Backstage Pictures from @RapidGrowth #RearViewRevue

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Getting ready. Excited. Are you coming?

thx #Mlive's #RachelRecker 4 the nice review of #RearViewRevue 2nite @WealthyTheatre, 5:30p Doors. Comedy #Geha'd 2Nite http://bit.ly/fb2n8l

I am off to the Wealthy Theatre to work with Joe Anderson on the final bits and pieces of our new comedy program called the RearView Review.  It is a FREE show.  

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Doors Open at 5:30 PM

Show Starts at 6:15 PM

After Party is at The Meanwhile Bar just down the street and then everyone is heading to Billy's for the Tribute Show with our very own Juliet Bennett Rylah.  

This is the best night to be out on the town.

See you there!

It's cold put in the D (but the beats are always awesome at #Paxahau)

Ok, let the jokes begin but I'm looking for a blow up doll for Wednesday's RearView Revue show at @WealthyTheatre. #GRMI

I have to believe between my network and yours, we can find at least one of these in this town.  Pls RT as well. I need to find one fast.  Thanks in advance.

Pretty awesome re-telling of the birth of Jesus. I love so many parts of this video.

Thanks, David Morgenstern for sharing this one.

 

The nice thing about being a clothes whore is also the worst thing once you pass your third week of NOT doing the laundry.

(sigh)

For the record: It wasn't the PBR but the JBR that put me over the top. #DancingInTheDark oh oh oh

This backstage shot is for Hugo.

Thank you DiannaStampfler for this great list of Michigan Co. who make it here. #Christmas gifts from Promote #Michigan

from Dianna's email,

A good friend of the Michigan tourism industry, Joe Breidenstein, always said that there’s no such thing as bad weather…just bad clothes! In remembrance of that wise man, here are some great Made in Michigan wearables to help keep you warm on these beautifully blustery winter days (and nights).

 

·         The Original Stormy Kromer –Made in the Upper Peninsula for more than 100 years, these rugged caps are warm and Northwoods-stylish! www.stormykromer.com

 

·         The Original Red Flannels – First established in Cedar Springs in 1936, this woman-owned, home-based business has the market on drop-seaters! www.redflannels.com

 

·         The Peapack Mitten Store – These one of a kind mittens (handcrafted in the Mitten state, Grand Rapids specifically) are made with 100% recycled wool. https://peapackmittens.com

 

·         Ugg Huggerz – Made in Oakland County, these boot wraps come in a variety of styles to help dress up shearling-style boots, like UGG®, www.ugghuggerz.com

 

·         Wolverine Worldwide – Widely known as the Rockford manufacturer of HushPuppies, Track ‘ Trail, CAT and Pategonia footwear, you’ll also find a wide selection of slippers and outdoor apparel. www.wolverineworldwide.com

 

·         Hooked on Felt – Crafted by “The Accidental Felter” in Plainwell, this line includes hats, scarves, mittens, wraps and so much more.www.hookedonfelt.blogspot.com.

 

·         Zeilinger Wool Company – Based in Frankenmuth, they process your fiber into warm, cozy socks. www.zwool.com

 

·         Marr Haven Lamb Wool Farm – Warm up your toes with sheepskin shoeliners, made of genuine sheepskin with a very dense wool to fit in the bottom of your shoe, slipper or boot. http://marrhaven.com

 

·         Lake Superior Woolen Company – Sustain a Michigan family farm and keep warm, with these hand-crafted virgin wool blankets and mattress pads. www.lswoolen.com

 

·         Outdoor Adventures - Northern Michigan's only down factory outlet featuring down comforters, down pillows, featherbeds, duvet covers, down throws and more. www.downoutlet.com

 

Not every site is working so you may have to return later.  I really love the Lake Superior Woolen Company's blankets but am bummed the one I want is sold out.  Maybe Santa already purchased it for me?

 

Tommy Allen for TanglefootStudio.com - a Michigan gallery cooperative in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Image below is from the Lswoolen.com site and features the colorful blanket I love so much.  Can you guess what color it is? (wink)

 

 

 

 

I love that #PattiSmith is all smiles on Colbert tonight.

I guess winning the 2010 National Book Award for Just Kids is the best mood elevator.

Decided to go for a non-traditional #Christmas tree this year.

At first I was concerned but it has grown on me. Looks good with all the white and light outside.

How cold is it at #TanglefootStudio today? This Cold!

The winds were really kicking up so much that even the elevator was not immune.

How cold is it at #TanglefootStudio today? This Cold!

The winds were really kicking up so much that even the elevator was not immune.

Thkx @NYTimes' #FrankRich for once again outlining where '80s style gay bashing has returned.

Having survived the awful '80s culture wars and the incredibly stupid silence on AIDS by Washington, Frank Rich has crafted an editorial in the New York Times that unfortunately reports that for all of our perceived progress,  those battles that I thought were in the past are not.

This piece is essential reading if you are concerned over the mess at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.  It is very informative and explains a lot of the players as it outlines the mess created around this important exhibition.

Apart from the green I'm pretty sure Sparty had nothing to do w/ Christmas. #MSU

But make your case here. #ChristMess

Sometimes a day in the studio is all I need. TanglefootStudio.com (by appt. only)

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But then the phone chirps to remind me that I have other things to attend to as well.

The bonus is sometimes the studio presents beauty in unexpected places by looking up, around and sometimes out.

Loved presenting to the GR City Commission today. My portion was about coaching.

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More to come on this presentation. It has been an honor to serve my city once again.

This series by @Tim Gunnett is still available at Tanglefoot Today. Noon-3pm

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Collage work created from found postcards all addressed to Dear Larry. The collection is travel themed and a great gift for the world traveler on your list.

Also they sport organic frames made from pressed sunflower seed.

Must see before it is sold out. All one of a kind.

Tanglefoot. Today.

Bottom40 Fun

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The juice is almost gone. Last post. Have fun kids.

All the CreativeClass of #GRMI are about to land @BOTTOM40 9pm @Sazerac

At the #GRAM for the lighting ceremony but the real star isn't the tree but #PamellaRoland's shoes. They are so awesome even I want a pair.

I'm posting an image on twitter. Check it!

Dear W, while in #GRMI id love 2 ask u how it felt 2 drive our economy n2 ditch? #NotReady2MakeNice

I guess I'm still angry over your 8 years and the debt you left us to settle.

Today is International AIDS Day (formerly known as Day of Silence / Day Without Art) and so I will go silent for one day.

As we enter a season of generosity and gift giving, please consider a donation to our local Red Project -  an organization making a real difference in the lives of those impact by this disease.  Quick Donation Link: http://bit.ly/hkxZaH 

If you wish to go global with your gift, there are groups out there who would be great choices including (red).  LINK:  http://www.joinred.com

I'm looking forward to a better tomorrow.  

alway, tommy

Thank You All for the birthday greetings. I was truly touched by your messages of love. #GrandRapids #GRMI

I had a wonderful birthday and cannot remember a time where I had that much fun.  The Saz is one of my favorite places to land in our city and always feel at home.  (maybe too at home given my impromptu Michael Jackson "Beat It" dance.)

@Pfleghaar posts his 1st Kickstarter project on line. A new chapter begins and you can be a part of it. http://kck.st/eKydx9

When Michael finishes his graduate work at Boston's AIB a whole new chapter begins and you have a chance to not only write a page of this history, but you can decide what level you want to author it.

Collectors of Pfleghaar's art may recall that about 20 years ago he did a small series of paintings created from his time spent in France.

These few but now classic pieces produced on that last trip have become some of his most sought after works by collectors and galleries.

Now we enter a new time period with new tools at our disposal as artists and the results truly do benefit the artist and the collector.

Please consider this exciting Austrian project and the opportunities that await him.

Cheers!

Tommy

Today is my Birthday and as a Sag (fire) birth sign should I be concerned on Thursday.... @RapidGrowth

...when as RapidGrowth's Lifestyle Editor I will be hosting the Lithuanian Tree at the Meijer Gardens's Holiday Tree Gala right next to Irish tree hosted by GR Social Dirary's Laura Caprara.

All that straw, alcohol and flash bulbs could be a combustable situation for sure.

Come for the world class fun, but most of all show up to see if my twelve Lithuanian apostles are made up of GR's finest firemen.

Event Link: http://www.meijergardens.org/calendar/event.php?id=111

Tonight the last big batch of my homegrown spuds hit the oven. (sniff) Wondering how @BillHR is holding up with his stash.

I always feel a bit blue when I reach the last of my fresh produce that I've grown in my backyard.  

Over the last 10 years I've grown plenty of produce but never potatoes.  This is the first year and I already know I will be adding more to the garden come springtime.  

Ketchup is at the ready for these babies when they are done roasting.

 

U better believe it will be huge. And U know we will laugh...a lot. http://is.gd/hXgrM #PSAGR or #Spanx

I am emceeing a fun fashion event at Eve on December 15 and it will be hot.  

So hot the models will have to strip down to their undies.  (It's for a good cause so no worries.)

The fashion will include lines from aussieBum, Baskit and Rufskin but there are talks to bring even more exclusive lines to the event. 

Details on the swag gift basket is to be announced soon as well.

As to what I am wearing or not wearing...well, that depends on my emergency lypo from Plastic Surgery Associates of GR. @PSAGR.

Don't wait, this is a limited seating fund & temperature raising event and advance tickets are selling on line.

See you on the runway!

Photo Caption: This is not a retouched photo of the Patriot Hip in Japan Red.

 

As you look over those #CyberMonday deals look at these results from a recent DDA project (in progress.) http://is.gd/hXbRO

No judgement here about your spending habits on CyberMonday, but there is a strong argument from the people who have money to spend looking for more retail in downtown GrandRapids.  

And while the study is in progress, it will be interesting which shops will begin plans to make downtown GR their new home before the final report is delivered.  

Prime storefronts are there for those who don't wait.  Wait too long and you might end up with an off the beaten path location. Lots of others have taken the plunge, so what is your company waiting for... a burnig bush?   Trust me, it's happening in Downtown GR.

Congrats to the DDA for sponsoring this study.

Cheers!

Tommy Allen

LINK: http://is.gd/hXbRO 

Back to work today after a nice break. On Deck? @RapidGrowth, producing Holiday RearviewRevue & avoiding CyberMonday Wormhole

It will be all good if I can avoid that damn wormhole.

Also, Jeff Hill is on deck at the Dog Story Theatre VIP improv tonight.

See you there, Cha Cha.

New conceptual patriotic self portrait. (2010)

From my new art series: American Original: Portrait of the New Old Teabagger. (Just kidding.)

Thanks for the cool flowers and booze.

New book about #HealthCare industry sells out on Amazon. I think I need to get a copy of #DeadlySpin

Link: http://wendellpotter.com/2010/11/selling-out/

You Better Believe It but AKRikks Buy One Get One Free event is the sales local shopping event of the year...maybe decade.

I tried on an amazing jacket that is soon to be mine soon. And got my Spanx on and off. I shocked the staff at my agility but then again we all know how talented Shelly Winters was in the Poseidon Adventure.

The experience is over soon so don't wait.

Happiness is being back in your own bed. (The family's sofa was good, but home is better)

Up next, a modern tradition returns: the Chosen Family Thanksgiving Dinner but this year due to procreating friends we are at 32 people!

I'm trying to keep calm since i'm in a "no big crowds" phase. I think it was brought on by the Tanglefoot Studio events of last weekend.

Grateful to see this old tradition revived but I also know i need my downtime to create and maintain balance.

Ok, back to Vonnegut.

Lucky break on the Tele tonight.. Seinfeld's "The Strike" or as commonly known the Festivus episode is on TBS right now.

"Another piece of the puzzle falls into place." - Elaine

ModernFamily to the rescue...and just in time. Cam's mother was perfectly timed for this weekend. Watch it here.

This link will expire so view it soon.  

 

LINK: http://www.hulu.com/watch/193336/modern-family-mother-tucker

Totally Torn: Get up at 4AM to secure 2TB hard drive or just let it be... (Also AKRikks BOGO

Also, do not miss A K Rikk's BOGO Sale this weekend. You will be bummed if you don't go.

Bloody Mary bar opens first thing Friday Morning and runs until the vodka is gone. I know a few of you will make a dent not only in your wallet but also your liver.

Cheers!

Oh, if I had a gun I'd go Elvis on my TV right now.

Download now or watch on posterous

p135.mov (5871 KB)

#Macy'sParade has breached my comfort zone.

What to expect on Macy's Broadcast tribute

They will show how the Native Americans taught us to survive the winter and we in turn will teach them the fun holiday game of Kiss The End Of The Musket.

You might want to take the little ones into the next room this tribute doesn't end Rated G or with a Disney themed song and dance.

Hide your kids, Hide your wife....

Overheard on Macy's Broadcast

Coming up, a stirring Native American presentation...

Flipping The Bird.

Well, this turkey is not going to cook itself. Time to get vertical (or "portrait" for my #AIGA friends)

#SleepyTommy

Hello, Thanksgiving!

Coming Out: The Silver Line (The Rapid Millage)

A lot of people are grumbling over new taxes connected to the Silver Line millage in less than a week.

Most times I just laugh off these ill-formed comments on the public boards as something that people do when they have nothing else to do but complain.  As one who works too much and volunteers even more to help make life better for the people of this region, I have little opinion of those who's only investment in our city is knowing how to use a keyboard.  I know this is harsh but let me get to the point.

The Silver Line is a big deal because is it a GREAT DEAL.

People want to say this money could be used elsewhere but they are severely misinformed on how these  funds work on the federal level.  (Have these people ever worked with a budget situation on a project?)

These funds are earmarked for transportation advancements and The Rapid has shown they are smart since they applied long ago to secure our placement in line.  Grand Rapids is a leader in so many ways and this is just one of the many reasons we continue to thrive when all around us is failure.  We are reinventing ourselves constantly.

What can change is that if these funds are rejected by Kent County they will just go to the state next in line.

The Silver Line like all other mass transit systems can actually create jobs around them. Need Proof of this fact?

Then look to other big cities that have embraced fast transit at an early age in their growth, New York, Boston and Chicago all have a rapid mass transit system. 

We need to think long and hard before voting against the future.  Many states would die to be in our position right now. 

West Michigan is leading, so please get on board.  Please do not banish us to the back of the line for funding.

This is only step one to many new BRT's to enter our community.  

And the costs?   An average from each home would only be about $12 dollars a year or to a family of four only 25 cents a month per person....that's a bargain and is good fiscal responsibility in action.  

LINK: http://www.mlui.org/Transportation/transitdollars.asp

New G-Sync Feedback

It appears my new Lifestyle Editor position at RapidGrowthMedia.com's G-Sync column is making an impact on the entertainment scene of Grand Rapids.

Here is a reprint of an email that Wealthy Theatre's Erin Wilson sent to his staff this morning. It highlights the real issue in our community and the dire need to advocate and promote community building events.

"In a week when the all-original "Judy Show" (10/10/08 at WT) has gotten nil advance copy...

Rapid Growth provides: http://rapidgrowthmedia.com/features/gsync100908.aspx

Big thanks to Tommy, whose own website Tanglefootstudio.com references the artist who created Wealthy Theatre's facade logo, Alynn Guerra (who has an exhibit opening next week, more info here: http://www.alynn-guerra.blogspot.com/ )

It's a small world after all. And thanks to RG, there are good people in the city of GR who know we exist and have events and all that ;-)

What a great publication... Cheers, Erin (Wilson)"

p.s. SAVE THE DATE: TANGLEFOOT 18 OPEN STUDIO is NOVEMBER 21-23. Details to follow.