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9 hours ago
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
NRSC = Freaks
I am not from Minnesota nor have I ever been there (though I would love to visit one day and probably will as I do have friends there). I know that there has been a rather heated campaign between Minnesota senate race between Republican Norm Coleman and comedian Al Franken
raging throughout the state which I have been following somewhat from a distance.
I also want to state that I have been a fan of Al Franken for many years. I was first introduced to his unique comedy when he would appear on SNL in the late 70's as part of the Franken & Davis show. Years later I watched him as a celebrity contestant at a taping of Jeopardy and found him not only hilarious but articulate and very intelligent.
Then, several years after that, I became hooked on his radio talk show that aired for a couple of years on Air America Radio.
SO, you can imagine my disgust when I read about the recent low-down low-brow smear tactics that the National Republican Senatorial Committee has taken in a pathetic attempt to bring him down.
See for yourself here:
http://www.americablog.com/2008/10/norm-coleman-mails-rape-comic-book-to.html
raging throughout the state which I have been following somewhat from a distance.
I also want to state that I have been a fan of Al Franken for many years. I was first introduced to his unique comedy when he would appear on SNL in the late 70's as part of the Franken & Davis show. Years later I watched him as a celebrity contestant at a taping of Jeopardy and found him not only hilarious but articulate and very intelligent.
Then, several years after that, I became hooked on his radio talk show that aired for a couple of years on Air America Radio.
SO, you can imagine my disgust when I read about the recent low-down low-brow smear tactics that the National Republican Senatorial Committee has taken in a pathetic attempt to bring him down.
See for yourself here:
http://www.americablog.com/2008/10/norm-coleman-mails-rape-comic-book-to.html
Monday, October 27, 2008
And thus begins a new chapter...
It's an early Monday morning in late October.
In synchronistic fashion, yesterday afternoon was the very last day that I will ever set foot in my previous house in New Jersey while today is the day that I "officially" begin my new position as Executive Director of the Celebration Studios and Gallery here in Rehoboth Beach. I use the word officially in quotes only because I have been working more or less in the position for the last 2 weeks or so, but today is when it actually begins..."officially".
Of course, I'll still be responsible for many of the duties connected to my position as Associate Director of the Theatre for quite some time, the role has just been expanded into a wider scope of possibilities. I'm very pleased about taking on the new role, and the new work.
Make no mistake - there is much new work to be done. Much. But you see, this isn't so much a "job" as it is a life role that is played. It was the same way when I was the owner and curator of eklektikos gallery of art in Washington, DC for 10 years. The role becomes part of your psyche, thus, you are always "working", but it is more akin to always keeping the vision alive and prospering.
If you've ever been involved in similar projects, you know what I mean.
Perhaps that's an even better term, "project". Working on a "project" has always seemed more attractive to me than simply "working". "Working" seems mundane, rote, tedious, like an unpleasant necessity while working on a project seems creative, invigorating, collaborative, fruitful and pleasant.
So, with that in mind, let me reword my first paragraph—today is the day that I begin working on my new project—as Executive Director of the Celebration Studios and Gallery.
Here's to new chapters.
Zoom. Zoom.
In synchronistic fashion, yesterday afternoon was the very last day that I will ever set foot in my previous house in New Jersey while today is the day that I "officially" begin my new position as Executive Director of the Celebration Studios and Gallery here in Rehoboth Beach. I use the word officially in quotes only because I have been working more or less in the position for the last 2 weeks or so, but today is when it actually begins..."officially".
Of course, I'll still be responsible for many of the duties connected to my position as Associate Director of the Theatre for quite some time, the role has just been expanded into a wider scope of possibilities. I'm very pleased about taking on the new role, and the new work.
Make no mistake - there is much new work to be done. Much. But you see, this isn't so much a "job" as it is a life role that is played. It was the same way when I was the owner and curator of eklektikos gallery of art in Washington, DC for 10 years. The role becomes part of your psyche, thus, you are always "working", but it is more akin to always keeping the vision alive and prospering.
If you've ever been involved in similar projects, you know what I mean.
Perhaps that's an even better term, "project". Working on a "project" has always seemed more attractive to me than simply "working". "Working" seems mundane, rote, tedious, like an unpleasant necessity while working on a project seems creative, invigorating, collaborative, fruitful and pleasant.
So, with that in mind, let me reword my first paragraph—today is the day that I begin working on my new project—as Executive Director of the Celebration Studios and Gallery.
Here's to new chapters.
Zoom. Zoom.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Arrivederci New Jersey
Good morning. As I press down on my keyboard, it's a bit after 6:00 AM, E.S.T. I've been up since 4:51 AM, which, as of late, is quickly becoming the norm for me. But this morning has a rather odd aura about it for this is the last morning that I spend here in this particular house in New Jersey.
For a variety of reasons, each either too tedious or too personal to list, my partner and I listed our house here in New Jersey sometime around last May. To condense an extremely long story, we finalize the sale to the new owners on the 30th, exactly one week from today.
For those of you with absolutely much too much time on your hands, it may indeed be possible to research much earlier postings in this blog to discover that we purchased this home almost 3 years ago to the date. I remember moving in less than a week before Halloween and being concerned that I hadn't had time to pick up candy or carve a jack-o-lantern because of the chaos, a thought that, in hindsight, I now view as completely absurd.
Initially, I was very pleased with the decision. It was, and still is, a lovely old home a top a small hill looking over the quaint main street confines of a charming bedroom community of Philadelphia. However, as the months flew from the calendar like faded leaves from a branch, the events that I had envisioned occurring did not. I became disillusioned and ready for change.
Now, the change that I requested from the universe was delivered to be in abundance. Since moving back to the beach on a full time basis last May, my life has indeed taken on a new level of involvement that I find stimulating, challenging, rewarding—and most importantly—that allows me to enlarge my creative horizon on a daily basis.
So, it is not with sadness that I notice the fact that this will be the last 6:46 AM that I spend in the Butterscotch Castle. It seems that the older I become, the less wistful I become as well. The past is the past and I've learned that attempting to dwell in it, as well as regret it, is futile to say the least. Upward and onward with myself.
However, there is an oddness about knowing that one particular moment is the last moment. It's a tad bit haunting - the finality of it all, and as such, it seems that my morning is composed of a very long stream of final moments.
For a variety of reasons, each either too tedious or too personal to list, my partner and I listed our house here in New Jersey sometime around last May. To condense an extremely long story, we finalize the sale to the new owners on the 30th, exactly one week from today.
For those of you with absolutely much too much time on your hands, it may indeed be possible to research much earlier postings in this blog to discover that we purchased this home almost 3 years ago to the date. I remember moving in less than a week before Halloween and being concerned that I hadn't had time to pick up candy or carve a jack-o-lantern because of the chaos, a thought that, in hindsight, I now view as completely absurd.
Initially, I was very pleased with the decision. It was, and still is, a lovely old home a top a small hill looking over the quaint main street confines of a charming bedroom community of Philadelphia. However, as the months flew from the calendar like faded leaves from a branch, the events that I had envisioned occurring did not. I became disillusioned and ready for change.
Now, the change that I requested from the universe was delivered to be in abundance. Since moving back to the beach on a full time basis last May, my life has indeed taken on a new level of involvement that I find stimulating, challenging, rewarding—and most importantly—that allows me to enlarge my creative horizon on a daily basis.
So, it is not with sadness that I notice the fact that this will be the last 6:46 AM that I spend in the Butterscotch Castle. It seems that the older I become, the less wistful I become as well. The past is the past and I've learned that attempting to dwell in it, as well as regret it, is futile to say the least. Upward and onward with myself.
However, there is an oddness about knowing that one particular moment is the last moment. It's a tad bit haunting - the finality of it all, and as such, it seems that my morning is composed of a very long stream of final moments.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
In Memorium...
To a brilliant talent and an amazing humanitarian...
Paul Leonard Newman
January 26, 1925 - September 26, 2008
Paul Leonard Newman
January 26, 1925 - September 26, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Return of The Dame
Some of you may not know that the Nick Sprouse referred to in this article is my brother. He had been the talent buyer for the famed "Dame" in downtown Lexington for many years.
However, last June 22, the Dame was closed after its lease was bought out as part of a move to clear businesses from the block to make way for construction of CentrePointe, the proposed 35-story high-rise hotel and condominium tower.
That decision proved to be controversial to say the least and it left the future of the Dame, as well as that of my brother's career, in limbo.
I'm very pleased to learn this morning however, that a Phoenix has risen from the ash.
http://www.kentucky.com/211/story/523969.html
However, last June 22, the Dame was closed after its lease was bought out as part of a move to clear businesses from the block to make way for construction of CentrePointe, the proposed 35-story high-rise hotel and condominium tower.
That decision proved to be controversial to say the least and it left the future of the Dame, as well as that of my brother's career, in limbo.
I'm very pleased to learn this morning however, that a Phoenix has risen from the ash.
http://www.kentucky.com/211/story/523969.html
Monday, September 15, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Busy, Busy, Busy
In case you were mislead by the title of this post, I have indeed been busy, busy, busy. The majority of the time that has past since my last post, has been devoted to my work at the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts and my exhibit which opens on Friday the 12th at the Philip Morton Gallery in Rehoboth Beach.
So, speaking as someone with little free time, I found this article of interest.
http://www.dbtechno.com/health/2008/09/09/study-shows-exercise-helps-people-beat-their-fat-gene/
Imus admit that I laughed aloud with a cynical guffaw when I read the last two lines which read
"Those in the high activity group who did around 3 to 4 hours of moderate exercise each day burned 900 more calories than the low activity group.
So, speaking as someone with little free time, I found this article of interest.
http://www.dbtechno.com/health/2008/09/09/study-shows-exercise-helps-people-beat-their-fat-gene/
Imus admit that I laughed aloud with a cynical guffaw when I read the last two lines which read
"Those in the high activity group who did around 3 to 4 hours of moderate exercise each day burned 900 more calories than the low activity group.
This shows that with exercise, you truly can beat your fat gene."
Huh??!! 3 to 4 hours of exercise A DAY?! What person has time for that? Say someone works an average 9 to 5 job, and let's say that they wake up on average around 7:30 AM to get their morning ritual underway. Now let's figure an average of 30 minutes to get to work and another 30 to get home. In order to have 3 to 4 hours of exercise a day, they would need to rise at 3:30 AM and leap into some exercise routine groggy eyed with morning breath, or exercise from roughly 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each and every night.
Welcome to Fantasy Island...
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Freakin' back pain...
Though I don't think that I have mentioned it here during this last week, I had one of my infamous "back throw out" sessions last Saturday night while at the "Almost Queen" show at the theatre. I can't really pinpoint any one thing that may have led to the "lumbar strain", but nevertheless it occurred.One moment, I was fine, the next - I was in severe pain and unable to stand up properly. Trouble is, here it is one week later, and I still have tightness and pain in my lower back. Not like for the first few days thankfully, but I have been experiencing some level of or pain ranging from mild to extreme for the last 8 days now.
And that doesn't make me feel like doing much of anything at all.
And that doesn't make me feel like doing much of anything at all.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Refreshingly Honest...
After I left the theatre yesterday afternoon, George and I made plans to get together with our friend Michael, eat some dinner and watch a movie. Though as loosely made plans often tend to do, our schedule changed a bit when we all decided to dine at a local and hip little diner within walking distance from Michael's home.
We were in the mood for something "homey" food wise and once our server arrived the following conversation took place:
Michael K : "So, how is the meatloaf? Would you recommend it?"
Waitress : "No. Personally, I think it's disgusting. But if you're into that kind of thing..."
After a brief second of raised eyebrows and quick smirks, George than asks,
"Hmm. Well, what about the spaghetti and meatballs?"
Waitress: "You know, you're better off going to an Italian restaurant."
Thanks to her refreshing honesty, we all had Patty Melts.
And they were delicious.
Thank You honest waitress.
We were in the mood for something "homey" food wise and once our server arrived the following conversation took place:
Michael K : "So, how is the meatloaf? Would you recommend it?"
Waitress : "No. Personally, I think it's disgusting. But if you're into that kind of thing..."
After a brief second of raised eyebrows and quick smirks, George than asks,
"Hmm. Well, what about the spaghetti and meatballs?"
Waitress: "You know, you're better off going to an Italian restaurant."
Thanks to her refreshing honesty, we all had Patty Melts.
And they were delicious.
Thank You honest waitress.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Howdy friends and neighbors
Imagine that you decide to host a "Get to Know Your Neighbors" BBQ/cocktail party on some sunny Saturday afternoon.
The doorbell rings...
Many thanks to superbomba and her phenomenal photo collection.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Busy Times
I have been so busy in my new position as Associate Director of the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts, that I've not had the same amount of time as I had been used to to partake in such activities as updating my blog on a regular basis. I'm not complaining, mind you, as I truly thrive on the challenge and excitement of it all. It's such a new project that there is, understandably, quite a bit of action always going on behind the scene.
I've performed in and/or have worked backstage with enough theatrical productions to have seen times of total chaos backstage. In fact, I've been in the middle of several just within the last several weeks as backstage manager with our current production. What's wonderful about working with such stage professionals is that together we ensure that the audience is blissfully unaware of any situation/s behind the curtain.
Of course that is exactly how it should be. "Suspension of Disbelief" is the term I believe...
I've performed in and/or have worked backstage with enough theatrical productions to have seen times of total chaos backstage. In fact, I've been in the middle of several just within the last several weeks as backstage manager with our current production. What's wonderful about working with such stage professionals is that together we ensure that the audience is blissfully unaware of any situation/s behind the curtain.
Of course that is exactly how it should be. "Suspension of Disbelief" is the term I believe...
Saturday, August 02, 2008
The best toast I ever tasted...
This just struck me as so bizarre that I just had to post it. Not only can the toaster create the best toast you'll ever taste, it seems to be able to defy gravity as well. Either that, or the young woman enjoying her "coffee" likes to live life on the edge, or at least likes her toasters on the edge of the table.
Of course, judging from her glassy eyed "I hear you but I can't seem to comprehend a word you're saying" stare, she may mistake the toaster as her purse at any moment and slide her hand into it looking for her lip stick. In any case, if my breakfast conversation revolved around debate about whether I just finished "the best toast I ever tasted", I would think of other more practical uses for the toaster, perhaps as an accompaniment to a relaxing bath...
Of course, judging from her glassy eyed "I hear you but I can't seem to comprehend a word you're saying" stare, she may mistake the toaster as her purse at any moment and slide her hand into it looking for her lip stick. In any case, if my breakfast conversation revolved around debate about whether I just finished "the best toast I ever tasted", I would think of other more practical uses for the toaster, perhaps as an accompaniment to a relaxing bath...
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Hidden Face..
I love little stories about little surprises like this...
Hidden face uncovered under Van Gough painting...
Oddly enough, one of my well known works, "Marilyn"
Published in this : "Marilyn In Art", has an entirely different painting underneath it entitled "The Prophetess". I'm not sure if I have an image of the original work. But if I come across it, I'll post it here.
By the way, when you get a chance, check out this blog - www.rehobothbeachtheatre.blogspot.com.
This is the new blog for the equally new Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts where I now serve as Associate Director.
Hidden face uncovered under Van Gough painting...
Oddly enough, one of my well known works, "Marilyn"
Published in this : "Marilyn In Art", has an entirely different painting underneath it entitled "The Prophetess". I'm not sure if I have an image of the original work. But if I come across it, I'll post it here.
By the way, when you get a chance, check out this blog - www.rehobothbeachtheatre.blogspot.com.
This is the new blog for the equally new Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts where I now serve as Associate Director.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Heap Big Silly Drink
There I am on the right sharing a loving cup of a mini-mexican hat shaped punch bowl filled with god only knows how many different kinds of booze at a place called Mango's in Bethany Beach last night as we celebrated the birthday of my friend Michael. Fortunately, I didn't sip as strongly as I could have knowing that I had a full day today.
When it was brought to the table, the center of the hat was aflame. Fortunately, the birthday boy knew to blow out the wee fire so as to not burn away the alcohol of the rum.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Busy busy busy
Would it help to state that I have been working like a mad man? A little over 2 weeks ago, I took a position with the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts located, of course, in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. That position, as back stage manager, has now grown into backstage manager and publicist for the theatre. I'm very happy doing both as I feel as if I am in my "element". Of course, I also am spending as much time as possible in my studio as I have a solo exhibit in September at the Philip Morton gallery.
Needless to say really, but this new schedule has taken a large bite out of my regular schedule, leaving me less free time for, say, this blog. But fear not, I'll still be popping in and out frequently, but perhaps not daily.
Also, I'll be posting links here soon to the blog that I will be creating for the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of The Arts. If I could figure out how to use my groovy new phone for blogging, then you'll find even more dynamic content here. I'll let you know, or am very open to ideas on how to do that.
Needless to say really, but this new schedule has taken a large bite out of my regular schedule, leaving me less free time for, say, this blog. But fear not, I'll still be popping in and out frequently, but perhaps not daily.
Also, I'll be posting links here soon to the blog that I will be creating for the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of The Arts. If I could figure out how to use my groovy new phone for blogging, then you'll find even more dynamic content here. I'll let you know, or am very open to ideas on how to do that.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
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