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It started off innocently enough, BUT NOW IT IS TAKING OVER MY LIFE.

Check it out

Need a moment to yourself? Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfq_A8nXMsQ&feature=related

It's worth it. A nice little reminder about living in the moment, keeping your priorities straight and embracing life.

Namaste.

Civic Arena

Tonight marked the end of an era for a wonderful Pittsburgh landmark- The Mellon Arena, which I prefer to call by it's original name, the Civic Arena. The Penguins ended their season tonight and played their final game in the beloved arena. Soon hockey games, concerts and events will all take place in the new Consol Energy Center. It looks like it will be a beautiful, modern facility, which this city certainly deserves. I'm anxious to see it completed myself.

In the meantime, I do have great memories of the Civic Arena. I remember seeing iconic hockey players such as Mike Bossy, Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe come to town and play in that building. Since I was a kid, this has been the only home ice for my favorite team, The Pittsburgh Penguins. I remember my first concert there, the circus, and the Harlem Globetrotters. I watched Luciano Pavarotti perform on stage on an evening when they opened the domed ceiling. I saw the band Rush perform there many times (my favorite band as a kid). So many childhood memories...

These new facilities and civic centers are fantastic, but the old buildings with a history become a part of you. It's sad to see them go.

Advice of the Day

When dealing with a hostile person, (and this world is full of unhappy characters who just hate for no reason), it is important to remember one thing:

The hostility is theirs, not yours. However you decide to deal with that aggression, you must not absorb the negative energy that person holds. If you do so, you allow them to change who you are, you allow them to disturb your balance. Keep in mind that the negativity, or evil is an energy you do not want. Maintain your balance.

Have a great day!

I'm Alive

It's been Oh so long since I've checked in. The band has been incredibly busy- there's so much to do beyond the performance schedule. This week we purchased a tour bus, which is exciting. Watch for it driving in and out of the Pittsburgh area! Keep an eye on the schedule as well and come out to see us this summer. We are doing quite a bit of traveling... and have a few nice highlights to look forward to already including a return to Jamboree in the Hills (pure craziness), opening up for Phil Vasar and a show with Lone Star. Lots more good stuff to come.

In other news.... I bought a Samurai sword today! Yes, I know that sounds like a rather random purchase, but it's not! Really. I'm not kidding. Throughout my years of martial arts training I have really come to love the art of swordmanship- especially the techniques of the samurai. So in addition to finding time for more artwork, I am also continuing my studies of samurai sword techniques. An odd combination? I think not.

Alright kids, I'll try not to take such a long break next time. Be well, be happy and be true.

Peace.

Music and Art and Life

Ok, so it's been awhile since I've written a post. I've just been so busy with the band. I have always kept the band and my art separate, but the music is becoming so demanding. It's good though. The song from our debut album has been on the charts consistently for months now. Today's report from Nashville tells us that there are over 135 radio stations nationwide playing the song "Girl in a Pick Up Truck". We are hoping that number will continue to climb and move us further up the charts, closer to the top 40. Being in the 60s is good. But being in the 40s would be better!

Okay, so go ahead and check it all out at www.thestickers.com. It's growing- be part of it.

Peace.

Team USA

Did you watch today's hockey game?? If not, you missed one of the greatest sports events in Olympic history. Unfortunately, Canada won in the end, but it was such an exciting game and the American team was tremendous. A great example of why hockey is the greatest of all sports.

Here's my suggestion for all American NHL season ticket holders: for the rest of this season, every time a member of team USA plays in your building, give that player a standing ovation. They deserve it. Another suggestion... the next time you are going to purchase a jersey, t-shirt or hoodie, make it team USA.

2nd tier? I don't think so!

Paulus van der Sloot

Paulus van der sloot, the father of prime suspect in the Natalee Holloway case Joran van der Sloot, died of a heart attack while playing tennis. Hmmm...isn't karma a bitch? This is the same judge in Aruba that was able to pull favors to protect his son.

Coincidentally, Joran Van der Sloot has just accidentally confessed to a member of the press while being video taped. Now put that sick dog in jail. Not that it will bring Natalie back, but it will at least help serve justice.

Boycott Aruba.

Go Team USA

I assume everyone is watching the Winter Olympics. I'm trying to, really, I'm trying. I would love to watch all of the hockey games. Unfortunately, everytime I try to watch a hockey game I find curling. Curling. Seriously.

Anyhoo- The Sunday hockey game between the USA and Canada was the most exciting game I've ever watched. I can't wait to see how they do in the next week. USA is 3-0 but have a few tough opponents ahead.

Tune in...great things are happening!

Winter Weather and Common Sense

More snow! More ice on the roads- another dangerous morning to be out in a car. So why is everyone pressured to get in their cars and go driving in dangerous conditions? By doing so, you risk your safety- you risk your life, truly. I know the answer to that, because most employers don't value their employees. How much will Corporation X really care if you die on your way to work tomorrow morning? They may enjoy the opportunity to replace the deceased with an entry level employee, providing a great deal of savings in the payroll department. They would also enjoy good quality PR that may come from a news story. Other than that.... sorry to say, it's just not in the best interest of big business to care whether you live or die.

I'm not trying to bum you out here, just trying to help you put it all into perspective. Consider your loved ones before you drive your car into unsafe conditions. The world won't end if you are a few minutes late. The economy won't crash if you postpone your meeting. And if your employer is unreasonable, just remember that you can't be a good employee if you're dead.

Peace.

More snow- be happy

More snow- it just won't stop. I've never seen anything like it before. I do think it's unfair that the Mayor of Pittsburgh is being so heavily criticized. This snowfall has caused the entire state of Pennsylvania to declare a state of emergency. Sure it's frustrating, but the guy can't make the snow stop.

Why do people always need to cast blame on someone if life isn't perfect? Someone always has to be responsible. Life happens, it can be perfect even with the little inconveniences and roadblocks. Life isn't always easy and there will be times when you will face real hardships, there will be times when you face real tragedy. Try not to turn everyday occurances into tragedies and try not to place blame on someone else everytime things don't work out just the way you planned.

One of my favorite quotes: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." -John Lennon.

Live happy!

Health and Retail Tip of the Day

Don't buy purified water- it's tap water in a bottle. Tap water is free and it's recycled. Yes- recycled toilet water in a bottle. I would rather drink water from a natural spring. Read the label before buying your bottled water or else get stuck with recycled sewer water. Yum.

As you were!

Beware of Haiti Scams

It's hard to imagine that people would find an opportunity to scam others during a large scale tragedy, but you have to be very careful of scammers right now. Regardless of how anxious you may be to give to Haiti, you need to do some research first. I also suggest that you find out what the administration fees are for a charitable organization before giving. I refuse to give to organizations with high administration fees. If you make a $100 donation and only $5 of that money actually goes to the victims, I think that's just as much a fraud as the scams you find online. This is especially the case if that money is providing high salaries, luxury company cars and private jets. Do your homework folks- some of these non-profit organizations aren't that different from Wall Street.

CNN posted a list of companies that are indeed aiding the charities they claim to help. The link for that is http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/.

As for the ongoing emails, pop ups and web sites that claim to be charities- beware. It's bad enough that people are being taken advantage of due to their good nature, but the bigger crime is that the money that is supposed to go to those in need is being scammed and stolen.

Keep the good karma flowing- just be cautious with your donations so they go to those in need.

Ciao!

Cartoon Controversy

The Art Newspaper recently reported that the Museum of Danish Cartoon Art in Copenhagen is currently in negotiations to acquire the twelve controversial cartoons based on Islamic Prophet, Muhammad. These are the same cartoons that ignited violent protests across the globe, reportedly killing over 100 people.

So I am wondering... who is the genius that came up with this idea?? Seriously. Do the drawings even belong in a museum? What do they expect will happen once the exhibit opens? I can't imagine the opening being very crowded. I wouldn't attend, that's for certain, but I wouldn't attend for two reasons. First, because it has insulted billions of people of a world religion. Second- I can't imagine a more dangerous place to be. Has the museum even considered security for this? It's a bad idea all around.

That's your art news update for today.

Have a great weekend.

Best Art Music

I had an interesting conversation today with another artist: what is the best music to listen to while doing art? Every artist will have a different answer, BUT- it's interesting to know that every artist I know listens to music while working. It makes sense, it creates the mood, it creates the atmosphere.

My usual set up: music, incense, red wine, solitude. I don't like having people around me when I'm doing artwork. I like my space and my privacy. The last thing I want is someone looking over my shoulder and making a judgement while a piece is in progress. There's nothing more distracting than another human being while you are trying to do artwork... seriously.

Okay- best music? I'll give you my choices. Your best music choices will be very different. While drawing and painting I am usually listening to Techno or Trance cds. Many times I do listen to specific artists. Those are The Smiths, Kate Bush, Madonna and The Pixies. Those are the cds that recreate that art school atmosphere for me. I remember those cds playing while painting all night. Those were the cds playing while I cleaned my brushes while watching the sunrise.

I'm sure everyone has their own favorites. I know Micheal Fratangelo listens to the Beatles and Dylan. Chris Panza listens to classic tracks. What are you listening to?

Have a great night.

Happy Birthday Elvis

Snow: A Love/Hate Relationship

I hate the snow. I didn't used to hate it. I have fantastic memories of sitting at my drawing table, which faced a wall of glass and having snowfall surround me as I worked into the early morning on an illustration or painting. It was so peaceful... I think mystical might be the word I would use to describe it; the atmosphere, the creative process, the flow. Athletes may describe it as being in the zone. I say it's just being.

Anyway.... I still love the snow if I can just sit back and watch it. I just don't like going out there and driving in it. I don't like being cold either. I'm just ready for spring.

Have a good night- drive safe.

Happy New Year!

New Years Day... what a lazy, lazy day it's been. An almost a necessary end to the holiday season. I hope everyone had a great time with friends and family. Hopefully that is one of your new year resolutions as well- to spend more time with friends and family. Actually, that is my blog post for today; a suggestion list for New Year resolutions. Enjoy- good luck and Happy New Year!

1. Get Healthy! Whether it be diet, exercise or both. Take care of yourself.
2. Quit smoking... seriously, it's disgusting and it's killing you one day at a time. If you are still smoking, the time has come to give it up. It's not cool any more and hasn't been for a LONG TIME.... just do it.
3. Take control of your life. There are so many demands placed on us today, so many sources of stress. Back up, unplug and learn to say no. Do it for your mental health.
4. Practice random acts of kindness.
5. Turn off the television and read more. You'll be smarter for it - I promise!
6. Learn something new....take guitar lessons, learn yoga, learn a foreign language, register for a class- just take a step outside of your comfort zone and try something new!
7. Find a charity you are interested in and get involved. It's easy and you'll feel great about it.
8. Travel more.
9. Evaluate your priorities. So many people have their priorities completely out of order. If you died today, can you honestly say that this is the life you were meant to live? If not, change it today.
10. Place yourself on the path to inner peace, towards enlightenment..... towards consciousness.

Best wishes to all for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!