PEPFAR...and other sentimental thoughts about USA (#1)

Read THIS.

Now I understand that this subject matter is a little intense compared to the usual extremeash chatter but it doesn't fit on HPC, PP, or Vixens (this one's secret)...so it's making its way to EA.

#1 - I applaud Congress and the President (yes, I said it) for working together on this hugely important bill.

This presidential legacy has left a lot to be desired, but when something like this happens, it restores my faith that I live in an amazing country that I should in fact be quite proud of.

The United States provides 1/5 of all the funding for AIDS prevention and treatment funding in the world. IN THE WORLD. All other countries and agencies combined. I know we're fucking up in a lot of ways right now...but I am proud that we're trying to do some things right.

Oops...

Stacy and I got in trouble this past weekend.

I have to miss pizza farm to not miss this...

OPENING JULY 29 6-9 PM@ CMU, Coffman Art Gallery

Erin Johnson’s (Erin Nicole) photographs touch upon the relationship between real life experiences and generic moments in film and television.

Sue Fox’s mixed media drawings include hydras, jellyfish, and microscopic organisms to explore the relationship of space between humans and the natural world.

Please come support Erin Nicole as she is an amazingly talented young lady (and quite a sweet heart as well).

I don't want to miss this.

Funny that I'm missing this because I'm going to Chicago this weekend...and that it was just in Chicago. It just wasn't meant to be.

/// OFF REGISTER 2008 ///
8 PM // SATURDAY AUGUST 2ND

( a traveling group exhibition of experimental printmaking )

this opening will showcase prints by a collection of international artists and graphic designers associated through the professional practice of commercial print design but do not consider themselves printmakers. the title, OFF REGISTER, refers to a mis-registered color plate pass during printing, as well as acknowledging the artists and designers experimentation with the various techniques of traditional printmaking. each artist will present one print, produced in editions, that utilize and experiment with various traditional fine art printmaking techniques: serigraphy, lithography, etching, various transfer, block printing, as well as incorporating unconventional methods and experimental techniques of print impressions.

artists include:

Robin Cameron
Michael Coleman
Justin Fines
Ryan Giese, Grotesk vs. Lowrider [collaboration] Steven Harrington Maya Hayuk Cody Hudson Evan Hecox Ben Loiz Geoff McFetridge Colin Metcalf Andy Mueller Michael Perry Jon Resh Joel Speasmaker Todd St. John Andrew Townsend David J. Weissberg
WEWORKFORTHEM: Michael Cina + Michael Young [collaboration] Rory Wilson.

www.foundation-gallery.org
www.umberstudios.com

umber studios
3109 east 42nd street
minneapolis mn 55406

umber studios is a private art studio space and is not open to the public. if you would like to become an umber friend, please contact the studio to be added to the private mailing list.
thanks for supporting art!

Who needs sleep?

Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles with Military Special at the Bedlam Theater tonight.
Shoreline and Oh Crap Mo Brought Friends (or something) at the Fineline.
Hush presents Shelter at the Loft above Barfly...look for the hostess with the Shelter sign downstairs.
So Electric at Barfly.

These all cost between $5 - $10, unless you get in touch w/ me about the Fineline show...I've got some comps left or RSVP for So Electric...then it's $3. The funny thing is, each of these is worth more than $3 - $10. If you can't throw down a few bucks of the hard earned cash on some fantastic local entertainment then you're a sucker.

I am trying to do all of these things tonight which means I'll probably make it to one of them. If I'm lucky. Call me if you feel like running around town (and by running I mean biking).

I love when UPS brings me presents. Today UPS brought me memories that are quite recent. I decided they should be public. So there you go, UPS made all of our days a little better. Now if only airfare wasn't blowing it.

My Friends Vol. 2 - Bonni and Kyle

These are my friends Bonni and Kyle. I lived with Bonni for 2 years, one year in NE and one year in St. Paul. Kyle moved in with us in St. Paul and then we were one big happy family.

One of my favorite stories about Bonni is that she had this hermit crab (and I can't remember his name) but I can tell you he was cruel. Hermit crabs are supposed to be very friendly creatures...they can run all over you and they are not supposed to pinch. This one pinched. In fact, he pinched me so hard that I started crying, and even screaming. The "directions" said that if they pinched you should run your hand (and the crab) under cold water. This just made him pinch me harder.

Bonni doesn't pinch, and neither does Kyle - but they do play a mean game of apples to apples.

My friend Benji

This is my friend Benji Meyer. Many of you know Benji. For those that don't...he and Mike lived together for 7+ years...HLM status. He's hilarious. Sometimes he's reclusive, he's always elusive, and he even makes me rhyme. I get the random bump-into him now and then, but I'd really like more of him in my life. Consider this a major shout out.

p.s. I stole this picture of Benji from Benji. I'm guessing he timer-ed it himself? Yes? No? But it's in Japan. He's cool like that.

I need more time...

No really. I do. There is not enough time in each of the upcoming days to go everywhere and see everyone I want/need to see. Fuck.

Tonight...no time. Sushi? Dancing? Drinking?
Tomorrow: If you don't go to EC's show you are a waste of space. Get out.
@ The Christensen Center Art Gallery Augsburg College 720 22nd Ave S Minneapolis 5:30pm-7:30pm / Free
Also tomorrow: Honeymoon Birthday...can I handle two nights of dancing in a row?
Saturday: TML...3 nights in a row? Shit!
Sunday: Recoup.
Monday...it's not over yet...well almost.

I better see all of you...and you know who you are...a lot this weekend. Keepin it real.

sometimes it sneaks up on ya...

I've been thinking a lot lately about my life on a day to day basis. Like the things I do and the people I do them with; and I have been contemplating the fact that it's very different from a year ago. I don't think that things are better today, or that they were necessarily better then. I just realize how different they are.

I'm in a sort of nostalgic mood which may be way too heavy for such an extreme blog...but I just thought I'd air my thoughts to the wide, wonderful land of the internet.

Lots of memories I've thiefed:

I love this life...I hope you all do too. Because it may be the only one we've got...right?

Europe (the swedish rock band) said it best...

It's the final countdown...

7 days and counting!

I heart you.

Can I please, please, please, please have her? I'm not sure who I'm asking...but please say yes.

I miss...

In no particular order (except maybe the first one)

• Stacy
• Jen
• laying out looking at the stars
• Laurie
• Mike
• Sleeping on the blow up mattress...sort of
• Sarah
• the beach
• Cynthia
• having money
• Katie
• Sam 1
• Katie
• cheap airline tickets
• watching america's next top model with the girls and heckling the television
• Candace (who isn't gone yet but will be soon enough)
• Kemi
• my family
• free time
• Bonni
• Norman and Jumbo
• Kait and Shady Taha...and their little Ray who I still haven't met.

and a whole lot more...but these are the fools I'm missing right now (and the tangible objects) so I thought I'd share...