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).

     

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.

Saint Luke

 

I regard St Luke as my patron saint, by default perhaps. Growing up in the Cleveland West-Side suburb of Lakewood, Ohio it was the parochial school I attended from grades 1 through 8. (Note that I repeated grade one so I was there 9 years before going to the public Lakewood High School.) 

Luke is one of the four ascribed authors of the canonical gospels. He is believed to have been a martyr but some believe otherwise. The Catholic Church and other major denominations venerate him as Saint Luke the Evangelist and as a patron saint of artists, physicians, bachelors, notaries, butchers, brewers, and more, His feast day is October 18.

Above photos: St. Luke as subject of a Stained Glass window and the subject of a Renaissance era limestone sculpture. 

Depicting St. Luke with an ox or calf gave Christians a basic summary of his Gospel, reminding them how he focused on the theme of sacrifice.   

Drugs 101

There's a wide range of substances that can have various effects. They can be broadly categorized with unique properties and consequences.

Depressants

Depressants, also known as sedatives, are drugs that slow down the central nervous system. They have a calming and relaxing effect and are often prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Some common examples of depressants include benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), barbiturates, and certain sleep medications. When used, these drugs can lead to decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and in extreme cases, respiratory depression.

Stimulants

Stimulants rev up the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, energy, and a sense of euphoria. Popular stimulants include amphetamines (e.g., Adderall), methamphetamine (meth), and cocaine. They can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and chronic use can have serious health consequences, including cardiovascular issues and mental health problems.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens profoundly alter perception, thoughts, and feelings, often causing vivid hallucinations. One of the most famous hallucinogens is LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), which can lead to intense visual and sensory experiences. Another well-known hallucinogenic substance is magic mushrooms (containing psilocybin). They can have unpredictable effects on mental health and may exacerbate underlying mental health conditions.

Opioids

Opioids are powerful pain relievers derived from the opium poppy plant. Common opioids include oxycodone, codeine, and fentanyl. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, reducing pain perception, but they can also induce a sense of euphoria. Opioid abuse has led to a devastating epidemic of dependence and overdose deaths in recent years.

Cannabis

Cannabis, often referred to as marijuana or weed, is a psychoactive drug that has gained increasing acceptance for both medical and recreational use in recent years. Its effects can vary widely, from relaxation and heightened sensory perception to anxiety and impaired coordination. Long-term cannabis use may affect mental health, particularly in susceptible individuals.

Inhalants

Inhalants encompass a wide range of volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, often euphoric, effect. These substances can include household items like paint thinner and aerosol sprays. Inhalant use can have serious and immediate health risks, including damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, and other vital organs.

MDMA

MDMA, also known as ecstasy or "Molly," is a synthetic drug that combines stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. It is often associated with use in party or club settings due to its capacity to enhance mood and social interaction. However, misuse can lead to dehydration, overheating, and serotonin depletion, affecting mental health.

Methadone and Methamphetamine

Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is a powerful stimulant commonly referred to as "meth." Both substances have significant potential for use and dependence, with long-term use adversely impacting physical and mental health.

Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in medical settings but is also used recreationally for its hallucinogenic properties. Its effects can include altered perception of time and space, detachment from the body, and vivid hallucinations. Long-term misuse can harm mental health and lead to a condition known as "Ketamine bladder syndrome.”

So, Big Pharma is spending billions of dollars on advertising on TV and everywhere else to tell us to "ask your doctor" about blah blah blah. The messages are loaded with warnings and mostly formulaic with occasional lame music and dancing with presumed happy users. Below is a partial list of drugs I've noted in the last few weeks. (I don't think any doctor can answer all these question.)

Jardiance (Diabetes), Lybalkvi (scitzophrenic "push back"), Rinvoq (UC), Entresto (Heart Failure), Skyrizi (Chrone's D), Rexulti (anti depression), Caplyta (Bi Polar), Otezla (Psoriasis), Ozempic (type 2 Diabetes), Paxlovid (Covid), Ultomiris (Myasthenia Gravis), Nyvgart (ask your neurologist), Tremfaya (Arthritis), Mavyret (Hep C), Zeposia (UC), Rybelsus (type 2 Diabetes), Qulipa (Migraine), Vraylar (depression), Cosentyx (crone's ask your dermatologist), Entyvio (releif/remission of...), Kesimpta (RMS), KisQali (Breast Cancer), Cemtesa (over active bladder), Shingrix (Shingles), Quvinviq (fall asleep), Vervenio, Trulicity (type 2 Diabetes), Dupixent (Eczema), Austedo, Kisquali.  

Today 3-30-25

It's your birthday, Bing.

Not a big thing.

You smile and say;

It's just another day.

But when those kids of ours clock another year;

From you, we're sure to hear.

Cookies, candles and cake;

Love lives from the moment you awake.

Not taking for granted, any single moment in time;

Because this time is for all time.

Ingredients carefully chosen as you bake;

Every measure you take;

Because in retrospect we just might find;

Those little gestures, while they are so very kind;

Are sweeter than sugar and as good as gold.

Tastes to remember until we are old.

"Don't know why I love you like I do

I just do." 

 

A New Poem

 

Discontent

What? How absurd, 

You forgot your user name and password!

Click the bate;

You won't have to wait.

It's FREE, for a while anyway:

If you just act today.

Your input doesn't match our files.

Try back after a while.

Oh, Just TAP your card.

It's not hard.

Are you a member?

You don't remember? 

Just log in. 

Sign up. Sign on. Let's begin.

Operators are standing by. 

Just kidding. You know why.

Would you mind completing a brief questionnaire?

Are you still there?

We've got a great net promoter score, you know.

Our Algorithm clearly shows... 

Nothing but AI. 

Do all the humans have to die?

Once we were worried about seats on the bus.

What about the rest of us?

Billionaire. Oligarch. Narcissist.

Not a good time to be a helpless Pacifist!

What do you mean - great?

OMG I hope is not too late.

Humanity. Tranquility. Civility. 

Just looking for some Harmony. 

All we are saying is: Give Peace a Chance 

Give Peace a Chance.

Trite but True.

What can we do?

Sorry Gen Z. 

Afraid it might just be up to thee.

 

 

Immigrants, Ashcan and Grief at SLAM

 

In the City Park c. 1934 Raphael Soyer - The artist came to New York City in 1912 as one of the many Jewish immigrants who fled persecution and violence in Russia. 

Girl with a Dag, 1914 by Frank Weston Benson (American 1862-1951). Like many artists in his generation he left his teaching duties there to enjoy Summers painting  en plein air. His Summer home was in North Haven, Maine.

Woman Standing Near a Pond 1880 by Edward Mitchell Bannister (American 1828-1901) The artist, an African American stated the descrimination he eperienced multiplied his artistic struggles ten-fold. He became one of the premier landscape artists of his day. He won a bronze at the Philadelphis Centenniel Exposition in 1876.  

Portrait of Charlotte Cram, 1900 by John Singer Sargeant (Ameican born Italy 1856-1925) Painted in his London studio of 7 year old Charlotte.

Young Woman in Green c. 1915 by William J. Glackens (1870-1938) Glackens, a Central high school friend from Philadelphia Alfred C Barnes gave Glackens $20,000 to purchase Art in Paris (he returned with over 30 pieces - the beginning of the infamous Barnes Collection). Glackens was one of the original EIGHT that were of the Ashcan School (lead by Robert Henri and including Prendergast, Lawson, Sloan, Luks)  

Smelt Brook Falls, 1937 by Marsden Hartly (American1877-1943) Hartley lived with Mason family in Nova Scotia when, in 1936, two of his grown sons and a cousin drown in a boating accident. Channeling grief in a series of brooding landscapes and seacapes of which this is one. 

Houston Street, 1917 by George Luks (1867-1933) Luks and others like him were often called the Ashcan School because their works included the grays and soot that spread over the streets. 

Road Down the Palisades c. 1911 by Ernest Lawson (1873-1939) Characteristic of his best landscapes with thickly applied paint the Hudson River is seen beyond the road. 

The Tenth Street Studio, 1880 by William Meritt Chase (1848-1916)  Chase was known as an exponent of Impressionism and as teacher. He established the Chase School which later became the Parsons School of Design.

Betalo Rubino, Dramatic Dancer, 1916 by Robert Henri (Ameican 1865-1929) Henri, a teacher and painter as a young man studied in Paris and identified strongly with the Impressionists. He was born Robert Henry Cozad and was a central figure in the Ashcan School of American Realism (a movement in stark contrast to the idealized and romantized depictions of the Gilden Age.