The Northern (Plainfield) Lights

On the way home from a friend's house late saturday night, the light pollution of the city took on a beautiful form.

Looking out from my back stoop through the artic cold zero degree weather was this amazing display. Most days the site of this much light pollution would make me upset but tonight it was pure poetry in the moisture ladden air. I loved ever second that I could stand to be out in the cold night.

Local Artist Has A Good Hair Day

Yesterday over breakfast, local artist Michael Pfleghaar announced that he was having a good hair day. "I think my hair looks really good today"

(Click)

It also doesn't hurt when on the very same day his sketch blog was updated and given a fresh look by his web design team, Plenty Creative.

It is all good (and looks good, too.) Check out his new site.

Links: Michael Pfleghaar
Plenty Creative
Spring 2006 UICA Class, Michael Pfleghaar - Instructor

Brooklyn Is Coming To Grand Rapids!

Over the next few days Grand Rapids will see a new neighbor appear on the barscape - Brooklyn Beer.

While walking the streets of downtown Grand Rapids (No Jokes Please), I stumbled upon an old friend being held up for all to see by another old friend, Keith Klopic of West Side Beer.

Years ago I met Keith while striving to write comedy 5 days a week at 5:30 AM for WLAV's Morning Show with Denny Schaffer. It was just an internship but it was exciting to work on my improv skills even at such an unfunny time period for most others.

One early morning during the glory days of Pulaski Days when one could have more than one beer and legally drive an automobile back home, Keith and his gang hauled up a keg of beer to the radio station booth. This act really helped kicked off the Polish holiday day festivities at 6 AM and to this kid fresh out of college it was a dream come true.

Beer for breakfast...AND FREE!

Since that time I have had many jobs without breakfast beers on the company time and even more personal weight gains often blamed on beer (and never the 10 pound deluxe nachos with cheese). Beer comes and goes in one’s life but today I was having a moment of nostalgia with Keith as we rapidly caught up to the present moment.

But here was Keith holding up my other long lost friend 0 Brooklyn Beer.

Some folks may say they left their heart in San Francisco but for me there is only one love and I "Heart" New York.

Interesting design point I found out with Keith is that Milton Glaser the graphic artist who brought us the great I "Heart" New York t-shirt design is also the same artist who designed the Brooklyn Beer logo.

As one visits our local favorite watering holes or corner markets, be sure to ask for Brooklyn Beer. Many of the brews that Brooklyn has created will begin to appear throughout the city in the weeks to come.

Pop one (or two) open. And drink responsibly….that means no Miller products - Forgetaboutit! (My buddy Keith would approve.)

Enjoy!

To see the entire collection of beers, visit Brooklyn Beer

Help Wanted: Grand Rapids Food Taster for Ann Coulter.

The other day the Grand Rapids Press did a good thing. They printed my good friend's letter about the venomous Ann Coulter and her impending visit to GR. Most of us just groan when we hear her name used in the same line as our city.

But Dave did something about it. He connected the dots and wrote one of the best letters I have ever seen printed in any newspaper. So today I reprint it here for all to enjoy.

The following was published in The Grand Rapids Press, 2/7/06.

I salute Kent County Republicans for inviting Ann Coulter to speak at their annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Ms. Coulter clearly shares the values of area Republicans. Not to mention her wonderful sense of humor. Just last month, Ms. Coulter joked:
"We need somebody to put rat poisoning in (U.S. Supreme Court) Justice Stevens' creme brulee." She added: "That's a joke, for you in the media."

Now some spoilsports might not see the humor in calling for the murder of government officials. And they might think it's in bad taste to have a speaker who thinks assassination is funny, appearing at an event that supposedly honors the memory of President Lincoln. But it's witticisms like the above that will undoubtedly have the Republican faithful rolling in the aisles.

Local Republican Carol Van Andel has this to say about Ms. Coulter; "...she stands up for what she believes and she doesn't mince any words." (" 'Edgy' speaker brings fire to local event," Press, Jan. 14). That's obviously true. In 2002, Ms. Coulter stated:

"My only regret with Timothy McVeigh is he did not go to the New York Times Building."

Now a lesser person, one more prone to mincing words, might have regretted that Mr. McVeigh was able to vaporize an entire building. Or maybe shed a tear for all those who lost loved ones in a horrific terrorist attack. Not Ms. Coulter.

She has no regret that the attack happened. Ms Coulter's only regret is that it happened to the wrong people, in the wrong city.

In this post-9/11 era, Ms. Coulter is one of the few people brave enough to take a principled stand in favor of detonating truck bombs in New York City. You'd be hard pressed to find a better embodiment of the modern-day Republican Party than Ann Coulter.

DAVID La BOTZ /Grand Rapids

Tommy continues....

Since I am all about protest and being creative in such endevours, if Ann can make such statments directed at the Supreme Court, then I have no problem calling on my fellow citizens to stand on the sidewalks just outside the Amway Grand Plaza service entrance with signs encouraging workers to mess with her meal and in attendance.

Given her track record of making outlandish comments about one group or another, I am sure she has given up the idea of ever eating in public again. If the media picks up just one image of a person with a "Mess With Their Happy Meal" sign, neither will any of those attending this high priced event be happy.

After all she has ruined Justice Steven's freedom to eat out on the town so why not spoil her dining experience as well. This is the party of "an eye for an eye" and what is wrong with a little spit in the bisque. It will be the shot heard around the kitchen. And when the death of dining is written up in the herstory books, they will all blame Ann Coulter.

It is times like these I am proud to be an American, and even prouder when the party of Life invites such a high profile well paid assassin to bless their patrotic event. Praise Jesus, pass the arsenic!

And to those who are feeling the hunger pangs of this massive overseas outsourcing, the new economy of Coulter has opened the employment door with the return of the food taster from the good old days of Kings and Emperors. Warning: if seeking this line of work, be sure to inquire about their health plan benefits.

So in the spirit of Lincoln, I say let's join in the patriotic fun with some good old fashioned lip service. Those with a cold can move to the head off the line.

(Disclaimer: Tommy does not condone the actual behavior of ruining a lovely creamy bisque which can take a chef hours to prepare. I think we as Americans should be free to express our opinions in a civilized fashion and also pursue the fine art of dining without wondering if Ann Couter has entered the kitchen back door with rat poison in hand. I am sure Ann is a fine up-standing person who is really just using her forked tongue to sell comedy....like me but without the millions in the bank. No idiot would really take what either of us seriously, right? I just wonder while at the bookstore I can never find any of her books under humor.)

Mom, I found a Roller Girl! (Can I keep her?)

Ready or not here come the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls!

Last weekend was the big fundraiser for these gals and boy...er...girl, did they put out. The room pressed in close as the Grand Rapids team took the floor in a mini-exhibition round of what the whole fuss is about.

Jackie Daniels is a personal fav but I must admit given my 70's sensitivity Mary Tyler Gore was a strong second.

Be sure to get the skinny on the Roller Girl's upcoming schedule and let's roll.

Link: Grand Raggidy Roller Girls Website

Picture: Tommy in a lock hold with smokin' hot Jackie Daniels.

Super Bowl Fun House Party

Welcome to Coopersville - the site of the Super Bowl XL Party. I really loved the many signs like this one that line the streets. They are so welcoming and are in sync with how open I try to be with my blog.


Since this is an annual all girl event I am just glad to be able to attend. When I entered the house, one woman yelled, "Did you bring the Clam Dip?"

Vic's bottle service could teach New York bars a thing or two about how to provide this feature with real style. You should see how the cap comes off!



Mick has old lady flapping skin under his arms. But if you were dancing around as much as Mick did tonight for an 18 minute mutlimillion set of tired old tunes, then who really cares about grandma skin?


At the end it was time for former roommate werstling and since Shannon and I were the only former roomates in the room we hit the floor. Instead of "Unlce" we had to cry the "I don't know how to quit you" line from Brokeback.

Breaking News: The Bible Comes Out About Gay Super Bowl Clam Dip On Sunday

As you can guess, not all is "right" in the Allen house today.

And since most know that today is Super Bowl Sunday, I am alarmed at the dangerous lifestyle choices some have made and will continue to make today. And for many they are not even aware of these lifestyle choice missteps that could cost one their life and their afterlife as well.

I could not believe it myself but as I was surfing the web someone made a point of informing me that being Gay is wrong. They went on to explain that it wasn't their rule but the rule of the Bible, so "don't hate me." I was informed I should change my ways or risk eternal damnation.

Having grown up in a Christian home, a Christian Church, and attended many Christian Schools with only Christian friends, I believed I was well versed in all things Christian. Since the word Christ is the root of the word so was the idea that all things are built on Christ who liberated us from the Old Testament laws.

Up until today I would just let these types of comments roll off my back. But given the current hysterical state of the country and the rapid rolling back of even simple rights for gays in America, I felt the need to revisit the passage to see what I was missing....and everyone else was talking about.

So I went to the Leviticus 18:22 passage and re-read it. And yes, in my modern translation was the God given text that has been handed down from one man’s hand to another to another to another through no less than a gazillion translations. Who was I to argue with this religious hand-me-down?

But as I read on I became very alarmed at what I was seeing and felt compelled to share with my friends who were about to engage in activities today that could damn their mortal soul.

As men today we will face a morning ritual of shaving and trimming our beard and hairline area. What you will not see today when the new Gillette five blade shaver is revealed during a much hyped Super Bowl commercial is that the Bible states in Leviticus 19:27, "Ye shall not shave the corners of your head round, neither shalt thou mutilate the corners of thy beard."

I wonder if this new shaver will come with a warning label so I do risk cutting my face and potentially cut me off from the glorious afterlife as well because the lubricating strips slide me into a rounded cut? And to think up until today I thought shaving’s only risk was blood. I am just glad they are silent on manscaping down below or a whole lot of those I see at the gym would really be in for heavenly trouble.

Are you thinking of that tailgate spread today? Then one should be very careful when approaching the snack table. In Leviticus 11:10, “And all that have not fins nor scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living animal which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination to you.”

Wow. When I read this breaking Biblical old school news, I am thinking we are not too far off from seeing a bumper sticker campaign of “Mayo + Clams Does Not Equal Dip.” I am sure the folks who brought us those cute red bumpers of "One Man + One Man Does Not Equal Marriage" are already preparing to ship these clam dip saviors now that their previous bummpers have helped Gay Marriage become banned in Michigan. The clam shell even has Hell in it's name.

If one backs up to Leviticus 11:7-8 they will read, "The pig, because he has a split hoof, and is cloven-footed, but doesn't chew the cud, he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you." One can clearly see the huge problem with the very center object of today’s game - the football. Unlike the materials used to create a baseball or basketball, the football is even commonly referred to by its outside wrapping - Pigskin.

Wow, talk about flaunting one's lifestyle in public!

And if that is not enough to make one quiver, think about the blatant act of hosting this event on a Sunday. Traditional this is the day Christians hold as God's day off. (And so should you.)

Well, how long do you think "The Big He" in the sky will look the other way as Super Bowl XL employs hundreds of folks from the players to the $12. beer vendor? B y working today one risks God's lightening bolt strike as he stares down from his great big lazyboy armchair in the sky.

Why? Because in Exodus 35:2 the most damning results wait for those who work today, "Six days shall work be done; but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a Sabbath of solemn rest to Jehovah: whosoever doeth any work therein shall be put to death."

So as one goes about their Super Bowl plans just know they are not God's plans. Don't hate me for spoiling the clam dip but I did not write the rules. I am just handing them down ...you know, like Moses.

But one should not focus on the negative here since you have been given the good news. I know I sure feel comforted to look out for my fellow humans who have always looked out for me as they made decisions in my best interest...even banning gay marriage.

What we are finally learning as we wade through intelligent designer bumper stickers of hate is we have no choice in these Biblical matters. If Gays have to go, then so does Football, the clam dip and the Sunday labor. You cannot serve two masters in a divided house. We must protect this house...and this house is heavenly.

So in the spirit of making sure we all can gather at the pearly gates, I just need folks to be aware that when one comes tossing out lines about Gays being wrong in the eyes of the Bible, they should have a good laugh at the selective intelligence of the messenger. You see, that same Bible they use as a weapon to fag bash all the time will come back around to bite then in the eternal damnation ass.

You don't believe me? Simply, use this link to see that many of those bashing gays are caring a Bible made of what else.... Pigskin.

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!
(God is watching us from a distance….beware of lightening bolts.)

To read the Bible Online, visit the Online Parallel Bible
Here's an interesting book to buy at your local bookstore or online, Misquoting Jesus : The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why

Sowing Awareness

For years now I have enjoyed working on many exciting projects where we raise funds as we raise awareness. Most times this involves long time spans as committees hammer out the details for an event. And each event has always been memorable and made money for the organization.

But last week I received an email from my friend Rebecca Hoffman of Past Perfect - a historic preservation consulting firm in Grand Rapids. She wrote, "We need a clever idea for fundraising - anything come to mind?"

I was very aware of the intent of the email as she has been working to save a portion of Garfield Park (public park) from being sold off to the Salvation Army who wish to build a Kroc Center. The center, a fitness and community space, would be a multimillion dollar gift to the city. Grand Rapids was selected over about 24 other cities for this gift, who are standing in line in case we screw up. But the deadline to secure this gift is fast approaching and the city is deeply divided on this matter.

The biggest problem has been that while it is a nice gift, it is the wrong location for many folks and for many reasons. Over the past few weeks the players have dug in the trenches for a long fight. The sad thing is the Kroc Center is in danger of being lost due to mishandling of this matter by some folks who have gotten off message. The Kroc Center is good for the community, but the location potentially opens up the real possibility of other public land ending up on the selling block. In a town with deep financial shortfalls, our city's vision is in danger of becoming equally short sited in solving issues of the checkbook.

It was all heading for a showdown this Tuesday. City Commissioners were being hounded by both sides in numerous meetings. Letters splash throughout the public editorial seciton of the newspaper. Even a recent article in the Grand Rapids Press had me wondering if maybe the Garfield Park location would be approved.

So Rebecca's email was asking me to help them and fast since the clock was winding down to Tuesday's showdown vote. I knew it was too little time to do anything traditional but I also understood the promotion of their dialogue was key in this urgent matter. Personally, I did not want to attend another wine and cheese party where a small group write checks. Been there, done that. I wanted real dialogue.

After a few minutes I wrote back, "I really cannot think of anything but this needs to happen fast. All I can think of is more along the lines of a fund raiser / publicity stunt, where neighbors set up a table, OUTSIDE, and just like a bake sale, sell off chunks of sod as people walk by."

"It gets the message out there that this piece of public park land is up for sale by the city and slows down the wheels of the commission who may become fearful of a complete revolt come election time. At the same time your cause make some cash - maybe not a lot of cash but I can guarantee every news media outlet will pick this up."

And they did.

Flash forward 24 hours after the Sod Sale to Friday where at a press conference called by the Salvation Army, they finally admitted that the Kroc family would not want the gift of this center to be placed in a location that would divide, not unite, a community. They were taking Garfield Park off the preferred location list.

So they will attempt to secure an extension to their deadline with the Kroc Foundation as they go back to the other three sites on their wish list. None of the other sites are public parkland or have any protest from the citizens of Grand Rapids.

In the end it is a noble gesture on the part of the Salvation Army to back down and not place it in Garfield Park. I would like to think in some small way, I may have helped make a difference in helping protect a public park.

And in a strange last twist, the Kroc's are the family that made billions off a little restaurant named McDonald's. Are the fitness centers they plan to build in many U.S. cities out of guilt or a true concern of health & fitness? A Big Mac is 560 calories with 270 of them assigned to fat. Hold the French Fries, Ronald!

Discuss amongst yourself.

To read up more on this matter, visit the city of Grand Rapids' information page.

Long Live Pasta!

As promised from time to time I want to share a few good recipes for those who love to entertain with friends.

Last week while at the gym I was moaning how much I missed making & eating fresh pasta.

For those of you just joining us, pasta has gotten a very bad rap over the past years. Many have tried to replace it with all sorts of additives to make it low carb friendly. But one bite of these concoctions and a napkin is quickly produced to expel their results.

Finally, it appears we have had some common sense knocked into our heads or in this case it took a nasty spill on Dr. Atkin's part to wake us all up to reality. Since we are all going to die anyway, let's eat real pasta from time to time in moderation.

Strolling out of the gym on that cold January morning, it was decided that making homemade ravioli would be the best comfort food. As a team effort we set out to create a nice batch of dough, savory fillings and of course a wonderful sauce to pour generously over the creation.

First up, Kristin and Michael were put to work on getting glasses filled and igniting our spirits for the long work ahead of us. To follow are the recipes used to create a wonderful night for all who attended this impromptu affair.


Fresh Pasta Dough
Mix 1 1/2 cups unbleached flour, 1 cup seminola and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Dump mixture out on a wood surface and form a well in the middle of the flour. After whisking together 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of extra eirgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water in a bowl, pour mixture into the flour well. Knead the dough for a few minutes, it will become smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and rest for 1/2 hour.


Chicken & Pesto Filling
This one is a hard one to mess up since it really is about working with what you have around the house. I chose chicken since I had a full roasted breast already in the refrigerator. I chopped the breast into 1 inch pieces and placed in a food processor. Hitting pulse a few times it began to break down the chunks. Do not over pulse yet.

Adding to this chicken mixture is a generous helping of pesto, two cloves of garlic, a few pieces of roasted red pepper, extra virgin olive oil and some chopped spinach. Pulse this mixture until it appears the items have broken down to almost a paste like consistancy.

After add about a cup or so of grated parmesean cheese and pulse until it becomes dough like in its shape. If you need more oil, drizzle while pulsing the mixture. Cover and chill until ready to assemble the ravioli.


Sauce di Salerno
Vince really gets the "no frills" style of cooking, so much so that he and I argue often about food. And on many occasions I exclaim, "how can one be this laid back in their approach to cooking and still get anything?" I have learned it is wise not to argue too long with a Sicilian over food much less a tomato sauce?

Below is Vince's recipe for what I have coined as Sauce di Salerno.

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1/2 large sweet onion, finely minced
2-3 cloves garlic
1 - 28 oz of tomato juice(left over from draining two cans of whole tomatoes)
2 - 15 oz cans of tomato puree
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
basil
oregano

"I began by removing sausage from their casings and place the sausage in a sauce pan on medium heat. As the sausage cooks, break it up into small bits and pieces (basically as small as you can get it without too much work). To get the most out of your sausage you need to let it brown not burn. When the sausage is sufficiently browned, remove from pan and set aside.

Drain off excess fat from pan and then add two tablespoons of EVOO, throw in the minced garlic. Turn heat up to medium high and stir the garlic until it starts to turn brown, then stir in the onions. Cook for a few minutes, then add the cooked sausage and finish cooking onions until transparent.

Pour into this mixture the tomato products and spices to taste. Always remember to go light on spices because the sauce will reduce concentrating their flavor. Place the lid firmly on top and let simmer for at least 1/2 hour. Cooking tomato sauces for too long can make them more acidic, but the meat usually balances this out." - Vince

The rest is quite simple and fun for all in attendance. Using a pasta machine (I like the Atlas), crank out the dough until you can start to see the shadow of your hand under the thin layer of pasta. Place the sheets on the counter, add filling and then cover and cut into the ravioli shapes desired. If you have a lot of pasta to make for your guests, place the fresh ravioli on a tray and put in the freezer until ready to cook up a batch.

Simply when ready drop the ravioli in salted boiling water, cook a few minutes and then serve hot.

And what did the Commissioner do? Besides rolling up her sleeves with her beau Jon to stuff the pasta, she brought the wine and entertained us with stories of her first few weeks on the job at City Hall.

Cheers!
- Tommy

It's All Greek....er..German 2 Me.

Last year a friend of mine started a wonderful blog devoted to exhibiting her images. Over the past few months as I have seen her images be posted at sandig.blogspot.com, I have dropped jaw versus the normal dropping of something else common among internet folks.

Her work is simply refreshing. I really do enjoy what she has to share on her blog. They often say in the art world that someone is a "painter's painter." Well, Sandi is often the object of my admiration. She inspires me.

This month she has been published by a German arts magazine. I am so happy and proud of her.

Please visit her space and then check out her images at http://www.balkon-garten.de/

*Good Job, Sandi! - Tommy

" They Said What? "

As a rule I think it is best if one uses their blog to convey their own words to express oneself.

But recently while on the L.A. Gossip Rag, Defamer, I could not resist taking a junk chunk of text and what they had to say about Steve Jobs of Apple. It seems he is packing much more than just a nice iPod these days.

"If Hollywood really isn’t much more than a constant dick-measuring contest, the strategic mailing address label placement on the cover of the latest BusinessWeek should make anyone think twice before lining up against new Disney Superman Steve Jobs and slapping his manhood down on the table. Subscribers to the magazine might expect that once they peel off the label, they’ll merely uncover the rest of Jobs’ partially obscured leg; in actuality, the sticker actually hides a cartoon of CEO Robert Iger, wearing nothing but a ball gag, a pair of mouse ears, and an expression of terror as he cowers before the man who’ll probably take his job in a couple of years."

Link: Steve Jobs Is Packing More Than An iPod

Sowing The Seeds

A few years ago I read a very mediocre book that I could not put down, All Over Creation. It was not the best book but it raised a lot of questions about what is happening to our crops as genetic creations begin to take hold and corporations begin to file patents on these new varieties.

Yes, life can now secure a patent with the U. S. government.

And while the book did seem to drag on a few hundred pages too long, on the back pages the author listed sources that inspired and supported her research. I was able to glean a few choice bits of knowledge as this work of fiction became a work of horror when one considers the reality behind this novel.

One strong inspiring area was the subject of seeds and the California seed bank of J L Hudson - who over the years has stood up to the big guys by fighting hard to preserve strains of seed as old as time. So I took a chance last year and purchased a round of seeds to place in my garden. I must say I was not disappointed by the amazing crop these seeds produced.

To those who saw my garden last year, you know what I am talking about when I say this seed bank is one of the best in the world since it pulls all it's seeds from the entire planet.

So today I want to feature a low-tech web site one can visit when considering upcoming garden needs this year. Each seed packet is typed by hand adding to the charm and organic nature of the entire experience. This charm was unexpected and wonderful.

I swear the beefsteak Black From Tula tomato is the best you will ever taste....and the most beautiful in color.


Link: J L Hudson Seedsman

Koi Dance by Tommy Allen

Today I want to talk about my art since I am more than just a guy who likes to write.

At the Tanglefoot Open Studio 2005, I debuted a new body of work inspired by the discovery of a beautiful Koi pond in Santa Monica. I find it really amazing this pond resides in the town that inspired one of my earlier water series, That Which Is Left Behind.

If one should have an interest in receiving further information including the current price guide for Koi Dance and other art works currently being offered, please email me at tommyallen@comcast.net

When emailing please include "Koi PDF Request" in the subject line. The studio/gallery image below illustrates the nine individual pieces currently offered in the series.

Text from Koi Dance X Tommy Allen PDF:

This fresh new series is very special on so many levels.

For starters, it keeps me working with the theme of water, which as we advance in this new century is becoming the “new oil” of our generation.

Secondly, the Koi have a long history of reflecting the Daoist legend about the unity of all mankind with nature. It speaks directly to our friendship and our source of happiness. The idea of adding the word dance is a celebration of this union.

Lastly, this series is about new directions in my work. While the distortion often found in my Polaroid work is still there, the continued exploration of landscape of the meditative spirit is still very evident in this new work.

In an attempt to keep this work very special, the Koi Dance series is limited to an edition size of 5. The prices will increase as we advance through the edition.





Link: Tanglefoot Studio

Good Eats Gone Missing Today!

Have you heard the one about the Italian, the Commissioner and Artist who all walked into a kitchen on a January night?

Hint: You would have today if the Italian had not become sick for the past five days.

Friday was to be the day I wanted to post the wonderful collective efforts of all who contributed to this impromptu dinner party. But with Vince being so sick I just did not feel right bugging him for his recipe of the best damn red sauce.

So today one will just get a taste of what is to come. Look for the recipe of what we cooked up on a cold winter's night in Michigan later this weekend.

(And get well soon, Vince. The world is starving for that sauce.)

Cheers All!

For those needed a boost this weekend, try renting or buying this cooking DVD: Oliver's Twist - Jamie Oliver

Oscar Is Sure To Overlook - But I Didn't!

Best Naked Dance Wearing Only A Santa Hat

Jake Gyllenhaal - Jarhead

He has my one big vote!


Link: Watch Jake's Mad Moves Here

Spotted: New Art

One thing that is a given in any town is that every coffee house will have some student art. And almost always it is like opening a bottle of Bartles and James Wine Cooler. It sounded good at the time but now it is just too damn sweet and often leaves one with a raging tummy ache.

Bad art can has this effect as well.

While at my favorite eatery in Grand Rapids, Marie Catrib's, I stumbled upon one artist's work who may have been overlooked by some in the artworld, but I found her paint brush's touch amusing and fun.

Karen Godfrey has taken a page from my childhood memory and slapped it right on the canvas for all the world to see. Taking a 45 rpm record's song title she has spun off the vinyl a slathering of paint inspired by what happens between the grooves.

For those too young to remember, it was the 45 record that built the careers of Elton John, The Bee Gees, and Peaches and Herb. It was a novel little seven inches that fit just nicely until we could handle a full 12 inches of pressed vinyl. Ah, good times.

So if you are out and about in Grand Rapids and wish to see a fun collection of paintings, make Marie Catrib's your destination. You can have a turkish coffee, some eggs with toast, and even view first hand what Karen has done to Simon and Garfunkle's Bridge Over Troubled Water. It will lay you down.

Marie Catrib's
1001 Lake Drive SE
Grand Rapids
616.454.4020

Located in East Hills Center of the Universe, Catrib's serves up fresh homemade sandwiches, daily soups and entrees including Middle Eastern selections. Bakery and large dessert menu also featured.

Comic Relief: Happy Roe v. Wade!

It is not my intention to offend anyone...aw...hell, you all know me. I am an equal opportunity offender.

And in the spirit of celebrating the one issue that dominates all of American politics in every race, today is the 33rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade. (If you are clueless on this matter, you are just not paying attention.)

Whether one wishes to run for President of the United States, Senator or even city sanitation worker, the wonderful folks at Right To Life will make sure you have a questionnaire in your hands that is all about one question, "Are you Pro-Life?"

Box 1, Yes.
Box 2, No.

There is no middle ground with these folks as they blindly follow a take no prisoners strategy and if captured one can bet they will torture the “heck” out of you in the media or Guantanamo.

In reality, all sides can get caught up in this battle settled years ago as we take our eyes off real issues affecting our country.

If I ran the issue I would pull it to a much easier solution: the need for real sex education within our country.

It is surprising that a country fed a steady diet of violence views this as a more acceptable topic to promote with our youth than one that glorifies how a penis and vagina work. (They can work together....really...or so I have been told.)

You don’t think so?

I dare one to time how much violence is presented in a Quentin Tarantino film against the sex portrayed in, say, Brokeback Mountain. ( I personally felt ripped off with the less than 39 seconds of sex but upon further “research” this is the average sex most experience.) We need education fast on going slow. And we need to put our kids on a low-violence diet.

But rather than wander down a 33 year old pot hole filled road that will only kill what political career I have left, let's get back to what is funny about today.

While surfing the web, I discovered in the 1970's someone actually thought it would be clever to create a comic book to help explain Roe v. Wade.

So today I offer up some light reading for those looking to turn off the protests and just curl up with your monitor for a lovely night of reading.

Please visit Abortion Eve – the comic.

If you need a web fireplace for your reading, visit here to set the mood.

On The Town: Shelly Klein

Each month I have the privilege to sit in the company of artists and those connected to the arts. And each time my experience is never the same as the previous.

On The Town, a monthly free magazine, is distributed througout the western side of Michigan to coffee shops, galleries, and other boutique type shops.

Sadly, for those outside the region who have been hoping to read my column, one has had to know someone who could send a copy. Past columns have included Stephen Duren, Mark di Suvero, Governor Jennifer Granholm and emerging artists centers like the Division Avenue Arts Co-operative & Swim. (All can be Googled...but at your own risk.)

So this month I will attempt something new for those abroad and post my January On The Town column for your reading enjoyment. Who knows, if my editor hear's from enough folks outside this region, maybe we will begin to see an electronic version spring up soon.

This month I present my January subject from Artistic Expression, Shelly Klein of K Studio.
(click on article to see full size)





Links: K Studio

Baby Baby Baby!

Yesterday was a first. Our friend's Sean and Sara had a baby shower in a bar. That is right, a bar. It was an afternoon affair where the Stella Artois flowed and one of my favorite bands, The Icicles jammed away while wearing only sleepwear. (I made a small mini movie for power pop fan Jean Hanks...I hope she enjoyed my special touch on this recording.)

Also, I had Joleen take a fun pic of me in the bathroom to illustrate to all those girls who think guys have it so great behind the MEN placard. Really now, who would sit when the door on the other side opens to the dance floor? I elect to stand up in these kind of spaces.

One last thing, the bar, Jukes on Leonard, really is nice and classy. Just look at the signage for the wine. LOL


Cheers!
Link: The Icicles

A Winter's Walk (Preview)

It snow last night and in the morning we had about 6 inches on the ground. So being borderline ADD in my behavior, I set out on foot to wander about in the woods behind our house.

For those who have never been to our home, let me just say that having a nature preserve behind one's house can do wonders for the soul.

I will post more pics and the tunes I selected for my iPod soundtrack later but since I took an hour and half wander I am now running late for a board event. Duty calls even when the snow falls.

(Photo: The view out my home office window.)