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 I originally made these very small paintings on pieces of board leftover from my larger paintings.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