Our Summer Thus Far . . .

Well - it's been somewhat of a lame summer but things seem to be looking up. The most exciting news is not mine but Brad's. He's buying his very own big, red truck. Here you can see just how immensely HUGE it is, especially in comparison to our house and my small car:

AND Brad had the supreme good fortune of hitting a major Roadside Attraction while on his 34 hour (mandatory) Trucker's break! None other than "South of the Border" (aka "Pedroland")! It's on the border of North and South Carolina - an area famous for Bleinheims - the world's most delicious and spicy Ginger Ale.


Brad made memories at Pedroland! He chowed down on a slab of beef, revelling in the atmosphere of Pedro's Steakhouse with it's circa 1974 decor. He took a ride in the glass elevator to the very top of the 200 foot Giant Sombrero Tower.


He was woken up at 7:00 AM by the friendly tap, tap, tap on his door from a local prostitute. I scored with the great souvenirs he brought back! A hand towel with a silk-screened frog saying "I'm so happy here I could just shit" and a plastic "Horny Hillbilly" that I will refrain from describing in more detail.


The next leg of his trip had him swinging through Florida. Being the romantic soul he is, he brought me an alligator head AS WELL as a nifty and practical alligator claw back-scratcher. The alligators did meet an untimely death but I can assure you they were recycled scraps from an Alligator Meat Farm! The Gator Head has been a true inspiration as I've been planning a Ye Olde Vibe for our Parlor / Living Room. I've also been wanting to include Brad's Grandfather's Last Rites Box and our 3-D Saint Rita (with the thorn in her forehead)



Saint Cecelia is our Parlor's current Patron Saint. Music is her gig and she's often portrayed holding (or playing) a pipe organ. When people see our Saint Cecelia sculpture they get confused and think she's holding a bunch of large Cuban cigars. Here's our our little shabby-chic Saint Cecelia collection:

And speaking of the Parlor, Brad spent this past weekend sanding and varnishing it's quirky patchwork floors:


We're planning to cover the makeshift wood flooring with this rug. One of it's fabulous features is that it already looks dirty. Perfect for a household with 2 dogs (one with an unpredictable digestive system).

The Original, The Classic, The Best - Mr. Potato Head

Superdickery - A VERY Funny Website

I just remembered coming across the site Superdickery while doing some random google search. A guy named Mike has been running the site for over a year. He posts real, unaltered comic book covers and panels. I thought it was a great site - not only for the humor and the crazy comic covers but for the bizarre feeling of nostalgia. I hope you can get a chance to look around Superdickery - it's a lot of fun.

(I've included a lot of links in this post. I highly recommend you follow the links because there are so many talented artists you can learn more about at the touch of your fingertips).

My uncle gave me his old super hero collection when I was 12. I remember reading the stack and getting pretty disturbed - many issues were surprisingly trippy and scary. When I was young I was always a fan of Archie Comic Digest and would force friends to "act out" the story lines. Like many people, I loved Betty and Veronica and would stare at their stylish, tight outfits and fascinating shoes. I admit, I also had a crush on Jughead.

I'm not sure how many of you are comic book fans but comics certainly had an influence on people I know. Lots of the guys I went to art school with learned to draw from super hero comics.

I learned to draw from copying Alphonse Mucha and other Art Nouveau prints - that's why I draw with far too many superfluous lines.


Comic books have gone through a number of rebirths - R. Crumb, Aline Kominsky Crumb, Harvey Pekar, the "Raw" anthologies, Art Spiegelman's Maus, Fantagraphics Publishing House, Gary Panter, "Weirdo" comics, "Love & Rockets by Los Bros Hernandez, Chris Ware etc, etc.

I got back into comics when Drawn & Quarterly started publishing. My favorites were the autobiographical comics. I've included links to each artist - just click on their names. Maurice Vellekoop, Joe Matt, Chester Brown, Archer Prewitt, Dan Clowes (of "Ghost World" fame) and Julie Doucet to name a few.

Brad and I were lucky enough to pick up this limited edition print by Julie Doucet. An additional signature on the print is her actual thumbprint (located under "Julie's Seal of Approval")! Unfortunately the thumbprint on our copy has faded to near invisibility.



And speaking of comic style artwork I own - I AM A TOTAL IDIOT. This first edition Nine Inch Nails poster I have by Frank Kozik was recently going for $2,000 on Ebay. I think I bought it for no more than $30. I stuck thumb tacks in it to hang it up!!!!! Argh! Talk about wanting to kick yourself. The current edition is selling for $650.


When Kozik first started selling his silk screen posters they were ridiculously cheap ($15 to $35). I collected as many as I could and bought a bunch to give away at Christmas. You can go to Frank Kozik's Website - where you can see many of the truly fantastic rock posters he's designed. Here are a few I wish I had purchased. I love the one that says "Bring Me The Head of Jerry Garcia". (Obviously I'm not a Grateful Dead fan).


Oops! Back to comic books! One of the all-time funniest comic book series for those of us from the "Slacker" generation is Peter Bagge's "Hate" collection. The artwork is a bit primitive but the story lines are brilliant and encapsulate so much of slogging your way through your 20's and 30's. Peter Bagge is always worth keeping tabs on.



Well, as usual I've gotten off topic. Around and around I go in nonsensical, circuitous circles. So, I'll end this back on track with another bizarre comic book cover from Superdickery!

I LIED!! - ANOTHER DOG POST!!

Yes, I know. This is the world's worst dog picture. I can't take a good pet picture to save my life. Well anyway - that's not the point. The point is - dog clothing. Nothing . . . NOTHING makes me laugh as hard as dressing up my dog Gesso. I laugh until I cry.

I put her in rhumba pants one Christmas morning. I was doubled over laughing so hard. I was in pain I was laughing so hard. I started to worry my brother-in-law I was laughing so hard.

I think it's especially funny because Brad REALLY hates to see dogs in "outfits" and finds it "totally demeaning". So, every pair of boxer shorts I put on Gesso is a small act of rebellion on my part. Gesso just finds it exciting and slightly puzzling because I start to squeal like a pig.

Here are the rhumba pants I put Gesso in.


The crazy dog on the right (top picture) is Dakota - our problem child. He may be smiling in the picture but he sure wasn't smiling last night during the 4th of July fireworks. That's when we had to drug and restrain him. Believe me, it was for his own good.

Amazing Japanese Erasers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are some Amazing Japanese Erasers. (Just click on the above picture to study their total AMAZINGNESS in full, AMAZING detail). I own 3 sets - The Sushi, The Baked Goods and The Desserts! I think that's excellent. If I owned more I might become too tranquil and enlightened.

The AMAZING thing about them is that each eraser is multi-faceted. They fit together with little plugs so each piece of a particular "object" is an eraser in it's own right. For instance . . . the donut is actually in two parts - one/the icing AND two/the donut itself. You get the idea I'm sure. It's so amazing taking them apart then putting them back together!!!!

The manufacturer's website is in Japanese and even though I didn't know where the hell I was going I managed to copy and paste every image I could find. Hey, by the way - does every computer have an auto translation button/program/thingy? Just curious. It would be nice, wouldn't it? (I just showed a vast amount of ignorance asking that question).

Oh my goodness - I just went back to the website and they have even more AMAZING new erasers like:



Here, check it out for yourself. It's so amazing. Go to Iwako

Dig the pictures of Iwako's smiling employees holding up their amazing products in what looks like an extremely clean and hyper-hygienic environment. Here's an example:

Yes, this is much of how I spend my time - looking and hoping to find things as amazing as Japanese Erasers.

(My apologies to all the friends I've already emailed the erasers to).

I LOVE HAY

Well, technically I love round hay bales. This is a hay bale in the park across the street. I really love these round hay bales.

A Reader's Request for One More Kidney Stone

Unbelievably, I had an audience request (or at least a wistful wish) for another kidney stone picture. Dear Readers, I always aim to please - so here, one more time, is a KIDNEY STONE.


In deference to other's delicate sensibilities I have posted a more tasteful image (sort of - kind of). This kidney stone is reminiscent of the Great Pyramids of Giza. It's really quite beautiful when you think about it.

And to put KIDNEY STONES in a broader perspective - I thought I'd include some quotes from William Shatner (another kidney stone sufferer). Shatner - a true Canadian Icon, auctioned off his kidney stone which fetched a hefty $25,000. The proceeds were donated to Habitat for Humanity. Shatner remarked "This takes organ donors to a new height, to a new low, maybe. How much is a piece of me worth?"



One of the many things I love about Mr. Shatner is the way he bends and shapes the sound and tone of the english language. Just imagine the sonorousness with which he described his excruciating experience -"It was so big, you'd want to wear it on your finger. If you subjected it to extreme heat, it might turn out to be a diamond. The purity of the pain--they had to give me morphine...It was just unbelievable pain. It made you kind of think about what pain is. It was awful."

We are still awaiting the lab analysis of Brad's little stony birth. I'll keep you "posted". I know you're all waiting with bated breath.

FAKE CAKES

I heard a funny story last night while listening to Marketplace on National Public Radio. It was about two women who have a business making "fake cakes" (you'll see their cakes pictured above). They create ornate wedding cakes made of styrofoam and icing that help couple's save money on wedding costs. (Luckily guests still get a piece of sheet cake so nobody goes hungry). To hear the story about Susan Lobsinger and Wendy Hunters business hit this link at Marketplace or check out their cake website Rent the Cake of Your Dreams.

I've been intrigued by fake cakes ever since I saw Amy Sedaris' recipe for them in her book "I Like You - Hospitality Under the Influence". Here's Amy, who quite magically, remains cute and sexy while being both gross and funny.


I assume Amy's whipped cream photos are a tribute to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass' stupendously classic album "Whipped Cream and Other Delights".

"Whipped Cream . . ." was my VERY FIRST favorite album (before I discovered Rock and Roll). I juggled my mother's wigs to the sound of Mr. Alpert and his snazzy, jazzy brass section. His songs are permanently burned into my neurons. My first Rock and Roll album purchase was The Beach Boys (I was hooked by "Good Vibrations").

Anyway, back to Fake Cakes - Amy also makes her cake base from styrofoam but she uses spackle, plaster of Paris and latex paint to create the icing. I just LOVE Amy's book - it's hilarious, practical and full of fabulously strange pictures. Here are a few examples of her cakes which are on sale at fredflare.com.

I would love to make a whole bunch of fake cakes to sell or give away as Christmas presents. You could make super-snazzy 3 tiered cakes, put them on ornate cake stands and decorate them with beads, sparkles and other craft store items. Fake food is something that stirs great passion in my soul.

YET MORE DOGS!!! - but honestly, that's it for awhile.

This is Sam. Sam is Frederica and Jim's new dog! They just adopted her! Yeah! Yipee!

This is significant because Fred and Jim just lost their dog Maxine to a mysterious illness. It was a very painful experience for all three of them - especially because Maxine was so young. They did everything they could to help her get better. It was so sad to see them all suffer.

I think Fred and Jim had the right instinct to look for another rescue dog as soon as possible. It's a very happy outcome - a new canine companion! Sam is so beautiful - look at those gorgeous eyes!

Just to remind you - Fred is my friend who makes the great T-shirts and linocuts. Here's Jerry Lee Lewis from her Musician's Series:


Jim is a student and lover of modern architecture. I've learned a lot by sitting down with one of his books and hearing him explain the history of modern design. I hope to learn more when I get back to the homeland (Canada). I remember Jim's excitement when he went to visit the Montreal Expo building:


Congratulations Sam, Fred and Jim! Here's to a fun future and a very happy home!

Bach Flower Remedies - Believe It Or Not!

Oh boy! I had my Bach Flower Remedies appointment today and do I need help. This will be interesting. Here's more about my inner psyche than you or I have ever wanted to know! Wish me luck!

LARCH - for lack of self confidence
AGRIMONY - for acting according to what you think will please others
CENTAURY - wanting to please and serve others first to self-detriment
RED CHESTNUT - for worry about other's welfare
WHITE CHESTNUT - for the mind that won't stop
CHERRY PLUM - for fear of losing control
ASPEN - dread and anxiety
STAR OF BETHLEHEM - soothing old wounds and traumas

Yes, and HAVE A NICE DAY!!!

Multi Media Mogul Paul

I just got an email from my pal Paul about his television debut on "Pet Central". The "Pet Central" program runs on the Canadian cable channel "Pet Network" which is devoted to 24 hours of pet related programming. 24 HOURS OF PET PROGRAMMING! I'm just repeating that to REALLY let it sink into my brain (and maybe your's for that matter). It's another mind boggling example of living in the modern media age. Here is my TV Star friend Paul pictured above with his very cute and well behaved dog Noah. You can see Noah's super cool portrait in the background too.
I've included the links to Paul's video. It's really fun! It features lots of Paul's paintings and highlights both his process and inspiration. There's also a "blooper reel" ending that's great - it made me laugh just hearing Paul laugh. I miss you Paul! Gotta call you soon for the rock swap talk. Go to Paul's Website or direct to youtube. The only misinformation in the video is Gesso's gender - she's actually a female and not a "he" but Paul hasn't met her yet so I'm not holding that against him.
A posting on Paul just wouldn't seem right without an incriminating polaroid. I've included this one from 1995. Paul and I seem to be a Viking Couple in the middle of a fist fight. I'm not really sure what we we're doing. I do know Paul ended up wearing my wig at some point that night.


In the "Pet central" video Paul very kindly mentions my dog Gesso and that the background colors in her portrait were meant to reflect the atmosphere of our house. He also talks about us rescuing her from a shelter after the death of our Lab. The Lab he mentions is my first dog Junior. I've posted about Junior before - so you know I have absolutely no objectivity about him. Junior was just the bestest of the best. I've heard lots of complaints that blogs and websites end up being all about people's pets. It's true! We're more insufferable than new parents! Just to prove the point here's a picture of Junior and Paul:

And since I'm taking this opportunity YET AGAIN to talk about Junior I'll post ANOTHER picture. Junior had a big patch of white fur on his chest. Whenever I dyed my hair with Manic Panic I dyed his hair too (as you can see below). My friend David (an actor and improvisational scat singer) made up a song called "Junior - The Punk Rock Dog from Bayview Street". David created a whole imaginary TV show about Junior's punk rock antics. I guess we all had too much time on our hands back then.


More importantly though - back to the matter at hand. I'm really impressed that Paul has been doing this work for 16 YEARS and doing it so well! Way to go Paul!!! You have worked SO hard and your art has developed in amazing new directions. After watching Paul's video and a documentary on The Sex Pistols AND The Pixies this week I am forever in awe of people who have a totally unique aesthetic and have the drive and the guts to get it out there. That kind of creativity inspires me and keeps life so interesting. I'm really proud of you Paul.