Ahhhh… another summer has come and gone and here is what I’ve learned…

a) Making panoramic views of images is no joke! I just LOVE this mural by the awesome Tats Cru that lives on the corner of 2nd street and Avenue A, across the street from the Vietnamese sandwich joint. I have the feeling they are going to wipe it soon so I had to snap a pic. Check out the full version here.

b) Learn to let go. Don’t stay angry at people for too long or it will take you over. Get over it and move the fuck on…

c) Saving money isn’t all that hard. Just put your mind to it.

d) Staying true to commitments is a sign of maturity and inner strength.

Ciao Summer… it was a pleasure.

I’m exhausted but I know that if I don’t do this now, it won’t get posted. Notice my unyielding dedication to this blog! (cough)

Another fabulous day at P.S.1. After parking the bike, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a low-key rehearsal for Wunmi and it was a great way to lower my heart rate (35mins flat from the East Village to LIC - grrrrr!) and get in the mood for the day. Wunmi herself is an absolute doll with an infectious smile and loads of energy that burned up the stage during her set and had everyone shaking their money-maker to the her fun dance/dub/socca/world-beat stylee.

Easily the highlight of the day, this is perfect summer music.

As for the P.S.1 courtyard installation, it has mutated and grown since the last time I was there. Love it.

Tompkins Square Park that is. Rumor has it that this is the Anarchy Festival in cahoots with Deitch Projects. Seems to be on the hush but the lovely Kembra Pfahler, who is also on my list of women I have a crush on, is well worth the wait to see what this is all about.

The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black
at Tompkins Square Park, East Village NYC
5pm

I usually don’t go back in time for news that I miss as I am always thinking that the world will keep turning. But since the first time I saw her picture, I developed a MASSIVE crush on Isabella Blow. She always reminded me of fey… of some mischievous little pixie. She had more style in her pinkie toe then most people on this planet. And it was her vast hat collection that inspired me to take my own more seriously.

Not feeling well? Put on a hat! Bad hair day? Put on a hat!

Need to look better then you already do? Put on a fierce hat!

She worked with fashion gods Anne Wintour and Andre Tally Leon. She was the creative muse for millinery genius Phillip Treacy and discovered the ever so clever Alexander McQueen. Her whimsical flair is what makes fashion worth anything. She was not buying $500 jeans.

Thank you for the inspiration Isabella. See you in the next life.

I ran into a friend earlier today and we took a moment to grab a cup of tea and catch up. Once we sat down he reached into his bag and pulled out a new copy of The Revolutionary Art of Emory Douglas, dangling it in front of me like a carrot. Bastard. Oh, I say that with love but still…

Emory Douglas was the Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party. It was his creative style on their posters and in their newspaper that led the Black Panthers to have some of the most stunning and memorable media to date. Mr. Douglas did an amazing job of translating their ideas to the public. While the revolution may not have been televised, it was visualized perfectly.

This book will live on my bookshelf soon.

Usually at this time in the summer I am bitchin’ constantly about the heat, tired of sweating and walking around with a permanent scowl if I have to be out in the scotching sun for even all of 5 seconds. In other words it is well known that I hate summer.

But this year is the exception. Between working on some really neat projects with some really neat people and having the time and freedom to cruise around on my bike and chill out for a little - and I mean a little, I am far from a woman of leisure at this point in the game - and volunteering at the P.S.1 Warm Up, I have to say that I am having one of my best summers ever. It might sound simple, but in the end I am really just a simple woman.

Ok… maybe I am just in a simple mood right now. But whatever it is, it’s working for me at the moment.

I remember the first Cut & Paste way, way, way back in the day. All of 2 (?) years ago. It was a blast and it is an awesome idea so either roll up your sleeves and show the world what you got or check it out when it comes to your town and support the pixel pushers.

Eight designers in each city will have the chance to showcase their talent by competing in three, fast-paced single-elimination rounds. Their work will be webcast globally and projected in real-time for thelive, Cut&Paste audience. Onsite and offsite viewers may vote online or by text message to award the Audience Prize, Adobe(r) Creative Suite 3 Master Collection. An all-star judging panel in each city will decide our Cut&Paste Champion, who will receive our Jury Prize, a Wacom Cintiq(r) 21UX pen-based display. The call for entry deadline is July 17th, 2007.

Details… Good luck!

Where the hell have I been you say? Working my cute little ass off my dears… someone sane has to plot world domination! But I had to share this with you in an attempt to make up for my lack of attention.

One of my favorite bands (yes, I realize that they are not on my music list… I am working on that) , Interpol is dropping another gem into our lap and Other Music is hosting a listening party with Sam from Interpol DJ’ing among others. No cover for the shin-dig and drink specials all night. Drop by as you meander the city that night.

Interpol Listening Party at Sweet & Vicious
5 Spring, between Elizabeth & Bowery
FREE from 9pm - 2am

I had such a good time at Gallery Hanahou for the Tina Berning show that I was very happy to hear word of newness from them this afternoon.

Tomorrow night is the opening reception for Immacolata and Her Friends, a solo exhibit by Stina Persson. With her lush, gush of colors and clean ambiance, I’m really looking forward to seeing her work in person.

Old-world beauty encounters unabashed grime in this solo show of original work by artist Stina Persson. Popular for her vibrant, ethereal watercolors, the Stockholm-based illustrator presents some 30 original pieces, portraying angelic-but-crude women in ink, watercolor, and paper collage.

Opening Reception : May 24, 6-9 pm

On Display : May 24th - June 6th

RSVP + More info : GalleryHanahou.com

So much for Spring. Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us and in its wake comes BBQs, flip-flops, sunblock, 2am ice cream runs and the like.

Leading the way to languid days and balmy, restless nights is the next edition of the Afro-Punk Liberation Sessions featuring Slack Republic, Suffrajett and The Drugstore Cowboys. Saul Williams partner in crime CX Kidtrinik administers the output between sets.

Sounds like a party my dears… see you there!

And don’t forget to raise a glass for those who have lost their life in the name of our country.

Or any country for that matter.

I think now is a good time to give the presidential candidates a more thorough once over, don’t you?

Afro-Punk @ the Delancey
168 Delancey between Clinton and Attorney
cover = $10, doors open at 8pm