All Images Courtesy of Whole Organix Except Where Noted
Do you like the gothic metal band Type O Negative? I sure do. Back when I was still writing about music, I saw Type O perform many times in venues ranging from the intimate CBGB to the historic Roseland Ballroom. Their shows were always so much fun and totally amazing. I also had the chance to interview three of the four band-members including Johnny Kelly, whose interview launched my 13-year gig writing for Modern Drummer, bassist Josh Silver (who I wish I’d been better prepared for, because, man, was he a character-builder), and the late, great Peter Steele, who answered all of my questions including those about his infamous 1995Playgirl magazine spread. Those were good times, for sure. Continue reading Product Review: Blackberry No. 1 Type O Negative CBD Tincture→
Gift-giving is one of the best things in life, because it can bring joy to someone. When gift shopping, you are always looking for that perfect item that will be both personal and practical. That’s why custom photo gifts are one of the best choices.
There are so many different options here, but you can’t go wrong with picking out a photo gift that represents an important memory to the recipient. Keep reading to learn about five custom photo gifts for anyone and any occasion. Continue reading 5 Custom Photo Gift Ideas for Any Occasion→
Once each week, I have an appointment in the vicitiny of 45th Street and Madison Avenue. which gives me the opportunity to walk the length of the long passageway between the S shuttle to Times Square and 4, 5, and 6 lines, under Grand Central Terminal: an excellent shortcut I love to use to avoid excess time on the congested streets of this heavily foot-trafficked neighborhood.
Fast Track, Detail
It is at either end of this passageway that you will find Dan Sinclair’sFast Track and Speedwheels; two mixed-media wall-mounted assemblages crafted from bright metallic sections that include wavy aluminum sheets, steel wheels, brass disks, copper springs and wires. Fast Track, see in the two photos above, is installed closest to the S shuttle to Times Square platform, adjacent to the tracks.
Fast Track, Detail (Above and Below)
Speedwheels
Mounted high overheard on the wall at the end of the passageway that’s closest to the 4, 5, and 6 lines, you will find the expansive Speedwheelsinstallation. It’s a bit challenging to photograph in full, because there is a support beam about ten feet in front of it
Speedwheels, Left Side Detail
The art-deco shapes and various turning wheels, spinning gears and pistons interpret the speed, energy and train travel imagery into this relief sculpture, and add to the aura of the location, below one of America’s premiere rail stations.
Speedwheels, Right Side Detail
Sinclair explains, “I want my sculpture to make people think of the power of the engines that drive the trains, the speed and efficiency of them. The sculptures also reflect the architectural elements of Times Square and the Art Deco glamour of Radio City Music Hall.”
Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, who were Michael Jackson’s longtime costume designers, were asked to create a pair of Metal Cowboy Boots (circa 1990) for Jackson. The designers found inspiration in sabatons, the part of a knight’s armor that protected the foot. The singer wore these boots to the White House in April of 1990 to received the Artist of the Decade award from President George H.W. Bush.
Photographed in the Autry National Center in Los Angeles.
James Murphy Has Brain Tumor Relapse; Donations Welcome
James Murphy, former guitarist of both Death and Testament, as well as founding member of the death metal band Disincarnate, has had a relapse of the brain tumor that sidelined him back in 2001. Murphy stated that the tumor had returned but that it was a non malignant and that it was being treated pharmacologically. Unfortunately, those medications have serious side effects that have left him unable to work. The option for different medications is available, but at a cost of over $1000 a month, and he needs a minimum of 6 months of medication for treatment to be effective. With his medical expenses extremely high and James not being able to work due to the side effects of the current medications, the metal community is being asked to come together and help one of their brothers and donate to help him beat this once and for all.
