Kids ComicCon at BCC

I went to Bronx Community College with Calvin to attend the 1st Annual Kid's ComicCon on Saturday. Definitely a better campus than my CUNY institution. The Con was a lot of fun, here are a few pics.

Kyle Baker with his adorable daughter, who is also a cartoonist.

Many books were signed.

And read.

A little more Veronica Mars

From the L.A. Times on the possible end of Veronica Mars:

"The final five episodes of the season may well be the last we see of the techno-savvy Nancy Drew, whom a small, devoted audience has followed from her tender high school years. It is one of life's great mysteries that this truly excellent bit of teen noir, created by former "Dawson's Creek" writer Rob Thomas, hasn't fared better in the marketplace. Since its debut, it has been referred to as a "cult classic," that bittersweet descriptor that always manages to seem past tense. A little too hip for the "CSI" crowd, a little too smarty pants for "O.C." fans, "Veronica Mars" defines its own demographic — high school honor students and women's studies majors crossed with adults who still miss "Buffy" and occasionally reread "The Outsiders."

I had to laugh when I read that summary of the VM demographic, as in one way or another all of those descriptors hit pretty close to home.

Veronica Mars News

Things are not looking good for Veronica Mars, as the cancelation rumors swirl madly. As I've said before, I've had my problems with this season but still hope it pulls through. The show comes back next Tuesday. You can watch a sneak peak at the opening few minutes to hold you over until then.

Global Warming Awareness at BCC

Today, I took one of my classes to a "Teach In" about Global Warming Awareness and Action at BCC. I learned about two interesting groups. One is Greenworker, which is "dedicated to creating worker owned and environmentally friends businesses in the South Bronx." The organization's first business is a basically Home Depot for used supplies--from tubs and sinks to hard wood floors. A woman for the New York City Apollo Alliance also spoke. The Alliance's motto is "Good Jobs and Energy Independence." It is great that these groups are trying to improve the environment and the economy of New York--too often labor issues are pitted against environmental ones. It is also important to inject the issue of class into the discussion of environmentalism, as the less money you have the more likely you are to live in a toxic environment and the fewer resources you will have to change it. As the man from Greenworker said, "The message from an Inconvenient Truth is that we are all screwed. What it didn't say is that some of us are screwed more than others."

Happy Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, I finally watched An Inconvenient Truth, which had been on my DVR for months. It was a little hard to tell from the map of Manhattan in the movie, but it looked like, if nothing changes, my apartment may evenutally be under water, or least by water front property. So all of you who have enjoyed staying with me--switch to the energy conserving lightbulbs! I actually am doing that as my bulbs burn out, and I have started using vinegar and microfiber cloths to clean (instead of chemical projects) as well as unplugging my cell phone charger and other small appliances. (As all of those things are painless and actually save me money, I can't really say I have sacrificed anything for the environment.) In other environmental news, I'm glad to see Bloomberg is finally pushing fees for cars and trucks driving into congested parts of Manhattan. There are some complaints that this will punish the poor and middle-class--but my guess is that, by and large, the poor and middle-class are taking the trains, buses and subways. There is very rarely any real reason to drive into Manhattan--and so if you want to, you should have to pay for the privledge.

Marie Antoinette

I know a lot of people hated Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette, and I guess I can understand why. It is ridiculous. But I really liked it the first time I saw it. The amazing costumes and gorgeous shots of Versailles made it beautiful to watch. And, despite its frivolity, I thought it portrayed the way women can become trapped by social expectations well. I love the movie even more after watching it with the History Club at BCC. The students really got into it, laughing and, a few times, talking back to the screen. Afterwards, a lot of them asked me questions about Antoinette's life. Anything that gets them to think history isn't completely borning is ok in my book. I can't wait to get the soundtrack.

Vinegar Hill Dogs

I've been meaning to post this picture for awhile. Neilson took it in his neighborhood. He really doesn't know the owners, but I think he should give them a copy anyway.

The Bronx in Bloom

Here are some pictures of the BCC campus in bloom.







Unfortunately, there is also this sinkhole in the middle of campus.

Geneva

I was in Geneva last weekend, as were Anders, Sarah, and Trish (Mom). We spent most of time watching Anders do a variety of adorable things, including eating a potato. (Which is more fun than it might sound). Two of his favorite things to do are eat broccoli and brush his teeth.

Eric's Birthday

Here are some pictures from Eric's birthday, celebrated at John's in the East Village.

Wildlife

When you hear the words "The Bronx," visions of nature probably don't jump into your head. But the BCC campus has a lot of open space, filled with trees and grass. Now that spring is (sort of) upon us the cherry trees are in flower, as well as the daffodils and hyacinth. Birds are singing everywhere. And on Monday I saw a skunk (although I had smelled them on campus before). It was actually the first time I had ever seen one--he (or she) was quite cute waddling across over a small hill. I'll post pictures soon.

Handmaking

Me in front of my piece (yes, you may have seen this piece before).

Christy's virus glass jewelry.

Joele and I and Christy enjoy spring in the Philly burbs.

I am in a show in Philadelphia that was curated by my friend Joele Cuyler and by Amy Lipton, curator at the Abington Art Center. My friend Christy Rupp is also in the show, which was very exciting. Calvin and Christy and I took the train down to the show on Saturday. Here are Calvin's pictures.

More Pictures from Oswego

Bill Reilly with the graphic novel display at his bookstore.

Hosmer at the River's End Bookstore.

Terry with her Easter egg tree.

Easter in Oswego

Below are some pictures of Easter Sunday in Oswego, including watching the Masters at Cayuga Street, eating brunch at Patz, and watching the Masters at Patz. Activities I don't have pictures of include going to St. Mary's, walking back from St. Mary's, and watching the bull riding competition that took place in Madison Square Garden.

Good Friday in Oswego

Happy Birthday Eric and Molly

QuickComic

Create comix with quickComic, starring the political figures of the day, a few other props, with your very own text in the word bubbles.

How Much is that Doggy in the Window

Orchids

Last Saturday, I celebrated the fact that I was on Spring Break by going to the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. It always amazes me that the garden in New York--it is an oasis on green and calm.