Happy No Labor For Me Day Weekend

I hope everyone enjoys the final long weekend of summer. I'm off to the Catskill Mountains of New York. Till next week. Cheer's Homer.

A Labor Day Weekend Gift

Ah FROMAGE. I love Cheese and always find it the perfect gift when your' the weekend guest. But what to buy? Here's a great video from CHOW to help solve that problem.

Some More Burning Man

Its got to be a scene! From Venice to The Desert. A cool video on Burning Man Art Cars.

Venice Film Festival

Two years ago I was lucky enough to be in Venice during its annual film festival. It was great fun and its location led me into parts of the city I hadn't seen before.The 65th International Film Festival starts tomorrow. If your there, take part, the Italians do things so nicely. Here is the schedule of events.

Burning Man

Burning Man Image of 2008 Burning Man designed by Rod Garrett and Larry Harvey

While this annual assemblage is not really my cup of tea, I must say yearly coverage of the event has always stoked my interest. Thanks to Gizmodo for highlighting some of the artists and their creations for this year. As for me, I'm going to the Catskills where there will be running water, bathroom facilities, internet access and very normal friends.

An August Watercolor

As mentioned previously, I'm lucky to be a friend and fan of Joan Brady's work.

A Man's Home

I was and am a great fan of the late Bill Blass. Not for his clothes so much as for his style. I loved both his homes in New York and Connecticut. His eye for the great print, painting or piece of sculpture just always seemed right. His homes did not have lots of comfy chairs but then I could have stood for hours just looking at the placement and colors and objects that he displayed. If I had to pick only thing that I'd love to have it would have to be that leather chair.

I recently came across these pictures from the Connecticut house and thought they'd be nice to review on a sunny late August day. Here too is a nice short piece from the New York Observer by Charles Michener, written shortly after his death in 2002.

I Kinda Remember This. An Olympic Moment!

The Fosbury Flop. Who Knew?

Purchasing a Bit Of China After the Olympics

On September 17, Christie’s New York will start its spectacular trilogy of Chinese Art sales with the single-owner sale Important Chinese Snuff Bottles from the J&J Collection, Part V followed by Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art and an evening session will be devoted to Masterworks of Ancient and Imperial China, offering extraordinary works of art from various periods. The three sales of over 500 lots, include superb sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, jade objects and furniture, and are expected to realize in excess of $21,000,000. From Art Daily.

Hutong Architecture

I'm so glad to see Monumental Adventure adding to its wonderful video library. Here's a tour of a lovely home in Beijing. Apropos for the Olympics. An Alley Hutong Home.

Not Frank Loyd Wright's Falling Water

This is amazing. Really A Must See. In Japan.

A Silver Medal With Class, Milorad Cavic

To miss a Gold Medal by a finger must be hard, but read Milorad Cavic's thoughts at his site about his feelings at winning a Silver Medal against Michael Phelps. Its a sign of true class and athletic sportsmanship.His post is titled' "Success."

Australia to Showcase Architectural Models in Venice

Always a good show in Venice and I'm a big fan of our friends from OZ. No, that is not a metallic toilet seat! I liked they're Summer Olympics better too. A big hurrah to Mr. Phelps!!

This August in DC

All the world knows that Washington DC was built on a swamp and that come July and August the natives and the politicians that can, flee. The heat and humidity keeps us all indoors with windows shut waiting for the first of September. BUT NOT THIS YEAR!!! I am neither a meteorologist or record keeper but this has been the coolest and finest August in anyone's memory. It has also been the reason we bloggers in DC have been so lax. The last two weeks would have us city folk thinking we must be in New England with cool mornings, warm afternoons and clear sunsets. Its been heaven, and to think we have September to come. Happy August all.

*!*!! I Knew I Should Have Had That Big Mac

I thought this story was great. Morgan Spurlock gets famous from eating at McDonalds and having health problems as a result. Olympian Ryan Lochte proves the opposite. Finally big crossed fingers for Mr. Olympian, Michael Phelps, tonight!! NUMBER 8!! Go for it Michael.

Daily Painter Duane Keiser

I've highlighted the work of Duane Keiser here from the start. I'm a fan of the daily painters group and think they are a source of fine but affordable art for a side table or a collection for your wall. Now Duane is offering Oddments. Interesting. Here is his link.

What's an oddment?

Oddment means "a remnant or part of something, typically leftover from a larger piece." I originally made these very small paintings on pieces of board leftover from my larger paintings. They are typically about 3"x2.5"

Unlike my Postcard Paintings, I post oddments on my blog without email notification. If you see an oddment available, email me at keiser@duanekeiser.com and put the title of the painting you want in the subject line. The first person to email me gets it.

Oddments are $150.00 each

No Dessert Tonight But I Can Dream

Clotilde Dusoulier of Chocolate and Zucchini brings us Chiffon Cake. It's Summertime and I want one.

American Airports Just Aren't Fun Anymore

London's Oldest Pubs

I love visitng London and seeing all the great sites, but truth be told my favorite pastime in Olde Londontowne is finding a great pub and drinking in the atmosphere. This is equally true of pub hopping in Temple Bar in Dublin. There's nothing like a pint or two and chatting with our cousins from across the pond. Gridskipper has a fun article on the supposedly ten oldest pubs in London which I will keep for the next trip. If your like me you'll enjoy keeping this list for your next trip.

Light Blogging

I've had a few folks ask about the the light blogging as late. First, it's August and Washington, DC goes to sleep. On top of that I've visited family and have had this cute house guest for the last twelve days. His name is Max and he's been a joy to have around. Between the work the pays some of the bills and walks morning, noon and night, my time here has been cut short. Lastly, it's OLYMPIC time of which I am a huge fan. Labor Day is almost here and we'll all get back to work. GO USA!!

The Society of Dilettanti

I knew I'd missed my crowd. I love this and would have been a true member. Also known as "The Golden Asses." A new Getty exhibition opening on August 7th.
From the Getty.
LOS ANGELES.- In 1734, a group of young British gentlemen, all alumni of the Grand Tour in Italy, formed a dining club in London. Calling themselves the Society of Dilettanti (from the Italian dilettare, to take delight), this close-knit association transformed classical antiquity from a private pleasure to a public benefit by sponsoring archaeological expeditions, forming collections, and publishing influential books on ancient architecture and sculpture.

Rooftop Oasis Design in NYC

A wonderful collection of photos of some of the best Penthouse Gardens/Terraces in the city. By Jwilly. Have a look, this is high living in the citee.

I'd Like To Try Out This Way of Travel Too

A nice review on the Emirates Airlines new A380 Airbus and traveling in air style. So, "this is steerage?"

I've Always Wanted to Travel This Way

After a few days sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and watching the big ships go by my thoughts wandered. Traveling by Cargo Ship has always been on my list of adventures I want to try. For some odd reason in the back of my mind I remember reading that the famous Broadway actress Mary Martin, aka, Peter Pan, for those of us old enough to remember, was a great fan of this type of travel. What a way to get away. No people, the water, books, important intimate time with your significant other. It has always been something I've wanted to do. Here's a recent article from Traveler's Notebook on the details of taking such an adventure.

This Says It All