Wine. Loire Valley Wines. 2019.  The Loire Valley in France produces a wide variety of

wines.  The wine is refreshing and make them an ideal food wine.  Some wines typical of

the Loire Valley include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet.  Red wines from

the region include Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc.  The wines, in general are 

refreshing, slightly fruity, and friendly to the pallet.  Enjoy a glass with your favorite meal.

Wine. Gambero Rosse presents: tre biccheri 2018.  Wine is a favorite subject of so many people, and there are and always increasing variety of choices facing the wine dri ker today.  One of the oldest wine producing regions in the world, is Italy.  Italian wine is a constant favorite and this year’s presentation, Gambero Rosse presents:Tre Biccheri 2018, offers some of the country’s best.  There are Barolos, Chiantis, Lambruscos, and Montepulcianos from such regions as Piedmont, Sicily, Tuscany, Lombardi and Puglia.  The choices included many affordable wines, as well as top shelf, and top priced, vintages.  There were wines to satisfy any wine lover’s pallet and wallet. So, gustare un bicchiere di vino….
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Wine. Simply Italian Great Wines U.S. Tour, 2016.  A sampling of some of Italy’s great wines barreled into New York, with wines from Veneto, Lombardo, Tuscany, Piedmont and Lombardy, among other distinct regions.  The red wines, rich in color, taste, and aroma, were splendid.  Displaying my personal preferences, I especially liked the Barolos from the Piedmont area of Italy.    The Barolos presented were of a 2012 vintage, such as those from wine producers Gemma, La Biòca, and La Strette, were full, and robust, they will certainly be fuller and more robust, after a few more years.  But even today, they are splendid.  I also liked Sangioveses from the Tuscany area of Italy.  The wines were also a bit young, but are certainly outstanding as they are today.  Paired at this tasting with fine cheese and dark chocolate, what could be better?  Raise a glass in celebration of fine Italian wine.

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Cider. American Fine Ciders. 2016.  A locally founded organization has emerged with a mission to search out and promote American fine ciders that, as they say, “unleash the sensory powers of cider apples straight from the orchards.”  Their members, experienced cider makers, spotlight American-made ciders.  As they state in their manifesto, they search out the right apples that can produce delicious, just as wine relies on the right grapes to produce delicious wines.  They want the public to know that the best-made cider offer a delicious drink that harbors moderate alcohol content, the also offers excellent companionship to food of all kind.  Give cider a taste.

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Food. The Big Chocolate Show. 2016.   Okay, get your sweet tooth on, the Big Chocolate Show has taken over the main floor of one of Chelsea’s iconic buildings.  Filled with a sweet sampling of manufacturers and retailers of fine chocolate, many manufactured right here in New York, chocoholics have so much to choose from.  Most of the choco-professionals had samples on display, and there was nary a booth free of samplers tasting the delightful treat.  And, I gladly say I was one of them.  Chocolate covered figs and a new twist on a favorite moon pie were high up on my list, as well as tasty chocolate liquors.  All in all, a sweet sweet treat.  Go. Enjoy.  Wallow in chocolate for a while.                                                                

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Museum.  The Jewish Museum. Take Me (I’m Yours).  It the current exhibition at The Jewish Museum in New York, visitors are encouraged to touch, participate in, modify, move, and even take home works of art on display.  42 international artists share in this participatory exhibit, creating new and site-specific pieces.  On average, 10,000 of each work will be produced for visitors to take away.  The Take Me (I’m Yours) show creates a democratic space for all visitors to participate in the creation and ownership of works of art.  By all indications, many visitors will have the opportunity to live with art that they helped create by their modification.  And that is truly art for all of us.  Come to the museum.  Play.  Create. Contribute. Make art.

                                                                                        

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Gifts/Useful Things.  NYNow. Summer 2016. If you are prepared to be overwhelmed with thousands of items that make perfect gifts for your student, friend, spouse, of even for yourself, then NYNow is the place for you.  The Javitz Center filled up every square foot of exhibit space with textiles, goods, art, stationary, goods, ceramic and plates, many hard-to-find, many useful, items.  There were new takes on wallets from eqpd, recyclable kitchen storage bags that are microwaveable from stasher, carry-all bags that fold into itself from Baggu, wonderful and playful socks from OOOH YEAH and Ozone socks (I met their designer of the Ozone socks and he is high energy), magnetic power stays (for the guy whose is shirt collar stays challenged, myself included), organic soaps from OH SO GOOD ORGANICS, smooth moisturizing lotions from Tokyo Milk, wonderful travel and hiking gear from Matador (I especially like their water resistant and foldable pocket blanket), unique and whimsical button art, many imports from Japan and France, lots of items designed in Germany and England, and, and, and….. There is so much to choose from, it can takes days just to get through the aisles.  NYNow has filled a whole section of the Javitz with handmade items, many ‘fair trade’ and made by indigenous people from India, Guatemala, Kenya, among other countries, some made by women saved from a trafficked life, such as Aid Thorough Trade made by artisans in Nepal.  Wander through the many aisles of NYNow and see what you want, or need, or just gotta’ have.

                                                                                            

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Travel.  India.  India is a place where the past merges with the present on every street corner in every city, and in every village.  Transportation can be a super charged 12 cylinder vehicle or an old rickety cart driven by an old boney ox.  People rush to work on crowded thoroughfare while other rush to scoop up a fallen scrap of bread or a 10 Indian rupee note (worth about 15 cents).  It is a country where traditions that extend back thousands of years, such as the sunrise and sunset prayer ceremonies in Varanasi, meet with the habits of the new, hordes of young people on their mobile phones exchanging comments on social media.  It is a country where hope is bashed for millions as they are destined to a life of hardship and poverty,, yet hope is equally alive in the dreams of so many who graduate high school and college with eyes towards the technology of the future.  India is a country that fascinates with each moment yet warns of the dangers of bacteria in the next.  It is a country of colorful clothes and drab rags.  It is a country I shall visit again.  You should plan to visit this magnificent country and marvel in its history and future.

                                             

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Games. Playcraft. Summer 2016. Gamers converge to put on display an array of games that make fingers, eyes and minds twitch with excitement.  Taking over a floor of NY’s Times Square Microsoft center, hundreds of gamers, young, emerging and enthusiastic, gobbled thousands of slices of pizza while demonstrating their amazing games to fans, enthusiasts, and other gamers.  It was an amazing sight, all the games, all the enthusiasm, of the game devotees.  Playcraft is a community of game developers, enthusiasts, and aspiring gamers that offers educational courses, guidance and events around the country. Fun, education, games, rabid enthusiasm. What can be better? 
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Film. Jason Bourne. Summer 2016.  This summer release well satisfied all Jason Bourne fans.  It is an adrenalin filled experience full of intrigue, quick plot turns, car/motorcycle/truck chases through avenues, alleyways, up and down stairs, that take the viewer on a tour of an array of foreign (outside the US) locations. The body count is high as victims fall from buildings, get blown up in explosions, get shot just because they are blocking the way, get knocked out in a few wicked punches…you get the gist of this film.  Jason Bourne is still action packed with a full dose of energy and this successful franchise doesn’t seem to be giving up on a winning formula. Get out of the heat.  Go to the movies.                                                                
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Design.  PROJECT.  MRket.  July 2016.  Men, have you ever wondered how to add some pizazz to your standard blue suits, white shirts, and brown penny loafers?  The men’s design shows that are showing in New York may have an answer for you.  Color up your accessories. Banvard & James introduced vibrant shoe laces in a rainbow of colors.   SAXX underwear is showing some comfortable undergarments where you want to be comfortable under your pants.   Collared Greens is showing off its collection of bowties that will spice up any shirt.    The British Apparel Company has on display a sizeable collection of colorful and playful socks.  Men, it’s easy to add some fun and color to your wardrobe.  
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Art.  Asian, African and Oceanic Art Fairs.  New York, 2016.  New York was once again home to three fascinating art fairs, Asian, Oceanic and African.  The dealers, collectors and enthusiasts who came from across the country and from many foreign ports, enthusiastically immersed themselves in many fine pieces of artisan handicrafts, and religious objects that fascinated and absorbed me.  These works, mostly crafted by hand, screamed loudly of the devotion, love and expertise of the makers of these works.  They are works of beauty, they are works of devotion, they are works that go beyond a people, culture, location, or religion, and manage to draw us into their magnificent presence.  Enjoy these works when you can.

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Food.  French Cheese Board. 2016.  The French Cheese Board opened a new space on Spring Street in New York’s popular Nolita neighborhood is a cheese concept store and culture lab dedicated to sharing and enjoying the fine sides of French cheese.  It is a friendly concept store where the walls are educational and offer portraits of France’s famous gastronomic wonder.  The store will be a lab where people can take cooking lessons, learn about cheese and wine pairing, and improve their knowledge of French cheese in general.  The design by French design team Ich&Kar created this friendly and interesting store.  Enjoy the cheese.
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Design.  NYC X Design. 2016.  New York City is one of the world’s design showcases where designers create some of the world’s iconic objects.  Many major brands and emerging designers call New York their home and are inspired by the creative people and places that make up the neighborhoods of this city that absorbs the cultures of all its visitors and residents.  During this exceptional event, so many designers put their work on view and share their creations with other professionals, critics and the people who will enjoy these handiworks. 

 

Wine. Hungarian Tokaj.  In 1071, the first mention of Tokaj, Hungary’s wine region’s town that gave its name to the country’s famous wine, was recorded.  Since then, wine from this region was enjoyed by King Louis XIV, the Sun King of France (who is said to have admired the Tokaj wine, wine enthusiasts of the mid-Europe over the centuries, and wine lovers today.  Hungary presented its wines from the Tokaj Hill and Mád Basin at the historic Hungarian Embassy New York.  The dry white wine offered posses a fine color and light taste that could compliment fish and fowl easily.  Some of the wines included Lõcse Furmint from the Béres, Zomborka Furmint from Gróf Degenfeld, Záfir Furmint from Erzsébet, Hold and Hollo Furmint from Holdvölgy, Estate Furmint from Kvaszinger, Deák from Majoros,  and Márga Furmint from St. Donat.  Take a sip of these fine Hungarian wines from the Tokaj Hills and Mád Basin and enjoy the fine taste.
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Wine. Root of Nine. 2016.  Independent wine distributors and importers do not always get the opportunity to put their wine offerings on display.  The wines offered had their own regional specialization and unique portfolios representing over 100 brands from 12 countries. The wines reflect each artisan winemaker’s pursuit to craft the best wines possible from their unique regions of the world.  The 2011 Barolo Ravera is a wonderful Italian rich red wine. Argentina was represented by Hacienda del Plata Mayoral Grand Reserva (2010). Franco Terpin Stamos Rosso (2011) is also a rich, robust wine.  The Czech Republic was represented by a delightful Rouci and a honey wine, Trnava Mead.  The honey wine is composed of fermented honey and s blend of herbs and spices.  It is served both hot and cold.  Australia offered a nice Pinot Noir and a Merlot-Cabernet.  New Zealand offered a wonderful selection of wines from The Hermit Ram, including its young (2015) Limestone Hills Pinot Noir.  Raise a glass and taste these wonderful selections from around the world.

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Fashion. Axis. (Capsule). 2016. Women’s fashion took over a few prize venues on New York’s piers and displayed the latest fashion offerings from American and foreign designers.  I noticed a trend this year that is interesting: an increasing number if independent designers are displaying hand-made knits, including hats and scarves.  The designers were proud to utilize the talents of local artisans, helping local economies.  There were also several foreign designers who showed off their avant-garde designs as well as traditional clothes.
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ART.  THE ARMORY SHOW. VOLTA.  PULSE.  Art, once again, took center stage in New York City.  The piers, overlooking the Hudson River, hosted many of the world’s greatest art galleries put on show modern and contemporary art.  Galleries opened a window on to the artists they represent, from the better known artists, such as Picasso and Warhol, and to artists that are not household names, but are internationally respected, such as print works by Indian-born Zarina Hashmi, Matthew Bandt, the American-born photographer whose work continually pushes the bounds of his medium; and a new series of large-scale monotype by Cecily Brown.  The galleries were mainly from the united states and Europe, but many other parts of the world were represented, including a major exhibition of african, Japanese, Korean, and South American galleries.  Now in its 22nd year, the armory was as influential as ever. The armory show is New York’s premier international art fair. And a highly anticipated event on the global arts calendar, offering ambitious programming, curatorial initiatives and specially commissioned projects, the armory show combines access to high quality modern and contemporary art with a commitment to spotlighting new and emerging voices in the visual arts. Volta, the solo artists art fair, is now is its the ninth new york edition, feature 100 exhibitors from many of the worlds’s great cities, such as New York, Osaka, los Angeles, and Tokyo. The fair focuses primarily on solo exhibition and includes galleries, and artist-run spaces from over 40 countries.  So, there is a lot of art to see in New York.  Get out and enjoy the shows.
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Food. Coffee Fest 2016.  New York opened its coffee loving arms to Coffee Fest, where many brewers and coffee-maker suppliers showed off their offerings.  Coffee brewers set up tastings where I had the opportunity to taste coffee from Colombia, Haiti, Costa Rica, among other coffee venues, many brewed right here in the states.  Café Kreyol, from Haiti, Kuxtal Coffee Roasters, family owned and Irving Farm coffee roasters, were just a few of the roasters i sampled, and really enjoyed.  Keep Cup, a recyclable coffee-cup makers, showed off its glass and design-colored cups, Nounos Creamery tasted its creamy yoghurt.  There were many others who filled the Javitz Center and I must say, I enjoyed every minute of this event.  Have a cup and enjoy the scent and taste of a freshly brewed cup of coffee…. 
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ART. ASIA WEEK. ARTS OF JAPAN. 2016. Asia Week in New York, is a wonderful 10 day extravaganza of a glorious array of prized Asian works of art. Originating from every corner of the Asian continent, the artworks is on display throughout Manhattan by international Asian art specialists. Many of the pieces are museum-quality presentations by 45 galleries.  Art lovers, collectors, and passer-bys can enjoy fine examples of painting, sculpture, bronzes, ceramics, jewelry, jade, textiles, prints and photographs from all over Asia. There are pieces from China, the glory and richness of Korea, Himalaya, India, Southeast Asia and Japan that exalt and remind us of the richness and splendor of these ancient cultures.    

 

Wine. Trebicchieri 2016.  The Italian wine industry showed off some of its finest wines when it brought to New York some wonderful Barolos, Chiantis, Brunellos, and Soaves, from Tuscany, Puglia, Lombardy, Umbria, and Piedmont, among others.  The red wines are rich and full of a robust flavor that go equally well with pasta, cheese and steak.  Open a bottle, fill a glass and toast these great wines and you will be in Italy without having to leave your dining room table.   

 

Toys. Toy Fair 2016.  To the children-at-hearts out there, NY was one big playground when the 2016 Toy Fair  put on display many of the toys, games and other fun items.  Dolls, dinosaurs, and Designer Art Toys were alongside educational, electronic, and environmental toys.  To the left and to the right, there were toys.  Come play.

 

Westminster Kennel Club. 2016.  Okay, who doesn’t like dogs?  Big ones, small ones…hunting, herding, hound, terrier, sporting, non-sporting ones. I walked through the benching area, where many of the contestants to this year’s WKC Dog Show entries were on full display to an adoring crowd of oooers and ahhhers ranging from energized children to admiring seniors.  I must tell you, the dogs seemed to enjoy the pampering and exaltation just as much as the people who adored lavishing these magnificent animals with their adulation.  This year’s WKC Dog show, the 140th show, and the second longest continually running sporting event in American history (right behind the Kentucky Derby) drew 3000 dog entries, which included 199 breeds and varieties.  The largest breed entries were Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs.  This year seven breeds were making their first appearance.  Over two days, the best in breed winners were selected.  The crowds howled and barked their cheers are the winners were announced.  Hound-Borzoi; Toy-Shih Tzu; Non-Sporting-Bulldog; Herding- German Shepherd Dog; Working-Samoyen; Terrier-Skye Terrier, and Sporting-German Shorthair Pointer.  Now, tension really began to rise, as Best in Show was the next and final event.  Best in Show would also be considered America’s dog, so the stakes were high.  Dog fans, in the nearly full Madison Square Garden supported loudly their choice as the dogs made their final rounds.  There was little paws (oops, sorry, pause) as the judge eyed, inspected, touched, and patted each dog.  Then another lap around the floor and the judge was ready to make his pick. The crowd waited, wondered, and then the call was made.  “German…” the announcer broadcast as the judge gave his call.  And before the announcement was complete, the fans of the German Shepherd howled in glee.  But, their joy di d not last long as the announcer completed his sentence…”Shorthair Pointer.”  JC, the German Shorthair Pointer had won, and was crowned champion of the 140th WKC Dog Show, and was now America’s dog.   But truthfully, aren’t all dogs America’s dogs.  The pointers and the setters, the terriers and the retrievers, the hounds and the sporting, the rescue dogs and the mutts…America’s dogs all of them. And to them all, the winners and the also-rans, the pure breeds and the mutts, a hearty pat on the head.  We bark our thanks to you, our friends and companions, our heroes and our protectors.   

 

Wine. Benvenuto Brunello. 2016.  The Consortium of the Brunello of Montalcino Wine introduced its latest offerings in NY.  The wine is red and bold and quite delicious on the pallet. The area where the wines are produced is bounded and washed by important rivers found in the Italian province of Siena.  To the south of the terrain, mount Amiata protects the area from atmospheric phenomena. The climate is typically Mediterranean with precipitation concentrated during the spring and autumn months.  This climate assures a gradual and full growth of the grape bunches.  This description demonstrates the deep rich heritage and tradition of this excellent wine which benefits greatly from the climate, territory and history of this excellent wine.

 

Fashion.  Project. MRket.  Capsule. Liberty. New York. 2016.  Men’s fashion again came to New York’s Javitz Center and showed off the best new clothes, including the new must-have accessories, socks and underwear. Bird Dog Bay, Stance, N/A and Remo Tulliani showed off their socks, and Saxx displayed its new collection of underwear.  These clothing companies demonstrate that basic black is no longer the only socks men have available, and that tighty whitey undies are getting stiff competition from colorful and stylish underwear that offer, as Saxx claims, a “light and soft wearing experience.”  They look good too.  Also on display were a full wardrobe of everything a man could want or need, from active wear to traditional, from jeans and Ts to suits and ties.  Hey guys, we’re going to be looking good this season .
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Art. Outsider Art Fair. 2016. Outsider art, defined by Jean Dubuffet, the French artist, as “works produced by persons unscathed by artistic culture, where mimicry plays little or no part….These artists derive everything...from their own depths, and not from the conventions of classical or fashionable art."  Since Dubuffet defines Art Brut, as he called it, Outsider Art has grown to include art made by a wide variety of art-makers who share the desire to make works of raw creativity. Outsiders come from all walks of life, from all cultures, from all age groups. In recent years, Outsider artists have achieved critical validation within the traditional art world.  Come see the show and be fascinated by the raw creativity on display.

 

Art. Master drawings New York.  In January 2016, Contemporary New York was home to drawings that have weathered hundreds of years of viewings and opinion and have given so much pleasure to collectors and appreciators over the many years. Viewers should spend time with these drawing and study the details and craftsmanship that does into each line and shade.  Watch how a line here transforms a placid face into one of agony or pleasure; how a line there adds a movement or a glance.  Drawings are true examples of the mastery of the creative process by which an image crafted by a few lines on paper, becomes a form of artistry and elegance.  Take some time to view master drawings and study the art in each.

 

Wine. Union Des Grands Cru dr Bordeaux.  I love it when all the great wines of the world descen on New York City for their grand moment.  The 2013 Bordeauxs came to town and soon I was surrounded by the magnificent, aromatic and delightfully delicious wines from the Gironde department, including Médoc , Haut-Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margeaux, Mouli, Listrac, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Barsac, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol.  These great wines reflect the wonderful terroirs of the region, and the great care the master winemakers exhibit in the production of their wines.  The fruit is fresh and well taken care of, and enhances the natural terrain and weather that helps make a unique taste, color and aroma of these magnificent wines.  Many of you already know the names of these fine appellations.  Now, take a bottle, screw off the cork, let the wine breathe, and taste the majesty of this wonderful wine.

 

Travel. New York Times Travel Show. 2016.  If you want to travel to distant shores without leaving New York City, there is no better place to of than the New York Tines Travel Show.  The Javitz Center was home to places as close as Vermont and Canada, and as distant as Africa of The Antarctica.  There were colorful booths from the Dominican Republic to Curacao, and there were food samplings from Indonesia and Turkey.  The travel show highlights many of the popular destinations and vacation spots around the world and lucky New Yorkers could peruse   these choices without hovering to leave the city.  The Travel Show is the largest and longest-running trade and consumer travel show in North America, and features over 500 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Mexico and the United States. This is one of my favorite shows because it inspires the imagination, and just may inspire you to leave the city and see more of the world.  It is well worth the trip.                                    

 

Design. Fame. Moda. 2016.  Well, fashion season is underway in NY with the first design shows of the 3016 calendar year.  Fame and Moda, two well established shows, brought to the city looks that women and men will be wearing in the Spring and Fall. Okay, check your closets.

 

Art. Museum of Art and Design (MAD).   MAD is displaying an exciting show by artist Ebony G. Patterson, who splits her time between Kingston, Jamaica and Lexington, KY.  Her show, Dead Treez is her first solo New York museum show.  Her work is a collection of mixed-media installations and photo tapestries. In her work, Patterson explores class, gender, race and the media. er work is a prime example of an artist who is working with fabrics, materials, and styles once associated wit crafts but now accepted as fine art. She is a collagist of the highest caliber.  Her work in highly adorned, the images seem illuminated and objects are meant to attract and seduce the viewer, enticing them to take a deeper, more prolonged, look. For Dead Treez, Patterson assembled five tapestries and a life-size collection of male mannequins, dressed in a colorful mix of fabrics. The show intends to present an intricate vision of masculinity in an age of club fashion and rock culture.  It presents a picture of postcolonial Jamaica. Her tapestries depict murder victims, meant to entice the viewer into witnessing the unreported crimes taking place daily.  Visit the museum in Columbus Circle and relish in the colorful and profound work of the artist.

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Wine. Grand Crus Classes of Saint-Emilion.  New York hosted one of France’s great wines, St Emilion.  The Romans planted vines in the St Emilion area in the 2nd Century, and wine connoisseurs that they were, the Romans praised the regions as early as 300 AD.  The soil in the region is rich in clay and limestone, which enables the Merlot and Cab France varieties. The vineyards were showing the 2010s and 2012s.  I found the 2010 to be full and rich with just the right amount of time to develop a smooth and elegant tannin that I especially liked. It is a classic vintage, a stellar Bordeaux vintage that ages well (certainly in vintages were the Merlot is dominant). This wine will go great with meats and pasta. I am looking forward to tasting the 2012s, considered by many an excellent vintage, in a year or two. These wines certainly live up to the adage, good wines come from good vineyards by good vignerons. The wine is certainly a classic and the vuntages are stellar.  Lift a glass and take a drink.
 
 

Food.  Food Fete. Fall 2015.  There are a few food shows that manage to pull of an interactive presentation of the latest food offerings in a comfortable, unhurried, and informative manner.  Food Fete is one of those gems.  Food writers walk around a room and get the opportunity to taste savory samples, and get information on food you will soon be spotting on the shelves of your local gourmet shops or grocery shops.  I especially liked Loacker’s flavored wafers and chocolate specially company (started in 1925), a2 milk company’s offering of milk that comes from a select group of cows that naturally produce only a2 protein.  Zemas madhouse offering non-GMO, vegan and kosher cookies, and Mangalista showed off their meat products.  A marvelous array was on display.  Be on the lookout for these products.  They’re good.
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Food.  The New York Coffee Festival. September 2015.  New York City is a coffee haven where it seems you can get a good cup of coffee on every block.  The coffee festival returned to New York and put on display a full array of coffee brewers, cafes, and roasters.  Baristas and master coffee makers demonstrated cold brews, slow brews, no brews, from all shapes, sizes and makes of coffee makers.  For a coffee fan (I am, as many of you no doubt are), the New York Coffee Festival is not to be missed.  Ahhhh, I can still smell that unmistakable scent of fresh coffee.
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Art. Crafts.  The Museum of Art and Design (MAD).  You can always count on MAD to display some examples of marvelously exciting and original crafts that are as much art as they are craft.  Japanese ceramic makers, eclectic furniture designers, even eclectic mannequin makers are in full view to a large public that can peruse the halls of this great museum on Columbus Circle at their leisure.  If they want a piece of this well designed craft in their home, they can pick up a bag or ceramic serving piece in the museum store on the ground level
                                                                            
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Design.  What’s New What Next. 2015.  200 Lexington Avenue is a building in New York that is a marvelous showplace of furniture, from traditional design to modern.  Every year the New York Design Center building hosts an event that spotlights many of the showrooms that dot the many floors  The event sponsored product information, designer conversations and informative presentations.  Furniture designs included everything from bathroom fixtures to bedroom sets to living room sofas.  It is a great way for consumers, interior decorators, and designers to have access to the latest furniture designs, the design process, and to the designers impacting the living quarters in this city.  Take a stroll troug te New York Design Center and find a nice piece of furniture for your place.
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Food.  The New York Coffee Festival.  2015.  Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in New York, with coffee shops, cafes, coffee trucks, coffee stands, and the marvelous scent of coffee enveloping just about every block of this city.  New York Coffee Festival showcased many of these coffee makers.  Roasters, brewers, serves, and coffee machine manufacturers took over the Armory on Lexington Avenue and served as staging ground for lectures, demonstrations and tastings.  There was coffee roasted in Brooklyn, Rwanda, Berlin and Haiti.  There were cafes brewing from all over the city (New York City).  There were espresso machines and multi-cup serving mechanisms.  There were demonstrations of slow brewing processes, cold brews, hot brews, and brews that tasted good even of the coffee was harvested only a few days earlier.  It was a grand festival of coffee that is a must visit for both coffee aficionados and professionals.  Have a cup of coff and enjoy tha aroma, taste, and the whole roasting to brewing, to serving process.

 

Fashion.  New York Fashion Week (NYFW). 2015.  New York City was host to a wonderful week of fashion when many of the great designers and couture houses presented their latest clothing designs to interested fashionistas who filled the seats along the runways and watched models at work.  The shows were dazzling and high on pizzazz as well as content.  The effort behind the event paid off, as the designers and Fashion Community once again took this ny fashion industry event to heart.  some of the designers included were Alice and Olivia, Angel Sanchez, Anna Sui, Bcbgmaxazria, Betsey Johnson, Dennis Basso, Derek Lam, DKNY, Hervé Léger By Max Azria, Niicole Miller, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger,  and Vivienne Tam. Rather than point out one designer or another, let me tell you my overall impression of the week of fashion in NY.  The designs were exciting, a wonderful mix of classical lines and fashion forward cuts.  Interesting too, was the designers choice of models.  There were the collection of professional models, with their models bodies, model’s walk, and models faces.  There was also a Down syndrome model who graced the runway alongside, plus size models, and models with bionic limbs.  Many models looked a lot like you or me.  The venues for the shows ran from NY lofts, the Moynihan Station close to the iconic New York Post Office building, to Vanderbilt Hall at the grand Grand Central Station. Participating alongside NYFW was Art Hearts Fashion, a philanthropic organization works tirelessly to promote ways that fashion can support constructive ideals and influence the progressive evolution of the clothing industry. AHF works with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Make-A-Wish. The NYFW show was exciting, uplifting, and a strong indication the designers kept fashion and social responsibility as, correctly so, high priorities.

Fashion. Men’s Clothing Summer 2015. Agenda. Project. MRKETNY.  Men’s fashion was in the spotlight in July when the shows came to NY and exhibited some of fashion designers finest.  From business attire to street-wear, men’s clothing was on display.  I was especially drawn to men’s accessories that have added some panache, élan, and color to what men are wearing, particularly under their pants and shoes.  These companies are dedicated to bringing fashion to traditionally ho-hum clothing. Men’s underwear took a step forward with companies such as SAXX, ethika, and PSD.  Some are boxers and other body hugging, but none are your father’s briefs.  There is an array of designs from basic black to floral to geometric.  All are really comfortable and well-made.  Men are getting wilder, at least under their pants. Men’s socks have also taken a step forward with their colors, patterns and designs. Basic black and grey is out.  Look for color and design under a man’s cuffs.  Designers such as ODD SOX, VANNUCCI, Stance, and Barcelona-based Punto Blanco are stepping out with their socks, giving men the choice to display or contain their flair.  So men, lift up your cuffs, overthrow the mundane, broadcast your style, and show off your individuality.      

 

Theatre.  On the Town.  On the Town, one of Broadway’s wonderful revivals this year is all song, dance, and Broadway magic  as it dazzled at The Lyric Theatre on 42nd Street.  The 1944 musical that marveled at all that New York City, is replete with a great musical score composed by Leonard Bernstein, accompanied by lyrics by the famed duo Betty Comden and Adolph Green.  The exuberant cast, who were certainly not around to see how the original cast hoofed, put on a great dancing performance.  Three sailors hit the town on a much appreciated shore leave and soon go on a quest to find Miss Turnstile.  The cast dashes through the aisles, bringing the musical numbers right on to the audience’s laps.  The dance numbers are classic Broadway, the songs are terrific, and of course, who among us cannot sings some of the verses of the great On The Town classic: “New York, New York, a helluva town the Bronx is up and the Battery’s down…” The tune is in my head even as I am writing these words.  And I am falling in love with the musical, the singing, the dancing, and the city all over again.  So will you.  It’s a helluva’ play.

 

Art. Theatre.  The Armory on Park Avenue.  The Armory has a vast open space thast, if used effect8ively, makes any piece presented within its walls and high ceiling even more profound.  Philippe Parreno’s music, video, and lights masterpiece does exactly that.  Moving from one location to another, waiting to see what magical piece takes over the space next – a video of an animated Manga figure talking about her life, a slow exploration of a hotel room Marilyn Monroe once occupied, or perhaps a train ride carrying the casket of the assassinated Robert Kennedy though mid America. A piano suddenly comes alive, lights dance on one elevated location, and then another.  Music prances around the room.  The light6as shut off, and then on again.  Philippe Parreno, the artist, says that “the exhibition is conceived as a scripted space.  It certainly is that, and more.  It is a choreography of lights, images, sound, and space.  Each is dependant on each other, to make a single cohesive whole.  It is a dazzling exhibition, sure to get you immersed in the rhytm of the whole production.  Come and be amazed.    

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Food.  Food Fête. Summer 2015. Food Fête is a wonderful show that allows food, beverage and kitchenware companies to exhibit their latest offerings and connect one-on-one with food writers, bloggers, and tweeters. The wonderful goal of the Food Fête organization and founder is to create solid relationships with te media, and through tem the public, that deliver real value. To accomplish that, Food Fête uses its substantial insight to deliver the newest, best-in-class food and beverage products that helps establish new trends, and creates an atmosphere that helps in the discovery of creative, new products as well as the people and companies behind them. This Food Fête followed in the tradition as the media was introduced to kitchen ware, German sharpened cutlery, healthy bread for kids, a new collection of ice cream, lactose free butter and flavored cream cheese, a marvelous selection of olive oil, puddings, California almonds, cookies paired with music, and several healthy granola choices. A few tasty items that stood out were Lovin’ Scoopful Gourmet Light Ice Cream.  Try their Moose Tracks. KozyShack puddings charmed my taste buds.  I liked the chocolate and rice puddings. Challenge lactose free butter spread nicely over my toast. A great exposition of healthy and delicious food presented better with top notch kitchenware. Come.  Eat. Enjoy.                                                                            

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Cider. Pour The Core: A Hard Cider Festival. 2015.  Brooklyn hosted a hard cider festival and showed off some of the finest hard ciders around.  The ciders represented ranged from sweet strawberry and pineapple cider to the more traditional Irish and British cider.  I tasted a few and enjoyed Awestruck, 1911, Original Sin and Standard, to name only a few.  I must say, though festival brought out the choices available for wonderful, tasty brews.  Keep your eyes open for cider shops and drinking establishments to enter the popular culture big time.
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Wine.  Chianti lovers. 2015.  The italians are coming.  Actually, italian wine growers from the chieti region of italy are showing some of their finest wines the wine is rich and robust and, as you would imagine., pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.  There is the more elegant, fragrant wine enjoyed by locals, and the more robust wines, equally enjoyed by the locals and by all.    I spoke with a grower who is the fifth generation growing grapes and making wines on the same plot of land.  1789 was the year they picked their first grapes, and they are going strong,  in fact. The vineyard is collaborating with universities to bring back the grapes that launched their vineyard o0ver 250 years ago.  Much of the robust Chianti wine is wood barrel aged, and the taste comes through with every sip.  With so much history in the Chianti region of italy, every glass tells a story.  Enjoy.
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Food. Food Fête Spring: Health & Wellness. 2015. Food Fête introduces the newest food, beverages and kitchenware products in an intimate setting that allows food writers and food professionals the opportunity to taste the latest offerings and to have meaningful conversations with brand PR professionals and company representatives.  Food Fete is rapidly becoming one of the premier events to introduce new products for the food industry.  In April, Food Fête offers for review products with a strong health & wellness appeal including allergen-free and glycerin-friendly foods.  It is a smorgasbord filled with foodie delight. PBfit, powdered peanut butter, needs a dash of water to transform into a delicious peanut butter that is gluten free, GMO free and makes a great PB and J sandwich for the kids and you.  Freschetta offered up its frozen thin crust pizza, a wonderful 4 cheese (100% real mozzarella, savory asiago, rich fontina and hearty parmesan) standard pizza, and one topped with prosciutto on a nice layer of mozzarella cheese.  It is gluten free.  They use naturally Rising Crust Pizza with no chemical leaveners. Which means the dough rises using real yeast.  I enjoyed a great cup of Trücup Coffee, a low acid coffee that was smooth.  They use a premium blend of Arabica coffee beans then, employing a patented, natural process – only water and steam and no chemicals of any kind – they remove acids that can be harmful to your stomach and create a bitter taste and is easy on the stomach.  Most importantly, it tastes great, so you =can pour yourself another cup.  Food Fête is a delight for the palette.

 

Art. Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Collection at Christies. 2015. Christies, New York, presented to buyers, connoisseurs and collectors the highly regarded collection of fine asian art of a collector, scholar, and dealer who many have labeled the American Mandarin, Robert Hatfield Ellsworth .  Many believe that Ellsworth has made an invaluable contribution to the study and appreciation of Asian art.   His collection included ancient bronzes, Ming furniture, fine jade, modern Chinese painting, and Himalayan, Indian, And Southeast Asian works of art.  Ellsworth was fully immersed in every facet of the Asian art historical canon, in addition to being a skilled and passionate collector. Ellsworth’s many contributions mark him as a great connoisseur-dealer.  His passion and expertise are embodied in his personal collection, considered by many to be one of the greatest assemblages of Asian art in the history of collecting.  ‘I think more like a Buddhist than anything else,’ he once said. ‘I admire and feel sympathetic [to the Asian] attitude that life is not easy and that one should make the best of it.’ Christies offers over 1,400 objects he owned and loved for sale.  The collection is also open for viewing by admirers of Asian art.  Make the time to view this magnificent collection.

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Art.  The Metroplitan Museum of Art.  Asian Art 100. In 2015 the Met is celebrating the centennial of the Met’s department of Asian art.  In the Asian year of the ram, the Met plans to present 19 exhibits and installations for a  year-long celebration of its collections from across Asia.  Some of the exhibitions and installations include: celebration of the year of the ram; sacred traditions of the Himalayas; sumptuous East Asian lacquer, 14th to 20 century; Korea: 100 years of collecting at the met; discovering Japanese art ; American collectors and the Met; the art of Nepal and Tibet; masterpieces of Chinese paintings from the Metropolitan collection; encountering Vishnu: the lion avatar in Indian temple drama.  There are of course other exhibitions that are sure to entice and enchant you.  The Met plans an exhibition of masterpieces of Japanese and Korean art from the renowned Marty Griggs Burke collections.  The objects in the collection span over five millennia and is considered by many one of the finest Japanese collection outside of Japan.  The collection comprises over 1000 pieces of work.  Among the collection are an exceedingly rare medieval Buddhist painting of Shakyamumi, and a gilt wood statue of a Bodhisattva.  It is worth a visit to the The Metroplitan Museum of Art to be enthralled, enamored and completely taken by the Met’s collection is over a 100 years in the making.  The museum is in the heart of New York.
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Art. Sotheby’s.  Asia Week, 2015.  Sotheby’s put on display in its New York location a wide variety of Chinese art, including ancient art, ceramics, paintings & calligraphy.  Also available for auction during Asia Week are Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art.  Among the works on display are a rare blue and white ‘Peony’ jar (Guan) dating from the Yuan dynasty, a Caledon ‘Grain” jar and cover Five Dynasties/Song Dynasty; a rare and important blue and white dish dating from the Ming Dynasty; a rare and important blue and white ‘Dragon’ bowl, a stunning self-portrait of the celebrated artist Amrita Sher-Gil (one of India’s leading female modernists); and an historic 11th century Vajradhatu mandala from Tibet (it is believed that this piece is the earliest known Tibetan mandala ever available for sale. An interesting piece available for sale is a a finely carved celadon jade ‘Taotie’ censer and cover Qing Dynasty, early Qianlong period, presented to Sir Winston Churchill by the county borough of Brighton on October 3, 1947.  All the work will be available for auction, of course.  These fine pieces are also available for viewing by the public during normal business hours.  Enjoy this view of Asian culture.
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Wine.  La Vernaccia di San Gimignano. 2015.  The wonderful Italian wines of San Gimiciano were on display in New York, showcasing some of its fine white and red wines.  According to the regulations, to be considered a Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine, the wine must be mad from vineyards in the designated area of  San Gimignano.  According to the producers in the region, Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine is paired well with Mediterranean cuisine, with an abundance of olive oil.  The wine is also paired with rice and pasta dishes with white sauces.  The wine is excellent with fish dishes and with white meats. I tasted two white wines which I liked, Vernaccia di San Gimignanoi and La Ginestra, Reserva.  While there are subtle differences between them, both would pair well with white meat, fowl, and pasta.  So, open a bottle and enjoy a wonderful wine from an ancient region in Italy that has prided itself on its wine as far back as 1477 when the municipality of San Gimignano appointed two official tasters so that “ne provvedessero del migliore e ben condizionato” (they would procure the best). As far as I’m concerned, they succeeded in their task.
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Art. The Armory Show, 2015. The Armory Show, is one of the a leading international contemporary and modern art fairs and a well established annual art events in New York.  The armory show traditionally showcases many of the most important artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries. An international institution, the show combines a selection of the world's leading galleries displaying works of many of their artists, with an exceptional program of arts events and exhibitions.  The armory show is dividcd into two categories, Contemporary and modern.  Its international collection of galleries includes Blain | Southern (London, Berlin), Marianne Boesky Gallery (New York), James Cohan Gallery (New York, Shanghai), Massimo De Carlo (Milan, London), Sean Kelly (New York), Kavi Gupta (Chicago, Berlin), Kerlin Gallery (Dublin), Galerie Peter Kilchmann (Zurich), Lehmann Maupin (New York, Hong Kong), Lisson Gallery (London, New York, Milan), Victoria Miro (London), Eva Presenhuber (Zurich),Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac (Paris, Salzburg), Jack Shainman Gallery (New York), David Zwirner (New York, London), Metro Pictures (New York), Monitor (Rome), Galerie Nordenhake (Berlin, Stockholm), Regen Projects (Los Angeles), Alan Cristea Gallery(London), James Goodman Gallery (New York), Marlborough Gallery (New York), Mayoral Galeria d’Art(Barcelona), Moeller Fine Art (New York, Berlin), Michael Rosenfeld Gallery (New York), and Galerie Thomas Modern (Munich).  There are, of course, many others.  The art fair also includes conferences, special exhibits and, the Armory Focus, a curated section. Take a stroll down the aisles and enjoy the art. 

During this period, known as Armory week, New York hosts several other fairs, including Scope Art, Pulse New York Independent, and Volta, NY.  All are worth a visit since they display a host of galleries and artists, from emerging to established.  Who knows, you might discover the next Warhol.  

Food.  Food Féte, 2015.  New York was once again host to Food Féte, a showcase of new and emerging food brands that reflect the tastes of the American populace.  This year saw the introduction of several yogurt brands, from Greek Yogurt to Australian style to fruit flavored yogurt sprinkled with Chia.  There were multigrain black bean and pinto chips which are a new line of wholesome tortilla chips. Fresh apples from Washington were on display alongside packaged soups that tasted freshly made.  Romana, golden, cherry and grape tomatoes tasted as though they were picked only moments earlier, while crushed reserve tomatoes, with its deep red color and sweet taste, were offered in jar packaging for storage.  Established shortbread cookies were presented with new, updated recipes.  Food Féte presents these and other food brands in an intimate setting that is conducive to tasting and becoming familiar with these flavorsome offerings.  It is a wonderful way to be introduced to a myriad of tastes, flavors, and recipes that are sure to land on shelves of our food stores as well an on our tables.  Food Féte is a glorious taste-féte that is flavorful, colorful and…so, 
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LIFESTYLE. HOME. NY NOW. 2015.  The 2015 show came to New York displaying over 400 categories and over 2800 suppliers of home goods, gift products and lifestyles goods.  Buyers and attendees feom the 50 states of the U.S.. as well as over 80 countries, make this a truly international hone, liefestyle and handicraft show.  It is a wonderful place for attendees to source and review home products (including tabletops, linens, home furnishings, and textiles), lifestyle products (such as  baby+child, gifts, personal care, and wellness), and handmade products (such as ceramics, textiles, home décor and jewelry).  I like this show because it presents and array of goods and products, occupying much of the space of the massive Javitz Center, which fit any needs.  Walking down the aisles presents a massive array of products that are sure to catch the mind, eye and interest of the over 33,000 attends expected to attend.  Let me point out only a few of the thousands of products that were presented. The GirlieGoGarter©, a wonderful item created by Andy Paige, offers ladies the freedom to run, walk, dance or shop while wearing their iphones, keys, IDs, or other important items in the pockets of their GGG©.  This is a handy alternative to carrying a handbag. The Stump is a tablet stand that comes in various sizes, that can securely hold mobile phones and tablets. Mighty Wallet is made of a virtually tear free Tyvek that is also water and stain resistant.   A neat wallet that fits virtually anywhere. Gina Dambra, a designer, draws dogs and other animals she knows. and stitches those drawings on pillows and other household items.  She has found her textiles in many locations, including Montmartre, France and Brussels, Belgium.  Built® presents its protective insulated products in fashionable designs and shapes.  Sock it to me, a fashion conscious sock company, offers a variety of designs in this growing trend of socks as fashion statement.  Pré de Provence, The Barr Co., and Coastal put a full array of scented soaps on display.  Animal magnets sure to deck out wonderfully any fridge, were showed by Myunghye Kim and her company Paper Russells.

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ART.  Outsider Art Fair. 2015.  Outsider art, or its precursor art brut, or raw art, souhourned in New York recently.  The art, as artist Jean Debuffet said, is made by “persons unscathed by artistic culture…artists [who] derive everything...from their own depths, and not from the conventions of classical or fashionable art."  Outside artists derive from all walks of life, from all cultures, from all age groups, and many of these artists were on display.  On display were European, American, and Japanese outside artists.  The art is vibrant and in many cases, raw, an expression of the artists inner visions, that are not limited by the medium (many did their work on scrap metal, newspapers, and found wood, and used commercial paints rather than  the finely refined paints more traditional artists employed in their works), or education (many were not educated in the arts), or popular movements (most did not follow a trend, school, or popular style as heralded by the art historians or cultural critics).  The art is intensely personal and an indication of the artist’s environment and is their vision of the immediate world.  It is well worth their voyage through the minds of these outside artists, and see the world through their eyes.  It is well worth the journey.

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Wine. Union Des Grande Crus de Bordeaux.  2015.  The union ius a collection of 133 grande cru estates which demand a high level and standard of quality.  This includes Medocs, Pauillacs, Margeauxs, Graves, Sauternes, and Pomerols.   The Bordeaux region in France has a climate which many believe to have a unique environment for wine making. Olivier Bernard says, “a grande wine is made from great fruit that is the natural reflection of its terroir.”  In producing great wines, Olivier Bernard also says, “man’s role is restricted to that of a caretaker.”  The great Bordeauxs make enjoying a glass of wine a true gastronomic experience that should not be missed by anyone who enjoys a good glass of wine with a meal of on its own.  Cheers. 

Art/Crafts.  Ceramics and Glass Fair. 2015.  New York hosted the 2015 Ceramics and Glass Fair which showed off some of the finest European, Asian and American ceramics and glassware.  On view are wonderful products from traditional to avant-garde.  This is the only fair of its kind in te United States and is a place where you can find collectors, dealers and appreciators mingling as they explore the world of ceramics and glassware. Informative lectures are being offered throughout the run of the fair, where such subject to as 18th century ceramic  figures,  glass in the colonial south, export-ware from Jinhdezen (China),  and tips on collecting American glass, among other topics, are discussed.  Handle with care and enjoy.
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Travel.  New York Times Travel Show, 2015.  Do you want to head out to the icy glaciers of the arctic, maybe a safari through the game parks of Namibia or South Africa is more your style?  Perhaps a week in Florida, or a few days exploring New York?  Well, those travel choices and many more are available to you to explore at this year’s travel Show.  Helpful advisers are there to suggest adventure vacations in Africa to relaxing cruises on the Caribbean.  Whatever your choice, a visit to the NYT Travel Show might be just the right place to start.  Bon Voyage.
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Wine. Benvenuto Brunello, 2015.  The magnificent wines of Brunello of Montalcino came to New York and showcased some of their wonderful 2009, 2010 as well as oter vintages,  The consortium is an association between winegrowers who are determined to safeguard the quality of their wines.  The wines they presented this year are rich and wonderfully bold.  The climate in the area is typically Mediterranean, with precipitation mainly during te spring and late autumn months.  Therefore, during te vegetative state of The grape.  The variety of Brunello of Montalcino is Sangiovese (called Brunello in Montalcino, and the wine is typically aged in wood barrels for 2 years.  The climate id typically mild, insuring the gradual and full growth of the grapes.  The Rosso di Montalcino uses a Sangiovese grape variety (called Brunello in Mantalcino).  The 2009 Brunellos I tasted were nice, including thr offerings from Lisini and Villa Le Prata.  Enjoy.
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Clothing.  Liberty Fair/Agenda Fair. 2015.  New Y0ork was host to several clothing fairs including Liberty and Agenda.  The clothing was trendy and exhibited work by young emerging entrepreneurs and well as more established companies.  There were lots of socks making fashion statements, including Odd Sox and 40s & Shorties (who paired their socks with boxers).  I saw an underwear company, Saxx, which showed underwear which sported an ergonomically comfortable pouch.  I also saw a young entrepreneur who brought her leather company, Made In Mayhem to New York.  Her leather goods, using full grain leather, is styled in California, and follows clean, stylish lines.  Stay Focused brought interesting back packs and iphone cases to the city.  All in all, the fairs showed off the latest trends.  Wear the trends. 
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Travel.  Barcelona. December, 2014. Barcelona is a city well worth visiting.  It is a city filled with dualities.  It is an old city that dates back to Roman days, and a vibrant city full of new art, new ideas, and new  traditions.   It is a city where Gaudi’s magnificent architecture stands only a few buildings away from futuristic buildings such as the MACBA (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona).  Classic Buildings, many two, three and four hundred years old have their doors plastered with graffiti art. On grand boulevards, there are monuments that recall the glory of the old days, the kings, queens, explorers and conquerors, alongside a new Spain in a new world. There are retro record stores, retro clothing stores and tattoo shoos next to 1000 year old cathedrals and traditions as old as the Spanish kingdom itself.   There is the square where Columbus is thought to have presented himself to Queen Isabella, and there is the Rambla, the famous walking street filled with people from around the world enjoying the full flavor of this great city.  The Rambla extends from the towering figure of Christopher Columbus staring at the beckoning water to the Plaça Catalunya, a busy square that lays claim to one of the busiest spots in town, the Apple Store. Barcelona is a city full of cafes that populate the many squares and calles that are filled from morning to night with locals and foreigners alike enjoying a dark coffee, a light beer, or glass of wine. You can get a slice of pizza or a tapas anywhere. There are roller boarders skating past literary types. There are Catalonians arguing for independence and there are those who like the country exactly as it is, an integral part of Spain. The old timers don't even raise an eyebrow at the change around them.  This city had, after all, seen change. The old city is divided into areas--The Born, Gotica, and Raval .  There is a neighborhood where many of the art galleries cluster, the Eixample, and there is the Garcia, an old established neighborhood a few kilometers away.  It is a city I planned on visiting for a week or so, and stayed the full three weeks of my time in Europe.   You can get the bug to meander aimlessly around the ancient winding streets of the old districts--don't hesitate from doing so.  It is difficult to get lost in Barcelona. And if you do, what a great place in which to wander with no destination in mind…as Bob Dylan said, "like a rolling stone."
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Food.  Barcelona. December, 2014. And of course, there is the paella.  Many foodies believe that some of the best paella In the world is served here, a city a short distance from Valencia, where the dish paella itself was supposedly invented.  Rather than run down a list of the top 10, let me describe one restaurant I found that offered an incredibly sublime and delicious paella.  Pitarra. More than delicious, the paerlla I had there was magnifico. The well respected Catalan chef, Marc Roig, the recipient of many culinary honors, has certainly mastered the art of the paella.  The restaurant itself is traditional in decor, with a helpful staff who will recommend their favorites, if asked. Pitarra has served kings and presidents, local food aficionados and a handful of tourists who were lucky enough to find this restaurant.  I ate there twice.  Each time I tried a different paella.  The first was a mixed (seafood and meat), and the second. a blend of cod fish and artichoke. They were both subtle and savory.  Believe me when I tell you I wiped the pans clean both times.   I had an incredible Crema de Catalunya (flan) for dessert.  A great meal. A delicious way to taste the best of Barcelona.
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Art.  Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Cubism:  The Lauder Collection.  Many believe that Cubism, the form of art that radically changed the way we see the world, was the most influential srt movement of te earliest twentieth century.  Some of the artists included in the Cubist movement include Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Fernand Leger and George Braque.  Many of their fine works, part of the Leonard A. Lauder collection, are on display at The MMA and are well worth a visit to the grand museum on 5th Avenue. The exhibit is on display until February 16, 2015

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Art. The Salon Art + Design, 2014.  The third annual The Salon Art + Design show opened at the wonderful Park Avenue Armory showing an intriguing collection of design and fine art from around te world.  Showcased are 20th century art, contemporary art, and design from the 1890s to the present.  Also are works of ethnographic art and antiques.    Art appreciators and collectors will be given the opportunity to purchase and create unique interiors for their home.  On display are works presented by galleries from Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam, Korea, Germany and the United States.  Tastes of collators, decorators, and appreciators are considered by the individual galleries present the best they have.  The Salon Art + Design, in its conception, filled a need to sow art and design together, much as the work would be found in homes.  Chairs, tables coupled with fine paintings or sculptures are coupled in homes, and te presentations on display mirror the possibilities of art and design pairing.  The clients for the show typically are collectors, architects, designers, fashionistas, and appreciators.   Tastemakers will be satisfied with the mix or art and design on display.   
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Art. The Guggenheim Museum’s Wang Jianwei, Time Temple. Wang Jianwei is considered one of China’s leading artists of the reform-era and experimental art.  He is also known as an influential writer, thinker and culturist, contributing to public discourse on contemporary Chinese art and culture.  On art, he believe that there is a continuous possibility to show infinite potential and forms of time.   Wang’s work is conceptual, steeped in history and social memory, yet it is grounded in the reality of contemporary every day life in China.    The title Time Temple refers to one of Wang’s main concerns: How one thinks of and experiences time.  For Wang, time is abstract and real, finite and potential, still and in motion.  It is certain and uncertain, linked to his observation of contemporary of Chinese society and resistance to absolute ideologies.  The exhibition contains an instillation of paintings and sculptures, a film, and live performances.  Take the time to visit the Guggenheim Museum to view this interesting exhibit.
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Art. E/AB Fair ’14.  The Editions/Artists’ Books Fair (E/AB) is New York’s showcase for contemporary publishers and dealers, is run as a nonprofit organization, intending to introduce to a broad public a wide range of contemporary prints, multiples, and artist’s’ books. The fair gather and sows works from over 40 exhibitors from around the US, and Europe and is being held at the recently renovated Art Beam building in New York’s Chelsea. The fair is relatively informal, allowing for easy access to the prints, printmaking processes, and the artists themselves.  Exhibitors come from around the country and from abroad, from Bloomington, Illinois to Paris, France, to Johannesburg, South Africa.  You should be there too.
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Food. FoodFete 2014.  Food Fête is a boutique boutique foodie event that introduces food public relation and marketing professionals to food writers. Food professionals user the opportunity to showcase their newest food, beverage and kitchenware products through meaningful conversations with writers.  Since its introduction, Food Fête has endeavored to become a prime press event for launching new products to the food media. Some products I enjoyed were Little Miracles™,a UK based organic tea, Addies, an LA based  cakes company that a fine Lemon Ice Box Pie, Niman Ranch humanely raised pulled pork, wonderful 34° crackers and some colorful eco-friendly straws.  Shady Brook Farms® presented their turkey in an elegant format -- soup in a shot glass followed by a single bite of turkey salad.  Delicious
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Wine.  VIniPortugal, Wines of Portugal, 2014.  Portugal offers up some distinguished wines, many from vineyards that have maintained the same ownership for hundreds of years.  The cultivation of wine in this region of Europe extends back to the Roman period so, it can be said with a certain amount of confidence, this is not these vineyards' first stab at the gold ring.  One of my favorite wines at the Duoros, from the steeped, terraced vineyards north of Portugal.  Rich and robust, with a mouthful of tanens , the taste of this fine wine lingers on your pallet. The Duoro region was deemed an appellation and helped introduce the wine as a regional, quality wine.  The grape growers and winemakers of this region consider themselves to be makers and guardians of a valuable and undue treasure.  Duoro is one of over 250 varieties of grape which makes winemaking in Portugal a wonderful location in which to enjoy a fine glass of wine.  While there are so many single varieties of wine, most Portugese wibnes are based on a combination of grape varieties.  These wines are ready to be enjoyed by you.
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Wine.  Great Wines. Simply Italian. 2014.   The Simply Italian/ Wines of Italy events in New York Chicago and other wine enjoying capitals of te world,  allows Italian wine producers the opportunity to present their wine products to the international markets. There is an increased demand for Italian wines on the world market, and the Simply Italian/Wines of Italy event lets buyers and wine enthusiasts enjoy walk around tastings, relevant seminars, and guided tastings.  Wines at the event represent such distinct locations in Italy as Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany, Lombardy, Venezia and Romagna.  The wines ranged in cost, color, and taste, making this event a wonderful opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines.  A sampling of te wines I tasted included the red Quartosola Riserva 2011 and a 2008 Augusto, and the Savardo Pinot Grigio.  Rich and tasteful.  Enjoy a glass.

 

 

Art. Asia Art Fair 2014.  New York hosted the Asia Art Fair at the historic Bohemian National all, and showed off a collection of contemporary artists alongside traditional; classical Asian art.  A few of the contemporary artists rely on their traditional Chinese culture to create their work.  Cui Fei, for example, creates work that resembles characters from Chinese calligraphy, as does Zheng Lianjie.  The classical art on display included ceramics, ancient Buddhas from Tibet, Nepal, and China, as well as beautiful tapestries.  Take a stroll along contemporary and classical Asian art.
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Food.  Jonty  Jacobs.  I found  a wonderful South African outpost in New York, Jonty Jacobs.  The small, inviting shop offers foodies a taste of some of that country’s favorite food.   I tasted the biltong.  You can find biltong in the traditional manner, lean or spicy.  You can get it in chunks, shredded or thin cut.  What would a South African shop be without droewors (dried beef sausage), boerewors (South-African style sausage), or sosaties (marinated and skewered meat).  Stop into this small shop and find a taste of South Africa in New York.                                                                          

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Words. BookExpo America (BEA),  BEA returned to New York’s Javitz Center and displayed a full array of books that are, or will soon, be available to the public.  Large publishers and boutique publishers offered many of its authors for signings and conversations to booksellers, librarians, educators, and to other book professionals.  Some of the authors and speakers on hand included Tavis Smiley, Neil Patrick Harris, and Carl Hiaasen.  Exhibitors and buyers discussed digital publishing, marketing in a new and changing economy, the children’s and young adult markets, and other aspects of the publishing world.  But what kept the aisles full and bussing throughout the three days of the expo were the words and the writers who so ably crafted them.  Read a book.
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Wine. Spanish Wine Cellar 2014.  New York hosted a collection of marvelous Spanish wines from diverse wine regions, including Do La Mancha, Do Jumilla, Do Valencia, and Doca Rioja.   I tasted some excellent wines, including a 2005 Clos Monileo and a 2010 Herencia de Llanomingomez. Many of the other wines I tasted were robust and were also excellent.  The wines presented were represented many of the great wine producers from 18 different regions of Spain.  I must disclose that I limited myself to red wines, and therefore did not taste the whites or sparkling wine offerings.  Try for yourself and taste some of Spain’s excellent offerings.
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Wine.  Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione, 2014. Chianti Classico DOCG covers 172,900 acres, with a total vineyard area of 24,700.  There are 17,784 acres registered as Chianti Classico which produces approximately 35 million bottles of wine annually.   The territory covered for Chianti Classico lies between Florence and Sienna. Recently, a new type of Chianti Classico, are wines produced exclusive, with grapes from single vineyards.  Under the new regulations, wines of Chianti classic can be marketed only if certifies by the pertinent oversight organization.  The wines I tasted were excellent, robust and wonderful to the taste.  The grapes are carefully selected and possess a superior balance, a depth of flavor and aromatic complexity.  The palette is treated to an immediacy of fruit and tastes typical of wines that develop over many years.  Some standouts that have a fascinating story connected to a few of the wine producers include Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Colonia 2009 which, I am told, produces only 300 bottles, and  Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio 2010, which has been in the same family for over 900 years.  Enjoy a glass of any Chianti Classico.  
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Art.  Whitney Museum, 2014.  The Whitney museum of American Art opened a Jeff Koon retrospective that highlights many of Koons’ works that span his three decades as one of America’s better known artists.    Koons is certainly a popular, controversial and important artist who as pioneered new approaches to art, bridging mass culture with advanced art.  He has created, over is career, some of the most indelible icons of contemporary art including One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (1985), Rabbit (1986), Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988), and Balloon Dog (1994-2000).  His work elevated familiar objects (toys, basketballs, balloons, vacuum cleaners), from the mundane to the exceptional, showing off the popular culture in which we live.  Stop by and enjoy the art.
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Food.  Food Fete, 2014.  I stumbled upon a marvelous food show the other day and was pleasantly surprised by the intimacy, and choice of food and beverage Food Fete offered. There were 20 or 25 presenters offering a wide selection of deserts, select sodas, pastas and snacks.  Many of the exhibitors showcased their newest food, beverage and kitchenware products. The place was crowded with foodies and professionals who engaged in meaningful social interactions and tasted to their delight.  Bon appétit.  
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Wine. Cru Bourgois, New York, 2014. The French are coming.  French wine, that is.  The other day a wine tasting introduced New York to the 2010 vintage of Margeaux. Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Haute Medoc and Medoc, all well respected wines.  Many of the wines exhibited a delicate blend of approachable tannins that made, for me, this tagging an enjoyable event.  For all appreciators of fine wine, and for those being introduced to the delectable taste of wine, the wines of the Cru Bourgeois are magnificent representatives of France’s well known product.  
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Wine. Loire Valley Wines, 2014.  Loire valley wines took over the tasting world in NY and offered a wide selection of Chenins, Sauvignons, Gamays, Pinot Noirs, and sparkling Chardonnays, to name just a few.    The Loire valley region in France is considered one of the most diverse wine region s and offer a wide variety of characteristics including moderate alcohol, refreshing acidity and minerality making these Loire valley wines excellent to accompany, not overtake, food.  As an added boost the supporting wines from this region, UNESCO added the Loire Valley to its World Heritage List in 2000.  En joy a glass.

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Design. 13th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show, 2014. Design conscious professionals and aficionados came together at the 13th Architectural Digest Home Design Show.  All manners of design, meant to inspire and motivate shoppers and decorators, is on view.  Customers can shop for products for the home. They can view the global influences, unique craftsmanship, and the newest products. There are educational programs and presentations by industry leaders. The shpw offers thousands of products, more than 300 brands, lectures hosted by Architectural Digest, Keynote presentation by the Architectural Digest Editor in Chief, seminars presented by The New York Times, and theater programming presenting panels of talent from the design world. There are daily events, book signings, cocktail receptions, and culinary demonstrations.  Stop by and re-imagine your home.
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Events. coffee and tea festival, 2014.  new york was host to more than 60 coffee and tea exhibitors from around the world as they poured tastings of their signature coffees and teas. thousands of visitors were introduced to new and award-winning products. this international festival celebrates all things coffee and tea and offers, in addition to tastings and possibilities to purchase coffee and tea to take home, educational and informational programs from industry pros.  some of the coffee roasters included boston’s own boston strong, long island’s roast, and new york’s hiline. the festival also features delectable sweet and savory foods to pair with the broad collection of coffees and teas. what’s more fun than a day with your favorite barista?  a day with a room full of baristas. enjoy the day.
 

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Art.  Volta, 2014.  Launched in 2008, VOLTA NY has established a beach head in NY as an invitational art show featuring emerging solo artists’ projects.  It is a finely-focused, art event that is a popular showcase for contemporary art.  By refocusing on solo-artist projects, VOLTA New York offers fair-goers the opportunity to explore deeply the work of its invited gallerists and artists and therefore presents possibilities for new and ex citing discoveries. VOLTA  galleries typically choose to work with exciting emerging artists. The venue for VOLTA is  the airy loft in the popular SoHo neighborhood, offering the visitor a downtowns NY experience.  VOLTA presents gallerists, curators, artists and collect ors an in depth view of individual artists that some have described as favorably as an private studio visit.  S[, come to SOHO and see some art.

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Coffee.  CoffeeFest 2014.  The aroma of coffee and tea invaded New York when many coffee and tea suppliers, distributors and makers offered their products to business people and lovers of coffee and tea.  Coffee Fest has gathered coffee professionals together focusing on specialty coffee, gourmet tea and alternative beverages With a mission to help attendees build and refine their specialty coffee businesses, they pair educational programs with informative and enjoyable offerings to the specialty coffee and related industries. Coffee Fest consistently provides retailers and guests with relevant information to hone their business skills.  In addition to gourmet coffee and tea, the Fest also offers delicious cakes (taste the sweet potato cake), cookies, useful products (eco friendly serving glasses, for example).  Com’on by and take a sip.
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Art.  Asia Week 2014.  New York City hosted art galleries, dealers and collectors from around the world as Asia Week unfurled in earnest.  Auction houses, including Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Bonman’s, offered their many prized artifacts to the public.  On display were Tsangas, Buddhas of all sizes, calligraphies and other art works that always stand out as magnificent works of talent and dedication.  Many pieces have survives hundreds of years and afre reminders of the capacity of humans to create magnificent works of dedication and art.

Art.  The Armory Show 2014.  The latest version of the Armory Show opened in New York on March 6th, and once again hosted an impressive collection of international galleries and artists.  There are over 200 galleries from 29 countries exhibiting an array of established and emerging modern and contemporary works. The Armory Show will devote a special section of Pier 94 to a curated exhibition of contemporary art from China entitled Armory Focus: China. The fair will also launch the inaugural edition of Armory Presents, a new section devoted to solo and dual artist presentations by galleries less than ten years old. The fair is divided into two main sections. The Armory Show – Contemporary, housed on Pier 94, welcomes such galleries as David Zwirner (New York, London), Sprüth Magers Berlin London (Berlin, London), Galleria Continua (San Gimignano, Beijing, Le Moulin), Kerlin Gallery (Dublin), Lehmann Maupin (New York, Hong Kong), James Cohan Gallery (New York, Shanghai), and Zach Feuer Gallery (New York).  The Armory Show – Modern on Pier 92 is dedicated to international dealers specializing in historically significant 20th century works. Exhibitors include Marlborough Gallery (New York), Pace Prints (New York), Michael Rosenfeld Gallery (New York), Maxwell Davidson Gallery (New York), and Mayoral Galeria d’Art (Barcelona). The Armory Show also includes a city-wide program of cultural events and exhibitions, including. Once again, the fair will comprise an acclaimed VIP program, the engaging Open Forum discussion series. This year marks the inaugural edition of Armory Presents on Pier 94, a section of the fair formerly dedicated to single artist presentations exhibited by young galleries. Armory Presents has broadened the scope of the original mission to provide exposure to the work of newly established galleries by granting additional display space and prominence to the section on-site. Additionally, projects will now include the work of up to two artists curated to reflect the nuanced programming of these cutting-edge international galleries.  The curated section of The Armory Show on Pier 94 highlights the gallery and artistic landscape of a chosen geographic region. The Armory Focus will highlight China’s contemporary cultural scene. China’s Xu Zhen has been chosen as the 2014 Commissioned Artist, a “chameleon of concept," who has built an extensive body of work that includes video, installation, performance, and photography.  Come, enjoy art at the Armory.
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Art. Scope Art Fair, 2014.  Under the guidance of Kathelijne De Backer, Director of Exhibitor Services, formerly the guiding hand at the Armory Show, Scope Art Fair opened its New York show on March 6, 2014.  SCOPE is a premier showcase for international emerging contemporary and multi-disciplinary art. SCOPE offers an excellent opportunity to review some of the world’s innovative galleries, artists and curators, The SCOPE Art Show 2014 in New York is a wonderful window into contemporary art.  Come.  Enjoy. 

 

 

Art. The International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA.  2013.  The IFPDA once again came to New York with a wide array of works on paper, including prints, photographs and original fine art.  The galleries heralded from New York, California, London, Paris, and displayed work from contemporary and historical figures, including American, British and Japanese artists.  The prints included examples of fine contemporary work as well as old master prints. The members of the IFPDA include gallerists, dealers, and publishers, and are committed to the highest education standards as well as promoting high business standards.   This fair is considered by many to be the largest art fair dedicated to fine prints and the work on display prove that it is not only one of the largest but one of the best.  Take a walk around the IFPDA and there is a good chance you will find something, within all price ranges, that you would be proud to hang in your wall.
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China Art.  Beijing Art Galleries.  I returned to Beijing December 2012-January 2014, to have discussions with gallerists and art dealers to discuss their expansion goals.  It is interesting to note that many see their future beyond the borders of China.  The contemporary Chinese art market is large and is growing but, seems to have leveled off.  They, like other contemporary art gallerists and dealers see their future in the global market place.  We discussed joint ventures, both as physical brick and mortar galleries and as digital dealers.  These conversations were continuations of conversations launched during my last visit to China and are continuing discussions to see how we can work together in the global market, even as I am in discussions to join an existing New York City gallery that has been in business for over 20 years.  It is very exciting, and I am looking forward to forward thinking conversations.  The galleries in Beijing I visited where in the 798 Art District, a series of reconfigured and restructured lofts and deserted factories that have been converted into art spaces.  The art spaces include jewelry stores, furniture and decorator shops and many galleries. The galleries include traditional galleries exhibiting traditional Chinese art and ceramics, Decorator paintings and sculptures, established art, and emerging art.  The spaces ranged from vast open loft galleries to small spaces on multiple levels that required the visitor to climb steps to view the multiple shows.  Others were the size of shoe boxes while others were traditional sizes.  The art, in general was good, and fits the multiple needs of the visitor,  The 798 Art District was on the outskirts if an expanding Beijing, requiring an expensive cab fare or a few hours on public transportation but the galleries were full an d was a popular place for foreigners and local Chinese citizens,  A fine place, indeed.
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Art.  The BMW Guggenheim Lab, 2013.   The BMW Guggenheim Lab (“LAB”)is a mobile laboratory that is interested in urban architecture, life and the intermingling of the two.  The LAB began as a co-venture of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the BMW Group.  The LAB is art urban think tank, part community center and part public gathering space, that explores new ideas, and promotes experimentation, resulting in the creation of forward-thinking visions and projects for city life. The LAB, though is global project, explores how people relate to cities and public space.  
A global project, the LAB was launched in New York in 2011, and has since traveled to Berlin and Mumbai. The project is concluding with an exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum from October 11, 2013, to January 5, 2014). Titled Participatory City: 100 Urban Trends from the BMW Guggenheim Lab, the spotlights major themes and ideas, emanating from a global roster of architects, academics, designers, and artists, that emerged from LAB projects originating in each of its three locations. Visit the Guggenheim Museum on 89th Street and Fifth Avenue and take a walk through the streets and neighborhoods highlighted in the LAB.  It shows the city in a different, and most inviting, light
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Art. Asian Art at the Auction Houses 2013.  Christies, Sotheby’s and Bonham’s have wonderful works of traditional art from China, Japan and South East Asia that offer glimpses into the traditional lives iof people from those areas, including marvelous tsankas, wall hangings depicting the lives of the Buddha and monks, and bronze and stone Buddhas.  

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Art.  Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).  September 2013.  Magritte.  MOMA opens a wonderful show  exploring the surrealist years of the influential artist Magritte, during the 1920s and 1930s.  His goal in many of the works on display was, in his words, to “make everyday objects shriek out loud.”  He was an important member, during those years, of the Surrealist movement and his works contributed much to the movement’s rise and popularity.  The shows offers the viewers over 80 paintings, collages, photographs, and objects from MOMAs collections as well as selected works held in private collections.  His objectivism in many of the works, was to overthrow the oppressive rationalism of the bourgeois society (as he saw it), and did so often by misnaming objects, doubling and repeating objects, use of mirrors,  and visions seen in incomplete states.  Some of the works on display include The Menaces Assassin, The Treachery of Images, and The Rape.  This is an important exhibit that should not be missed,
   
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Event. China.  A business trip to China can prove to be eye opening as far as opportunities are concerned.  During a recent trip during the summer of 2012, it was interesting to meet business leaders in Hangzhou, a medium sized city around 400 kilometers from Shanghai, as well as cultural and art executives in Shanghai itself.  The attorneys and business directors I met were receptive to opportunities, including art and media in Hangzhou, and manufacturing in Shanghai.  I found them to be hospitable, generous with their time, and wonderful hosts.  The attorneys and business leaders hosted a dinner in a fine restaurant that showed off a marvelous culinary display of local and traditional food.  We discussed the district’s interest in expanding its business based and were looking forward to future discussions and business trips I, as well as others, would lead. Shanghai is a thriving world class city that is home to many art galleries and artists looking to reach beyond their national borders.  Chinese art is becoming more popular and is being collected by international collectors and museums worldwide.  I visited several galleries in the famous M50 area, a section of Shanghai known for its wonderful grouping of highly respected art galleries.  M50 at 50 Moganshan Lu, The Shanghai Municipal Art Community, is a collection of art galleries and artist studios year long exhibitions from emerging and established artists, some even with worldwide recognition.  Led by local contemporary artist Xue Song, Ding Yi, Qu Fengguo, Wang Xingwei set up studios there.   One of M50’s founding galleries is Art Scene Warehouse, in Building 4. Also, the ShanghiArt Gallery and BizArt Center are there and have garnered a high reputation the galleries, In addition to art galleries, M50 hosts  design institutes, architect firms, film and TV production firms, environmental design institutes and jewelry design institutes. M50  has an excellent reputation internationally. Discussed were opportunities to expand Chinese galleries, and the reach of individual Chinese artists, to the US and elsewhere.  Also discussed were opportunities to expand cultural news received from China, as well as expanding business opportunities to and from China.  The country is a vast market with many people eager and ready to explore their newly found economic freedom.  This business trip was most enlightening and beneficial. The opportunities are there, in the business realm of manufacturing, and in the introduction of products and services. China is continuing its economic growth, and will continue to be an economic leader for years to come. I found this business trip most enlightening.  In the meantime, I think an exploratory business and cultural visit to China, to its cities and provinces, leaving plenty of time to visit its cultural and art, is worthwhile. 
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Books. BookExpo America 2013(BEA). BookExpo America (BEA) is the one of the leading events in the North American publishing industry and a favorite for New York book lovers.  BEA is the ideal place for writers, content creators as they are known in the business), and consumers to discover new books, meet new and established authors, learn about trends shaping the book industry, and network with publishers, authors, publicists, book sellers, agents and book lovers. Authors will present their books and sign copies for those who have the patience to wait on line. This is such a popular show, that autograph lines begin forming a while before the author even shows up. Some of the authors include Brad Meltzer,  Jonathan Stroud, Mary Higgins Clark, R.L. Stine, and basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabar.  Of course, this is the prime location for new and emerging authors’ to make their presence known to booksellers, the media, librarians and to the reading public.  It is a wonderful event and clearly demonstrates that books, whether on paper, digital, audio or even as a graphic rendering, arte alive and sell. Soppoort the book.
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Furniture. NYC Design Week. New York hosted the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), and opened the doors of many of its studios at design centers, as furniture designers opened their doors, and showed off their wares, to designers and interested New Yorkers.  Form living room furniture to bathroom fixtures, from kitchen gadgets to rugs and tiles, New York was abuzz with what’s new, and what’s classic, in furniture design.  Go, pick out what you want in your living room from the showrooms and designers.   
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Art.  Affordable Art Fair, 2013. The Affordable Art Fair opened in New York to mass crowds walking the aisles of gallery after gallery displaying many works of art that are geared to be affordable to the typical collector as well as to the beginner.  More than 80 galleries from around the world were showcased over 2 floors, highlighting established artists, such as Damien Hirst, as well as emerging artists.  Also on display were students’ work from The School of Visual Arts and the Art Student League.  As the director of the fair, Critstina Salmastrelli, says, “have fun, and fall in love with art.”
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Art.  SpringShowNYC.  The third edition of the art and antiques show took over Park Avenue in New York City, putting an incredible array of antiques, fine art, decorative arts and estate jewelry for the pleasure of collectors, dealers and appreciates.  There were beautiful estate silver pieces alongside ruby and diamond bracelets just down the aisle from early American paintings and fine European desks and chairs.  All the pieces blended together wonderfully and made the experience a wondrous delight most pleasing to the eye.  Collectors were delighting in the selection, as were people who simply came for the sights.  Take a visit to this show and enjoy the offerings.

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Art.  African and Oceanic week.  For appreciators of African, Pre-Columbian and Oceanic art, artifacts, and cultural objects, this is a great week to be in New York.  The auction houses are holding their traditional sales and have some marvelous pieces in display.  In conjunction with these sales, many local galleries, in conjunction with international galleries, have teamed up to put their African and Oceanic artifacts on display.  A group of gallerists and private dealers are showing their work on Madison Avenue, while the AOA, American Oceanic Americas Fair, along with Tribal Art New York, have taken over an iconic New York location.  They are showing some wonderful pieces from different tribal groups, people, and locales, such as the Baule people, the Republic of Congo, the Songye people, the Hemba people, Papua New Gunea…I can go on and on.,  The work in magnificent and well worth the trip, whether you are a buyer or a collector.  Enjoy the stroll through parts of the world’s culture.

 

 

Art Event. The Armory Art Fair, 2013. This week, The Armory Show, a leading international contemporary and modern art fair and one of the most important annual art events in New York, opened to much fanfare and delight from the New York and international art scene.  The Armory Show is showcasing many significant artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries, under its modern and contemporary divisions.  The air also hosts a program of arts events, films, educational panels and tours to the homes of private collectors during the celebrated Armory Arts Week.  The Armory is also presenting on-site curated projects including a tower of Brillo boxes by artist Charles Lutz, Babel (Brillo Stockholm Type), 2013); Dave Cole’s Flags of the World, 2008; The Andy Warhol Museum’s Factory Film Portraits, a screen-test room that allows visitors to experience Andy Warhol’s famous methods of portraiture for themselves; and a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of the 1913 Armory Show.  The fair was introduced by Mayor Bloomberg and welcomed more than 60,000 visitors during its five day run. Over 210 galleries from more than 30 countries, including leading international dealers such as David Zwirner, Gagosian Gallery, Lisson Gallery, Marianne Boesky Gallery, and Galerie Eva Presenhuber, exhibited alongside emerging newcomers. The fair pulled in major US and internationally-based museum groups including The Art Institute of Chicago; The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia; Miami Art Museum; Los Angeles County Museum 

 

Art/LACMA; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Palais de Tokyo, Paris; American and International Patrons of the Pinakothek, Munich; Rijksakademie voor beeldende kunsten, Amsterdam; The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; and The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Come and enjoy the art.

 

Events. Coffee & Tea Festival NYC 2013.    Walking through the historic 69th Regiment Armory, I was instantly greeted with the warm and comfortable scent of coffee and tea brewing from the stands of over 75 exhibitors who ranged from international companies such as Illy to startups, such as Golden Era Coffee of Queens, NY.  There were seminars on Coffee ceremonies originating in Ethiopia to the health aspects of coffee and tea.  There were lectures on the business aspects of starting a coffee or tea business and tried and true methods to brew coffee.    I love this event and think it’s one of the best events in NY.  Of course, I’m a coffee and tea fan.  Chances are, so are you.

 

Wine.  Drink Ribera.  Drink Spain.  Ribera del Duero vineyards are located In Spain’s northern plateau and extends over four provinces of the wine rich Mediterranean country.  Ribera mean river bank, and is defined in geographic terms, the Duero River Valley.  The wines benefit from the diversity of soil deposited by the river.  The main grape in the region is Tempranillo, is an early ripening grape, and is characterized by short growing seasons that produce a well-balanced red wine. Go to your local restaurant or wine shop and taste a Cosecha, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva or Rosasdo.  

 

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Wine. Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc.   Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc  tasted as sampling of its wines in NY, represented by its prestigious appellations in Bordeaux including Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Listrac-Médoc,, Margaux, and Pauillac. The wines are of the highest quality.  The feeling behind the NY and US tour was to cultivate an understanding and appreciation for these French wines in the U.S..  Tasting these wines will certainly not disappoint.  Cheers.

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Art Event. The Armory Art Fair, 2013. This week, The Armory Show, a leading international contemporary and modern art fair and one of the most important annual art events in New York, opened to much fanfare and delight from the New York and international art scene.  The Armory Show is showcasing many significant artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries, under its modern and contemporary divisions.  The air also hosts a program of arts events, films, educational panels and tours to the homes of private collectors during the celebrated Armory Arts Week.  The Armory is also presenting on-site curated projects including a tower of Brillo boxes by artist Charles Lutz, Babel (Brillo Stockholm Type), 2013); Dave Cole’s Flags of the World, 2008; The Andy Warhol Museum’s Factory Film Portraits, a screen-test room that allows visitors to experience Andy Warhol’s famous methods of portraiture for themselves; and a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of the 1913 Armory Show.  The fair was introduced by Mayor Bloomberg and welcomed more than 60,000 visitors during its five day run. Over 210 galleries from more than 30 countries, including leading international dealers such as David Zwirner, Gagosian Gallery, Lisson Gallery, Marianne Boesky Gallery, and Galerie Eva Presenhuber, exhibited alongside emerging newcomers. Come and enjoy the art.
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Events. New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). Okay, so you’re interested in a stapler without staples, hand-made scarves, upside down plants, another Christmas ornament, or any one of the thousands of gifts you might find in your local store, you should wander around the Javitz Center for the 2013 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).  Each aisle is filled with interesting products some made in Brooklyn, others from Russia, England or other locales.  A few that I liked this year from a practical point of view were artist inspired durable wallets by paperwallet and neoprene sleeves by Built.  Thin, lightweight and long lasting, these products hit to spot.  Take a walk through the displays at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) and enjoy the selection.
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Art.  Outsider Art Fair. Art is not always created by trained professionals with art degrees, studios and professionally mounted canvasses.  Sometimes art is created by people without the degrees, without the studios but with the passion, compulsion, to create.  Their canvasses may be cartons, discarded sheet metal, found wood, and their paint is usually household paint rather than expensive tubes of high quality paints with exotic names, to be applied by handmade brushes.  These creators, most self taught and self motivated, are outside artists, and have generated enough fans and followers to launch art galleries and fill art fairs.  With creators like Purvis Young, Randall Morris, Henry Darger, Thornton Dial, Michel Nedjar, and Jimmy Lee Sudduth, just to name a few, Outsider artists have become highly desired collectables and outsider art, a s a worldwide movement, is here to stay.  Enjoy the raw emotion and art of this group of talented people.
 

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Event.  The New York Ceramics Fair.  New York City is hosting The New York Ceramics Fair where historical and contemporary porcelain, pottery and glass are on proud display. Collectors, appreciators and the curious are invited to walk the aisles and view antique Chinese cups and saucers, Chinese export porcelain, English Staffordshire pottery and figures, and contemporary ceramic art.  The collection on display will make any home more engaging.  It is being held at the historic Bohemian National Hall on the Upper East Side.  Walk in and take a look.

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Event.  The Metro Show.  The Metro Show offers art appreciators, collectors and occasional buyers the chance to view and purchase from a wide array of art, from the most contemporary pieces to folk art and even the more eclectic outsider art.  The art fair draw no boundaries between the various disciplines among the arts and places the pieces on display close enough to each pother that you realize there is a harmonious blend between them that binds the arts together like one elastic string.  Fine art, folk art and the decorative arts are segments of a field that blend together beautiful synchronicity.  Enjoy.

 

Event. Travel Show. The New York Times hosted the tenth year of The Travel show which highlights the worldwide array of destinations available for adventure, family, and traditional sightseeing.  African safaris, Indonesia’s Bali, Thailand Chiang Mai and Bangkok, China tours from Beijing to Shanghai and long the Yangtze river, were proudly on display, along with Ecuador, Costa Rica and tee Antarctic (don’t miss the penguins who fascinated adults and children who huddled close for a picture with the popular guests).  Of course, not to be outdone, Americas own destination spots, from Miami, through Delaware and the various counties of New York State were represented.  Take a trip and see your country and your world.   

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Event.  The International Motorcycle Show.  Grab your helmet, put on your heavy boots, slide into your leather jacket, and tell your spouse you’ve got a great day planned.  The rumble you hear outside tells you that many of your friends have the same plans for the day.  The International Motorcycle Show roared into Javitz Center and have hundred of bikes on display.  Indians, Kawasakis, Hondas, Ducattis and Harley Davidson show off their standard and custom colors and designs to thousand of motorcycle riders and fans who stream into the city for this yearly event.  Pick up a t-skirt or some leather gloves, a new helmet or a patch, since all sorts of clothing and paraphernalia are also on display.  Bike fans, that rolling thunder you hear is rumbling to the motorcycle show.  Join the pack.

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Art. International Fine Print Dealers Association (ifpda).  The ifdpa has moved into New York’s historic Armory on 67th street and Park Avenue for its 25th year.  The corridors of the fair were filled with dealers, galleries and publishers who specialize in fine art prints.  The representative members hail from all parts of the world, and have put their finest inventory on display.  For beginners, as well as experienced collectors, the ifpda is worth the visit.  

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Books.  ThrillerFest 2012.  Okay.  You’ve been sitting in front of your computer for months, squeezing out word after word of your thriller.  Maybe you have been thinking about this novel for years and finally have committed to writing it or maybe you’ve recently got the bug.  Well, get yourself away from your computer for a few days and head over to ThrillerFest.  These few days are packed with published authors who share with you some of the secrets and insights that helped them get published.  They share tips on how to draft the thriller novel, how to write the villain’s journey, depth of character, page turning techniques. page turning technique, to mention only a few classes.  And to have R.L. Stine and Ken Follet as special guests is quite the added incentive for any up and coming writer.  Write on!!   

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Theatre.  Once.  A musical that made it up the theater ranks from small stages all the way up to Broadway. Once is bitter-sweet, sweet and contemplative.  The theme is universal.  Guy and Gal (yes, that’s their names) meet in Dublin and realize there’s magic in their encounter.  They make great. even memorable, music together.  And, how about romance?  Go see the play to see the result of their encounter.  The play employs song and dance to express their complex feelings.  The performers are also the musicians, so there is a synergy among all the people on the stage, whether they are playing an instrument or playing a character.  The songs stay with you long after you leave the theatre, including such crowd pleasers as “When Your Mind’s Made Up” and “Falling Slowly.”  Enjoy a night of sweet music on Broadway.
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Books.  BookExpo America (BEA).  The written word is alive and well.  Words on paper are not relegated to the dinosaur status. BookExpo America (BEA) arrived in New York and will include major author readings as well as smaller events at libraries in the NYPL system and chain and independent bookstores throughout New York City.  Author/celebrities such as Stephen Colbert and Kristie Alley as well as bestselling authors such as Michael Chabon and Jo Nesbo spoke to sell out crowds of book sellers and aspiring authors.  The aisles at the Javitz Convention Center brimmed with book sellers searching for the next best seller as publishers fought hard to figure out how to remain a vital aspect of the cultural lives of society as the digital age is taking a firm hold of the reader’s and writer’s reality.  Ebook sales have been growing steadily and book publishers and sellers are rapidly figuring out how to adapt to this changing environment.  As a big supporter of books, a believer in the positive gifts a good read offers the reader, I support reading, whatever the format---digital or ol’ reliable paper.  
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Art.  Tribal Art.  New York City was host to international galleries, collectors, dealers and auctions specializing in African tribal, oceanic and pre-Colombian objects.  Walking through the collection of showcase, you are introduced to, among others  Bamana zigzag figures from Mali, Kota Reliquary figures from Gabon, a Lega ivory mask, a Bidjobo mask, a Sunofo figure from the Ivory Coast, and Lutwa helmet masks and Kuba figures from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Artists have long been fascinated with African objects, including Picasso, Matisse and Arman.  Many were fascinated by the pure artistic beauty of these works and often were early collectors.  you will be too.  
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Theatre. Cobu.  Cobu. A Live Rhythm Performing Arts Group was founded in New York City in 2000 by a veteran of the highly successful theatrical piece, Stomp.  Cobu combines traditional Japanese Taiko drumming and a distinctive New York funk beat, tap dancing, fan dancing and Japanese singing.  I happened upon the group quite by chance and was immediately enchanted by their sound, their beagt and their mesmerizing appeal.  Their motto is ““Dance Like Drumming, Drum Like Dancing” and I can guarantee you that they live up to these words.  Cobu uses traditional Japanese drums, pounding the skins and the rims of the large drums with bachi (sticks), creating an enchanting rhythm.  Traditionally, the taiko was used to inspire ancient Japanese warriors to go into battle with victory on their mind.  the all girl group can certainly inspire warriors with their beat and, most assuredly, are warriors themselves  The loud applause and resounding hoots from the audience signified the crowd’s appreciation of this wonderful theatre group.
                 

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Art.  Frieze Art Fair. The Frieze Art Fair, London’s showcase for modern and contemporary art, opened its first season in New York with a spectacular collection of art, sounds and spectacles at Randall’s Island, off the East River.  Attendees took the ferry across the New York waters and were greeted by a fanfare of sculpture, paintings and objects that were displayed in a spacious environment that was appealing ands conducive to dealers, collectors and art appreciators who flocked to ther art fair.  Frieze New York presents the most forward-thinking galleries from around the globe, bringing an international focus to the dynamic contemporary art scene in New York.  Visitors to Frieze saw work by over 1,000 of the world’s leading artists, while experiencing Frieze Projects, the fair’s program of artists’ commissions, and Frieze Talks, a program of debates, discussions and lectures. Frieze New York is housed in a structure designed by New York-based SO-IL.

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Art. Art and Antique Dealers League of America (AADLA).  The AADLA opened in New York during the spring art and antiquities week, offering global collectors, dealers and appreciators a chance to view and to buy paintings as well as antique objects reflecting excellence in the taste, aesthetics and applied arts. In a welcoming, non-intimidating setting, attendees are comfortably united in appreciation of the wide range of the AADLA offerings. The fair showcases fine examples of: English, Continental and American Furniture, Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass and Decorative Arts; Asian Works of Art; Folk Art; 20th Century Decorative Arts; Aesthetic Movement and Arts & Crafts Furniture; Prints, Photographs, Posters ; Antiquities and Ancient Objects; Silver and Metalwork; Nautical Art and Objects; Jewelry; Books, Manuscripts and Autographs; Chinese Export Porcelain and Decorative Arts; Native American and Tribal Art; Carpets and Rugs; Tapestries; and Textiles.  The AADLA Spring Show is a vetted show meaning that every item in every booth is looked at by panels of experts for authenticity and comprehensive labeling. Vetted shows are the standard for all quality art and antiques fairs.  Enjoy the blend of the old and the news in a wonderful environment.

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Art. SOFA.  The 15th edition of the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair (SOFA) opens in New York at the famous Park Avenue armory, the fair planners assure us that it will do what it has always done best—get visitors to think about art, design, and the links between the disciplines.  Artists and designers will present collection of masterworks from around the world that are thrilling, thought-provoking and wonderful to experience.  Ceramists, fine artists, furniture designers, sculptors, textile designers are only a sampling of the disciplines visitors will be able to see at the fair. They will also be treated to an out of the world experience when they walk in, and list their eyes to the hanging light fixtures, works created by architect David Ling.

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Art.  The Armory Art Fair.  Breathe the rarified air at the armory show, one of the world’s leading annual international contemporary and modern art fairs.  The Armory Show, celebrating its fourteenth year, takes place this March on Piers 92 and 94 in Manhattan.  The show is an adventurous and dynamic contemporary and modern art fair in New York City featuring many of the world’s leading art galleries who are putting on display a veritable who’s who of world class artists. The Armory Show–Contemporary on Pier 94 will feature 120 leading international exhibitors, 19 invited exhibitors in Armory Focus: The Nordic Countries, 11 exhibitors in the inaugural edition of Solo Projects and 7 organizations participating in the Not-for-Profit Section. In total, 30 counties will be represented. The Armory Show–Modern, a section dedicated to international dealers specializing in historically significant Modern art, will present 71 exhibitors representing nine countries.  As always, the Armory Show will hosted a must-attend VIP opening party greeting more than 11,500 VIPs, with significant sales that setting the tone for the run of the fair.  the preview day highlights included the acquisition by Moderna Museet, the leading Swedish museum for modern and contemporary art, of Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson’s neon work Scandinavian Pain.  During the opening party collectors, gallerists, artists, fans, and regular NY party-goers mingled as they strolled and chatted along the aisles of art.  The show will put on display traditional canvas art, art on paper, contemporary films and experimental videos.  The Armory Show will feature the work of the 2012 Commissioned artist and urban planner Theaster Gates who has been chosen as the 2012 commissioned artist for the fair and the vibrant art of the Nordic Countries in what is known as the Armory Focus.

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Art.  The New York Arts of Pacific Asia Show. New York is host of many or the world’s cultures and so is an obvious place to hold The York City’s Spring Asia Week. One of the highlights of the week is The New York Arts of Pacific Asia Show. Presented since 1995, the show offers to collectors and art enthusiasts a wide collection of many of the world’s leading galleries and dealers specializing in the fine arts and objects de arte of Asia, the Subcontinent, Japan, the Pacific Islands, and the Near and Middle East.  The Arts of Pacific Asia Show occurs during the auction period at Sotheby’s, Christies, Phillips, and other leading auction houses.  In addition, many New York galleries present Asian art, reflecting the enthusiasm seen at the vibrant Asian art market in the world.  Take a walk through the aisles and gaze at the magnificence of images of the Buddha in wood, bronze, silk and canvas.  Magnificent.

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Food. Coffee & Tea Festival. Get your daily dose of coffee and tea at the Coffee & Tea Festival.  You walk through the aisles of this fun fair, and you are surrounded by the scents of freshly brewing coffee and tea leaves soaking so delicately in hot water.  There were Korean and Japanese tea ceremonies, British tea and crumpets offerings, master classes on the history and majesty of afternoon tea, and lessons on the various green teas (Japanese, Korean and Chinese).  There were coffee and tea companies who support native farmers, and organic brews.  There were bottles teas and bottles juices.  There were delicious cookies and scrumptious ruggelehs (New Yorkers know about ruggelehs).  There were private label coffee companies and brand names.  Everyone left with a good taste in their mouths. 
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ART.  Whitney Bienniele 2012. On display at the magnificent Whitney museum will be an incredible collection of American sculpture, painting, installations, and photography.  Included in  this year’s Bienniele (the 76th Bienniele) will be dance, theater, music, video and film programs.  The Bienniele takes a look at 51 emerging and established artists at various points in their careers.
The various art forms intermingle. Some of the works are highlighted below: Lutz Bacher’s work involves an installation with a video projection and thousands of baseballs framed pages from the celestial handbook.   German-born artist Kai Althoff creates an installation, as well as performing in a play by Yair Oelbaum. Moyra Davey’s work includes a film and two series of photographs sent in the mail, complete with postage stamps and tape. Los Angeles-based performer/filmmaker Wu Tsang will screen the film wildness (2012), documenting the convergence of two disparate cultures at an LA bar that serves as a social space for transgender latinas. Forrest Bess, an outsider artist, was a painter/fisherman who developed elaborate theories about the uniting of the male and the female within his own body, and performed operations on his own genitals that turned him into a pseudo-hermaphrodite. Sam lewitt, a graduate of the whitney independent study program, is doing a piece that involves magnetic liquid on the gallery floor. Werner Herzog looks back in time at the etchings of the Dutch landscape painter and printmaker Hercules Segers n a multi-media installation that includes projections of Segers’s work. The late George Kuchar, one of America’s leading underground filmmakers, is represented by a selection from his Weather Diaries series.  Laura Poitras, whose film my country, my country (2006) was nominated for an academy award, an Emmy, and an independent spirit award, is presenting the oath, the second film in her trilogy about America after 9/11.  Other filmmakers include Frederick Wiseman’s boxing gym and award-winner Kelly Reichardt.  Included in the biennial are works by artists using traditional techniques such as painting, sculpture, and photography. Vincent Fecteau will show a new series of small painted abstract sculptures. Latoya Ruby Frazier will show works from her portfolio Campaign For Braddock Hospital (Save Our Community Hospital. Cameron Crawford is presenting mixed-media sculptures and a semi-transparent “invisible” curtain made of monofilament. Richard Hawkins will show two paintings and a collage series inspired by the work of Tatsumi Hijikata, the Japanese performer and choreographer known as the creator of butoh. Joanna Malinowska’s work includes a video, a sculpture, and a painting by jailed native American Leonard Peltier.  Since 1932, the Whitney Biennial has taken a critical look at the current state of contemporary art in America.  Stroll through the magnificent building on Madison Avenue and 75th street and marvel at the creative visions that make up such a vital aspect of American and world culture.  
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Theatre.  Death of A Salesman.  The classic of the stage is soon coming to Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre.  Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as Willy Loman, the aging traveling salesman who, though being beaten up by life’s difficulties, has great dreams for his son Biff, who has not fulfilled his father’s dreams.  His life crashes with his wife’s efforts at maintaining the dignity of her family, his children’s weaknesses, and his unfulfilled dreams.  The news of this production has to send thrills and shivers through the bodies of all theatre buffs.  It is a great piece of theatre, one which must not be ignored.  I look forward to its revival on Broadway.
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Theatre.  Godspell.  The 60’s are back in full swing (and trampoline induced bounciness) with this revival of the mega hit Godspell.  It played more than 2,000 performances when it first emerged on Broadway and has been performed on the road, on college campuses and world stages ever since it’s been staged for the movies, snippets are viewed daily on YouTube and countless millions are probably humming a tune from one of the many hits that were created by this musical (Com’on, admit it.  You’ve got Day by Day bouncing around your brain right now). It is apparent that spirituality when performed by a effervescent and highly energetic cast who sing and dance lively memorable tunes cannot help but return for yet another coming.  But this production is not completely your father’s and mother’s hippy flashback.  There are references to contemporary themes (you can probably guess a few off the tip of your head right now) that help contemporize this classic.   Keep the faith. Check this production out.
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Wine. Douro Region.  Okay, I admit it.  I like wines from the Douro region of Portugal.  A beautifully hued red wine, this approachable table wine goes well with veal, burgers, vegetable dishes, chicken and most anything else that cries out for a nice red wine.   The Douro region in the north-east region of Portugal has been producing wines for over 2000 years, and is layered with terraced vineyards. The wines have a wonderful bouquet, a texture that reveals a soft tannin feel, and a hint of a taste of minerals that is unique to the area.   Douro is a beautiful part of the country, well worth the trip.  But you don’t have to fly across the Atlantic to savor the wonderful wines of this magnificent region. Stop by your favorite wine shop and ask for a bottle of Douro.  Pop the cork and enjoy its taste and character. 
Event. New York International Gift Fair.  So, are you in the market for pens, dolls, jewelry, candles, scents, soaps, art books, candies, wooden platters, glassware, bags, sacks, belts, watches, pajamas, socks, handmade crafts, Chinese silks, African masks, Czech stemware,  silk scazves, wool hangings, glasses, coffee makers, drink ware, paper works, cards, floorings, rugs, wall hangings,  totes, male cosmetics, creams, shampoos, moisturizer, bamboo platters, knives, gloves, socks, key chains, silverware,  ceramics, cupcakes, dolls, instruments, pillows, plants, the world’s thinnest wallet (disclaimer: I have one and it is thin, really), socially conscious proprietors of natural soap (another disclaimer: I met the owners of  family run Anjolie), and….phew, the list goes on and on.  Well, you can find those and thousands of other items at the New York International Gift Fair.  walking through the aisles is like being in gift store heaven, a maze of useful goods, cool goodies, weird stuff, and ‘goodnessgracious’ products you will soon see in your corner gift shop.  Hold your breath and five in.

Art. The Outsider Art Fair.  New York City has been home to outsider art for decades.  Year after year, New Yorkers have fallen in love with homegrown art crafted by untrained, self taught, intuitive, folk, contemporary folk, and naïf artists, many of whom would not have received any recognition or respect only a few decades ago.  But this group of artists and craftspeople deserve attention.  Their art has made it on to the walls of highly regarded collectors and museums, as well as in the collections of beginning art aficionados.  Some memorable artists on display include Purvis Young, Emitte Hych, Henry Darger and Jimmy Lee Sudduth.  Take the time to stroll along the avenues of outsider art and become enthralled, as I have with the talent that explodes from this group of mainly untrained and sell taught artists.  Be inspired to respect art from wherever it emanates.

In Memory.  Christopher Hitchens.  I always liked to listen and read Christopher Hitchens.  It is not that I always agreed with his arguments or points of views, it was just that he defended his side with such intellectual panache and deeply wry wit that a few moments with Christopher was like a afternoon I spent reading favorite writers and laughing privately at their zingers.  He was a humanist, a pluralist, a seeker of justice and a proponent of free speech for all.  He liked urban life, a good drink, a healthy discourse, and a fine piece of art.  And he was willing to take the abuse, and praise, for his opinions. Certainly there are books and articles to be found and read, and there are YouTube and c-span videos available, but I will miss knowing that a comment by Christopher Hitchens as yet unwritten or spoken will soon emerge.  Bye Christopher.  You don’t know me, but I will miss you.

 

Art. Metro Show.  New York City was host to a new art fair, The Metro Show.  The event displays a collection of antique and modern collectibles that are aimed for collectors, designers and art enthusiasts.  The products on display include historic furniture, decorative arts, American folk art, paintings, prints, modern furniture photographs and outsider art.  Collectible American flags, hand crafted dolls, antique clocks, tribal masks, native American artifacts are on full view.  A few items on display include: a wood grained apple-wood table top, a tiffany lily top table lamp, a Washington Lafayette button is on display for the first time in 187 years, a mahogany tall case clock dated 1819, the work of venerated American artist Grandma Moses, an animal hide and natural pigment native American mask, and a cutlery shop trade shop from 1875.  Get comfortable and move in.

 

Art. Ceramics Fair.  A couple of floors full of ceramics and glassware were on delicate display.  Old English glass war stood side by side with contemporary ceramic dishes and mid 20th century Cocteau signed clay platters. Chinese porcelain ware,  English stoneware, Wieldon color glazed relief decorated teapots, Bohemian engraved glassware, venetian glass shared the floor with Minton fish shaped teapots and rare four layer glass scent bottles.  Come but walk carefully between the aisles of delicate ceramic and glass wares.  You break it, you….well, you know the rest.

 

Food.  Chocolate Show. Foodies, unbuckle your belts, the Chocolate Show is in town.  Walk through the aisles of this sweet, sweet show and the scent of chocolate is all around.  Sweet makers from around the world gather to show off and sell their goodies to the sweet toothed public.   Chocolate of all sizes, shapes, consistency and cocoa content tempt you from all sides.  You can eat it, dip it, drink it or just study how it is made. You can also gaze at dresses, hats and shows made wholly of chocolate.  Walking the aisles of The Chocolate Show, you will encounter chocolate show, chocolatiers, chocolate couture and sculpture. As Homer Simpson would say, “mmmm…chocolate...”

 

Art.  Pinta Show.  The contemporary art show opened its doors in 1980 and has been promoting and advancing Latin American art since then.  Galleries from the United States, Latin America and Europe  participate in this art show.   The show includes the participation of select art galleries showing museum-quality works representative of abstract, concrete, neo-concrete, kinetic and conceptual art, as well representatives of other contemporary art movements.  It is well worth the visit to see what is happening in this burgeoning area of contemporary and modern art. Viva arte.

 

Art.  The International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFDPA).  The IFDPA is a nonprofit organization consisting of art dealers, galleries and publishers who are interested in fostering and promoting interest in, and knowledge of, art prints among collectors and the public in general. A print is an original piece of art conceived by the artist to be realized as a print and is not a copy of a pre-existing drawing or painting. Throughout the year the organization sponsors seminars and events.  One such event is the IFDPA print fair that occupies the historic 67th Street Armory with dealers from around the world exhibiting their art prints.  Exhibitors hail from, among other art capitals, The United States, Paris, London, Geneva and Berlin.  Artists’ works on view includes old masters Rembrandt, and Dürer; Japanese ukiyo-e; 19th century American masters including Winslow Homer and Whistler; European Impressionists Degas and Renoir; American and European Modernists Picasso, Matisse, and Max Beckmann; and postwar masterworks by Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol,  and Louise Bourgeois.  New editions premiere at the fair from leading contemporary artists such as Chuck Close, Kiki Smith and Richard Serra. It is a great place to view, explore and learn about art prints.  Also, it’s not a bad place to pick up a print or two to fill up that blank space on your wall.

Events. Social Media World Forum and Apps World North America.  They’re here.  Social networking and Apps seem to be on everyone’s mind and on everyone’s smart phone these days, and the business world has definitely taken note.  Social networking and App companies have taken over a segment of the Javitz Convention center, one of the world’s foremost convention and exposition center, to present companies in the social networking and App space to customers and the public.  Do you remember when PCs, laptops, web sites were all the bus.  Well, now its social networking sites and App developers and optimizers.  The expo was relatively small, by expo standards, no more than a handful of booths, but watch how this expo grows as social networking and Apps become more mainstream and individuals and organizations figure out how to make money by satisfying customers’ needs.  The word about these expos is out…social media and Apps are in.

 

Throughts.  Occupy Wall Street.  Over the past few weeks, groups of protesters took over a piece of downtown New York with a upsurge movement called Occupy Wall Street.  Within a few days, the pretests spread to cities across the country and eve the world as people took to the streets and demanded to be part of the wealth that the movers, shakers and even everyday employees on Wall Street, the money makers, represented.  Whether one is for or against the movement’s tactics or aims, what is important is that they brought some central issues to the public discourse and now, from congress to the barrooms, the issues that brought these mainly young people to occupy a small square in downtown Manhattan to the public’s attention.  The protesters have even won the first few confrontations with big government, firstly talking over a square across the street from Ground Zero, then they got support from some mainstream groups and individuals, and have forced the city to back down on their plans to send in the sanitation department.  For a healthy democracy to thrive, issues of public interest must be brought to the public. That, by definition, is a thriving, growing and healthy democracy, a government of the people.

 

Events. Comic Con.  They came to New York in hordes, like invaders from other planets, aliens.  Yet somehow they were not foreign invaders, creatures to be feared.  No, they were so much like us, like you and me.  There were tens of thousands of super hero afficionados.  New York Comic Con attracts tens of thousands of attendees (over 96,000 came in 2010).  They walked, talked, laughed, had green hair, wore outlandish costumes and could quote lines out of comic books and sci-fy at the drop of a Klingon’s weapon.  And why not, comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television met and merged in one location.  Panels and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators. Favorite super heroes mingled with hundreds of artists promoting their latest drawings, selling original sketches for 20 bucks a piece.  Space invaders, and all fought for precious space as more comic book senders you could imagine even existed lined up the aisles of the Javits convention center with thousands of comics from the 40’s to today.  There were vendors selling alien paraphernalia mingling with TV execs promoting their latest show, and all got along.  Super heroes did not take out the aliens, and the crowd did not take on the TV and Publishing system.  All everyone was interested in was taking a picture with the Avengers and trying the latest Wii offering.  Ah…the bliss of escapism…live long and prosper…

 

 

Wine.  Wines of Portugal.  When I was in college, Portuguese wines were rich, red, affordable, and easily distinguished by their signature round bottlers. Much has changed as Portugal, home to vines and regions that have been producing wines well into the Roman occupation era, is fast becoming a region housing world class wines.  By the way, Portugal is the fifth largest wines exporting country in the world.  Port has distinguished itself over the years as a major Portuguese product that has graced tables for centuries. Port is produced in the Douro valley, an area classified as world heritage by UNESCO. The wine got its name from the city of Porto, Its main exportation hub. Vinho Verde wines, because of the lower sugar content, do not require an extensive aging process, and are mainly produced for export.  Vinho de Douro is one of my favorite wines from Portugal, they have heavy tannins, are robust, red and great when paired with heavier food, such as steak or veal in a heavy gravy.  Douro winces are quickly gaining popularity around the world. Another of my favorite is the Dão wine, produced in the central mountainous region of Portugal.  I was reintroduced to the great Portuguese wines by the Country of Portugal’s helpful and friendly trade commission staff in New York.  Bravo to you.  Parabéns e boa sorte.

 

Thoughts.  Nature.  The earthquake and hurricane that ran though New York proved, once again, that creations of humanity are still subject to the whims of nature.  If we thought that all our achievements made us impervious to nature’s power, this year alone was an eye opening wake-up call.  The tsunami in Japan, the hurricanes in the Pacific, the drought in Africa, the winds and earth rumbles in the US caused more devastation, fear and even humiliation than any act of savagery by mankind over the same period.  There were bombings and drive by shootings and political squabbles and positioning, yet they did not freezes a city in its tracks, nor empty a street, as did hurricanes and earthquakes.  Governments were overthrown, yes, but throughout, people edged forward.  The attacks by nature were more humbling.  The images of people, frozen, in tears, as they stared with dismay and helplessness, standing in front of what once was their homes, displayed so succinctly our, humanity’s, acquiescence to nature as a supreme force that still holds sway over our joys and fears.  Humility is a good lesson to learn from its powers. 
Events.  Fashion Night out.  New York City let loose as over 1000 retail stores kept their doors open, popped some champagne, and brought out the cheese and dips.  It was a gala event on the streets, from the Upper East Side, to the Meat Market, to SOHO all the way down to the Lower East Side and the Bowery. The boroughs participated in this city wide event, as did the major department stores.  Fashion designers gave interviews, stores held sales and people sha-sayed from store to store, shopping, sipping and supping while have a grand time.  The streets were alive, and were boisterous, with live events, from bands to giant puppets to fashion shows to films to street theatre.   Salespeople were decked out in their fineries and showed off their wares, people fingered fabrics and jewelry and some even took advantage of the sales to make a purchase or two. I bumped into friends, as did so many others, and shared a glass of wine and a good laugh on the avenue.  It was a good evening that set this city out as the great metropolis it is.

 

Thoughts. 9-11. This year New York City is celebrating, if that is the right word, the 10th anniversary of 9-11, a day all of us who were here will never, and can never, forget.  The city is on high alert as there are threats of an anniversary bombing; the city is mourning the fallen, many of whom were our neighbors and friends; the city is moving forward, rebuilding its fallen monuments and its sense of confidence; the city is proving, once and for all, that it is unique among all the urban centers of the world, for it is a mixture of colors and races and religions and ethnicities and languages and backgrounds who stand united and accumulate the strength and stamina of its many and varied citizens to take a punch, no matter how its thrown and by whom, and rebound, even stronger, mightier and wiser.  I was here on that day, a block away when the third building, #7, came crashing down.  It was a surreal sight as bricks fell on top of each other and a plume of smoke followed me, and the others, as we fled to escape the dust and debris.  People walked around in a daze, confounded and confused, covered with the ash of the trade centers.  Cars and fire engines were crushed by debris.  Immediately, the city came together, set up a triage area by the 23rd street piers, and this magnificent citizenly gave of themselves to help those who were in need of something, anything, to help get them through the spectacle of horror they had witnessed.  Doctors set up an operating theatre, therapy was offered, massages were given, clothes was donated, food was handed out, ambulances from around the country rolled in , and workers jumped in to the debris.  It was a moment that put on display then worst side of humanity and the best we humans have to offer.  Hopefully, we will never have to witness such a day again but the ghosts remain.

 

Thoughts.  Grand Central Terminal.  Walking through the majestic Grand Central Terminal, one immediately twists one’s neck to glare at the brilliant ceiling, hosting the many constellations of the American skies.  Back in 1998 when the renovation was complete (originally spearheaded by Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy), visitors were one again treated to the splendid architecture and colors of the edifice.  The black grime that had collected on the ceiling over the years of neglect was removed, and replaced by the splendid green/blue that harked back to times when the station was one of this city’s.  If not this nations, architectural wonders.  What few people notice is a single brick in the corner of the main terminal’s ceiling that was left, a solitary rectangle of grime and neglect, a reminder of what the building looked like before the renovation, and a moment to reflect on how magnificent it is today.  Enjoy one of this city’s jewels…

 

Art.  Chinese, Japanese, and Indian art.  New York City is host to a large chunk of the Asian art market, sharing the mantle with London and Hong Kong.  Sothebys and Christies, two international auction houses with offices at all the major international art centers, have put on display fine examples of classical Asian and Indian art, with fine examples of each.  There are exemplary tsangkas, bronze and sandstone statues of Buddha, Japanese masks and wall hanging, landscape drawings and paintings, classical chairs and tables, room dividers, ceramic vases and bowls, and other works of art that dazzle the aficionados senses.  And don’t think that you have to be a mega millionaire to collect.  There are affordable pieces that add beauty and grace to any home and what a pleasure it is to wake up in the morning, and look at a piece of art that sits on your shelf or hangs in your wall.  It’s good to be in the presence of eternal beauty and grace. 

 

Events.  New York International Gift Fair.  Did you ever wonder where  the gift shops, curio stores and local boutiques funds their ‘fabulous’ products and “oh so cute’ goods?  Do they scour the back streets of Bangkok, or the narrow streets of downtown Brooklyn for the latest home accessory or unique dift?  Some maybe, of they want to couple a vacation with a buying trip,  But most end up at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) a collection of vendors from around the world that has grown to occupy two of New York’s convention locations, Javitz and the Piers.  There are small artisans and large Chinese conglomerates, offering jewels, plates, pens, soaps, office accessories, home garnishing, personal blings and most other items you may not need, but you surely want.  The goods on display by the knowledgeable and always interested vendors are the stuff you see in every household in America, some of which have caught your eye and have led you to secretly muse, “I wonder where she got that?”  we’ll, more often than not, at the New York International Gift Fair.  Signs on the door may read, “Gone Furnishin’”

 

Events. Summer Streets.  New York City during the summer offers a wealth of diversions for those who do not flee in droves to the beach or upstate getaways.  One particular event enjoyed by all is the Summer Street project where for three Saturdays in August, Park Avenue is open for walkers, bikers, strollers, joggers, and other non carbon using means of transportation.  From 72nd street downtown, the streets fill up with city dwellers who somehow know about these events, as though by astral communication and meander downtown and uptown with a sense of ease more familiar to Europeans with their piazzas, plazas and walking streets.  Most walk away with a pleasant experience.  Surprisingly, there were few pedestrian vs. bicycle mishaps, though I did see a few roller bladders tumble trying to take the curve of the 42nd street causeway.    Gotta’ love the NY streets…

 

Sports.  New York City Triathlon.  Who said New Yorkers can’t jump, run, bike, or swim.  Once a year, New York City hosts a triathlon where the city’s best athletes compete for a medal and the pleasure of having accomplished great sports event.  It was a marvelous event, with families and friends cheering the athletes on.  The New York City Triathlon is an Olympic distance race consisting of a 1500m swim, a 40k bike, and a 10k run.  The over 3,000 athletes challenge the waters of the Hudson river before biking along Manhattan’s west side highway then running through new York's Central Park ending by the mall on 72nd street.  What a sight at the end of the race: families cheering family members, lovers hugging mates. For those of kids holding signs ‘go mom go, ‘yay dad:’ names that exemplify NY’s diversity: ‘go Jack,’ ‘Go Mariko,’ ‘Go Ahmed,’ ‘Go Yankel.’  And for you, who shudder at the thought of swimming in New York’s Hudson River, consider this: the Hudson River is home to many open water swims and is considered one of the cleanest rivers in New York.  Because it feeds into the ocean, it is a salt-water river.  Go athletes…

 

Books.  Thrillerfest.  So you want to be a writer.  Do you think you have a mystery lurking in you?  Do you have what it takes to sit down in front of a blank monitor and churn out a thriller like Ken Follett (Eye of the Needle) or Jeffrey Deaver (The Bone Collector and the latest 007 thriller, Carte Blanche)?  If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then Thrillerfest is the place for you.  Gather with hundreds of published and wannebe published thriller, mystery and suspense writers as they learn the craft of writing this unique and popular genre from the true masters in the field.  Get notes from R.L. Stine (Goosebumps) and John Lescroart (Damage).  It was a great event and inspiring to watch as hundreds of writers exchanged stories and drams as they gathered with the hopes of being the next Stephen King.  It isn’t a snap though.  Aspiring writers should keep these words by Nathaniel Hawthorne in mind, “easy reading is damn hard writing.”

Art.  Beatles.  Photos.  There were some incredible early Beatles photos on display at Christies at an auction marked Beatles Illuminated. The Discovered Works of Mike Mitchell.  Forty six incredible shots taken at a performance and press conference during the Fab Fours early days were sold, some receiving final bids over five times the estimated value as established by the conservative assessors at the important auction house.  These shots were taken two days after their debut American appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, when the Beatles performed their first US concert at the Washington Coliseum in Washington, D.C.  It was called Beatles illuminated because many of the shots, including the single photo that was sold at a final hammer price of $55,000 were highlighted by stage lights that gave the iconic musicians a glow that was almost cherubic.  There were oohs and ahhs and applause when prices went through the ceiling, more out of respect than envy.  Respect for the process paid and respect for a group of cultural giants who changed America and the world forever.  Ahhh, Strawberry Fields Forever…..
 

Art.  Roy Rogers Estate.  Hi-Yo Silver…. It was a stroll through the glory says of the 1950s and 1960s the other day at Christies auction house when many pieces belonging to the Roy Rogers Estate went on view to the public for the first time in a long time, and were auctioned off to fans and collectors. There were his guns, guitars (it must be remembered that in those days of early TV, many of the cowboys were singing cowboys), jackets he wore around the house and on set, one of his incredible cars, decked out in  silver with six gun door knobs and an incredible AM radio that must have shot out crooners and country western and early rock ‘n roll.  Just as interesting were the people who lollygagged around the exhibition, touching the guns, humming to the sings and wanting to try on the cowboy boots.  It was a stroll through the innocence of our youth, even earlier than the early days of rock, when we’d wear cowboy outfits to our first birthday parties and when television night was huddled around the old black and white watching old fashioned shows where it was easy to tell the good guys from the bad, and there were dogs and horses that responded to a simple whistle.  Roy Rogers had Silver.  He was on exhibit too.  …Away…  Happy trail…
 
Thoughts.  Space shuttle.  The end.  It’s been called the end of an era and rightly so.  The space shuttle was truly the stuff that dreams were made of (to borrow that great Maltese Falcon phrase).  It allowed children, young adults and even the full grown (myself included) to let their minds wander into the wide expanse of space.  There, we could meet our co-citizens of the universe in stories that were no longer mere science fiction but were based in probability. Kids imagined themselves flying off with Captain Kirk or with the power of The Force behind them, and it was real.  People they read about, astronauts, were training and hopping aboard shuttles on flights into outer space, and those people were real, not comic book characters.  Those shuttle flights soon became so routine that they were no longer relegated major news coverage.  Those flights were so real, that we believed we could sail off into the wide blue yonder of space.  We believed that the space station was a mere stepping stone, that exploration was a noble venture. Yet, bickering on earth and mismanagement in other arenas of government has squashed this most heroic of escapades.  Hopefully, we will realize that space exploration is of vital importance and must be funded so all of us, all of humanity, can learn and share and gain from the vast world out there, a world so much greater and richer than our planet alone.  Support space exploration for the betterment of everyone, here on this planet and on all planets everywhere.
Sports.  Wimbeldon 2011.  The spell has been broken.  For the first time in the last 9 years, the number 1 spot in the world in tennis singles is not Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer.  It is Novak Djokovic, a fast tennis player who has a great serve and an even better return.  At the Wimbeldon finals against Nadal, it all worked for Djokovic.  The Serbian tennis star answered everything defending Wimbeldon champion Nadal served up from the very first volley.  He truly believed he could win, even though this was his first foray into the mythical Wimbeldon tournament.  Novak Djokovic unseated Rafael Nadal’s spot as top tennis player and wanted to take the prized Wimbeldon cup from the two time Wimbeldon championship.  On the historic British grass tennis court. Djokovic dominated the first two sets 6-4, 6-1, but you can’t keep a true champion down for long.  The momentum swung back to Nadal for the third set.  The Spanish tennis champ got his groove back.  His forehand was back and he became the imposing player we have seen Nadal to be over the years, winning the third set 6-1.  But, he could not overcome the force of Djokovic’s relentless play.  His offense was matched by his amazing defense.  Djokovic was all over the court, as he went on to win the fourth set 6-3 and his first Wimbeldon championship. Has a new reign begun with Novak Djokovic as king of the courts?

 

Music.  The Wailers sans Bob Marley.  Reggae music burst on the scene in the 60’s and 70’s firmly establishing the Jamaican music, with its distinctive and heavy beat as a unique and recognizable sound.  Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff were two great break-out artists who emerged from the small island nation of Jamaica and introduced the world to Reggae.  But they were not out there alone.  Behind them were a group of talented and well disciplined musicians who put the beat in the reggae beat and gave the sound its richness.  I heard the horn section from the original Wailers, the trumpet, trombone and sax who, after over forty years of playing together still ‘got it.’ Man, they never lost it.  The sound was triumphant, glorious, and made every head in the crowd move to the beat.  one of their songs was in the style of the Jamaican Ska – the lyrics are simple “not many people can do the cha, cha, cha, not many people can twist, but everyone can do the Ska” --- move the head, shake the arms, rotate the hips and feel, fee, feel the music.  Oh, it was glorious, old timers (hey, we’re all there or sure as I’m writing this, we’ll all be there)) moving the hips to the 60’s (pre-Reggae) Jamaican beat.  They topped the show off with some standards like Marley’s One Love and of course, who can forget these lyrics, “get up, stand up, stand up for your rights…don’t give up the fight.”  Still as resonating today as ever.  Yah maan.

 

Food. Zabar’s.  Continuing the series that delights foodies of all types, Zabar’s in a  New York food experience.  Occupying the same spot for almost 80 years, on Broadway and 80th street on New York’s upper west side, this quintessential NY grocery store has been offering lox (aka nova), white fish, salami, corned beef, matzo balls soup, rugelach, freshly baked bread, freshly ground coffee, cheese and a whole array of international food and kitchen appliances to satisfy the discerning gourmand as well as the nosher.  You walk into the store and you come face to face with a counter serving nothing but smoked salmon, carved by people who have to be the best salmon carvers in the city, if not the country.  They can slice a piece of salmon so thin, you can see central park if you hold it up to the window.  The aroma of freshly baked bagels, rye or multi grain bread then carries you to the coffees section, where beans are being roasted every minute of every day.  And their cheese counter serves up a world class selection of the age old fare.  This place brims with people the moment it opens up its doors, and on a Sunday morning, make sure you’re ready for a long wait as half the city piles in for a pound or two of nova, thinly sliced.  And don’t forget the shmear of cream cheese.  Ahh, now you’re a new yawkeh

 

Food.  Yoghurt.  Last Sunday I was taking in New York’s Farmer markets, those neighborhood markets with stalls full of locally grown fruit, vegetables and homemade food, when I tried an upstate farmers offering of yoghurt.  Delivered in a glass bottle, this Milk Thistle yoghurt had to be among the best I have ever tasted, and that includes yoghurt I had in Greece and Turkey.  Their product is made from organic, pasteurized milk from Jersey cows and live cultures, and is drinkable, but I had to shake the bottle to get to the yoghurt.  I drank it right then and there, straight out of the bottle, though I saw shoppers packing it to take home.  Sometimes, and in some situations, such as being faced with a full bottle of this incredible yoghurt, self-control is not such a virtue.

Thoughts.  Life changers.  Most of us have many opportunities to affect positively the lives of others.  These do not have to be those earthshaking, mega-momentous events that rock and shake the very foundations of people’s lives.  “OMG, you totally got me into Harvard,” for example, or “Bro, you saved my life when you fished me out of the raging Mississippi waters.”   Most life-changing moments are more elegant, more subtle, and perhaps are not evident till years later.  I spoke to a woman a while ago, the conversation could not have lasted more than 10 or 15 minutes, yet I recently heard from her.  She has spent a few years traveling and immersing herself in different cultures, a change from her original plans to go directly to business school.  Her whole focus changed, her life’s dreams were sent in a totally different direction.  I told her, passionately and with true conviction, how travel changed me, opened me to new vistas and now aspirations.  I have been traveling extensively since I was 16 years old, and relish every minute ‘on the road.’ Whether in top notch hotel in Hong Kong, or in an olive patch alongside train tracks in Greece, the experience has made me a better person, more appreciative of the gifts people and places offer.  This has made me a better professional and, I am convinced, a better individual.  I am confident, the same will apply to my travelling friend as she continues her journey.  I guess the take-away here is—give of yourself and you can make a life changing impact on someone you don’t know and may never see again.  Believe me, it is worth it.  You change one life, you have the power to change history.
Thoughts:  This is what happened to me tonight.  It’s the first day of summer, another day in New York.  Another typical evening in this always swirling always whirling city.  First I went to a small awards event held at Broadway’s legendary Sardi’s restaurant, honoring New York’s Off-Broadway theater.  It is a small community of avid theater professionals who work for close to nothing for the pure pleasure of the art.  Then, as I was walking through Times Square, I came across this amazing sight.  Two blocks In the busy ‘crossroads of the world’ were filled with hundreds of people going yoga.  Right there, in the middle of the city, these people were going through their yoga exercises.  Fabulous.  That alone would have been enough of a night.  But it was only beginning.  I then went to an art opening and basked in some great photography of architectural sites from around the world and shared Ivy League conversations with this wanna-be-cultured crowd.  I continued my trek home.  Right under the Roosevelt Island tramway, the drum corps from the West Point Hellcat band set up shop and were beating out an amazing rhythm.  Got all the passerby’s, including myself, into the beat.  Soon after that, only a few blocks from my place, I went to a sports club’s first day of summer party, got treated to a free massage, played a wicked game of Wii tennis and had a bunch of watermelon wedges….all on the streets.  Whata’ town.

 

Wine:  The auctions.  Need a good bottle of wine to open on that special occasion, or to store for investment purposes right alongside your Picassos and Bacons?  Well, I’ve got the places for you to go and pick out your quarry.  The wine auctions at Christies and Sotheby’s.  Several times a year, those venerable auction houses offer collections of wine to other wine collectors at prices that make each glass of wine swirled, sniffed and sipped equal to, and indeed surpass, a king’s or queen’s ransom.  Other than a tour of the royal’s or internet baron’s wine cellars, there are few places where you can view great vintages of wine and actually place a bid to take one home with you.  After all, in a democracy, a great Chateau Mouton Rothchild or an equally great Petrus or Chateau Margaux should be available to all.  The prices have been soaring as Chinese and Russian mega billionaires join the European and Americans in their quest for the classiest grape of all.  At a recent wine auction in Geneva, a bottle of the legendary Romanée-Conti 1945 set a new world record price at auction for a 75 cl. bottle of red Burgundy. Johann Strauss, the noted composer, once said, “a waltz and a glass of wine invite an encore.” A glass of encore, anyone?
Theater: Batman.  It’s on again, it’s off again, it’s on again to the delight of the many theatergoers who have been waiting anxiously for the opening and reopening of this Broadway extravaganza.  The dazzle and razzle does not let up and the music also delivers as Broadway greets its superhero of a play. The stage is filled with excitement as batman flies, floats and flings himself across the expanse, all the while defeating villains and wooing his sweetheart.  For those seeking a fun filled Broadway experience in the greatest of ‘white ways’, Batman delivers.
Art: The Armory Show.  This is the big Kahuna.  It is New York’s grand art event when hundreds of galleries from around the world exhibit their offerings to art collectors, museums and art aficionados during a five day festival of art, art and art.  73 cities are represented in the latest show and the number is slated to grow as the market and appreciation for art continues to expand annually.  By my count, over 3200 artists are represented by over 240 galleries.  You can walk along the aisles and find yourself finger-length close to Picassos, Mondrians, Hirsts and Warhols who are hanging alongside younger artists’ who may one day share that lofty status along with the recognizable greats.  Started by four art dealers a decade and a half ago, the Armory show has catapulted into a leading forum and sales platform for the world art market.  The show is divided into two sections, the traditional Armory Show and Armory Show-Modern, which shows more modern and contemporary artists.  Some renowned collectors open their homes to public viewing, offering Armory attendees to see up close world class, museum quality, collections.  One such collection, a staple of the fair, allows artists, collectors and gallerists to mingle in the Tribeca home of this outstanding collector.  For many, it’s a chance to catch up with old friends, have a few words with emerging artists, or simple to see what’s new in the field.  Each year, countries whose artists and galleries are represented also host cocktail events.  This Armory is quite the show, and under the expert guidance of its executive director, is a stunning art piece by itself.  Pablo Picasso famously said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”  So, com’on in, the water’s fine.

 

Wine:  Jura is a mountainous section of France that produces a red wine that can just as easily be served chilled as at room temperature.  I know, I know, ca ce fait pas, but at a recent wine tasting in New York, I tasted chilled Jura, rouge, and thought it was nice – light, easy to drink and a really good bar wine.  Let the others order chilled white---give a chilled red Jura a shot.
Wine: The other day I stepped into a small tasting, sampling a selection of vineyards from the boot of Italy,  Puglia.  This ancient region has been cultivating wine from before the time that Rome extended its empire throughout much of the known western world.  The wine was easy to drink with a few bottles exhibiting touches of tannin while most were light.  I tasted a local grape, Nero de Troia, which I found to be elegant and an excellent example of local wines made from native grapes.  Definitely worth a glass…even a bottle.  

 

Theater:  I liked the movie but i loved the play.  I’m talking about Sister Act on New York’s Broadway.  The staging by director Jerry Zax was snappy and the music by  Alan Menken  was right on target.  Together, they created a piece that could have gone on and on and on.  Menken composed the music for Beauty And The Beast (theater and movie) The Little Mermaid (theater and film) and Aladdin (movie), while Zax directed Guys And Dolls, Six Degrees Of Separation, House Of Blue Leaves, Anything Goes, and La Cage Aux Folles.  Oh, by the way, Whoopie Goldberg was the producer of the show. What a creative team.  The designbation A Team seems a bit wanting, A+++ Team is more appropriate.  The music is memorable and the book pretty much follows the film. Patina Miller, who originated the role of Deloris Van Cartier in the West End production and Victoria Clark (mother superior) where terrific on stage.  You’ll have the tune acting up in your mind for a while and may just get you into the Broadway ‘habit.’

 

Theater:  The drama That Championship Season took on Broadway while the mood elsewhere was for musicals.  A challenge well met by a stellar book, written by Jason Miller, who received the 1973 Pulitzer prize for drama.  Starring Kiefer Sutherland, Chris Noth, Jason Patric, Brian Cox and Jim Gaffigan, the play about five guys  letting it all the dirty laundry hang out on stage, is riveting and just as vital today as it was when the New York audience first saw it over 35 years ago.  Just watching these five actors interact on stage having great dialogue to chew on, is worth the price of admission.  Sex and the City’s Noth and 24’s Sutherland show a dimension of dramatic expertise that explodes on stage.  Jason Patric’s (The Lost Boys) performance would make his father (playwright Jason Miller) proud. 

Wine: The Languedoc-Roussillion region in the south west portion of France is a bastion of vineyards and winemaking which boasts one of the world’s most extensive varieties of grapes and, therefore, wines.  Maisons de la Region Languedoc-Roussilion and Sud-de-France recently held a wine tasting which showed off a nice variety of drinkable wines which were priced at under $20.  The wines I tasted were really easy to drink and are excellent choices for social occasions---good wines without breaking the bank.  Pair the wines with hors d’oeuvres and a mix of cheeses and you’ve got the makings of a great event.  
Design:  If you’re planning on decorating, redecorating or simply dreaming of a new look for your home, the recent furniture expo in New York, ICFF, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair is your first stop.  With more than 500 designers, manufacturers and retailers showing off their goods, you can be sure that your designer perused the contemporary furniture, floor and wall coverings, textiles asnd fixtures on display at the fair and in the private showrooms.  if you want to keep up with what your designer is thinking, a trip to the ICFF and a walk through its offing, is well worth it.  Where else can you stroll through the latest sofas, rockers, cookware and dinner tables and kjust imagine them in your apartment of house.  The furniture on view makes you want to stay home more often and revcel in the luxury.

Theater.  The Book of Mormon is a musical in the old-fashion tradition of make ‘em laugh, make ‘em cry, make ‘em sing and make ‘em dance.  Much of the book and music was written by the co-creators of the award winning Comedy Central animation series, South Park.  Looking at the massively popular TV show, these creatives certainly know how to produce a wildly successful and highly entertaining show.  And they have succeeded in keeping us thoroughly entertained as we follow two Mormon boys on a mission to a small village in Uganda.  ‘Nuff said.  “Wow,””Amazing,” and “Caramba” are a few of the expressions that popped into my mind.  Can make you a believer in the gifts of Broadway.

Music.  When I was in Bangkok I met a backpacker who was hitching, sleeping in hostels and eating street food on her way across Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.  When she returns to the States, she had her eyes on organic farming as a new career.  Tight budget though were no impediment when she found out that Eric Clapton would be performing in Bangkok.  Well, budgets and sleeping bags be damned.  She booked plane tickets back to Bangkok to see the show.  Music is a draw that converts the most humble of us into big spenders and fanatical fans, no matter where they’re bunking are or how much they have in their pouch.  Great concerts make hedonists of us all.  Well, the Impact Arena in Thailand’s capital city rocked with international fans and blues and guitar riffs that pointed out, so clearly, the maestro is still playing like he was kissed by the gods.

Music. Saw the Lady Gaga Monster Ball.  The Garden (Madison Square Garden for the few people out there who think it’s a patch of land filled with daffodils and petunias) was full of fanatical  fans who listened as Lady Gaga sent out inspirational messages between piano riffs, wardrobe changes, hair evenbts, and songs that everyone in the arena knew well enough to join in. she certainly knows how to put on a show.  The lights, the drama, the talent, the music…the whole shebang.  She called her multi-year tour an ‘pop electro opera,’ and exposed her feelings about her dealing with fame---baring the ups and the downs.  Well, most everyone is attracted to the ‘up’ side of the equation.  As far as the ‘downside,’ well, be ready to overcome those challenges, she advises.   She knows her audience and her audience knows her.  A mutual love society.  A good club to join.
Art: New York is a major stop on art fair tours that travel around the world showing off the work of represented galleries, art dealers and artists.  Two shows, Asian Contemporary Art Week and The Arts of Pacific Asia show highlight work from Asia.  Contemporary Chinese art is sweeping through the art scene, as collectors are swooping up the works of artists such as Yue Minjun and Ai Weiwei at record paces and prices. At the same time, more traditional Asian art, such as Chinese clay and ceramic pottery, Tibetan Tsongas, and Japanese wood block prints by such great practitioners as Hakusai, are increasing in popularity, through there has always been a market for these more classical forms.  As Chinese influence increases, look for an increase in the influence, and market, of Chinese and other Asian art.  The European and American collectors will find they have to compete rigorously with the increasingly wealthy and sophisticated Asian collector.  Let the art collection games begin.

 

Event:  New York celebrated Japan day a short while after Japan suffered through a horrific tsunami, earthquake and nuclear meltdown.  New Yorkers are generous, and contributions to help the millions who suffered loss as a result of the disaster.  The occasion also brought out the ninja in many of us.  Hundreds of black clad ninjas roamed central park, their wooden spears, plastic dragon stars and makeshift nunchucks in full display.  And this being New York the ninjas represented the whole community.  There were Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim. Hindu, Buddhist, Toa, and Shinto ninjas; there were African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian and mixed ninjas.  On Japan Day in New York, everyone is a ninja.  Keep your eyes open for the flying nunchuck.
Books: Got books.  The annual BEA, BOOKEXPO AMERICA, certainly does.  Each year the worlds’ publishers, authors and literary meet and present their latest publications, strategies and challenges.  For many years, television and the movies stripped away a sizeable chunk of the readership (a poll, conducted by associated press-ipsos in 2007 points out a continuous decline in book reading in the U.S..  it found that one in four Americans hasn’t read a book during the past year), but with the advent of kindle, nook, and and other digital readers, readership has begun to climb again and publishers have seen a gains over the past few years (Ebook sales have seen 202.3% February 2011 growth vs. February 2010. for e-books ranked as the #1 format among all categories of trade publishing in February 2011 (Association of American Publishers (AAP)).  So, got ebook?
Theater: Drama Desk Awards.  New York is a theater magnet.  There are Broadways shows, off Broadway shows, and off-off broadways shows, giving the public a chance to see a full range of live theater from 1000+ seat venues to small and intimate 40 seat spots.  An award show that honors the full array of live theater offerings is the Drama Desk which, since 1955, has been voting on the best in tens of categories…and I sat through them all.  In 2011 Harvey Fierstein hosted theater’s award show.  Now, with a wit and quick mind like Harvey Fierstein at the rudder, you know the show will move along with wonderful one-lines, comedic interludes and plain, old fashioned New York Shtick.  The Drama Desk Awards and Harvey Fierstein rarely fail to deliver.  Check out the shows.  Hooray for Hollywood Broadway. 

 

Books: Bookexpo America.  The Booksellers expo was a show-and-tell filled with books, publishers and authors who were busy during the three day convention touting their work.  The allure of the celebrity writer held true to tradition as lines twirled around the lanes at New York’s Javitz center filled with fans edging slowly up the line, anxious to get the autograph of their favorite book writing star.  Jim Patterson, the bestselling author, held court and gingerly signed his latest book.  A few aisles over, Brad Meltzer, the lawyer-turned mystery writer was equally at home with the autograph pen as with his literary writing tool.  What was interesting was that first time authors and writers of obscure topics also commanded long lines of patient autograph seekers.  There’s magic in them-thar’ signatures.

 

 

Art:  Affordable Art Fair.  Collecting art is not reserved for Hedge fund managers, rock stars or trust fund babies anymore.  It is possible to walk through the aisles of an art fair and view display after display of artists from around the world whose work is offered, mainly though their galleries, at a price that can, as the fair brochure says, “suit most budgets.”  There were many unknown and emerging artists on display and a few more established artists whose work was offered as prints or even unframed.  The Affordable Art Fair is a good place for starting collectors to get their feet wet, or for collectors who have already jumped in to add to their collections without breaking the bank. 

 

Wine: Chianti.  We’ve all tasted the delicious, deep red wine in our lives, over pasta or at a friends place or, if lucky enough, in Italy sitting on a terrace, looking over the incredible Tuscan hills while di[pping fresh bread into a plate of freshly pressed olive oil.  But how many people k now exactly what Chianti wine means.  The Chianti territory consists of specific provinces in Italy established by law, including Pisa, Arezzo, Florence, Prato and Siena.   The area consists of rolling hills, lush green valleys, terraces and flowing rivers, and has been producing wine for centuries, but it received its first official demarcation in 1932.  The Consorzio Vino Chianti, the organization entrusted with the task of supervising Chianti wines, estimates that there are over 2,500 wine producers in the designated area.  The wine produced fits most people’s tastes and budgets, from highly affordable to highly expensive, from the classical tannic to the younger, fresh wines which are light on the pallet.   Chianti wines offer a range of ruby red colors, bouquets and flavors.  Enjoy a glass. Salute.

 

Fashion. HBA Global Expo.  Did you ever wonder where your hairstylists go to buy their combs, brushes and shampoos?  Well, they don’t buy retail like the rest of us, that’s for sure.  They gather at HBA where vendors offer their wares to a very particular clientele who are always interested in the latest gadget, style and trend.  As they say, it’s the place where beauty meets business. Hairstylists are on platforms cutting volunteers hairs, showing off blow-dryers, scissors, and electric razors.  Shampoos, creams, salts and soaps are on display as are tanning devices, hair restorers and tanning machines.  The place is a bevy of excitement and who knows, you may just bump into the hair person for your favorite TV show there.

Food:  Big Apple Barbecue Block Party. New York City might not have invented the block party, but it certainly took it to another level.  New York streets are like little communities with personalities and structures of its own.  Some host Indian restaurants, others chic boutiques while others are residential with flavors of the hundreds of nationalities that make up this amazing city.  One block party though stands out from the rest because it imports many of its participants.  The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is a yearly event that offers amazing food from many of the county’s top pitmasters.  A dozen states are represented offering pulled pork, baby back ribs, sausages and brisket.  Towns like Unadilla, TX, Yazoo City MS and Driftwood, TX were doling out their best right alongside the offerings from Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville and New York.  Big Bob Gibson, Salt Lick, Pappy’s, Checkered Pig, Blue Smoke, and Harlem’s own Dinosaur were just some of the standouts at this block party.  But, I have to admit, there were no second places, because all offered first rate BBQ eats.  Bring it on……

 

Thoughts:  Recently I was at a small, private event when a person I did not know and had never seen before came up to me and told me I did not belong there.  Of course, he had nothing to do with that event, and I don’t know how he got in (but this is New York City and it does not lack in its crashers, some amusing and interesting, others not).  Certainly, his remarks slid off me like yesterday’s grease, and I responded suggesting that he be bone up on his manners (how very Martha Stewart of me…yes?).  But that incident got me thinking about poor on poor crime, outcast on outcast deceit—the sadness and weakness those few who prey on their own display.  Undoubtedly, he was ranting to overcome his inadequacy (I know, I know….I’m not a shrink, but being an attorney, having run a public company, and running a company has given me some insights into people), but my feelings revolved around the insufficiency of our society in giving the people who are in need, the help they need to prevent them from the dangers of their own mind. I recall a homeless man who spent much of the time around Columbus Circle.  He stood there and went off about frauds and fakes and other such ramblings.  I haven’t seen him in a while and I hope he is okay.   I believe education is one of the strongest tools available to give dignity to everyone and that is why I am using the college system to try to make a difference in the lives of others.   I do not want this to be about me, but about what you, all of us, can do to prevent such personal deprecating incidents that befell the sorrowful soul who had to insult others, to make himself feel better.  Poor on poor crime is an act of personal aggrandizement, outcast on outcast bullying is an act of personal deprecation.  Human dignity deserves more.  I realize I am rambling on and on about this issue but I feel strongly about our individual responsibility to try to give back to those who are wanting, whether physical or mental.  Together, let us try to remedy these situations.  I use education as the means.  Perhaps you use other vehicles.  I will be returning to the issue of personal responsibility and giving when I see a need to bring a topic to light.  I believe passionately in this.  Let’s get it done.
 

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Games. Playcraft. Summer 2016. Gamers converge to put on display an array of games that make fingers, eyes and minds twitch with excitement.  Taking over a floor of NY’s Times Square Microsoft center, hundreds of gamers, young, emerging and enthusiastic, gobbled thousands of slices of pizza while demonstrating their amazing games to fans, enthusiasts, and other gamers.  It was an amazing sight, all the games, all the enthusiasm, of the game devotees.  Playcraft is a community of game developers, enthusiasts, and aspiring gamers that offers educational courses, guidance and events around the country. Fun, education, games, rabid enthusiasm. What can be better?

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Film. Jason Bourne. Summer 2016.  This summer release well satisfied all Jason Bourne fans.  It is an adrenalin filled experience full of intrigue, quick plot turns, car/motorcycle/truck chases through avenues, alleyways, up and down stairs, that take the viewer on a tour of an array of foreign (outside the US) locations. The body count is high as victims fall from buildings, get blown up in explosions, get shot just because they are blocking the way, get knocked out in a few wicked punches…you get the gist of this film.  Jason Bourne is still action packed with a full dose of energy and this successful franchise doesn’t seem to be giving up on a winning formula. Get out of the heat.  Go to the movies.                                                               

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Design.  PROJECT.  MRket.  July 2016.  Men, have you ever wondered how to add some pizazz to your standard blue suits, white shirts, and brown penny loafers?  The men’s design shows that are showing in New York may have an answer for you.  Color up your accessories. Banvard & James introduced vibrant shoe laces in a rainbow of colors.   SAXX underwear is showing some comfortable undergarments where you want to be comfortable under your pants.   Collared Greens is showing off its collection of bowties that will spice up any shirt.    The British Apparel Company has on display a sizeable collection of colorful and playful socks.  Men, it’s easy to add some fun and color to your wardrobe. 

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Art.  Asian, African and Oceanic Art Fairs.  New York, 2016.  New York was once again home to three fascinating art fairs, Asian, Oceanic and African.  The dealers, collectors and enthusiasts who came from across the country and from many foreign ports, enthusiastically immersed themselves in many fine pieces of artisan handicrafts, and religious objects that fascinated and absorbed me.  These works, mostly crafted by hand, screamed loudly of the devotion, love and expertise of the makers of these works.  They are works of beauty, they are works of devotion, they are works that go beyond a people, culture, location, or religion, and manage to draw us into their magnificent presence.  Enjoy these works when you can.

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Food.  French Cheese Board. 2016.  The French Cheese Board opened a new space on Spring Street in New York’s popular Nolita neighborhood is a cheese concept store and culture lab dedicated to sharing and enjoying the fine sides of French cheese.  It is a friendly concept store where the walls are educational and offer portraits of France’s famous gastronomic wonder.  The store will be a lab where people can take cooking lessons, learn about cheese and wine pairing, and improve their knowledge of French cheese in general.  The design by French design team Ich&Kar created this friendly and interesting store.  Enjoy the cheese.

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Design.  NYC X Design. 2016.  New York City is one of the world’s design showcases where designers create some of the world’s iconic objects.  Many major brands and emerging designers call New York their home and are inspired by the creative people and places that make up the neighborhoods of this city that absorbs the cultures of all its visitors and residents.  During this exceptional event, so many designers put their work on view and share their creations with other professionals, critics and the people who will enjoy these handiworks.

 

Wine. Hungarian Tokaj.  In 1071, the first mention of Tokaj, Hungary’s wine region’s town that gave its name to the country’s famous wine, was recorded.  Since then, wine from this region was enjoyed by King Louis XIV, the Sun King of France (who is said to have admired the Tokaj wine, wine enthusiasts of the mid-Europe over the centuries, and wine lovers today.  Hungary presented its wines from the Tokaj Hill and Mád Basin at the historic Hungarian Embassy New York.  The dry white wine offered posses a fine color and light taste that could compliment fish and fowl easily.  Some of the wines included Lõcse Furmint from the Béres, Zomborka Furmint from Gróf Degenfeld, Záfir Furmint from Erzsébet, Hold and Hollo Furmint from Holdvölgy, Estate Furmint from Kvaszinger, Deák from Majoros,  and Márga Furmint from St. Donat.  Take a sip of these fine Hungarian wines from the Tokaj Hills and Mád Basin and enjoy the fine taste.

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Wine. Root of Nine. 2016.  Independent wine distributors and importers do not always get the opportunity to put their wine offerings on display.  The wines offered had their own regional specialization and unique portfolios representing over 100 brands from 12 countries. The wines reflect each artisan winemaker’s pursuit to craft the best wines possible from their unique regions of the world.  The 2011 Barolo Ravera is a wonderful Italian rich red wine. Argentina was represented by Hacienda del Plata Mayoral Grand Reserva (2010). Franco Terpin Stamos Rosso (2011) is also a rich, robust wine.  The Czech Republic was represented by a delightful Rouci and a honey wine, Trnava Mead.  The honey wine is composed of fermented honey and s blend of herbs and spices.  It is served both hot and cold.  Australia offered a nice Pinot Noir and a Merlot-Cabernet.  New Zealand offered a wonderful selection of wines from The Hermit Ram, including its young (2015) Limestone Hills Pinot Noir.  Raise a glass and taste these wonderful selections from around the world.

 

ALREADY PUBLISHED

 

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Fashion. Axis. (capsule). 2016. Women’s fashion took over a few prize venues on New York’s piers and displayed the latest fashion offerings from American and foreign designers.  I noticed a trend this year that is interesting: an increasing number if independent designers are displaying hand-made knits, including hats and scarves.  The designers were proud to utilize the talents of local artisans, helping local economies.  There were also several foreign designers who showed off their avant-garde designs as well as traditional clothes.

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Art.  The Armory Show. Volta.  Pulse.  Art, once again, took center stage in New York City.  The piers, overlooking the Hudson River, hosted many of the world’s greatest art galleries put on show modern and contemporary art.  Galleries opened a window on to the artists they represent, from the better known artists, such as Picasso and Warhol, and to artists that are not household names, but are internationally respected, such as print works by Indian-born Zarina Hashmi, Matthew Bandt, the American-born photographer whose work continually pushes the bounds of his medium; and a new series of large-scale monotype by Cecily Brown.  The galleries were mainly from the united states and Europe, but many other parts of the world were represented, including a major exhibition of african, Japanese, Korean, and South American galleries.  Now in its 22^nd year, the armory was as influential as ever. The armory show is New York’s premier international art fair. And a highly anticipated event on the global arts calendar, offering ambitious programming, curatorial initiatives and specially commissioned projects, the armory show combines access to high quality modern and contemporary art with a commitment to spotlighting new and emerging voices in the visual arts. Volta, the solo artists art fair, is now is its the ninth new york edition, feature 100 exhibitors from many of the worlds’s great cities, such as New York, Osaka, los Angeles, and Tokyo. The fair focuses primarily on solo exhibition and includes galleries, and artist-run spaces from over 40 countries.  So, there is a lot of art to see in New York.  Get out and enjoy the shows.

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Food. Coffee Fest 2016.  New York opened its coffee loving arms to Coffee Fest, where many brewers and coffee-maker suppliers showed off their offerings.  Coffee brewers set up tastings where I had the opportunity to taste coffee from Colombia, Haiti, Costa Rica, among other coffee venues, many brewed right here in the states.  Café Kreyol, from Haiti, Kuxtal Coffee Roasters, family owned and Irving Farm coffee roasters, were just a few of the roasters i sampled, and really enjoyed.  Keep Cup, a recyclable coffee-cup makers, showed off its glass and design-colored cups, Nounos Creamery tasted its creamy yoghurt.  There were many others who filled the Javitz Center and I must say, I enjoyed every minute of this event.  Have a cup and enjoy the scent and taste of a freshly brewed cup of coffee….

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Art. Asia Week. Arts of Japan. 2016. Asia Week in New York, is a wonderful 10 day extravaganza of a glorious array of prized Asian works of art. Originating from every corner of the Asian continent, the artworks is on display throughout Manhattan by international Asian art specialists. Many of the pieces are museum-quality presentations by 45 galleries.  Art lovers, collectors, and passer-bys can enjoy fine examples of painting, sculpture, bronzes, ceramics, jewelry, jade, textiles, prints and photographs from all over Asia. There are pieces from China, the glory and richness of Korea, Himalaya, India, Southeast Asia and Japan that exalt and remind us of the richness and splendor of these ancient cultures.   

 

Wine. Trebicchieri 2016.  The Italian wine industry showed off some of its finest wines when it brought to New York some wonderful Barolos, Chiantis, Brunellos, and Soaves, from Tuscany, Puglia, Lombardy, Umbria, and Piedmont, among others.  The red wines are rich and full of a robust flavor that go equally well with pasta, cheese and steak.  Open a bottle, fill a glass and toast these great wines and you will be in Italy without having to leave your dining room table.   

Toys. Toy Fair 2016.  To the children-at-hearts out there, NY was one big playground when the 2016 Toy Fair  put on display many of the toys, games and other fun items.  Dolls, dinosaurs, and Designer Art Toys were alongside educational, electronic, and environmental toys.  To the left and to the right, there were toys.  Come play.

Westminster Kennel Club. 2016. Okay, who doesn’t like dogs?  Big ones, small ones…hunting, herding, hound, terrier, sporting, non-sporting ones. I walked through the benching area, where many of the contestants to this year’s WKC Dog Show entries were on full display to an adoring crowd of oooers and ahhhers ranging from energized children to admiring seniors.  I must tell you, the dogs seemed to enjoy the pampering and exaltation just as much as the people who adored lavishing these magnificent animals with their adulation.  This year’s WKC Dog show, the 140^th show, and the second longest continually running sporting event in American history (right behind the Kentucky Derby) drew 3000 dog entries, which included 199 breeds and varieties.  The largest breed entries were Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs.  This year seven breeds were making their first appearance.  Over two days, the best in breed winners were selected.  The crowds howled and barked their cheers are the winners were announced.  Hound-Borzoi; Toy-Shih Tzu; Non-Sporting-Bulldog; Herding- German Shepherd Dog; Working-Samoyen; Terrier-Skye Terrier, and Sporting-German Shorthair Pointer.  Now, tension really began to rise, as Best in Show was the next and final event.  Best in Show would also be considered America’s dog, so the stakes were high.  Dog fans, in the nearly full Madison Square Garden supported loudly their choice as the dogs made their final rounds.  There was little paws (oops, sorry, pause) as the judge eyed, inspected, touched, and patted each dog.  Then another lap around the floor and the judge was ready to make his pick. The crowd waited, wondered, and then the call was made.  “German…” the announcer broadcast as the judge gave his call.  And before the announcement was complete, the fans of the German Shepherd howled in glee.  But, their joy di d not last long as the announcer completed his sentence…”Shorthair Pointer.”  JC, the German Shorthair Pointer had won, and was crowned champion of the 140^th WKC Dog Show, and was now America’s dog.   But truthfully, aren’t all dogs America’s dogs.  The pointers and the setters, the terriers and the retrievers, the hounds and the sporting, the rescue dogs and the mutts…America’s dogs all of them. And to them all, the winners and the also-rans, the pure breeds and the mutts, a hearty pat on the head.  We bark our thanks to you, our friends and companions, our heroes and our protectors.   

 

Wine. Benvenuto Brunello. 2016.  The Consortium of the Brunello of Montalcino Wine introduced its latest offerings in NY.  The wine is red and bold and quite delicious on the pallet. The area where the wines are produced is bounded and washed by important rivers found in the Italian province of Siena.  To the south of the terrain, mount Amiata protects the area from atmospheric phenomena. The climate is typically Mediterranean with precipitation concentrated during the spring and autumn months.  This climate assures a gradual and full growth of the grape bunches.  This description demonstrates the deep rich heritage and tradition of this excellent wine which benefits greatly from the climate, territory and history of this excellent wine.

 

Fashion.  Project. MRket.  Capsule. Liberty. New York. 2016.  Men’s fashion again came to New York’s Javitz Center and showed off the best new clothes, including the new must-have accessories, socks and underwear. Bird Dog Bay, Stance, N/A and Remo Tulliani showed off their socks, and Saxx displayed its new collection of underwear.  These clothing companies demonstrate that basic black is no longer the only socks men have available, and that tighty whitey undies are getting stiff competition from colorful and stylish underwear that offer, as Saxx claims, a “light and soft wearing experience.”  They look good too.  Also on display were a full wardrobe of everything a man could want or need, from active wear to traditional, from jeans and Ts to suits and ties.  Hey guys, we’re going to be looking good this season .

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Art. Outsider Art Fair. 2016. Outsider art, defined by Jean Dubuffet, the French artist, as “works produced by persons unscathed by artistic culture, where mimicry plays little or no part….These artists derive everything...from their own depths, and not from the conventions of classical or fashionable art."  Since Dubuffet defines Art Brut, as he called it, Outsider Art has grown to include art made by a wide variety of art-makers who share the desire to make works of raw creativity. Outsiders come from all walks of life, from all cultures, from all age groups. In recent years, Outsider artists have achieved critical validation within the traditional art world.  Come see the show and be fascinated by the raw creativity on display.

 

Art. Master drawings New York.  In January 2016, Contemporary New York was home to drawings that have weathered hundreds of years of viewings and opinion and have given so much pleasure to collectors and appreciators over the many years. Viewers should spend time with these drawing and study the details and craftsmanship that does into each line and shade.  Watch how a line here transforms a placid face into one of agony or pleasure; how a line there adds a movement or a glance.  Drawings are true examples of the mastery of the creative process by which an image crafted by a few lines on paper, becomes a form of artistry and elegance.  Take some time to view master drawings and study the art in each.

 

Wine. Union Des Grands Cru dr Bordeaux.  I love it when all the great wines of the world descen on New York City for their grand moment.  The 2013 Bordeauxs came to town and soon I was surrounded by the magnificent, aromatic and delightfully delicious wines from the Gironde department, including Médoc , Haut-Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margeaux, Mouli, Listrac, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Barsac, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol.  These great wines reflect the wonderful terroirs of the region, and the great care the master winemakers exhibit in the production of their wines.  The fruit is fresh and well taken care of, and enhances the natural terrain and weather that helps make a unique taste, color and aroma of these magnificent wines.  Many of you already know the names of these fine appellations.  Now, take a bottle, screw off the cork, let the wine breathe, and taste the majesty of this wonderful wine.

Travel. New York Times Travel Show. 2016.  If you want to travel to distant shores without leaving New York City, there is no better place to of than the New York Tines Travel Show.  The Javitz Center was home to places as close as Vermont and Canada, and as distant as Africa of The Antarctica.  There were colorful booths from the Dominican Republic to Curacao, and there were food samplings from Indonesia and Turkey.  The travel show highlights many of the popular destinations and vacation spots around the world and lucky New Yorkers could peruse   these choices without hovering to leave the city.  The Travel Show is the largest and longest-running trade and consumer travel show in North America, and features over 500 exhibitors from Africa, Asia, Australia/South Pacific, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, Mexico and the United States. This is one of my favorite shows because it inspires the imagination, and just may inspire you to leave the city and see more of the world.  It is well worth the trip.                                   

 

Design. Fame. Moda. 2016.  Well, fashion season is underway in NY with the first design shows of the 3016 calendar year.  Fame and Moda, two well established shows, brought to the city looks that women and men will be wearing in the Spring and Fall. Okay, check your closets.

 

 

 

Art. Museum of Art and Design (MAD).   MAD is displaying an exciting show by artist Ebony G. Patterson, who splits her time between Kingston, Jamaica and Lexington, KY.  Her show, Dead Treez is her first solo New York museum show.  Her work is a collection of mixed-media installations and photo tapestries. In her work, Patterson explores class, gender, race and the media. er work is a prime example of an artist who is working with fabrics, materials, and styles once associated wit crafts but now accepted as fine art. She is a collagist of the highest caliber.  Her work in highly adorned, the images seem illuminated and objects are meant to attract and seduce the viewer, enticing them to take a deeper, more prolonged, look. For Dead Treez, Patterson assembled five tapestries and a life-size collection of male mannequins, dressed in a colorful mix of fabrics. The show intends to present an intricate vision of masculinity in an age of club fashion and rock culture.  It presents a picture of postcolonial Jamaica. Her tapestries depict murder victims, meant to entice the viewer into witnessing the unreported crimes taking place daily.  Visit the museum in Columbus Circle and relish in the colorful and profound work of the artist.

 

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Wine. Grand Crus Classes of Saint-Emilion.  New York hosted one of France’s great wines, St Emilion.  The Romans planted vines in the St Emilion area in the 2^nd Century, and wine connoisseurs that they were, the Romans praised the regions as early as 300 AD.  The soil in the region is rich in clay and limestone, which enables the Merlot and Cab France varieties. The vineyards were showing the 2010s and 2012s.  I found the 2010 to be full and rich with just the right amount of time to develop a smooth and elegant tannin that I especially liked. It is a classic vintage, a stellar Bordeaux vintage that ages well (certainly in vintages were the Merlot is dominant). This wine will go great with meats and pasta. I am looking forward to tasting the 2012s, considered by many an excellent vintage, in a year or two. These wines certainly live up to the adage, good wines come from good vineyards by good vignerons. The wine is certainly a classic and the vuntages are stellar.  Lift a glass and take a drink.

 

                                                                      

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Food.  Food Fete. Fall 2015.  There are a few food shows that manage to pull of an interactive presentation of the latest food offerings in a comfortable, unhurried, and informative manner.  Food Fete is one of those gems.  Food writers walk around a room and get the opportunity to taste savory samples, and get information on food you will soon be spotting on the shelves of your local gourmet shops or grocery shops.  I especially liked Loacker’s flavored wafers and chocolate specially company (started in 1925), a2 milk company’s offering of milk that comes from a select group of cows that naturally produce only a2 protein.  Zemas madhouse offering non-GMO, vegan and kosher cookies, and Mangalista showed off their meat products.  A marvelous array was on display.  Be on the lookout for these products.  They’re good.

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Food.  The New York Coffee Festival. September 2015.  New York City is a coffee haven where it seems you can get a good cup of coffee on every block.  The coffee festival returned to New York and put on display a full array of coffee brewers, cafes, and roasters.  Baristas and master coffee makers demonstrated cold brews, slow brews, no brews, from all shapes, sizes and makes of coffee makers.  For a coffee fan (I am, as many of you no doubt are), the New York Coffee Festival is not to be missed.  Ahhhh, I can still smell that unmistakable scent of fresh coffee.

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Art. Crafts.  The Museum of Art and Design (MAD).  You can always count on MAD to display some examples of marvelously exciting and original crafts that are as much art as they are craft.  Japanese ceramic makers, eclectic furniture designers, even eclectic mannequin makers are in full view to a large public that can peruse the halls of this great museum on Columbus Circle at their leisure.  If they want a piece of this well designed craft in their home, they can pick up a bag or ceramic serving piece in the museum store on the ground level

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Design.  What’s New What Next. 2015.  200 Lexington Avenue is a building in New York that is a marvelous showplace of furniture, from traditional design to modern.  Every year the New York Design Center building hosts an event that spotlights many of the showrooms that dot the many floors  The event sponsored product information, designer conversations and informative presentations.  Furniture designs included everything from bathroom fixtures to bedroom sets to living room sofas.  It is a great way for consumers, interior decorators, and designers to have access to the latest furniture designs, the design process, and to the designers impacting the living quarters in this city.  Take a stroll troug te New York Design Center and find a nice piece of furniture for your place.

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Food.  The New York Coffee Festival.  2015.  Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in New York, with coffee shops, cafes, coffee trucks, coffee stands, and the marvelous scent of coffee enveloping just about every block of this city.  New York Coffee Festival showcased many of these coffee makers.  Roasters, brewers, serves, and coffee machine manufacturers took over the Armory on Lexington Avenue and served as staging ground for lectures, demonstrations and tastings.  There was coffee roasted in Brooklyn, Rwanda, Berlin and Haiti.  There were cafes brewing from all over the city (New York City).  There were espresso machines and multi-cup serving mechanisms.  There were demonstrations of slow brewing processes, cold brews, hot brews, and brews that tasted good even of the coffee was harvested only a few days earlier.  It was a grand festival of coffee that is a must visit for both coffee aficionados and professionals.  Have a cup of coff and enjoy tha aroma, taste, and the whole roasting to brewing, to serving process.

 

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Fashion.  New York Fashion Week (NYFW). 2015.  New York City was host to a wonderful week of fashion when many of the great designers and couture houses presented their latest clothing designs to interested fashionistas who filled the seats along the runways and watched models at work.  The shows were dazzling and high on pizzazz as well as content.  The effort behind the event paid off, as the designers and Fashion Community once again took this ny fashion industry event to heart.  some of the designers included were Alice and Olivia, Angel Sanchez, Anna Sui, Bcbgmaxazria, Betsey Johnson, Dennis Basso, Derek Lam, DKNY, Hervé Léger By Max Azria, Niicole Miller, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger,  and Vivienne Tam. Rather than point out one designer or another, let me tell you my overall impression of the week of fashion in NY.  The designs were exciting, a wonderful mix of classical lines and fashion forward cuts.  Interesting too, was the designers choice of models.  There were the collection of professional models, with their models bodies, model’s walk, and models faces.  There was also a Down syndrome model who graced the runway alongside, plus size models, and models with bionic limbs.  Many models looked a lot like you or me.  The venues for the shows ran from NY lofts, the Moynihan Station close to the iconic New York Post Office building, to Vanderbilt Hall at the grand Grand Central Station. Participating alongside NYFW was Art Hearts Fashion, a philanthropic organization works tirelessly to promote ways that fashion can support constructive ideals and influence the progressive evolution of the clothing industry. AHF works with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and Make-A-Wish. The NYFW show was exciting, uplifting, and a strong indication the designers kept fashion and social responsibility as, correctly so, high priorities.

 

 

Fashion. Men’s Clothing Summer 2015. Agenda. Project. MRKETNY.  Men’s fashion was in the spotlight in July when the shows came to NY and exhibited some of fashion designers finest.  From business attire to street-wear, men’s clothing was on display.  I was especially drawn to men’s accessories that have added some panache, élan, and color to what men are wearing, particularly under their pants and shoes.  These companies are dedicated to bringing fashion to traditionally ho-hum clothing. Men’s underwear took a step forward with companies such as SAXX, ethika, and PSD.  Some are boxers and other body hugging, but none are your father’s briefs.  There is an array of designs from basic black to floral to geometric.  All are really comfortable and well-made.  Men are getting wilder, at least under their pants. Men’s socks have also taken a step forward with their colors, patterns and designs. Basic black and grey is out.  Look for color and design under a man’s cuffs.  Designers such as ODD SOX, VANNUCCI, Stance, and Barcelona-based Punto Blanco are stepping out with their socks, giving men the choice to display or contain their flair.  So men, lift up your cuffs, overthrow the mundane, broadcast your style, and show off your individuality.     

 

Theatre.  On the Town.  On the Town, one of Broadway’s wonderful revivals this year is all song, dance, and Broadway magic  as it dazzled at The Lyric Theatre on 42^nd Street.  The 1944 musical that marveled at all that New York City, is replete with a great musical score composed by Leonard Bernstein, accompanied by lyrics by the famed duo Betty Comden and Adolph Green.  The exuberant cast, who were certainly not around to see how the original cast hoofed, put on a great dancing performance.  Three sailors hit the town on a much appreciated shore leave and soon go on a quest to find Miss Turnstile.  The cast dashes through the aisles, bringing the musical numbers right on to the audience’s laps.  The dance numbers are classic Broadway, the songs are terrific, and of course, who among us cannot sings some of the verses of the great On The Town classic: “New York, New York, a helluva town the Bronx is up and the Battery’s down…” The tune is in my head even as I am writing these words.  And I am falling in love with the musical, the singing, the dancing, and the city all over again.  So will you.  It’s a helluva’ play.

Art. Theatre.  The Armory on Park Avenue.  The Armory has a vast open space thast, if used effect8ively, makes any piece presented within its walls and high ceiling even more profound.  Philippe Parreno’s music, video, and lights masterpiece does exactly that.  Moving from one location to another, waiting to see what magical piece takes over the space next – a video of an animated Manga figure talking about her life, a slow exploration of a hotel room Marilyn Monroe once occupied, or perhaps a train ride carrying the casket of the assassinated Robert Kennedy though mid America. A piano suddenly comes alive, lights dance on one elevated location, and then another.  Music prances around the room.  The light6as shut off, and then on again.  Philippe Parreno, the artist, says that “the exhibition is conceived as a scripted space.  It certainly is that, and more.  It is a choreography of lights, images, sound, and space.  Each is dependant on each other, to make a single cohesive whole.  It is a dazzling exhibition, sure to get you immersed in the rhytm of the whole production.  Come and be amazed.                                                           *

Food.  Food Fête. Summer 2015. Food Fête is a wonderful show that allows food, beverage and kitchenware companies to exhibit their latest offerings and connect one-on-one with food writers, bloggers, and tweeters. The wonderful goal of the Food Fête organization and founder is to create solid relationships with te media, and through tem the public, that deliver real value. To accomplish that, Food Fête uses its substantial insight to deliver the newest, best-in-class food and beverage products that helps establish new trends, and creates an atmosphere that helps in the discovery of creative, new products as well as the people and companies behind them. This Food Fête followed in the tradition as the media was introduced to kitchen ware, German sharpened cutlery, healthy bread for kids, a new collection of ice cream, lactose free butter and flavored cream cheese, a marvelous selection of olive oil, puddings, California almonds, cookies paired with music, and several healthy granola choices. A few tasty items that stood out were Lovin’ Scoopful Gourmet Light Ice Cream.  Try their Moose Tracks. KozyShack puddings charmed my taste buds.  I liked the chocolate and rice puddings. Challenge lactose free butter spread nicely over my toast. A great exposition of healthy and delicious food presented better with top notch kitchenware.  Come.  Eat. Enjoy.

                                                                                                                                                      

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Cider. Pour The Core: A Hard Cider Festival. 2015.  Brooklyn hosted a hard cider festival and showed off some of the finest hard ciders around.  The ciders represented ranged from sweet strawberry and pineapple cider to the more traditional Irish and British cider.  I tasted a few and enjoyed Awestruck, 1911, Original Sin and Standard, to name only a few.  I must say, though festival brought out the choices available for wonderful, tasty brews.  Keep your eyes open for cider shops and drinking establishments to enter the popular culture big time.

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Wine.  Chianti lovers. 2015.  The italians are coming.  Actually, italian wine growers from the chieti region of italy are showing some of their finest wines the wine is rich and robust and, as you would imagine., pairs wonderfully with pasta dishes.  There is the more elegant, fragrant wine enjoyed by locals, and the more robust wines, equally enjoyed by the locals and by all.    I spoke with a grower who is the fifth generation growing grapes and making wines on the same plot of land.  1789 was the year they picked their first grapes, and they are going strong,  in fact. The vineyard is collaborating with universities to bring back the grapes that launched their vineyard o0ver 250 years ago.  Much of the robust Chianti wine is wood barrel aged, and the taste comes through with every sip.  With so much history in the Chianti region of italy, every glass tells a story.  Enjoy.

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Food. Food Fête Spring: Health & Wellness. 2015. Food Fête introduces the newest food, beverages and kitchenware products in an intimate setting that allows food writers and food professionals the opportunity to taste the latest offerings and to have meaningful conversations with brand PR professionals and company representatives.  Food Fete is rapidly becoming one of the premier events to introduce new products for the food industry.  In April, Food Fête offers for review products with a strong health & wellness appeal including allergen-free and glycerin-friendly foods.  It is a smorgasbord filled with foodie delight. PBfit, powdered peanut butter, needs a dash of water to transform into a delicious peanut butter that is gluten free, GMO free and makes a great PB and J sandwich for the kids and you.  Freschetta offered up its frozen thin crust pizza, a wonderful 4 cheese (100% real mozzarella, savory asiago, rich fontina and hearty parmesan) standard pizza, and one topped with prosciutto on a nice layer of mozzarella cheese.  It is gluten free.  They use naturally Rising Crust Pizza with no chemical leaveners. Which means the dough rises using real yeast.  I enjoyed a great cup of Trücup Coffee, a low acid coffee that was smooth.  They use a premium blend of Arabica coffee beans then, employing a patented, natural process – only water and steam and no chemicals of any kind – they remove acids that can be harmful to your stomach and create a bitter taste and is easy on the stomach.  Most importantly, it tastes great, so you =can pour yourself another cup.  Food Fête is a delight for the palette.

Art. Robert Hatfield Ellsworth Collection at Christies. 2015. Christies, New York, presented to buyers, connoisseurs and collectors the highly regarded collection of fine asian art of a collector, scholar, and dealer who many have labeled the American Mandarin, Robert Hatfield Ellsworth .  Many believe that Ellsworth has made an invaluable contribution to the study and appreciation of Asian art.   His collection included ancient bronzes, Ming furniture, fine jade, modern Chinese painting, and Himalayan, Indian, And Southeast Asian works of art.  Ellsworth was fully immersed in every facet of the Asian art historical canon, in addition to being a skilled and passionate collector. Ellsworth’s many contributions mark him as a great connoisseur-dealer.  His passion and expertise are embodied in his personal collection, considered by many to be one of the greatest assemblages of Asian art in the history of collecting.  ‘I think more like a Buddhist than anything else,’ he once said. ‘I admire and feel sympathetic [to the Asian] attitude that life is not easy and that one should make the best of it.’ Christies offers over 1,400 objects he owned and loved for sale.  The collection is also open for viewing by admirers of Asian art.  Make the time to view this magnificent collection.

 

 

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Art.  The Metroplitan Museum of Art.  Asian Art 100. In 2015 the Met is celebrating the centennial of the Met’s department of Asian art.  In the Asian year of the ram, the Met plans to present 19 exhibits and installations for a  year-long celebration of its collections from across Asia.  Some of the exhibitions and installations include: celebration of the year of the ram; sacred traditions of the Himalayas; sumptuous East Asian lacquer, 14^th to 20 century; Korea: 100 years of collecting at the met; discovering Japanese art ; American collectors and the Met; the art of Nepal and Tibet; masterpieces of Chinese paintings from the Metropolitan collection; encountering Vishnu: the lion avatar in Indian temple drama.  There are of course other exhibitions that are sure to entice and enchant you.  The Met plans an exhibition of masterpieces of Japanese and Korean art from the renowned Marty Griggs Burke collections.  The objects in the collection span over five millennia and is considered by many one of the finest Japanese collection outside of Japan.  The collection comprises over 1000 pieces of work.  Among the collection are an exceedingly rare medieval Buddhist painting of Shakyamumi, and a gilt wood statue of a Bodhisattva.  It is worth a visit to the The Metroplitan Museum of Art to be enthralled, enamored and completely taken by the Met’s collection is over a 100 years in the making.  The museum is in the heart of New York.

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Art. Sotheby’s.  Asia Week, 2015.  Sotheby’s put on display in its New York location a wide variety of Chinese art, including ancient art, ceramics, paintings & calligraphy.  Also available for auction during Asia Week are Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art.  Among the works on display are a rare blue and white ‘Peony’ jar (Guan) dating from the Yuan dynasty, a Caledon ‘Grain” jar and cover Five Dynasties/Song Dynasty; a rare and important blue and white dish dating from the Ming Dynasty; a rare and important blue and white ‘Dragon’ bowl, a stunning self-portrait of the celebrated artist Amrita Sher-Gil (one of India’s leading female modernists); and an historic 11^th century Vajradhatu mandala from Tibet (it is believed that this piece is the earliest known Tibetan mandala ever available for sale. An interesting piece available for sale is a a finely carved celadon jade ‘Taotie’ censer and cover Qing Dynasty, early Qianlong period, presented to Sir Winston Churchill by the county borough of Brighton on October 3, 1947.  All the work will be available for auction, of course.  These fine pieces are also available for viewing by the public during normal business hours.  Enjoy this view of Asian culture.

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Wine.  La Vernaccia di San Gimignano. 2015.  The wonderful Italian wines of San Gimiciano were on display in New York, showcasing some of its fine white and red wines.  According to the regulations, to be considered a Vernaccia di San Gimignano wine, the wine must be mad from vineyards in the designated area of  San Gimignano.  According to the producers in the region, Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine is paired well with Mediterranean cuisine, with an abundance of olive oil.  The wine is also paired with rice and pasta dishes with white sauces.  The wine is excellent with fish dishes and with white meats. I tasted two white wines which I liked, Vernaccia di San Gimignanoi and La Ginestra, Reserva.  While there are subtle differences between them, both would pair well with white meat, fowl, and pasta.  So, open a bottle and enjoy a wonderful wine from an ancient region in Italy that has prided itself on its wine as far back as 1477 when the municipality of San Gimignano appointed two official tasters so that “ne provvedessero del migliore e ben condizionato” (they would procure the best). As far as I’m concerned, they succeeded in their task.

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Art. The Armory Show, 2015. The Armory Show, is one of the a leading international contemporary and modern art fairs and a well established annual art events in New York.  The armory show traditionally showcases many of the most important artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries. An international institution, the show combines a selection of the world's leading galleries displaying works of many of their artists, with an exceptional program of arts events and exhibitions.  The armory show is dividcd into two categories, Contemporary and modern.  Its international collection of galleries includes Blain | Southern (London, Berlin), Marianne Boesky Gallery (New York), James Cohan Gallery (New York, Shanghai), Massimo De Carlo (Milan, London), Sean Kelly (New York), Kavi Gupta (Chicago, Berlin), Kerlin Gallery (Dublin), Galerie Peter Kilchmann (Zurich), Lehmann Maupin (New York, Hong Kong), Lisson Gallery (London, New York, Milan), Victoria Miro (London), Eva Presenhuber (Zurich),Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac (Paris, Salzburg), Jack Shainman Gallery (New York), David Zwirner (New York, London), Metro Pictures (New York), Monitor (Rome), Galerie Nordenhake (Berlin, Stockholm), Regen Projects (Los Angeles), Alan Cristea Gallery(London), James Goodman Gallery (New York), ,Marlborough Gallery (New York), Mayoral Galeria d’Art(Barcelona), Moeller Fine Art (New York, Berlin), Michael Rosenfeld Gallery (New York), and Galerie Thomas Modern (Munich).  There are, of course, many others.  The art fair also includes conferences, special exhibits and, the Armory Focus, a curated section. Take a stroll down the aisles and enjoy the art. 

 

During this period, known as Armory week, New York hosts several other fairs, including Scope Art, Pulse New York Independent, and Volta, NY.  All are worth a visit since they display a host of galleries and artists, from emerging to established.  Who knows, you might discover the next Warhol. 

 

 

Food.  Food Féte, 2015.  New York was once again host to Food Féte, a showcase of new and emerging food brands that reflect the tastes of the American populace.  This year saw the introduction of several yogurt brands, from Greek Yogurt to Australian style to fruit flavored yogurt sprinkled with Chia.  There were multigrain black bean and pinto chips which are a new line of wholesome tortilla chips. Fresh apples from Washington were on display alongside packaged soups that tasted freshly made.  Romana, golden, cherry and grape tomatoes tasted as though they were picked only moments earlier, while crushed reserve tomatoes, with its deep red color and sweet taste, were offered in jar packaging for storage.  Established shortbread cookies were presented with new, updated recipes.  Food Féte presents these and other food brands in an intimate setting that is conducive to tasting and becoming familiar with these flavorsome offerings.  It is a wonderful way to be introduced to a myriad of tastes, flavors, and recipes that are sure to land on shelves of our food stores as well an on our tables.  Food Féte is a glorious taste-féte that is flavorful, colorful and…so,

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LIFESTYLE. HOME. NY NOW. 2015.  The 2015 show came to New York displaying over 400 categories and over 2800 suppliers of home goods, gift products and lifestyles goods.  Buyers and attendees feom the 50 states of the U.S.. as well as over 80 countries, make this a truly international hone, liefestyle and handicraft show.  It is a wonderful place for attendees to source and review home products (including tabletops, linens, home furnishings, and textiles), lifestyle products (such as  baby+child, gifts, personal care, and wellness), and handmade products (such as ceramics, textiles, home décor and jewelry).  I like this show because it presents and array of goods and products, occupying much of the space of the massive Javitz Center, which fit any needs.  Walking down the aisles presents a massive array of products that are sure to catch the mind, eye and interest of the over 33,000 attends expected to attend.  Let me point out only a few of the thousands of products that were presented. The GirlieGoGarter©, a wonderful item created by Andy Paige, offers ladies the freedom to run, walk, dance or shop while wearing their iphones, keys, IDs, or other important items in the pockets of their GGG©.  This is a handy alternative to carrying a handbag. The Stump is a tablet stand that comes in various sizes, that can securely hold mobile phones and tablets. Mighty Wallet is made of a virtually tear free Tyvek that is also water and stain resistant.   A neat wallet that fits virtually anywhere. Gina Dambra, a designer, draws dogs and other animals she knows. and stitches those drawings on pillows and other household items.  She has found her textiles in many locations, including Montmartre, France and Brussels, Belgium.  Built® presents its protective insulated products in fashionable designs and shapes.  Sock it to me, a fashion conscious sock company, offers a variety of designs in this growing trend of socks as fashion statement.  Pré de Provence, The Barr Co., and Coastal put a full array of scented soaps on display.  Animal magnets sure to deck out wonderfully any fridge, were showed by Myunghye Kim and her company Paper Russells.

 

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Art.  Outsider Art Fair. 2015.  Outsider art, or its precursor art brut, or raw art, souhourned in New York recently.  The art, as artist Jean Debuffet said, is made by “persons unscathed by artistic culture…artists [who] derive everything...from their own depths, and not from the conventions of classical or fashionable art."  Outside artists derive from all walks of life, from all cultures, from all age groups, and many of these artists were on display.  On display were European, American, and Japanese outside artists.  The art is vibrant and in many cases, raw, an expression of the artists inner visions, that are not limited by the medium (many did their work on scrap metal, newspapers, and found wood, and used commercial paints rather than  the finely refined paints more traditional artists employed in their works), or education (many were not educated in the arts), or popular movements (most did not follow a trend, school, or popular style as heralded by the art historians or cultural critics).  The art is intensely personal and an indication of the artist’s environment and is their vision of the immediate world.  It is well worth their voyage through the minds of these outside artists, and see the world through their eyes.  It is well worth the journey.

 

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Wine. Union Des Grande Crus de Bordeaux.  2015.  The union ius a collection of 133 grande cru estates which demand a high level and standard of quality.  This includes Medocs, Pauillacs, Margeauxs, Graves, Sauternes, and Pomerols.   The Bordeaux region in France has a climate which many believe to have a unique environment for wine making. Olivier Bernard says, “a grande wine is made from great fruit that is the natural reflection of its terroir.”  In producing great wines, Olivier Bernard also says, “man’s role is restricted to that of a caretaker.”  The great Bordeauxs make enjoying a glass of wine a true gastronomic experience that should not be missed by anyone who enjoys a good glass of wine with a meal of on its own.  Cheers.

 

 

Art/Crafts.  Ceramics and Glass Fair. 2015.  New York hosted the 2015 Ceramics and Glass Fair which showed off some of the finest European, Asian and American ceramics and glassware.  On view are wonderful products from traditional to avant-garde.  This is the only fair of its kind in te United States and is a place where you can find collectors, dealers and appreciators mingling as they explore the world of ceramics and glassware. Informative lectures are being offered throughout the run of the fair, where such subject to as 18^th century ceramic  figures,  glass in the colonial south, export-ware from Jinhdezen (China),  and tips on collecting American glass, among other topics, are discussed.  Handle with care and enjoy.

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Travel.  New York Times Travel Show, 2015.  Do you want to head out to the icy glaciers of the arctic, maybe a safari through the game parks of Namibia or South Africa is more your style?  Perhaps a week in Florida, or a few days exploring New York?  Well, those travel choices and many more are available to you to explore at this year’s travel Show.  Helpful advisers are there to suggest adventure vacations in Africa to relaxing cruises on the Caribbean.  Whatever your choice, a visit to the NYT Travel Show might be just the right place to start.  Bon Voyage.

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Wine. Benvenuto Brunello, 2015.  The magnificent wines of Brunello of Montalcino came to New York and showcased some of their wonderful 2009, 2010 as well as oter vintages,  The consortium is an association between winegrowers who are determined to safeguard the quality of their wines.  The wines they presented this year are rich and wonderfully bold.  The climate in the area is typically Mediterranean, with precipitation mainly during te spring and late autumn months.  Therefore, during te vegetative state of The grape.  The variety of Brunello of Montalcino is Sangiovese (called Brunello in Montalcino, and the wine is typically aged in wood barrels for 2 years.  The climate id typically mild, insuring the gradual and full growth of the grapes.  The Rosso di Montalcino uses a Sangiovese grape variety (called Brunello in Mantalcino).  The 2009 Brunellos I tasted were nice, including thr offerings from Lisini and Villa Le Prata.  Enjoy.

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Clothing.  Liberty Fair/Agenda Fair. 2015.  New Y0ork was host to several clothing fairs including Liberty and Agenda.  The clothing was trendy and exhibited work by young emerging entrepreneurs and well as more established companies.  There were lots of socks making fashion statements, including Odd Sox and 40s & Shorties (who paired their socks with boxers).  I saw an underwear company, Saxx, which showed underwear which sported an ergonomically comfortable pouch.  I also saw a young entrepreneur who brought her leather company, Made In Mayhem to New York.  Her leather goods, using full grain leather, is styled in California, and follows clean, stylish lines.  Stay Focused brought interesting back packs and iphone cases to the city.  All in all, the fairs showed off the latest trends.  Wear the trends.

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Travel.  Barcelona. December, 2014. Barcelona is a city well worth visiting.  It is a city filled with dualities.  It is an old city that dates back to Roman days, and a vibrant city full of new art, new ideas, and new  traditions.   It is a city where Gaudi’s magnificent architecture stands only a few buildings away from futuristic buildings such as the MACBA (Museu d'Art Contemporani de Barcelona).  Classic Buildings, many two, three and four hundred years old have their doors plastered with graffiti art. On grand boulevards, there are monuments that recall the glory of the old days, the kings, queens, explorers and conquerors, alongside a new Spain in a new world. There are retro record stores, retro clothing stores and tattoo shoos next to 1000 year old cathedrals and traditions as old as the Spanish kingdom itself.   There is the square where Columbus is thought to have presented himself to Queen Isabella, and there is the Rambla, the famous walking street filled with people from around the world enjoying the full flavor of this great city.  The Rambla extends from the towering figure of Christopher Columbus staring at the beckoning water to the Plaça Catalunya, a busy square that lays claim to one of the busiest spots in town, the Apple Store. Barcelona is a city full of cafes that populate the many squares and calles that are filled from morning to night with locals and foreigners alike enjoying a dark coffee, a light beer, or glass of wine. You can get a slice of pizza or a tapas anywhere. There are roller boarders skating past literary types.  There are Catalonians arguing for independence and there are those who like the country exactly as it is, an integral part of Spain.  The old timers don't even raise an eyebrow at the change around them.  This city had, after all, seen change. The old city is divided into areas--The Born, Gotica, and Raval .  There is a neighborhood where many of the art galleries cluster, the Eixample, and there is the Garcia, an old established neighborhood a few kilometers away.  It is a city I planned on visiting for a week or so, and stayed the full three weeks of my time in Europe.   You can get the bug to meander aimlessly around the ancient winding streets of the old districts--don't hesitate from doing so.  It is difficult to get lost in Barcelona. And if you do, what a great place in which to wander with no destination in mind…as Bob Dylan said, "like a rolling stone."

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Food.  Barcelona. December, 2014. And of course, there is the paella.  Many foodies believe that some of the best paella In the world is served here, a city a short distance from Valencia, where the dish paella itself was supposedly invented.  Rather than run down a list of the top 10, let me describe one restaurant I found that offered an incredibly sublime and delicious paella.  Pitarra. More than delicious, the paerlla I had there was magnifico. The well respected Catalan chef, Marc Roig, the recipient of many culinary honors, has certainly mastered the art of the paella.  The restaurant itself is traditional in decor, with a helpful staff who will recommend their favorites, if asked. Pitarra has served kings and presidents, local food aficionados and a handful of tourists who were lucky enough to find this restaurant.  I ate there twice.  Each time I tried a different paella.  The first was a mixed (seafood and meat), and the second. a blend of cod fish and artichoke. They were both subtle and savory.  Believe me when I tell you I wiped the pans clean both times.   I had an incredible Crema de Catalunya (flan) for dessert.  A great meal. A delicious way to taste the best of Barcelona.

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Art.  Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Cubism:  The Lauder Collection.  Many believe that Cubism, the form of art that radically changed the way we see the world, was the most influential srt movement of te earliest twentieth century.  Some of the artists included in the Cubist movement include Pablo Picasso, Juan Gris, Fernand Leger and George Braque.  Many of their fine works, part of the Leonard A. Lauder collection, are on display at The MMA and are well worth a visit to the grand museum on 5^th Avenue. The exhibit is on display until February 16, 2015

 

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Art. The Salon Art + Design, 2014.  The third annual The Salon Art + Design show opened at the wonderful Park Avenue Armory showing an intriguing collection of design and fine art from around te world.  Showcased are 20^th century art, contemporary art, and design from the 1890s to the present.  Also are works of ethnographic art and antiques.    Art appreciators and collectors will be given the opportunity to purchase and create unique interiors for their home.  On display are works presented by galleries from Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam, Korea, Germany and the United States.  Tastes of collators, decorators, and appreciators are considered by the individual galleries present the best they have.  The Salon Art + Design, in its conception, filled a need to sow art and design together, much as the work would be found in homes.  Chairs, tables coupled with fine paintings or sculptures are coupled in homes, and te presentations on display mirror the possibilities of art and design pairing.  The clients for the show typically are collectors, architects, designers, fashionistas, and appreciators.   Tastemakers will be satisfied with the mix or art and design on display.  

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Art. The Guggenheim Museum’s Wang Jianwei, Time Temple. Wang Jianwei is considered one of China’s leading artists of the reform-era and experimental art.  He is also known as an influential writer, thinker and culturist, contributing to public discourse on contemporary Chinese art and culture.  On art, he believe that there is a continuous possibility to show infinite potential and forms of time.   Wang’s work is conceptual, steeped in history and social memory, yet it is grounded in the reality of contemporary every day life in China.    The title Time Temple refers to one of Wang’s main concerns: How one thinks of and experiences time.  For Wang, time is abstract and real, finite and potential, still and in motion.  It is certain and uncertain, linked to his observation of contemporary of Chinese society and resistance to absolute ideologies.  The exhibition contains an instillation of paintings and sculptures, a film, and live performances.  Take the time to visit the Guggenheim Museum to view this interesting exhibit.

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Art. E/AB Fair ’14.  The Editions/Artists’ Books Fair (E/AB) is New York’s showcase for contemporary publishers and dealers, is run as a nonprofit organization, intending to introduce to a broad public a wide range of contemporary prints, multiples, and artist’s’ books. The fair gather and sows works from over 40 exhibitors from around the US, and Europe and is being held at the recently renovated Art Beam building in New York’s Chelsea. The fair is relatively informal, allowing for easy access to the prints, printmaking processes, and the artists themselves.  Exhibitors come from around the country and from abroad, from Bloomington, Illinois to Paris, France, to Johannesburg, South Africa.  You should be there too.

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Food. FoodFete 2014.  Food Fête is a boutique boutique foodie event that introduces food public relation and marketing professionals to food writers. Food professionals user the opportunity to showcase their newest food, beverage and kitchenware products through meaningful conversations with writers.  Since its introduction, Food Fête has endeavored to become a prime press event for launching new products to the food media. Some products I enjoyed were Little Miracles™,a UK based organic tea, Addies, an LA based  cakes company that a fine Lemon Ice Box Pie, Niman Ranch humanely raised pulled pork, wonderful 34° crackers and some colorful eco-friendly straws.  Shady Brook Farms® presented their turkey in an elegant format -- soup in a shot glass followed by a single bite of turkey salad.  Delicious

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Wine.  VIniPortugal, Wines of Portugal, 2014.  Portugal offers up some distinguished wines, many from vineyards that have maintained the same ownership for hundreds of years.  The cultivation of wine in this region of Europe extends back to the Roman period so, it can be said with a certain amount of confidence, this is not these vineyards' first stab at the gold ring.  One of my favorite wines at the Duoros, from the steeped, terraced vineyards north of Portugal.  Rich and robust, with a mouthful of tanens , the taste of this fine wine lingers on your pallet. The Duoro region was deemed an appellation and helped introduce the wine as a regional, quality wine.  The grape growers and winemakers of this region consider themselves to be makers and guardians of a valuable and undue treasure.  Duoro is one of over 250 varieties of grape which makes winemaking in Portugal a wonderful location in which to enjoy a fine glass of wine.  While there are so many single varieties of wine, most Portugese wibnes are based on a combination of grape varieties.  These wines are ready to be enjoyed by you.

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Wine.  Great Wines. Simply Italian. 2014.   The Simply Italian/ Wines of Italy events  in Ndw York Chicago and other wine enjoying capitals of te world,  allows Italian wine producers the opportunity to present their wine products to the international markets.  There is an increased demand for Italian wines on the world market, and the Simply Italian/Wines of Italy event lets buyers and wine enthusiasts enjoy walk around tastings, relevant seminars, and guided tastings.  Wines at the event represent such distinct locations in Italy as Piedmont, Veneto, Tuscany, Lombardy, Venezia and Romagna.  The wines ranged in cost, color, and taste, making this event a wonderful opportunity to taste a wide variety of wines.  A sampling of te wines I tasted included the red Quartosola Riserva 2011 and a 2008 Augusto, and the Savardo Pinot Grigio.  Rich and tasteful.  Enjoy a glass.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Art. Asia Art Fair 2014.  New York hosted the Asia Art Fair at the historic Bohemian National all, and showed off a collection of contemporary artists alongside traditional; classical Asian art.  A few of the contemporary artists rely on their traditional Chinese culture to create their work.  Cui Fei, for example, creates work that resembles characters from Chinese calligraphy, as does Zheng Lianjie.  The classical art on display included ceramics, ancient Buddhas from Tibet, Nepal, and China, as well as beautiful tapestries.  Take a stroll along contemporary and classical Asian art.

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Food.  Jonty  Jacobs.  I found  a wonderful South African outpost in New York, Jonty Jacobs.  The small, inviting shop offers foodies a taste of some of that country’s favorite food.   I tasted the biltong.  You can find biltong in the traditional manner, lean or spicy.  You can get it in chunks, shredded or thin cut.  What would a South African shop be without droewors (dried beef sausage), boerewors (South-African style sausage), or sosaties (marinated and skewered meat).  Stop into this small shop and find a taste of South Africa in New York. 

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Words. BookExpo America (BEA),  BEA returned to New York’s Javitz Center and displayed a full array of books that are, or will soon, be available to the public.  Large publishers and boutique publishers offered many of its authors for signings and conversations to booksellers, librarians, educators, and to other book professionals.  Some of the authors and speakers on hand included Tavis Smiley, Neil Patrick Harris, and Carl Hiaasen.  Exhibitors and buyers discussed digital publishing, marketing in a new and changing economy, the children’s and young adult markets, and other aspects of the publishing world.  But what kept the aisles full and bussing throughout the three days of the expo were the words and the writers who so ably crafted them.  Read a book.

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Wine. Spanish Wine Cellar 2014.  New York hosted a collection of marvelous Spanish wines from diverse wine regions, including Do La Mancha, Do Jumilla, Do Valencia, and Doca Rioja.   I tasted some excellent wines, including a 2005 Clos Monileo and a 2010 Herencia de Llanomingomez. Many of the other wines I tasted were robust and were also excellent.  The wines presented were represented many of the great wine producers from 18 different regions of Spain.  I must disclose that I limited myself to red wines, and therefore did not taste the whites or sparkling wine offerings.  Try for yourself and taste some of Spain’s excellent offerings.

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Wine.  Chianti Classico, Gran Selezione, 2014. Chianti Classico DOCG covers 172,900 acres, with a total vineyard area of 24,700.  There are 17,784 acres registered as Chianti Classico which produces approximately 35 million bottles of wine annually.   The territory covered for Chianti Classico lies between Florence and Sienna. Recently, a new type of Chianti Classico, are wines produced exclusive, with grapes from single vineyards.  Under the new regulations, wines of Chianti classic can be marketed only if certifies by the pertinent oversight organization.  The wines I tasted were excellent, robust and wonderful to the taste.  The grapes are carefully selected and possess a superior balance, a depth of flavor and aromatic complexity.  The palette is treated to an immediacy of fruit and tastes typical of wines that develop over many years.  Some standouts that have a fascinating story connected to a few of the wine producers include Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Colonia 2009 which, I am told, produces only 300 bottles, and  Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio 2010, which has been in the same family for over 900 years.  Enjoy a glass of any Chianti Classico. 

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Art.  Whitney Museum, 2014.  The Whitney museum of American Art opened a Jeff Koon retrospective that highlights many of Koons’ works that span his three decades as one of America’s better known artists.    Koons is certainly a popular, controversial and important artist who as pioneered new approaches to art, bridging mass culture with advanced art.  He has created, over is career, some of the most indelible icons of contemporary art including One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (1985), Rabbit (1986), Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988), and Balloon Dog (1994-2000).  His work elevated familiar objects (toys, basketballs, balloons, vacuum cleaners), from the mundane to the exceptional, showing off the popular culture in which we live.  Stop by and enjoy the art.

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Food.  Food Fete, 2014.  I stumbled upon a marvelous food show the other day and was pleasantly surprised by the intimacy, and choice of food and beverage Food Fete offered. There were 20 or 25 presenters offering a wide selection of deserts, select sodas, pastas and snacks.  Many of the exhibitors showcased their newest food, beverage and kitchenware products. The place was crowded with foodies and professionals who engaged in meaningful social interactions and tasted to their delight.  Bon appétit. 

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Wine. Cru Bourgois, New York, 2014. The French are coming.  French wine, that is.  The other day a wine tasting introduced New York to the 2010 vintage of Margeaux. Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Haute Medoc and Medoc, all well respected wines.  Many of the wines exhibited a delicate blend of approachable tannins that made, for me, this tagging an enjoyable event.  For all appreciators of fine wine, and for those being introduced to the delectable taste of wine, the wines of the Cru Bourgeois are magnificent representatives of France’s well known product. 

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Wine. Loire Valley Wines, 2014.  Loire valley wines took over the tasting world in NY and offered a wide selection of Chenins, Sauvignons, Gamays, Pinot Noirs, and sparkling Chardonnays, to name just a few.    The Loire valley region in France is considered one of the most diverse wine region s and offer a wide variety of characteristics including moderate alcohol, refreshing acidity and minerality making these Loire valley wines excellent to accompany, not overtake, food.  As an added boost the supporting wines from this region, UNESCO added the Loire Valley to its World Heritage List in 2000.  En joy a glass.

 

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Design. 13th annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show, 2014. Design conscious professionals and aficionados came together at the 13^th Architectural Digest Home Design Show.  All manners of design, meant to inspire and motivate shoppers and decorators, is on view.  Customers can shop for products for the home. They can view the global influences, unique craftsmanship, and the newest products. There are educational programs and presentations by industry leaders. The shpw offers thousands of products, more than 300 brands, lectures hosted by Architectural Digest, Keynote presentation by the Architectural Digest Editor in Chief, seminars presented by The New York Times, and theater programming presenting panels of talent from the design world. There are daily events, book signings, cocktail receptions, and culinary demonstrations.  Stop by and re-imagine your home.

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events. coffee and tea festival, 2014.  new york was host to more than 60 coffee and tea exhibitors from around the world as they poured tastings of their signature coffees and teas. thousands of visitors were introduced to new and award-winning products. this international festival celebrates all things coffee and tea and offers, in addition to tastings and possibilities to purchase coffee and tea to take home, educational and informational programs from industry pros.  some of the coffee roasters included boston’s own boston strong, long island’s roast, and new york’s hiline. the festival also features delectable sweet and savory foods to pair with the broad collection of coffees and teas. what’s more fun than a day with your favorite barista?  a day with a room full of baristas. enjoy the day.
 
 

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Art.  Volta, 2014.  Launched in 2008, VOLTA NY has established a beach head in NY as an invitational art show featuring emerging solo artists’ projects.  It is a finely-focused, art event that is a popular showcase for contemporary art.  By refocusing on solo-artist projects, VOLTA New York offers fair-goers the opportunity to explore deeply the work of its invited gallerists and artists and therefore presents possibilities for new and ex citing discoveries. VOLTA  galleries typically choose to work with exciting emerging artists. The venue for VOLTA is  the airy loft in the popular SoHo neighborhood, offering the visitor a downtowns NY experience.  VOLTA presents gallerists, curators, artists and collect ors an in depth view of individual artists that some have described as favorably as an private studio visit.  S[, come to SOHO and see some art.

 

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Coffee.  CoffeeFest 2014.  The aroma of coffee and tea invaded New York when many coffee and tea suppliers, distributors and makers offered their products to business people and lovers of coffee and tea.  Coffee Fest has gathered coffee professionals together focusing on specialty coffee, gourmet tea and alternative beverages With a mission to help attendees build and refine their specialty coffee businesses, they pair educational programs with informative and enjoyable offerings to the specialty coffee and related industries. Coffee Fest consistently provides retailers and guests with relevant information to hone their business skills.  In addition to gourmet coffee and tea, the Fest also offers delicious cakes (taste the sweet potato cake), cookies, useful products (eco friendly serving glasses, for example).  Com’on by and take a sip.

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Art.  Asia Week 2014.  New York City hosted art galleries, dealers and collectors from around the world as Asia Week unfurled in earnest.  Auction houses, including Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Bonman’s, offered their many prized artifacts to the public.  On display were Tsangas, Buddhas of all sizes, calligraphies and other art works that always stand out as magnificent works of talent and dedication.  Many pieces have survives hundreds of years and afre reminders of the capacity of humans to create magnificent works of dedication and art.

 

 

Art.  The Armory Show 2014.  The latest version of the Armory Show opened in New York on March 6^th, and once again hosted an impressive collection of international galleries and artists.  There are over 200 galleries from 29 countries exhibiting an array of established and emerging modern and contemporary works. The Armory Show will devote a special section of Pier 94 to a curated exhibition of contemporary art from China entitled Armory Focus: China. The fair will also launch the inaugural edition of Armory Presents, a new section devoted to solo and dual artist presentations by galleries less than ten years old. The fair is divided into two main sections. The Armory Show – Contemporary, housed on Pier 94, welcomes such galleries as David Zwirner (New York, London), Sprüth Magers Berlin London (Berlin, London), Galleria Continua (San Gimignano, Beijing, Le Moulin), Kerlin Gallery (Dublin), Lehmann Maupin (New York, Hong Kong), James Cohan Gallery (New York, Shanghai), and Zach Feuer Gallery (New York).  The Armory Show – Modern on Pier 92 is dedicated to international dealers specializing in historically significant 20th century works. Exhibitors include Marlborough Gallery (New York), Pace Prints (New York), Michael Rosenfeld Gallery (New York), Maxwell Davidson Gallery (New York), and Mayoral Galeria d’Art (Barcelona). The Armory Show also includes a city-wide program of cultural events and exhibitions, including. Once again, the fair will comprise an acclaimed VIP program, the engaging Open Forum discussion series. This year marks the inaugural edition of Armory Presents on Pier 94, a section of the fair formerly dedicated to single artist presentations exhibited by young galleries. Armory Presents has broadened the scope of the original mission to provide exposure to the work of newly established galleries by granting additional display space and prominence to the section on-site. Additionally, projects will now include the work of up to two artists curated to reflect the nuanced programming of these cutting-edge international galleries.  The curated section of The Armory Show on Pier 94 highlights the gallery and artistic landscape of a chosen geographic region. The Armory Focus will highlight China’s contemporary cultural scene. China’s Xu Zhen has been chosen as the 2014 Commissioned Artist, a “chameleon of concept," who has built an extensive body of work that includes video, installation, performance, and photography.  Come, enjoy art at the Armory.

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Art. Scope Art Fair, 2014.  Under the guidance of Kathelijne De Backer, Director of Exhibitor Services, formerly the guiding hand at the Armory Show, Scope Art Fair opened its New York show on March 6, 2014.  SCOPE is a premier showcase for international emerging contemporary and multi-disciplinary art. SCOPE offers an excellent opportunity to review some of the world’s innovative galleries, artists and curators, The SCOPE Art Show 2014 in New York is a wonderful window into contemporary art.  Come.  Enjoy.

 

 

Art. The International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA.  2013.  The IFPDA once again came to New York with a wide array of works on paper, including prints, photographs and original fine art.  The galleries heralded from New York, California, London, Paris, and displayed work from contemporary and historical figures, including American, British and Japanese artists.  The prints included examples of fine contemporary work as well as old master prints. The members of the IFPDA include gallerists, dealers, and publishers, and are committed to the highest education standards as well as promoting high business standards.   This fair is considered by many to be the largest art fair dedicated to fine prints and the work on display prove that it is not only one of the largest but one of the best.  Take a walk around the IFPDA and there is a good chance you will find something, within all price ranges, that you would be proud to hang in your wall.

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China Art.  Beijing Art Galleries.  I returned to Beijing December 2012-January 2014, to have discussions with gallerists and art dealers to discuss their expansion goals.  It is interesting to note that many see their future beyond the borders of China.  The contemporary Chinese art market is large and is growing but, seems to have leveled off.  They, like other contemporary art gallerists and dealers see their future in the global market place.  We discussed joint ventures, both as physical brick and mortar galleries and as digital dealers.  These conversations were continuations of conversations launched during my last visit to China and are continuing discussions to see how we can work together in the global market, even as I am in discussions to join an existing New York City gallery that has been in business for over 20 years.  It is very exciting, and I am looking forward to forward thinking conversations.  The galleries in Beijing I visited where in the 798 Art District, a series of reconfigured and restructured lofts and deserted factories that have been converted into art spaces.  The art spaces include jewelry stores, furniture and decorator shops and many galleries. The galleries include traditional galleries exhibiting traditional Chinese art and ceramics, Decorator paintings and sculptures, established art, and emerging art.  The spaces ranged from vast open loft galleries to small spaces on multiple levels that required the visitor to climb steps to view the multiple shows.  Others were the size of shoe boxes while others were traditional sizes.  The art, in general was good, and fits the multiple needs of the visitor,  The 798 Art District was on the outskirts if an expanding Beijing, requiring an expensive cab fare or a few hours on public transportation but the galleries were full an d was a popular place for foreigners and local Chinese citizens,  A fine place, indeed.

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A global project, the LAB was launched in New York in 2011, and has since traveled to Berlin and Mumbai. The project is concluding with an exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum from October 11, 2013, to January 5, 2014). Titled Participatory City: 100 Urban Trends from the BMW Guggenheim Lab, the spotlights major themes and ideas, emanating from a global roster of architects, academics, designers, and artists, that emerged from LAB projects originating in each of its three locations. Visit the Guggenheim Museum on 89^th Street and Fifth Avenue and take a walk through the streets and neighborhoods highlighted in the LAB.  It shows the city in a different, and most inviting, light

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Art. Asian Art at the Auction Houses 2013.  Christies, Sotheby’s and Bonham’s have wonderful works of traditional art from China, Japan and South East Asia that offer glimpses into the traditional lives iof people from those areas, including marvelous tsankas, wall hangings depicting the lives of the Buddha and monks, and bronze and stone Buddhas. 

 

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Art.  Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).  September 2013.  Magritte.  MOMA opens a wonderful show  exploring the surrealist years of the influential artist Magritte, during the 1920s and 1930s.  His goal in many of the works on display was, in his words, to “make everyday objects shriek out loud.”  He was an important member, during those years, of the Surrealist movement and his works contributed much to the movement’s rise and popularity.  The shows offers the viewers over 80 paintings, collages, photographs, and objects from MOMAs collections as well as selected works held in private collections.  His objectivism in many of the works, was to overthrow the oppressive rationalism of the bourgeois society (as he saw it), and did so often by misnaming objects, doubling and repeating objects, use of mirrors,  and visions seen in incomplete states.  Some of the works on display include The Menaces Assassin, The Treachery of Images, and The Rape.  This is an important exhibit that should not be missed,

  

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Event. China.  A business trip to China can prove to be eye opening as far as opportunities are concerned.  During a recent trip during the summer of 2012, it was interesting to meet business leaders in Hangzhou, a medium sized city around 400 kilometers from Shanghai, as well as cultural and art executives in Shanghai itself.  The attorneys and business directors I met were receptive to opportunities, including art and media in Hangzhou, and manufacturing in Shanghai.  I found them to be hospitable, generous with their time, and wonderful hosts.  The attorneys and business leaders hosted a dinner in a fine restaurant that showed off a marvelous culinary display of local and traditional food.  We discussed the district’s interest in expanding its business based and were looking forward to future discussions and business trips I, as well as others, would lead. Shanghai is a thriving world class city that is home to many art galleries and artists looking to reach beyond their national borders.  Chinese art is becoming more popular and is being collected by international collectors and museums worldwide.  I visited several galleries in the famous M50 area, a section of Shanghai known for its wonderful grouping of highly respected art galleries.  M50 at 50 Moganshan Lu, The Shanghai Municipal Art Community, is a collection of art galleries and artist studios year long exhibitions from emerging and established artists, some even with worldwide recognition.  Led by local contemporary artist Xue Song, Ding Yi, Qu Fengguo, Wang Xingwei set up studios there.   One of M50’s founding galleries is Art Scene Warehouse, in Building 4. Also, the ShanghiArt Gallery and BizArt Center are there and have garnered a high reputation the galleries, In addition to art galleries, M50 hosts  design institutes, architect firms, film and TV production firms, environmental design institutes and jewelry design institutes. M50  has an excellent reputation internationally. Discussed were opportunities to expand Chinese galleries, and the reach of individual Chinese artists, to the US and elsewhere.  Also discussed were opportunities to expand cultural news received from China, as well as expanding business opportunities to and from China.  The country is a vast market with many people eager and ready to explore their newly found economic freedom.  This business trip was most enlightening and beneficial.  The opportunities are there, in the business realm of manufacturing, and in the introduction of products and services. China is continuing its economic growth, and will continue to be an economic leader for years to come. I found this business trip most enlightening.  In the meantime, I think an exploratory business and cultural visit to China, to its cities and provinces, leaving plenty of time to visit its cultural and art, is worthwhile.

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Books. BookExpo America 2013(BEA). BookExpo America (BEA) is the one of the leading events in the North American publishing industry and a favorite for New York book lovers.  BEA is the ideal place for writers, content creators as they are known in the business), and consumers to discover new books, meet new and established authors, learn about trends shaping the book industry, and network with publishers, authors, publicists, book sellers, agents and book lovers. Authors will present their books and sign copies for those who have the patience to wait on line. This is such a popular show, that autograph lines begin forming a while before the author even shows up. Some of the authors include Brad Meltzer,  Jonathan Stroud, Mary Higgins Clark, R.L. Stine, and basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabar.  Of course, this is the prime location for new and emerging authors’ to make their presence known to booksellers, the media, librarians and to the reading public.  It is a wonderful event and clearly demonstrates that books, whether on paper, digital, audio or even as a graphic rendering, arte alive and sell. Soppoort the book.

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Furniture. NYC Design Week. New York hosted the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), and opened the doors of many of its studios at design centers, as furniture designers opened their doors, and showed off their wares, to designers and interested New Yorkers.  Form living room furniture to bathroom fixtures, from kitchen gadgets to rugs and tiles, New York was abuzz with what’s new, and what’s classic, in furniture design.  Go, pick out what you want in your living room from the showrooms and designers.  

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Art.  Affordable Art Fair, 2013. The Affordable Art Fair opened in New York to mass crowds walking the aisles of gallery after gallery displaying many works of art that are geared to be affordable to the typical collector as well as to the beginner.  More than 80 galleries from around the world were showcased over 2 floors, highlighting established artists, such as Damien Hirst, as well as emerging artists.  Also on display were students’ work from The School of Visual Arts and the Art Student League.  As the director of the fair, Critstina Salmastrelli, says, “have fin, and fall in love with art.”

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Art.  SpringShowNYC.  The third edition of the art and antiques show took over Park Avenue in New York City, putting an incredible array of antiques, fine art, decorative arts and estate jewelry for the pleasure of collectors, dealers and appreciates.  There were beautiful estate silver pieces alongside ruby and diamond bracelets just down the aisle from early American paintings and fine European desks and chairs.  All the pieces blended together wonderfully and made the experience a wondrous delight most pleasing to the eye.  Collectors were delighting in the selection, as were people who simply came for the sights.  Take a visit to this show and enjoy the offerings.

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Art.  African and Oceanic week.  For appreciators of African, Pre-Columbian and Oceanic art, artifacts, and cultural objects, this is a great week to be in New York.  The auction houses are holding their traditional sales and have some marvelous pieces in display.  In conjunction with these sales, many local galleries, in conjunction with international galleries, have teamed up to put their African and Oceanic artifacts on display.  A group of gallerists and private dealers are showing their work on Madison Avenue, while the AOA, American Oceanic Americas Fair, along with Tribal Art New York, have taken over an iconic New York location.  They are showing some wonderful pieces from different tribal groups, people, and locales, such as the Baule people, the Republic of Congo, the Songye people, the Hemba people, Papua New Gunea…I can go on and on.,  The work in magnificent and well worth the trip, whether you are a buyer or a collector.  Enjoy the stroll through parts of the world’s culture.

 

 

 

 

 

Art Event. The Armory Art Fair, 2013. This week, The Armory Show, a leading international contemporary and modern art fair and one of the most important annual art events in New York, opened to much fanfare and delight from the New York and international art scene.  The Armory Show is showcasing many significant artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries, under its modern and contemporary divisions.  The air also hosts a program of arts events, films, educational panels and tours to the homes of private collectors during the celebrated Armory Arts Week.  The Armory is also presenting on-site curated projects including a tower of Brillo boxes by artist Charles Lutz, Babel (Brillo Stockholm Type), 2013); Dave Cole’s Flags of the World, 2008; The Andy Warhol Museum’s Factory Film Portraits, a screen-test room that allows visitors to experience Andy Warhol’s famous methods of portraiture for themselves; and a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of the 1913 Armory Show.  The fair was introduced by Mayor Bloomberg and welcomed more than 60,000 visitors during its five day run. Over 210 galleries from more than 30 countries, including leading international dealers such as David Zwirner, Gagosian Gallery, Lisson Gallery, Marianne Boesky Gallery, and Galerie Eva Presenhuber, exhibited alongside emerging newcomers. The fair pulled in major US and internationally-based museum groups including The Art Institute of Chicago; The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia; Miami Art Museum; Los Angeles County Museum of Art/LACMA; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Palais de Tokyo, Paris; American and International Patrons of the Pinakothek, Munich; Rijksakademie voor beeldende kunsten, Amsterdam; The Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; and The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Come and enjoy the art.

 

Event. Coffee & Tea Festival NYC 2013.    Walking through the historic 69^th Regiment Armory, I was instantly greeted with the warm and comfortable scent of coffee and tea brewing from the stands of over 75 exhibitors who ranged from international companies such as Illy to startups, such as Golden Era Coffee of Queens, NY.  There were seminars on Coffee ceremonies originating in Ethiopia to the health aspects of coffee and tea.  There were lectures on the business aspects of starting a coffee or tea business and tried and true methods to brew coffee.    I love this event and think it’s one of the best events in NY.  Of course, I’m a coffee and tea fan.  Chances are, so are you.

 

Wine.  Drink Ribera.  Drink Spain.  Ribera del Duero vineyards are located In Spain’s northern plateau and extends over four provinces of the wine rich Mediterranean country.  Ribera mean river bank, and is defined in geographic terms, the Duero River Valley.  The wines benefit from the diversity of soil deposited by the river.  The main grape in the region is Tempranillo, is an early ripening grape, and is characterized by short growing seasons that produce a well-balanced red wine. Go to your local restaurant or wine shop and taste a Cosecha, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva or Rosasdo. 

 

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Wine. Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc.   Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc  tasted as sampling of its wines in NY, represented by its prestigious appellations in Bordeaux including Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Listrac-Médoc,, Margaux, and Pauillac. The wines are of the highest quality.  The feeling behind the NY and US tour was to cultivate an understanding and appreciation for these French wines in the U.S..  Tasting these wines will certainly not disappoint.  Cheers.

 

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Art Event. The Armory Art Fair, 2013. This week, The Armory Show, a leading international contemporary and modern art fair and one of the most important annual art events in New York, opened to much fanfare and delight from the New York and international art scene.  The Armory Show is showcasing many significant artworks of the 20th and 21st centuries, under its modern and contemporary divisions.  The air also hosts a program of arts events, films, educational panels and tours to the homes of private collectors during the celebrated Armory Arts Week.  The Armory is also presenting on-site curated projects including a tower of Brillo boxes by artist Charles Lutz, Babel (Brillo Stockholm Type), 2013); Dave Cole’s Flags of the World, 2008; The Andy Warhol Museum’s Factory Film Portraits, a screen-test room that allows visitors to experience Andy Warhol’s famous methods of portraiture for themselves; and a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of the 1913 Armory Show.  The fair was introduced by Mayor Bloomberg and welcomed more than 60,000 visitors during its five day run. Over 210 galleries from more than 30 countries, including leading international dealers such as David Zwirner, Gagosian Gallery, Lisson Gallery, Marianne Boesky Gallery, and Galerie Eva Presenhuber, exhibited alongside emerging newcomers. Come and enjoy the art.

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Events. New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). Okay, so you’re interested in a stapler without staples, hand-made scarves, upside down plants, another Christmas ornament, or any one of the thousands of gifts you might find in your local store, you should wander around the Javitz Center for the 2013 New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).  Each aisle is filled with interesting products some made in Brooklyn, others from Russia, England or other locales.  A few that I liked this year from a practical point of view were artist inspired durable wallets by paperwallet and neoprene sleeves by Built.  Thin, lightweight and long lasting, these products hit to spot.  Take a walk through the displays at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) and enjoy the selection.

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Art.  Outsider Art Fair. Art is not always created by trained professionals with art degrees, studios and professionally mounted canvasses.  Sometimes art is created by people without the degrees, without the studios but with the passion, compulsion, to create.  Their canvasses may be cartons, discarded sheet metal, found wood, and their paint is usually household paint rather than expensive tubes of high quality paints with exotic names, to be applied by handmade brushes.  These creators, most self taught and self motivated, are outside artists, and have generated enough fans and followers to launch art galleries and fill art fairs.  With creators like Purvis Young, Randall Morris, Henry Darger, Thornton Dial, Michel Nedjar, and Jimmy Lee Sudduth, just to name a few, Outsider artists have become highly desired collectables and outsider art, a s a worldwide movement, is here to stay.  Enjoy the raw emotion and art of this group of talented people.

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Event.  The New York Ceramics Fair.  New York City is hosting The New York Ceramics Fair where historical and contemporary porcelain, pottery and glass are on proud display. Collectors, appreciators and the curious are invited to walk the aisles and view antique Chinese cups and saucers, Chinese export porcelain, English Staffordshire pottery and figures, and contemporary ceramic art.  The collection on display will make any home more engaging.  It is being held at the historic Bohemian National Hall on the Upper East Side.  Walk in and take a look.
 

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Event.  The Metro Show.  The Metro Show offers art appreciators, collectors and occasional buyers the chance to view and purchase from a wide array of art, from the most contemporary pieces to folk art and even the more eclectic outsider art.  The art fair draw no boundaries between the various disciplines among the arts and places the pieces on display close enough to each pother that you realize there is a harmonious blend between them that binds the arts together like one elastic string.  Fine art, folk art and the decorative arts are segments of a field that blend together beautiful synchronicity.  Enjoy.

 

 

 

Event. Travel Show. The New York Times hosted the tenth year of The Travel show which highlights the worldwide array of destinations available for adventure, family, and traditional sightseeing.  African safaris, Indonesia’s Bali, Thailand Chiang Mai and Bangkok, China tours from Beijing to Shanghai and long the Yangtze river, were proudly on display, along with Ecuador, Costa Rica and tee Antarctic (don’t miss the penguins who fascinated adults and children who huddled close for a picture with the popular guests).  Of course, not to be outdone, Americas own destination spots, from Miami, through Delaware and the various counties of New York State were represented.  Take a trip and see your country and your world.  

 

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Event.  The International Motorcycle Show.  Grab your helmet, put on your heavy boots, slide into your leather jacket, and tell your spouse you’ve got a great day planned.  The rumble you hear outside tells you that many of your friends have the same plans for the day.  The International Motorcycle Show roared into Javitz Center and have hundred of bikes on display.  Indians, Kawasakis, Hondas, Ducattis and Harley Davidson show off their standard and custom colors and designs to thousand of motorcycle riders and fans who stream into the city for this yearly event.  Pick up a t-skirt or some leather gloves, a new helmet or a patch, since all sorts of clothing and paraphernalia are also on display.  Bike fans, that rolling thunder you hear is rumbling to the motorcycle show.  Join the pack.

 

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art. International Fine Print Dealers Association (ifpda).  The ifdpa has moved into New York’s historic Armory on 67^th street and Park Avenue for its 25^th year.  The corridors of the fair were filled with dealers, galleries and publishers who specialize in fine art prints.  The representative members hail from all parts of the world, and have put their finest inventory on display.  For beginners, as well as experienced collectors, the ifpda is worth the visit. 

 

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Books.  ThrillerFest 2012.  Okay.  You’ve been sitting in front of your computer for months, squeezing out word after word of your thriller.  Maybe you have been thinking about this novel for years and finally have committed to writing it or maybe you’ve recently got the bug.  Well, get yourself away from your computer for a few days and head over to ThrillerFest.  These few days are packed with published authors who share with you some of the secrets and insights that helped them get published.  They share tips on how to draft the thriller novel, how to write the villain’s journey, depth of character, page turning techniques. page turning technique, to mention only a few classes.  And to have R.L. Stine and Ken Follet as special guests is quite the added incentive for any up and coming writer.  Write on!!  

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Theatre.  Once.  A musical that made it up the theater ranks from small stages all the way up to Broadway. Once is bitter-sweet, sweet and contemplative.  The theme is universal.  Guy and Gal (yes, that’s their names) meet in Dublin and realize there’s magic in their encounter.  They make great. even memorable, music together.  And, how about romance?  Go see the play to see the result of their encounter.  The play employs song and dance to express their complex feelings.  The performers are also the musicians, so there is a synergy among all the people on the stage, whether they are playing an instrument or playing a character.  The songs stay with you long after you leave the theatre, including such crowd pleasers as “When Your Mind’s Made Up” and “Falling Slowly.”  Enjoy a night of sweet music on Broadway.

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Books.  BookExpo America (BEA).  The written word is alive and well.  Words on paper are not relegated to the dinosaur status. BookExpo America (BEA) arrived in New York and will include major author readings as well as smaller events at libraries in the NYPL system and chain and independent bookstores throughout New York City.  Author/celebrities such as Stephen Colbert and Kristie Alley as well as bestselling authors such as Michael Chabon and Jo Nesbo spoke to sell out crowds of book sellers and aspiring authors.  The aisles at the Javitz Convention Center brimmed with book sellers searching for the next best seller as publishers fought hard to figure out how to remain a vital aspect of the cultural lives of society as the digital age is taking a firm hold of the reader’s and writer’s reality.  Ebook sales have been growing steadily and book publishers and sellers are rapidly figuring out how to adapt to this changing environment.  As a big supporter of books, a believer in the positive gifts a good read offers the reader, I support reading, whatever the format---digital or ol’ reliable paper. 

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Art.  Tribal Art.  New York City was host to international galleries, collectors, dealers and auctions specializing in African tribal, oceanic and pre-Colombian objects.  Walking through the collection of showcase, you are introduced to, among others  Bamana zigzag figures from Mali, Kota Reliquary figures from Gabon, a Lega ivory mask, a Bidjobo mask, a Sunofo figure from the Ivory Coast, and Lutwa helmet masks and Kuba figures from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Artists have long been fascinated with African objects, including Picasso, Matisse and Arman.  Many were fascinated by the pure artistic beauty of these works and often were early collectors.  you will be too. 

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Theatre. Cobu.  Cobu. A Live Rhythm Performing Arts Group was founded in New York City in 2000 by a veteran of the highly successful theatrical piece, Stomp.  Cobu combines traditional Japanese Taiko drumming and a distinctive New York funk beat, tap dancing, fan dancing and Japanese singing.  I happened upon the group quite by chance and was immediately enchanted by their sound, their beagt and their mesmerizing appeal.  Their motto is ““Dance Like Drumming, Drum Like Dancing” and I can guarantee you that they live up to these words.  Cobu uses traditional Japanese drums, pounding the skins and the rims of the large drums with bachi (sticks), creating an enchanting rhythm.  Traditionally, the taiko was used to inspire ancient Japanese warriors to go into battle with victory on their mind.  the all girl group can certainly inspire warriors with their beat and, most assuredly, are warriors themselves  The loud applause and resounding hoots from the audience signified the crowd’s appreciation of this wonderful theatre group.

                

 

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Art.  Frieze Art Fair. The Frieze Art Fair, London’s showcase for modern and contemporary art, opened its first season in New York with a spectacular collection of art, sounds and spectacles at Randall’s Island, off the East River.  Attendees took the ferry across the New York waters and were greeted by a fanfare of sculpture, paintings and objects that were displayed in a spacious environment that was appealing ands conducive to dealers, collectors and art appreciators who flocked to ther art fair.  Frieze New York presents the most forward-thinking galleries from around the globe, bringing an international focus to the dynamic contemporary art scene in New York.  Visitors to Frieze saw work by over 1,000 of the world’s leading artists, while experiencing Frieze Projects, the fair’s program of artists’ commissions, and Frieze Talks, a program of debates, discussions and lectures. Frieze New York is housed in a structure designed by New York-based SO-IL.

 

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Art. Art and Antique Dealers League of America (AADLA).  The AADLA opened in New York during the spring art and antiquities week, offering global collectors, dealers and appreciators a chance to view and to buy paintings as well as antique objects reflecting excellence in the taste, aesthetics and applied arts. In a welcoming, non-intimidating setting, attendees are comfortably united in appreciation of the wide range of the AADLA offerings. The fair showcases fine examples of: English, Continental and American Furniture, Paintings, Drawings, Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass and Decorative Arts; Asian Works of Art; Folk Art; 20th Century Decorative Arts; Aesthetic Movement and Arts & Crafts Furniture; Prints, Photographs, Posters ; Antiquities and Ancient Objects; Silver and Metalwork; Nautical Art and Objects; Jewelry; Books, Manuscripts and Autographs; Chinese Export Porcelain and Decorative Arts; Native American and Tribal Art; Carpets and Rugs; Tapestries; and Textiles.  The AADLA Spring Show is a vetted show meaning that every item in every booth is looked at by panels of experts for authenticity and comprehensive labeling. Vetted shows are the standard for all quality art and antiques fairs.  Enjoy the blend of the old and the news in a wonderful environment.

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Art. SOFA.  The 15th edition of the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair (SOFA) opens in New York at the famous Park Avenue armory, the fair planners assure us that it will do what it has always done best—get visitors to think about art, design, and the links between the disciplines.  Artists and designers will present collection of masterworks from around the world that are thrilling, thought-provoking and wonderful to experience.  Ceramists, fine artists, furniture designers, sculptors, textile designers are only a sampling of the disciplines visitors will be able to see at the fair. They will also be treated to an out of the world experience when they walk in, and list their eyes to the hanging light fixtures, works created by architect David Ling.

 

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Art.  The Armory Art Fair.  Breathe the rarified air at the armory show, one of the world’s leading annual international contemporary and modern art fairs.  The Armory Show, celebrating its fourteenth year, takes place this March on Piers 92 and 94 in Manhattan.  The show is an adventurous and dynamic contemporary and modern art fair in New York City featuring many of the world’s leading art galleries who are putting on display a veritable who’s who of world class artists. The Armory Show–Contemporary on Pier 94 will feature 120 leading international exhibitors, 19 invited exhibitors in Armory Focus: The Nordic Countries, 11 exhibitors in the inaugural edition of Solo Projects and 7 organizations participating in the Not-for-Profit Section. In total, 30 counties will be represented. The Armory Show–Modern, a section dedicated to international dealers specializing in historically significant Modern art, will present 71 exhibitors representing nine countries.  As always, the Armory Show will hosted a must-attend VIP opening party greeting more than 11,500 VIPs, with significant sales that setting the tone for the run of the fair.  the preview day highlights included the acquisition by Moderna Museet, the leading Swedish museum for modern and contemporary art, of Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson’s neon work Scandinavian Pain.  During the opening party collectors, gallerists, artists, fans, and regular NY party-goers mingled as they strolled and chatted along the aisles of art.  The show will put on display traditional canvas art, art on paper, contemporary films and experimental videos.  The Armory Show will feature the work of the 2012 Commissioned artist and urban planner Theaster Gates who has been chosen as the 2012 commissioned artist for the fair and the vibrant art of the Nordic Countries in what is known as the Armory Focus.

 

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Art.  The New York Arts of Pacific Asia Show. New York is host of many or the world’s cultures and so is an obvious place to hold The York City’s Spring Asia Week. One of the highlights of the week is The New York Arts of Pacific Asia Show. Presented since 1995, the show offers to collectors and art enthusiasts a wide collection of many of the world’s leading galleries and dealers specializing in the fine arts and objects de arte of Asia, the Subcontinent, Japan, the Pacific Islands, and the Near and Middle East.  The Arts of Pacific Asia Show occurs during the auction period at Sotheby’s, Christies, Phillips, and other leading auction houses.  In addition, many New York galleries present Asian art, reflecting the enthusiasm seen at the vibrant Asian art market in the world.  Take a walk through the aisles and gaze at the magnificence of images of the Buddha in wood, bronze, silk and canvas.  Magnificent.

 

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ur daily dose of coffee and tea at the Coffee & Tea Festival.  You walk through the aisles of this fun fair, and you are surrounded by the scents of freshly brewing coffee and tea leaves soaking so delicately in hot water.  There were Korean and Japanese tea ceremonies, British tea and crumpets offerings, master classes on the history and majesty of afternoon tea, and lessons on the various green teas (Japanese, Korean and Chinese).  There were coffee and tea companies who support native farmers, and organic brews.  There were bottles teas and bottles juices.  There were delicious cookies and scrumptious ruggelehs (New Yorkers know about ruggelehs).  There were private label coffee companies and brand names.  Everyone left with a good taste in their mouths.

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Art.  Whitney Bienniele 2012. On display at the magnificent Whitney museum will be an incredible collection of American sculpture, painting, installations, and photography.  Included in  this year’s Bienniele (the 76^th Bienniele) will be dance, theater, music, video and film programs.  The Bienniele takes a look at 51 emerging and established artists at various points in their careers.

 

The various art forms intermingle. Some of the works are highlighted below: Lutz Bacher’s work involves an installation with a video projection and thousands of baseballs framed pages from the celestial handbook.   German-born artist Kai Althoff creates an installation, as well as performing in a play by Yair Oelbaum. Moyra Davey’s work includes a film and two series of photographs sent in the mail, complete with postage stamps and tape. Los Angeles-based performer/filmmaker Wu Tsang will screen the film wildness (2012), documenting the convergence of two disparate cultures at an LA bar that serves as a social space for transgender latinas. Forrest Bess, an outsider artist, was a painter/fisherman who developed elaborate theories about the uniting of the male and the female within his own body, and performed operations on his own genitals that turned him into a pseudo-hermaphrodite. Sam lewitt, a graduate of the whitney independent study program, is doing a piece that involves magnetic liquid on the gallery floor. Werner Herzog looks back in time at the etchings of the Dutch landscape painter and printmaker Hercules Segers n a multi-media installation that includes projections of Segers’s work. The late George Kuchar, one of America’s leading underground filmmakers, is represented by a selection from his Weather Diaries series.  Laura Poitras, whose film my country, my country (2006) was nominated for an academy award, an Emmy, and an independent spirit award, is presenting the oath, the second film in her trilogy about America after 9/11.  Other filmmakers include Frederick Wiseman’s boxing gym and award-winner Kelly Reichardt.  Included in the biennial are works by artists using traditional techniques such as painting, sculpture, and photography. Vincent Fecteau will show a new series of small painted abstract sculptures. Latoya Ruby Frazier will show works from her portfolio Campaign For Braddock Hospital (Save Our Community Hospital. Cameron Crawford is presenting mixed-media sculptures and a semi-transparent “invisible” curtain made of monofilament. Richard Hawkins will show two paintings and a collage series inspired by the work of Tatsumi Hijikata, the Japanese performer and choreographer known as the creator of butoh. Joanna Malinowska’s work includes a video, a sculpture, and a painting by jailed native American Leonard Peltier.

Since 1932, the Whitney Biennial has taken a critical look at the current state of contemporary art in America.  Stroll through the magnificent building on Madison Avenue and 75^th street and marvel at the creative visions that make up such a vital aspect of American and world culture. 

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Theatre.  Death of A Salesman.  The classic of the stage is soon coming to Broadway’s Ethel Barrymore Theatre.  Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as Willy Loman, the aging traveling salesman who, though being beaten up by life’s difficulties, has great dreams for his son Biff, who has not fulfilled his father’s dreams.  His life crashes with his wife’s efforts at maintaining the dignity of her family, his children’s weaknesses, and his unfulfilled dreams.  The news of this production has to send thrills and shivers through the bodies of all theatre buffs.  It is a great piece of theatre, one which must not be ignored.  I look forward to its revival on Broadway.

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Theatre.  Godspell.  The 60’s are back in full swing (and trampoline induced bounciness) with this revival of the mega hit Godspell.  It played more than 2,000 performances when it first emerged on Broadway and has been performed on the road, on college campuses and world stages ever since it’s been staged for the movies, snippets are viewed daily on YouTube and countless millions are probably humming a tune from one of the many hits that were created by this musical (Com’on, admit it.  You’ve got Day by Day bouncing around your brain right now). It is apparent that spirituality when performed by a effervescent and highly energetic cast who sing and dance lively memorable tunes cannot help but return for yet another coming.  But this production is not completely your father’s and mother’s hippy flashback.  There are references to contemporary themes (you can probably guess a few off the tip of your head right now) that help contemporize this classic.   Keep the faith. Check this production out.

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Wine. Douro Region.  Okay, I admit it.  I like wines from the Douro region of Portugal.  A beautifully hued red wine, this approachable table wine goes well with veal, burgers, vegetable dishes, chicken and most anything else that cries out for a nice red wine.   The Douro region in the north-east region of Portugal has been producing wines for over 2000 years, and is layered with terraced vineyards. The wines have a wonderful bouquet, a texture that reveals a soft tannin feel, and a hint of a taste of minerals that is unique to the area.   Douro is a beautiful part of the country, well worth the trip.  But you don’t have to fly across the Atlantic to savor the wonderful wines of this magnificent region. Stop by your favorite wine shop and ask for a bottle of Douro.  Pop the cork and enjoy its taste and character.

 

Event. New York International Gift Fair.  So, are you in the market for pens, dolls, jewelry, candles, scents, soaps, art books, candies, wooden platters, glassware, bags, sacks, belts, watches, pajamas, socks, handmade crafts, Chinese silks, African masks, Czech stemware,  silk scazves, wool hangings, glasses, coffee makers, drink ware, paper works, cards, floorings, rugs, wall hangings,  totes, male cosmetics, creams, shampoos, moisturizer, bamboo platters, knives, gloves, socks, key chains, silverware,  ceramics, cupcakes, dolls, instruments, pillows, plants, the world’s thinnest wallet (disclaimer: I have one and it is thin, really), socially conscious proprietors of natural soap (another disclaimer: I met the owners of  family run Anjolie), and….phew, the list goes on and on.  Well, you can find those and thousands of other items at the New York International Gift Fair.  walking through the aisles is like being in gift store heaven, a maze of useful goods, cool goodies, weird stuff, and ‘goodnessgracious’ products you will soon see in your corner gift shop.  Hold your breath and five in.

 

Art. The Outsider Art Fair.  New York City has been home to outsider art for decades.  Year after year, New Yorkers have fallen in love with homegrown art crafted by untrained, self taught, intuitive, folk, contemporary folk, and naïf artists, many of whom would not have received any recognition or respect only a few decades ago.  But this group of artists and craftspeople deserve attention.  Their art has made it on to the walls of highly regarded collectors and museums, as well as in the collections of beginning art aficionados.  Some memorable artists on display include Purvis Young, Emitte Hych, Henry Darger and Jimmy Lee Sudduth.  Take the time to stroll along the avenues of outsider art and become enthralled, as I have with the talent that explodes from this group of mainly untrained and sell taught artists.  Be inspired to respect art from wherever it emanates.

 

In Memory.  Christopher Hitchens.  I always liked to listen and read Christopher Hitchens.  It is not that I always agreed with his arguments or points of views, it was just that he defended his side with such intellectual panache and deeply wry wit that a few moments with Christopher was like a afternoon I spent reading favorite writers and laughing privately at their zingers.  He was a humanist, a pluralist, a seeker of justice and a proponent of free speech for all.  He liked urban life, a good drink, a healthy discourse, and a fine piece of art.  And he was willing to take the abuse, and praise, for his opinions. Certainly there are books and articles to be found and read, and there are YouTube and c-span videos available, but I will miss knowing that a comment by Christopher Hitchens as yet unwritten or spoken will soon emerge.  Bye Christopher.  You don’t know me, but I will miss you.

 

Art. Metro Show.  New York City was host to a new art fair, The Metro Show.  The event displays a collection of antique and modern collectibles that are aimed for collectors, designers and art enthusiasts.  The products on display include historic furniture, decorative arts, American folk art, paintings, prints, modern furniture photographs and outsider art.  Collectible American flags, hand crafted dolls, antique clocks, tribal masks, native American artifacts are on full view.  A few items on display include: a wood grained apple-wood table top, a tiffany lily top table lamp, a Washington Lafayette button is on display for the first time in 187 years, a mahogany tall case clock dated 1819, the work of venerated American artist Grandma Moses, an animal hide and natural pigment native American mask, and a cutlery shop trade shop from 1875.  Get comfortable and move in.

 

Art. Ceramics Fair.  A couple of floors full of ceramics and glassware were on delicate display.  Old English glass war stood side by side with contemporary ceramic dishes and mid 20^th century Cocteau signed clay platters. Chinese porcelain ware,  English stoneware, Wieldon color glazed relief decorated teapots, Bohemian engraved glassware, venetian glass shared the floor with Minton fish shaped teapots and rare four layer glass scent bottles.  Come but walk carefully between the aisles of delicate ceramic and glass wares.  You break it, you….well, you know the rest.

 

Food.  Chocolate Show. Foodies, unbuckle your belts, the Chocolate Show is in town.  Walk through the aisles of this sweet, sweet show and the scent of chocolate is all around.  Sweet makers from around the world gather to show off and sell their goodies to the sweet toothed public.   Chocolate of all sizes, shapes, consistency and cocoa content tempt you from all sides.  You can eat it, dip it, drink it or just study how it is made. You can also gaze at dresses, hats and shows made wholly of chocolate.  Walking the aisles of The Chocolate Show, you will encounter chocolate show, chocolatiers, chocolate couture and sculpture. As Homer Simpson would say, “mmmm…chocolate...”

 

Art.  Pinta Show.  The contemporary art show opened its doors in 1980 and has been promoting and advancing Latin American art since then.  Galleries from the United States, Latin America and Europe  participate in this art show.   The show includes the participation of select art galleries showing museum-quality works representative of abstract, concrete, neo-concrete, kinetic and conceptual art, as well representatives of other contemporary art movements.  It is well worth the visit to see what is happening in this burgeoning area of contemporary and modern art. Viva arte.

 

Art.  The International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFDPA).  The IFDPA is a nonprofit organization consisting of art dealers, galleries and publishers who are interested in fostering and promoting interest in, and knowledge of, art prints among collectors and the public in general. A print is an original piece of art conceived by the artist to be realized as a print and is not a copy of a pre-existing drawing or painting. Throughout the year the organization sponsors seminars and events.  One such event is the IFDPA print fair that occupies the historic 67^th Street Armory with dealers from around the world exhibiting their art prints.  Exhibitors hail from, among other art capitals, The United States, Paris, London, Geneva and Berlin.  Artists’ works on view includes old masters Rembrandt, and Dürer; Japanese ukiyo-e; 19th century American masters including Winslow Homer and Whistler; European Impressionists Degas and Renoir; American and European Modernists Picasso, Matisse, and Max Beckmann; and postwar masterworks by Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol,  and Louise Bourgeois.  New editions premiere at the fair from leading contemporary artists such as Chuck Close, Kiki Smith and Richard Serra. It is a great place to view, explore and learn about art prints.  Also, it’s not a bad place to pick up a print or two to fill up that blank space on your wall.

 

Events. Social Media World Forum and Apps World North America.  They’re here.  Social networking and Apps seem to be on everyone’s mind and on everyone’s smart phone these days, and the business world has definitely taken note.  Social networking and App companies have taken over a segment of the Javitz Convention center, one of the world’s foremost convention and exposition center, to present companies in the social networking and App space to customers and the public.  Do you remember when PCs, laptops, web sites were all the bus.  Well, now its social networking sites and App developers and optimizers.  The expo was relatively small, by expo standards, no more than a handful of booths, but watch how this expo grows as social networking and Apps become more mainstream and individuals and organizations figure out how to make money by satisfying customers’ needs.  The word about these expos is out…social media and Apps are in.

 

Throughts.  Occupy Wall Street.  Over the past few weeks, groups of protesters took over a piece of downtown New York with a upsurge movement called Occupy Wall Street.  Within a few days, the pretests spread to cities across the country and eve the world as people took to the streets and demanded to be part of the wealth that the movers, shakers and even everyday employees on Wall Street, the money makers, represented.  Whether one is for or against the movement’s tactics or aims, what is important is that they brought some central issues to the public discourse and now, from congress to the barrooms, the issues that brought these mainly young people to occupy a small square in downtown Manhattan to the public’s attention.  The protesters have even won the first few confrontations with big government, firstly talking over a square across the street from Ground Zero, then they got support from some mainstream groups and individuals, and have forced the city to back down on their plans to send in the sanitation department.  For a healthy democracy to thrive, issues of public interest must be brought to the public. That, by definition, is a thriving, growing and healthy democracy, a government of the people.

Events. Comic Con.  They came to New York in hordes, like invaders from other planets, aliens.  Yet somehow they were not foreign invaders, creatures to be feared.  No, they were so much like us, like you and me.  There were tens of thousands of super hero afficionados.  New York Comic Con attracts tens of thousands of attendees (over 96,000 came in 2010).  They walked, talked, laughed, had green hair, wore outlandish costumes and could quote lines out of comic books and sci-fy at the drop of a Klingon’s weapon.  And why not, comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television met and merged in one location.  Panels and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators. Favorite super heroes mingled with hundreds of artists promoting their latest drawings, selling original sketches for 20 bucks a piece.  Space invaders, and all fought for precious space as more comic book senders you could imagine even existed lined up the aisles of the Javits convention center with thousands of comics from the 40’s to today.  There were vendors selling alien paraphernalia mingling with TV execs promoting their latest show, and all got along.  Super heroes did not take out the aliens, and the crowd did not take on the TV and Publishing system.  All everyone was interested in was taking a picture with the Avengers and trying the latest Wii offering.  Ah…the bliss of escapism…live long and prosper…

 

 

Wine.  Wines of Portugal.  When I was in college, Portuguese wines were rich, red, affordable, and easily distinguished by their signature round bottlers. Much has changed as Portugal, home to vines and regions that have been producing wines well into the Roman occupation era, is fast becoming a region housing world class wines.  By the way, Portugal is the fifth largest wines exporting country in the world.  Port has distinguished itself over the years as a major Portuguese product that has graced tables for centuries. Port is produced in the Douro valley, an area classified as world heritage by UNESCO. The wine got its name from the city of Porto, its main exportation hub. Vinho Verde wines, because of the lower sugar content, do not require an extensive aging process, and are mainly produced for export.  Vinho de Douro is one of my favorite wines from Portugal, they have heavy tannins, are robust, red and great when paired with heavier food, such as steak or veal in a heavy gravy.  Douro winces are quickly gaining popularity around the world. Another of my favorite is the Dão wine, produced in the central mountainous region of Portugal.  I was reintroduced to the great Portuguese wines by the Country of Portugal’s helpful and friendly trade commission staff in New York.  Bravo to you.  Parabéns e boa sorte.

 

Thoughts.  Nature.  The earthquake and hurricane that ran though New York proved, once again, that creations of humanity are still subject to the whims of nature.  If we thought that all our achievements made us impervious to nature’s power, this year alone was an eye opening wake-up call.  The tsunami in Japan, the hurricanes in the Pacific, the drought in Africa, the winds and earth rumbles in the US caused more devastation, fear and even humiliation than any act of savagery by mankind over the same period.  There were bombings and drive by shootings and political squabbles and positioning, yet they did not freezes a city in its tracks, nor empty a street, as did hurricanes and earthquakes.  Governments were overthrown, yes, but throughout, people edged forward.  The attacks by nature were more humbling.  The images of people, frozen, in tears, as they stared with dismay and helplessness, standing in front of what once was their homes, displayed so succinctly our, humanity’s, acquiescence to nature as a supreme force that still holds sway over our joys and fears.  Humility is a good lesson to learn from its powers.

 

Events.  Fashion Night out.  New York City let loose as over 1000 retail stores kept their doors open, popped some champagne, and brought out the cheese and dips.  It was a gala event on the streets, from the Upper East Side, to the Meat Market, to SOHO all the way down to the Lower East Side and the Bowery. The boroughs participated in this city wide event, as did the major department stores.  Fashion designers gave interviews, stores held sales and people sha-sayed from store to store, shopping, sipping and supping while have a grand time.  The streets were alive, and were boisterous, with live events, from bands to giant puppets to fashion shows to films to street theatre.   Salespeople were decked out in their fineries and showed off their wares, people fingered fabrics and jewelry and some even took advantage of the sales to make a purchase or two. I bumped into friends, as did so many others, and shared a glass of wine and a good laugh on the avenue.  It was a good evening that set this city out as the great metropolis it is.

 

Thoughts. 9-11. This year New York City is celebrating, if that is the right word, the 10th anniversary of 9-11, a day all of us who were here will never, and can never, forget.  The city is on high alert as there are threats of an anniversary bombing; the city is mourning the fallen, many of whom were our neighbors and friends; the city is moving forward, rebuilding its fallen monuments and its sense of confidence; the city is proving, once and for all, that it is unique among all the urban centers of the world, for it is a mixture of colors and races and religions and ethnicities and languages and backgrounds who stand united and accumulate the strength and stamina of its many and varied citizens to take a punch, no matter how its thrown and by whom, and rebound, even stronger, mightier and wiser.  I was here on that day, a block away when the third building, #7, came crashing down.  It was a surreal sight as bricks fell on top of each other and a plume of smoke followed me, and the others, as we fled to escape the dust and debris.  People walked around in a daze, confounded and confused, covered with the ash of the trade centers.  Cars and fire engines were crushed by debris.  Immediately, the city came together, set up a triage area by the 23^rd street piers, and this magnificent citizenly gave of themselves to help those who were in need of something, anything, to help get them through the spectacle of horror they had witnessed.  Doctors set up an operating theatre, therapy was offered, massages were given, clothes was donated, food was handed out, ambulances from around the country rolled in , and workers jumped in to the debris.  It was a moment that put on display then worst side of humanity and the best we humans have to offer.  Hopefully, we will never have to witness such a day again but the ghosts remain.

 

Thoughts.  Grand Central Terminal.  Walking through the majestic Grand Central Terminal, one immediately twists one’s neck to glare at the brilliant ceiling, hosting the many constellations of the American skies.  Back in 1998 when the renovation was complete (originally spearheaded by Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy), visitors were one again treated to the splendid architecture and colors of the edifice.  The black grime that had collected on the ceiling over the years of neglect was removed, and replaced by the splendid green/blue that harked back to times when the station was one of this city’s.  If not this nations, architectural wonders.  What few people notice is a single brick in the corner of the main terminal’s ceiling that was left, a solitary rectangle of grime and neglect, a reminder of what the building looked like before the renovation, and a moment to reflect on how magnificent it is today.  Enjoy one of this city’s jewels…

 

Art.  Chinese, Japanese, and Indian art.  New York City is host to a large chunk of the Asian art market, sharing the mantle with London and Hong Kong.  Sothebys and Christies, two international auction houses with offices at all the major international art centers, have put on display fine examples of classical Asian and Indian art, with fine examples of each.  There are exemplary tsangkas, bronze and sandstone statues of Buddha, Japanese masks and wall hanging, landscape drawings and paintings, classical chairs and tables, room dividers, ceramic vases and bowls, and other works of art that dazzle the aficionados senses.  And don’t think that you have to be a mega millionaire to collect.  There are affordable pieces that add beauty and grace to any home and what a pleasure it is to wake up in the morning, and look at a piece of art that sits on your shelf or hangs in your wall.  It’s good to be in the presence of eternal beauty and grace.

 

Events.  New York International Gift Fair.  Did you ever wonder where  the gift shops, curio stores and local boutiques funds their ‘fabulous’ products and “oh so cute’ goods?  Do they scour the back streets of Bangkok, or the narrow streets of downtown Brooklyn for the latest home accessory or unique dift?  Some maybe, of they want to couple a vacation with a buying trip,  But most end up at the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) a collection of vendors from around the world that has grown to occupy two of New York’s convention locations, Javitz and the Piers.  There are small artisans and large Chinese conglomerates, offering jewels, plates, pens, soaps, office accessories, home garnishing, personal blings and most other items you may not need, but you surely want.  The goods on display by the knowledgeable and always interested vendors are the stuff you see in every household in America, some of which have caught your eye and have led you to secretly muse, “I wonder where she got that?”  we’ll, more often than not, at the New York International Gift Fair.  Signs on the door may read, “Gone Furnishin’”

 

Events. Summer Streets.  New York City during the summer offers a wealth of diversions for those who do not flee in droves to the beach or upstate getaways.  One particular event enjoyed by all is the Summer Street project where for three Saturdays in August, Park Avenue is open for walkers, bikers, strollers, joggers, and other non carbon using means of transportation.  From 72^nd street downtown, the streets fill up with city dwellers who somehow know about these events, as though by astral communication and meander downtown and uptown with a sense of ease more familiar to Europeans with their piazzas, plazas and walking streets.  Most walk away with a pleasant experience.  Surprisingly, there were few pedestrian vs. bicycle mishaps, though I did see a few roller bladders tumble trying to take the curve of the 42nd street causeway.    Gotta’ love the NY streets…

 

Sports.  New York City Triathlon.  Who said New Yorkers can’t jump, run, bike, or swim.  Once a year, New York City hosts a triathlon where the city’s best athletes compete for a medal and the pleasure of having accomplished great sports event.  It was a marvelous event, with families and friends cheering the athletes on.  The New York City Triathlon is an Olympic distance race consisting of a 1500m swim, a 40k bike, and a 10k run.  The over 3,000 athletes challenge the waters of the Hudson river before biking along Manhattan’s west side highway then running through new York's Central Park ending by the mall on 72^nd street.  What a sight at the end of the race: families cheering family members, lovers hugging mates. For those of kids holding signs ‘go mom go, ‘yay dad:’ names that exemplify NY’s diversity: ‘go Jack,’ ‘Go Mariko,’ ‘Go Ahmed,’ ‘Go Yankel.’  And for you, who shudder at the thought of swimming in New York’s Hudson River, consider this: the Hudson River is home to many open water swims and is considered one of the cleanest rivers in New York.  Because it feeds into the ocean, it is a salt-water river.  Go athletes…

Books.  Thrillerfest.  So you want to be a writer.  Do you think you have a mystery lurking in you?  Do you have what it takes to sit down in front of a blank monitor and churn out a thriller like Ken Follett (Eye of the Needle) or Jeffrey Deaver (The Bone Collector and the latest 007 thriller, Carte Blanche)?  If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then Thrillerfest is the place for you.  Gather with hundreds of published and wannebe published thriller, mystery and suspense writers as they learn the craft of writing this unique and popular genre from the true masters in the field.  Get notes from R.L. Stine (Goosebumps) and John Lescroart (Damage).  It was a great event and inspiring to watch as hundreds of writers exchanged stories and drams as they gathered with the hopes of being the next Stephen King.  It isn’t a snap though.  Aspiring writers should keep these words by Nathaniel Hawthorne in mind, “easy reading is damn hard writing.”

Art.  Beatles.  Photos.  There were some incredible early Beatles photos on display at Christies at an auction marked Beatles Illuminated. The Discovered Works of Mike Mitchell.  Forty six incredible shots taken at a performance and press conference during the Fab Fours early days were sold, some receiving final bids over five times the estimated value as established by the conservative assessors at the important auction house.  These shots were taken two days after their debut American appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, when the Beatles performed their first US concert at the Washington Coliseum in Washington, D.C.  It was called Beatles illuminated because many of the shots, including the single photo that was sold at a final hammer price of $55,000 were highlighted by stage lights that gave the iconic musicians a glow that was almost cherubic.  There were oohs and ahhs and applause when prices went through the ceiling, more out of respect than envy.  Respect for the process paid and respect for a group of cultural giants who changed America and the world forever.  Ahhh, Strawberry Fields Forever…..

 

 

Art.  Roy Rogers Estate.  Hi-Yo Silver…. It was a stroll through the glory says of the 1950s and 1960s the other day at Christies auction house when many pieces belonging to the Roy Rogers Estate went on view to the public for the first time in a long time, and were auctioned off to fans and collectors. There were his guns, guitars (it must be remembered that in those days of early TV, many of the cowboys were singing cowboys), jackets he wore around the house and on set, one of his incredible cars, decked out in  silver with six gun door knobs and an incredible AM radio that must have shot out crooners and country western and early rock ‘n roll.  Just as interesting were the people who lollygagged around the exhibition, touching the guns, humming to the sings and wanting to try on the cowboy boots.  It was a stroll through the innocence of our youth, even earlier than the early days of rock, when we’d wear cowboy outfits to our first birthday parties and when television night was huddled around the old black and white watching old fashioned shows where it was easy to tell the good guys from the bad, and there were dogs and horses that responded to a simple whistle.  Roy Rogers had Silver.  He was on exhibit too.  …Away…  Happy trail…

Thoughts.  Space shuttle.  The end.  It’s been called the end of an era and rightly so.  The space shuttle was truly the stuff that dreams were made of (to borrow that great Maltese Falcon phrase).  It allowed children, young adults and even the full grown (myself included) to let their minds wander into the wide expanse of space.  There, we could meet our co-citizens of the universe in stories that were no longer mere science fiction but were based in probability. Kids imagined themselves flying off with Captain Kirk or with the power of The Force behind them, and it was real.  People they read about, astronauts, were training and hopping aboard shuttles on flights into outer space, and those people were real, not comic book characters.  Those shuttle flights soon became so routine that they were no longer relegated major news coverage.  Those flights were so real, that we believed we could sail off into the wide blue yonder of space.  We believed that the space station was a mere stepping stone, that exploration was a noble venture. Yet, bickering on earth and mismanagement in other arenas of government has squashed this most heroic of escapades.  Hopefully, we will realize that space exploration is of vital importance and must be funded so all of us, all of humanity, can learn and share and gain from the vast world out there, a world so much greater and richer than our planet alone.  Support space exploration for the betterment of everyone, here on this planet and on all planets everywhere.

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ports.  Wimbeldon 2011.  The spell has been broken.  For the first time in the last 9 years, the number 1 spot in the world in tennis singles is not Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer.  It is Novak Djokovic, a fast tennis player who has a great serve and an even better return.  At the Wimbeldon finals against Nadal, it all worked for Djokovic.  The Serbian tennis star answered everything defending Wimbeldon champion Nadal served up from the very first volley.  He truly believed he could win, even though this was his first foray into the mythical Wimbeldon tournament.  Novak Djokovic unseated Rafael Nadal’s spot as top tennis player and wanted to take the prized Wimbeldon cup from the two time Wimbeldon championship.  On the historic British grass tennis court. Djokovic dominated the first two sets 6-4, 6-1, but you can’t keep a true champion down for long.  The momentum swung back to Nadal for the third set.  The Spanish tennis champ got his groove back.  His forehand was back and he became the imposing player we have seen Nadal to be over the years, winning the third set 6-1.  But, he could not overcome the force of Djokovic’s relentless play.  His offense was matched by his amazing defense.  Djokovic was all over the court, as he went on to win the fourth set 6-3 and his first Wimbeldon championship. Has a new reign begun with Novak Djokovic as king of the courts?

 

Music.  The Wailers sans Bob Marley.  Reggae music burst on the scene in the 60’s and 70’s firmly establishing the Jamaican music, with its distinctive and heavy beat as a unique and recognizable sound.  Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff were two great break-out artists who emerged from the small island nation of Jamaica and introduced the world to Reggae.  But they were not out there alone.  Behind them were a group of talented and well disciplined musicians who put the beat in the reggae beat and gave the sound its richness.  I heard the horn section from the original Wailers, the trumpet, trombone and sax who, after over forty years of playing together still ‘got it.’ Man, they never lost it.  The sound was triumphant, glorious, and made every head in the crowd move to the beat.  one of their songs was in the style of the Jamaican Ska – the lyrics are simple “not many people can do the cha, cha, cha, not many people can twist, but everyone can do the Ska” --- move the head, shake the arms, rotate the hips and feel, fee, feel the music.  Oh, it was glorious, old timers (hey, we’re all there or sure as I’m writing this, we’ll all be there)) moving the hips to the 60’s (pre-Reggae) Jamaican beat.  They topped the show off with some standards like Marley’s One Love and of course, who can forget these lyrics, “get up, stand up, stand up for your rights…don’t give up the fight.”  Still as resonating today as ever.  Yah maan.

 

 

 

Food. Zabar’s.  Continuing the series that delights foodies of all types, Zabar’s in a  New York food experience.  Occupying the same spot for almost 80 years, on Broadway and 80^th street on New York’s upper west side, this quintessential NY grocery store has been offering lox (aka nova), white fish, salami, corned beef, matzo balls soup, rugelach, freshly baked bread, freshly ground coffee, cheese and a whole array of international food and kitchen appliances to satisfy the discerning gourmand as well as the nosher.  You walk into the store and you come face to face with a counter serving nothing but smoked salmon, carved by people who have to be the best salmon carvers in the city, if not the country.  They can slice a piece of salmon so thin, you can see central park if you hold it up to the window.  The aroma of freshly baked bagels, rye or multi grain bread then carries you to the coffees section, where beans are being roasted every minute of every day.  And their cheese counter serves up a world class selection of the age old fare.  This place brims with people the moment it opens up its doors, and on a Sunday morning, make sure you’re ready for a long wait as half the city piles in for a pound or two of nova, thinly sliced.  And don’t forget the shmear of cream cheese.  Ahh, now you’re a new yawkeh

Food.  Yoghurt.  Last Sunday I was taking in New York’s Farmer markets, those neighborhood markets with stalls full of locally grown fruit, vegetables and homemade food, when I tried an upstate farmers offering of yoghurt.  Delivered in a glass bottle, this Milk Thistle yoghurt had to be among the best I have ever tasted, and that includes yoghurt I had in Greece and Turkey.  Their product is made from organic, pasteurized milk from Jersey cows and live cultures, and is drinkable, but I had to shake the bottle to get to the yoghurt.  I drank it right then and there, straight out of the bottle, though I saw shoppers packing it to take home.  Sometimes, and in some situations, such as being faced with a full bottle of this incredible yoghurt, self-control is not such a virtue.

Thoughts.  Life changers.  Most of us have many opportunities to affect positively the lives of others.  These do not have to be those earthshaking, mega-momentous events that rock and shake the very foundations of people’s lives.  “OMG, you totally got me into Harvard,” for example, or “Bro, you saved my life when you fished me out of the raging Mississippi waters.”   Most life-changing moments are more elegant, more subtle, and perhaps are not evident till years later.  I spoke to a woman a while ago, the conversation could not have lasted more than 10 or 15 minutes, yet I recently heard from her.  She has spent a few years traveling and immersing herself in different cultures, a change from her original plans to go directly to business school.  Her whole focus changed, her life’s dreams were sent in a totally different direction.  I told her, passionately and with true conviction, how travel changed me, opened me to new vistas and now aspirations.  I have been traveling extensively since I was 16 years old, and relish every minute ‘on the road.’ Whether in top notch hotel in Hong Kong, or in an olive patch alongside train tracks in Greece, the experience has made me a better person, more appreciative of the gifts people and places offer.  This has made me a better professional and, I am convinced, a better individual.  I am confident, the same will apply to my travelling friend as she continues her journey.  I guess the take-away here is—give of yourself and you can make a life changing impact on someone you don’t know and may never see again.  Believe me, it is worth it.  You change one life, you have the power to change history.

 

Thoughts:  This is what happened to me tonight.  It’s the first day of summer, another day in New York.  Another typical evening in this always swirling always whirling city.  First I went to a small awards event held at Broadway’s legendary Sardi’s restaurant, honoring New York’s Off-Broadway theater.  It is a small community of avid theater professionals who work for close to nothing for the pure pleasure of the art.  Then, as I was walking through Times Square, I came across this amazing sight.  Two blocks In the busy ‘crossroads of the world’ were filled with hundreds of people going yoga.  Right there, in the middle of the city, these people were going through their yoga exercises.  Fabulous.  That alone would have been enough of a night.  But it was only beginning.  I then went to an art opening and basked in some great photography of architectural sites from around the world and shared Ivy League conversations with this wanna-be-cultured crowd.  I continued my trek home.  Right under the Roosevelt Island tramway, the drum corps from the West Point Hellcat band set up shop and were beating out an amazing rhythm.  Got all the passerby’s, including myself, into the beat.  Soon after that, only a few blocks from my place, I went to a sports club’s first day of summer party, got treated to a free massage, played a wicked game of Wii tennis and had a bunch of watermelon wedges….all on the streets.  Whata’ town.
 

Wine:  The auctions.  Need a good bottle of wine to open on that special occasion, or to store for investment purposes right alongside your Picassos and Bacons?  Well, I’ve got the places for you to go and pick out your quarry.  The wine auctions at Christies and Sotheby’s.  Several times a year, those venerable auction houses offer collections of wine to other wine collectors at prices that make each glass of wine swirled, sniffed and sipped equal to, and indeed surpass, a king’s or queen’s ransom.  Other than a tour of the royal’s or internet baron’s wine cellars, there are few places where you can view great vintages of wine and actually place a bid to take one home with you.  After all, in a democracy, a great Chateau Mouton Rothchild or an equally great Petrus or Chateau Margaux should be available to all.  The prices have been soaring as Chinese and Russian mega billionaires join the European and Americans in their quest for the classiest grape of all.  At a recent wine auction in Geneva, a bottle of the legendary Romanée-Conti 1945 set a new world record price at auction for a 75 cl. bottle of red Burgundy. Johann Strauss, the noted composer, once said, “a waltz and a glass of wine invite an encore.” A glass of encore, anyone?

 

Theater: Batman.  It’s on again, it’s off again, it’s on again to the delight of the many theatergoers who have been waiting anxiously for the opening and reopening of this Broadway extravaganza.  The dazzle and razzle does not let up and the music also delivers as Broadway greets its superhero of a play. The stage is filled with excitement as batman flies, floats and flings himself across the expanse, all the while defeating villains and wooing his sweetheart.  For those seeking a fun filled Broadway experience in the greatest of ‘white ways’, Batman delivers.

 

Art: The Armory Show.  This is the big Kahuna.  It is New York’s grand art event when hundreds of galleries from around the world exhibit their offerings to art collectors, museums and art aficionados during a five day festival of art, art and art.  73 cities are represented in the latest show and the number is slated to grow as the market and appreciation for art continues to expand annually.  By my count, over 3200 artists are represented by over 240 galleries.  You can walk along the aisles and find yourself finger-length close to Picassos, Mondrians, Hirsts and Warhols who are hanging alongside younger artists’ who may one day share that lofty status along with the recognizable greats.  Started by four art dealers a decade and a half ago, the Armory show has catapulted into a leading forum and sales platform for the world art market.  The show is divided into two sections, the traditional Armory Show and Armory Show-Modern, which shows more modern and contemporary artists.  Some renowned collectors open their homes to public viewing, offering Armory attendees to see up close world class, museum quality, collections.  One such collection, a staple of the fair, allows artists, collectors and gallerists to mingle in the Tribeca home of this outstanding collector.  For many, it’s a chance to catch up with old friends, have a few words with emerging artists, or simple to see what’s new in the field.  Each year, countries whose artists and galleries are represented also host cocktail events.  This Armory is quite the show, and under the expert guidance of its executive director, is a stunning art piece by itself.  Pablo Picasso famously said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”  So, com’on in, the water’s fine.

 

Wine:  Jura is a mountainous section of France that produces a red wine that can just as easily be served chilled as at room temperature.  I know, I know, ca ce fait pas, but at a recent wine tasting in New York, I tasted chilled Jura, rouge, and thought it was nice – light, easy to drink and a really good bar wine.  Let the others order chilled white---give a chilled red Jura a shot.

 

Wine: The other day I stepped into a small tasting, sampling a selection of vineyards from the boot of Italy,  Puglia.  This ancient region has been cultivating wine from before the time that Rome extended its empire throughout much of the known western world.  The wine was easy to drink with a few bottles exhibiting touches of tannin while most were light.  I tasted a local grape, Nero de Troia, which I found to be elegant and an excellent example of local wines made from native grapes.  Definitely worth a glass…even a bottle. 

 

Theater:  I liked the movie but i loved the play.  I’m talking about Sister Act on New York’s Broadway.  The staging by director Jerry Zax was snappy and the music by  Alan Menken  was right on target.  Together, they created a piece that could have gone on and on and on.  Menken composed the music for Beauty And The Beast (theater and movie) The Little Mermaid (theater and film) and Aladdin (movie), while Zax directed Guys And Dolls, Six Degrees Of Separation, House Of Blue Leaves, Anything Goes, and La Cage Aux Folles.  Oh, by the way, Whoopie Goldberg was the producer of the show. What a creative team.  The designbation A Team seems a bit wanting, A+++ Team is more appropriate.  The music is memorable and the book pretty much follows the film. Patina Miller, who originated the role of Deloris Van Cartier in the West End production and Victoria Clark (mother superior) where terrific on stage.  You’ll have the tune acting up in your mind for a while and may just get you into the Broadway ‘habit.’

 

Theater:  The drama That Championship Season took on Broadway while the mood elsewhere was for musicals.  A challenge well met by a stellar book, written by Jason Miller, who received the 1973 Pulitzer prize for drama.  Starring Kiefer Sutherland, Chris Noth, Jason Patric, Brian Cox and Jim Gaffigan, the play about five guys  letting it all the dirty laundry hang out on stage, is riveting and just as vital today as it was when the New York audience first saw it over 35 years ago.  Just watching these five actors interact on stage having great dialogue to chew on, is worth the price of admission.  Sex and the City’s Noth and 24’s Sutherland show a dimension of dramatic expertise that explodes on stage.  Jason Patric’s (The Lost Boys) performance would make his father (playwright Jason Miller) proud.

 

Wine: The Languedoc-Roussillion region in the south west portion of France is a bastion of vineyards and winemaking which boasts one of the world’s most extensive varieties of grapes and, therefore, wines.  Maisons de la Region Languedoc-Roussilion and Sud-de-France recently held a wine tasting which showed off a nice variety of drinkable wines which were priced at under $20.  The wines I tasted were really easy to drink and are excellent choices for social occasions---good wines without breaking the bank.  Pair the wines with hors d’oeuvres and a mix of cheeses and you’ve got the makings of a great event. 

 

Design:  If you’re planning on decorating, redecorating or simply dreaming of a new look for your home, the recent furniture expo in New York, ICFF, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair is your first stop.  With more than 500 designers, manufacturers and retailers showing off their goods, you can be sure that your designer perused the contemporary furniture, floor and wall coverings, textiles asnd fixtures on display at the fair and in the private showrooms.  if you want to keep up with what your designer is thinking, a trip to the ICFF and a walk through its offing, is well worth it.  Where else can you stroll through the latest sofas, rockers, cookware and dinner tables and kjust imagine them in your apartment of house.  The furniture on view makes you want to stay home more often and revcel in the luxury.

Theater.  The Book of Mormon is a musical in the old-fashion tradition of make ‘em laugh, make ‘em cry, make ‘em sing and make ‘em dance.  Much of the book and music was written by the co-creators of the award winning Comedy Central animation series, South Park.  Looking at the massively popular TV show, these creatives certainly know how to produce a wildly successful and highly entertaining show.  And they have succeeded in keeping us thoroughly entertained as we follow two Mormon boys on a mission to a small village in Uganda.  ‘Nuff said.  “Wow,””Amazing,” and “Caramba” are a few of the expressions that popped into my mind.  Can make you a believer in the gifts of Broadway.

 

Music.  When I was in Bangkok I met a backpacker who was hitching, sleeping in hostels and eating street food on her way across Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.  When she returns to the States, she had her eyes on organic farming as a new career.  Tight budget though were no impediment when she found out that Eric Clapton would be performing in Bangkok.  Well, budgets and sleeping bags be damned.  She booked plane tickets back to Bangkok to see the show.  Music is a draw that converts the most humble of us into big spenders and fanatical fans, no matter where they’re bunking are or how much they have in their pouch.  Great concerts make hedonists of us all.  Well, the Impact Arena in Thailand’s capital city rocked with international fans and blues and guitar riffs that pointed out, so clearly, the maestro is still playing like he was kissed by the gods.

 

Music. Saw the Lady Gaga Monster Ball.  The Garden (Madison Square Garden for the few people out there who think it’s a patch of land filled with daffodils and petunias) was full of fanatical  fans who listened as Lady Gaga sent out inspirational messages between piano riffs, wardrobe changes, hair evenbts, and songs that everyone in the arena knew well enough to join in. she certainly knows how to put on a show.  The lights, the drama, the talent, the music…the whole shebang.  She called her multi-year tour an ‘pop electro opera,’ and exposed her feelings about her dealing with fame---baring the ups and the downs.  Well, most everyone is attracted to the ‘up’ side of the equation.  As far as the ‘downside,’ well, be ready to overcome those challenges, she advises.   She knows her audience and her audience knows her.  A mutual love society.  A good club to join.

 

Art: New York is a major stop on art fair tours that travel around the world showing off the work of represented galleries, art dealers and artists.  Two shows, Asian Contemporary Art Week and The Arts of Pacific Asia show highlight work from Asia.  Contemporary Chinese art is sweeping through the art scene, as collectors are swooping up the works of artists such as Yue Minjun and Ai Weiwei at record paces and prices. At the same time, more traditional Asian art, such as Chinese clay and ceramic pottery, Tibetan Tsongas, and Japanese wood block prints by such great practitioners as Hakusai, are increasing in popularity, through there has always been a market for these more classical forms.  As Chinese influence increases, look for an increase in the influence, and market, of Chinese and other Asian art.  The European and American collectors will find they have to compete rigorously with the increasingly wealthy and sophisticated Asian collector.  Let the art collection games begin.

 

Event:  New York celebrated Japan day a short while after Japan suffered through a horrific tsunami, earthquake and nuclear meltdown.  New Yorkers are generous, and contributions to help the millions who suffered loss as a result of the disaster.  The occasion also brought out the ninja in many of us.  Hundreds of black clad ninjas roamed central park, their wooden spears, plastic dragon stars and makeshift nunchucks in full display.  And this being New York the ninjas represented the whole community.  There were Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim. Hindu, Buddhist, Toa, and Shinto ninjas; there were African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian and mixed ninjas.  On Japan Day in New York, everyone is a ninja.  Keep your eyes open for the flying nunchuck.

 

Books: Got books.  The annual BEA, BOOKEXPO AMERICA, certainly does.  Each year the worlds’ publishers, authors and literary meet and present their latest publications, strategies and challenges.  For many years, television and the movies stripped away a sizeable chunk of the readership (a poll, conducted by associated press-ipsos in 2007 points out a continuous decline in book reading in the U.S..  it found that one in four Americans hasn’t read a book during the past year), but with the advent of kindle, nook, and and other digital readers, readership has begun to climb again and publishers have seen a gains over the past few years (Ebook sales have seen 202.3% February 2011 growth vs. February 2010. for e-books ranked as the #1 format among all categories of trade publishing in February 2011 (Association of American Publishers (AAP)).  So, got ebook?

 

Theater: Drama Desk Awards.  New York is a theater magnet.  There are Broadways shows, off Broadway shows, and off-off broadways shows, giving the public a chance to see a full range of live theater from 1000+ seat venues to small and intimate 40 seat spots.  An award show that honors the full array of live theater offerings is the Drama Desk which, since 1955, has been voting on the best in tens of categories…and I sat through them all.  In 2011 Harvey Fierstein hosted theater’s award show.  Now, with a wit and quick mind like Harvey Fierstein at the rudder, you know the show will move along with wonderful one-lines, comedic interludes and plain, old fashioned New York Shtick.  The Drama Desk Awards and Harvey Fierstein rarely fail to deliver.  Check out the shows.  Hooray for Hollywood Broadway.

 

Books: Bookexpo America.  The Booksellers expo was a show-and-tell filled with books, publishers and authors who were busy during the three day convention touting their work.  The allure of the celebrity writer held true to tradition as lines twirled around the lanes at New York’s Javitz center filled with fans edging slowly up the line, anxious to get the autograph of their favorite book writing star.  Jim Patterson, the bestselling author, held court and gingerly signed his latest book.  A few aisles over, Brad Meltzer, the lawyer-turned mystery writer was equally at home with the autograph pen as with his literary writing tool.  What was interesting was that first time authors and writers of obscure topics also commanded long lines of patient autograph seekers.  There’s magic in them-thar’ signatures.

 

Art:  Affordable Art Fair.  Collecting art is not reserved for Hedge fund managers, rock stars or trust fund babies anymore.  It is possible to walk through the aisles of an art fair and view display after display of artists from around the world whose work is offered, mainly though their galleries, at a price that can, as the fair brochure says, “suit most budgets.”  There were many unknown and emerging artists on display and a few more established artists whose work was offered as prints or even unframed.  The Affordable Art Fair is a good place for starting collectors to get their feet wet, or for collectors who have already jumped in to add to their collections without breaking the bank.

 

Wine: Chianti.  We’ve all tasted the delicious, deep red wine in our lives, over pasta or at a friends place or, if lucky enough, in Italy sitting on a terrace, looking over the incredible Tuscan hills while di[pping fresh bread into a plate of freshly pressed olive oil.  But how many people k now exactly what Chianti wine means.  The Chianti territory consists of specific provinces in Italy established by law, including Pisa, Arezzo, Florence, Prato and Siena.   The area consists of rolling hills, lush green valleys, terraces and flowing rivers, and has been producing wine for centuries, but it received its first official demarcation in 1932.  The Consorzio Vino Chianti, the organization entrusted with the task of supervising Chianti wines, estimates that there are over 2,500 wine producers in the designated area.  The wine produced fits most people’s tastes and budgets, from highly affordable to highly expensive, from the classical tannic to the younger, fresh wines which are light on the pallet.   Chianti wines offer a range of ruby red colors, bouquets and flavors.  Enjoy a glass. Salute.

 

Fashion. HBA Global Expo.  Did you ever wonder where your hairstylists go to buy their combs, brushes and shampoos?  Well, they don’t buy retail like the rest of us, that’s for sure.  They gather at HBA where vendors offer their wares to a very particular clientele who are always interested in the latest gadget, style and trend.  As they say, it’s the place where beauty meets business. Hairstylists are on platforms cutting volunteers hairs, showing off blow-dryers, scissors, and electric razors.  Shampoos, creams, salts and soaps are on display as are tanning devices, hair restorers and tanning machines.  The place is a bevy of excitement and who knows, you may just bump into the hair person for your favorite TV show there.

 

Food:  Big Apple Barbecue Block Party. New York City might not have invented the block party, but it certainly took it to another level.  New York streets are like little communities with personalities and structures of its own.  Some host Indian restaurants, others chic boutiques while others are residential with flavors of the hundreds of nationalities that make up this amazing city.  One block party though stands out from the rest because it imports many of its participants.  The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is a yearly event that offers amazing food from many of the county’s top pitmasters.  A dozen states are represented offering pulled pork, baby back ribs, sausages and brisket.  Towns like Unadilla, TX, Yazoo City MS and Driftwood, TX were doling out their best right alongside the offerings from Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville and New York.  Big Bob Gibson, Salt Lick, Pappy’s, Checkered Pig, Blue Smoke, and Harlem’s own Dinosaur were just some of the standouts at this block party.  But, I have to admit, there were no second places, because all offered first rate BBQ eats.  Bring it on…

 

Thoughts:  Recently I was at a small, private event when a person I did not know and had never seen before came up to me and told me I did not belong there.  Of course, he had nothing to do with that event, and I don’t know how he got in (but this is New York City and it does not lack in its crashers, some amusing and interesting, others not).  Certainly, his remarks slid off me like yesterday’s grease, and I responded suggesting that he be bone up on his manners (how very Martha Stewart of me…yes?).  But that incident got me thinking about poor on poor crime, outcast on outcast deceit—the sadness and weakness those few who prey on their own display.  Undoubtedly, he was ranting to overcome his inadequacy (I know, I know….I’m not a shrink, but being an attorney, having run a public company, and running a company has given me some insights into people), but my feelings revolved around the insufficiency of our society in giving the people who are in need, the help they need to prevent them from the dangers of their own mind. I recall a homeless man who spent much of the time around Columbus Circle.  He stood there and went off about frauds and fakes and other such ramblings.  I haven’t seen him in a while and I hope he is okay.   I believe education is one of the strongest tools available to give dignity to everyone and that is why I am using the college system to try to make a difference in the lives of others.   I do not want this to be about me, but about what you, all of us, can do to prevent such personal deprecating incidents that befell the sorrowful soul who had to insult others, to make himself feel better.  Poor on poor crime is an act of personal aggrandizement, outcast on outcast bullying is an act of personal deprecation.  Human dignity deserves more.  I realize I am rambling on and on about this issue but I feel strongly about our individual responsibility to try to give back to those who are wanting, whether physical or mental.  Together, let us try to remedy these situations.  I use education as the means.  Perhaps you use other vehicles.  I will be returning to the issue of personal responsibility and giving when I see a need to bring a topic to light.  I believe passionately in this.  Let’s get it done.