THE OTHER LIONS IN THE CITY

This post is for Qaptain Qwerty's viewing pleasure - let's see how many more puns the Qaptain will have with the names of these Lions?
Above - Royal Coat, Sandy Miller is the artist.
Below in order of posting - Tut-Ankh-Lion (this is a good one). Artist - Beverly Lake Hoffman.
Next is Winding Earthcamo Lion by Genevieve Esson.
Follow by Reflection of the Arts - Byron Rogers is the artist.

On the roof of Centennial Commons building sat "Tye-Dyed Lion". Steve Scherrer is the artist. I hope all the visitors to my blog enjoy these Lions. If you wish to see a specific public sculpture or a particular feature of St. Louis, let me know and I might be able to post the photos in future St. Louis Friday Series.

WHEN IN NEW YORK, OBEY ALL RULES

When in New York, obey all rules. Don't even think of getting around the rules because the fine officers of NYPD are watching every moves and definitely don't make any funny faces at the security cameras!

Go ahead and honk if you have $350 to pay the penalty.

I heard that this Dog not only barks very loud and bites real hard, it only slashes the tires of any vehicles that park in front of these No Parking signs.

HUMOR OF THE WEEK - DON'T BE SHY

"200, 200, do I hear 210, how about 215? I have 215, do I hear 220? Don't be shy, 220, going once, going twice, sold to the men in the mustard shirt."

When I saw the sign "Shy Auction Co.", I thought of a shy person trying to place a bid at a live auction - not very successful.

Also, if someone made a purchase and paid with a stolen checkbook, he would not have to look far to get bail bonds. How convenient!

ROUTE 66 DRIVE-IN THEATER, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

It's official - 2009 summer is over. Being kids-free, our summer "technically" is extended thru the end of October or whenever we have to put on a sweater and a light jacket! We did not have to get ready for back-to-school or driving the kids to any after-school activities, so our definition of the end-of-summer is different. Last weekend, we continued our Route 66 adventure into Illinois towards Chicago and when we came upon the above sign of Route 66 Drive-In in Springfield, we reluctantly acknowledged that summer season was over.

Last June, my husband took me to my first drive-in movie. He wanted to give me an Americana experience. We went to the classic SkyView Drive-In Theater in Litchfield, Illinois. We saw the movie "UP". We brought along the lounge chairs, a cooler with soft drinks (no alcohol allowed) and purchased popcorn from the concession stand. We also brought the radio (tune to 95.5 FM) because we did not know how good the sound system would be coming from the vintage speakers on the stands. We sat outside the first half of the movie and went inside the car when it was getting cold. It was a fun experience but the little boy in the movie made me miss my nephew so much. Do you have any drive-in theater experience you wish to share?

LIONS IN THE CITY

Watch out - Lions in the City, University City, Missouri, that is! This summer the City of University City (say that 3 times real quick), celebrated the 100th birthday of the monumental Lions Gates called "The Gates of Opportunity", located at the edge of the civic plaza and at the entrance to the city's residential neighborhoods. Nine sculptures were selected from submissions by artists in a community-wide art project. These are my favorites Lions and I had fun following the map, taking the photos as part of my Summer Treasure Hunt.

Above - Stars of Senior Success (William Baur is the artist) -one of the nine lifesize fiberglass lions that were placed throughout the City.

This is my favorite Lion entitled Read Between the Lions, sculpted by Tracy Dorsey. I think Qaptain Qwerty, being a punster, would appreciate this Lion. The sculpture is sponsored by City School District and placed in front of University City Library, how appropriate! Furthermore, the artists designed the Lions using printed media covering the body, thus the title, Read Between the Lions, how clever!

Below - Roaring with Colors by William Curtis. The design was simple but so beautiful when captured on a sunny summer afternoon.

(Below) A Breit Lion, designed by Mary Engelbreit, a well-known graphic artist who designed colorful and cheerful greeting cards, magazines, books, calendars and a product line of accessories. (Hey, Qaptain Qwerty, do you see any puns here?")

Of course, Benjamin insisted on riding on the back of the lion. Just like the story of a monkey accidentally fell from the tree, onto the back of the lion. As the lion running through the jungle, all the animals tried to get out of the way. Upon seeing what happened, the monkey thought the animals were afraid of him and that he, the little weak and bottom of the food chain monkey, has become the King of the Jungle. Thus, the moral story about individuals (i.e. modern czars who were appointed as political paybacks) riding on a powerful person's coat-tail and thought he himself was so mighty!

(Bottom photo) The lions above the monumental Lions Gates was sculpted in 1909 by George Julian Zolnay, atop the pylons designed by architects Eames & Young.

SOCIETA DI LICODIA EUBEA - EST. 1929

Last April, during one of my walks around the neighborhood of Bensonhurst (or Bath Beach or Gravesend, whatever it was), I was pleasantly surprised to see the sign, "Societa di Licodia Eubea - Established 1929 - Donated by Chieto Family" on the building (above) tucked between a Chinese Super Box Buffet and Nails 86, probably a Vietnamese or Korean owned business. With "always in my bag" camera, I took a few photos because I did not wish to take a chance that the next time I visit this neighborhood again whether this "Licodiesi Brotherhood Society" would be around, or most likely would be taken over by another Asian or non-Italian business.

I understand that neighborhoods, particularly in New York or any big cities, are in constant changing as new immigrants are moving into the area. Walking along 86th Street, you will see various cultures such as Russian, Hispanic and most prominently Asians by looking at the storefronts, listening to the languages being spoken by the shoppers, you witness the living history of Bensonhurst being written, just like the Italians and the Jewish people when they settled in this community in early 1900s.

According to Wikimapia, "Bensonhurst (also known as "Brooklyn's Little Italy") is a neighborhood located in the south-central part of the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Bensonhurst runs from about 14th Avenue to 25th Avenue and from Gravesend Bay to 53rd Street, encompassing Bath Beach, New Utrecht, and part of Dyker Heights and bordered by the Bath Beach, Bay Ridge, Gravesend, and Borough Park sections. For many generations of Jewish and Italian residents, Bensonhurst's geographic boundaries have been defined by the streets where the ethnic mix of Bensonhurst begins to fray. Interestingly, since about 1993, the rapid expansion of the population of Orthodox Jews in neighboring Borough Park, has encroached deeply into Bensonhurst, such that the ethnic geographic boundaries now begin from about 18th Avenue to 25th Avenue and from Gravesend Bay to 60th Street. This 1.4 square mile change represents an expansion of Borough Park and a shrinkage of Bensonhurst, as defined by traditional ethnic boundaries. It represents a historical parallel to the shrinkage of Manhattan's Little Italy as a result of the expansion and encroachment of neighboring Chinatown."

The first time we attended St. Mary, we realized that 9:30 a.m. Mass was entirely in Italian. Just like when we attended Mass at Our Lady of Paris - Cathedrale Notre Dame de Paris (Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris) and last year at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, we loved the structure of the Roman Catholics Rite of Mass. No matter where we are and what language is being spoken, the universal sense of belonging, of being connected in our faith, we always know what to expect of the celebration. The traditional Mass begins with Introductory Rites, then Liturgy of the Word, next is Liturgy of the Eucharist, Holy Communion Rite and ending with Concluding Rite. The only time we might feel out of place would be if the presiding priest told something funny during his Homily and we would be the only people who did not even crack a smile or looking around wondering why other people are laughing! Also, we would be reciting The Lord's Prayer in English instead of French or Italian!

According to Wikipedia, "Today, the Italian American community numbers over 50,000, or more than one-third of the population. Despite increasing diversity, Bensonhurst is heavily Italian-American, as its Italian-speaking community remains over 20,000 strong, according to the census of 2000. However, the Italian-speaking community is becoming "increasingly elderly and isolated, with the small, tight-knit enclaves they built around the city slowly disappearing as they give way to demographic changes." [3]".

HUMOR OF THE WEEK - WHY DO CHICKENS CROSS THE STREET?

Here is another Country Humor post - why do chickens cross the street? In this case, this chicken from Cookin' from Scratch, has to cross the street because its car broke down and it has to walk to get to the other side - haa haa

I know this post is not that funny - but do I still get a PRIZE for my extraordinary efforts to create humor, thus giving hope for funnier posts, and to work towards a world without lame humor? How many times do I have to "apologize" for not being funny enough or how many Committees I have to kiss @#*%& to get the PRIZE?

CROSSING THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Last weekend we attended Route 66 Festival at Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. We started on the Missouri side and walked the entire length of the bridge, 5,353 feet, a little over a mile each way, after we got to Illinois side, instead of taking the shuttle bus, we walked slowly back to Missouri side. It was a good exercise while admiring the vintage automobiles on displayed on the Bridge and taking in the view of the Mississippi River. (I highly recommend coming to this area with a large group of people or when an organized festival takes place. Search the web for more information about the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and you will understand why you should never be here alone!)
Here is a bit of history from Trailnet website, "The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was constructed in 1929 as a toll bridge. It became part of the now-historic Route 66 in 1936 and was purchased in 1939 by the City of Madison, Illinois. The opening of a modern free bridge 1,800 feet to the north led to a decline in revenue and ultimately the Bridge's closure in 1968. Demolition was planned in 1975; however, a steep drop in the value of scrap steel rendered it unprofitable to tear it down. Trailnet became involved in the project in 1997 when it initiated a restoration project to re-open the Bridge as one of the world's longest bicycle and pedestrian bridges."

Above - It was a great photo of the T-bird on Chouteau Island, with the background of Canal Bridge and the barge on the Mississippi River.

Below - A view of the Arch and downtown St. Louis from the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.

Above - The T-bird with the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, look closely you could see the 22 degree turn in the middle of the bridge. The Bridge is open year-round for hikers and bikers, but remember to be careful and for your safety, travel as a group.

Below - The T-bird with I-270 Bridge in the background.

PUBLIC ARTS - CITY OF CHESTERFIELD

Below - God Bless America - J. Seward Johnson, Jr. on displayed in front of Chesterfield Arts office.

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 10th, I am planning to go to Central Park in Chesterfield, Missouri (not Central Park in New York City, I wish) to see the unveiling of The Awakening, a monumental, five-part sculpture by American sculptor J. Seward Johnson, Jr. The event is a community celebration scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. with the unveiling at 11:00 a.m., and all sorts of art activities including T-shirt painting, sand sculpting, hands-on family art projects, dancing performances and food from area restaurants.
Since early summer, twenty life size bronze sculptures crafted by Johnson have been placed throughout the City of Chesterfield as a preview to the arrival of this 70 feet in length, 17 feet tall, 4,700 lbs cast aluminum, monumental piece called "The Awakening". This week, I am posting a few of my favorite sculptures. I like all of the pieces and promise to post work by other artists that are on displayed at public parks, office complexes, street corners, in future St. Louis Friday series. It was a lot of fun to look for public arts, just like my own treasure hunt and cost only a few dollars of gas.

Above - Coming Home, on displayed at Chesterfield Mall.

Visit www.chesterfieldarts.org for more information and for placements of these sculptures and other outdoor arts.
Below - Out of Sight, on displayed at Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex, North Outer 40 Road.

Above - My World - inside Sachs Library. (Note - Benjamin looks as if he was part of the sculpture being next to the young lady - haa haa)
Below - Midstream - in front of Chesterfield City Hall on Chesterfield Parkway West.

TASTE OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

May 6, 2009 - After spending time at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, my sister CH and I visited The Brooklyn Pizza Factory to get something to eat as we were hungry but it was late afternoon and we had a dinner reservation at 7:00 p.m.

We were greeted by Vacchello who was the owner of this cute pizza place. I ordered a slice with mushroom and pepperroni and CH selected sausage and extra cheese. We both decided on the orange soda and drank straight from the cold bottles! We sat down at a table near a large poster of the Beattles. It was Wednesday afternoon and Vachello was not busy so he decided to stay and talk with us when he brought us the food. He asked where we were from and told us about his new business. We complimented his good food and the place was inviting for neighborhood gathering. We wish Vachello all the best and CH promised to come back soon since she lives around the corner. I told Vachello maybe someday he would expand his business nationwide be sure to include St. Louis!

The next day, after we ate breakfast at The Usual, (where Mike the owner gave me the Canadiens hat), we were walking along on Sterling Place, we heard someone said, "Hi Girls, where are you going?" It was Vachello. We said, "Hello. It was good seeing you again so soon.". We wished each other, "Have a good day". It was a wonderful day in Park Slope, Brooklyn. We met two nice people that providing services and sustaining the neighborhood, the kind of small businesses that keep the charm and connection within the people living in the community. The best part was I got a Montreal Canadiens hat from a real hockey fan - it sure was a beautiful day in the neighborhood!

I did not go into this Brooklyn Gourmet Market Place (on 86th Street) but it looks very nice and there were people in the place waiting in line when I walked by. Below is Pho Tay Ho, a Vietnamese restaurant, also on 86th Street in Bath Beach (not Bensonhurst, or somewhere in Brooklyn). The restaurant, Pho = beef noodle soup; Tay = West; Ho = Lake; is one of my family's favorite restaurant, a regular customer for delivery at least once or twice a month. Each time I visited Qaptain Qwerty, I enjoyed listening to my mother placing the order and then went on to tell the person at Tay Ho about "my older daughter and her American husband are visiting from St. Louis". One time when I met the delivery person at the door to pay for the food, he smiled and greeted me warmly, "Chi ve tham gia dinh vui ve = I hope you have a nice visit with the family." It made me feel as if I could move back and live in New York again with very little adjustments!

HUMOR OF THE WEEK - COUNTRY HUMOR

The pig said, "Eat Turkey"; the turkey responded, "Eat Ham"; and we said, "How about both Turkey and Ham" Haa haa

GREETINGS FROM LEBANON

Greetings from Lebanon; that is Lebanon, Missouri, not Republic of Lebanon, a country in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. (I don't remember where I heard this comment but it stays with me, "The man was so adventurous that he went to Beirut for vacation". It must be during the one month long 2006 Lebanon War between the Israeli military and Hezbollah.)
Continuing our Route 66 adventure, we drove to Lebanon, Missouri last week for its Route 66 Festival. One of the must stop is the Route 66 Museum and Research Center, located inside the Lebanon-Laclede County Library, www.lebanon-laclede.lib.mo.us. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts such as vintage maps, historic memorabilia, photos of the route when it was two-lane highways, replicas of 66-era diners with old fashion soda fountain, recreation of a room in a typical Route 66 motel, old time gas stations and so many collectors' items.

Here is a bit of history from the official webpage, www.lebanonmissouri.org, "As America expanded west from St. Louis, a road has always run through Lebanon, Missouri. At first it was just a rough Indian trail, as tribes like the Wyota and Osage roamed the Ozarks hunting for game. During the Civil War that trail became known as the “Wire Road” because of the telegraph lines installed along it between St. Louis and Springfield. Then, in the late 1920s, Route 66 was born and roughly followed that same path the Indians had marked. Today the road is called I-44." Lebanon is also known as "the aluminium boat capital of the world" with 6 factories manufacturing fishing boats and pontoons and Shepherd Hills Factory Outlet is being "the largest Case Knives dealer in the world".

Munger Moss Motel still has its famous sign of vintage motor court dating back to the heydays of Route 66. The Motel was open in 1946, changed ownership in 1971, is still in operation and famous for rooms that are decorated in Route 66 themes.

Below is a photo of Benjamin with a roadside attraction of a giant cow in a strip mall that features a restaurant with great steak. I think Benjamin was posing as if he was having a "staring contest" with the cow. Not sure how long it would take before either Benjamin or the cow would blink first - haa haa

CITYGARDEN - KINDLY GEPPETTO

Here are few more sculptures from Citygarden, above and below photos showing "Kindly Geppetto" by Tom Atterness, an American artist. In this piece, the carpenter Geppetto is about to hammer the poor Pinocchio as he was trying to prove that he was able to tell right from wrong. Otterness explores complicated relationship between the creator and his creation.

Above is "Femmes au Perroquet", an unpainted bronze version of a variety of media, including painting, printmaking and sculpture by Fernand Leger, a French artist. I wonder if Leger named this piece Women or Female and Parrots because he thinks women talk too much or only speak of things that men told them to say!

"Untitle", Stainless Steel, by Martin Puryear (above) and (below) "Aesope's Fables" Painted Steel, by Mark di Suvero. Both Puryear and di Suvero are American artists.

I SHOULD BE ON MY WAY TO STOCKHOLM OR WHAT RECESSION?

Here I am in St. Louis, wishing I was on my way to Stockholm, Sweden, where my beloved Detroit Red Wings will play two games against the St. Louis Blues at Stockholm Globe Arena. The games will be tomorrow, Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd. Last time I checked both the Red Wings and the Blues websites, the air package offered thru the teams' travel agency was sold out and it was almost $3,000 per person, that includes roundtrip airfare from St. Louis or Detroit to Stockholm, transfers and luggage handling, four nights at the Nordic Light Hotel, lower level tickets to both games, motorcoach to see the teams practice, exclusive players meet and greet and a visit to Drottningholm Palace. So I ask you, "What Recession?". Who are the people that have the money during this difficult economic time, willing to pay for this "a once in a lifetime event"?

Next month, Steve Yzerman, #19, Da Captain of the Red Wings, will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Tickets for attending the induction was $550 per person or watching from the adjacent room for $350 per admission. Last time I checked, these tickets were sold out. Again, I ask you, "What Recession?".

I have been asking myself if we did not go on the Mediterranean Cruise last year, would I think twice about seeing my Red Wings play in Sweden and to witness Yzerman being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame? Would I be able to spend $6,000 (unless I go alone and leave my husband at home since he is not as fanatic as I am - hah!) without feeling guilty while there are so many people who lost their jobs, struggle to keep their homes and feeding their kids? If I were to spend the money whether going to Sweden or being at the Induction, it would be my hard-earned money or every dime and nickle I have saved. It is not like the politician who lectured American people about spending money they don't have, yet did not hesitate when making taxpayers (that is you and me) paying for security and an aircraft to fly him and his "lovely" wife into town for a dinner and Broadway show. So I ask you what change? It is the same "slick Willie" acts, just different clown playing the same part in the same circus!

I should stop whinning about a silly hockey game. I take comfort in the facts that St. Louis Blues is not an Original Six Team, so being in Sweden watching the games was not really all that special anyway!