Things that matter to people who matter
Alexis Simpson, Allan Espiritu, Dave Jadico, Christine Weiser
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I'm jealous. My bird won't wear so much as a single tiny hat, and yet here's a real, live squirrel named Sugar Bush prancing around on elaborate sets in ridiculous costumes. Pirate? Ballerina? Harry Potter? Check, check and check. Limited to such cutesy scenarios, the Web site (sugarbushsquirrel.com) would merely be mildly alarming. But Ms. Kelly Foxton is not your everyday pet weirdo that happens to know Dreamweaver. She elevates the site into can't-look-away-train-wreck glory by reimagining Sugar Bush as a critical participant in current world events. Check out the tribute to the late Steve Irwin, the creepy rendering of JonBenet Ramsey, or one of numerous military-themed shots that serve as the most bizarre reminders that America is still a nation at war.
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I was lucky enough to travel for the whole month of September, and one place I couldn't get enough of was Seoul, South Korea. At least three times bigger than New York City, the city is impossible to see in a week, but 10 days will give you a glimpse. First, stay at one of the many hotels with a driving range on the roof, bike along the Han River and see one of the many palaces, then shop at Insadong market, where you can snack on beondegi (a cup of boiled silkworm larvae — tastes like peanuts and great with beer), then check out some great design work (soproject.com, sulki-min.com), have dinner and some soju with friends (if you get too drunk you call a service where they drive you and your car home) and then do some shopping at 2 a.m. at Dongdaemun Square.
I was recently reunited with my oldest possession, a Pillsbury Doughboy rubber doll from 1971 found in my parents' basement. And damn, if this little guy doesn't hold up over time! He still remains my favorite animated product spokesperson, with his most recent commercial featuring him cruising in the backseat of a convertible, third-wheeling a young couple's date — jaunty chef's hat blowing in the breeze, "Tea for Two" on the soundtrack. No words. No attitude. Just an eager and vacuous look in his eye, outstretched arms and that irresistible giggle.
The arts are a funny thing. You get so wrapped up in this solitary world of creating something — fiction, poetry, painting, whatever — that you sometimes forget to go get some fresh air. At least I do. That's why it was great to check out the LitPAC event last month at the Khyber. Sure, fresh air was scarce, but I was wholly impressed that big hitters like Jen Weiner, Buzz Bissinger, Ken Kalfus and Elise Juska all got together to support a cause — and there was a decent crowd there to hear them. The readings were great (especially the improvised story by Weiner, who was recovering from a "magic wand eye injury"), the passion was high, and my faith in our local writing talent — as well as a community that appreciates it — was happily secured.
Also In This Week's Arts Section
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