Benbow City Shuffle

 

It's a Wednesday night at Evangeline's in Central West End of Saint Louis. As "the fan base" of Dave Shogren's band Benbow City Shuffle I'm looking forward to the group's return to the venue. (The piano by the window reminds me of Richie who has disappeared from the mix of late). I arrive early enough to edge may way into the group photo at the door. (Above: Al Funk, Wes Morgan, posing as drummer, Noddin Dave Shogren and Joe Gavin).

This travelling core is the essence of Dave's musical configurations that I've seen perform around town as Noddin' Dave and the OMG, Benbow City Shuffle, The Tiny Desk series, The Mud Brothers and more. Oh London, Black Salt, Jovick Brothers, Crown Candy Plaza, Pop's Blue Moon, Upstairs at O'Connell's Pub, 100 on the Park on Kingshighway, Cloverlief Golf Course,,, to name a few.

       

Pittsburgh

 

Janie wanted to see the Savannah Bananas. The process of elimination and the tie-breaker (for me) is the opportunity to visit the Andy Warhol Museum suggested the best bet was to meet in Pittsburgh. So I flew in and Janie drove from Cleveland so we could be together a couple of days - always a beautiful thing. 

Friday August 29 we were among 40,000 fans as the event was a series of stunts, trick plays, convoluted rules of the show-biz in a two hour contest that roughly approximates a nine-inning baseball game. (They attracted another 40,000 on Saturday for the shenanigans as well. 80,000 tickets - wow.)

Saturday August 30th allowed us to enjoy a free breakfast at the hotel before walking past the PNC Park (where they were still gearing up to sell yet more merch and T-shirts for the Bananas fans). The Andy Warhol Museum was a short walk for us to arrive as it opened at 10 am. The world's largest hotel dedicated to a single artist is seven stories with everything from early shoe illustration, to paintings, silk screens, pop art boxes, screen-tests and Andy Warhol films. It's easy to spend 2 1/5 hours there getting emersed in the enigma that is Andy Warhol.

 

 

Notes: Hyde Park, Tom's Watch Bar (Florida State 31-Alabama 17,  MO State 13 - USC 73). Pitt Guys trying to name alums besides Dan Marino, misplaced real ID, Superman in hotel, Foundry, Southern Tier Brewery, Viet Nam Memorial, U.S. Open on TV). 

Mary McGann MacGreggor, Gavin (Grace/Olivia/Liza), Mark (Wren/Mercy/Rooney/Prim and Erika).

That far off stare, in spite of not facing any TV screens at Tom's Watch Bar. Maybe the river flow but only a glimpse that turned into a smile as her gaze landed on me (after what seemed like a while avoiding eye contact). 

She's my ride to the airport. My flight is at 8 something in the am. The airport is 17 minutes away according to GPS on my phone. I'm always neurotic about leaving time for whatever so I wake up at like 4 am and take a shower. Around 5:30 am: "What time is it?" (My response: "It's daytime.") 

A ride to the airport - 17 minutes according to GPS turned into 25. A polite hug goodbye. Time marches on. 

CATHERINE LIKAVEC Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 24 to Oct. 25, 2013.

LIKAVEC CATHERINE LIKAVEC (nee Popovich), 95, beloved wife of the late Methodius J., cherished mother of Matt, Thomas (Susan), David (Deborah), and Janie (Ed); loving grandmother of Adam, Aaron, Sarah, Lisa, Michael, Jonathan, Stephanie, Jennifer, Christine, Daniel, Douglas, Gavin, Mark, Jacqueline, and Luke; Great-grandmother of 14, dear sister of George and James. Catherine entered into rest Tues., Oct. 22, 2013. Friends will be received Friday 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the JOSEPH MISENCIK FUNERAL HOME, 12500 Madison Ave., Lakewood, where closing prayers will be Sat. 9:30 a.m. followed by a 10 a.m. mass at Transfiguration Parish, Lakewood. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Cleveland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame, Chardon Province, 13000 Auburn Rd., Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Brief Life History of Methodius

When Methodius Likavec was born on 14 September 1917, in Ohio, United States, his father, Methodius J Likavec, was 30 and his mother, Helen Drops, was 24. He married Catherine Popovich on 26 August 1939, in Cuyahoga, Ohio, United States. They were the parents of at least 1 son. He registered for military service in 1943. He died on 19 November 1987, in Lakewood, Cuyahoga, Ohio, United States, at the age of 70, and was buried in Brook Park, Cuyahoga, Ohio, United States.

Jeckle & Jeckle

 

Heckle and Jeckle are postwar animated cartoon characters created by Paul Terry, originally produced at his own Terrytoons animation studio and released through 20th Century Fox. The characters are a pair of identical anthropomorphic yellow-billed magpies who usually cause problems to others and for themselves with their bizarre antics. Heckle speaks in a tough New York style manner, while Jeckle has a more polite British accent.

Meanwhile Camille an Thomas got news this week that their brother and sister (twins) are healthy and weighing in at about two pounds each.

Now

As I reflect on the now. 

I just have to wonder how. 

I'm blessed with an inflated sense of self worth;

Probably because of the breaks I've had since birth. 

The arc of my life;

Began with a home on a lake.

The time and the place;

Was no mistake. 

Of course as a restless youth, I wanted out.

My vision for the future could not be denied.

The possibilities seemed endless with no doubt;

It all will come if and when I tried. 

I know now;

With confidence, but not exactly how.

You need a model like I had;

You need an extraordinary dad.

Mark makes intro: Meet Susan

 

So, Mark Denk made a cameo at the AMA golf event on June 27, 2025, He did not play but he hung around for some of the briefing of two sponsors (Robert Half and Chiro-One). Since Mark is a guy who likes to facilitate connections he wanted to make an introduction. The following e-mail served as introduction (I lost my cell earlier that week during my preparations for the Golf Event at Creve Coeur Golf Course.)  

On Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 01:47:55 PM CDT, M Denk <markdenk@yahoo.com> wrote:

Susan Signorino, I’d like to introduce you to my friend Wes Morgan and vice versa.

Susan - While I have been on the St. Louis chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA-STL) board for the past 20 years (trying to get off for the last 19), I have had a lot of time to really get to know become friends with Wes. I am convinced that he started the St. Louis chapter back in the 1940s even though he’s only in his 60s. In addition to serving as a past president, he is currently our chapter’s historian and the most relaxed golf tournament chair.

Wes worked in the advertising industry for the majority of his career, is always smiling, always has a story to share and is a lover of art and museums.

Wes - I describe Susan as the very definition of what an outsider would imagine a social worker does. Everyone is naturally attracted to her as she is very kind, very generous of her time, expertise, her network and always willing to lend a helping hand and/or ear. She runs and has ran several always successful networking groups in senior healthcare.

While I am not a matchmaker nor want to be known as one, I look forward to you guys connecting and becoming friends.

Cheers,

Mark Denk

314-435-0393

PS: Susan, I’m connecting you through email because Wes misplaced his phone yesterday and won’t have his replacement until Monday at the earliest.

Well, the e-mail intro and my missing phone combined with my plan to meet an out of town friend at the Saint Louis Art Museum. The out-of-town guest cancelled but I did have a pleasant visit with Susan at the art museum, nevertheless. 

I did a bit of an art tour. (I am a docent at heart I guess.) I talked a lot about me, of course. We were together for 3+ hours. The museum was open late and the light rain at dusk resulted in am incredible rainbow on Art Hill.

Susan lost her spouse in 2022 (and her parents in the same year). She was a good audience for my docent tour highlights - Monet, Van Gogh, the Egyptian cat, Rothko, Warhol, Jaune Quick To See Smith and other highlights. We went through the crowded Roar exhibit (dedicated to the period around the automobile, art and fashions of 1918-1939 in France).

Since Susan is a friend of Bob Mogley, we took advantage of his hospitality at Creek Valley Retirement Community. I was able to deliver a belated birthday card (which was displayed in his office when we left).

Susan joined me for a viewing of Little Miss Sunshine, a 1969 movie viewing at the Saint Louis Art Museum soon after that. 

     

AMA Golf at CCGC 2025

 

July 27, 2025 The Annual Golf event at Creve Coeur Golf Course weathered one of the most interesting rounds. Randy Niederer, Mark Bretz, Chris Demko (from Robert Half), Coolfire foursome, Jamal, Wes Morgan, Lauren and another gal managed a ninth hole with a tent and two other women managed a tent on hole number 2, a cameo by Mark Denk and some random spattering of local Creve Coeur golfers braved the round that began at 12:30 after enjoying a quick lunch of hot dog, drink and chips. The round was supposed to be the pick day after Saint Louis had a week of heat alerts with "feels like 100+ degrees" days.

 

We instead got bombarded by quick down pours that cooled things down but didn't stop the hearty band of dedicated golfers and volunteers from enjoying the day in spite of the conditions. By afternoon, thunderstorms and lighting were tracking east of the course. 

Excused absences: John Grizzell, Bob Mogley, Rowdy Jones, Dave Cox, Darryl Vandiver, Joe Voss, AMA board members including co-chairs Hannah and Merissa. 

Thanks to all who participated in what I think might be our 27th at CCGC since 1998.   

Art Reading 2025

 

There is no required reading list for my self described Art Junky Habit, but lately I have let my own curiosity drive my casual reading. The remarkable exhibit Picasso and Paper at the Cleveland Museum of Art (January 17, 2025). Life with Picasso is a dandy overview of Picasso and tells you a lot about the artists and his muses.

Monet is fascinating too and my visit to the Museum of Fine Arts - Boston (February 28, 2025) seemed deserving of a scholarly overview of Monet The  Restless Vision.

The Saint Louis Art Museum - (June 6, 2025) hosted a member talk by former Curator at the North Carolina Museum of Art - . The author of Artcurious Jennifer Dasaal signed my book "Wes - Stay Curious!"

A visit to Museum of Modern Art, MoMA - (June 13, 2025) via Laguardia Airport and a meeting with my good friend David Drimer was more than an ample reminder of why I love to revisit great art museums. Almost immediately spotted Picasso's Goat. Also loved seeing Piet Mondrian, Jackson Pollack, Salvador Dali, Max Beckman and Mark Rothko.  

I have plans to visit the Andy Warhol Museum August 30, 2025 so I ordered Warhol to read in anticipation. The book is 900 pages and should provide a pretty good overview Andy and Pop Art. 

 

Fathers Day Weekend 2025

So much fun over Fathers' Day Weekend. Ben and Allison and the amazing James opened up their Ocean, NJ home to me and I got to see some remarkable dads and thank some too. My foursome at the golf course adjacent to Ben's house included Papa, Ben, Perry and Max. 

Dads on the golf course are Perry Schatzow; husband of Autumn and dad of Samson and Marlow (knockout); Max; husband to Mary and father of Lilly and Daniel; Ben; husband to Allison and father of the amazing James (8 yr old Minecraft and Sponge Bob fan); Wesley Morgan (Papa Wes, father of Lindsey Dewey, wife of Robert Christopher Dewey (Chris) and mom to Robert Lawton Dewey (Lawton about to be 9 on July 5) and my boy Ben.    

 

  

MoMA June 13, 2025

 

It had been too long since being at the Museum of Modern Art. And too long since hanging out with my college pal Dave Drimer. So. on June 13 (Friday the 13th) I traveled to New York City on Southwest Airlines from Saint Louis. I got up at something like 3:30 a.m. for the 2 hour 15 minute flight to NYC. A 60 minute $65 dollar cab fare and finding a place to check my bag (The Hyatt on 54th and Avenue of the Americas - five dollars). But it was worth it as I met David Drimer in the museum lobby.

The sculpture garden was among the first sights. Picasso's GOAT, and Arristide Maillol's THE RIVER were a among my first visual treats to this remarkable place on 53rd Street. Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, Richard Serra, Mark Rothko and more. 

 

Dave and I talked about old times at the University of Miami, being UM Admissions Counselors, and our early career highlights in New York City. To catch a train to Long Branch, New Jersey I walked 20+ blocks in Manhattan (half of which was with Dave - who had to catch a 7 subway train to LIC).

My boy Ben, his wife - Allison and the amazing James were there at Long Branch. This was the start of a remarkable Fathers' Day weekend at 28 Dorset in Ocean, New Jersey. 

Friday - MoMA with Drimer

Saturday - Monmouth Park Racetrack with Ben/Allison/James

Sunday - Golf with with Perry Max and Ben, Brunch at 28 Dorset (the highlight of which was quality time with Toby - the Matriarch).

Monday - Uber Reynaldo to LaGuardia.

James has just 4 more days of school and on this Monday June16th I joined them as they waited for the school bus.

Dave Drimer, Picasso's Goat, and me at MoMA on June 13, 2025.  

  

 

Silk purse from a Sow's Ear

The phrase "you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear" comes from the Reverend Johnathan Swift (1801) who is widely credited with coining the phrase. However, a similar statement appears in Stephen Gosson's Ephemerides of Phialo in 1579. The saying implies that if something is inherently poor quality or of low value, you cannot make it into something of high quality or value, no matter how much effort is put into it.

André Harvey, b. 1941 Stella (from an edition of 30), 2007, cast 2009
Bronze Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas

Stay Curious!

 

Jennifer Dasal was the speaker at the Ferrell Auditorium at the Saint Louis Art Museum on Friday Night (6/6/25). She was curator at North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC and launched her career as blogger and that evolved into her becoming an author. 

I read her first book in anticipation of this event. The book sheds some light on a variety of art history mysteries. The circumstances of Vincent van Gogh's death, the theft and authenticity of the Mona Lisa, Monet's early reception, and Andy Warhol's time capsules. (610 of them!)

But perhaps the most curious and fascinating of all on this night was her enthusiastic endorsement of Harriet Hosmer (1830-1908). Her Zenobia in Chains stands proudly overlooking sculpture hall from the third floor arching window in the museum. That is until it was put on loan the the Missouri History Museum a few months ago. So, in spite of the high praise Jennifer put on the piece she assumed would still be "on view" at SLAM, almost no-one in the audience knew: Zenobia was not home. I was assured by staff that she'd be back.

  

Key Point

\

I was a Mad Man Ad Man back in the day. I was a young father of two. Among my favorite times were those quality moments with my kids. My daughter was precocious and curious. She had lots of questions. I  had no problem engaging here about the stuff that was important to me in the advertising business. A favorite, when she was old enough to understand the nature of advertising communication was a game we liked to call "Key Point". 

The game goes something like this. A routine evening in front of the TV would invariably be loaded up with commercials. Usually a 30 second spot. My challenge was to ask my pre-teen to watch some spots and identify the Key Point. 

A fast-talking guy says "when you absolutely, positively, need to ship something overnight. Fed Ex is fast and reliable. Right.

Mr. Whipple is in the grocery aisle telling shoppers to not squeeze the toilet tissue. Charmin is so soft, you only need to feel it to know it is the best. Right. 

Recommended by 4 out of five dentists to prevent cavities. Well they must know that Crest is best.

Choosy mothers chose Jiff. Well mom you know you want the best in your kid's lunchbox, even if it is only a PB&J. 

The key point was to appeal to consumers before they are faced with the purchase decisions at the grocery store. Now, I'm kind of sad to see the game has changed to much. An elephant never forgets because of what we used to promote in the ad biz - reach and frequency. Maybe we were guilty of a simple model that suggested a key point drilled into broadcast television ads was all we needed. I'm not gonna lie: I miss the basic formula that drove advertising agencies to find that one strong compelling reason to buy. Done well, the agency will be rewarded with more business because the client is seeing measurable gains in market share and maybe even brand loyalty that justifies paying a premium over other prodects in a category.  

Walt Whitman Inspires

Walt Whitman poem to inspire you to fight for your dreams

Seize the day.

Do not let it end without growing a little,

without finding joy,

without nourishing your dreams.

Do not let discouragement defeat you.

Do not allow anyone to steal your right to express yourself,

for that is almost a duty.

Do not give up on the desire to make your life extraordinary.

Believe that words and poetry have the power to transform the world,

for our essence, even in the face of storms,

remains intact.

We are made of passion.

Life is both desert and oasis.

It knocks us down, it wounds us,

but it also teaches us to rise again

and to become the protagonists of our own story.

Even if the winds blow against you,

the work of your life continues.

And you, yes, can bring forth a unique and powerful verse.

Never stop dreaming,

for in dreams lies freedom.

Do not commit the worst of mistakes:

living in silence.

Most people settle for a devastating silence.

But not you.

Shout, fight,

express yourself across the rooftops of the world,

like a poet who cherishes the beauty of the simple things.

Do not betray yourself.

Respect your beliefs.

Rowing against your own being is sentencing yourself to unhappiness.

Embrace the panic of having life ahead of you.

Live intensely, without mediocrity.

Remember that the future is in your hands.

Embrace this responsibility with courage and determination.

Learn from those who came before us,

the "Dead Poets,"

for their voices echo as guides.

And today, we are the "Living Poets."

Do not let life pass you by.

Live. Intensely, courageously, passionately.