BRUNCH - zucchini cornbread

As Summer draws sadly to an end, and a chill sets in the air, it becomes the perfect time to host a brunch and re-connect with people you have not had the pleasure of seeing in a while. The delightful combination of breakfast and lunch is sure to please all your guests. This week's recipes are easy to prepare and serve, whch means less time in the kitchen, and more time enjoying the company.

Zucchini Cornbread Casserole

4 cups shredded zucchini
1 onion, chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 (8.5 ounce) package dry corn muffin mix
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

preheat oven to 350

grease a 2qt casserole dish or a 13x 9 pan

combine zucchini, onion, eggs, muffin mix, salt, pepper, and 4 oz. of cheese in a bowl

spread mixture into casserole dish

sprinkle remaining 4 oz of cheese on top

bake (uncovered) for 1 hour, until set

can be made the night before and re-heated before serving

Bunnies and The Bad Seeds

Nick Cave -- yes, that Nick Cave -- has a new novel coming out today. The Bad Seeds singer has crafted a road-trippy book (think sex, drugs, and ghosts), entitled The Death of Bunny Munro, that, like most stories told at 65 mph, is really about soul searching. As the book's synopsis says:

At turns dark and humane—and with all the mystery and enigma fans will recognize as Cave’s singular vision—The Death of Bunny Munro questions the nature of sin and redemption, and lays bare the imprints that fathers leave on their sons.

Would you really expect anything less from the man behind last year's spiritually infused Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!!?

This is Cave's second book. His first, And the Ass Saw the Angel, came out about twenty years ago. Guess he's been a bit busy making music and stuff.

In other rock-meets-lit news, David Byrne has a new book coming out on September 17. More on that then....

City Grace Men's Morning Group Meets Today at Comfort Diner

City Grace's men's morning group is meeting this morning:

Mon, August 3, 7:30am – 8:30am

Where: Comfort Diner on E. 45th b/t 2nd & 3rd

Description: Bible study and prayer together. A great way to start the week.

Missed it this morning? Don't worry: it happens every Monday.

YiYi

IAM runs a monthly film series at Space 3839 (38 West 39th Street, 3rd Floor). This month:

August 21 - YiYi

Screening begins at 7 PM. Find more IAM events here.

City Grace Uptown Community Group Meets Tonight

City Grace's uptown community group will meet tonight from 8 til 10:

The Uptown Community group meets every other Thursday at various locations in the Upper West and Upper East Sides. We listen to each other, reflect on different parts of the Bible together, and pray for one another. Be great to see you there! Contact Steve Wolma (swolma@citygraceny.com) to be included on the e-list that gives the specific info on the next meeting.

The group is led by Pastor Steve Wolma. Visit the website for more details.

[photo via City Grace]

Big Sur Becomes an Album

We all know that Zooey Deschanel's fiance is a big Jack Kerouac fan. This fall, we'll get to hear the Death Cab for Cutie frontman, along with Son Volt's Jay Farrar and various other musicians, put Keroauc's Big Sur to song on One Fast Move or I'm Gone.




Paste has an in-depth article on the project and interview with Ben Gibbard that you should definitely check out.

[Image of Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar via Paste]

For information on the movie that inspired the album, go here.





Read about Kerouac's new book here.

City Grace Downtown Community Group Meets Tonight

City Grace's downtown community group will meet tonight from 8 til 10. The group is led by Pastor Ben Spalink. Visit the website for more details.

[photo via City Grace]

Successful Shopping

It has been said (I don’t know by whom) that failing to plan is planning to fail. This is very true when it comes to something as seemingly simple as grocery shopping. What starts out as an innocent trip to the corner market can become disastrous within minutes. Before you know it you may end up with a cart full of over-priced “what the heck am I going to do with this” items.
Here are some hints to help you become a successful shopper:

~~NEVER go when you are hungry. Grocery stores are designed to lure you to certain areas with their delicious smells. Rotisserie chickens, fresh baked breads, fried items at a hot food bar, etc. And let’s face it…when you are hungry everything looks good and has a chance of ending up in your cart.

~~NEVER go without a shopping list. (hints for writing a good shopping list later) If you’re just running in for 1 thing it may be ok, but otherwise don’t do it. A list gives you direction and keeps you from going up and down all the aisles to see what looks good to you that day. Everything will look good and have a chance of ending up in your cart. Then you get home and realize you don’t have what you need to make what you thought looked good or have anything to eat with it. Try to get a map of the store from the customer service desk and then arrange your list in the order of the aisles.

~~ALWAYS compare prices. Know which stores in your area have the best everyday prices on meat, dairy, produce, and other items you purchase often. Check the unit price (per ounce or pound) to see which is the least. You might need to bring a calculator. Value size is not always the best deal. Store brands are very similar in quality to name brands – don’t be afraid to try them. I’ve read that the most expensive items are placed at eye level so make sure to look up and down on the shelves. Read all the sales flyers weekly (many stores will email them to you), and clip coupons. Keep your coupons together in an envelope or baggie and use them before they expire. Try to combine sales and coupons for the lowest prices. Get a savings card for each store you go to and use them. Many stores have sections of reduced price meats, produce, and bakery items that are still good quality. Check these areas first. Stock up on really good deals of something you will use and freeze it. In season go to the local farmers’ markets.

~~DON’T buy what you don’t need. Remember that something is only a good deal if it’s something you will actually use. You’re wasting money buying something because it is super cheap and then having it sit in your pantry forever. If it’s such a great deal that you can’t pass it up, go ahead and get it and then donate it to a food pantry, homeless shelter, or needy family.

~~CHECK your receipt before you leave the store. Next to each item on my shopping list, I usually mark down what price the item should be, and then total it up while I’m waiting on line – another good reason to bring a calculator. If the amount I’m charged is higher than what I expected, then I compare my list to the receipt and ask for a refund of the difference at customer service. If the amount was lower due to an unadvertised special then whoo-hoo! I can consider picking up a few more of whatever it was. If the amount was lower because the cashier did not scan something, or entered a code incorrectly, then I am always honest (and you should be too!) and bring it to their attention.

HOW TO WRITE A SHOPPING LIST

Keep a magnetic notepad (available at most dollar stores) and a pencil on your refrigerator. If you start running low or finish something you use often: milk, juice, eggs, rice, paper towels, etc. write it on the list. I always start at the bottom of the page so I can just rip off the list and not waste the rest of the sheet.

Make out your menu for the week. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into 7 rows and 3 columns. For each day, write down what you will have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A 4th column can be added for snacks/desserts. Go through your pantry and freezer to see if there’s anything needing to be used up. Check the recipes for what you want to make each day, and add items that you will need to purchase to your shopping list. Make sure to defrost meats ahead of time so they are ready to go. Try as much as possible to stick to the menu, but you can be flexible too. If you’re just really not in the mood for what you planned then go ahead and pick something else to have. Try to always cook an extra serving or 2 and freeze your leftovers in plastic containers. Put a piece of masking tape on the side or lid and label what’s inside and the date that you froze it. If you have a large freezer and/or lots of leftovers, it helps to keep a list of what’s in there. A dry-erase board is great for that. Make leftovers part of your menu rotation. They’re great on weekends or other times when you will be in and out all day and would rather reheat than cook. Small amounts of meat/veggies/rice/pasta can be combined to make soups.

If the leftovers build up to the point of you wanting to scream, invite friends over for a smorgasbord night. Have them bring salads, wine, fresh breads, and desserts then enjoy the buffet and their company.

I would enjoy hearing your suggegstions and ideas as well.

You can share them in the comments section.

**SPECIAL THANKS***

to Denise Keegan for designing my new signature logo

Views of New York: The Empire Hotel Rooftop

The poker-hot-red sign on the rooftop of the Empire Hotel on West 63rd Street at Broadway bathes its patrons in an oven-like glow. In fact, my initial reaction to seeing the packed crowd was a rather mystified observation: They look like they're baking. Like it's one large tanning bed. This is the viewpoint of the outdoor section from the interior bar. But when you stand underneath the huge, retro sign, it does feel somewhat glamorous, giving airs of old New York. It would be interesting to see what the rooftop bar is like on a balmy summer evening, since my experience there was on a chilly night and meant staying indoors for most of the time. The place, itself, is a rather standard, posh bar. The drinks are expensive. The clientele looking like they dressed particularly for the occasion, not exactly a relaxed, casual crowd. That being said, one friend had no problem getting in with jeans on, being accompanied by a handful of more dressed up New Yorkers. The DJ played fun music, with a good mixture of hip-hop, funk and house. I admit, I expected non-stop techno but was pleasantly surprised. They also advertise Jazz Tuesdays, featuring live jazz music from 6:30-9:30 pm. So, for a Columbus Circle-area spot, it's a good place to stop in and glow glamorously. If only the advertised pool-deck was open to non-hotel patrons….

Empire Hotel Rooftop

44 West 63rd Street at Broadway, 12th floor

Open Monday-Saturday 5 pm - 3 am

Sunday 5 pm - 12 am

[Image via Empire Hotel]

City Grace Men's Morning Group Meets Today at Comfort Diner

City Grace's men's morning group is meeting this morning:

Mon, August 3, 7:30am – 8:30am

Where: Comfort Diner on E. 45th b/t 2nd & 3rd

Description: Bible study and prayer together. A great way to start the week.

Missed it this morning? Don't worry: it happens every Monday.

A Table For One Can Be Fun!

Hi everyone...my name is Hannah and I am honored and excited to be joining the Asphalt Eden family. Currently, I am living way out in Bozeman, Montana (yea...Hannah Montana...I get it!) so I wll be bringing a bit of Big Sky Country to the Big Apple.

My posts will include all things food related: recipes, party ideas, shopping hints, menu planning, eating out, and whatever other random things that I want to share with you.

Anyone recognize the title of this post? Anyone?
It's a song from the old Muppet Babies cartoon.
You can watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wcdu6qjFm1Y
That song pops into my head whenever I find myself eating dinner alone or having to cook just for myself. See...that's one of the random things I was talking about!

As a tribute to my favorite vegetarian, tonight I will post a recipe for the best and easiest macaroni and cheese that I have ever made and eaten. Enjoy!

2 cups uncooked small macaroni (elbow, spiral, etc)
1 stick butter, cut up
12 oz shredded Cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
4 American cheese slices, chopped up
5 cups milk
salt and pepper to taste

Grease a 13 x 9 baking dish, preheat oven to 375 degrees
Put uncooked noodles in the pan
Scatter butter over the noodles
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the butter
Scatter cut up American cheese over the shredded cheese
Pour milk on top of everything
Cover with foil
Bake for about an hour, stirring every 20 minutes or so
Remove when noodles are tender/firm and sauce has thickened

Dave Chappelle's Got Nothing on CityLight

What's summer without a block party?
Block Party Aug 15th

Join us for NYC Yorkiest Block Party. Free food, live music brought to you by performers of CityLight's CoffeeHouse. Also come check out our Kids Corner. This is an event you do not want to miss
When: Saturday August 15th 12pm-6pm
Where: 7th St. between 1st Ave. and Ave. "A"

Who's in?

ChristianMusic.org's Top 12 ~ August '09

ChristianMusic.org lists these albums as their top 12:

	Skillet Awake
	Thousand Foot Krutch Welcome To The Masquerade
	Phillips Craig & Dean Fearless
	Leeland Love Is On The Move
	Britt Nicole The Lost Get Found
	Matt Maher Alive Again
	Hawk Nelson Live Life Loud
	Britt Nicole The Lost Get Found Combo Pack
	tobyMac Portable Sounds
	Hillsong Faith + Hope + Love
	Shane & Shane Pages - between the lines
	Jeremy Camp Beyond Measure

What Christian albums are you listening right now?

Home Movies: A Moment in Time

Time is fleeting, and these short films capture that:

FRIDAY AUGUST 14
ROOFTOP FILMS AND VERIZON FIOS PRESENT
HOME MOVIES
Short films and video about moments in time, capturing and imagining what it felt like to be there.
OPEN BAR AFTER PARTY FOLLOWING THE SCREENING
Venue: On the lawn of Automotive High School
Address: 50 Bedford Ave. @ North 13th St. (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Directions: L to Bedford Ave. or G to Nassau Ave.
8:00PM: Doors open
8:30PM: Live music presented by Sound Fix
9:00PM: Films
11:30PM-1:00AM: After-party: Open Bar at Matchless (557 Manhattan Ave. @ Driggs) Courtesy of Radeberger Pilsner
Tickets: $9 at the door or online

What would a film about a moment in your life look like?

The Proverbial Work Out

The LORD works out everything for his own ends—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
~ Proverbs 16:4

Embattled Quarterback Comes Close To Home

No, he didn't get signed to a New York team, but Michael Vick is back in the National Football League... somewhat. As many of you know, Vick was a former quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons and seemed to have it all: large contract, large fan base, large houses. He was caught and arrested in 2007 for participating in a dogfighting ring and was sentenced to jail for nearly two years, but served eighteen months and was recently released.

Today, news spread that Vick signed a one year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles and can possibly be reinstated by the NFL to play by the 6th week of the football season. An interesting discussion on sports talk radio tonight brought up a topic that is being presented here for discussion: Can One Separate the Art from the Artist?

A comparison was made to Budd Schulberg, author of 'On The Waterfront'; a book that turned into an Oscar-winning screenplay and film in the 1950's. Schulberg testified before the House Committee of Un-American Activities and 'named names' of alleged Communists in the entertainment and film industry.

Which begs the question: Can One Separate the Art from the Artist? Can one separate the talents of a writer from the acts of betrayal towards his peers? Can a football player's athletic talents on the field be separated from off-the-field life? How forgiving can we/will we be towards someone? Is there a line?

Only time will tell.

"Discuss amongst yourselves, I'm a little Vclempt"

Sound Fix's Top 10 ~ August 2009

Sound Fix, Brooklyn's taste-making record store, counts these at their current top 10 albums:

1. Dead Weather: Horehound (WEA)
2. The Drums: “Summertime!” (Twentyseven)
3. Wilco: The Album (WEA)
4. Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca (Domino)
5. Fiery Furnaces: I’m Going Away (Thrill Jockey)
6. Grizzly Bear: Veckatimest (Warp)
7. Oneida: Rated O (Jagjaguwar)
8. Dinosaur Jr.: Farm (Jagjaguwar)
9. Sunset Rubdown: Dragonslayer (Jagjaguwar)
10. Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (Glassnote)

What's making your top 10 these days?

Make Every Day Earth Day

It's rather trendy to go green these days. But just when did the environmental movement start? Rooftop Films presents an evening of film and organic wine so that you can take a look back at the history of Earth Day:

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
EARTH DAYS
NO CHARGE FOR ADMISSION WITH RSVP
Visually stunning, vastly entertaining and awe-inspiring, Earth Days looks back to the dawn and development of the modern environmental movement
Wine reception provided by
Yellow + Blue Organic Wines
Venue: Solar One
Address: 50 Bedford Ave. @ North 13th St. (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Directions: Stuyvesant Cove Park , overlooking the East River, south of East 23rd Street
8:00PM: YELLOW and BLUE wine reception
8:30PM: Film Begins
Admission: NO CHARGE with RSVP to neidl@solar1.org

Watch the trailer for the film here. Earth Days is officially released on Friday, August 14. Please post your reviews below.

What easy tips do you have for going green?

The Proverbial Successful Plans

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and your plans will succeed.
~ Proverbs 16:3

Fast & Prayer for Prayer in the Square.

For more info and to sign up visit www.nycprayer.org/fast.php

Live Webcast of the fast services @ tscnyc.org

Trinity Grace Brooklyn Provides Charity Service in Brooklyn

Now that word's gotten out about Trinity Grace Brooklyn gearing up for Sunday church services this September, we thought we'd take a look at the organizations that the missional group partners with:

Restore: "Restore is a Christian non-profit organization serving women enslaved by the sex trade by providing safe housing and specialized services to restore their physical, emotional, and spiritual health."

Brooklyn Rescue Mission: "Brooklyn Rescue Mission Inc. is a community-based organization in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn that develops creative solutions to food justice, community health and the economic challenges our community endures on a daily basis."

Castle Senior Living: "Located at 1 Prospect Park West at the Grand Army Plaza in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, Castle Senior Living at Prospect Park is a Supportive Living Residence which offers an attractive new lifestyle alternative for older adults who may be experiencing difficulty managing on their own."

Are you involved in service activities within these organizations? Why is it important to you?

Is there an organization in Brooklyn that you know of that you think Trinity Grace Brooklyn should partner with?

The Proverbial Motivation

All a man's ways seem innocent to him,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
~ Proverbs 16:2

It's Time to Pray!

More than fifteen thousand people representing over 200 churches have gathered for Prayer in the middle of Times Square for the past two years.

On September 20, 2009, many churches and denominations will be gathering again for this event, Prayer in the Square.

Prayer in the Square is an opportunity for all believers in Jesus Christ to gather together under one banner, for one hour, and pray for the future of our city and our nation.

A choir of over 180 voices will sing worship songs, and individuals will pray at intervals for approximately three minutes each. The entire event will be simulcast on the News Astrovision screen at One Times Square, on several radio stations. There will also be a live webcast at nycprayer.org.

In addition to this event, teens, college students, and young adults are invited to stand in the gap for our generation during the Prayer in the Square Pre-Event Rally to be held at Times Square Church, , 237 West 51st Street (between Broadway & 8th). This rally is scheduled for 12:45 - 1:45pm and afterward those in attendance will march down to Times Square.

View promo for Prayer in the Square 2009

"Lord Forgive Us"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIPSsQIY0TU

For more information on this event, registration for a church or ministry,
please visit Prayer in the Square's Website
:http://www.nycprayer.org

Please note: Most text is via Prayer in the Sqaure flyers and or webpage.

---

Soul Trek: Life in the Spirit

Life in the Spirit. That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of
spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of
the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!



Schedule of presentations:



June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life



June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace
Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society



June 30: Resistance is Futile



July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)



July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)



July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)July 28: The Awakening



August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)



August 11: Life in the Spirit



August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

Who's in?

Prayer Requests for the Launch of Trinity Grace Brooklyn

As mentioned yesterday, Trinity Grace Brooklyn is gearing up to launch on September 13. They have a few prayer requests:

1. Worship Venue: We are still in need of a venue for our Sunday worship service. We need adequate space for worship, kids' worship, and storage, in a strategic location at an affordable price. We are currently in discussion with two possible venues.

2. A New Team Member: We are going to hire an administrative assistant/director of our children's ministry and prayerfully we are seeking the right person for the job.

3. Equipment and Storage: We are currently purchasing our sound equipment but we have to find storage and transportation for it. It is possible and would be a huge blessing if could find storage at our Sunday worship venue.

4. God's Favor and Revealed Presence at our First Services: That God would add to our number those who are being saved.

For more information on the Wednesday night missional community that currently meets in Park Slope, visit their website.

The Proverbial Reply of the Tongue

To man belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the reply of the tongue.
~ Proverbs 16:1

The View from Slideluck Potshow XIII

The sunset views of New Jersey from Canoe Studios (601 West 26th St., Suite 1465) in Chelsea nearly stole the show at Slideluck Potshow XIII.

Religious Imagery at Beach Blanket Bingo

At Jonathan LeVine's Beach Blanket Bingo, there was a little bit of everything -- gnomes, chef hot dogs, you name it. A couple of the artists found unique ways to bring up religious iconography in their art.

Rick Froberg is a Brooklyn-based (though originally from L.A.) artist. He is also the guitarist/vocalist of the band Obits.

In his illustration, Old Europe, one can see a church radiating in the background of a rather frenetic street scene.

Rick Froberg's Old Europe

Turf One, the street name of Jean Labourdette, is a French artist. He has made art for clients such as Le Cirque du Soleil, Kanye West, and Universal Music.

Birds play a central role in both Holy Ghost and Animita. In Holy Ghost, a bird is depicted with a halo around its head. The bird appears to be a crow and possibly even a raven (a type of crow), which has throughout history been thought of as a symbol of the creation of human beings, the mediator between life and death, and a trickster.

Turf One's Holy Ghost (a detail)

In Animita, an unidentified bird perches upon a cross that sits on top of a church/house-box that encloses the face of a man. Right below the roof, a little over the top of the man's head, is one eye. The eye is a symbol of knowledge.

Turf One's Animita (a detail)

What are your interpretations of these works?

Slideluck Potshow XIII a Delicious Evening: The Proof Is in the Pudding

Slideluck Potshow XIII churned out a great crowd last Thursday, August 6, by inviting artists and art lovers to partake in what was essentially a giant potluck dinner and slideshow.

Trinity Grace Brooklyn to Launch on September 13

With services already held on the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and Chelsea, Trinity Grace is now gearing up for their first official church service in Brooklyn:

Dear Friends of Trinity Grace Church Brooklyn,

So far this summer has been a beautiful season in the life of our church. We have sensed the hand of God continuing to shape the foundational pieces of our new church here in Brooklyn. We have gone on our first retreat, established some wonderful new partnerships, seen several lives deeply transformed, and experienced some very busy weeks as we've been making final preparations for our launch.

There is a lot to celebrate, a lot to thank God for, and still a lot to do. Please read through this update and let us know how you are doing as well. It has been a pleasure to see some of you over the summer and you are all invited to our first public worship service on September 13th!

Up til now, the Brooklyn community has been meeting every other Wednesday at 7:00 PM at Grace United Methodist Church (on the northeast corner of St. John’s and 7th Ave) in Park Slope. The services are led by Caleb Clardy.

Check back here tomorrow to hear what their prayer needs for the September 13 service are.

CityLight Goes Whitewater Rafting

The deposit for the CityLight rafting trip is due today:

August 28th - 30th
We will Depart around 7pm friday evening, and drive to the Poconos, set up camp, and then spend Saturday Whitewater Rafting down the Delaware River. Saturday evening we will pick the cabin with the best cook, and we will depart Sunday around 11am to return to Manhattan. $50 deposit due by August 10th Register online at citylightnyc.com

Any fun whitewater-rafting stories floating around out there? I'll start you off: When I was in high school we went on a rafting trip and my boat was full of girly girls (myself included). When one of the girls in my boat inevitably fell overboard the first words out of her mouth were not "I'm okay" or "Please hand me a towel"; her first words were: "Is my makeup okay?"

City Grace Men's Morning Group Meets Today at Comfort Diner

City Grace's men's morning group is meeting this morning:

Mon, August 3, 7:30am – 8:30am

Where: Comfort Diner on E. 45th b/t 2nd & 3rd

Description: Bible study and prayer together. A great way to start the week.

Missed it this morning? Don't worry: it happens every Monday.

The Proverbial Fear of the Lord

The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom,
and humility comes before honor.
~ Proverbs 15:33

Church in the Park

Gallery Church is meeting in Central Park on Sunday morning at 10:30. Bring a picnic brunch.

The Proverbial Gainer of Understanding

He who ignores discipline despises himself,
but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.
~ Proverbs 15:32

A BASTion of the Summer Art Scene

What would a summer mixer be without some hot dogs?

This retro-looking painting, Surf Avenue, (cropped here) is one of the three pieces Brooklyn-based artist BAST has on display at Jonathan LeVine's Beach Blanket Bingo. A street artist known for his wheat-paste posters, BAST is credited with influencing the artist collective Faile. Surf Avenue is an acrylic-on-wood piece that's 25 x 30 inches.

Kinda puts you in the mood to play Burger Time, ya?

The exhibit (529 West 20th Street, 9th floor) is open now through August 22.

See yesterday's post for exclusive pictures from the opening.

City Grace Uptown Community Group Meets Tonight

City Grace's uptown community group will meet tonight from 8 til 10:

The Uptown Community group meets every other Thursday at various locations in the Upper West and Upper East Sides. We listen to each other, reflect on different parts of the Bible together, and pray for one another. Be great to see you there! Contact Steve Wolma (swolma@citygraceny.com) to be included on the e-list that gives the specific info on the next meeting.

The group is led by Pastor Steve Wolma. Visit the website for more details.

[photo via City Grace]

The Proverbial Life-Giving Rebuke

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke
will be at home among the wise.
~ Proverbs 15:31

Beach Blanket Bingo Opening

Jonathan LeVine's Beach Blanket Bingo opening was the perfect summer soiree. Just like a backyard BBQ, it was a delicious potluck of homespun creativity, revelry, and beer. Truly a great way to bring together some of the bests artists working today:

Adam Wallacavage AJ Fosik Alex Hornest Ana Bagayan Andrew Foster Anthony Lister BAST Cleon Peterson Dan Witz Dave Cooper David Ellis

ELBOW-TOE Erik Mark Sandberg EZO Glenn Barr Jack Long Korin Faught Logan Hicks Louie Cordero Martin Wittfooth Matt Haber Meredith Dittmar

Natalia Fabia Nicola Verlato Rich Jacobs Richard Colman Rick Froberg Ron English Scott Radke Seonna Hong Skinner Turf One Xiaoqing Ding

Scott Radke doesn't create your typical garden gnome

Raise a toast to Rick Froberg's drawings

A totem pole guards Korin Faught's paintings

Most of Chelsea gets pretty sleepy in August so it's rather ingenious of Jonathan Levine to raise the bar by showcasing more than thirty great painters, sculptors, and line artists. The exhibit will run through August 22. The gallery is located on the ninth floor of 529 West 20th Street.

Check back tomorrow for more photos from the show.

City Grace Downtown Community Group Meets Tonight

City Grace's downtown community group will meet tonight from 8 til 10. The group is led by Pastor Ben Spalink. Visit the website for more details.

[photo via City Grace]

Amazing, Phenomenal Women of CityLight

The women of CityLight Church are meeting this Wednesday:

Attention amazing women of CityLight.
This wednesday we are meeting at our 7th Street location for a time of prayer and fellowship together. Our first two meetings were phenominal [sic], don't miss this one!
When: This Wednesday August 5th 7-9pm
Where: CityLight 121 E. 7th Street

For more information on CityLight, visit their website.

The Proverbial Bones

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.
~ Proverbs 15:30

Gallery Church Retreat

The Gallery Church is planning a retreat:

We are getting away together as a church family for time to rest, to listen, to play, and to learn. 450 acres of rolling woodlands and meadows in the foothills of the Pocono's is our destination - The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center. We hope the majority of our church family will come, though all are welcome! There is even a spa at the place! Check it out www.retreatpa.com

Cost?
$130 per person (kids under three are free) Includes 3 meals, lodging, transportation. [Please do not let cost keep you from going, come talk to Pastor Freddy T. if it is an issue]

When?
Saturday August 15th (depart 9:30am) - Sunday August 16th. (return to NYC 7pm)

Where can I sign up?
Sign up ... in the lobby during a Gallery Church Gathering!

More details to come...email questions to freddy@gallerychurch.com

What do you like to do on retreats?

Soul Trek: Kirk, Spock & McCoy

Kirk, Spock & McCoy. That's the topic of conversation this Tuesday at FOS (Forum on Orthodox Christianity), where the summer series is contemplating Soul Trek: Cultivating Your Spirital Life, "To Boldly Go Where God Is Leading." FOS meets at 7:00 PM in the ballroom at Holy Trinity, located at 337 E. 74th St.

The FOS Summer Series promises exciting voyages into the universe of spiritual development. Sacrifice, loyalty, honor, and friendship are some of the topics for which the Star Trek TV and movie series is noted. Who are we and what is the purpose of our existence? Who or what determines our future? How do we decide what direction our lives should take? These are the fundamental issues of
the latest Star Trek movie. But they are also the silent questions that determine our spiritual lives as well. Join the crew of FOS as we embark on our summer spiritual trek!



Schedule of presentations:



June 16: Stages of Spiritual Life



June 23: God's Call to Adventure --Special Guest Presenter: His Grace
Bishop Savas, Archdiocesan Director of Church & Society



June 30: Resistance is Futile



July 7: The Need for Spock (Mentorship)



July 14: Confronting the Dark Side (Risk)



July 21: Fighting Klingons (Seizing the Sword)



July 28: The Awakening



August 4: Kirk, Spock & McCoy (Spirit, Soul & Body)



August 11: Life in the Spirit



August 18: FOS Softball Outing

[image via IMDB]

Who's in?

What Happens if You Give People Balloons and Cameras?

Last month SALT art space debuted a “social experiment on community exhibition.” Disposable cameras and balloons were given to people who came back with a whole slew of interesting photographs. Other people were asked to draw representations of their lives. Both the photographs and the drawings were then clipped to strings tied down by weighted balloons. Visitors to the gallery, located at 1160 Broadway, 5th floor, were invited to move the photographs and drawings around to whatever order or theme fit best. The exhibit was made even more interactive by the fact that pencils and paper were provided so that anyone who came in could add their own work to what was already hanging.








SALT is open Mondays from 6 to 8 PM.

You may also be interested in spending 7 Minutes in Heaven with SALT's curator Grace Hwang.

Recently, SALT hosted an all-day conference called Goodmeet on the theme of sanctuary.