The other evening’s episode of Work of Art has been rolling around in my mind since I saw it. And for more reasons than trying to figure out what would make the series both entertaining (ratings, ratings, ratings – to keep it on the air) and more reasonable. Let’s face it – (so-called) fine artists […]
Work of Art, Smack-down Style (Episode 6)
Welcome to the Work of Art Episode 6 smack-down! We’re about midway through Season 1, so isn’t it time to see if the contestants play well in groups? Yes, indeed. It wouldn’t be the formula we love to hate if we didn’t stir the pot, turn up the heat, and watch our favorite personalities go […]
Looking forward
I am looking forward to having food in my fridge and a filled pantry. It’s been nine days since I last shopped; I’m down to one Lean Cuisine, one frozen pork chop, four microwaveable soups, and two yogurts long past their expiration dates. I am not looking forward to visiting the supermarket this morning. It […]
Why I need to take up drinking
Two nights ago I mixed my first martini, ever. It was cool. It was hot. It was dirty. One slosh of vermouth. Three similar sloshes of vodka. A little olive brine, straight from the jar. Crushed ice (shaken and stirred?). Okay. Did I ever say I mixed martinis like a seasoned bartender? Trust me. It […]
Good news and bad news
There’s good news and bad news. Oh, I won’t even begin to discuss the state of the BP oil spill, our lagging economy, not to mention my pitiful personal life. But there’s still a cornucopia of good news – offset of course, by weird news (at the very least), and yes, bad news. But may […]
Winning (when it counts)
Winners and losers. Isn’t that how most people view the world? And usually, the “win” involves money, a title, and stuff. Along with the spoils of winning come reassurances that the basics in life will be taken care of, and a great deal more: satisfaction in your accomplishments, the realization of a dream, and maybe […]
Standing Room Only (Low Fare, No Care?)
I couldn’t resist this tidbit – Ryanair finally goes for its Standing Room Only air travel, according to The Telegraph (UK). Seats back in the upright position? Try “backs upright in the standing position!” This decision has been bandied about for awhile; I caught wind of it last year (and was amused), thinking it was […]
Work of Art: When Shock Meets Schlock
Guest judge and controversial photographer Andres Serrano said it: “It isn’t easy to shock on demand.” So how did the participants fare in last evening’s Work of Art, given the challenge of creating a piece intended to shock? With few exceptions, they did about what I would expect, resorting to childish interpretations of adult world […]
Moaning and Groaning. COOL Complaint Zoning?
The Complaint Department is Open! But today, I’m also in search of silver linings, if you happen to have any in sight. Mine? Wimbledon Week 2 is here! And that helps everything, even though I missed last week’s incredible 11-hour match with its extraordinary 70-68 fifth set! So here is my contribution to Monday morning […]
Flashbacks, futures
The hotel room The popcorn ceiling, valance curtains, brightly colored abstract images in gilt frames hanging over each double bed. Six hangers on a pole by the door, with its emergency exit and checkout instructions posted beneath a tiny keyhole. There is olive carpeting with a small pattern, striped wallpaper in the beige bathroom with […]