Glad you came - Kids Freestyle Dancing!

GOOGLE +

I have been on Google+ for a little while now and I am addicted. I have not spent so much time on a social site like this since I joined Myspace so many years ago. This is certainly going to be as big if not bigger than Facebook.  Google+ has even pulled out some of the biggest hit games and their own theme song. Everyone that is relevant is saying that Google+ will beat Facebook.

To anyone who reads this blog you are formally invited:
https://plus.google.com/_/notifications/ngemlink?path=%2F%3Fgpinv%3DL9_tGGF9gxA%3A3K-E8DYtS5I

Claude-Joseph Vernet (14 August 1714 – 3 December 1789)

Pictured above are several of Claude Joseph Vernet‘s most famous paintings, all of which, I am extremely partial to. I bring these to the attention of any who listen because I believe him to be one of the most over looked and little known French masters of the Enlightenment period. I found in studying this period of painters there was a huge divergence (Neoclassical) from the norm (Baroque) which was often encouraged by the then prominent Roman Catholic Church. Claude Joseph Vernet paintings really capture my attention. If you walk up to his work from many feet away you first are dazzled with color and light. You may find yourself as I have, furiously searching for the source of the light and confirmation of the intensity he is able to capture. I equate the imagery in his paintings to pausing an often dramatic, fast paced movie and scanning the entire screen looking for something you have never noticed before. I find his elegance in form and interesting blending of characters very intriguing. An example is the first pictured above, often referred to as: 

“A Seaport at Sunset”

“In this painting, the artist depicts an idealized Mediterranean seaport, rather than a specific location, and uses a variety of features from the region. The lighthouse is from Naples, whereas the mountains behind it are unlike any in the vicinity of Naples. At the far right is the Arch of Constantine, which is from Rome. The lateen-rigged ship on the right is a type common to the eastern Mediterranean. The large warship is firing a salute and the nearby ships fly the Dutch flag, indicating that the painting may have been commissioned by a Dutch client.” ß Quoted

I find the breath of his work a refreshing in comparison to those many would call, the French masters (Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin)

Please explore and a send your reflections.

THE WORLD IS GOING TO END!



Oh by the way the world is going to end May 21st 2011 9:03PM Eastern Standard time. or somewhere around there. I think. Maybe. Don't quote me on this. In fact don't even bother reading this or clicking on this link:

http://www.ebiblefellowship.com/may21/






If this is the first time you have heard or read this then please write me with the rock you have been living under.

A plea to William Shatner

Dear Mr. Shatner,




I write to you because you have been an inspiration to me in so many ways. I find your acting awe inspiring, and when you sing I am truly mesmerized. I am completely mystified by your accomplishments. I would love to hear how you found your calling, rose to your stature and held on through the tumultuous years of your career. From a novelist point of view I would love to know where you find your inspiration and where you went to secure promotions for you works. I too am a humble author and am working on several other books. Perhaps one day you will find time to review my book. I believe you would find it somewhat interesting if not subtly humorous.



Jason E. Lee

Author of “Visions of the Unknown”



P.S. Would you think of promoting my book? 

Article on Delbert Reed

British Comedy

As an American Country Western Star once said, “I like it, I love it, I want some more of it.” But now I am wondering if that statement really fits me. I mean I still love reading Douglas Adams, (even his non-fiction is hilarious.) I still enjoy a rerun of Are You Being Served and Absolutely Fabulous. While watching the new series of Top Gear I find myself rolling on the ground laughing my fat... well lets just say I truly enjoy watching it.





But, I find myself at odds with the new British invasion. Namely Russell Brand, the man who described himself as resembling "an S&M Willy Wonka” A man with such a uniquely different point of view and style, of well, everything!?!





At first glance I think he is an exhibitionist and for the most part I despise these types of people. This is partially because it is plain annoying to all, but mostly because most of the time they are far more successful than myself. I tried to hire my own paparazzi - it's really not as easy as one would think. After dwelling on my disinterest in Mr. Brand I found myself focusing on another point, which I find unacceptable. His delivery! This is where I lose most people, because he follows a style not uncommon in British Comedy. But I believe there is a difference and the idea came to me while talking to a coworker today about his license plate (another story for another day) – The idea pertains to the crafty art of being subtly obscene.



I have to say that British Comedy is absolutely brilliant at this. The way puns are delivered with a straight face in a suit and tie. The way the line smoothly rolls off the tongue and you’re given only enough time to catch your breath and then another far more spectacular line is heaved at you with clock like precision.



Mr. Brand lacks this skill. He has the point of view. He has the topics. He has a look – I leave that alone. NO I WILL NOT! He has ruined the look. Stomped on it smeared mud and mascara all over it and called it – Good, and it is just not… Good! But more than that, he needs to work on his delivery, will he work on it? No! Why? Because! Mr. Brand is trying to reinvent the, “knickers waving on the flag pole.”



I would like to say good bye to Mr. Brand, but I’m afraid the whole population of the world has lost their minds and he is the new favored British Comedy invasion.



And as a talking ape once said “Oh shit their goes the planet!”