So as of late, I've officially become a youtube person. How? Why? It's a mystery. I don't really know how it happened really, but as evidence in my previous post, I've been watching way to many videos.
The only way I can think of to make myself feel less of a viral loser is to point out the enrichment quality of my recent giga-snacks. Improv Everywhere was kind of inspriring and thought provoking, not as much however, as my new obsession. His name is Phil Hanson.
I think that I may just name him my favorite artist of all time.
Phil creates art from unconventional mediums. Be it matches, pine cones, chewed up starbucks pastries or even 500mL of his own blood, his peices fascinate me.
A few years ago, Phil embarked on a project. Hs goal was to use unconventional art mediums every month to create a temporary work inspired by different themes.
"This is to help me be more creative and spontaneous," he said on his website. "Boodbye art means that I get rid of the piece when it is finished, usually by destroying it or letting nature destroy it."
I couldn't begin to tell you about this. Making portraits out of oreos is just something you have to see for yourself.
Observe:
http://philinthecircle.com/
Friday, May 9, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Improv Everywhere
Imagine walking around in your local Home Depot in an oh-so-everyday quest for eco-friendly lightbulbs when all of a sudden, 225 of your shopper buddies go slow-mo. A ten-second step with the left foot, and a ten-second step with the right. Five minutes later, the phenomenon stops and everything's back to normal - for five minutes. Then, after a brief stream of normalcy, the 225 who freaked you out a moment ago decide to take it to a stand still right where they're shopping in synchronyzed blink.
It's not a protest, it's not a sudden epileptic plague, and oh my gosh your not an extra on a new episode of the twilight zone. (even though your dissapointed) Unknowingly, you've been a witness to one of the many missions of a large-scale acting troupe called Improv Everywhere.
Improv Everywhere is a group of improvisational artists headed by a man named Charlie Todd. Prior to the Home Depot headlock, the group of 225 "agents" probably met in a park where Charlie adressed them via megaphone and they synchronized their watches so that all would go as planned on their secret "mission." Stopping time in superstores however, isn't all they do.
On their website and on YouTube.com, there are documentations of dozens of missions where masses of seemingly ordinary characters in ordinary places do out of the ordinary acts. They create scenes in subway stations, (a surprise birthday party, the no pants project, and an interactive wedding proposal) food courts (where they did an all-out spontaneous musical production - which hold the title as my personal favorite) and even places like public fountains and fast food restaurants.
Recently in my history class, we examined one of thier missions. It was called "The Best Gig Ever." The idea of the mission was to take an unpopular, nobody, never-happening band from Vermont and give them the feeling of having the best gig ever at their predetermined "lame" Sunday night show in a New York City club.
To accomplish this mission, the troupe prepared before the show by making t-shirts, reving up their dance moves and memorizing all the words to the songs on the album. At the show, the throng of fake fans acted as if they were the bands biggest fans. EVER. Shouting out requests, jumping on stage, and shouting out lyrics.
The band had no idea. They we're still under the impression that their dreams had come true. Fans from a place they don't habitate, a packed night club and autographed CDs. They'd waited their whole lives for a feeling like this.
Weeks later, courousing through the web of wireless, they found the disclaimer: Improv Everywhere had staged everything. Their excitement went to the backlash. They finally felt like they were going somewhere and now everyone knew they were a joke.
It brought up the question of whether or not what they had done was artistic display of support and a wish granted unexpectedly, or a massive insensitive prank. It seems harmless and it made the band feel good- which was thier goal. It was a good idea at the time, but I think that the consequences should have been considered a little more carefully.
Although the fame-high was nice for a week or so, the end result was painful and humiliating. I'm still out on what I think of the whole thing. It was a good idea in theory.
Anyway, no harm was done by the agents who only wore their underpinnings on the subway.
Improv Everywhere: I approve.
*for additional procrastination, check out the links
It's not a protest, it's not a sudden epileptic plague, and oh my gosh your not an extra on a new episode of the twilight zone. (even though your dissapointed) Unknowingly, you've been a witness to one of the many missions of a large-scale acting troupe called Improv Everywhere.
Improv Everywhere is a group of improvisational artists headed by a man named Charlie Todd. Prior to the Home Depot headlock, the group of 225 "agents" probably met in a park where Charlie adressed them via megaphone and they synchronized their watches so that all would go as planned on their secret "mission." Stopping time in superstores however, isn't all they do.
On their website and on YouTube.com, there are documentations of dozens of missions where masses of seemingly ordinary characters in ordinary places do out of the ordinary acts. They create scenes in subway stations, (a surprise birthday party, the no pants project, and an interactive wedding proposal) food courts (where they did an all-out spontaneous musical production - which hold the title as my personal favorite) and even places like public fountains and fast food restaurants.
Recently in my history class, we examined one of thier missions. It was called "The Best Gig Ever." The idea of the mission was to take an unpopular, nobody, never-happening band from Vermont and give them the feeling of having the best gig ever at their predetermined "lame" Sunday night show in a New York City club.
To accomplish this mission, the troupe prepared before the show by making t-shirts, reving up their dance moves and memorizing all the words to the songs on the album. At the show, the throng of fake fans acted as if they were the bands biggest fans. EVER. Shouting out requests, jumping on stage, and shouting out lyrics.
The band had no idea. They we're still under the impression that their dreams had come true. Fans from a place they don't habitate, a packed night club and autographed CDs. They'd waited their whole lives for a feeling like this.
Weeks later, courousing through the web of wireless, they found the disclaimer: Improv Everywhere had staged everything. Their excitement went to the backlash. They finally felt like they were going somewhere and now everyone knew they were a joke.
It brought up the question of whether or not what they had done was artistic display of support and a wish granted unexpectedly, or a massive insensitive prank. It seems harmless and it made the band feel good- which was thier goal. It was a good idea at the time, but I think that the consequences should have been considered a little more carefully.
Although the fame-high was nice for a week or so, the end result was painful and humiliating. I'm still out on what I think of the whole thing. It was a good idea in theory.
Anyway, no harm was done by the agents who only wore their underpinnings on the subway.
Improv Everywhere: I approve.
*for additional procrastination, check out the links
Monday, April 28, 2008
Under my couch... there's a film festival!
It seems like every weekend there's a new film festival to attend in the tri-state area.
In the very recent history(April 2008):
-The Garden State Film Festival (Asbury Park, NJ)
-The Hitchcock Film Festival (Manasquan, NJ)
-The Tribecca Film Festival - (going on now in New York, NY)
Coming up soon to add to the list-
The Wall High School Film Festival! (Wall High School, the place)
With recently extended deadlines, the film festival is seeking submissions from students. So, if you're interested, get behind a lens and start shooting! Don't even worry if you don't have the right equiptment because Mr. Hewitt (TV production) has offered to loan out his cameras to students working on projects for the fest.
In the very recent history(April 2008):
-The Garden State Film Festival (Asbury Park, NJ)
-The Hitchcock Film Festival (Manasquan, NJ)
-The Tribecca Film Festival - (going on now in New York, NY)
Coming up soon to add to the list-
The Wall High School Film Festival! (Wall High School, the place)
With recently extended deadlines, the film festival is seeking submissions from students. So, if you're interested, get behind a lens and start shooting! Don't even worry if you don't have the right equiptment because Mr. Hewitt (TV production) has offered to loan out his cameras to students working on projects for the fest.
ahead of the press
Recently, I wrote a feature on the local gig ticket scam concerning local artists and their fair treatment on the music club scene after reading a blog by jersey shore musician Don Lee.
Today, I found that I was not alone. The Asbury Park Press had a VERY similar inclination to turn it into a story as well. They too, read the blog and interviewed Mr. Lee.
does this make me cooler or less cool?
i've yet to decide.
check out their take:
http://app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080425/ENT06/804250430/1300/ENT06
Today, I found that I was not alone. The Asbury Park Press had a VERY similar inclination to turn it into a story as well. They too, read the blog and interviewed Mr. Lee.
does this make me cooler or less cool?
i've yet to decide.
check out their take:
http://app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080425/ENT06/804250430/1300/ENT06
Friday, April 25, 2008
Unethical dillemma
Ethics. The rights and wrongs and moral standards that apply to everything you'll ever do. Just like every career, journalism as well has its own code. Journalists have a responsibility to respect and protect the subjects/sources of their articles, their publications, and their personal reputations as presenters of honest and unbiased coverage of the world around thier audience.
In the arts (especially entertainment) field of reporting the news, very often these ethical guidelines of respectable journalism are crossed.
Open a celebrity magazine. National Enquirer. People. In. Every one is polluted with celebrity gossip stories. Some are fine, and highlight good things about the few who stay off Ganseevort Street at 2am and avoid shaving their heads on a binge of impulse. But many of these gossip articles are just that. Gossip. Tiny fabrications that build into mini-mayhems. But there is a point when purile gossip becomes unethical and painful.
In early February, the world (myself included) mourned the sudden death of beautiful bohunk and talented actor, Heath Ledger. The story hit the news on television, blogs and papers within the hour.
Continents away, Heath's loving parents had yet to be formally informed about what happened in New York that afternoon - until, of course, they turned on the news station. How awful! Turning on TV to find out that millions of people know about the death of your child before you were formally notified. I think that this instance steps beyond ethical guidelines.
In my own encounters with journalism ethics in the art field, I also find that being credible is sometimes hard with the amount of activity I have in the arts. For example, because I'm a member of the National Arts Honor Society at my school, I couldn't write a publishable story about the Teen Arts Festival. A few of the entrants were members of the society as well as my artist friends.
In the arts (especially entertainment) field of reporting the news, very often these ethical guidelines of respectable journalism are crossed.
Open a celebrity magazine. National Enquirer. People. In. Every one is polluted with celebrity gossip stories. Some are fine, and highlight good things about the few who stay off Ganseevort Street at 2am and avoid shaving their heads on a binge of impulse. But many of these gossip articles are just that. Gossip. Tiny fabrications that build into mini-mayhems. But there is a point when purile gossip becomes unethical and painful.
In early February, the world (myself included) mourned the sudden death of beautiful bohunk and talented actor, Heath Ledger. The story hit the news on television, blogs and papers within the hour.
Continents away, Heath's loving parents had yet to be formally informed about what happened in New York that afternoon - until, of course, they turned on the news station. How awful! Turning on TV to find out that millions of people know about the death of your child before you were formally notified. I think that this instance steps beyond ethical guidelines.
In my own encounters with journalism ethics in the art field, I also find that being credible is sometimes hard with the amount of activity I have in the arts. For example, because I'm a member of the National Arts Honor Society at my school, I couldn't write a publishable story about the Teen Arts Festival. A few of the entrants were members of the society as well as my artist friends.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Hello Blog
Instead of spewing weightless excuses about my unexcusable non-bloggeration over the past while, I'm not going to cover it up. I'm simply going to hug it with a "sorry" and try to make up for it.
That being stated, allow me to fill you in on a few events that should have been present. How about a top 5?
5. Garden State Film Festival:
The Garden State Film Festival is a weekend event in Asbury Park that took place from April 3rd to the 6th this year celebrating its 6th anniversary. The film fest is host to an array of films creatd all over the world, mainly independently. This year at the festival, eager movie buffs, student filmmakers, actors, directors, writers and other varieties of human intellegence gathered and paid their $8 to festival volunteers to be able to see a total of 2 hours per ticket. The weekend included an award ceremony in which individual awards were given to films in categories involving all films from all over the world. The favortie and most saught after however, is the "Home Grown" award that is presented to films made in New Jersey. The win ended up a tie between "Greetings From The Shore" by Greg Chwerchak, and "Rock The Paint" by Wren Court Films' Dallas Mitchell Brennan for a feature length films.
4. Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival:
The Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival is a several week long event held at the ALgonquin Arts theater in Manasquan. During the festival, the theatre screens old Alfred Hitchcock films and has experts on Hitchcock's films discuss the films with the audience. Over the past few weeks, they've screened Notorious (1946), To Catch a Theif (1955), and North by Northwest (1959)
3. State Radio played a sold-out show at The Stone Pony:
State Radio, a popular band amongst highschool/college kids and "people of the beach" recently sold out a show on April 12th at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. The show was attended by tons of eager fans. The band has a very loyal following. (a friend of mine has made his way to some 20+ shows and came all the way from boston for the night to see them play) What many concert-goers enjoyed most was an unnanounced stage visit from Dispatch's own Pete Francis! (a band popular amongst the same circles) I was pretty upset that I couldn't make it. Everyone that I talked to said it was incredible - and I'd believe it.
2. Elle Bee Studio Opens in Manasquan
Elle Bee Studio, a jewelry store/gallery opened April 3rd off Main street across from Squan Tavern in Manasquan. The store was created by Wall High School grad Lauren Leblanc and Brian Manser from Manasquan. The store looks awesome! They sell a unique mix of unique locally-crafted jewelry and other "curiosities."
Shameless self promotion: My jewelry line "Objects" by Megan Pearce is also on sale in the store, so if you get the chance - it's worth stopping by.
1. GSA hosts Rock Away Hate 2008
The Gay Straight Alliance held Rock Away Hate 2008 night at Wall High School April 18th. It was a music and entertainment event that helped to promote tolerance of the different sexual orientations of peers. The event, held in the cafeteria, was host to the musical talents of Chemtrail, Mr. Wilson and Dr. Calmes and Mr. Neil.
That being stated, allow me to fill you in on a few events that should have been present. How about a top 5?
5. Garden State Film Festival:
The Garden State Film Festival is a weekend event in Asbury Park that took place from April 3rd to the 6th this year celebrating its 6th anniversary. The film fest is host to an array of films creatd all over the world, mainly independently. This year at the festival, eager movie buffs, student filmmakers, actors, directors, writers and other varieties of human intellegence gathered and paid their $8 to festival volunteers to be able to see a total of 2 hours per ticket. The weekend included an award ceremony in which individual awards were given to films in categories involving all films from all over the world. The favortie and most saught after however, is the "Home Grown" award that is presented to films made in New Jersey. The win ended up a tie between "Greetings From The Shore" by Greg Chwerchak, and "Rock The Paint" by Wren Court Films' Dallas Mitchell Brennan for a feature length films.
4. Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival:
The Alfred Hitchcock Film Festival is a several week long event held at the ALgonquin Arts theater in Manasquan. During the festival, the theatre screens old Alfred Hitchcock films and has experts on Hitchcock's films discuss the films with the audience. Over the past few weeks, they've screened Notorious (1946), To Catch a Theif (1955), and North by Northwest (1959)
3. State Radio played a sold-out show at The Stone Pony:
State Radio, a popular band amongst highschool/college kids and "people of the beach" recently sold out a show on April 12th at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park. The show was attended by tons of eager fans. The band has a very loyal following. (a friend of mine has made his way to some 20+ shows and came all the way from boston for the night to see them play) What many concert-goers enjoyed most was an unnanounced stage visit from Dispatch's own Pete Francis! (a band popular amongst the same circles) I was pretty upset that I couldn't make it. Everyone that I talked to said it was incredible - and I'd believe it.
2. Elle Bee Studio Opens in Manasquan
Elle Bee Studio, a jewelry store/gallery opened April 3rd off Main street across from Squan Tavern in Manasquan. The store was created by Wall High School grad Lauren Leblanc and Brian Manser from Manasquan. The store looks awesome! They sell a unique mix of unique locally-crafted jewelry and other "curiosities."
Shameless self promotion: My jewelry line "Objects" by Megan Pearce is also on sale in the store, so if you get the chance - it's worth stopping by.
1. GSA hosts Rock Away Hate 2008
The Gay Straight Alliance held Rock Away Hate 2008 night at Wall High School April 18th. It was a music and entertainment event that helped to promote tolerance of the different sexual orientations of peers. The event, held in the cafeteria, was host to the musical talents of Chemtrail, Mr. Wilson and Dr. Calmes and Mr. Neil.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Mr. Candy man can... and he did.
Skittles.
They're tiny. They're round. And now they're chocolate?
chicka- whaa?
For real?
yes.
They're tiny. They're round. And now they're chocolate?
chicka- whaa?
For real?
yes.
I couldn't believe it myself. Though its not completely on topic here, I think it is arguable that the creation of such an object is one of culinary and confectionary artistry. Naturally, I was positively floored with curiousity.
They're skittles... but they're chocolate... but are they made of chocolate?... but skittle? ... Squishy M&Ms ...?
These I needed to try.
So i embarked on an endless (and friutless) hunt for the little devils. Drug store after drug store, cashier after cashier, I left empty handed, with disbelieving employees giggling behind my back. I was nearly at the quitting point. Surely I had been fooled.
But hark! Weeks into my search, I received a phone call from my sister who is touring New England in search of colleges. At a ramshackle snack stand in "the middle of ishkabibble, nowhere" she had finally found the little brown skittles package which was the container for the beautiful creatures. Finally it was the moment I had been waiting for. The moment of truth.
As soon as I got my hands on the little thing, I savagely tore through the wrapper, however paid special care as to not destroy it completely so i could save it as evidence of Chocolate Skittle existence.
They came in different flavors. Vanilla, S'mores, Chocolate Pudding, Brownie Batter, and i believe there was another.
The first one I tried was the chocolate pudding. I placed it on my tongue and much to my surprise, it was not made of chocolate, and was in fact, of skittle consistency. But it tasted JUST LIKE chocolate pudding!!!
I tried every one. I'm still out on my decision to say that they were anything more than interesting. I honestly couldn't say whether or not they were pleasant or unpleasant. I definietly think that they're too confusing to gain much popularity though. Especially when the only place you can buy them is "ishkabibble."
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