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. 

Bat Mitzvah

 

Sally likes to orchestrate and organize things. 

The Rabbi at Temple Reyim notes the joy it brings.

Family and friends bear witness on this day.

The girl enters adulthood in her own special way.

Apps and micro brew at Trillium - hearty;

Newton is abuzz, while Boston reenacts a tea party

Shaboozey and more on an art makers' space dance floor

Into the night, you couldn't ask for more.

We all know it's all about you;

But - What will baby sister do?

I'm sure it will be no surprise; 

By your example, she too will rise.

Time does fly, or so it seems; 

I want to thank the Academy for all it means.

When it's Nora's turn to take the spotlight;

Once again we'll dance into the night. 

Note: Sam and Norman were brothers. They married Toby and Muriel, respectively. Sam and Toby beget: Randy, Lynn and Deborah. Norman and Muriel beget: Peggy, Jane and Hope. Peggy married Bill and they became parents to Sydney. Sydney married Tal - Now they are parents to Bat Mitzvah girl Sally and her younger sister Nora. Mazel Tov, Sally!

Bill Schwartz & Akiva Gross (grandfathers), Max and Perry Schatzow (cousins); Caroline Wexler & Dave Podolsky (NYC and NoFo friends); Kate Leffel, Adele Kudish, Bethany Wexler (NY friends); Rachel Jessen (aunt), Brett Kaufman (Tal's best friend); Mimi Ellis (NYC/NoFo friend); William Cohen, Jane Stevens, Jed Cohen, Harrison Cohen Stephanie Manning (aunts and uncles); Dalia Kliman, Oren Levin, Natalie Menipaz, Violet Segall and other Schechter friends); Lindsey Desey, Ben Morgan, Erica Zendell (cousins); Allan Wexler and Beth & John Wittenburg, Eve& Mike Katz (Tal's cousins); Peggy and Bill Schwartz (nana & pop pop); Sydney & Tal (parents) SALLY GROSS (Bat Mitzvah girl) 

TORAH READERS - 1-7

Nora Gross (sister)

Note: Shabot Shalom! Temple Rayim! In Hebrew, the word reyim means friends, bat mitzvah means daughter of the commandments - at age 12 girls take on the responsibilities of a Jewish adult.

Dem Kids is 8

 

2016 was a banner year for us. Lawton was born in Tampa and James was born in Saint Louis. Both boys turned 8 in 2024. They mark time for me as I recall some of those special moments that just kind of happen.

Fast Forward to 2024 

Lindsey brought Lawton to Saint Louis to see Andrew Morstein in the Saint Louis Opera Company's production of The Barber of Seville. During that weekend visit Lawton showed his creativity in Papa's apartment studio. He created a mosaic that turned out to be a cardinal. 

Visiting New Jersey for Father's Day weekend over the Summer I was able to enjoy a trip to Purple Glaze in Asbury Park with James and Ben.  

Meanwhile, Dave Shogren honored Wes Morgan Mosaic Art with a commission for cover illustration for his CD Album release. 

Fast Forward 2025

I was most fortunate to receive and accept an invitation to Sally Gross Bat Mitzvah in Boston (Newton) on March 1, 2025. It created a perfect opportunity for me to to roam the halls of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. The Bat Mitzvah itself was nearly 3 hours long but I had to express to the Rabbi gratitude for making the occasion joyous and welcoming for me (Catholic from Saint Louis).

Lawton is a ball of energy who started referring to me as "old man" as in "come on old man". He also conned me into drafting a Will in which I promised him: NOTHING. Ha. His mom made sure he got to see a number of historic sights and more than sufficient experience to please his teacher with a Power Point presentation. 

James smiles with a show of a missing baby tooth. He fits in with cousins and all at the kids table. I was compelled to grab his shoulders and look him in the eye to say, "James, You are amazing!"

at the busy Bat Mitzvah party venue. His response: "Why?" Therein it a point of difference between 8 year-olds. One would recognize such a compliment with a shrug and an implied "I know" and the other is just starting to find his super power. 

 

 

Becoming Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968. The band comprised Robert Plant (vocals), Jimmy Page (guitar), John Paul Jones (bass and keyboards) and John Bonham (drums). With a heavy, guitar-driven sound and drawing from influences including blues and folk music, Led Zeppelin are cited as a progenitor of hard rock and heavy metal. They significantly influenced the music industry, particularly in the development of album-oriented rock and stadium rock.

Interviews, performances and never-before-seen footage provide insight into the origins of Led Zeppelin and their meteoric rise to musical stardom.

Release date: February 5, 2025 (USA) Director: Bernard MacMahon Distributed by: Sony Pictures Classics Music by: Led Zeppelin Production companies: Big Beach; Paradise Pictures

I really enjoyed this movie. I laughed to myself recalling the Zeppelin tribute band I saw with John Kristofeld and his brother last year at the Lake of the Ozarks. (We also enjoyed boat ride courtesy Chris Galloway with Melissa). 

And I enjoyed seeing Galloway's band, Tiny Moose as opening act for Robert Plant and Allison Krause at the Ozark Amphitheater on June 4, 2024 with Dave and Linda Shogern and Al Funk. (Tiny Moose also performed at the LHS class of 74 Reunion at the Music Box in Cleveland Friday night July 26, 2024). 

As luck would have it, Lisa Grimm of Integrity (and the UMSL Marketing Review Board) got me a ticket to see the Celebration of Led Zeppelin show at the Pageant in University City on Saturday February 22, 2025. It will be fun to again immerse in that music and that time. 

Note: I actually got two tickets to see the Led Zeppelin Celebration at the Pageant but I didn't know I had the extra ticket until I picked up at Will Call on Friday. Tom Shaughnessy declined because his son was home from school (family). Darryl Vandever regrets because he wasn't feeling well (flu), Dave Shogren was beat after returning from trip to India (jet lag).