"Mafioso" and Alberto Sordi

Though I have a busy schedule this morning, I just had to pop in here to mention a wonderful film that I saw last night at the Ritz at the Bourse Theatre in Philadelphia last night. The title of the film is "Mafioso" and it stars the incomparable Italian Cinema star Alberto Sordi. It's a brilliant dark comedy with several existentialist twists.



From The New Yorker by Anthony Lane:
Antonio Badalamenti (Alberto Sordi) is every inch the modern Sicilian. He is organized and forward-looking; he is married to a blonde from Bellagio (Norma Bengell), and they have two blond daughters; he lives in Milan and works as a foreman at a Fiat plant. But the call of home is strong, and, when Antonio drags the family back to his native village for a vacation, the loyalties of the past rise up to consume him. “Mafioso,” Alberto Lattuada’s comedy from 1962, which was recently showcased at the New York Film Festival in a restored version that will play in revival at the Angelika and at Lincoln Plaza starting Jan. 19, clamors for rediscovery. Filmed in a hot and bleached black-and-white, it manages to swerve from culture-clashing farce to alarming suspense without losing control; admirers of the Corleones, or, indeed, of Tony Soprano, will revel in the fleshy, pontifical presence of Don Vincenzo (Ugo Attanasio), the head of the local Mafia. The small favor that he asks of the fawning Antonio is the movie’s big surprise; if you give it away, the Don will not be happy.


If you get a chance, and enjoy Italian cinema as much as I, you should definitely see this film during it's current re-release.

HAHAHAHA - Incredibly funny, yet sadly true, video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM_MkWgbt3k

The above was sent to me by my dear friend JT. I love it on many levels. Whats so ironically funny is the TRUTH that it speaks while making you laugh until it hurts. That is - if you've enough intelligence to understand such concepts as comic irony. According to a recent Newsweek poll (http://www.pollingreport.com/BushJob.htm), only 30% of the American populace approves of Bush's job performance. I have seen even lower numbers as well out there. So, let's say that at least 70% of Americans who watch the video will enjoy it and better yet - understand it. You just have to wonder about the mentality of people that support the way that Bush is destroying our beloved country...







I think this little image from The Center For American Progress explains it quite well...


Now, the Republicans in Washington that support Bush, while clearly not under educated, are, in my opinion, motivated by greed, hate and fear. I am a Progressive and proud of it. One only has to open their eyes to understand what's happening in this country on so many levels to see how non-progressive rule is destroying it.

SPRING 2007!!!!

photo by Derick Rethans

Let there be great rejoicing that Spring has arrived! A little after 8:00 PM EST tonight, Spring will officially arrive and that makes me a very, very, happy man! Enough of this Winter cold, snow, sleet, slush and more. I want bright skies and warm breezes, chirping birds and tulips, front porch swings and my ukulele.
Already, the depressing icy slush that formulated so much of the weekend is melting away like a grape Popsicle on a sunny summer's afternoon. I'm going to spend the rest of this glorious day in my studio with every door wide open right onto the street!

By the way, it's Self-Portrait Tuesday...




Oh, and one more thing, Dr. ML, I love you man, but if you text message me at 12:45 AM in the morning on a Monday night when I am trying to sleep one more time with another silly rambling, I'm going to jump on the next plane, show up unexpectedly on your doorstep, and introduce you to another use for your cellphone not currently allowed in public advertising. My best to your lovely wife and children.

Studio Day - Sucky Sleet

I have reached an age where winter truly makes me want to wretch. After two days of lovely Spring weather, we now are having a sleet storm. I hope that my lovely bulbs (tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths) which have awakened from their winter slumber will make it through this ugly hellishness unscathed. Sleet - What fun! In any event, it makes for perfect studio weather and that's where I am at this very moment...



There is the new work I have started on the wall behind me to the left. The drawings on the wall directly behind me are what I do with my artists friends when we "hang out" in the studio, play music loudly and drink scotch and wine. I'll photograph those soon I think.

I think I will stay in my warm and dry studio for the rest of the afternoon.

Cheers!

WTF??!! Thursday...

Girl finds missing dog's head in box on doorstep

Sandy...

It's self-portrait Tuesday - though I'm not much in the mood for it. The mother of one of my dearest friends died last night after battling a very long illness. She was my friend as well.
Her son and I have been close since we first met as young children in 1970. She died much too young and the world will be a darker place without her illuminating spirit in it.
Around 9:15 PM EST last night, I had the strongest urge to call my friend and check in with him and to see what the status of his mother was as we hadn't been able to touch base in a couple of weeks. He has worked tirelessly and on his own during her entire illness as her caregiver. He didn't answer, but I left a message to that regard.
He called me two hours later to tell me that at the moment that his phone was ringing with my call, he was holding her hand as she released her final breaths. He told me that he knew that she and I had a special connection and that she had always loved me as one of her own.
I love you Sandy. You will be sorely missed.



Always,
Michael

Sunny very late Winter/ very early Spring Monday

So begins another week after a somewhat frustrating yet overall enjoyable weekend. The weekend started off well enough with my driving in from the beach late Friday morning. That afternoon, I was to join JG to go to the Philadelphia Flower Show. By most accounts, it's the largest flower show in the United States, if not the world, and countless visitors attend the event. Some travel great distances to view the enormous display. We were going to be met at the show by her friend A then afterwards, we would join A's partner J and JG's partner JT for dinner in Chinatown. I have met A and her partner J on a couple of different social occasions in the past and though I don't really know them well enough to consider them friends, they both seem very personable and I'm sure that by the end of this year, I will be able to move them from the "social acquaintance" category to the "friends" category.
I arrive back in NJ at about 12:30 and do a few things about the house for a couple of hours as JG is picking me up at 3:00. While I'm tending to the cats, my phone rings and it's JT. We chat briefly about the flower show that she will be missing this year and then she asks me about my plans for Saturday evening. I told her that George was coming up and that we had tentative plans to hang out with MS and KK and to attend an art event at their place as well as to check out the latest exhibit at the Perkins Center for the Arts which was opening that night. It's an exhibit of wood-turning and a friend of mine had some work in it.



JT informed me that she and JG had been invited to the home of CS and MM for dinner on Saturday evening and that they had asked her if George and I were free as they would like to extend the invitation to us as well. I have met CS and MM on several occasions over the last year and a half and we always get along very well. They are on my "friends" list. Late last Summer, they purchased on of my works entitled "Memory".



At the time that they purchased my work, they informed me about a close friend of their's who was a well connected art buyer. They told me that they wanted me to meet him one day because they thought that he may be interested in my work. It just so happens that he and his wife would be attending the dinner Saturday evening as well. I told Jacquie that that sounded not only like a great opportunity but that it sounded like fun as well. I told her that IO wanted to check with George, though I was sure that he would agree, and that I needed to call MS & KK and change my plans. Being both artists, MS & KK , would understand the importance of dinner with a well connected art buyer and potential client.



So I phoned George, MS & KK, and informed them all about the change of plans. At around 3, JG shows up and we decide that we would take the High Speed line into the city to avoid the massive amount of traffic connected to the Flower Show. It was held at the Convention Center so we got off at 8th and Market and walked in. It was very sunny bit still a bit cold.
We arrive and I have to but tickets. I figured that I would use my brand new USAirways Dividend Miles Visa card to purchase the tickets to add to my air miles. I stand in line briefly only to have my card declined for some reason at the window. That's when the yellow caution light whet off in my head that something was amiss with USAirways. I had already had a nightmarish experience with them the previous weekend when I purchased our tickets to Italy. I couldn't help but think that this was connected somehow.
I pule out another card and purchased my ticket and Janet and I waited for A to appear. There were people everywhere though we had yet to enter the actual show. It wasn't long before A arrives and we all head up stairs. The theme of the show was "The Flowers of Ireland" or something of that nature. The first thing you notice of course is the lovely scent of fragrant flowers everywhere.
I wish I could explain how large this display is but I simply can not. We were there for over 3 hours and we still didn't see it all.



There were so many people everywhere that taking photos was rather difficult and many of mine didn't come out very well. These displays were really breathtaking with waterfalls, Irish Cottages, life size, robotic animals, Irish dancers, bagpipes and more. Here are a few of my images that did work.







You can read more about this wonderful display (and see much better photos) at their website. The Flower Show.com.
After the show, we took a short walk to Rangoon, where we were to meet JT and J. Rangoon is a Burmese restaurant in the China Town section of Philadelphia. I had never had Burmese food before and I was really looking forward to it. I was also so hungry at this point that on old shoe in Burmese sauce would have proved tempting. The restaurant was simply, but nicely decorated and very popular. A suggested it was because of the Flower Show. We had made reservations and it wasn't long before we were seated. It was a bit awkward at first because of the table we were seated at. It was a rectangular table for 6. There were 5 of us, 4 of whom were 2 couples. So after JT and J arrived. they sat next too and across from each other. I sat on the end away from the wall which threw the balance off a bit. It was visually I'm sure odd because I was this giant blond haired man sitting at the end of a table with 2 somewhat petite lesbian couples. Because of where I sat, it was somewhat difficult to join into the conversation, but I was able to enough that we all enjoyed the experience. I must say, that the food was very enjoyable. We all ordered several different salads and entrees sampling some of each. They were all just phenomenal. You can check out their website here...http://www.phillychinatown.com/rangoon.htm

I really want to include here how totally crazy my Saturday turned out to be starting with the hell of trying to work out the USAirways issue and ending with the dinner party, but I have to get my day started. I will revisit this afternoon and follow up.

HA HA HA HA

I am so freakin' sick of right wing idiots with their bumper sticker mentality and their misplaced holier than thou bullshit.



Liars.
Hypocrites.
Hate mongers - the lot of them.
I am so very pleased when their masks fall on occasion and their ugly, soulless true face is exposed - which has been happening with more and more frequency...
Conservative star turns out to be star of gay porn as well...
more here ( this link is definitely NSFW!)
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2007/03/jeff-gannon-redux.html

Evil Transgenderesque she-man with the initials AC who referred to John Edwards as a "faggot"

Whew - what a busy last few days I have had since my last visit here! But before I get to that I have to address a news event over the weekend really filled me with rage. This would be what I hinted at in the title of this post. I have decided not to use her name because I want to deny the skinny foul smelling goat what she wants the most which is publicity, that and, of course, real, non-surgically created female genitalia. However, I do feel the need to respond to what the she/he said. Basically, she referred to John Edwards as a "faggot" during one of her speaking engagements. With no offense to legitimate prostitutes, AC, of course, said these words because she is a media whore - maybe not even a media whore, perhaps just a basic whore. I don't want to spend a lot of time on this hate mongering shoe scrapping, but I was able to find a photo of her that I would like to share. It's several years old (she's much older than she looks - but don't look too closely due to the risk of turning to stone). It appears that she may be at some sort of fund raiser in the photo. Maybe its for her boyfriend or father (or boyfriend/father - think Chinatown) who is seen standing next to her. In any event, you'll get a great idea of where the ho's heart and mind is from this image o'de past -



Now, several of my gay friends have informed me that if they didn't like the Democratic candidate chosen to lead us to victory in the White House, that they would support Giuliani because he has been supportive of gay rights and has close gay friends (even living with a gay couple after his breakup). Well, let them read the words of Glen Greenwald from Salon magazine and realize that Giuliani was there in the audience when AC spit shit out of her stained mouth! In my opinion, this is a valid guilt by association case and shows you where he really stands when the chips are down.

From Glen Greenwald of Salon Magazine - "Anyone who went to this event -- and that includes Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney, and Dick Cheney -- knew exactly what they would be getting. Coulter's face was prominently plastered on the promotional material. The right-wing political candidates who accepted the invitations to speak there knew exactly the type of people would be there -- namely, the type who continuously cheer on Ann Coulter's bigoted and nakedly hateful screeds. Anyone who makes themselves a part of that event is purposely associating themselves with those sentiments. That is what this Conference is for"

Now, back to my busy weekend - our magazine, Le Chic Shac, came back from the printers a bit early, so I had to go into high gear on getting the web site up (I'm almost finished).

I also had some overnight guests on Friday night (close friends C and B) and their lovely 13 year old daughter - H). They drove in from Virginia on their way to NYC to pick up a pool table. Long story. In any event, due to traffic and what not, they weren't able to arrive until about 11:15 PM. We ended staying up to about 3 AM. I haven't done that in quite a while, and It took me most of the remainder of the weekend to catch up.

G cam in for the weekend as well, but arrived shortly after our friends departed for NYC. Other friends of ours, J&J, hosted a lovely dinner on Saturday evening in honor of G's birthday that they had missed the previous week at the beach. MB and her cousin KK were there as well and JT prepared one of her famous traditionally Italian meals to the raves of all of the guests.

I spent a large chunk of Sunday afternoon going through the grueling process of trying to purchase our tickets to Italy from the USAirways website. It literally took hours, most of which was spent on hold. Finally, one of the technicians informed me that they were reformulating their systems that weekend and that they had been informing anyone who called that it would be best to wait until after Monday to order tickets online. However, I saw no such warning on their site nor did I hear any such warning, recorded or live, during the 14 years that I spent waiting on hold. In any event, I finally was able to complete the process. Now, I have questions about frequent flier miles. Hmm...

Elfin Magic can only go so far it seems...

R.I.P. Ernie the Elf.
Alas...

Voice of Keebler elf dead at 81

Lovely long weekends...

Usually on Tuesdays, I do the "Self-Portrait Tuesday" thing. I will get to that in a bit, but I want to reminisce over the lovely long weekend that I had which stretched from last Thursday until today.
Ah... there, I'm done with the reminiscing.
One of the fun things that did happen during my long weekend was the viewing of the film "Dreamgirls".



It was one of the things that George wanted to do on his birthday - so we went that evening. I must admit, initially, I was a bit reluctant to see the film in the theatre (having placed it in the category of films that I would catch on pay per view or cable). So, after plucking down 9 dollars and some change each for tickets we found ourselves in the theatre for the 9:45 PM showing. In fact, we were the only people in the theatre for the entire show which I found odd, yet quite enjoyable.
I'm here to tell you that I was blown away by the film! The entire production was truly phenomenal - and the performances by the whole cast were simply perfect. Jennifer Hudson's performance was truly amazing. Period.
Her on screen rendition of "And I am Telling You I'm Not Going" was every inch the definition of "show stopper". While watching it, I couldn't help but see comparisons to another Oscar winning performance by a young actress in her film debut, which also happened to be a musical...



Jennifer Hudson really was that good. Really. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I wouldn't say such a thing lightly. So, on my advice, go watch "Dreamgirls" on a big screen when you get the chance and see for yourself why she took home the Oscar.

Now, one of the other things that I did over my long weekend - was to rush Summer in my own little way...



I went blond. This is why I have had the same stylist for so many years.

A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down the pants...

It's early in the AM : pre-sunrise. I have a busy, yet fun filled day ahead. Now while I am one of those folk who have always been somewhat uncomfortable and apprehensive around clowns - I still found this story from CNN disturbing on many levels ...

Two Clowns Shot Dead During Performance.

It seems that there are people out there much more uncomfortable with clowns than I out there in the world. Perhaps the clowns had down him wrong, or maybe a love triangle gone bad. Maybe - they were actually mimes, which is a whole other story all together. Who knows? Clearly, the carnival business is the wrong business to get into down the South American way.

Edison, the Cat, and The Rifleman

The above image was taken this morning as I watched the sun rise over my coffee. Maxi the cat was interested in the morning sun as well. She is perched in her favorite spot on top of the Antique Edison Disc Phonograph. It was purchased new by George's grandparents in 1915 shortly after they married. Sometimes, when the mood hits, we crank it up and play some of the many old records that are still located in the drawers that are held within.

When you listen to them in connection to (and you are surrounded by) the early 20th century furnishings and design of our house - it's like going back in time. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I have always been enchanted by that time period (the teens, the 1920s and 1930s)- certainly my art is inspired by it.

Interestingly enough, if any of you happen to remember the television show "The Rifleman"


(as seen above in the oddly suggestive yet somewhat disturbing imagery)

You may be interested to know that Johnny Crawford (who played Chuck Conner's character's son Mark on the program) is now a successful crooner specializing in music inspired by movies and recordings from the first half of the 20th century, especially from the 1920s and 1930s. He has a phenomenal myspace page and a rather amazing life story if I do say so myself. Now, I'm off to enjoy what appears to be the first sunny and warmer day that we have had here in quite some time.

Pissed off at the browser!

Man - I had an entire huge posting here all about my weekend and such and my goddamned browser crashed! Screw it - I don't have time now to repost it in it's entirety. It's Self-Portrait Tuesday -

Throw Me Something Mister...

Miss me? Guess where I've been?



Ah - yes, the lovely New Orleans. My first time. What a great time it was. Every great thing that you may have heard about NOLA is true, as well as some of the not so good. I've had to hit the ground running due to my last few days of indulgence, but I'll get back on track soon. In any event, here are a few images of the wonderful trip...



Groovy shot of hip Uneeda Biscuit sign on an old building taken from a bar of course.



Nice night time shot of the amazing garden of the lovely Green House Inn where we stayed.



Inside of the Greenhouse Inn





Parades of course...







And fascinating cemeteries...

And colors everywhere...











By the way - HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Eternal Embrace

I woke this morning to discover that a coating of snow had fallen silently during the evening. I remember at one point, perhaps around 3 AM, waking and casting my blurry gaze towards the little octagon window. I remember noticing that the sky was a bright rosy pink color and I thought to myself "could it be snowing". I then fell back into a deep sleep, only to discover 3 hours later that my half-conscious suspicions were correct.

Though, the temperature has remained quiet cold all day, the sun has thankfully melted most of the snow. I still have quite a bit on my to do list for the day - so read about this very cool discovery here...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070206/sc_nm/italy_embrace_dc

It Will Be Fun!

It's Monday, Feb. 5, 2007. There are 6 weeks and two days before the first day of Spring.



I, along with millions of other people, last night watched Super Bowl XLI at a SB party last evening. Being a Colts fan, I was quite pleased with the results. But I'm not going to spend my posting today on a topic to be found at every corner.

I have a long list of to do items today but one errand in particular is quite out of the ordinary. My partner and I are going to look at - and purchase - cemetery plots. It's an odd thing I suppose, but the cemetery is lovely, overlooking the canal, and the plots are extremely affordable right now.



One of our friends is buried there already. In fact, the fellow who is showing us the plots also happens to be a close friend. He and his partner have plots as well, and as luck would have it, ours would be right next to theirs. As our friend said last night when we discussed the idea of purchasing the plots next to theirs - "It will be fun!". I got a good laugh out of that one if I do say so myself.

Beware the skeletons in your closests...

Sweet Mary Mother of Christ!!!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/02/02/btsc.candiotti/index.html

Groundhog Day!

I must admit that it has been many years since I was a fan of winter. As a child, of course, I adored the snow. It meant being out of school, playing all day in the crisp chimney scented air, snowmen the size of Stonehenge, and snowball warfare.

While I still appreciate the esthetic of such things, if given the choice between a rousing snowball fight in frigid air with wind chill factors or ocean scented tropically infused Key West sunsets with a colorful rum drink - guess which I’m going to opt for.



SO - it was with great joy that I read about Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of an early Spring.



By the way, Groundhog Day is still one of my favorite films and well worth renting.