More News on Chocolate

A bit of dark chocolate may do more than just tickle your taste buds.

Eating about 3 1/2 ounces of dark chocolate helped relax people's blood vessels in a recent study, which could help protect cardiovascular health. So go ahead and indulge, but don't overdo it; dark chocolate is still high in calories and fat.
-RealAge Tip

***
Andrew and I definitely indulged in some special chocolate in our stockings this year.












From Chocolove we found

• Rich Dark (65%)
• Strong Dark (70%), and
• Extra Strong Dark (65%)

From Vosges we found

• Red Fire Bar (65%), and
• Oaxaca Bar (75%)

You know what would be exceedingly fun?
A Yoga + Chocolate Retreat in Oaxaca, Mexico!

Happy Festivus, Everyone!

A declared holiday for the rest of us announced by Frank Costanza on Seinfeld. Festivus can be celebrated any day, but December 23 is the preferred day.

Festivus Pole
The tradition begins with a bare aluminum pole, which Frank praises for its "very high strength-to-weight ratio." During Festivus, an unadorned aluminum pole is displayed, apparently in opposition to the commercialization of highly decorated Christmas trees, and because the holiday's creator, Frank Costanza, "find[s] tinsel distracting." Local customs vary and you may be able to decorate your pole with non-threatening plain decorations, or ordinary green garland

The Airing of Grievances
At the Festivus dinner, each participant tells friends and family all of the instances where they disappointed him or her that year.

The Feats of Strength
The head of the family tests his or her strength against one participant of the head's choosing. Festivus is not considered over until the head of the family has been pinned to the ground. A participant is allowed to decline to attempt to pin the head of the family only if they have something better to do instead.

Festivus Poles on Sale | History & Celebrating Festivus

If You Claim to be an Artist, Start Thinking Like One

Recently, a fellow artisan came to me upset. She conveyed that a close colleague of hers had repurposed her work. Unfortunately, this wasn't the only time this appalling act had happened to Sue by this thief, and this thief had committed this unethical act to other unwitting artists.

Have you ever heard an artist, whether in theater or fine arts state, "One day I'm afraid that someone will wake up and discover that I am a fraud?" Well, I've got news for Miss Unprincipled, it's time to wake up and smell the code -of conduct.

It's a shame that people in many walks of life make a decision to become lazy. Laziness is a choice. Sure, plagiarism saves time, but it doesn't save face. Imagine the deepest rewards one can gain by playing with materials or words, then soon discover that it becomes a product -a real product of your own play process. Only you can claim it.

If anyone needs wants a glimpse into the thought process of an artist, Milton Glaser profoundly states:

“Drawing is not about representation but about thinking. Trying to understand what you're looking at ... The brain sends a signal to the hand and the hand sends one back and there is an endless conversation between them.”

There ain't no shortcuts in creative thinking. Production is a result, a by-product of thought -and that's something to put your name on.

2005 Final Show: Carroboro, NC

Well, my portion of the show installation is complete and awaits hungry art collectors for Christmas. Oh, and I'm introducing birds!

Fur & Feathers
Carrboro Arts Center
December 15, 2005 - January 31, 2006



You can find more of my work on these sites:
CalligraphyPets
ECStewart Collections

Wizards of Winter

Last week, in the midst of the harried winter blues, my husband sent me this link. It's fabulous -guaranteed to put anyone in a good mood.

Evidently, the origination of this file is from an engineer in Mason, Ohio. I hope he gets his due credit since I cannot seem to find his name. Please send me his name if you know it.


http://youtube.com/watch.php?v=_ffvVgBm4ig

Art Show #2, 1 to go

I'm exhausted, painfully exhausted, but relieved that it didn't rain Sunday as promised during the Boylan Heights Art Walk. The first hour I could forecast that foot traffic wasn't going to be as good as the previous year; I'm going to blame that on the administration -they're easy targets.

Here's the meager kiosk my husband built for me 2 years ago that has serviced us well. It's evolved, but like anything, we forgot the camera for documentation as well as the sacks for purchases.




You can learn more about our recent revealations and specials on my CalligraphyPets site.

Mickey Sighting

While pouring coffee this morning, I stepped away from the counter with my cup and behold!



Granted he's upside down, but I'm convinced!

***
Update: My friend Jim sent me a link to another Mickey Siting. Hilarious!
http://www.mickeymeow.com/

But you can sleep at night.

I found it! I was looking for an address to send my 4 Humors of Political Horror to Jon Stewart & the Daily Show team and accidentally came across his guest appearance on Crossfire.

If you never saw the clip, it's here: http://mediamatters.org/items/200410160003
I love it. Absolutely love it.

BTW, I can't seem to find the address (snail or email) to the Daily Show. Does anyone have it or a better way than the front door thru Comedy Central?

Thanks!

4 Humors of Political Horror

A friend of Andrew's turned 40 this week and was holding a party tonight for the auspicious event. Within her list of rules, we were not to bring gifts. However, if we wanted to bring something ghoulish to eat or perhaps, dress up for the occassion, we were welcomed. I was too tired to dress, even after Andrew and I decided we needed to bring something wicked for her.

It was 3:30 in the afternoon when he realized we needed to bring a dish to pass. Yeah, right, like that's going to happen now. He then brought up the option of a bottle of wine -well, at least we'd enjoy it. Additionally, it was Halloween and it was a milestone birthday for her, so why not make it a bit frightening -afterall, we do have fodder.

After 15 minutes of doing a little brainstorming in our alchemical lab and charging our talisman, we derived this gift of a bottle of wine with a label that reads:

4 Humors of Horror


Whole Label (click to enlarge):



Well, originally, we know that the theory of the 4 humors were the origin of medical science, and later, they were linked to personality temperaments, becoming the basis of psychology. For centuries, the life's juices were:

• Red blood that flushed a person rosy, feverish, & sweaty
  
• Yellow bile that jaundiced flesh a carrot orange
  
• White mucus that originated in the nose and lungs
  
• Black formed deep within the body and indicated rotting organs
  

What are the 4 Humors of Polical Horror?

• Red Represents the Red States
• Yellow Represents Republican Cowards
• White Repesents the Official Color
• Black Represents the color of Republican Souls
  

Oral Traditions written by Andrew:
The Four Humors of Political Horror haunt the land every few millennia, stealing elections and bringing forced war and fiscal ruin wherever they rule. When attacked they respond by freezing while reading "My Pet Goat" and define an axis of evil to be their enemies (including those who "tried to kill their daddy"). In response they send inadequate forces of unprotected peasants to an insignificant land. Once in power they handsomely reward their friends with huge tax breaks and medals of freedom, defend their actions through lies and deceit and pay for it all by flaying the souls of the less fortunate (taking away their food stamps and healthcare, leaving children behind and making it almost impossible to recover from personal financial disaster).

Libby, Delay, Abramoff and Safavian - Indictments be damned for martyrdom is the price they must pay for blindingly supporting the Four Humors of Political Horror. - Hey guys, you're on your own!

***
Our friend Diana (& friends) was impressed and I was delighted as to how well it turned out. Then again, I am a sucker for aged parchment paper.

Would you buy this wine for yourself? How about for your friends?

Weird & Wacky Londoners: British Invention Show

The Invention show sounds like great fun, but not at my expense. A few of the items revealed this weekend in London were:

• The Egg (offers a full body massage + aroma therapy, music)
• A coolbag that behaves like a fridge
• A rubber hat that keeps cut cucumbers fresh
• A new take on umbrellas.
• The wackiest: A SidewaysBike
  

However, one invention that exuded much discussion was 'The Patch.' Excreeting dopamines to recharge a woman's libido is at a cost: it blocks cravings for chocolate.

I can tell you right now that this chick will not allow anyone to reduce sex and chocolate to a mere coke vs pepsi debate.

Obviously a man invented this little device; he's still pissed that Adam took the penis while Eve took the multi-o's from the grab bag.

reuters.com

An icy-cold beer chaser to the shot of whiskey

Okay, so I drink neither. However, I do drink in The Daily Show and now the new spinoff, The Colbert Report. I'm floored at how much material these guys can spin in 20 minutes, but then again, real newscasts and political speeches will keep them forever foddered.

Perhaps that's not a real word, but I'm guessing it's French, bitch.

Read the NYT article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/25/arts/television/
25watc.html?incamp=article_popular

NYC: Quiet Observations

As we rested on a bench drinking Porto Rico coffee, we spied these gents hanging infront of ironic signage.

NYC: Eats

Our favorite pasttime in NYC is the food. Man, do we love to eat so we'd like to share some of our favorite haunts with you.

Penang, SOHO - Malaysian Cuisine
Beverage: Beer
Appetiser: Roti (curry potato & chicken)
My main: Buah Mango (Shrimp or Chicken)
Andrew's main: Rice dish with Scallops, Shrimp, & Squid
Dessert: Malaysian Coffee (the secret is condensed milk on the bottom, then coffee)

Oh yum!!

ROTI

Warm, creamy, succulent.

BUAH SHRIMP

Savory, sweet and tart, with a pepper after-taste.

Butterfly Grill, Greenwich Village - Vietnamese Cuisine
Appetiser: Shrimp Summer Roll
My main: Grilled Chicken (stir fried w/lemon grass & chilly)
Andrew's main: Tamarind Shrimp (jumbo cooked in wok w/tamarind sauce)
Beverage: Organic Tea

Very savory.

Focacceria, Greenwich Village - Italian Cuisine
When you're in the mood for excellent red sauce, this place has it. Stay for the dessert -you won't be disappointed.
Appetiser: Mozzarella in Carrozza (we splurged)
My main: Chicken Ravioli (divine)
Andrew's main: Homemade Lasagna
Beverage: Merlot
Dessert: Warm Chocolate cake w/homemade ice cream (a different time)

Get there between the rush and you get great service. The food just melts in your mouth.

Unparenting: The sign of the times

Andrew & I found one hiliarious book this week in NYC: Baby Not On Board A Celebration of Life without Kids.

I knew when I was younger, about the age of a zygote, I definitely did not want children. I tried to fit in with the other girls at school who had already plans for the number of children they wanted as well as names -all without the help of their yet-to-be-snagged husband. All of this pre-planning just gave me the heebie jeebies.

My mantra has always been, "If I want to hear the patter of little feet, I'll put shoes on my cats." Actually, I have put clothes on them, just check out 3WiseCats.

Fortunately, most of my friends believe my steadfast stance but are visibly disappointed. "Oh, you must have at least one!" I've been sent guilt trips via overnight mail and announcements have been made on the 6 o'clock news about how selfish I am or how completely unreasonable I'm being. Some have tried to trick this ol girl by stating, "It seems that those who are completely well-adjusted don't want kids and those that aren't, do!"

Sorry! 'Won't be fooled again!

As a stepparent (~3 years) I didn't find the role all that rewarding or tantalizing. Moreover, we're confident that we won't be saddled with the 24/7 fear as parents.

Meanwhile, my latest concern is how to throw an unbaby shower. If you're wondering what color balloons to attach to the mailbox, it's not the color of the balloons that matter, but that they should be deflated to symbolize an empty womb.

Recently, my MIL has worn this shirt w/pride, "Let me get this straight, my grandchild is a cat." We topped that by getting a collage frame from Target that had lasered text reading, "Grandchildren make us proud."

Oh, and you know we filled it with our pussycats.

Creative Strategy: Mindmapping

Teaching old dogs new tricks is actually easier done than said -spoonerism not intended.

Using mind mapping techniques are used to effectively organize large amounts of information, combining spatial organization & dynamic hierarchical structuring. This technique allows a person to retain information and ideas than by using traditional 'linear' note taking methods. If you have several projects that you'd like to accomplish, mindmapping can be a source of creative freeflow thought that will enable you to generate ideas in a flash. Thus, one doesn't risk being stymied by the notebook ruled paper. Ack!

Some literature makes claims that it allows greater motivation to complete a task, allows one to tap the deeper levels of consciousness by using mind map techniques and these may include developing intuitive powers, combat bullying, create global harmony to working out a business plan. Mindmaps can be drawn by hand, either as 'rough notes', for example, during a lecture or meeting, or can be more sophisticated in quality.

For example, locate a large piece of paper or your wall, draw a circle in the center with the name of your theme in the center of that circle -we'll call this a lake. Begin to build on that theme with bubbles (ponds) with thoughts, ideas, and sketches that flow like tributaries to puddles.

Basic Simple Structure


Adopted Structure

I learned of this technique several years ago via Michel Gelb's Mind Mapping: How to Liberate Your Creative Genius. Additional tools to aid your mindmapping quest: FreeMind Cool Productivity Tool Post-It Notes: They allow you to reposition in accordance to importance The trick is to keep the mind fresh, free from restrictive measures. Waffling your time with fancy tools only hinders and creates a crutch out of them whilst a pocket full of index cards will do.

Creative Authenticity

Hugh MacLeod's work was one of my first posts initiating my new position within new-laden land of the blog-o-sphere.

Well, I've recently discovered his manifesto on How To Be Creative. The value of authenticity and hard work are often shoved in the closet for a shortcut and it's heartbreaking to see this happen to fellow human beings. This manifesto is a definite read for those who:

• Find themselves bitching around the watercooler (stop hanging w/crowds)
  
• Have relinquished their creative sovereignty (be true to yourself)
  
• Believe they will suddenly be discovered (your plan is already doomed)
  
• Don't understand the balance of the 'sex & cash' theory (don't quit your day job)
  
• Refuse to acknowledge the existence of their private Mt Everest (everyone has one)
  
• Use fancy props as a crutch (needing state-of-the-art _(fill in blank)_ to accomplish x)
  
• Adopted another's business plan as their own (our paths are not the same)
  
• Compare themselves to others (practice = authenticity)
  
• Insist drugs & booze make better artists (never a happy ending)
• Underestimate competition & overestimate personal chances (hardwork = reward)
• Are married to the medium for the wrong reasons (payments to Satan aren't cheap)
  
• Seek inspiration in a vacuum (the creative block needs fuel)

and need help in understanding the challenges and rewards of being creative.

Of Course, Global Warming is a Myth!

For this Halloween, Horseback Salad has created a flash video based on the perennial Halloween hit favorite "Monster Mash" called "The Climate Mash."

Enjoy.

http://www.climatemash.org/soe/

After the pedicures....

We head to Tuesday Morning so that honey can realign his manliness by collecting Maistro diecast racing cars for his office.

Tonight, we squeeled when we found, I kid you not, an Art Director Ken Doll. Truly hilarious.

Our monthly dates

Andrew and I took some time out late this afternoon to get our toes done.

Yes folks, pedicures.

I love that Andrew comes with me since the disk between L4 & L5 vertebrae is completely AWOL, his toes have needs that I could remedy. But why should I when we can both enjoy a couples pedi together? Queasy at first and now a convert after his first experience, we have monthly dates for toes.

Once, I arrived alone and the manicurists were curious and disappointed with my solo adventure. Many women customers comment about how jealous they are that their husbands won't partake in the hedonist adventure.

One day, I will take the men out who participate on my advisory board and force them to enjoy a footbath & pedicure; they will never be the same.

Inking my fingers to the bone

Occassionally, I take a hiatus from certain activity then come out with a blustery storm of news.

When I focus, as introverts often do, I bury myself quite deep until I get one project complete. In this case, it's been a deluge of contacting those manufacturers for licensing. Last week, I got a nibble and hence, had to pull together almost 75 images for review. Realizing I had only a few images of one series that wasn't quite up to par, I pulled an all-nighter to get (sketch, ink, scan, & upload to layout) the images I wanted to complete the series.

A day later, I earned the well-deserved headcold as a reward. Where's my MIL's chicken soup when we need it? Bleck. I feel like crap.

The overnight package was delivered as promised. Now, I sit and wait. Actively wait. But first, take it easy for the next couple of days to let my body catch up.