The Journal of a Prizefighter

day +981

So, I returned to the hospital on Tuesday afternoon as planned to receive a scheduled immunization (Japanese encephalitis) and get labs drawn for my cardiologist. While there, I went to pickup any remaining photos that didn't sell at last week's patient art show.

My photograph of the interior of the Gould Memorial Library (at Bronx Community College) did not sell in the end. It's a beautiful shot, but admittingly it was a hurried addition to the collection of images that I had selected for show. In retrospect, it didn't strengthen the overall theme of the collection that I was seeking. Rather, it detracted from them in large part because unlike the others it was shot inside and the subject was largely unknown to the audience. If I were to pick the Gould Memorial Library again, I would choose a stronger, more captivating image.

The Gould Memorial Library, by the way, is considered by many to be the opus magnum of Stanford White, the great American Beaux-Arts architect. Surrounding the library at its rear is the Hall of Fame of Great Americans, the first hall of fame in the U.S.

The Lehman College Art Gallery will host an artists exhibition in celebration of its 25th anniversary in about two weeks. Invited to participate because I have a number of images on its Bronx Architecture website, I plan to submit the GML photograph. Since I spent money to have it have it printed and framed, I figure I might as well try to get something for it.

cancer advocacy project

On Monday, May 24th from 6:00-8:00 pm, two lawyers from the City Bar Justice Center's Cancer Advocacy Project will speak at the American Cancer Society on 132 W. 32nd Street in Manhattan.

The CAP provides cancer patients and survivors with pro bono legal information and advice. Experienced volunteer attorneys prepare life-planning documents such as simple wills and advance directives, counsel clients on issues relating to discrimination in the workplace, and help to challenge unjust treatment by health insurance companies.

Pre-registration for this free program is required.

Please contact Maria Feeney at 212-376-4770 or maria.feeney@lls.org to register for this program.

the week that passed

This past week was overly busy. Just about every day I had something going on after work returning home late, which I imagine is partly why I find myself with a cold right now.

Monday's opening art show at Sloan went very, very well. Dozens of friends stopped by to check out my photographs. It was wonderful catching up with friends and and others, some of whom I hadn't seen for some time. To my sincere surprise, a few of them even purchased my work. At the end of Monday night, 6/7 were sold in addition to at least two requests for copies. I haven't had the chance to call or stop by the office to find out if the very last photograph of the interior of the Gould Memorial Library was sold, but I plan to swing by on Tuesday late afternoon.

For only $5 (processing fee), I attended an all-Mozart concert at Carnegie Hall on Friday night. It was my very first time listening to a musical performance there. For only $20 a year, Club Freetime sends out email blasts of free concerts, plays, comedy performances, lectures, and more in New York City.

Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488 followed by his Mass in C Minor, K. 427 were performed by Musica Sacra. To my surprise, I sat in seat 110, row B just two back from the stage directly in front of the pianist. For 5 bucks, I was floored by the seats! Never had I ever sat so close to the stage.

I was very tired Friday night, but I'm happy I stuck with it and went to the performance.

in the news

Escape from the Jet Age is an awesome essay!

monday's art show

Tomorrow evening is the Annual Patient Art Show at Sloan-Kettering, where I've exhibited for the past two years. The theme once again is New York City's Harlem River. Whereas in the past I've shown bridge-only pictures, this time I will include some other subjects nearby the river's banks. Below are just two of the photographs that will be in tomorrow's show.

My rate of sold works at this annual event has been quite good. Let's hope it continues!

arts of ancient viet nam

At the Asia Society, there are two very interesting exhibitions going on: Arts of Ancient Viet Nam and Pilgrimage and Buddhist Art. After work on Friday, I explored the first exhibition after watching the Chinese film, Fujian Blue, there which looks at the human trafficking and gang culture through a group of teens in Fujian province.

Cities like Hanoi were once part of a vibrant Southeast Asian commercial and cultural network that reached into China and as far west as the Roman Empire. Evidence of contact with Rome was found in ancient Roman coins in archaeological digs in Vietnam.

I might try to catch Pilgrimage and Buddhist Art next week.

another vaccination

Late this afternoon after work, I received what may the last of the base non-live vaccinations needed: pneumococcal (pneumovax), which prevents against pneumococcal bacteria which can cause meningitis and pneumonia, for example.

stem cell transplantation telephone/webcast

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will host a free telephone/webcast education program titled Stem Cell Transplantation: Dialogue with the Experts on Thursday, May 20th from 1:00-2:30pm EST.

Registration is required.

Click here to find out more.

friends in need

Friends in Need is an article in CURE's spring issue that examines the increasingly important ways in which online social media promote connection, education, and support.