Joseph Timmons

My Recent Published Work

2012-01-22T12:16:00.001-08:00

Leaf Garden Press has accepted and Published 2 of my poems, Sandman and Embattled, this is a nice bit of news as I have also sold 2 copies of my book, Rants and Ravings of a Modern Day Cave Dweller on LULU Press as well.

Check out Leaf Garden Press and Let me know what you think.

http://leafgardenpress.blogspot.com/2012/01/leaf-garden-issue-12.html

http://www.lulu.com/items/volume_73/11958000/11958958/2/print/11958958.pdf

Technorati Tags: Recent,Work,Leaf,Garden,poems,Sandman,news,Rants,Ravings,Modern,Cave,Dweller,LULU,Check

Vlog Entry

2011-08-29T12:16:00.001-07:00

Felt I had to say…… something…

Vlog Entry

Had some fun with this, just felt I needed to do this before going out to work today, so often do things get left unsaid.

Lakme Fashion Week Photo Journal

2011-08-20T00:07:00.001-07:00

Lakme Fashion Week Photo Journal

Technorati Tags: Groove Studio,Studios,One,Magazine,Fashion,Video,Photo Journal

Dulce Tejada

2011-08-20T00:03:00.001-07:00

Groove Studio One Magazine likes to recognize individuals and organizations that pioneer new and upcoming Social Media trends and services that help spread messages and create new opportunities.

In today’s fast-paced social media world, how many can say they’ve amassed over 80 million YouTube views, obtained a Facebook followership of more than 30,000 in a mere two weeks, and created a global fan base simply using online videos and blogs, all at the young age of 23?

The remarkable Dulce Tejada, (also known as Dulce Candy to her fans), has mastered all of the above and her success continues to grow.

Dulce is a social media icon that combines her expertise and knowledge of the beauty and fashion world to give advice and tips, including the best ways to “haul” pieces at the various retailers and how to create the perfect look and outfit for any occasion.

For more information on the Dulce Candy fashion phenomenon please visit www.dulcecandy.com or go to her Video site—www.youtube.com/DulceCandy87.

Technorati Tags: Dulce,Tejada,Groove,Studio,Magazine,individuals,Social,Media,trends,messages,opportunities,million,YouTube,Facebook,Candy,icon,expertise,knowledge,advice,retailers,information,phenomenon,Video

Irene Flores—Illustrator & Mangaka

2011-08-20T00:00:00.001-07:00

an Artist with a Flair

Article / Interview By Joseph Timmons GS1

In a small bistro in San Luis Obispo I met with Irene Flores, published and well known anime artist and illustrator. Over lunch we discussed her travels in the art world and how she became one of the few anime artists in the United States to be just as much, if not more popular than artists and illustrators from Japan. Irene has always been interested in art, as a child she enjoyed being given opportunities to explore her interests freely, and having a father who was also an established artist was very helpful and her whole family supported her dreams. From an early age, Irene enjoyed reading comics and graphic novels, growing up in a family that was very close to its Asian roots , she quickly moved from American style comics to anime and then on to animated movies from Japan and Asian countries. Irene would examine the story telling aspects of illustration and found appreciation for the craft and its natural ability to be transformative, to change and grow with the story line or plot. She relies on the emphasis of good story-telling to give her illustrations life.

During Irene’s journey in art, she has grown to treat her illustrations as if they were alive, the characters grow and mature, experience personal development and become real, not just to Irene, but to her fans and followers. Irene shared that at the many Comic Conventions and Cosplay events she has been at, both as a patron and as a celebrity; it is the fine line between fantasy and reality that excites her about her artwork. Irene enjoys being an artist, but also keeps a certain amount of anonymity. Irene stated that as well as being a published artist and illustrator, she continues to live a normal life; she has a day job and tries to keep her celebrity status “Low-Key”. Irene has been a bit disappointed in the transfer of Japanese anime and animated movies that are voiced over or edited for American audiences, stating that the process takes the life out of the story and mutes the true voices of the characters, “Some things just cannot translate” she said as she was sipping her smoothie and enjoying the sunlight streaming through the window. Irene likes living in California and often works at the local library and art schools services to teach illustrative skills and share her gift.

Her works include a series of books that teach anime style illustration, her work with Impact Comics, Tokyo-Pop, Marvel and is working on a project for Yen Press. Her most impressive work however is her Anime series Mark of the Succubus, A story where an unmotivated high school student named Aiden meets Maeve, a succubus-in-training sent from the demon homeland to learn about humans. This series was voted as one of the top titles in Tokyo-Pop’s publication and is available on Amazon.com and other online distributors.

Irene Flores Website

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Akomplice – Taking Urban Fashion to New Levels

2011-08-17T23:36:00.001-07:00

The concept of Urban Street Wear is not new, since the 60’s the image or graphic message found its way from the highway billboards to the chests of America’s youth. We have seen everything from “Have a nice Day” to “Go $#@% Yourself” and there are many independent artists, designers and major labels that saturate the market with their vision of that is hot and what is not. The center of the mass market image campaign of most “designers” is how to maximize the money making potential and just print, print, print, until the newness of the fad design has passed, only to hope it becomes retro and returns for more money making potential. Personally, I find that the T-Shirt fad is passed on from one cheap shirt printers to another, or at least I did until I met with Akomplice.

Akomplice is a small company founded on the concept that style should not be stupid and fashion is not always about the dollar. I met with a representative of the new flagship store for Akomplice in Santa Barbara, CA and we took a brief tour of the store and discussed what Akomplice is all about. The vision behind Akomplice and their line started with the “In Your face” image and message companionship of art with a strong street flavor and the message of youth and social change, looking forward to a day of equality among all, this was the companies first step to greatness. Akomplice used their dream to bring street fashion design out of the darkness, the artwork on the shirts represent the vision of the artist as a messenger of hope and change, that hard images can be used to inform and educate, bringing about a world view to their patrons.

Akomplice quickly moved into working with musical artists and personalities to create a charitable concept of collector’s designs, artwork, CD’s and gift boxes. One such Gift Box was The Doom Box; the buyer gets a sealed wooden box, enclosed is a limited edition Shirt, gift items and music media, all the items are worth more than the sale price of less than 50.00, but each sales proceeds went to charities and the company has made a mark on the local fashion market with their philanthropy.

Akomplice has moved into more than just T-Shirts, they have increased their line to include button down shirts, slacks, shorts and jackets. They have created a full fashion wardrobe with season attentive ideas and great sense of line and look. The recent line is a blend of durable materials used in uniquely creative color matches and simple texture blends. The lines of accessories are utilitarian but do not lack any creativity to use, and are easy to mix and match.

I can easily say that the lines of design for Akomplice are not just for the beach or the college frat party, but are real fashion concept for the people who want great comfort and outstanding value in their wardrobe choices, and want to look and feel special. Akomplice small run approach allows them introduce new designs in season run, rather than create a line of 10 shirt designs for the year, they will produce almost 10 times more, using multiple art designs and illustrative ideas, they can make their flexibility a true advantage and make the patron feel their choice in just as unique as they are.

The interior of the store is sparse, hip and full of art, keeping to murals and hanging renditions of their designs and art from local artisans, it has a upscale feel that you would expect in Los Angeles, New York and other metro locations, but staff is knowledgeable about fashion and look to help their clients find just the right look. We talked about their grand opening party held just a week before our interview and I was told they had a packed, standing room only house. The local “fashionistas” as well as the consumer public truly appreciated Akomplice's whole concept and the flagship location is making a name for themselves.

“Akomplice's mission is to bring fresh concepts and artful expressions to heads across the globe. Our designs reflect the things that inspire us: nature, philosophy, hip-hop culture, cinema, art, politics, and music. We want our ideas and images to make a positive impact, provoke thought, and communicate about issues that are affecting the world today. Making Akomplice into a profitable business that stays fresh, creative, and fun is one of our biggest goals. To us, true success is making clothing that we love, and that people love”.

From dressing hip-hop icons like Ice T,Big Boi (of Outkast) and Raekwon to having their gear showcased on HBO’s Entourage, Akomplice has made consistent moves to spread the word about their clothing where major retailers across the nation are clamoring to get in on the action. Instead of trying to retail in Wal-Mart or Target, Akomplice Clothing have partnered with retailers like Fuzion and other boutique style locations. The keeping it real ideal, selling out of the big brand locations would feel like “selling out” to Akomplice.

Technorati Tags: Akomplice,Urban,Fashion,Levels,concept,Street,Wear,message,highway,billboards,chests,America,youth,Yourself,artists,designers,vision,money,Shirt,printers,dollar,Santa,Barbara,companionship,artwork,shirts,artist,messenger,patrons,personalities,collector,gift,Doom,buyer,edition,items,music,media,worth,sale,sales,charities,philanthropy,slacks,jackets,wardrobe,texture,beach,college,advantage,patron,murals,renditions,artisans,Angeles,York,locations,clients,room,consumer,location,mission,concepts,globe,philosophy,cinema,politics,impact,goals,From,icons,Outkast,Raekwon,gear,Entourage,retailers,nation,action,Instead,Mart,Target,Fuzion

Agua Fresca–Mark Bittman

2011-07-10T20:02:00.001-07:00

Agua Fresca Simple, Easy and Refreshing

NY Time Video

Mark Bittman makes a light, refreshing and very minimal summer drink.

Win an Alphas T-Shirt from SyFy and Groove Studio One

2011-07-08T19:27:00.001-07:00

Alphas: A New SyFy Channel Action Series

Premiers on Monday July 11th, at 10/9c

About The Show

Alphas is an action-packed thriller from writers Zak Penn (The Avengers, X-Men: The Last Stand) and Michael Karnow. In the series, five ordinary people are brought together to form one extraordinary team of Alphas -- people with the unique power to stretch the capabilities of the human mind giving them superhuman physical and mental abilities.

Alphas on SyFy

Operating within the Defense Criminal Investigation Service of the U.S. Department of Defense and led by preeminent neurologist and psychiatrist Dr. Lee Rosen (Emmy Award-winner and Academy Award-nominee David Strathairn), an expert in Alpha phenomena, the team investigates cases that point to others with Alpha abilities. As they work against the clock to solve this new brand of crime, they must prevent their own personality differences and disparate backgrounds from interfering with their ultimate mission to catch the enemy.

In addition to Academy Award nominee David Strathairn (Temple Grandin, Good Night, and Good Luck), the ensemble cast stars Malik Yoba (New York Undercover, Why Did I Get Married?), Warren Christie (October Road), Laura Mennell (Watchmen), Ryan Cartwright (Mad Men, Bones) and Azita Ghanizada (Castle).

Learn more about Alphas:

http://www.alphapowers.com/about/ and http://www.syfy.com/alphasseries

Win an Alphas T-Shirt from SyFy and Groove Studio One:

To Enter or Contest:

1. Send us a Comment: Let us know what Super Human Ability you would like to Have, have fun with the question.

2. Re-blog / Share This Post – The More People that Re-Blog / Share it, the better chance you have to win!

3. Follow Groove Studio One

On Tumblr- http://www.groovestudio1.tumblr.com

On BlogSpot- http://www.groovestudio1.blogspot.com

And Facebook-

That’s it, you’re in the game!

Good Luck !

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My Thoughts on Memorial Day: Editor Opinion

2011-05-29T21:21:00.001-07:00

Monday, May 30^th is Memorial Day, a day when the citizens of this country take time to remember the fallen soldiers and the men and women how paid the “final Price” for our liberties and freedoms, we also take time to pay tribute the ones who survived and came home to make their way in the world.

I am a patriotic American, I believe in the founding fathers vision of a free society where we would all live in harmony and work together towards a perfect union of brotherhood. I believe that this is possible, but only through the work of everyone towards a common goal and a common good. I state this because I want to make it clear that I feel that this Memorial Day we need to expand our feelings about who deserves the praise and how we should show it.

In this country, there has been a common belief that “We’re Number One” or “Our Way is The Only Way”, but, don’t you think that everyone everywhere would feel this way about their country as well? I would propose that everyone would feel that their way of life, their social and political structure, their religious beliefs are just as important, just as pure, just as worth dying for.

Rather than putting up a flag and firing up the BBQ and sucking back a beer “for old glory”, lets open our thoughts and hearts to all of those who gave up their lives for all of us. Let us think of the Soldiers, Police, Fire Fighters, Volunteers and Journalists... EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE how gave their lives in the pursuit of Freedom, it should not matter what country, which war or what time period. I would also like to add that we remember the Civilians, Aid Workers, Men, Women and Children who died.

When I discussed this, I was asked by an associate “So, should we honor the Terrorists from 9-11?”, I would say that we should not honor the act of terror or honor terrorists, but in their minds and hearts, they believed themselves to be “Freedom Fighters”, if you find that you cannot, for one day expand your remembrance to forgive those who would hate us for only a day, them lend your hearts to their Mothers, Fathers, Children, the ones left behind to bear the burden and shame of their fallen family member’s actions, and remember their victims, who did not have a chance to fight back.

In the recent months, people around the world are rising up against oppressive regimes and trying to make their lives better, some we agree with, others we may not atone. There have been Natural Disasters like we have not seen in ages. People everywhere on the brink of destruction, not trusting anyone from anywhere, but if you just take a moment to forget which side of the pond we are on, and just think of the people, in themselves genetically the same all over the world, all of the “Fallen Heroes” deserve a salute.

Our nation was built on the Christian principles of Freedom and Forgiveness, I see on Auto Bumpers the stickers “WWJD” or “He Lived so we would be forgiven” well, what would Jesus do? The Lord and Savior would be the first to reach his hand out and share his love, why can’t we all?

This Memorial Day, Remember why we are a Free People, and Who Gave us that Freedom, God Bless America and Everyone Else.

Technorati Tags: Thoughts,Memorial,Editor,Opinion,citizens,women,Price,liberties,freedoms,tribute,American,vision,harmony,goal,belief,Number,life,worth,Rather,beer,glory,Soldiers,Police,Fire,Fighters,Volunteers,Journalists,EVERYWHERE,pursuit,Freedom,Civilians,Workers,Children,Terrorists,terror,remembrance,Mothers,Fathers,member,victims,regimes,Natural,Disasters,People,brink,destruction,moment,pond,Fallen,Heroes,nation,Christian,Auto,Bumpers,stickers,WWJD,Jesus,Lord,Savior,Remember,Free,Gave,America,Else,ones

Review of In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart

2011-05-29T16:28:00.001-07:00

Article first published as DVD Review: In Search Of Beethoven and In Search Of Mozart on Blogcritics.

This Special Collector's Edition-Three Disk Box Set of the Microcinema Exclusive educational documentary series titled In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart is as much brilliant as the composers whose lives are touched upon. Directed by Phil Grabsky, these two documentaries take you not only into the lives of both Beethoven and Mozart, but into their worlds, what inspired them, created them and gave them reason and cause to create the music that has spanned time and is still as unique and powerful as when it was created.

Filmed in locations in and around the European cities, homes and haunts of the composers, In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart, the films take you into the very footsteps of the masters, it is obvious that there was extensive research into the lives of both Beethoven and Mozart. There are commentaries by noted Historians, Conductors and World Renown Performers, whom have made the works of Beethoven and Mozart the focus of their careers. The viewer gets a glimpse into the private journals of both Beethoven and Mozart, and find out the until now known reasons for why they lived as they did and why they were not only well known and famous in their lives, but also the tortured geniuses that would invoke, in their music, images of love, hope and the divine.

Beethoven and Mozart, both musical contemporaries, living at the same time in very similar places, went on to lead very different lives, you learn of Beethoven’s desire to live an aristocratic life, how Mozart, at the age of five, wrote his first piano piece, at an age when most children are unable to play piano! In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart show you the Highs and the Lows of the composer’s great lives in the era of invention and revolution.

I sat down to watch In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart with my wife, both of us enjoy classical music and documentaries, we found ourselves riveted to our seats. The series is not “dry” or monotone, but vibrant and intriguing, the commentators/narrators spoke with enthusiasm and the information about the composers lives showed them as the “stars” of their times and as people whom fell prey to the same issues that we have today dealing with social matters, politics, war and personal issues, it was very dramatic. Shortly after our kids came into the room and they were interested too, my daughter, who is eight years old, was completely still and afterwards watched the third disk, which had extras like deleted scenes, interviews and complete movements by the symphonies and concerto ensembles that performed pieces by the composers in the documentary. I feel my children learned about the lives of Beethoven and Mozart just as much as I did, and it was a great way to expose them to culture and music.

It is difficult to tell you more without exposing too many of the secrets of the documentaries In Search Of Beethoven & In Search Of Mozart, the series will be available for purchase on May 31^st, 2011 at your local retailer, online or at the web site for the series http://www.microcinemadvd.com/, I would advise you to mark your calendar and get this series.

Technorati Tags: Review,Search,Beethoven,Mozart,Article,Blogcritics,Special,Collector,Edition,Three,Disk,Microcinema,Exclusive,series,composers,Phil,Grabsky,documentaries,music,locations,European,cities,footsteps,commentaries,Historians,Conductors,World,Renown,Performers,viewer,journals,geniuses,contemporaries,life,piano,Highs,Lows,composer,revolution,wife,commentators,narrators,enthusiasm,information,prey,politics,room,daughter,extras,symphonies,concerto,ensembles,secrets,retailer,calendar,whom

Food Review -Hawaiian Kettle Style Chips

2011-05-28T11:45:00.001-07:00

Article first published as Food Review: Hawaiian Kettle Style Chips on Blog critics.

Summer, a time for family outings, parties and having the friends and family over for many occasions, and all of them include snacks. I have had my share on company rich events and I like to have crunchy snacks around to keep the guests happy until the BBQ is done, and I have found a new treat I would like to share with you.

Hawaiian Kettle Style Chips by Pinnacle Foods have fabulous and uniquely satisfying taste that is sure to please the most ardent snack fan. The chips are not paper thin but thick and crisp, not oily but full of the natural rich potato flavor with just a hint of salt. I tried four of the varieties of chips they make and I would like to tell you about them.

The Original Flavor is naturally sweet and bold in its simplicity, great for eating plain or with your favorite dip, I like onion dip or plain sour cream, but I think any of your choices would be just as great.

The Sweet Maui Onion has a snappy taste, not too strong on the onion, but it has a “caramelized” onion flavor that brings out a natural tone and texture that does not need any dip or sauces to make it taste better.

The Luau BBQ flavored chips are a spicy treat that, unlike other BBQ flavored chips is refreshing and not too heavy on the tongue. It has a delightful zest, a peppery after taste that lingers just long enough for you to reach for another chip.

Finally, The Wasabi Flavored Chips, with a deep tongue curling heat, makes your taste buds “self-cleaning”, have a glass of water or your favorite beverage ready, you will need it. If you like spicy hot foods, this is it, I loved it!

Any of these varieties would be great to eat with your favorite BBQ meal, after game party platter or alone on an afternoon watching the tube, Hawaiian Kettle Style Chips by Pinnacle Foods, look for them next time you’re out shopping for your family.

Joseph Timmons

Food and Wine Critic for Groove Studio One Magazine

Technorati Tags: Food,Review,Hawaiian,Kettle,Style,Chips,Article,Blogcritics,Summer,outings,events,guests,Pinnacle,Foods,snack,paper,potato,varieties,Original,Flavor,Sweet,Maui,Onion,texture,sauces,Luau,tongue,zest,Wasabi,self,beverage,platter,tube

Pictures say it all

2011-05-27T22:52:00.001-07:00

29th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival

2011-05-27T22:21:00.001-07:00

A Weekend of Wine and Fun for Everyone

This year’s 29th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival was a fabulous event and a fantastic weekend of exploring the fine wines produced by the local vintners and wineries of the Central Coast of California. Paso Robles and the surrounding counties, which is well known for it’s plethora of beautifully scenic locations and for it’s wonderful agriculture is considered the place to grow the best grapes possible. Many of the local wineries have produced some of the best known award winning wines recognized around the world, and this year’s selections is no exception.

I personally tasted over 200 different varieties, Red and White, from outstanding wineries, such as Ortman Family Wines, Still Waters, Vina Robles, Arroyo Robles, Halter Ranch, Justin Wines and so many more. Paso Robles is home to over 275 Wineries, Tasting Rooms and Growers Ranches that make the area the ideal for both the wine industry and the community.

In addition to a vast choice of wines to sample, there were many booths that were hosted by the fine food/epicurean dealers and restaurateurs of Paso Robles - Cheese Makers, Farm Service Providers and Growers. This is an event that not only supports the wine industry, but all of the community businesses and services. Paso Robles is the kind of town that has managed to grow with the times but still retain the charm and elegance of “The Old Days”, a simpler time when you knew your neighbors by their first name and you could sit on the porch and watch the world go by with a smile, in short, an American Town, a place to call home.

While at the festival, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing the hosts of the very popular radio show about wine called “The Cork Dorks”, Adam Montiel and Jeremy West host this fun and freaky show that talk about the wines of the central coast with a humorous note, not to take themselves or the appreciation too seriously has made them the “go to” guys of wine.

“The Cork Dorks” are on Krush 92.5 FM which streams live on the internet. Jeremy an Adam are very well versed on the community and the wineries and had this to say about their radio station, their show and the community: “KRUSH is an interesting type of station as that it blends the Singer / Songwriter style of music with the California Wine Lifestyle, it’s really about getting down to who the winemakers is and what they are about, we get to know them and show them as a person, not just what they sell”, said Adam Montiel. Jeremy West pointed out “There is a multitude of winemakers who just love what they do and want to bring that same love of wine to the community with an industry that is designed to support the community”. Adam then added “We mix music, community and a love of life”. The Cork Dorks takes their irreverent spin on living life to the air and makes the daily drive time fun.

The day was well rounded by a special cooking demonstration with Chef Mark Sullivan of Spruce, a very popular restaurant in San Francisco. This was Chef Sullivan’s 2^nd year doing demonstrations and the final product was delicious. Chef Sullivan stated he loves the Town of Paso Robles, its people and its natural charm and wanted to prepare a special dish for this year’s fair patrons, a dish that reflected the natural and wholesome charm of the community. The dish prepared was a Farroto (a grain much like Risotto, but creamy in texture) finished with Morel Mushrooms, braised spring vegetables and finished in a sherry wine stock. The chef then added “I would pair this with a light to medium bodied Red Wine like a Pinot or Merlot, something light but a fair bit of acidity to cut the rich creamy flavor, or a rich white, like a Chardonnay”.

We then went on to talk about his restaurant, Spruce, located at 3640 Sacramento Street in San Francisco, is a modern fine dining restaurant that has a family friendly, health conscious menu, but also has a unique atmosphere with an elegant yet warm and inviting décor, it is the toast of the town.

I will admit, it is sad that the 29th Annual Paso Robles Wine Festival was only one weekend long and it has passed, but I look forward to next year’s event with excited anticipation and I await the next year’s selection of fine wine temptations. To you, Paso Robles, I raise my glass and hope to see it filled once more.

Technorati Tags: Annual,Paso,Robles,Wine,Festival,Weekend,event,wineries,Central,Coast,California,counties,plethora,locations,agriculture,Many,selections,exception,varieties,White,Ortman,Wines,Still,Waters,Vina,Arroyo,Halter,Ranch,Justin,Rooms,Growers,Ranches,area,industry,addition,booths,food,dealers,Cheese,Makers,Farm,Service,Providers,elegance,neighbors,porch,American,Town,radio,Cork,Dorks,Adam,Montiel,Jeremy,West,Krush,Singer,Songwriter,music,Lifestyle,person,multitude,life,Chef,Mark,Sullivan,Spruce,restaurant,Francisco,product,dish,patrons,Farroto,grain,Risotto,texture,Morel,Mushrooms,vegetables,sherry,Merlot,Chardonnay,Sacramento,Street,health,menu,atmosphere,décor,anticipation,selection,temptations,winemakers

So far this year: an update

2011-04-23T12:50:00.001-07:00

Hello friend, it’s been a while since we had the time to talk and “chew the fat”, how have you been-Well, sit down and relax, I will tell you a story of my life, as it is, and what I have been doing for the past few months. I may sound a bit down, but life has its ups and downs and it is very cathartic to just let it all go. So, if you don’t mind, I will use this moment to do a bit of self-therapy.

This year, so far has been very exciting. I have been working very hard on several projects and things are going very well, so far. My day job, as it were, has been ok, but the hours have been dropped down, the company felt that, rather than lay people off, they just cut hours – having some work is better that not having a job. So I find myself writing more and doing the odd jobs around the house. I am going to be building a studio in my garage, for painting and working on some furniture projects I want to do, as well as organizing all of my stuff. It is amazing how one can collect so much stuff over the course of the years. Some of it is important and cannot be replaced, but I will admit – some is just pure junk I cannot seem to part with. I guess I am the “pack rat” my mother said I was.

I have been working on my writing and painting… well more writing than painting actually. I am getting more time to go out and writing on location, like café’s and public places, watching life stride by, and getting some photography work done, it’s not so bad having some time to write or just do something for myself. It gives me a chance to be more introspective, work on the “me-projects” that I don’t always get to complete.

I have been hired by Blog Critics (http://www.blogcritics.org) to write for them, their online news source is very popular and it gives me an opportunity to get my work seen by more people. My blog RantBabble (http://www.rantbabble.wordpress.com) has started getting some popular feedback and is getting more readers – I find that writing for 4 different web sites is allot of work but it is also many different outlets, so what may not work well for one site may be great for the other ones. I am going to the Paso Robles Wine Festival in May to do some review work for my food and wine columns and I may have a chance at getting some connections there to get material for my magazine Groove Studio One.

My Online Style and Entertainment Magazine, Groove Studio One is doing very well, the site http://www.yourgrooveonline is in “beta” and I am working out the bugs that come with web page design, but the blog side http://www.groovestudio1.blogspot.com is getting multiple hits per day, sometimes in the thousands, this gives me a way to get involved with writing about fashion, food, wine and style – one would not know it, looking at me, but I am very interested in the elements of personal style, and I like writing about it. I have been able to meet many interesting people and I was even invited to take my wife with me to be on an episode of Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsay.

My book “Rants and Ravings of a Modern Day Cave Dweller” was officially published this year on http://www.lulu.com, it is a self-publishing site, but they work like the normal publishers, you have to submit material, go through the process and if they like it, they publish your book and market it for you. I look forward to it doing well, the publisher said it was “unique” and had potential, so we will see what come of it.

I have put together a concept for a Television Show, and I am working with local cable TV and public access television to get it put together. I have not come up with a title yet, but it will be connected with my magazine, I will do live interviews, “news” style coverage of local events. I have asked my longtime friend David Jay to help me on this project, he is a producer and a very popular “on air” personality in local radio. I have so great friends who are willing to help me achieve my goals, get some friends, I know you’ll like it.

I have made the acquaintance of a very famous artist, John Landon who lives here in the Central Coast; he has worldwide appreciation of his work and he said he thought my paintings were good, so I take the compliments where I can, and if he likes my painting, well I guess that means it is worth looking at. I also met another very talented artist, Neal Breton, whom owns San Luis Art Supply in San Luis Obispo; he is both a business owner and an artist, so he never gets to sleep, but there is hope.

The wife and kids are fine, my wife has been working on her stitchery and has a shop on Etsy, where she has been growing in popularity and making sales. My littlest one, Vera, was recently in a musical pageant where she sang in the final act; I don’t know who was more excited, her or myself. I felt so nervous with her on stage, I was hoping that she would not get stage fright, but she was wonderful, I felt so proud. My daughter Rita has won awards at school just before this spring break and she is turning into quite a little actress, she is working on jokes and impersonating TV stars, she wants to be an actress when she grows up, she does a great job at making her mother laugh.

All of my life I have wanted to be something special, not so much as “famous” or “rich” but to be someone remembered, and I have never seemed to find it. I now find that I have been memorable for some time now, I have a great family, I am a writer and an artist, I have great friends and my blogs get readers, like you, who come back from time to time so see what I am up to.

So if you get a chance, stop by my blogs, my Online Magazine and if you see me in person, try not to run me down with your car, I’ll buy you a cup of Java and we can talk a while, I got time.

Technorati Tags: Hello,friend,life,moment,self,therapy,hours,jobs,studio,furniture,Some,location,café,photography,Blog,Critics,news,RantBabble,feedback,readers,outlets,Paso,Robles,Wine,Festival,food,columns,magazine,Groove,Online,Style,Entertainment,wife,episode,Hell,Kitchen,Gordon,Ramsay,Rants,Ravings,Modern,Cave,Dweller,publishers,publisher,concept,Television,coverage,events,David,producer,radio,goals,acquaintance,artist,John,Landon,Central,Coast,paintings,worth,Neal,Breton,Luis,Obispo,owner,Etsy,sales,Vera,pageant,daughter,Rita,writer,person,Java,blogs

John Muir in the New World-AMERICAN MASTERS Documentary on PBS

2011-04-17T17:08:00.001-07:00

“John Muir in the New World”

AMERICAN MASTERS Documentary on PBS

Premieres Apr. 18, 2011, 9-10:30 p.m. ET.

The American Masters series has brought to light the lifetime works of many people whom were never seeking fame or fortune, just wanting to make a difference in the lives of the world’s people.

The newest of these ground-breaking documentaries is “John Muir in the New World”, as it unfolds to us the life of one man whom would create the beginnings of the environmentalist movement that has saved our world’s natural wonder from ourselves, it also tells us of a person who revels in the glory of nature.

From his humble beginning of working the family farm to being considered “Tour Guide to the President”, John Muir saw the beauty in nature, he looked upon it as having a divine spirit, living and thriving; showing, in words ”the greatness of the creator”.

Unlike some documentaries that could be dry or lifeless, PBS has created an environment where the subjects of the stories live and breathe within the frames of the screen, telling the story in “their own words”. This unique and insightful “point of view” pieces together the life of a great American, an individual that befriends nature and chronicles his life’s work from his experiences and the people in his life- friends, family and contemporaries who in writing and history commemorate his works as a Scientist, Naturalist, Humanitarian and Activist.

John Muir was actively engaged in living his life to a higher purpose, protecting nature and conserving its legacy for all of us. As a founding member of the Sierra Club, he brought about ground breaking legislation that would create Yosemite National Park.

I could go on and on about how impressive this documentary is, but I would spoil the story of the rich tapestry of one man’s life.

This documentary tells a tale of a man on a mission to preserve “Gods Work” and walk within natures marvel. Next time you visit a national park, take your family on tour of a natural preserve or even go camping, remember that it is because of John Muir, and his vision of the world.

Joseph Timmons

Groove Studio One Review Critic

Additional Resources

“John Muir in the New World” won Best Documentary Feature at the Fallbrook Film Festival and Best Cinematography at the Litchfield Hills Film Festival.

“John Muir in the New World” and will stream after the premiere at pbs.org/americanmasters & will be available on DVD June 28, 2011 from Kultur Films.

Children & Nature Network (C&NN) has developed educational materials for the program, including discussion, literature and activity guides for teachers, family nature clubs, and house parties, during which children, families, friends, and neighbors can watch and discuss the film together and also plan outdoor activities before and after the broadcast.

Technorati Tags: John,Muir,World,AMERICAN,MASTERS,Documentary,Premieres,series,lifetime,fame,difference,documentaries,life,beginnings,environmentalist,person,glory,From,Tour,Guide,President,creator,environment,contemporaries,history,Scientist,Naturalist,Humanitarian,Activist,purpose,legacy,member,Sierra,Club,legislation,Yosemite,National,Park,tapestry,tale,mission,Gods,Work,vision,Joseph,Timmons,Groove,Studio,Review,Critic,Additional,Resources,Best,Feature,Fallbrook,Film,Festival,Cinematography,Litchfield,Hills,premiere,June,Kultur,Films,Children,Nature,Network,discussion,literature,teachers,families,neighbors,whom

Sweet Summer Flavors without the Hassles of the Grill

2011-04-11T11:15:00.001-07:00

Sweet Summer Flavors without the Hassles of the Grill

A Man’s Guide to Grill-Free Entertaining

Pork Tenderloin with Asparagus Tips in Balsamic Dressing

By Joseph Timmons

With summer fast approaching, I look at doing fun foods to entertain friends or please my family. I often think about grilling, the Smokey flavors and outdoor dining experience is one I personally enjoy, however, no matter what one does, it is rather daunting to look after a grill and takes forever while chasing children or entertaining guests.

I find that I am “put off” by the process, drag out the grill, clean the grill, load the charcoal or go get propane, gather the grill tools, set up tables, and more time consuming - task oriented work which makes it impossible to have fun. Grilling is time sensitive and by far one of the true measures of food preparation, cooking, timing and your ability to sit and converse with friends and family. If the weather is temperate and you have the perfect back yard, grilling can be great fun and you can get great flavors in your food, but unless you have all the marks of a master chef, you often have to get up and make sure the food, or yard is not burning down.

I have come to the conclusion that unless you’re having a major get-together and your wife is willing to help with the grilling, there are alternatives that allow you to enjoy your party, company and cooking experience.

I have been a Food Critic and a “Foodie” for some time and I enjoy whipping up creations in the kitchen that has that Grilled Taste, but without the fuss, and if I may say so, I have been rather pleased with the results. I am going to share with you some tips on getting the “King of the Grill” raves, without the ghastly, greasy or gloomy aftermath.

For summer cooking in the kitchen, you need to have a cast iron griddle, some like the 2 side models, one side flat and one side that has “ridges” that will give food a “Grilled Look”. These griddles are very affordable, but they don’t sit well on Gas Ranges and don’t work at all on Electric Ranges. My choice has always been a Cast Iron Griddle that is long enough to reach squarely over 2 burners, and I only use the ridge side, I have a Gas Range, so that’s that, it’s my favorite, if you have an electric range, there are Electric Griddles that have platforms that can swap out or flip over, fairly inexpensive and available at many outlets like Sears, Wal-Mart or Target or online at Amazon.com.

There are many cookbooks that tout “Indoor Grilling”, but unless you want to spend all day looking for your favorites in too many books to count, I suggest picking up one book, I feel, is the book to have in any kitchen, The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker and Ethan Becker. The book is a great resource and supports the concept, cook what you like and you’ll love what you cook, it covers all the basics and has easy to understand rules of cooking, which for a man reads easier than an engine repair manual. Recently, The Joy of Cooking has been re-published in a 75th Anniversary Edition, so it should be easy to find anywhere. Outdoor grilling requires long, and sometimes, hard to manage tools and implements, Indoor cooking, not so much, so you can use what you have in the kitchen and the cooking is easier for the fact that Ranges have temperature control; you can time things out and spend time with your guests, not with the grill. So, we have the cooking resources, the recipe resources and the tools to do the job, go ahead and pour a drink and let’s start cooking.

Today’s Recipe is Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Asparagus Tips in Balsamic Dressing and Rustic Grilled Potatoes with Shallots and Chives.

Ingredients:

Entrée Items-

Pork Tenderloin, trimmed lean – 6lbs; should serve 8 people

2 lbs. Thick Sliced Bacon

2 bundles of Asparagus

14 Large Russet Potatoes (or Potatoes of your choice)

1 Clove of Garlic

1 Medium Size Onion

2 Shallots

1 Lemon

1 Lime

¼ Stick of Real Butter

Olive Oil of choice

Balsamic Vinegar of choice

Herbs-

Cilantro

Basil

Rosemary

Salt

Pepper

You will also need Wooden Skewers

Preparation:

· Take the ¼ Stick of Real Butter and place in Bowl, allow to soften, Chop Cilantro into fine portion and mix into butter with ½ teaspoon of each of the following herbs – Basil, Rosemary, Salt and Pepper.

· Chop up Potatoes into quarters /cubes

· Chop Garlic into fine portion

· Slice Onion and Shallots into very thin slices, toss together with finely chopped Garlic

· Take Asparagus and Cut off bottom 2 ½ inches of Stalk, this is very hard and will take too long to tender when cooking; the Top Part of Stalk is only what you want.

· Take Pork Tenderloin and lie upon side, cut into 1 inch thick portions, should look like a “disk” when placed flat, may not be round but should be evenly cut.

· Lay out slice of Bacon, and spread butter / herb blend on one side then roll Pork Tenderloin into Bacon slice, wrapping the meat evenly, should be tight, but not too tight as to cause mix to squeeze out. Take 2 “rolls” and push Wooden Skewer, this will hold meat together while cooking. Place 2 “rolls” to each skewer, make 4 to 6 of these portions serving 4 to 6 people.

· Place Griddle on Range and turn on front and back range burners to about ½ ways, allow heating up to about 225 / 250 degrees, adding 2 tsp. of virgin olive oil to quick season pan.

· Place meat face down on Griddle and allow to cook about 15, then flip over, repeat this process for 5 to 6 times, evenly cooking. If you have an Electric Griddle, increase cooking time and turn over every 20 min. Turn on oven to 325 Degrees, get some good Oven Mitts and place Griddle into oven, since you can’t put electric griddle into oven, move meat to flat cast in pan or “cookie sheet”.

· Take a Large Pot and fill ½ way with water, Place a Colander / Strainer over opening, should work like a double boiler. Place Potatoes into bottom pot and let come to boil, in Colander, put asparagus and cover to steam. This should cook for 20 to 25 min, remove colander and remove Potatoes from pot.

· Put potatoes on cooking sheet, and drizzle over olive oil over Potatoes and bake for 20 min, remove cooking sheet and liberally cover Potatoes with Onions and Shallots.

· While Checking on Tenderloin, Take Lemon and Lime and cut each in half and squeeze over the Pork Tenderloin, the juice will give the meat a crisp, citrus flavor that will work very nicely with the herbs in the Bacon Wrap. By this time bacon should be firm and fully cooked, if this is so, the meat is almost done.

So we have the Meat and Potatoes in the oven now for about 20 to 25 Min each, combined time about 40 to 50 min, let both sit in oven for 60 min, then turn off and let sit for 15 min. Remove meat from oven and let rest for 10 min.

On Serving Plate, Place Potatoes, which should be a Golden Brown, place 2 tenderloin “rolls”, and Asparagus, drizzle Balsamic Vinegar over Asparagus and a little pepper for “zip”.

Like most men, I don’t have exact measurements like “Tsp.” and “Pinch”, but most men don’t, we do it by taste, which is the daring way to cook. This recipe is a great summer meal, light and fresh with great flavors. One last great thing about this recipe, it can be changed and you can add your favorite things, I suggest a side of fresh fruit like Mango, Plumb and Berries. This meal is also wonderfully paired with a summer ale or imported beer.

Try it, you’ll love it.

Joseph Timmons – Leftover Gourmet and Everyday Style Maker

This Post is also viewable on http://www.blogcritics.org -

http://blogcritics.org/tastes/article/sweet-summer-flavors-without-the-hassles/

Technorati Tags: Sweet,Summer,Flavors,Hassles,Grill,Guide,Free,Pork,Tenderloin,Asparagus,Tips,Balsamic,Joseph,Timmons,foods,Smokey,guests,tools,task,food,preparation,yard,chef,conclusion,wife,Critic,Foodie,creations,kitchen,Taste,aftermath,Look,Ranges,Electric,Cast,Iron,Griddle,burners,Range,Griddles,platforms,outlets,Sears,Mart,Target,Amazon,cookbooks,Indoor,favorites,Irma,Rombauer,Marion,Becker,Ethan,resource,concept,basics,engine,Anniversary,Edition,Outdoor,fact,temperature,resources,recipe,Bacon,Rustic,Potatoes,Shallots,Ingredients,Entrée,Items,Thick,Large,Russet,Clove,Garlic,Medium,Size,Onion,Lemon,Lime,Stick,Real,Butter,Olive,Vinegar,Herbs,Cilantro,Basil,Rosemary,Salt,Pepper,Wooden,Skewers,Take,Bowl,Chop,Slice,Stalk,Part,disk,herb,meat,Skewer,Place,degrees,Turn,oven,Mitts,sheet,Colander,Strainer,boiler,steam,Onions,juice,Wrap,Remove,Plate,Golden,Brown,measurements,Pinch,Mango,Plumb,Berries,beer,Leftover,Gourmet,Style,Maker,Post,article,blogcritics

The Man’s Man on Paper

2011-04-03T13:43:00.001-07:00

Reading about “Man’s Man” in Literature

By Joseph Timmons

Outside classic Noir Pulp Fiction with the hard case detective types, finding images of the strong male figure in literature is somewhat difficult. The character with the hard edge, knowing right from wrong and acting on his own ideals gets lost in translation and some become over sensitive, “Namby-Pamby” sissy men that swoon when a woman gives that any sort of recognition or credit for a job well done. I have done my fair share of reading and criticizing all sorts of literary works and have come to a conclusion: the classics can give you more of a testosterone boost than some of the modern “hits” in the book world. No teenage heartthrob blood-sucker can hold a candle to the books characters I will expound on, and the books I will list are “required” reading if you plan on being the kind of man that wants to be respected.

Ian Fleming’s characterization of the perfect spy and gentleman in James Bond would become the ideal mysterious persona that many men would aspire to become. Since the first book in Ian Fleming’s arsenal of big guns Casino Royale, published in 1953- James Bond would be the romantic hero (and sometimes cad about town) that boys would stand in front of mirrors with their father’s suit coats and imitate the phrases like “Hello Miss Moneypenny” or “Shaken-Not Stirred”. It’s no wonder that Sean Connery’s talents, at the wheel of this “Austin Martin” of lifetime roles, made the literary works come to life on the big screen twice as hot.

Ernest Hemingway, a notorious figure in real life, would transpose himself onto the pages of history. He Saw in his life things that some would only dream of, or have nightmares about. As a war correspondent, he saw the horrors of war and as a world traveler, he saw the secret beauty of the places and people he connected with. “The Old Man and The Sea” is a classic tale of a man fighting his greatest enemy - himself, - and “A Farewell to Arms” is also the work of genius that inspires.

For many years now, “Les Miserables” is touted for being a great musical, but have you READ THE STORY? In that period of time,France is in the setting for many depictions of tragedy. Jean Valjean, a simple man of less than perfect past, is given a second chance by a servant of god. He takes that chance to turn himself around into a person to be respected, and time after time in the story he re-invents himself to try evading his past and an obsessive officer of the law, who, noble in conviction, is the bane of the actual hero’s existence. Read it ASAP, this is the story of a man who takes life’s moments seriously and does his best to be just, fair, and ethical.

My final pick is a bit whimsical: Shakespeare’s “The Taming of The Shrew”. It is a tale of a man boisterous and loud, who takes a wife just as loud and wild. The characters do their best to break each other down, but instead find humility in each other’s arms. In the end a woman who nobody can stand, becomes a wife of loving respect and admiration and a Fool of a Lout Becomes a Husband who respects his bride. A funny love story that shows the reader that respect is the first and best quality in a man’s character when it comes to women.

Being well versed in Fine Literature is the mark of a well rounded man. Knowing the classics, as well as the modern literary works is an admirable way to build up your lexicon of topics for conversation at work or parties.

Finding works and topical material that can help influence your way of thinking and add substance to your thoughts brings us back to the age of elegance that is missed in today’s “Man’s World”. Intellectual diversity is important and is something all of us should have.

Technorati Tags: Paper,Literature,Joseph,Timmons,Outside,Noir,Pulp,Fiction,detective,ideals,translation,Namby,Pamby,woman,recognition,conclusion,classics,blood,candle,characterization,gentleman,James,Bond,persona,arsenal,guns,Casino,Royale,hero,boys,Hello,Miss,Moneypenny,Shaken,Sean,Connery,Austin,Martin,lifetime,roles,life,Ernest,Hemingway,history,nightmares,correspondent,horrors,tale,enemy,Farewell,Arms,genius,Miserables,READ,STORY,France,tragedy,Jean,Valjean,conviction,bane,existence,ASAP,moments,Shakespeare,Shrew,wife,admiration,Fool,Lout,Becomes,Husband,bride,reader,women,himself

All On The Line Takes Drab to Fab

2011-04-01T10:42:00.001-07:00

Premier Episode of “All on the Line” – The New Sundance Channel Television Reality Show, Featuring Joe Zee of Elle Magazine is a Fantastic Fashion Hit.

The Sundance Channel and Joe Zee have created “All on the Line” a show that will be the newest, freshest and best reality television program on right now. Joe Zee enters into the lives of struggling and frustrated designers and breathes new life into their visions and works to make their dreams of success possible. The Sundance Channel and Joe Zee have given us an opportunity to see the fashion industry from the inside out in a fresh and bold new way, from the point of view of a designer who is so close to perfection that one small “stitch” may move them to the top of the game or into the bargain basement.

To make this memorable event even more special, “All on the Line” episode on featuring Joe Zee working with RADENRORO, a New York Fashion Husband and Wife team find their revival in personal confidence, clean lines and new ideas. RADENRORO was on a financial rollercoaster and vision tail spin when Joe Zee came in and showed them that they had what it takes, they just had to speak to their fashion, their business and their brand.

See “All on the Line” and be in the know…. now!

RADENRORO Fashions web site and Facebook pages have up to date information on their designs and where to find and see their vision of fashion come to life.

Download from iTunes

ABOUT THE SERIES (from the Sundance Channel)

Joe Zee - fashion powerhouse, celebrity stylist, and Creative Director of ELLE - helps struggling designers save their lines from ruin. Each designer was once heating up the runways but has since lost their way. Now, they have a second chance. Welcome to Joe Zee's fashion boot camp. With his market savvy, positive spirit, and a little tough love, Joe attempts to transform these talented but failing businesses into rack ready lines. It's ALL ON THE LINE for these designers as they rework everything to show a buyer who can make - or break - their dreams

Article Sponsored By

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Blatant Plug for an Art Store

2011-03-21T10:28:00.001-07:00

Recently I had the chance to find an Art Supply Store in San Luis Obispo which is more than what it looks like.

San Luis Art Supply is owned and operated by Neal Breton, a great guy and a great artist, working with local artists to promote art shows, displays and events, Neal looks to creating an Artist atmosphere that has not been seen in the area since the 60’s. When I have gone into the store it is always a meeting place for some of the local artisans, both well known and new to the craft, Neal serves the art community not only with affordable wares but a place to meet and exchange ideas, forming an arena of free thought and expression.

Originally from the East Coast, Neal spent time in Los Angeles and was very connected to the trade and did a lot of work in Hollywood, but moved to the Central Coast to explore new thoughts and provide his vision to our community. San Luis Art Supply has sponsored many community events and looks to do more in the near future.

Visit Neal at

San Luis Art Supply, 1116 Morro St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401- Phone: 805-787-0348

Neal’s artwork is on display at The Claassen Gallery, 785 Mash Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401 – 805-541-3932

Peace

Technorati Tags: Art,Supply,San Luis Obispo,CA,California,Free,Thought,Impression,Talent,Talented,Great

Don’t Just Pray, Do Something

2011-03-15T14:44:00.001-07:00

I have come up with a great T-Shirt design for Zazzle and the Japanese Earthquake Relief efforts.

Click the link below and buy a shirt with my original design “ The Land of The Rising Love” 100% of all proceeds go to the charity.

It’s great if you have empathy or sympathy, but they need real help. Buy a Shirt for yourself and send food, medical supplies and much needed items to the people of Japan, think of the children and the ones who cannot help themselves right now.

Land of The Rising Love by josepht1965
See more Japan T-Shirts

http://www.zazzle.com/land_of_the_rising_love_tshirt-235998131640157337

Also, see my other Items, same thing, You buy, we Donate, a Win-Win for you and our brothers and sisters overseas

Technorati Tags: Just,Pray,Shirt,Zazzle,Japanese,Earthquake,Relief,efforts,Click,Land,Love,empathy,sympathy,food,items,Japan,Shirts,Also,Donate,brothers,sisters

Fueling Bitterness

2011-03-10T15:08:00.001-08:00

Regular unleaded gas is 4.90 a gallon, and climbing. the economy is spiraling downward and, even though the government swears otherwise, the unemployment level is climbing. the average American spends most of the day worrying about where the next car payment will come from and if their house will still be theirs in a month.

These are not happy thoughts, and everyone could come up with more things to inflame and enrage themselves. I would like to propose thinking positively about these issues. we have seen in the news how other countries are having protests and revolutions when they are sick and tired of how their perspective governments are ruining their lives with overly strict laws and the lack of respect for basic human rights. I am not advocating protests in the streets or revolution, but referring to the fact that we do have the ability to make change in how our government runs this country and how they need to listen to the people.

I could express on the already well known rules and laws of this country, but that would digress from the point of this commentary, it is through diligence on our part, watching and objecting when needed to make it possible for “we the people” to be happy in our own land. many have worked, struggled, fought and even died for the right to be either happy or unhappy with the way things are in the USA, and we should never forget this, nor should we seek to have any more pain and suffering. it is a confusing issue, do we let the powers that be continue to run things without our watching, or do we bounce the prats from office and hope the next bunch would and could do better.

So, with the hopes of positive change I propose we let the government know that we want change, boycott gas stations that gouge the pumps, vote against politicians who seek to fatten their pockets and leave our tables bare. write and call public officials so much that they either have to listen or change their phone numbers, become a non-violent, law abiding pain in the but, make them aware that you are watching them, they watch us, so why not turn the tables. Use the rights and privileges we know we have to make them change. Call the talk shows and make your point known, don’t just demand change, but demand change with an example of what the change should be, so often we say “ this should be different” but we do not often give a “and this is what should be done”. If you want the right to be married, don’t just complain about it, tell them why. Don’t just complain about environmental issues, do something at the local level and grow to global considerations. I often see people complain about the pollution issues, but still drive SUV’s just to go to the store 3 blocks away, or buy at large “big box stores” when small markets have better prices, but not the prestigious packaging.

Get on your bike and ride to the local mom/pop market, buy the weeks groceries and make your dollar stretch, have more parties at home and watch less TV, having an active social life in the comfort of your home is much more fun than a night at the bar, and costs much less.

So, Revolt without being revolting and do your part to piss off the government, be part of something grander than grandstanding for something less rewarding. If you do decide to have a party, invite me, I love a good party.

Joseph Timmons

Artist, Author and all around “weird old man”…

Rants and Ravings of a Modern Day Cave Dweller by Joseph Timmons in Poetry

2011-03-02T23:57:00.001-08:00

My Book is now officially published, you can buy it here. Please share this link with all of your friends who like poetry of know someone who does.

Use link below to see.

Rants and Ravings of a Modern Day Cave Dweller by Joseph Timmons in Poetry

The Camera Collection this isn't happiness.™

2011-03-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

The Camera Collection this isn't happiness.™

Great Picture - for 8bit pixel art, it is fantastic

New Classifieds Listed

2011-01-07T17:32:00.001-08:00

See Our New Classified Section

Need Advertising, Only 25.00 a Month

http://groovestudio1.web.officelive.com/classifieds.aspx

Musings of the New Year

2011-01-01T15:55:00.001-08:00

Well my friends, it is upon us, a New Year, another chance to do well and make something of what life throws at us. In the past year we have seen much of the ills of the world come to pass and there have been ups and downs. The government has given us reason to question their abilities and the people have taken chances and voted in new blood in hopes to stop the hemorrhaging of the economic wounds. We have seen great minds of our times and entertainers who have given us moments of happiness pass on to the next world. I would like to think that as a society we have many chances during our lives to create great things and become the special people we could be; we can and with hopes, will, become the vision of ourselves that we look to see in the mirror every morning. I would like to impart to you one thought to keep with you as your year progresses…

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, do as thy will and bring harm to none, starting and ending with thy selves.

So often we do not think that what we do not only affects us, as well as those around us. Whatever religion, race or creed you are we are all the same, inside and out, and with that, we are as strong, and as weak, as the person we stand next to or across from.

Be and do well in the year, may 2011 find you everything you desire, bring you joy and happiness, or at least a good deal of dreams come true. Find time to remember what you have lost, so you may find it again, say a prayer for the ones you’ve lost, give love the ones you’ve found, give something back to your community and be that vision of perfection that still exists in your mother’s eye.

PEACE

Joseph Timmons

Artist, Author, Writer, Journalist and all around strange person that your mother may have warned you about.

Technorati Tags: Musings,life,ills,government,abilities,blood,entertainers,moments,vision,religion,person,Find,prayer,perfection,PEACE,Joseph,Timmons,Artist,Author,Writer,Journalist,unto,ones

Family Time

2010-11-28T16:30:00.001-08:00

Family time, the moments that pass through the day and are all too often forgotten, or trapped within photographs that keep a brief moment in time the same way forever, yet is never remembered for what it is. I have a wife and 5 children, whom I try to spend as much time with as possible. The children grow and grow and change, they become people different than what we know or expect. My wife, who tries to understand me, often looks at me with disbelief or even mild contempt when I offer resolutions to situations contrary from her own, yet I love here more and more each day, to which she sometime flinches when I tell her so.

My wife has admitted to me that her life is not what she wanted, and that she sometimes regrets not being more true to her original plans. The boys grow older and do the things that drive us both nuts, all too often than not. Our daughters are still very young, and very innocent, and very much like their mother; they adore puppies and kittens and listen to everyone, except us, unless they want something, which is often. I dearly enjoy being a husband and father, and I regret nothing, but I feel that I am at times the target of regret, though I am not at fault. Do not think that I am moaning about not “being respected” or that “I don’t feel loved”, I do, I am much loved, and I know this, I dearly praise every moment I have with them.

My siblings, whom often put me at odds with each other, whom often try to let me know, that even at 45, they know “what’s best” and push and pry into my life, but even with that, I smile and let the winds blow, until it is calm again. I have friends, some I see everyday day, and some that are friends in name only, but never in action. So everyone has these aspect in their life, I am no different than anyone else who wakes up every day and goes to sleep every night, but why am I writing this, read on.

I am the last of the optimists, I wake up every morning thinking it is going to be a brand new day with brand new adventures; Peter Pan has nothing on me. I read the same books I did when I was young, and yes, I do think I still believe in Santa Clause, and the tooth fairy, which I have personal and factual knowledge, has a back door to my wallet every time my kids loose a tooth. I feel that every day, we have a new chance to be something or someone special, I believe everyone deserves a chance, 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd.

The other day, I went out with my wife and daughters, I took my camera, and the photos I was able to take at just the right moments show me that I have been blessed with everything I ever wanted. So whether my wife is happy, or my children content or all hell has come up from below, I know why I am happy, and always will be. Family Time is all the time, and always will be. Most people feel that if they die tomorrow, they would leave great works undone, me, my great works are already here.

Think about all you have, and be content, because some have less than you, and you have more than you know.

Life has a way of being just a little more perfect everyday, if you take the time to notice.

Joseph Timmons

Artist, Author, Husband, Father, Grateful Human Being

Technorati Tags: Time,moments,moment,wife,disbelief,contempt,situations,life,boys,daughters,puppies,husband,siblings,odds,action,aspect,optimists,adventures,Peter,Santa,Clause,tooth,fairy,knowledge,door,wallet,photos,hell,Most,Think,whom

A Holiday Wish For You

2010-11-24T21:55:00.001-08:00

To all of you in the Blogosphere, to friends and family, to all of you young and old, may you have a Happy Thanksgiving, and a wonderful holiday season.

Take time to remember loved ones both lost and found, and do 1 random act of kindness per day, if possible. Be charitable and kind, wise and playful, but above all be happy.

Technorati Tags: Wish,Blogosphere,Take,Holiday,Happy,kind,dream

So what do you say when you have nothing to say?

2010-11-21T18:40:00.001-08:00

It is Sunday night and I am bored beyond belief, I have had a great weekend, had fun with my kids and my wife was wonderful. I have nothing to specifically talk about and I feel I need to say it here. I want to know what is the reason for this, why blog about nothing. Well everyone does it, everyone has something to say and feel that it needs to be shared here, on the blog-o-sphere, where everyone has a voice and scream as loud as they can above everyone else. Rambling seems to be a favorite past-time of all bloggers, so I ask this question, why do you feel that what you have to say in no more or no less important that everyone else, and / or why do you feel what you say has to matter.

I don’t think that what bloggers have to say is “no important” but I have seen that all bloggers (even myself) feel that what they say is enlightening and everyone else is “less that mediocre”.

Educate Me

Technorati Tags: belief,wife,sphere,Educate,blog,bloggers

Alice Live in HD (1080p 1920 x 1080)

2010-11-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

I find this Video to be not only interesting but also very bizarre. I looked into this and found that people that have gone to these concerts have sometimes forgotten that the performer is a 3D Projection, that is a computer simulation created for an A.I mainframe, and some have grown “attachments” and even desires towards the Avatar. This winks of Orwell and Huxley, and the fact that people find this “persona” attractive and engaging shows me people are losing connection with what reality is and vision what it could be, but not on a large, interpersonal level.

Entertainment Review

2010-11-07T13:52:00.001-08:00

An Evening with Dr. Drew Pinsky at the Arlington Theatre in Santa Barbara

Big Girls, Small Kitchen: A Guide To Quarter-Life Cooking: Giveaway: The New Brooklyn Cookbook!

2010-10-22T09:54:00.001-07:00

EVENT: Dinner From The New Brooklyn Cookbook!
VENUE: Saul, Brooklyn; Phoebe's Client's Kitchen, Upper East Side
PARTY SIZE: 6; 2
TYPE: Restaurant-style meal
MENU: Scallops with White Bean Puree, Kale, & Pine Nuts

“A few weeks ago, our friends over at William Morrow, the publishing house that is putting our BGSK baby on the shelf, sent us each a copy of The New Brooklyn Cookbook.
Being staunch home cooks, neither of us had been to many of the restaurants featured within its pages (though Cara’s attendance, being a Brooklynite and all, far exceeded mine). We were torn between plunging head first into some of the recipes, and going to get our fix at the restaurants themselves. Luckily, I had the option to do both in the weeks that followed.
Cara and I were guests on Cathy Erway’s radio show Let's Eat In (listen here!), which was recorded in Heritage Farm’s studio in the backyard of Roberta’s. We had a hard time answering some of Cathy’s questions on air, mainly because our mouths were full of pizza.”

Read More

“ Sounds like a great opportunity to learn and do some great cooking”

Big Girls, Small Kitchen: A Guide To Quarter-Life Cooking: Giveaway: The New Brooklyn Cookbook!

Technorati Tags: food,cooking,event,ny,live,big girls,small,kitchen

Kids Are Prone To Causing Instant Fun

2010-10-05T22:08:00.001-07:00

OK, so I got bored and decided to mess with the free Windows Live Movie Maker Program that came with my computer, my kids were supposed to go to bed at 9pm, but they saw me and decided to get involved.

A bit later, I had the following cinematic great, I hope you enjoy it, Next week I go to Sundance…… no, not really, but this was fun

Fun with kids, when it’s bedtime, keeping them up late and driving Mom Crazy :)

My kids are great, and this just enforces my belief that my girls are cute, and always will be.

A Day Out, A Day of Joy

2010-10-03T14:31:00.001-07:00

Saturday, October 2bd, 2010 – we were sitting around the house not doing much of anything at all, so I took the family out to the Santa Maria Grapes and Grains Festival, a yearly event that we have here in Santa Maria. It was a decent day, as far as weather was concerned, when we arrived the parking was terrible, and I immediately thought it was going to a bad idea, but I was pleasantly proved wrong. I took my family to the Santa Maria natural Museum exhibit first, the girls loved the displays and saw some interesting animals, the only bizarre moment was the guide that was doing the tour used the following statement, which made my girls cringe “ Most of these animals were collected from road kill incidents of found already dead, they were once alive, but now they are dead, and stuffed” so matter of fact, and without any emotion she began to explain what that meant, my girls were a little taken back and started walking around saying “poor birdy” or “poor beaver”, here are some more fun images of that moment.

We then went to the Street Painting Event, and there was a petting zoo area, we also ran into Albert, the best friend of my son Michael, Albert works for the Parks and Recreation Department, always a happy guy and never a bad word to say about anything. as you can see from the pictures, there were many activities for kids to do, not just vendors and salesmen. so many times I go to fairs and events and find that they were just excuses to set up shop, or try to get charity donations from people that don’t have anything to give.This was a really great event hosted by the city, which should do more like this.

I found one kid was doing a replica of an Andy Warhol print of Elizabeth Taylor, and it was really cool, because this kid was doing something special, something that they wanted to do, something expressive about who they are and want to be.

The Petting Zoo is not very big, but it had baby animals, now nobody can resist baby animals, can they, my girls just loved it so much they actually wanted to join the local AG group so they could do this everyday, I thought about saying yes, but I looked over at the goats and said to myself “ yeah, and who's going to have to clean it up”, we moved on to the next area.

I was wandering around at saw the Teacher and students from the Alan Hancock College Ceramics Program, which I used to be a part of and got a chance to say hi to my former teacher Bob, and fellow student Sue, who were doing demonstrations of the Wheel Process and I was able to get a short Video, no sound, but you get to see a great Artist doing what he does best.

2010 Grapes and Grains Festival Wheel Ceramics Demonstration

And here are some stills,

Bob is a great Teacher and the people really loved watching him do his work, in the time I was standing there watching he made 35 Bowls and Dishes, it took him about 36 min to do this, I remember it took me about 60 min to make 1 item, so he is the master artist and I am still just a hack, at ceramics anyway.

this blog entry was not so much as a tribute or critique of the event, but just a statement, one never knows what fun is out there unless they look, so many of the people I know say this town is lame or boring, and sometimes I do agree, but then I go out with my kids and I am reminded that fun is fun only if you let it be fun, just be happy to be alive and live each new day as if it were a new chance at happiness, and you will be happy, my kids often remind me of how life can be great, which is why I love them more and more each day.

Joseph Timmons, Newly Humbled Father, yet again.

Technorati Tags: ArtBabble,Grapes,Grains,Bob,Kids,Fun,Life,Living,Happy

$1.00 is worth something again

2010-09-19T21:51:00.001-07:00

OK, now I don’t often plug stores or offer criticism or critiques of retailers, I have done book reviews and food reviews, but to tell people about where to shop, no, hardly ever. I have found a new favorite bookstore, and it is the $1.00 Bookstore in the Santa Maria Town Center Mall. this store is part of a new chain of bookstores offering used books of a wide variety to the consumer. Most bookstores have hundreds of titles, new releases and so on, which is great if you are looking for a new book title, or looking to get the next installment of a new series, I have often praised stores like Boarders and Barnes and Nobel for having a great selection of new books, buy when it comes to finding used books in paperback or hardcover, I have, like most of you, had to check every used bookstore in town, or the thrift stores, which has much to be desired, oh you may find a gem or 2, but they have prices on them, often higher than original price.

The $1.00 Bookstores is very different, they have literally HUNDEREDS, if not THOUSANDS of titles, paperback, Hardcover, recent works, complete collections, the occasional rare / out of print tome that you may have been looking for online for months, and still not find. The staff, is very friendly and if it is not there, they will call to another branch to see if it is there or take your information and call you when it comes in, they have a hold and lay-a-way program, daily deals, like buy 5 and get 1 free, new and used movies, Comic Books and Anime, in the TONS, I mean some are entire collections from issue 1 to 100 and more. what is the best is the concept that no matter what you pick up, just a buck, your buying power really goes far.

The $1.00 Bookstore, here in Santa Maria, is located on the 1st floor of the Santa Maria Town Center Mall, Directly across from the main entrance, their phone is 805-352-0044, hors are standard mall hours 10am to 7pm Mon-Sun, and I think if you go there you will find something special, I never leave it without something. their motto “Making a Difference, One Book at a Time” and they do, I see very happy children, and even happier parents enter and leave the store often.

I would like, if I may, check out the poetry section, wow, lots and lots of great books, selections change literally daily.

Technorati Tags: Books,Bookstore,1 dollar,1.00 books,used books,new and used,great selection

$1.00 Bookstores 805-352-0044

My 2nd Head

2010-09-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

I have grown a second head, one just to the right of my own.

Or am I to the left of it?

This head is much different than my own, or should I say, me.

My face is less wrinkled and less bitter.

My face is smiles, smiles, smiles.

My other face, on the new head.

Seems angry all the time, cursing and spitting venom.

He sees and feels the injustice and the pain.

While I see the bright and shinning side of everything, whether it is real or not.

He sees the hate and anxiety that all men create.

And I see the positive potentials and niceties.

He sees the truth, I feed the lies.

My other me, the second head, my living alter ego.

The me, which you cannot see.

But I see him, and he whispers in my ear.

“Keep lying to yourself that all will be well, you will see in time, you are wrong, and I am right”.

I am talking to myself, arguing and fighting and trying to appease.

The inner demon within, is now out, and about.

Some have angels or devils, perched upon their shoulders.

I just have myself, and only myself, to blame.

So, as it is, my shoulders wear the burden, of the extra weight.

I will always have someone to talk to, never to be alone again.

I’ll just sit here, and talk, to myself.

Technorati Tags: Poetry,Salvation,hope,pain,suffering,anger

Remember - a Poem of tribute

2010-09-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

Remember those
who can no longer
walk the city streets
play in parks
revel in the night
kiss the ones they loved
love the ones they kissed

Remember those
whom now, voiced are silenced
who on one day
became images in memories
became pictures on the mantles
became
shadows of themselves

Remember those
who, on a September morning
in the blink of an eye
or in hours of torment
left this earth, for the clouds in the sky
whether on the planes, the towers or the streets
will never be forgotten

Remember, New York
Remember, Midtown
Remember, Ground 0
It seems so long ago
or just like yesterday
nine years ago today
our lost friends, who left this day

In Memory of the victims of 9/11 - Past, Present and Future
We will miss you

A Memory of a Train, followed by a Party

2010-09-09T21:50:00.001-07:00

Recently I have been pondering my life, thinking about all that I have and have not done, seen and not seen. I figure, this is what most men do when they get older, some get the seven year itch, me, I get melancholy and misty about my past. I will impart to you a true story, one that until now I had almost forgotten, I hope you enjoy this memory as much as I do. I have met many famous people in my life, Gram Nash, George Carlin, Joan Jet, Jerry Garcia and members of the band Anthrax and so on, but none as famous, to me as the next one.

It was December 12^th 1984, I remember because it was just before my birthday and I was on break from college. I was invited to a party being hosted by a friend of mine in Manhattan, a literary party, for those who thought themselves quite the intellectual illuminate of NY, so I had to attend. I took the train from Farmingdale to Jamaica station to board the transfer to Pennsylvania Station, we called it the “Penn” for short, don’t know why, just did. I took my seat and withdrew from my shoulder bag a book I had been reading, “Slaughterhouse 5” by Kurt Vonnegut, at the time, my all-time favorite author.

While reading this great book, I slipped into the story, like a warm bath, drifting and being subdued by the gentle sway of the train as it clattered along the tracks, the peaceful drift was interrupted by a soft yet bold voice “ is that a good book”, without looking up I answered” yes, very” to which was responded “ well, I have read his work, don’t care much for it at times, but I guess it does well” , to this I thought to myself “where has this guy been”, I then looked up and saw the face of a gruff looking man, wearing a grey tweed long coat and a shabby driving cap, it took a moment and I realized I was looking directly into the eyes of Mr. Vonnegut himself.

I sat there, motionless and for a first time, in a long time, speechless. Vonnegut asked “you ok?” I responded “well, yes, it’s just not often I am faced with the author of the book I am reading, what are you doing here”, he stared at me, “I live in NY, so being on the train is something I do”, I did not realize the impudence of my statement, how can I ask one of the great literary minds of our time to account to me of his decision to ride the same train and sit across from what was now to be known as the biggest jack-ass of NYC. From that moment and for about 10 min there was a crushing silence, I dared not try to engage him in conversation, I felt a striking class difference, a rift of immense proportions, and I felt I did not even have the right to be in the same state as him, yet the same train. Mr. Vonnegut looked to me and said “where you going”, I quickly responded “to a party, a book party, I mean a writers party” stammering over my words like a child trying not to get caught in a lie “ but I don’t think I am a writer, well not like you, you’re great, I mean wonderful I mean..” to which he interrupted “ So you like what I write I gather” my response “YES”, I realized the word could be heard on the platform we just passed. We came upon Penn and he said “well, this is where I get off, going to a party myself, my well wishes to you”, and we departed the train together.

I watched him disappear into the crowd on the platform, thinking to myself – well, he lives in NY, why is it impossible to have not met him, and off I strode, thinking ill of myself, missing an opportunity to just have a normal conversation and not to “gush” at his every word. I took the subway to my destination and walked 2 blocks west to the apartment building, a very nice and wealthy neighborhood, the nice part of Manhattan, and I felt that I now had a story to tell, but not to too many, I did not want it getting around that I thought to snub Kurt Vonnegut and then try to coax a friendship from it.

It was about 20 minutes into my arrival that the host announced that his special guest was going to be delayed, but will show up, I thought to myself “wouldn’t it be great if it was Vonnegut again” but lightning never strikes the same place twice”. An hour later, or was it 2 long island Iced Teas and a Beer later, Kurt Vonnegut arrived at the door, wearing the same jacket, but a different hat, he was the special guest, I slid out of sight, composed my thoughts, so if he did come near I could appear calm and eloquent. Other people started to show up, people of note, other local writers, newspaper columnists and some of the social commentators who write for the papers, I thought this was just unheard of writers, no, this was the real deal, I stumbled into a nest of angels and vipers, if I made a fool of myself here, no matter how well I wrote, I would never get published.

I sat down on the sofa, feeling a bit woozy, not drunk woozy, that I could handle, fame woozy, that was it, surrounded by all these famous and soon to be famous and those who thought themselves famous, that is breathtaking. There was a “whump” and the couch shifted, sitting next to me was Kurt Vonnegut, he looked at me “oh, hello again, so this is where you wound up” I replied “yes, and I still feel stupid, I am so sorry if I said anything foolish earlier” he smiled and responded with “you would be surprised at what some people say to me”. We sat there and watched the people shuffle past, back and forth, and he commented on who each person was, what they did and what he thought of them. Kurt Vonnegut has had the pleasure of keeping most of his life private and his private life even more so quiet, so when he said that most of the people here have 2 sides, and he wanted to see neither I had to ask why he was here, to which he responded that the host was related to him, and as a special favor he was asked to come, I wanted to know how the famous and infamous knew he would be here, we both paused and said “ well, it is NY, isn’t it”, in NY there are no secrets, everyone finds out sooner or later who is where when and how.

The party came to an end around 3am, some had work the next morning, I suppose, the rest had whatever, Kurt had left around 2am, he said “ I always leave early and unannounced, so nobody can follow me home” he was smiling when he said it, so it had to be true.

April 11, 2007, Kurt Vonnegut passed away, I was at home and heard the news on NPR, even though I don’t even begin to think I knew him, I did “Know “him, he was a New York Native, one of the tribe, one of our great chiefs, one of the gems in liberty’s crown, it has been said “if you ever meet a New Yorker writer once, you have met all of New York”, with Kurt, it was a very true statement.

I am including Kurt’s website, which is being maintained by his family, I suggest you visit it, just to see the smiling writer I had the honor of sharing a coffee with at 1:30 am surrounded by people that wanted to be him.

http://www.vonnegut.com/

Technorati Tags: Kurt Vonnegut,Kurt,Vonnegut,Train,Party,Writers,Famous,NY,New York

Labor Day, My New Favorite Day

2010-09-06T20:32:00.001-07:00

I have had an received an acceptance for publication to Leaf Garden Press, which is an Online and Print Publication. This is one of several acceptance letters I received today, 4 in total. I have been working on my writing for some time without luck, but as of today I feel that is changing.

Being a writer is not easy, hell, I often don’t think of myself as a writer, my wife is very supportive, and I have had the support of my friends, which combined has kept me working on both my writing and my painting.

Leaf Garden Press can be found online at http://leafgardenpress.blogspot.com/ and I encourage you, if you have a blogger account to follow their publications.

My writing will be published in Issue 12 is due out in November of this year, The publication will be in print and online, so look for it.

To all of you who have supported me, again, thank you.

Technorati Tags: print,published,publication,writing,garden leaf press,great,great news

Clutching at Straws

2010-09-05T18:16:00.001-07:00

Found this site while looking for resources to submit my poetry, this site is full of some great writing, take a moment to Perouse through it, I only wish it had an easy way to bookmark through word press and blogger.

Clutching at Straws

The Great Dumbing Down of America

2010-09-04T14:23:00.001-07:00

Ok, I know I have said this many times before, and I run the risk of repeating myself again and again, but this needs to be said.

The United States leads the world in technological advances, we have created computers that can do everything up to and including the creation of other computers, we have developed A.I. and system functionality that controls our infrastructure and we have a mobile phone system that has been blended with PDA technology so we are constantly connected, tethered to each other through the world wide web.

We as a country have created a system that keeps the wheels of this great nation rolling, however, I feel we have thrown ourselves under the bus we are driving.

I have noticed, as many of you may have, that when I log into the various social networks I am connected to that conversations have dwindled down to random blurbs like “LOL” and OMG”, nobody really tries to have full conversations, or try to communicate in a fashion that does not need a code book.

I read books, I like books, I do think that the E-Book is an interesting development, a great resource for travelers, but I was driving down the street yesterday and I saw a man walking, against the light at the intersection reading one of the e-book devices, unaware of traffic, he was not “mowed down” but there was a near miss, ironically the driver that almost hit him was a young lady who was too busy texting to notice she was about to cream the techno-bot that was in from of her car. I looked at my wife and asked if she saw what almost happened, her reply was “I see that at least once a day”.

What is it that causes what was once a very intelligent person to become a modern Neanderthal, we have in all of our attempts to enrich ourselves, instead to become less intelligent than the chairs we sit on. I would believe that in our desire to be more connected to each other, we have distanced ourselves from our ability to actually think and speak rationally and coherently. We have created tools that have a natural ability to make us impatient, nothing is fast enough, I have stated that in the time it takes to text a person, you could just call them, and the response I get is “well this way I can leave a message”, I thought that was what voicemail is for ? the time it takes to type a message on the touch pad is actually longer than the time to dial a phone, and either talk to the responder or leave a message.

On Facebook, the status update allows up to 435 characters, enough for a short and effective comment, yet most people leave a message like “OMG I cant Blv she did tht”, what? who did what? or “I luv my bby” what is that ? people sit at a computer or text in with unintelligible statements that make the viewer more confused than informed. I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, and I use them, but I guess I don’t see the need to confuse or stupefy the persons whom take time from their lives to actually read what I have to say. Like this blog entry, some of you will read further, some may stop here or some may have already moved on to the next blog with pictures of kittens and puppies, which my 9 and 7 year old daughters really like, but they are 7 and 9, not C.E.O’s or college professors.

Recently, I went into Starbucks and I met with 2 associates who were siting at the table, laptops out and texting feverishly on their cell phones and making merry digitally, however, after sitting with them and taking a brief look at what was going on, I noticed they are looking at each other’s social sites and texting each other while texting others and their coffees are getting cold because they have been too busy with their daily technological online affirmations of abbreviated subtexts, suddenly one of their phones actually rings and the poor fool cant figure out how to actually answer the phone, which is why to get a cell phone, to get calls. In a fevered pace she sees who is calling, opens the social site for her connection and texts them a message to call again, and sips her coffee, the phone is still ringing. Neither of them were even looking at each other, but would take a moment to look up at me every now and then because I did not have a laptop with me and my phone is so old it does not have internet or text features, I was the odd man out and not the focus of their attention, because I was not connected with their online circle jerk, and I apologize for that moment of profanity, but again, online rather than use proper grammar, I notice that people with interject F-bombs and @!$$%#@*& between the “OMG” and “LOL”, far too much cursing for my desires. After about 30 min I left, I did not have a keypad or 17 wide screen so I was not socially important to them, I instead went to a small coffee house down the block that did not have WI-fi and had a pleasant game of chess with a friend I ran into, who luckily, did not own a cell phone.

I know this is just me ranting, and it serves no purpose other than giving me a venue to vent, but I would propose that if you have spent hundreds of dollars on a device, use it the way it is supposed to be used, then stop, actually read a book, or the paper, even if it is online, take that e-book and sit-down to read it, absorb and lock in the information, have actual conversations with people, talk in full sentences and don't actually say “LOL” when you are facing a person, leave the “LOL” for AOL, and use the brain you are given. If more people actually knew about what they were talking about, they would make sense, and put the phone down before your coffee gets too cold to enjoy.

Just Another Day in Paradise

Technorati Tags: Dumb,Rant,Cyber Space,America,Technology,simpleton

Friends

2010-09-03T00:09:00.001-07:00

I was sitting here writing other entries, and I thought of what is most important to me, I thought of all the people in my life, My Wife, My Kids and Family, very important, yes… but what of the family members that are not birth related. Many people have extended family, not just in-laws or ex spouses that are still close, or even the distant cousin you only see at thanksgiving and xmass, but friends that are more than friends, friends that have become more than childhood friends and buddies, I took the time to think of all the people who have touched my life and I have 7 “Guy” friends that are just as much brothers to me as my own, these are the “Uncles” of my kids, the ones that would come to the hospital and give me a kidney, the ones that would take a bullet for me, and I would do the same. now, 2 of these friends, I don’t have pictures of one friend, Doug Saum or Ken Elseman, But I have Pictures of John Korsavidis, Richard Gianetti, Chriss Rubino, Jon Frater and Rob Johnson.

These are the guys I laughed with, cried with, they were with me good times and bad, when there were births and deaths, when I flew as high as the sun and fell straight into hell, they kept me alive, even when I felt like I died. So I give you tribute my friends, when we were young we were immortal, and now we are older and maybe wiser, but to me, we are brothers always, I wish you well, and maybe Ill see you in heaven, or in hell, but either way we will never be alone.

So here is my tribute to friendship and to all my friends

To me, my friends, you are my past, you made my present possible and I hope you will make my future brighter.

Technorati Tags: Friends,forever,young

New Poem

2010-09-02T23:18:00.001-07:00

Stillness

Quiet now, listen to

The Stillness

Be at one, all within

With the dark and brooding

Silence of the night

My soul, turning, spinning, twisting

Weeping with the wind

Cold and bitter, now

Depress and suppress the feelings of

Pain, if that is what it is or more than that

I am not sure,How “It” began

But I live it now, my life it is

And I want to be free

Come to me now

And show me there is life in this time I gasp for breath

Show me there is hope

Show me

Love

Technorati Tags: Poem,Poetry,Stillness,Dark

ArtBabble | ArtBabble

2010-09-02T14:08:00.001-07:00

I found this site, ArtBabble, purely by chance. being an artist and writer, I spend some time each day looking for new resources for information and sites to connect to this blog, and I happy to say, with ArtBabble, I found a great resource and a wealth of information, at http://www.artbabble.org you will find video and information about what is happening in the art world, as well as in literature and the ability to be connected directly with your peers in art appreciation. I spent some time watching videos and lectures, watching very short, but informative mini-documentaries, which are hosted on site, not a quick link to a server but high quality videos in house, so to speak, now I also find videos on PBS and in the NY Times that have the same production quality, so I would think that if you take the time to check it out you will be just as impressed and interested in connecting to the sites followers.

I would also like to remind everyone about Ovation TV, the site link is http://www.ovationtv.com , this is another Art oriented site, with its paired television station, it has rejuvenated the art appreciators view of the influential artists of the past, present and the future artists of note. I particularly like the ability to create an online profile and post my artwork and connect with other artists, I have gotten some great feedback on my work and get to see what is going on.

I know it sounds like I am just praising them for the sake of praise, but in actuality, the one thing I want to point out is that these sites really support the arts and don’t ask for a buck with every click, yes they may have sponsors and advertisers, but so do I , if you notice I have advertisements and link backs, hey, got to feed my kids, right?, but with the sites they have done, it is not “ in your face”, and you choose to do what you want, you are not forced to hunt things down or track all over, everything is right up front, concise posting, separated and categorized by style and substance, as well as a feeling that you don’t have to spend al your time sifting through garbage to find the good stuff, and both Ovation and ArtBabble are full of the good stuff. I am not a very good critic, but I know what I like, and I think you may like these sites as well.

Technorati Tags: Art,Resources,Writers,like,love,great,informative,information,ArtBabble,Ovation

ArtBabble | ArtBabble

Changes

2010-08-15T21:28:00.001-07:00

OK, so I did a major post, then chaged templates, big mistake, so I will be making some more re-arangements to this blog so it looks good, please stand by...

Update to my Website… Finally

2010-08-15T20:48:00.001-07:00

Well hello out there on the funny farm, just want to let you know about all that has been happening in my side of the asylum. I want to let you know that I have update my website, the name has changed, and so has the URL, I changed it to Joseph Timmons: Artist and Author, like my blog on blogger, and the address is now http://www.josephtimmons.art.officelive.com/, and it has been changed from an Art Enthusiast site to just a site about me, my artwork and the stuff I enjoy, as well as about artists, writers and people I find interesting. I realized that my prior idea was far too much for me to do alone, and most sites that I was talking about had their own web sites, so why should I do it for free, hmmmmmm.

My website is still being updated regularly and if you go there now, well you may experience some links issues and see that some of the pages are close to barren, but with time and content, it should come together really nice. I am also going to try to get advertisers and sponsors, so I can monetize the site effectively, I have put links to my Zazzle store and Café Press sites, and I hope to ad a shopping cart and make it possible to sell products such as posters and cards of my work. I am also posting direct links to Museums and Theatres, possibly more.

I went to Orlando Florida, and met up with my old buddies Rob Johnson and Daniel Shaw, we grew up together in NY, they both moved to Florida some time ago, but while I was in Florida, working for Microsoft, I got an opportunity to see them. Well you know how they say people change to fast and too far, not these guys, yep, a little bit-o-grey, but not much, rob is still the prankster and Daniel is still just as cool and funny as ever, even for an insurance agent, he still has style.

Here is a Photo Album of the Florida Trip, some of the pictures were taken at the Disney World Lego store, WOW I played with Legos, and my kids do now, but these Statues are HUGE and so cool, and the detail is amazing, I found some really great gifts for my family and I even fond a Coffee cup for me, which is my thing, I love Coffee, and I collect Mugs and Cups so it was a Win-Win.

Florida Trip 2010

VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I am waiting for a reply from ArtQuiver.com, they are an Online Art Dealer that carries Art in all sizes and Styles for retail and Designer needs as well as selling to the public, if accepted, they will be my Online representation with exclusive rights to sell my artwork Online, they sell nationally and internationally, so it would be great for them to carry my work, they did an initial response, now I am just waiting for my final approval.http://www.funnyordie.com/josephtimmons I just started, I plan on putting some funny stuff up, if it works, great, if not, oh well. I like to experiment with new stuff, and I seem to make people laugh, so who knows, may work out nice…

I have setup a site on Funny or Die, Will Ferrell's Comedy Site, here is the Website Link,

OK, my daughter Vera was brushing my hair and I took the camera, held it upside down and took this pic, did not even phase her, not only did she keep brushing my hair, she wanted me to take more pictures and said she would keep working on my hair until it was perfect………………………. 1 hour later, she gave up, … smart kid.

Well, I am off to smoke a smoke and think a thought, so enjoy my blog and let me know what you think.

Keep Smiling…, And the world smiles with you

сплин - прочь из моей головы

2010-07-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is a really good video, but it is in Russian, so Get out the Translators

Thoughts of a Displaced New Yorker

2010-03-14T12:54:00.001-07:00

Sunday, March 14, 2010: First Entry

I would start by asking, “What makes a New Yorker?”, is it just the simple act of living in the big apple, scratching and surviving in the midst of down town Manhattan, or living the supple suburban life of Long Island? Well, I would think that it is much more than that, as Billy Joel said, “New York is a State of Mind”

I moved to California in 1990 for what was supposed to be a short period to care for my mother who was ill, she moved to California just 4 years prior, once out here I found myself feeling lost and without my tether to reality, the pace of living is slow and without depth, the people, albeit nice, were without solid measure, in New York, you could tell what a person was thinking, the tone and inflection of voice and body language spoke volumes and there was a sense of familiarity, you knew your neighbors, often by name, and you knew who you could trust. I would like to think that I am not just being melancholy but realistic in my memories.

To me, being a New Yorker means being a part of something bigger than yourself, a community of souls that move in and around each other in a surreal and flawless dance of expressionism. New Yorkers have that special something that makes them unique and tangible, I am going to, over a period of time try to decipher what it is that makes us what we are. I am not one to think that I am all knowing or extensively witty in my writing style, if that is what a style is these days, but I am a writer, of sorts and I will write to you this text based imagery of my life as a misplaced / displaced New Yorker, I am going to write this serial of opinion pieces, submitting them to you, via the internet for your reading and vexing.

I encourage those of you who read these entries to leave comment on my blogs http://josephtimmons.blogspot.com and http://www.rantbabble.wordpress.com after each entry, and please don’t just leave comments like “I love your work” or “Puppies and Kittens are cute” , I want real discussion and notes of what you think, and if you, like me are a displaced New Yorker, please leave a comment about your experiences.

My entries will be dated and at least one complete thought, once you see what I write about and how I write, you will see what I mean, I think you will enjoy being part of my experiment in Ranting. I am also in the process of taking these entries and responses to create articles to submit to “The New Yorker” and “The New York Times”, if I include your responses, you will be credited, however I offer no compensation, you are part of an experiment in self exposure and communications across the rift of time and space.

I will be putting together Video pieces on my YouTube site http://www.youtube.com/user/CCVisualArt , these video parts will be verbal blog entries and response to comments, I may also ask other writers to add to the mix, these writers will be displaced new Yorkers and resident new Yorkers who may give some additional insight to the idea of “ you can take the New Yorker out of New York, but you cannot take the New York out of the New Yorker” but no matter which, you can make them drink.

Until the next entry, stay east coast real.

Joseph Timmons

Artist, Writer and New Yorker.

What’s Been Going On,….

2010-03-13T17:27:00.001-08:00

Well, here is my update, as you may have noticed I have not been posting recently, I have not been on my Facebook or Social Pages and I have been a bit reclusive, you see my life has fallen apart and I am trying to get the pieces back together and I am quickly running out of super-glue. So I will fill you in and hopefully you will not desire to jump off the roof in sympathetic depression.

P.S.. Yes i am Still Not taking meds for my depression, I am holding firm to my belief that I can survive without them.

On December 4th I flew out to NY for the funeral of my nephew who passed from cancer, The next day, on the 5th, while I was in NY, my son Alexander, 13 yrs old, whom has been suffering form ADHD and some Mental Health Issues had a psychotic break and attacked my wife, his stepmother, with a knife, slashing at her and disfiguring her hands, she was able to fend him off and snap him out of it just before the police arrived and he does not remember any of the event, he is in Juvenal hall, where he as been now since December 5th and has still to be placed in a mental health facility, he turned 14 in Juvenal hall and it is breaking my heart.

My 3 sisters blame my wife, as if she asked to be attacked and we are not on speaking terms, we have had to move, the landlord of the hose we were in did not appreciate or situation and asked us to move.

My wife and I are trying to get things back on track, we are all taking this time to try to heal, and yes, therapists are involved, for what is is worth, not that they are giving us any definitive advice, just allot of “how does that make you feel”, we have learned whom are true friends are, those of our friends whom have been there for us and have supported us, thanks, and for those whom have not been, I hope you fare well, for this is farewell and do not call me again.

Many of my friends from High School and College, some whom are following my exploits on Facebook have helped financially, when I was run off the road on Highway 154 in San Yenez and my car was damaged, costing 5,400.00 to fix, many of them helped and sent money to help, which was greatly apreciated.

Recently went to the Museum of Art in Santa Barbara, was very impressed with the resident art exhibits as well as some of the special displays.

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I enjoy finding new art exhibits and visiting museums, I am still planning to re-do and upgrade my website http://www.ccvisiualart.com, but it is getting hard for me to find the time to do so, but I think I will fid some time this summer and by September my new site version will be up and running.

My wife is healing and is getting back the use of her hands and will be working on her cross-stitch work and may either go back to school or work, but we are still working on it. My wife is working on a new project “Celtic Lady- Summer”

I think it is coming along very nicely :)

Her Blog http://www.astitchingtime.blogspot.com, it has some of her recent postings as well as pictures of her recent work and a link to her Etsy Shop.

Recently, the local Cafe Monet was sold to new owners and is now called Cafe’ Noir, and I have secured gallery space and will have my paintings on exhibit for the next several months,Cafe Noir is located at 1555 South Broadway in Santa Maria, California, if you want to check them out it is a nice cafe and the new owners are very interested in community functions and serving the public, they roast their own coffee beans and baked goods.

I am a little distracted right now, if you know the Actor Corey Haim died recently at 38, I am 44, only 6 years older, I remember him from many movies I liked when I was younger and I have sort of been following what has been going on with him and Corey Feldman, Corey’s blog has a post about Corey Haim ( http://coreyfeldman.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/r-i-p-corey-ian-haim-1971-2009/ ) and he, from my point of view is really holding back emotion, so if you get a chance, let him know he is supported, we have all lost a loved one from time to time and it never gets easier, Cory Feldman has had it hard and has had troubles that we would never want to ever have, Hollywood has not been kind to him, nor kind to Corey Haim, so give them a hand, if you could.

Work is going well and I am secure in the knowledge that as long as I do my job well, I get to keep it, so I make sure that I follow all the rules and do as expected, I like working for Microsoft and I want to keep working for them. I am going to be in Orlando Florida in April, so I will blog an entry from there.

I am going to be mirroring this post on all of my blogs, I am now using Live writer to put together my Blog Posts and it sends the exact same thing to all my Blogs and twitter posts, so I'm liking that, makes it easy to post. Well I must go now, will be back soon to annoy you again… Late !

Joseph Timmons

Artist and Author, all around stranger in general

Memorial Fund

2009-11-29T19:19:00.001-08:00

Today, November 29th, 2009 My nephew Noland Rohan Passed away due to Cancer, Noland was a warm and wonderful young man with promise and hope, he fought this illness as hard as he could, and with the support of his loving wife and family, he tried to beat it, but could not and passed knowing he was loved. Noland is survived by his wife and son, as well as his parents and siblings.

I am asking that if you care to donate anything to help his wife cover his outstanding Medical and Care debts, or to his final needs, please use the donation button below, his resources were almost completely wiped out and his family could use the help.

Thank You

Joseph Timmons

Donate to the Noland Rohan Memorial Fund

My Art Show from November 27th, 2009

2009-11-27T20:20:00.001-08:00

Well, it started off god, and ended horribly…

I showed up and set up my artwork, set well against a neutral background and well received by the people that showed up early, however as it got darker on the cafe patio the management turned on the exterior lights, only to find out they did not work, it seems that there was a short and nobody told the owner, so he never knew it was not working, so after 5:30 my paintings were in a Bitch black gallery, we wrapped it up when it got so dark and cold on the patio that nobody came outside… what a disappointment, but they asked me to consider doing it again closer to Christmas maybe,… maybe, well it was a good Idea when we started. but boy am I not so happy.

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Леопольд. Автомобиль кота Леопольда

2009-11-17T22:49:00.001-08:00

Sometimes it is the simple pleasures that matter, a good laugh !

Twillionth

2009-11-17T18:54:00.001-08:00

This is an Extreamely Funny Video from an extramly brilliant comic, enjoy... and yes, my spelling sucks

On my mark

2009-11-11T12:05:00.001-08:00

I am presently working on the last few paintings that will be in my showing at the Costa De Oro Tasting room on the day after thanksgiving, I am both excited and nervous. I have not had a major showing since before I moved from NY, I mean I have had displays and small showings, but this seems like a big deal to me, and it is. I have about 1/2 of the pieces done and should be accepted pretty well. I have put an event post on my facebook site, so I will put the link up on the page here and if you like you can click it and check it. I am presently back to working on my various blogs and website, trying to connect all of them together and getting a “massive” web presence going, I have found several really nice art blogs on blogger and I hope to connect with the artists' and see if I can get them to contribute to my Artist Network site http://www.ccvisualart.com and with any luck, I can also get some advertisers so it will make some self sustaining funds.

I will have to say am so tired of working and trying to find time for my art and my writing, I am so behind on my book / books and I want to get a publisher “on the hook” so I can get my name out, as far as painting…. I REALLY NEED TO GET BACK TO IT I am not saying that my skills are dull or suffering, but I want to spend more time painting and finding my “voice” in art, I have been silent too long..,.maybe?

I am going to get back to work now, and try to be the gifted artist my wife sees me as, I am so happy I met and married her, she is my gift.

I will be taking pictures of the completed paintings today and posting them, feel free to comment on them once posted and let me know what you think.

Technorati Tags: Art,Artist,events,web site,normaclature,idle rambelings

Facebook page Links: Facebook Artist Page / Event Page

Event Information………………………..

Date: Friday, November 27, 2009

Time: 4:00- 7:00pm

Location: Costa De Oro Winery

Street: 1331 South Nicholson Ave.

City/Town: Santa Maria, CA

What’s been going on ? Well, some big news now…

2009-10-25T22:24:00.001-07:00

Well here is what's going on, and this is just a quick update,…

1. I have found a site to upload my writing, it is called SCRIBD -http://www.scribd.com/ and this is a great site for finding new works by many writers and some materials that can be for research or study, I suggest you check it out, and here are my links so you can see my works, http://www.scribd.com/josepht1965 and http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/18164377-joseph-timmons

I am hoping that since there are many publishing companies involved with this site, I may be lucky and find a publisher

2. I am having an art exhibit at Costa De Oro Vineyards in November, the day after thanksgiving, my first major showing here in CA in many years, I am working on my paintings and should have all of them ready for the showing. I have a Face book page set up, and I try to update it every day or so, check it out and get the info, tell your friends, it should be great.

One of my paintings: Meeting of the Minds

More pictures on My Face book links below

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Joseph-Timmons-Artist-Designer/32763202951

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=151466854283&ref=mf

Note: the face book pages should show info, even if you don't have face book, but if it does not, set up a face book account, it’s free and another great social medium.

Technorati Tags: Event,Art,Publising,Works,Books,Writing,New

Well, I made it into History

2009-09-27T20:16:00.001-07:00

well, in Santa Maria at least….

I donated a Painting of mine to the city of Santa Maria, and the Mayor personally thanked me and said he would be extremely happy to display it in the newly designed and built public library that opened last year. My wife and I are thrilled at this and are looking forward to taking the kids to the Library and seeing my painting on the wall. I am posting pictures of it here. The Title is “Reflection of Soul”

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I would like to thank all of my friends and Family for your love and support and I dedicate this first great public display to My family and all of you. My painting is now part of the permanent collection of art in Santa Maria California and the State of California in General.

Teach the Children

2009-09-27T20:08:00.001-07:00

Today Katya is working with the kids on dinner, she decided to teach the girls how to make pirogi, which is an authentic Russian food. She made everything from scratch and worked on it with the kids, I think this is great way to teach the kids about some of their culture. I am posting photos of the feast in progress.

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I think the girls had a great time! Katya had mentioned that this is something she used to do with her mother in Russia, and she often liked the results.

Just Having Fun

2009-09-13T20:04:00.001-07:00

OK, Just having some fun with pictures, I think it is very flattering,… no?

and the winner is…………

2009-09-10T19:48:00.001-07:00

I though this was extremely funny, in the beginning of the Obama Campaign, there was one image, and now… this is the image that so many of us think of.

Who’s Laughing Now….

Cleaning Confirms Painting Is Really a Velázquez - NYTimes.com

2009-09-10T19:44:00.001-07:00

Cleaning Confirms Painting Is Really a Velázquez - NYTimes.com

I read this article today, and I find it amazing how time passes, this work in a treasure and for it to sit and sit without the world recognizing it, until now interests me. The Metropolitan has done miracles in keeping the treasures of history alive, but why cant we do this everyday, and it seems so strange that this is buried in the deepest part of the paper, when it should be a top story, oh no, I forgot, we need to know what Jon and Kate are up to, or if Octo-Mom is going to bring a new litter into the world, I am tired of all the trivial, lets look as something that screams hope. I want us, as a nation to look at what we leave for our children and our future, not the darkness of out lives, but the hope of what may be.

Well, I give up : Revised

2009-09-10T18:16:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to find a publisher for my recent ( and long in the works ) book of poetry, and no publisher is interested, so I am going to self publish here on my blog, I will be posting the entire work as a downloadable Text / PDF file, NO STEALING, I just want to be “Heard”, I am tiered of the bureaucratic BS and I am going to try to let my thoughts out, so with that being said, you will see most, if not all of my work in the recent version of my book “Rants and Ravings of a Modern Day Cave Dweller” in singular and bulk posting and the file will be available in PDF that can be downloaded. If you like it and want to “donate” to my further therapy, you can make a donation via PayPal by sending funds to me at my PayPal pay station, just go to http://www.paypal.com and look up visimagepro@aol.com, there you select send funds, any denomination, it accepts debit and credit cards or digital checks, so if you think it is a masterful work of literature, or lining for a parakeet cage, either way you can donate to a cause… feeding my kids.

Click on this link to download by Book.: Rants and Ravings of a Modern Day Cave Dweller at My RantBabble Blog Site http://rantbabble.wordpress.com/

Well, I give up

2009-09-10T18:08:00.001-07:00

I will begin posting Monday, September 14th of 2009, and it will be downloadable on the 15th.

If You cannot find or download my book, Check My Rantbabble site on Wordpress

When it comes down to it, …What?

2009-09-08T23:06:00.001-07:00

I have never been able to keep my thoughts from wandering, and in these times, when money and social grief seem to overwhelm me, this should be a time for my writing to flourish. I have a major even coming up, I was asked be a local charity to provide paintings for auction, I was one of only 3 artists in all of California asked to provide works for the event, it is for a children’s charity that provides for children with little or no resources, it is a great honor, but I will move on… I was asked to provide a bio, a brief yet eliminating synopsis of who I am. This poses a major issue for me, how can a person sum themselves up in just a few words? I know that other writers do it all the time, but I am an anal retentive, obnoxious, self centered, hedonistic, male chauvinistic pig, with no redeeming self endured qualities…, in short, I am a jerk! How can I be honest and yet make myself look good. I have no pictures of myself, other than one of me at 2 years of age and one at 5 years of age that make me look good, I am old, fat and bald,… no Rock Hudson or Johnny Dep, I am overly fuzzy and I have knobby knees, and I have made it clear that if my loving and beautiful wife ever gets her eyeglasses checked, she will run in fright, or beat me with a stick, one or the two…. or both.

I you have not yet guessed, I don't like myself too much…

I was diagnosed as “clinically depressed”, meaning its the happy house for me if I don't start popping pills, and since I refuse meds, well, my time runs quick and I may be fitted for a white suit soon :)

My cat just jumped through the window, looked at me and meowed, he then looked very disgusted at the fact that I did not jump up to feed him and ran out to the kitchen to bother my wife, even animals think I am a jerk :)

so, back to my dilemma, what should I say about me, guess Ill just have to lie and say how humble i am or how I feel so enchanted with Art and the nobility of the painterly craft.. HOGWASH, I paint to keep my brain from exploding and my limbs from turning to mush at my sides from boredom. I write to keep my thoughts from fading away into the dust of oblivion and to make some sense of my dementia. But I spite myself too much, I must have some redeeming qualities, some reason to be happy about this, so below is what I plan to say, don't laugh out too loudly, I may hear you…

Joseph Timmons, artist and writer, originally from NY moved to the Central Coast in 1990, there he lives with his wife, Yekaterina and his 5 children. Joseph works in a manner such as the Abstract Impressionists or the New York Art Scene that was the birth point of artists such as Jackson Pollack and Klein or DeKooning and feels that Painting is a medium that is “changing as the paint dries”, paint contracts with drying, so it changes as it’s viewers perception changes. Joseph has given to this charity two of his most recent works, one is “Hemispheres” a 2 piece painting that represents the human mind, a left and right side that can function independently but is not as good as the mind as a whole, and the whole mind can imagine anything. The second work is a painting called “Passion”, the colors of this work against a stark background illuminate the thought that even in the darkest of moments, the passion and powerful vision of “Love” or “Passion” can bring a living light to one’s life. Joseph hopes that the works provided inspire Art lovers and enthusiasts find his visions of value and purchase these paintings to help those who need it, the children, who need more that one voice and more than just a helping hand, this program, and Rancho Vino offers hope for a better life, Thank you in advance for you kindness and your generosity.

I hope that this does not seem too verbose, but it is the only thing I could think of, I spoke more about my work and the charity than myself, I don't mean much, but the cause is good, and I really want to see it go well.

below is a link to the charity website

http://www.coasthills.coop/index.php?p=community&data_id=215

Event Location

Event Tickets are 50.00, available at the site above

Technorati Tags: times,money,grief,auction,California,event,children,synopsis,person,words,self,male,qualities,pictures,Rock,Johnny,knees,wife,eyeglasses,pills,fact,animals,dilemma,HOGWASH,brain,mush,boredom,oblivion,spite,Joseph,Timmons,artist,writer,Central,Coast,Yekaterina,manner,Abstract,Impressionists,York,Scene,Jackson,Pollack,Klein,viewers,perception,Hemispheres,piece,human,Passion,background,vision,Love,life,Rancho,Vino,Thank,coop,index,Location,artists,limbs,moments,enthusiasts,visions