Sunday, December 27, 2009

some of my current favorite songs

Some of my current favorite songs:


1. "No One Knows I'm Gone" by Tom Waits
This is a song that creeps me out as I think how many people lie under the ground I stand on, and no one knows they're there. I really like Scarlett Johansson's version of this song as well. She nailed it.



2. "Parting Glass" by Emer Kenny
This song is part of the legendary Putumayo album series, from "Celtic Crossroads." I have many versions of this song, and they are all good. But this version is the best.




3. "Crystal Ship" by The Doors
This isn't a typical Doors song at all. It has a quality more consistent with classical music than anything. I don't think I have ever listened to this song just one at a time. I always repeat it.



4. "Has Been" by William Shatner
In this song, Shatner has a spagetti western theme song as he speaks. He makes an excellent and thoughtful argument that 'has beens' are better than their critics. "Has been was. Has been, might again." Meanwhile, you and me are critical of other's fame, and we have nothing to show for it. Just listen to the song.




5. "Portland, Oregon" by Loretta Lynn and Jack White
Aside from the fact that I am moving to the Portland area, this is a great song. Loretta and Jack are great. I hope they continue to collaborate. I also hope Jack White collaborates with other old time musicians that are ready for a comeback. It's very Rick Rubinish.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

functional art

Once upon a time I wanted to create bizarre furniture for a living. These were the days before I was practical and realized it wasn't for me. I had an idea of opening up a store in a ritsy part of the country, catering to the extremely rich and weird. I now have a new dream and this one is -the one-. But a look back on my old inspirations is fun too.

http://www.theblogismine.com/2009/08/12/the-best-garden-bench-ever-spaghetti-bench/

The Spaghetti Bench by Pablo Reinoso is a combination of a piece of art and a functional piece. Many people question whether or not his Spaghetti Bench is practical, but it is sure not simple or discrete. The impressive design is outstanding, and no one could ever pass by it without laying an eye on the piece. It is shaped like a bench, but shape changes as the wooden pieces extends and twists into an interesting form which resembles a tree giving the wooden bench some life. Pablo Reinoso has created this bench as a part of a normal cell and spaghetti. And the result is absolutely fantastic. Awesome work, Pablo.

Some words about Pablo. Pablo Reinoso is an artist and a designer that lives and works in Paris since 1979. He designs scent bottles and furniture. He also creates fabulous works of arts such as sculptures, installations, and videos. Many of his works were displayed in galleries and attracted many admirers. He has shown an interest in furniture since he was 6 years old, and has drawn, made, and bought them as part of his collection at a young age. Pablo Reinoso is known for taking normal everyday furniture, and recreates them into something extraordinary. His projects have misleading appearances that seem unreal. [PabloReinoso via Toxel]

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Fred Frith - cool.

Cabaret Voltaire

Cabaret Voltaire. European. 1973-1994. This is a little...more.....different.

Philip Glass

Two great things come together like peanut butter and toast. Here is a composer who wrote a piece for Sesame Street. This segment on Sesame Street looks familiar to me. It probably will be familiar to you too.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Lady Gaga

These are my thoughts on Lady Gaga:

She reminds me of a female version of Jeffree Star. She espouses the plasiticty and fiction that is the entertainment industry, and she embraces it. Her genuinity is unknown, but believable. Regardless of what my wife says, I have no attraction to her other than her music. Her fashion is unique and I like it. Her interviews bore me. Very high quality pop star. Madonna, eat your heart out...and goodbye...you have been replaced.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Vesti la giubba by Placido Domingo

I would say of all the versions of this aria, Domingo is my favorite. He is very dramatic and musical. It sounds cliche, and it may be, but he truly is one of the greatest performers of all time. The show must go on...Put on your costume!



If you're on the Youtube, check out Caruso's and Pavarotti's versions of this as well.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Klaus Nomi

Klaus Nomi, an Opera singer and character. He is one of the first "big" names to fall to the new virus called AIDS. What an excellent performance. He has many neat performances, this is one of my favorites. (I had a hard time deciding which video to embed.) This particular video/song is more of a pop song, so if you want to see some opera...visit the utube.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Degenerate Art Ensemble

They have some incredible, INCREDIBLE performance/musical type of videos on youtube. This is a strictly music gig.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Nora Keyes

Nora Keyes is one of my new favorite musicians. I hope I get to see her in action one day. She has an excellent cackle. Bravo Nora Keyes.



Saturday, September 26, 2009

lady folk singer - Karen Dalton

RIP.

She's been gone since 1993 and I just discovered her recently...too late for a concert I suppose. What a strange and haunting banjo player/singer. giddyup.

Friday, September 25, 2009

yoko ono

I tend to enjoy the avant garde in everything, especially music. So here I present....Yoko Ono. So if you haven't flippin' heard of yoko ono...you're in a cave somewhere. She is notorious for breaking up the beatles, but frankly she has ten times the talent than all those british hacks. (kidding about the hack comment, beatles are decent...but yoko is still incredible)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Love Painting

as seen on etsy...
"Love Squared"
3 1/8 x 3 1/8" image size
5 5/8 x 5 5/8" outside edge size
original framed painting
shellac finish
ready to hang

Instead of giving someone a card that will thrown away or destroyed over time, send them a painting that they will feel obligated/forced to hang for the next 50 years. You can write a special message on the backside of the painting. Aww, how romantic!?!

This theory is truly sound. Anyone who has cards either has them in a box in storage that may never be opened again, or the card is thrown away promptly. If you want to ensure they will never throw away your card again, make it a painting. They will have to hang it up somewhere. Or at least they will feel guilt if they throw it away.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

The Fifth Element




This movie is a Sci-Fi adventure set far into the future. It has Bruce Willis as a reluctant hero-taxi driver that saves the world from death. It has some comical parts including Chris Tucker as a very flamboyant celebrity that joins Bruce Willis' character on his quest. My personal favorite part is an Alien opera that has traditional opera singing with bizarre alien backdrop and costume. Excellente! I didn't get annoyed at the swearing which means there probably wasn't very much. There are two scenes where the lead actress gets naked in the distant background but you can't really see anything. Good all around sci-fi flick. I recommend watching it for those interested in futuristic science fiction.


Sunday, August 9, 2009

Lincoln - snot

My family was highly critical of this portrait. I think this portrait is spot on, however. It makes it interesting at least. Besides, I am sick of the Lincoln-worship this country has been stuck in. He wasn't a great president, in fact, I wouldn't call him good. He was lousy when it came to civil rights and that is taking into account the Emancipation Pr.....i'm done ranting.

I'm listening to some David Bowie now, what a cool cat. I love Space Oddity.

I am excited to get back to school and get engaged/indoctrinated in education.

best regards,

Nate Ashby

swine flu vaccination < death

Friday, August 7, 2009

Peter Schiff




Peter Schiff is a guy that is making a lot of noise recently. He is contending for the Senate position in Connecticut that is currently occupied by Sen. Dodd. This guy is with it. He is sharp as a tack....even considering he is Republican. He is on television a lot and really is giving the almighty government a lotta grief. Good luck Mr. Schiff, we need more of your kind.


Saturday, July 25, 2009

Apologies.

Apologies for that last post, it seems as if I was demonstrating the antithesis of my true self. I will say that I do applaud Obama when he said the Cambridge Massachusetts Police acted 'Stupidly" when they arrested a Harvard professor for entering his own home. However I do think he is the worst president since G.W. Bush, whatever that means. Luckily we have a great Congress and Supreme Court to balance the system.....(Is it possible to sense sarcasm on blogs?)

Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Government

I officially declare that I am a loyal servant of the Government. I pledge allegiance to you...President Obama. I am not your enemy. I will take your medicines. I accept your handouts. Your decisions are the right ones. I will return to the cable news television and watch your masterpiece unfold. All Heil Obama!

Friday, July 17, 2009

culture clash


This photo is fascinating to me. I took it on I-40 about 45 miles east of Grand Junction Colorado. Here we have a serious mixture of culture.
1. Northwest Indian Totem Pole
2. Southwest Indian (Hopi) Kokopelli
3. Plains Indian Tipee
4. Italian Latte and espresso
This is like seeing a store with the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and an Aztec pyramid on the outside, in neon lights. I thought I only saw this kind of pandering in Vegas, but I was wrong. The worst part about this photo is that i locked the keys in the car, it was freezing, it was raining, I didn't have a coat, and the nearest locksmith was 45 miles away. But don't worry, I got my camera.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Sci-Fi movie stuff

1. NO REMAKE EVER should be made of Rocky Horror Picture Show. Period. None. (smallest exception: Richard O' Brien says so and is master of production)

2. The latest Star Trek movie was great! I even looked past all the flaws in the movie (such as the color of Vulcan's sky, the fact that Spock would embrace Uhura in such a way, teleportation positions, etc.)

3. 2012 looks freaking awesome

4. 1984 should be remade. The original version is good but it was drab. It could really mean something if it was produced correctly.

5. Atlas Shrugged. (Yes, this is a Sci-Fi if you account for Galt's engine, Rearden Metal, etc.) The part of Dagny should not be played by Angelina, but rather Cate Blanchett or Anne Hathaway. And it should be made. Hurry up people.

6. New Star Trek movies are a great idea, but lets not forget the small screen. I suggest they continue Enterprise.

7. Speaking of Star Trek movies, how about a prequel to Next Generation. Wouldn't you love to see Picard, Riker, Crusher, etc all meeting for the first time? I would!

8. Pee Wee's Playhouse (the movie) is in production and I am excited. Okay, this one is not Sci-Fi but regardless is a neat show and I am anxious to see Paul Reubens in the red tie again.

Friday, July 10, 2009

vintage ihavethreeheads

I came across some old, old school paintings of mine that were done several years ago.

This is a sunset landscape painting, I sold it for a penny on ebay....which was a steal if you look at the frame. The painting isn't too bad either.


Brandon Walsh from 90210!

I don't like this one at all. I can't remember if I painted over it or sold it.






This is the "Lizard Girl", a character from an Opera I wrote. She was sold to someone at National Greek Television.

Molesting clown. What I like about this one also is my signature of "Utah Joe" in Russian. I don't remember what happened to this one.



I received an email from yahoo with a notice that they are shutting down their Geocities web hosting service. I completely forgot I had a Geocities website, and I haven't accessed it in several years. It's always nice coming across photos of stuff I did long ago. Of course I have a few more, but I'll save them for another day.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Sobered Down


"Sobered Down"
2.5 x 3.5 inches
acrylic on masonite
(summer of 2009)

Why do people have to 'sober up' when they can 'sober down'? The use of lay-men language is interesting. Regarding this miniature painting, I wish I was a professional photographer. This is an excellent piece but I seem to lack the skill of taking great photos. My brother in law (Dan Heywood) takes amazing photos and occasionally i'll get lucky if the lighting is perfect...but usually my photos are very utilitarian and lack grace (and sometimes lack detail).

Big Pawn


"Big Pawn"
5 x 7 inches
acrylic on masonite
(summer of 2009)

The most underrated piece in the game of chess is the pawn. If it endures the onslaught of the enemy, it can progress to royalty to become the most powerful piece overall. Not only is the promotion the strength of the pawn, it also comes with seven identical brothers that can be strategically placed to protect the center of the board for maximum destruction.

Chester Arthur


"Chester Arthur"
4 x 6 inches
acrylic on board
(summer of 2009)

Chester Arthur is one of the least recognized in a presidential lineup, despite the 'stache. In reality, his presidency was mostly lethargic and dull. He did however sign off on legislation that specifically banned Chinese immigration. Oops. I like this painting because it is bright and cheerful, and he looks like a jolly man.

Fishbone


"Fishbone"
4 x 6 inches
acrylic on masonite
(summer of 2009)

I am fascinated with skeletons. I am fascinated with body structures and organs, especially of fish. And it is this same fascination that prevents me from working in the medical field. Obviously a certain level of intrigue and curiousity is needed to be a successful doctor or nurse, but my intrigue and curiousity is dangerously morbid. I would be a modern Doctor Frankenstein if I were allowed to open up bodies with a scalpel. Therefore, I am studying law.

Abe the Angel


"Abe the Angel"
9.5 x 19.5 inches
acrylic on masonite
(early 2007)

It perplexed me why I received a lot of compliments on Angel Abe. I didn't like it until just recently. I think what I like about it is the glowing aura and the shape of the banjo. It has it's strengths and they overpower the weaknesses. I would suppose this is a good start for a budding artist. Some people would joke that it is impossible for banjo's to be in heaven because they actually belong in hell. I beg to differ with those people, it is truly an instrument of the angels. Well, at least the glowing redneck angels.

I love hearing stories of people dying then returning to their bodies. Many of them claim to see people that glow. Perhaps we all glow right now and can't see it. But frankly, if I see a glowing person I am going to be very afraid and I will lose bladder control. Ghosts, angels, etc., they are all equally scary to me. I'd rather see a Frankenstein monster, zombie, or vampire before a ghost.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Toothy Grin


"Toothy Grin"
4 x 6 inch
acrylic on masonite
(summer of 2009)

Why didn't Mr. Lincoln show his teeth in photographs? Is it possible he had fangs? Honestly, nobody back then showed their teeth so he's off the hook. However, I can't help but wonder what he would have looked like with a real smile. Was it a gummy smile like Julia Roberts? Or perhaps it was very toothy like one of the Osmonds or a later president by the name of Theodore Roosevelt? It of course doesn't matter and nobody will ever know one way or another. Regardless, can you envision Mr. Lincoln sitting next to you...smiling...with a toothy grin? Creepy.

Swine Flu


"Swine Flu"
2.5 x 3.5 inches
acrylic on masonite

Mass hysteria erupted over the outbreak of Swine Flu. As it developed, it turned out to not be so bad as first expected. I can't help but wonder if this "Swine Flu" was actually an engineered virus that was unleashed on the western world to distract the citizens from the ailing economy. It sounds like I pulled that from a movie, but in fact the western world has done so many crazy things that I wouldn't be suprised if the "powers that be" did just that.

Friday, May 8, 2009

I've been gone a while...I know. However, I have a new baby to show for it. Meanwhile, I found an awesome flash-game online that requires no downloads or anything. You set up towers and walls to destroy tanks. I love those tower defense games. Click below to play. My highest score is 69000 (warning: it's extremely addictive)

http://www.madcowinteractive.com/

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Momo Wandel Soumah

I came across a pretty decent musician by the name of Momo Wandel Soumah. I think he is from Guinea. It's basically what you would get if you got a Central African version of Howlin' Wolf. His voice is tremendous. I dare say he is one of my favorite vocalists.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyMf7sdue_U

I'll try embedding it later. For some reason I can't embed this video right now. It's worth it. click it!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Gettin' Frisky

According to the Associated Press:

Police can now frisk you (search you) without warrant or cause. Lame. Not that I have anything to hide...I just happen to treasure the Bill of Rights and I hate seeing this happen. I am really upset at this. I am very disappointed in the Supreme Court for allowing this to happen. I think the Supreme Court are officially traitors to this nation (luckily they haven't taken too much of the first amendment away, yet). The day we give all power to the police is a bad day indeed. The police have too much power as it is...where are our rights?

news article: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i0f9zHVHrRQMg0ssuar_7KsJsy9wD95UTGSG1

Monday, January 12, 2009

Political Test


The Political Compass


I found a really cool website about determining where you fit on a political compass. I've taken many of these tests before but this one is the best. After several questions...it has you placed along a line from liberal to conservative, then on a Y-Axis of authoritarian to libertarian. It also has famous people graphed so you can see where you relate to Hitler, Stalin, Pope John Paul, George W Bush, Mugabe, Margaret Thatcher, Ghandi, etc. I did it and I am about the same as Milton Friedman...which I was excited about.




Sunday, January 11, 2009

Interesting blog I found

Interesting blog I found. It's from a Ms. Pamela Gellar that wants us to join her in fighting for Israel. Her blog recently focuses on the turmoil in Israel and the effects of it all at home in the USA. I can't say I agree with her because I firmly believe they (Israel and Palestine) are both at fault for this whole mess. I'm just saddened that she has taken "Atlas Shrugged", one of the most important ideological/economic books ever written and has perverted it with propaganda. Regardless, it's a good site if you want to see pro-Israel/anti-Gaza/Hamas/Palestine/Obama info.

http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/

Friday, January 9, 2009

1/9/09



I'd be scared to restart the motor on that plane!!


just thought I would share some funny photos

Monday, January 5, 2009

Resolutions a bust.

well, I already broke the first 2 out of the 3 resolutions I had this year. They were out of my reach so that's my fault for setting them. They were resolutions meant to be broken. They were...

1. break a sweat every day
2. study the scriptures for 5 minutes every day
3. return to a 34 inch waist by Dec. 31st 2009

i'll let you decide which two I didn't do. (hint: it's easy to figure it out)

Thursday, January 1, 2009

I'm considering getting some magnets for my artwork. Anybody have recommendations?