Monday, May 31, 2010
Graffito Mag #9
- stgo. streetbombing
- subte-baires /(argentina)
- faif, mnd. crew /barcelona (spain)
- stik /santiago (chile)
- dreph /manchester (uk)
- tips /santiago (chile)
- latino amor tour: hda-wsdm /bs. aires (argentina) - santiago, valparaíso (chile)
- lectores
- cargueros /chile, perú (gmcrew)
- bombing valpo
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In Honor of Memorial Day
War and Peace (Ack-Ack Fire near a Russian Aleut Grave), Wm F Draper, 1942
Memorial Day is one of the bookends of summer. It's easy to forget what Memorial Day honors - which is all of the men and women who have died in military service to our country.
From the US Memorial Day webpage:
"Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every State on the last Monday in May (passed by Congress with the National Holiday Act of 1971 (P.L. 90 - 363) to ensure a three day weekend for Federal holidays), though several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis' birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country."
Aleutians Campaign, Wm F. Draper
Boxing Match, Wm F. Draper, 1944
The paintings here are by my great uncle, painter William F. Draper (1912-2003).
William F. Draper
Lieutenant Commander, USNR
"Born in Hopedale, Massachusetts, Draper attended the National Academy of Design and the Cope Art School in Massachusetts and also studied in France and Spain. Commissioned early in 1942, he created a series of paintings during his coverage of the Aleutians, Bougainville and the Marianas campaigns, many of which later appeared in color reproductions in the National Geographic Magazine. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his meritorious work as a combat artist in the Aleutians and under enemy attack in the South Pacific.
After returning to civilian life, William F. Draper earned an international reputation as a portraitist. His subjects have included John F. Kennedy (1962), the Shah of Iran (1967), James Michener (1979) and Richard M. Nixon (1981), as well as numerous other political, social, and corporate leaders. His work is included in the collections of a number of major museums, including the Metropolitan Museum and the National Portrait Gallery."
from the Naval Historical Center Website
Inferno, Wm F. Draper, 1944
Bill Draper was commissioned by the US Navy as one of five official WWII combat artists. He painted 69 descriptive wartime scenes between 1942-1945, many of them were featured in National Geographic magazine. It wasn't easy being a combat artist - conditions were difficult and often dangerous. Bill landed with the second wave of marines at Bougainville and while assigned to the USS Yorktown he "painted a series of paintings on the first air attack on Palau. He covered the landings at Hollandia and the air strike on Truk.
Draper covered the invasion of Saipan and Guam aboard the USS Tennessee depicting the powerful destruction that hit this island. While he was aboard, the Tennessee was hit three times. He landed and remained on the island for eighteen days recording the bitter struggle and eventual success of this action. At Guam he landed with the assault troops under heavy enemy fire."
- Naval Historical Center website
Hangar Deck of Carrier, Wm F Draper, 1944
Uncle Bill in his NYC Studio, image via Portrait Society of America website
A Warrior Homeward Bound, Wm F Draper, 1944
all images via the Naval Historical Center website
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday strolling along Oslo quayside
Our walk this Sunday, from home to Frognerkilen, along Oslo Quayside to the Operahouse and returning up Karl Johan´s Street (including Coffee Americano and a Croissant at United Bakeries) to the Royal Castle and beyond, has resulted in some nice photos, a water blister under my right foot and this blogpost.
A lot of ships (including the Color Magic bound for Kiel) can be found at the quayside.
My first ship is Christian Radich. The full rigged ship, named after a Norwegian shipowner, is anchored under the Akershus Fortress, and is Oslo´s pride.
At Vippetangen we can see Danskebåten, while a Russian school ship can be visited at Revierkaia. 
The white marble at the Operahouse looks good in the nice weather.
While resting at the beautiful white marble, the spectacular sculpture in Bjørvika needs more description.
The Water sculpture (335 tons heavy and 12 meter high) by Italian Monica Bonvicini (45), resident in Berlin, is a three-dimensional version of Caspar David Friedrich's painting "Arctic Ocean". He is considered among the foremost artists of European romanticism, studied in Copenhagen, lived from 1798 in Dresden and was friends with Norwegian JC Dahl.
Click on the photos to see them larger / better.
A lot of ships (including the Color Magic bound for Kiel) can be found at the quayside.My first ship is Christian Radich. The full rigged ship, named after a Norwegian shipowner, is anchored under the Akershus Fortress, and is Oslo´s pride.
At Vippetangen we can see Danskebåten, while a Russian school ship can be visited at Revierkaia. 
The white marble at the Operahouse looks good in the nice weather.
While resting at the beautiful white marble, the spectacular sculpture in Bjørvika needs more description.
The Water sculpture (335 tons heavy and 12 meter high) by Italian Monica Bonvicini (45), resident in Berlin, is a three-dimensional version of Caspar David Friedrich's painting "Arctic Ocean". He is considered among the foremost artists of European romanticism, studied in Copenhagen, lived from 1798 in Dresden and was friends with Norwegian JC Dahl.
Click on the photos to see them larger / better.
Sunday strolling along Oslo quayside
Our walk this Sunday, from home to Frognerkilen, along Oslo Quayside to the Operahouse and returning up Karl Johan´s Street (including Coffee Americano and a Croissant at United Bakeries) to the Royal Castle and beyond, has resulted in some nice photos, a water blister under my right foot and this blogpost.A lot of ships (including the Color Magic bound for Kiel) can be found at the quayside.
My first ship is Christian Radich. The full rigged ship, named after a Norwegian shipowner, is anchored under the Akershus Fortress, and is Oslo´s pride.
At Vippetangen we can see Danskebåten, while a Russian school ship can be visited at Revierkaia. The white marble at the Operahouse looks good in the nice weather.
While resting at the beautiful white marble, the spectacular sculpture in Bjørvika needs more description.
The Water sculpture (335 tons heavy and 12 meter high) by Italian Monica Bonvicini (45), resident in Berlin, is a three-dimensional version of Caspar David Friedrich's painting "Arctic Ocean". He is considered among the foremost artists of European romanticism, studied in Copenhagen, lived from 1798 in Dresden and was friends with Norwegian JC Dahl.
Click on the photos to see them larger / better.
A lot of ships (including the Color Magic bound for Kiel) can be found at the quayside.My first ship is Christian Radich. The full rigged ship, named after a Norwegian shipowner, is anchored under the Akershus Fortress, and is Oslo´s pride.
At Vippetangen we can see Danskebåten, while a Russian school ship can be visited at Revierkaia. The white marble at the Operahouse looks good in the nice weather.While resting at the beautiful white marble, the spectacular sculpture in Bjørvika needs more description.The Water sculpture (335 tons heavy and 12 meter high) by Italian Monica Bonvicini (45), resident in Berlin, is a three-dimensional version of Caspar David Friedrich's painting "Arctic Ocean". He is considered among the foremost artists of European romanticism, studied in Copenhagen, lived from 1798 in Dresden and was friends with Norwegian JC Dahl.Click on the photos to see them larger / better.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Spain second chance
Viva Espana!!!The man with a red cap entered the scene and disturbed Spain during their performance in the EBU Song Contest tonight. Spain can sing once more at the end of the show. Break a leg, Spain.
The man in the red cap is Jaume Marquet Cot. Learn more about his interruptions by clicking on the name link.
Spain second chance
Viva Espana!!!The man with a red cap entered the scene and disturbed Spain during their performance in the EBU Song Contest tonight. Spain can sing once more at the end of the show. Break a leg, Spain.
The man in the red cap is Jaume Marquet Cot. Learn more about his interruptions by clicking on the name link.
Pot Poll
A new LA Times poll shows 49% of Californians favor legalizing marijuana, 41% oppose it, and the other 10% are really worried about longer lines at Taco Bell.
Israel Condemned
The UN Security Council says Israel used too much force to stop a ship filled with activists bringing supplies Hamas. The council says Israel should have known that 99%of activists will run away if you simply offer them a real job.
Bats in Danger
Hundreds of caves are being closed to hikers to help protect a threatened bat population. Actually, the bats just want to be left alone by a growing number of annoying "Twilight" fans.
Arizona Reaction
The League of United Latin American Citizens, say they will be ready to sue immediately if they feel citizens were questioned improperly by authorities in Arizona. But this is the same group that is threatening to boycott everyone who isn't watching the George Lopez Show.
BP Deal
The good news is BP is going to give Louisiana fisherman 100% compensation for their lost wages based on their tax returns. The bad news is Louisiana fishermen haven't paid their taxes since the Civil War.
June 1st
1935: The first driving tests are introduced in the United Kingdom. Sadly, the original applicants are still trying to parallel park in Trafalgar Square.
1974: The Heimlich maneuver for rescuing choking victims is first published in the journal Emergency Medicine. It is also later approved for use on Cubs fans.
2009: General Motors files for chapter 11 bankruptcy... UAW members breifly have to get their own Viagra.
May 31st
1669: Samuel Pepys records the last event in his diary, citing poor eyesight... something he also cites for a series of ill-advised random hook-ups.
1759: The Province of Pennsylvania bans all theater productions. Sadly the ban expires well before "Shrek: The Musical."
1790: The United States enacts its first copyright statute. It is pirated by China five hours later.
Monochrome by the bedside
The current view as seen by a patient suffering from bronchitis and/or pneumonia (but hopefully on the mend).
Alys Beach Stunner
Summer is here and I have an urge to go to Alys Beach. Who wouldn't want to stay in this stunning house? Okay it looks a little like a hotel, but wait until you see the inside. It is described as a villa.
You can rent this gorgeous house! Go here to see more about Alys Beach.
Here's the description from the rental page:
11,250 sq. ft. compound with 32' saltwater pool in courtyard; 6,500 sq.ft. heated & cooled living area plus decks & loggias.
"Aspri Villa redefines luxury, a 5-Star villa resting in the ultimate emerald coast community of Alys Beach. This unique and amazing sanctuary invites you to stretch out and enjoy the spacious estate home accomodations.
Renown Florida architect Tom Christ and interior Atlanta Designer Christa Renfroe Hurley have teamed up to create a true one of a kind masterpiece that embodies the epitome of style and design. The generous 9,500 square feet of living space surrounds a private saltwater pool with underwater music features, a sheer decent waterfall, and a separate roof top Jacuzzi. Evening entertainment is made perfect with an outdoor fireplace, wet bar, gas grill and dining loggia for romantic dinners alfresco.
Aspri Villa has a total of 5 bedrooms plus a 4-bed bunk room; inclusive of two master suites with private porches, steam showers and fireplaces; a two bedroom pool suite with separate fireplace, mini-kitchen and two full baths; Maximum capacity is 12 adults 2 children/total 14.
The bunk room is an eclectic environment with a media center just for the kids; all very colorful and fun with softly padded fabric walls!
The media room has a wood burning fireplace and huge wall mounted 52" HD-TV; a formal living room and an elegant formal dining room with seating for 12. An expansive kitchen plus an outside cooking grill and dining loggia for meals with a poolside ambiance.
You won't want to leave Aspri Villa once you arrive and enjoyed its majestic beauty, intimate, inviting charm and fine accoutrements. Perfect for reunions of families and friends of discriminating taste, and the perfect escape for quite time with the family or corporate getaways; where hospitality in an intimate environment is a must!"
Are you drooling yet? I am....
all images via Alys Beach website
p.s. This Photographer's Life has a beautiful post on Alys Beach here.
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 30th
1539: Hernando de Soto lands at Tampa Bay, Florida with the goal of finding gold and cheap real estate in foreclosure.
1879: Madison Square Garden opens to the public. Luckily, the Knicks don't use the venue to terrorize the public until 1949.
1967: The Nigerian Eastern Region declares independence, sparking a civil war and thousands of suicides by map-makers across the world.
May 29th
1848: Wisconsin is admitted as the 30th U.S. state. Settlers rush in to line up for Packers tickets.
1942: Bing Crosby, the Ken Darby Singers and the John Scott Trotter Orchestra record Irving Berlin's "White Christmas"... originally titled, "Whites-Only Christmas."
2001: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that disabled golfer Casey Martin can use a cart to ride in PGA tournaments... as long as Tiger Woods can stash his extra condoms and sani-wipes in the trunk of that golf cart.
Brookwood Hills Brad Heppner Renovation
We swim at Brookwood Hills pool. So for three glorious months every summer I get to drive around this beautiful intown neighborhood that was developed in the 1920's by Benjamin Franklin Burdett and his son, Arthur. Besides my own neighborhood (Peachtree Heights East also known as the Duck Pond neighborhood), Brookwood Hills and Ansley Park are my favorite Atlanta neighborhoods. I like the dense urban feel and the lack of yard work!
All of last summer I watched the progress of a Brad Heppner renovation in Brookwood Hills. The house has special meaning to me because my aunt and uncle lived in the house most of my childhood. The best wedding party we had was at this house after our wedding (if you're planning a wedding I highly recommend this idea - which is to keep entertaining the out of town guests). Everyone is so relaxed and all of the pressure is gone.
Anyway, back to Brookwood Hills. Yesterday, I drove past the renovation and it was complete. I couldn't resist taking photos. The house began it's life as a modest four over four with a center hall. When my aunt and uncle lived there it had an addition on the back with a kitchen, family room and master bedroom. Today, there is actually more usable outdoor space than before the renovation. There is a grassy courtyard that you can see in the pictures below and also another courtyard behind the new garage. The kitchen, keeping room and new family room open onto it. Despite the fact that the house takes up a good bit of the lot, I think it is well situated and blends in nicely. (Full disclosure, they have more green space than I do now).
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