child?
Sorry about that, I didn't mean to end the post on an unhappy note, but the very sad truth is that there are millions of children in the world who face some type of abuse every day, whether it be physical or emotional. How can a parent mess that up? How do you get it wrong? How can you become your own child's tormentor? Could there be a worse crime than one against a child? I think not.
Hmm, I read that and realize what a hopeless idealist I am. If that were the case, we wouldn't see cases in the media about the neglect, abuse and murder of children by their own parents. You have to wonder what kind of sick individual could harm their own child?
Sorry about that, I didn't mean to end the post on an unhappy note, but the very sad truth is that there are millions of children in the world who face some type of abuse every day, whether it be physical or emotional. How can a parent mess that up? How do you get it wrong? How can you become your own child's tormentor? Could there be a worse crime than one against a child? I think not.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Captain Kirk, Pizza and the Penguins
I hope you are all having a good weekend. I had a great day today! It all started with me sleeping in until 11am. Yeah, I know that sounds incredibly lazy and a waste of a day, but I didn't get home until 4am and didn't get to sleep until 5am, so it was somewhat necessary... as was the motrin, ice pack and coffee when I awoke.
So, my day started with a run at the track. It was beautiful weather for it. I spent some time walking as well, and it was just very peaceful to be outdoors again after a long winter and a rainy spring. A little later in the day I went to see the new Star Trek movie. It was unbelievable- UNBELIEVEABLE! I loved it. In the first 15 minutes you get the origin of Captain Kirk. As the plot unfolds, each member of the original crew is introduced into the story as they found their way to the Enterprise. It had all the drama, action, suspense, science and metaphysics that made Star Trek the pop culture sensation we know today. And if I wasn't geeked out enough over the movie, there was a Beastie Boys song in the score!
My day continued with pizza for dinner ( I was seriously craving it at 3am but didn't have it), to be followed by a little shopping and an overtime win for the Penguins! A day of pure happiness!
Hope you are all having an equally fun and relaxing weekend!
So, my day started with a run at the track. It was beautiful weather for it. I spent some time walking as well, and it was just very peaceful to be outdoors again after a long winter and a rainy spring. A little later in the day I went to see the new Star Trek movie. It was unbelievable- UNBELIEVEABLE! I loved it. In the first 15 minutes you get the origin of Captain Kirk. As the plot unfolds, each member of the original crew is introduced into the story as they found their way to the Enterprise. It had all the drama, action, suspense, science and metaphysics that made Star Trek the pop culture sensation we know today. And if I wasn't geeked out enough over the movie, there was a Beastie Boys song in the score!
My day continued with pizza for dinner ( I was seriously craving it at 3am but didn't have it), to be followed by a little shopping and an overtime win for the Penguins! A day of pure happiness!
Hope you are all having an equally fun and relaxing weekend!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Go Pens!
I spent the evening watching the Penguins game. If you know me, you know I'm not much of a sports fan, and you know how I dislike the double standard our society has created to accomodate and excuse the behavior of the growing number of criminal/celebrity athletes (with a third grade reading level no less).
That being said, there are two teams I do enjoy watching: the Pittsburgh Penguins and Italy's National Soccer Team. No woman beaters, date rapists, night club shooters on either team, no Mr. T style rantings after the play... none of the ridiculous behavior that so many people apparently enjoy now.
So I do like watching the Pens (when I actually have the time to do so), partly because I grew up playing ice hockey (and loved it), partly because of the quality of the players, both on and off the ice. Tonight was a great game to watch between two excellent teams. It ended in an overtime win for the Pens-so exciting!
It's getting late though, now into the morning hours, so I need to get some sleep. Have a great day.... and get working on those homework assignments! I am getting some very funny emails about that post. It's okay if you share your ideas with everyone else by leaving a comment!
Ciao!
That being said, there are two teams I do enjoy watching: the Pittsburgh Penguins and Italy's National Soccer Team. No woman beaters, date rapists, night club shooters on either team, no Mr. T style rantings after the play... none of the ridiculous behavior that so many people apparently enjoy now.
So I do like watching the Pens (when I actually have the time to do so), partly because I grew up playing ice hockey (and loved it), partly because of the quality of the players, both on and off the ice. Tonight was a great game to watch between two excellent teams. It ended in an overtime win for the Pens-so exciting!
It's getting late though, now into the morning hours, so I need to get some sleep. Have a great day.... and get working on those homework assignments! I am getting some very funny emails about that post. It's okay if you share your ideas with everyone else by leaving a comment!
Ciao!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Night at the Opera
Last night I went to the opera to see Rossini's "Italian Girl in Algiers". It was fastastic-a classic Italian comedy. There was adventure, love, heartbreak, romance- the only thing missing from a classic Italian opera was the death. No one died in this one!
The Pittsburgh Opera Company was lucky enough to have Vivica Genaux come to town to perform the role of Isabella. She said that she performed her role "in a Mae West way, physically and vocally strong, or in a more seductive, sensual way". The price of admission is worth it just to see her performance. Not only did she have a fantastic role (the old Italian style arias with the wonderful drama and vocal fireworks) but her character had a very strong, feminist personality.
I do favor the dramatic operas with the death scene, and the stories of passionate, undying love. But this was a fun comical opera and just downright enjoyable. I also have to mention Paolo Pecchioli - he was hysterical in the role of Mustafà. He could sing like nobody's business, but he was so funny as well. There were times where his expressions and actions reminded me of Mr. Bean. Yes- I love Mr. Bean, from way back to the HBO series!
So I recommend seeing "Italian Girl in Algiers" before it closes. In the meantime, I spent the evening at a restaurant, drinking wine and watching opera..... so today I need to get to the gym or the dojo to make up for my lazy night off.
Have a great day!
The Pittsburgh Opera Company was lucky enough to have Vivica Genaux come to town to perform the role of Isabella. She said that she performed her role "in a Mae West way, physically and vocally strong, or in a more seductive, sensual way". The price of admission is worth it just to see her performance. Not only did she have a fantastic role (the old Italian style arias with the wonderful drama and vocal fireworks) but her character had a very strong, feminist personality.
I do favor the dramatic operas with the death scene, and the stories of passionate, undying love. But this was a fun comical opera and just downright enjoyable. I also have to mention Paolo Pecchioli - he was hysterical in the role of Mustafà. He could sing like nobody's business, but he was so funny as well. There were times where his expressions and actions reminded me of Mr. Bean. Yes- I love Mr. Bean, from way back to the HBO series!
So I recommend seeing "Italian Girl in Algiers" before it closes. In the meantime, I spent the evening at a restaurant, drinking wine and watching opera..... so today I need to get to the gym or the dojo to make up for my lazy night off.
Have a great day!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Your homework assignment
I have a homework assignment for you.... this week, do something spontaneous. Remember, life is short. If you're not careful it will pass you by.
Obama and the Economy
To continue with my political post, it's important to get involved and exercise your right to vote. Why so many people surrender that right is beyond me. You have a voice- exercise it!
This weekend I had a conversation with a few people about the current state of the economy. It amazes me that some people are blaming Obama for the economy. How is that possible? This entire disaster was created by the last administration. Honestly, how can you spin that? I don't make too many comments in here about politics, but this current economy is doing tremendous damage to the arts, so it's hard to ignore.
Now that Obama is president, I am wondering why he wanted it so badly. He is going to struggle with this crisis for a long time and even though he inherited it, there will always be people who will blame him.
Give him a break folks. He appears to be a sincere and genuine person and he deserves a chance.
Okay, that's it for the political comments for now. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
This weekend I had a conversation with a few people about the current state of the economy. It amazes me that some people are blaming Obama for the economy. How is that possible? This entire disaster was created by the last administration. Honestly, how can you spin that? I don't make too many comments in here about politics, but this current economy is doing tremendous damage to the arts, so it's hard to ignore.
Now that Obama is president, I am wondering why he wanted it so badly. He is going to struggle with this crisis for a long time and even though he inherited it, there will always be people who will blame him.
Give him a break folks. He appears to be a sincere and genuine person and he deserves a chance.
Okay, that's it for the political comments for now. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Anthony Coghill
Last night I went to the Lemont Restaurant for a political fundraiser. It was a nice evening, a beautiful view of the city, a few glasses of wine and very good company. The candidate I was there to support is my cousin Anthony Coghill. He is running for City Council in Pittsburgh. He has a great personality, he's just a very likeable person and is over qualified for the position. I really hope he wins this race. The Mayor has been very supportive of him, Chief Executive of Allegheny County, Dan Onorato was there to speak on his behalf, as was Senator Fontana and Controller Michael Lamb.
Although the highlight had to be when Anthony gave his speech. He recognized his mother, who passed away last year and then he dedicated the race to her. He thanked everyone for their support and he said that he wanted to thank the woman behind him, the one that meant so much to him. Well, his girlfriend Lisa came to the podium and everyone cheered... just then, out of the blue, Anthony gets down on one knee and pulls out an engagement ring ( I never thought he was getting married-he's been dating her for 15 years!). She accepted of course.
It was a nice moment and all of his relatives and friends were there to witness it. It was a very nice evening. It was nice to spend time with so many relatives, I had a chance to hang out with my parents for a little bit and have a glass of wine with my dad, and it was nice to be there for Anthony's moment.
So....if you or anyone you know lives in District 4, Pittsburgh, make sure Anthony Coghill wins by voting for him on May 19.
Hope you are all having a great week. Have an even better weekend!
Although the highlight had to be when Anthony gave his speech. He recognized his mother, who passed away last year and then he dedicated the race to her. He thanked everyone for their support and he said that he wanted to thank the woman behind him, the one that meant so much to him. Well, his girlfriend Lisa came to the podium and everyone cheered... just then, out of the blue, Anthony gets down on one knee and pulls out an engagement ring ( I never thought he was getting married-he's been dating her for 15 years!). She accepted of course.
It was a nice moment and all of his relatives and friends were there to witness it. It was a very nice evening. It was nice to spend time with so many relatives, I had a chance to hang out with my parents for a little bit and have a glass of wine with my dad, and it was nice to be there for Anthony's moment.
So....if you or anyone you know lives in District 4, Pittsburgh, make sure Anthony Coghill wins by voting for him on May 19.
Hope you are all having a great week. Have an even better weekend!
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