Unumundus Plaza

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Murals or Morals...

I stumbled upon this in the 2nd floor stairwell of the Art Department at the university. It appears to be charcoal or graphite or both. It looked like it was more than 6 feet wide and around 10 feet tall...hanging on the wall. It's not a mural but a canvas with a fixative or sealant of some kind. I was amazed at some of the shading. I could not figure out what the seams were. They may have been creases where it was folded in order to move it.

A closer look at the top of the canvas. Notice how some of the people figures in the drawing are "drawing the drawing." My speculation is that like other works of art on display in the Art Department, this was made by students. Notice also the arm of the large figure reaching out like that of Michelangelo's Creation of Adam.

This shot shows the canvas in the stairwell and gives a bit of perspective of the size. What is amazing to me is how a limited amount of media in talented hands can be so expressive.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Herb Caen--The Original Blogger

Long before there were blogs, and long before there was an Internet, there were newspapers. Yes! Newspapers! That's how the news got around the world for a while... a long while. And while objective journalism has always been an issue throughout the centuries of journalistic reporting, journalistic integrity has been a co-issue. Passion is what drives most journalists, and hopefully, not ego. If anyone wants an example of passion and integrity look no farther than San Francisco. One of the most noteworthy and loved journalists worked and lived here. Herb Caen wrote a post in the San Francisco papers The Chronicle and The Examiner, mostly The Chronicle, every day for nearly 60 years. That's dedication. That's passion. That's integrity.

In some circles he came to be known as Mr. San Francisco describing The City in a way that might almost be a microcosmic metaphor for the world. Everyday he typed up his submissions on his trusty Royal typewriter. Here's to you Herb. Some of us still remember you and appreciate your contribution to the world. A world before blogs, blogging, and the internet. A world where you were in touch with the world and yet ahead of your time...

Sunday, January 11, 2015

HUZZAH !!! The Renaissance Faire !!!

The Danse Macabre Guild scares away Death with music and street dancing. They start at a secret entrance in the food court of Willingtown and proceed through the entire town to trick Death into passing over the town by posing as the dead themselves. This is accomplished by the liberal use of skeletons, death masks, and morose music played by the guild.

The Coin Master prepares another strike. The coin medallions are usually bronze, but can be silver or even gold. You can choose a stamp design for each side of your coin. The sigil of Robin (Caesar) is the Stag.

The Queen and the Yeomen of the Guard proceeding through Willingtown on a show of goodwill. The Queen entertains citizens with a lunch occasionally and attends the Jousts in the afternoon.

Sir Micheal poses as Robin debates the particulars of the range with the range master at the Knife Throwing Range.

Robin looking a bit perplexed at the knife. His forte is the throwing axe, and the bow.

Sir Micheal and Robin throwing knives on the range.

A celebratory drink by Sir Micheal and Robin on knives well-thrown.

Sir Micheal ready to throw stars.

Sir Micheal throwing stars.

Sir Micheal's stars thrown.

Robin throwing stars.

Robin's stars thrown. DO NOT FUCK WITH ROBIN HOOD!!!

Drinks drunk from stars well-thrown.

Sir Micheal is about indulge in a turkey leg as the local tavern wench photo bombs.

Lady Stacie enjoys fruit ice on a day that is nearly 100 degrees.

Sir Micheal faces off with the villainous Toddler on the main street of Willingtown.

Sir Micheal emerges victorious!!!

Jousters preparing to joust!!!

Jousters facing off!!!

A fallen Jouster being attended to by his squire.

Jousters in hand to hand combat on horseback. The games are particularly fierce combat.

Lady Samwise posing with one of the champions.

A grim visage from a champion of the games.

Lady Samwise posing with a champion.

Camp Zombie and friends on the SwingRide in Willingtown.

The drunken SwingRide crew appreciating their work well-done.

Musical fair abounds at the Faire.

Friday, October 10, 2014

PAELLA !!!

I recently met an enchanting woman who inspired me to make a Paella for her. I had never made a Paella before. Paella is a traditional Spanish dish that varies from region to region. The basics of this dish are garlic, shellfish, and saffron. This version I chose to use asparagus, peas, and no mussels...the market was out. But if you can get mussels...it totally makes the dish...mussels are the best for this dish.

The dish starts with olive oil, Spanish chorizo, chicken, garlic, onion, and saffron. There are close to two dozen ingredients in this dish and it is relatively simple to make. Here is the recipe. There are lots of ingredients. If you cannot find alcaparrado, you can use jarred olives with garlic and or pimentos, and capers. I like to slice the olives to spread the flavor. This dish is awesome and when made on medium low heat it takes about an hour...and if done properly there is a caramelization of of the rice on the bottom of the pan called "socarrat." It looks like it's burnt but it's not. It's delicious.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

)'( )'( BURNING MAN )'( )'( THE TEMPLE )'( )'(

The day after The Man burns is somber and lower energy. The citizens of Black Rock are introspective and considering the ride home and the world that awaits them.

The glorious burn is catharsis. And like The Phoenix that emerges from the ashes, the citizens will leave this completely human-made city of human expression to go forth and live 51 weeks in a different world.

The Temple is absolutely beautiful. Ornate and well-constructed, citizens find this the ideal place to meditate and pray.

The pendulum is constructed to be aligned precisely over the centerpiece below.

Citizens gather at The Temple to hear a live symphony orchestra. It was divine.

The Temple burns the evening after The Man burns. The mood is subdued and the energy much lower. This is a much more spiritual occasion than The Burning of The Man.