Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Viewpoints and Ghetto Granny War Protesters?

I like opinions and viewpoints of all angles. I'm voracious for them. In fact is much like how you sit in life drawing classes and make the first marks on paper. The first marks or idea that arrives is usually not the strongest. The more you look at the subject or explore every angle, the more understanding you gain. And sure you make mistakes - lots of them. Juan Cole always offers interesting viewpoints. I would say many are probably what many Americans might not want to hear, but nonethless his opinions and statements offer alternatives to the watered down, mainstream websites or TV news resources. Plus he's an expert on mid-east, especially Iraq.

His latest post offers an insight on war protests in DC. According to the article, Congressman John Conyers inquires why protesters - many senior citizens were held until 4 am at the
United States Park Police Anacostia Station. My wife Helen, a native of DC area describes the Anacostia area as super ghetto and dangerous. Almost like being stranded at Harborview area in Seattle - and at night. Leave it up to the government to keep you safe.

Thursday, September 22, 2005


Painting off to the right consists of collage, melted wax, and string that I recently finished, inspired by the bookThe battle of Stalingrad by Antony Beevor.

11.5 x 14 inches
Another big strom, Rita has captured my interest. At one point it reached category 5. I can't help but get caught up in the fascination and power of these storms, but feel terrible for those in the their path.

I applaud Steve Jobs position on maintaining all itunes songs as 99 cent downloads and albums as $9.99. Not only does it keep it economical and affordable but easy! One thing about Apple and their products, from what I've seen the keep things simple. The battle between Itunes and greedy music companies...

Movies theatres slowly dying? This was good article I came across.

Oh, and it's comforting to see visual artists on the "genius title" lists.

Monday, September 19, 2005

Monday September 19

IPOD - Well, I took the plunge and purchased one of these critters. Let me say I love it! My commutes and bus rides are so much enjoyable listening to music both Helen and I have on may computer. Although many of her salsa songs have found their way on my Ipod, I'm starting to like a few of them.

Approval Ratings:
Funny, although polling is never entirely accurate all the polls reflected below: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/polls.html
indicate the President in hot water with the American public. I guess he finally claimed responsibility for the government's inability to or lack of response to the hurricane crisis.

I've been reading Max Beckmann "Self Portrait in his own Words", and a finish this blog post with the following phrase that struck me: (pg 128)

"What we mean by mysticism in art is not the artist's interposed intention of evoking mysterious, ancient folk cults, with an affectionation of human sympathy: on the contrary, the mystical feeling originates in the viewer who admires, in a work of art, the greatness of the artist's feeling for nature."

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

A photo from Iowa

I'm working this one into a painting......my niece and I discovered this driving along the road.


Thoughts

The New Orleans tradegy was like watching a horror movie unfold - and at times seeing these images on TV you don't want to believe it's real. And you have to really wonder where the country's priorities are, and the governments ability to respond quickly to a crisis.

I mean really, did they not place anyone near or on the ground to assess the situation - and why did it get to the point watching the mayor and local officials plead for help. As an American I'm ashamed. Oh well the finger pointing and blame game will play out and I hope the changes that need to take place occur because rignt now my confidence in my government is about null.

Sign the petition ot fire Micheal Brown

And what about Mrs. Bush comments (full article)

"What I'm hearing, which is sort of scary, is they all want to stay in Texas. Everyone is so overwhelmed by the hospitality. And so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this is working very well for them."
So far, this blogging tool is better than Livejournal. Yes, I started out with the LJ tool from an introduction of famous photoblogger gurlskout a few years ago. Now I work with a small company called Whatcounts that works with blogs for marketing solutions. So here I go and lets see where this blog takes me. :)