shed some light

the mao extends sincerest mea culpas for being so out of touch. a very hectic and cultural autumn with comrades has prevented sacredmao from being in touch. nevertheless, the fall has been well spent on a significant cultural path--with much to report on for the coming year.

but--here we are--on the eve of 2008--and mao thought it would be appropriate to find further inspiration in the simplicity of the light bulb.




revered as a sign of hope for many, feared by those who would rather control darkness on the lives of others, the humble light bulb allows our advancement towards education, brilliance, and human contact.







now, mao loves the intimacy of candles, however, even mao understands how shedding light on the many positives of humankind provides grand ideas and movements among the masses.

as we head into the new year, perhaps in light of conservation, we say adieu to the classic light bulb---which has warmed homes and minds for over 120 years, and welcome the plucky ENERGYSTAR (TM) bulbs into our lives.

au revoir incandescent bulb, mon amour....


with all that enlightenment we hope to spread, sacredmao and comrades have begun taking dance lessons from none other, than Comrade of Soul-James Brown.

Levez-vous and boogaloo into the New Year --sm

hot wet american summer

sacredmao and comrades have been enjoying the warm summer here in the states. as we head towards the feeling of 'back to school'--'back to reality' we thought we would simply publish some favorite last minute summertime enjoyables for all comrades to partake--no matter where you find yourself.

we begin, with the supple and sublime new jersey peach.



revel in the sight of the peach and delight in it's dewy youthfulness!

sacredmao is quite modest when it comes to the buxomness of certain stone fruit--as mao has noticed that the peach, the nectarine and the well...cherry--all resemble each other and ...something else..in form.

yes--mao knows they differ in size.

the jersey peach is best enjoyed in a civil ceremony of slicing, removing that wee pit, and crunching through it's juicy juice.

we would post a link to a recipe site, however, at publication, mao has been enjoying some crisp white wine with some cold poultry and peaches...so, we shall move on.

our next stop brings us to some reading to liberate your heart: Ten Poems to Set You Free by Roger Housden.



this delightful and thought provoking series begs the question as to what could you really be set free from... mao will let you decide--if it is freedom from caution, prudence, or to simply find that the truth will set you free.

a personal revolution if there is one.

lastly, we must admit to a favorite song of choice that provides freedom to our ears ...freedom to enjoy the sensory fulfillment.

brighter than sunshine by the musician that can break a 1,000 hearts in less than one note--Aqualung.

this song, it will stop you in your tracks.



with comrades by our side, we bid you a lovely closure to your summer and look forward to your visit soon,
sm

internet television--for the people

a few months ago, sacredmao found themselves mingling at an hour of happiness with a group of technically savvy proletariat.

after polishing off a delectable piece of fried cheese and vodka & soda, the mao was informed of a quiet, new development in the world of internet television.

joost

joost.com....to be exact.

as sacredmao has sworn off conventiontial television viewing, joost provides mao and comrades a perfect blend of pbs and youtube--curated for those wanting to move beyond the conventional boobtoob.

joost presents a new way of watching tv on the internet. with joost securely on your computer, one has all the things one loves about the talking box, including a high-quality full-screen picture, hundreds of full-length shows and easy channel-flipping.

and from an aesthetic point of view, comrades will be pleased to know that they need not further clutter their homes with a big-ol'clumsy tv tube....or a flat screen above the fireplace...

a path that mao has seen some hoi polloi take--which causes great pause.

without going much further--joost is available at this time by invite only--in beta form--if comrade would like to take a refreshing glass of joost for a test-run--post a comment on sacredmao.

mao will be pleased to send an invite --

quantities are limited--as is the case with all things good.

Powerfully Artful

After having polished off a delightful dinner alfresco with comrades at Joya the other night, sacredmao planned to retire in front of a friend's television to take in some media opium for the masses. What caught mao's eye was the promise of an ongoing series on art in its most emotional form--specifically, "The Power of Art" by esteemed SuperDon, Simon Schama.

It must be known, the sacredmao purchased this invigorating read a number of months ago with a Barnes&Noble family card.

Nonetheless, the opus has maintained a privileged spot on the sacredmao bookcase and has been shown with great pride to guests and comrades...and gloved-hands for the unwashed...of course...

The beauty of the cover in it's simplicity in one of mao's favorite colors, red, as well as the clean font can best be appreciated in the living realm...the reproductions are lush, visceral and CBE Schama writes of the power of the artists and their work with passion, intelligence, humor and empathy... that frankly.. is heartbreaking.


To find this book translated to a series, developed by the BBC and shown on public television--what more could mao ask for as a perfect bedtime story?

A few of the stellar artists in this literary accomplishment include Carravaggio, David, Rembrandt, Rothko and so much more. The artists and their masterpieces, as presented by Schama, stops time, fills a hole in one's soul and opens a room in the house of one's heart.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/powerofart/

Moreover, sacredmao had the pleasure of hearing and seeing Maestro Schama read and discuss "The Power of Art" to a captive audience at The Strand on Monday evening. It was recorded by FORA.TV and will soon become available for your viewing pleasure.

In the meantime, mao asks for you to consider further enlightenment to "The Power of Art" and The World of Simon Schama.

Best enjoyed over an icy mojito--

sm

Hot Phun

mao and comrades have been spending some lazy summer days in the sun here in NYC and beyond.

It has come to the attention of sacredmao that a culinary contest of sweet and spicy will be occurring in the Windy City very soon.

Smoke the Bone -- a "Rub-off" of sorts, will be held on Sunday 7/22 at Lemmings on Damen in muscular Chicago, Illinois.

http://www.lemmingstavern.com/

A most honorable comrade from afar won last year's competition, taking home the esteemed trophy of a welded piece of metal, formed into an illustrious side of baby back ribs.

Just makes mao's mouth begin to water.

We understand that the competitive nature of this event can ignite greater flames than the BBQ--so step on over there and develop some BBQ trash talk that only Mao and comrades can most admire....

We await further notice from our beach chairs on the shore--and hope to see you alongside...

The Bedside Book of Birds--impress your friends and woo your lovers

Once a week, sacredmao looks to cover a piece of art, prose, reading material--general literature --to delicately influence your tasteful choices. This week, we've pondered the task by considering the power of nature.

With the onset of summer, the voluptuous tree outside of the mao's home has been lovers' lane with all types of city birds.

Causes a bit of blushing with all of nature's excitement going on...

Nevertheless, the beauty of nature isn't lost on us and we've been drawn to an indulgent and visibly charged read "The Bedside Book of Birds" by Graeme Gibson.

This collection of avian fancy was released in 2005--however, continually provides mao and comrades with appropriate references to enjoying the subtleties of life in the city...and beyond.

Comrades around the globe have always held birds in high regard and representative of most coveted aspirations.

Thus, think of this book as that margarita or pina colada that transports you to a dreamlike vacation spot--

Havana?

Gorgeously illustrated, "The Bedside Book of Birds" and a nice glass of wine will keep you enthralled in this lazy summer season--the collection is of short story and prose nature--so when mao and comrades need to hit the town, no guilt is accumulated when leaving this book at the bedtable.

One favorite entry "last comes the raven" on page 177 is worth the venture into fantasy.
http://www.amazon.com/Bedside-Book-Birds-Avian-Miscellany/dp/0385514832

Given all of the action going on at lovers' lane, this book might just help comrades' social life--

Enjoy and stop by again--when you can.

Wheels Up--sacred mao

Our little intro to sacredmao--which looks to bring some perspective and notables to you--around town and from around the world.

So, a quick hello--the sacredmao has come off of a very busy week around nyc--a festivus week began with drinks at Rayuela
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/rayuela/
(one comrade stated it was the best drinks she has EVER had....ever...a beloved sake concoction she devoured), the sacredmao consumed 2 of their finest margaritas--the mao wanted to imagine themselves at a fine tropical location--which Rayuela accomplishes in all aspects.
That kickoff was followed up with a great meal and lots of flirting and wine at Grotto
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/grotto/
with patrons and staff (walk don't run--fine looking group, the sacredmao must say--)....as well as dancing and more at the old six and eights--until the wee wee and we mean WEE hours of the morning.

Thursday, sacredmao and comrades made their way over to the Bowery Ballroom to welcome home most favored band, Earl Greyhound--after their successful US tour. Check them out at http://www.earlgreyhound.com/

As the sacredmao is getting a bit older, earplugs and glasses were required at this show, nevertheless, most honorable band EG managed to still knock the grey socks off of this participant.

Comrades and mao strolled over to Lolita to give praise and credence to the band themselves--something we try to do in a humble manner. sacredmao does believe it is good to exercise humility every now and then...

good manners are welcomed all around and have been missing of late.

Other highlights ensued throughout the week--nevertheless, will leave it here and hope you listen to 'SOS' by Earl Greyhound and believe in what you hear--it only gets better.

and stop by and see us again-
sm