Reginited and It Feels So Good

So after bitching about how I seemed to have stumbled into a patch of loss of creativity. Everything seems to be turning around for the best. First off, I arrived home to a lovely note from 'Banana Krasner' pushing me in the right direction towards a new painting - first by removing my last painting (Untitled-Morgan) and leaving a blank space on the wall where I paint for the next piece of work. Secondly, I had an amazing photography session with my friend Andy, whom I'm happy to say has sparked a few ideas for the next work. Thirdly, I've been forcing myself to look at work that inspires me, pushes me to be better and overall amazes me. Luckily, in a city like Manhattan, you can always find that - and I'm looking forward to a Chelsea gallery crawl this weekend. There are plenty of great shows I have to see.

This Joint Was Jumping

So Saturday night, DJ Joe Hickerson played an killer set of high energy dance music for his premier slot as the only DJ at the Roxy. You could tell the crowd was feeling it and he seemed to soar with the energy that was pounding off the dance floor. So based on that performance and the crowd response, I would think his days of opening for Junior are over.

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

Ok, so you can't win them all. Back in December I predicted that Chloe and Santino would make it to fashion week (not a hard call) along with my wild card of Emmett. I know all the boys are swooning over Daniel V. but I have to say a tall man with good style will always catch my eye and Emmett has that in spades. I'm glad to hear that Emmett's boutique will be opening shortly in SoHo. Good Luck!

I have to admit, I'm kind of bummed that Kara ultimately didn't make it to the final three after viewing the collection she created as the decoy designer (not to ruin the surprise of the finale.) Kara's line was inspired, beautiful and showed us some spunk. Where was this spunk on your last challenge, if you showed 20% of that on the final evening gown, you would have made it to the final three. However, I'm still glad we got the chance to view your work.

So good luck to our final three designers and upon inspection of the final collections, I might have to award the win to Santino. He stayed away from his "everything but the kitchen sink" approach and produced a beautiful collection. So my bet for the winner of season two is Santino.

Lack of Creativity

So for the past few weeks I've been stuck with a HUGE lack of creativity and originality. Seems everything that could possibly go wrong will and I'm distracted by the smallest little detail. I'm hoping this phase will be over shortly and I can come up with some witty banter here at Out and Out Reality (Paris, please do something crazy and newsworthy, anything adopt a new pet or get into another drunken bar brawl - please!)

I'm also in need of some new models for my work, if you know anyone who might be interested in posing, please let me know. Thanks again dear readers for sticking around and hopefully you enjoyed my sports coverage (a first and most likely the last on this blog.)

Tell Me Something Good

Westminster recap day two:
What a good evening of entertainment and sportsmanship. Each dog that won their group was stunning but after the smoke cleared it was the Colored Bull Terrier #11 (Ch Rocky Top's Sundance Kid) better known as Rufus who was victorious and won Best in Show.

The evening started with a big bang when the Sporting Group took the field (you know those dogs that assist hunters and collect game). After tight competition, the crowd favorite Golden Retriever #15 (Ch Chuckanut Party Favour O Novel) beat out the Irish Setter and Cocker Spaniel to claim the win.

Next up, were the Hounds (which need no explanation), where a beautiful bitch Scottish Deerhound #10 (Ch Thistlegelen Margot) triumphed over fellow bitches the Saluki and Whippet. Talk about fierce competition.

Finally, the final group of the evening Herding (you know those dogs who keep sheep and cattle in line) took the stage. Where victory came to another crowd favorite Old English Sheepdog #25 (Ch Bugaboos Big Resolution). You could almost hear the Disney executives excitement for a possible victory and tie-in for their up-coming Tim Allen remake.

Alas, Rufus made sure to keep those same executives cursing by his strong showing and victory. His victory also marks him as the first Colored Bull Terrier to win Best in Show at Westminster. Congratulations to all the dogs for an entertaining evening and see you all again next year. For photographs of the winners and more coverage, go to the Westminster site.

Dog on It

So last nights Westminster was full of excitement, some drama and a few surprises. First up was the Working Dogs Group (those big strong dogs who help on the farm, play guard dog and assist us in daily work) that was won by a very strong looking Rottweiler #15 (Ch Carter's Noble Shake Zulu.)

Following his win, was the Terrier Group (those breed of dogs who hunt and kill all sorts of vermin including rats, foxes, weasels) where I was told to watch out for the Norfolk Terrier (a favorite to win), however it was not meant to be as Colored Bull Terrier #11 (Ch Rocky Top's Sundance Kid) came out on top.

This was the first surprise of the evening as the next group held an even bigger surprise, in the overthrowing of the favored to win Best in Show, Pekingese. The Toy Group (you know those cute little lap dogs) was perhaps the most exciting competition for me last night. The high placing Pekingese that won this class last year was favored to win the whole competition but was overthrown by a tenacious Pug #6 (Ch Kendoric's Riversong Mulroney). Truly inspiring and a fan favorite. Will be interesting to see how the Pug fairs in the Best in Show competition tonight.

The last competition of the night was the Non-Sporting Dogs (dogs who serve mostly as companion animals). While I was hoping for a win by the honey colored French Bulldog, she was beaten by a charming, athletic and beautiful Dalmatian #16 (Ch Merry Go Round Mach Ten). Clearly a crowd favorite and I was happy to see this handsome dog go to the finals.

Tonight promises to be just as exciting with the Hound, Sporting and Herding competition. Not to mention the winner for Best in Show. Stay tuned tomorrow for my recap of tonight's festivities.

The Bitches are Back

So my favorite sporting event takes place next week, and no I'm not talking about the Winter Olympics. The Westminster Dog Show arrives in town Monday and Tuesday, with all its spectacle and drama. You cannot get any better then thousands of dogs competing to be Best of Show. For the past seven years, I have spent countless hours wandering the halls of Madison Square Garden enjoying the canine company and learning a lot about the breeds on display. The doggie parents are just as competitive as any children's sporting event (not to mention if you look hard enough, you can find countless characters similar to the movie) and if you ever have the opportunity to attend the show during the day, you'll meet your fair share of these passionate breeders.

So with great excitement, I look forward to two days of hard competition, beauty and the excitement of the evening shows. Don't forget to root for your favorites, I know I will.

A Valentine Failure

Maybe it's the boyish grin, or the amazing body, or his Texas charm but I'm very excited to see Failure to Launch with Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker. From the looks of it, it might have all the charm and delight of an old Hollywood comedy and I for one am very happy for that.

My only question is why didn't this movie open on Valentine's Day weekend? Where is the justice to that? Instead we have Curious George and Final Destination 3 (both movies which I'm excited to see, just not on a big romantic weekend) in its place. However, whenever Matthew opens a picture where he spends a portion of the film half nude on a surfboard, I'm there whether there's a holiday or not. See you at the theaters dear readers, March 10th.

Out of Commission

For the past two days, I've been held up in bed with very little back motion. Hopefully, I will be back in the saddle tomorrow and with something more exciting to blog about then.

It's Back

So I'm happy to report, that Survivor is back with a big ole bang. Exile Island, brilliant. Starting with four tribes instead of two, right on. I cannot be happier that everyone seems so jazzed to be in the game. It's easy to pick favorites, however in a game like Survivor, it's best not to get to attached to anyone.

However, I will give props to my girl, Cirie for changing the game in her favor and getting Tina voted out. For a woman who has never spent any extended time outdoors and is afraid of leaves (and those things that live underneath them), to still be standing is nothing more then breathtaking. Not to mention, having the lumberjill, a woman born to play this game, eliminated - brilliant. Keep up the smart game-playing Cirie. I just hope that when the tribes merge into two next week, that you are kept around longer, so I can enjoy your bright personality, killer smile and good natured humor. Keep a head up and watch your back.

Six More Weeks

So it appears that our weather maven Punxsutawney Phil awoke this morning and was greeted by his shadow which gives us another six weeks of winter. If the current weather situation stays the same, then I'm more then happy about Phil's prediction. Happy Groundhog Day, dear readers.

Latest Edition

With great pleasure, I give you a taste of my latest completed painting entitled, Untitled (Morgan). To view the entire painting, please visit my web site.

Enjoy!

The Pursuit of Liberty

I just don't know where to begin. So I'll thank Andy Towle for the heads up. It seems a certain county Commissioner Mark C. Scott of reading believes Berks County native Keith Haring's work is obscene and should not be displayed on the side of a public building. The mural, of the Statue of Liberty created by Haring and 900 school children, will not be shown do to the fact that Scott fears that taxpayers should not embrace Haring, do to work he viewed on a web site featuring Haring's work. "I'm surprised that of all the artists that have come out of Berks County, this one would be embraced by the board of the Reading Public Museum." he's quoted as saying. Funny, I thought Haring was one of the most renowned artists of modern times, just a thought.

Scott continues, "Some of this art, even the Statue of Liberty, looks more like bathroom graffiti in a seedy bar than it does artwork." Hmmm, I wonder what kind of bathrooms Scott's been hanging out in? I just hate the fact that some asshole with a bit of power, who knows nothing about art, is able to have so much power over what one can view. Sad day indeed when Haring's cannot get the respect from his hometown he deserves. Good luck to the Reading Public Museum as an exhibition of Haring's work makes it debut on February 18th. Somehow, I doubt Commissioner Scott will be attending.

The Tribe Has Spoken

So it appears that Richard Hatch was unable to out play, outlast, or outwit a jury of his peers when it came to not paying his taxes on his Survivor million or the money he made from his radio show and rental properties. For someone who was so adept at playing the game of Survivor, it would be extremely hard to believe his lawyer's defense that he's the "world's worst book-keeper." I'm sorry, I just don't buy it. Hatch faces 13 years in prison and a fine of $600,000.

What I find most interesting about the whole case was that his lawyer made an argument, which was never heard in court, that Hatch found fellow contestants cheating (friends smuggling food to them) and that producers agreed to pay the taxes if he won. Whether or not this is true, remains a new Survivor mystery, one that is truly interesting to this contest of determination and wits. Either way, this was one jury Hatch was unable to control and manipulate like he so successfully did on the first season. Richard, your tribe has spoken.

All Hail the Queen

There is a reason why Queen Latifah was the first rap artist to receive a star on the walk of fame. My Jersey girl has got so much charisma on screen, it oozes. Last night, James and myself caught the 10:45 showing of Last Holiday, which was very much a throwback to old classic Hollywood comedies. Her chemistry with her co-stars is dazzling to watch, not to mention she's a gifted comedian. I never get bored of seeing her on the big screen. If you're looking for a fun feel good film, I highly recommend you check out Last Holiday, if not for Latifah then for the beauty that is LL Cool J. But that is best discussed in another entry.

Buzz on the Buzz

Heads up for tomorrow evening, if you're free dear readers. Come on down to Siberia (356 West 40 Street) for a hot evening of punk, alternative, ska, skin and oi which is known simply as Buzzcock. One of the hosts, Barber Andy (a friend of mine and soon to be model for me) will be shearing and chopping to some kick ass music and atmosphere. Party starts at 10pm with a cover charge of $5 before midnight, $10 after. Just remember look for the red light on 40th Street, Siberia has no official sign. Come join in the mayhem.

Show Me the Love

So I received my first birthday surprise today, superstar DJ Peter Rauhofer will be spinning at the Roxy on my birthday (January 28th) for a party dubbed "The Love Ball." Just the other day I was saying how much I miss him spinning there and pow bang, I get my wish.

I can't wait to see what surprises Peter and John Blair have in store for the night. And dear readers, if you see me on the dance floor please stop by and wish me a happy b-day.

Happy, Happy Endings

With a cold brewing, I don't really have too much in me, as far as blogging goes. So when all else failed, run a Crush of the Week. This week's winner is David Sutcliffe, the scruffy hairy handsome man of films like Testosterone & the film I watched in bed last night, Happy Endings. I'm just a sucker for a man with a smile, that tends to knock you on your feet and Mr. Sutcliffe has that in spades. Now it's time to find him a movie he can really excel at. Enjoy the beauty that is David Sutcliffe.

Pitter Patter of Tiny Feet

Seems baby fever is on everyone's mind in Hollywood these past few days. From Brad and Angelina's announcement, to Lindsay's mysterious home pregnancy test while checked into the hospital, to Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin who are expecting their second bundle of joy, finally working towards that bushel. I'm delighted to hear that little Apple will have a brother or sister to play with shortly. My recommendations for names are Peaches if it's a girl and Rhubarb if it's a boy.

Congratulations one and all. Hear is praying that the paparazzi aren't too much of a nightmare and you call have normal healthy pregnancies.

A New Year, A New Post

So, I promise by tomorrow I will be back to regular blogging. Between the return from sunny Mexico, lost luggage, my job, unpacking (why, is it so hard to empty a suitcase) and the opening of all the new galleries on 27th Street, its hard to find the time to breath never mind write something hopefully witty and enjoyable. Have no fear dear readers, we will be back to business with some entertaining news and gossip in the next few days. Stay tuned.