isitandthink.com

The Walking Ugly Dead Americans

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:56:57 PST

Two of my favorite new shows on the idiot box are The Walking Dead and Ugly Americans.

Quality zombie drama has come far since the Night of the Living Dead. I'm no expert on zombie movies... far from it. However, this show is the first to play up the character development rather than the gruesome zombie attacks so many zombie movies are based on. The adaption from the comic book isn't exactly spot on but I'd have to agree with a friend of mine that it is refreshing to see how they go about the story in TV format. In a zombie apocalypse, you never know what direction the story can go. Simultaneously, the zombies aren't the only thing to fear. Look at out for those other surviving humans... you can never know what they are thinking either.

Next up is Comedy Central's Ugly Americans. I really like the idea of a modern New York City intergrated with creatures of the night. It's a great spin on our modern concrete jungle. It's already a melting pot of insanity, why not take it up a notch! Throw in evil, dead and strange creatures to make it even more insane. I posted a clip so you may view some of the bizarreness. Kudos to Devon Clark!

It truly is an ugly world. Enjoy watching!

MHY

Ugly Americans

New Episodes Summer 2011

Death Spray

www.comedycentral.com

New Episodes Oct 6, 10:30pm/9:30c

Department of Integration Field Guide

Follow the Show on Twitter

DEC 4: Art for the Park Silent Auction

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:34:28 PST

I hibernate during the winter like bears do, but I'll be out for a good cause Saturday December 4th. One of my pieces will be up for auction. Click here to see which one!

Below is the official press release which can also be seen at this link.

You are cordially invited to our second annual "Art for the Park"
Silent Art Auction on Saturday, December 4th from 6pm–9pm.
Art by renowned artists will be displayed and auctioned with
100% of the proceeds going towards the Park Performing Arts Center.

Please join us for a night of art, music, and an opportunity to support the Park Performing Arts Center.

Featured Artists:
John "Crash" Matos
Shannon "Dmote" Peel
Chris "Daze" Ellis
Bio
Nicer
BG183
Nosm
How
Erotica67
Eric Orr
Ellis Gallagher
Sharp
Chief69
Sien
Wase
Joe Conzo
Oliver Rios
Javiera Rodriguez
Alexander "Zeus" Huezo
Davide "Dage" Pvbill
Rob Pazos
Diana Diaz
Gabe Lopez
Ivan Villagomez
Monica Muller
Stanley Covington
Markus Engel
M.H. Yaghooti
Will Suarez
Alberto Rivera
Abraham Salazar
Bernardo Navarro
Will Photo
Sandra Guzman

There will be a special Performance by Jani Bomba Rose.

Music will be provided by DJ Ziggy Roman

Sponsors include:
Haworth Wine & Liquor
Pan Con Todo
Papa John's Pizza
Ben & Jerry's
McDonald's
Sneaker Hub

__________________________________________________________

When: Saturday, December 4 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Where: Park Theater

560-32nd St. (corner of 32nd and Central Ave., across from the 4 Star Diner)
Union City, NJ

We look forward to seeing you at our fundraiser.

MHY

The Walking Dead Motion Comic

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:42:30 PDT

A couple friends suggested a very cool comic (thanks James C. and Kevin C.) called The Walking Dead published by Image Comics. It's written by Robert Kirkman. I wasn't familiar with his work but I am now. James was kind enough to lend me his trade paperbacks to catch up with the series which is now coming to TV in October on AMC. I read all 11 volumes in a week. It's very well-written and the artwork, drawn by Charlie Adlard, is fit for the story-telling. The zombies are the backdrop for a post-apocalyptic world over run with them. The spin on this zombie tale is the main danger are not the zombies only, but the human act of survival. Want to survive? It's you or him or her or them. Children aren't exactly safe either.

I normally don't get too hyped up over anything these days (mainly because so much is so bad), but I definitely recommend this title. I would suggest reading the TPBs unless your a fanboy and want to pay $200 for #1 issue.

The short video below is a fully-animated motion comic of the first issue.
If you can't see the video below, click here to watch it.

Enjoy! I certainly did!

MHY

FineArtAmerica, Original Artwork for Sale and Creative Grove

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:10:47 PDT

A few months back I found this website called FineArtAmerica.com. It's a website catering to artists who do their art after their "day job" or don't have galleries selling their work for them. Actually, I don't know if those are the real reasons, but they do all the work and have a good reputation thus far getting the goods to those who purchase. It seemed like a good service for any artist wanting to sell reproductions of their art and the value was inexpensive. So I decided to join.

Take a peek at what pieces are available for print.

I've added original pieces such as The Priest and John Bonham to my website now available for sale. Click here to see which one you want for your home or office. If you have PayPal, you can use your account to make a purchase. If not, you can still use PayPal with your credit card.

Lastly, a friend of mine, Javiera Magaly and I will be selling our goods at the Creative Grove outdoor market at the PATH Grove Street entrance in Downtown Jersey City. It will be my first time vending my merchandise to the public, outdoors. An new experience I'm looking forward to with a good friend and veteran of outdoor street fairs and markets.

We'll be there Friday, July 23rd from 2pm-8pm.

Even if you don't buy anything, come down and support local artists! We'd love to see you there.

MH

Oil and Water Don't Mix - The Leak Continues...

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:40:34 PDT

So I heard this oil spill accident happened a couple months ago in the Gulf of Mexico. Apparently, this spill kicks the crap out of the Exxon Valdez. What a damn shame... you figure after one gigantic oil spill, there would be steps taken to prevent such a disaster from happening again... how silly of me. In fact, since the Exxon spill, there's been several accidents ranging from surface spills to rig explosions.

Eleven people died April 20, 2010 on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig. There's been plenty of blaming going around from Halliburton's cementing job on the rig to regulation forms being filled out by corporate employees rather than the actual regulators. Thousand of people are losing their livelihoods. Animals are either fleeing their natural habitats or dying in it. Beaches are getting small balls of tar washed ashore. Oh yeah... and it continues to spill into the Gulf. When does it end? And not only the spill, but the half-ass oversight of these oil companies getting their way all for the sake of the mighty profit.

A majority of the media I read or watched doesn't talk about the Eco repercussions of such a catastrophe in the long-term. There's a lot of discussion about cost, damage claims and if BP can maximize their profit with a clean-up. Okay, so media mentioned some possible species becoming endangered and the Louisiana wetlands and coastline not recovering for years to come. However, what about our water supply and the possibility of this leak never stopping? The leak is approximately gushing 70,000 barrels of oil per day into the Gulf with a trail leading out to the Atlantic Ocean for miles. It's been approximated that the size of the gulf spill can cover most of the North Eastern United States. BP will eventually stop this leak but there will be another and another and another. I'm not saying you'll be drinking oil with your cup of water. What I am saying is, this could create a scarcity of clean drinking water for future generations if we continue to drill everywhere.

I want to add in relation to clean drinking water, the film Gasland. It's a telling documentary of natural gas and water contamination happening all across U.S farmlands thanks to our very own home-grown Dick Cheney. A little paranoid am I? I would say no, but I am envisioning the possibility of clean drinking water becoming like gold. Very little and very expensive.

What's mostly disappointing is the solution is shining right down on us.

I'm concerned for the longevity humanity has, if the energy issue isn't sped up and resolved in the next 20 years.

Other News
Another post coming very soon on some new prints. Also, I'll be signing up to do some vending at Creative Grove on July 23rd, but more details on that soon.

MH

Introducing... Mr.McMick and New Products!

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:02:52 PDT

See that smile?

Mr. McMick is a delightful character who wants to wish you a nice day! The newest design in the shirt shop along with a couple new items, tote bags and laptop cases, added to the accessories section.

In other news...

I've finally started to put together a book on my paintings. I'm really excited about creating this book! It's a collection of oil and acrylic paintings, color drawings and miscellaneous images I've accumulated over the years. The release date is not for a while but it's news worth noting for anyone who is a fan of my art.

Until my next post,
MHY

Digable Arts Festival March 20 + 21

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:38:39 PDT

Spring is right around the corner so celebrate! This coming weekend will be an exciting 2 days of art in Hoboken and I'll be exhibiting a couple of pieces too!

Digable Arts Festival
Hoboken's Independent Arts Festival

Location:
Monroe Center for the Arts
720 Monroe Street, 3rd floor
Hoboken, NJ

Saturday March 20th at 11am
Galleries will open, closing at 7pm that evening. Festivities continue with the EQUINOXX PARTY in the main room from 8pm Saturday evening until close in the with live bands, interactive art, vendors, DJ’s and a special dance performance at midnight by the “Living a Painting” performance group.

Sunday March 21st begins at 11am
Gallery hours running till 5pm to coincide with the Monroe Centers Open Studio Tour and will include another day of live bands special theatrical performances and screenings of independent productions.

Exhibits:
We are converting the space into an interactive arts environment
We have SEVEN Art Salons set up for visual arts
A dedicated BLACK BOX THEATER ROOM
A dedicated INDEPENDENT VIDEO SCREENING ROOM
MAIN ROOM will be used for LIVE BANDS, VENDORS and INTERACTIVE ART
MULTIPLE ART INSTALLATIONS THROUGH THE FACILITY

Watch the Commercial!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3U4hiwld7c

Prints Now Avaliable from isitandthink.com
Can't own an original? Check out the new print shop on the site here :
http://fineartamerica.com/customshop/m-h-yaghooti.html

Peace,
MHY

New Website Launch and Reproductive Prints Now Available!

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:36:29 PST

Greetings folks!

NEW WEBSITE LOOK!
I'm excited to announce the launch of my website's new design! A lot of my hours went into the development and I'm pretty happy with the results. The shirts are now broken up into Men and Women sections and a new accessories section has been added with more coming soon. Take a look through the whole site and feel free to leave me a comment if you like!

NEW! PRINTS AVAILABLE!
Besides offering my art on shirts and books, I'm now glad to say reproductive prints are now available through FineArtAmerica.com! The process is easy and the assortment of options to create a customized print the way you want is a great service. You can select from a variety of frames, mats and printing surfaces to customize your purchase. Place the order with your credit card and they take care of assemblage and shipping. If an original isn't in your budget, a reproduction can still add color to a room.

Visit the Store to see which prints are available! And more will be up in the coming months, so check the site often to see what's new!

SHIRTS! 15% OFF
One last thing. There's a 15% off discount until this Friday on any orders over $35.00. Use the coupon code below. Only 2 more days!

Please email info@isitandthink.com for any inquires.

Hoping for warmer days ahead of us...
Be safe.
Peace,
MHY

Jan 31 Art Show: The Karuna Shala Studio

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:29:32 PST

Greetings! I'll be showing artwork at the Karuna Shala Yoga Studio on Sunday January 31st in Glen Ridge. The opening is at 4PM and ends at 6PM. There will be some light snacks and tea beverages. I'll also have a few copies of my book, Black Lines in a White World, on hand.

The Karuna Shala Yoga Studio
855 Bloomfield Ave.
2nd Floor, Suite 208
Glen Ridge, NJ 07028

Hope you can make it to the show!
And Happy New Year since this is my first blog post of 2010.

MHY

Dec 17: Art for the Park children's fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:36:50 PST

The Park Theater cordially invites you to the first annual
"Art for the Park" fundraiser on December 17th and 19th.

THURSDAY, DEC. 17th:
Art show & silent auction
100% of proceeds will go towards
the Park Performing Arts Center
6pm-9pm
Park Theater
560-32nd St
Union City, NJ

Featured Artists:
John "Crash" Matos
TATS CRU
Sharp
Erotica67
Ellis Gallagher
M.H. Yaghooti
Gabriel Ruiz
Oliver Rios
Gabe Lopez
Will Suarez
Wilson Santos
Javiera Rodriguez
Markus Engel
Michael Caputo
Alexander Huezo
Stanley Convington
Chief69
Abraham Salazar
Bernardo Navarro
Wendy Lewis
Music provided by NYC Lase

SATURDAY, DEC 19th:
Community Day Event
Come enjoy art, music, vendors, and performances
Suggested $5 Donation
11am–4pm
Park Theater
560-32nd St
Union City, NJ

Vendors include:
Jewelry by Javiera
Sneaker Hub
Rebel Aire

Performances by:
Caridad Rivera
Yesenia Selier & Carlos Mateo
Guillermo Ayala
Jennifer Cendana Armas
Chief69
Gene Golden

Music provided by DJ Ziggy

Special Thanks to our sponsors:
Haworth Wine Shop
Johnnie Walker
Sam's Club

POCKETSIZE Art Show: Dec 4 Opening

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:50:15 PST

Hey Turkeys!

I'll be exhibiting a few pieces for this show.

The 2nd annual Pocketsize show!

Come check out 32 Jones Gallery's 2nd annual small works showing, opening on Friday December 4th as part of JC Fridays! Just in time for the holidays, come find a unique and fun gift for your friends and family.

The gallery is located right by Journal Square, and is a short 2 minute walk from the JS PATH station. It's also super easy to get to by car.
(just minutes away from Routes 3, 7, and 1/9).

Hope to see you there!

Next group show:
Art for the Park
children fundraiser

MHY

Seven Inspirations Nov. 20 - Dec. 17

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:55:06 PST

I'll be showing a couple pieces along with six other talented artists. It's all going down at the Lex Leonard Gallery November 20th, 2009. Stop by and take a look. Invite your friends!

... for the appreciation of things artists think of.

Seven Inspirations

opening reception November 20

7pm - 10pm

143 Christopher Columbus Ave.
Jersey City, NJ

Michael Alan
Matt Brennan
Ivan Mustart
Omar Sanchez
Will Suarez
Micheal Tweedie
Hank Yaghooti

Another group show will be coming up in December. More details to follow.

6 New Shirts in the Shirt Shop

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:37:01 PDT

There are 6 new paintings reproduced on t-shirts that have been added to the shirt shop. You can even use these new designs and make your own shirt, hooded sweatshirt or other kind of apparel using the Designer. It's a really cool and easy tool to use and what ever you create will be a unique piece of clothing or accessory.

New paintings and designs will be added to the shop as time carries on but for now check out the 6 below.

All Women and Men sizes are available. Kid sizes would have to be created in the Designer.

Face of a Woman Artwork For Sale
Purchase an original piece of art on your wall that can go anywhere you like! It's 16" x 20", mixed medium on canvas framed with a black wooden antique frame. For more information and price, click here. Paypal and credit cards are accepted.

Check out the new MySpace page!

New Artwork for Sale and MySpace page!

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:04:41 PDT

Currently for sale on the website is "Face of a Woman", a mixed media work of art framed in a black wooden frame. There is only one as this is an original piece of art by M. H. Yaghooti. Visit the Original Art page on the site for price, shipping and more information about the piece. See the image below:

PayPal and credit cards are accepted.

In addition, please visit and add the isitandthink MySpace page to your friends list!

JC Independent - ‘Recent Images’ is an Exploration in Individual Thought

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:31:55 PDT

My September 4th exhibition "Recent Images" was a great turnout! Thank you to everyone that made the show and showed their support. The show was a success with positive comments of my work from everyone I talked to. I'm hoping this show will lead to new opportunities in the near future. If you missed the show, the exhibition will be up until September 30.

I have a write up on jerseycityindependent.com as a featured article!

Click here to read the article.

September 4th Exhibit Opening

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 09:57:37 PDT

I'm excited to announce my second solo exhibit this year! It will be held at 32 Jones Gallery in Jersey City on September 4th through the 30th. The opening reception is at 7pm with light eats and refreshments.

32 Jones Gallery
32 Jones Street, 1st floor
Jersey City, NJ
It's one block from the PATH Station in Journal Square. Check out the Map.

For more information, visit myspace.com/32jonesgallery or do a search on Facebook.

Hope to see you there!

New Traveler T-shirt and New Desktops

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:18:02 PDT

The Traveler is an ink drawing i did on a 4" x 6" piece of photo paper. An ink pen has great fluidity on photo paper so it's easy to get beautiful lines. Satisfied with it, I decided to convert the image digitally and place it on a shirt. A friend of mine also really dug the image (Thanx James!).

Check out The Traveler t-shirt and a few other new items in the shirtshop. Click here. Along with The Traveler t-shirt, visit the Desktops page to download the image to your desktop.

The other new desktop is King and the Kingdom, an ink and watercolor image on paper. With no real intent to visualize an image, the piece reflects an exercise in the subconscious.

A new Books page has been added to feature forth-coming titles from isitandthink.com. Black Lines in a White World is currently available. A hard cover edition soon... Visit the Desktops page to download a yellow version of the Zoaraster image to your desktop.

The Money Masters

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:43:59 PDT

I recently finished watching The Money Masters over the Independence Day weekend. The documentary thoroughly explains how the wealthiest control and manipulate the monetary system preventing financial freedom for public society. A bit of irony there.

The documentary clocks at an impressive 3 and half hours and the wealth of history on banking/money history is overwhelming. Producer Patrick Carmack presents an excellent film and I strongly recommend watching it. It will inform you on how fraudulent our monetary system is and explain why you haven't been able to save a dime for your future.

I want to note this is a factual look into our fractional monetary system and how the Federal Reserve is a facade. It is not a conspiracy-theory filled film with non-facts. It is part of U.S. history.

Please forward this to others who are not aware of this video.

If you can not see the video below, please click here.

Bill Maher and The Green American Dream

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:43:14 PDT

I'm a fan of Bill Maher and his show on HBO, Real Time with Bill Maher. His movie, Religious, was a comedic and religious commentary masterpiece.

I know he has a self-centered demeanor many people do not like. Some would say he is a "douche bag". However, I don't see it quite the same. I think his opinions are spot-on and he has to be a douche bag to get them across. I feel I'm much on the same page as he is, when it comes to common sense and rationality. Fire is hot, you don't touch it. That's common sense. When it comes to... the fire is hot, what the hell, let's touch it... that's American.

Last week's episode, May 29, 2009, Maher, in his closing monologue, revealed a prolific statement that, I believe, all Americans harbor in denial.

"Americans will do anything to each other for money."

Simple, to the point and ever-so true. It pains me to think our species is cognitively sophisticated with a purpose to enhance and advance humanity, yet only so for the right price. Where is the logic and morality in that?

I care about humanity and our environment. I care about about my planet and going "green" as much as Ed Begley' Jr. does. I just don't have a TV show or the money. Catch my drift? Why not enable the common tax payer, like me, a chance to transition to a green life style with out making us go bankrupt? Where is government in this situation? Oh right... they're too busy giving banks and other failing institutions bailout money the taxpayer can use to go green.

This last presidential campaign gave a majority of Americans a man that saw America needed change. Yet, there hasn't been one step in the direction of alternative energies or better regulation on the food and healthcare industries. We'll just have to "hope" and see.

View Bill Maher's closing monologue below or click here if you do not see the player.

The Derivatives Game

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:45:00 PDT

A majority of the population of the U.S. does not know what a derivative is. I'm not sure what it is either. Then I looked it up on Wikipedia and found "A stock derivative is any financial instrument which has a value that is dependent on the price of the underlying stock." OK? I think I'd understand it better in layman's terms but I'll continue studying.

With all the reading I've been doing on the stock market and the current A.I.G. bonus scandal, a derivative's definition seems to have changed a bit. It appears more like a security comprised of unstable assets such as mortgages, car payments, and credit card debt. Then it's resold to another financial institution as insurance then passed along like a hot potato. The shady part is when you sell off a derivative as a credit default swap or CDS, it apparently loses value immediately becoming more "toxic" than before. It's a gambling game except that the person selling, is winning all the time. And if it's your money (or mortgage in light of the current economic crisis), you're the biggest loser. They're literally laughing all the way to the bank. Greedy, ugly and shameful....

Matt Taibbi, an journalist for Rolling Stone wrote an extensive article on how the economic crisis blew up because of this derivatives bubble. Click here to read the article.

Plenty of economists and law officials foresaw this derivatives bubble inflating and warned of its potential collapse. One such person was a NY Governor by the name of Eliot Spitzer. Remember him? Whether conspiracy or not, one has to observe an article he wrote for the Washington Post in 2006 about the shenanigans of derivatives and its severe affect it would have on the U.S. economy. Then, three weeks after his article posted, he was outed for a prostitution ring he was involved in. Not too smart on Mr. Spitzer's part since his justice for the people had been overshadowed by his lust for female attention other than his wife. The video below gives a more detailed account. If you can not see the video, click Why Eliot Spitzer was politically assassinated.

The financial system is an extremely complex organism and it should be integrated in our early education system. I believe if humans continue using the monetary system as a source of growth, there should be a structural foundation in learning the stock market at an early age. It only makes sense. It would weed out the unethical attempts of unregulated laws and possibly put forth a young mind who could restructure the financial system that would benefit all, not just those who know the game.

More Athiests But God in the Brain?

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:08:32 PDT

Last week, I stumbled upon a few articles diving into the debatable topic... the explanation of God, or one there of. The ambition of humanity to prove its uniqueness and clandestine purpose will forever be the greatest aspiration. As an agnostic, I like to observe the sides of both arguments with an open mind and logistical approach.

Religion has been a cultural importance since Man began to cognitively and critically think of his own existence. This much is understood and accepted. The scriptures of the "Big Three" - Christianity, Islam and Judaism, written in the Eastern Hemisphere with momentum that moved to the Western Hemisphere, have definitely shaped society up until this century. These allegories do have relevant meaning within the context of morality and are meant primarily to guide us. However, it is unfortunate to say they have been more used as an instrument of control and expansion rather than self-empowerment. This is no secret as we move further into the 21st century. The exposure of religion in this manner is prominent more today with the wars in the Middle East and the conservative, evangelical tendencies of the Republican Party in the U.S. Those who follow in the rhetoric these movements preach, are extremely angry and irrational. I will go far to say, they are simple-minded folk with the stubbornness and resistance to think for themselves... troubling to say the least.

There is, most certainly, a shift happening and a rather rational one! Cenk Uygur of the The Young Turks TV program points out a 15% minority of Americans are non-believers.
Read it here.

This CNN article surveys there are less Christians in the U.S. now than there were before (Muslims have doubled from 0.3% to 0.6% and Jews have remained consistent).
Read it here.

The second part of this post ventures to the opposite realm of religion - Science! An article by Steve Connors of the Independent reported on scientists identifying, or at least trying, a section of the brain where religious belief is established. It's an interesting article conveying the ambition of our species diligently searching for the origin of our truth. With respect to theologians, this is a more viable and tangible means of discovering the Architect.

Tradition is embedded in the fabric of culture and the notion of it becoming expendable is far-fetched. Or is it? Rituals don't necessarily hold any value either, except for "my ancestors used to do it a long time ago." Wow, great. As we move further into the Information/Technological Age, the dogma and ritual of religion becomes dubious and has a propagandizing intention. It conflicts with scientific discovery and with the search for truth.

Why would propagators of religion hide the truth of self-empowerment? Easy... To horde the fruits of knowledge from a world they deem too futile to critically think for themselves.

Giving people the chance would change how theologies are perceived, eventually stripping away false idols, fading them away, and rounding up the masses into one-core belief system - their own. It's a better idea than a One World Government and something I believe necessary for humanity's future well-being.

Noam Chomsky and New Items on eBay

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 22:01:43 PST

More recently, I've been an advocate to question religious authority. I believe it prevents an individual from critically thinking and seeking wisdom integral to the growth of their well-being. This isn't to take away the positive reinforcement religious communities offer, but to perhaps realize the diminishing role religion has, as our society shapes into a more 21st century image. Growing up with a Catholic mother and Muslim father, I never understood the benefit of burying my youth for the sake of religion. Nor did they ever force me to, thankfully. Being taught common sense in right and wrong situations, respectfulness to others, listening to your parents and other "commandments" were all the "religion" I needed to know to become a responsible adult. Raised as a Catholic, church had no role in my upbringing.

Today, more than ever, the authorities on scripture are in danger of losing their followers. The research in science and technology is an appendage of humanity to deconstruct and analyze the greatest mysteries of the universe. With these advancements, it has become an obstacle for the grand masters of our age-old hegemonic orders of belief control.

Is the degradation of religion depriving a society or actually enhancing it? Critical thinking is fundamental to human existence. I've found 2 articles. One, an interview with Noam Comsky, a professor at MIT whose study of language has affected the philosophy of language and mind, and, a BBC interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams that gives a bit of reflection.

RawStory - Chomsky: Humanity's Survival 'By No Means a Sure Thing'
BBC - Archbishop Sees Benefit in Split

I also would like to mention two new original drawings are up for auction on eBay. Click the links to see the artwork and what the bidding is starting at. The art is unframed but when framed will look great on your wall!

Embryonic

Promised Land

Christopher Hitchens & Rev. Al Sharpton : Science vs. Religion

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:15:03 PST

Yesterday, I watched an hour and a half of two well-recognized intellectuals debate the existence of the G-O-D itself. I say itself because any logically-minded individual would AT LEAST understand that the all-knowing omni-potent power that moves the universe is not, and can not be, humanized. Sorry folks...

The premise of the debate was based on Mr. Hitchen's book "God Is Not Great" recently released. I'm sorry to say I haven't read it. Perhaps I should add it to my very, very long list of books to read...

Moving onward. I enjoyed this debate very much. I have to say Mr. Hitchens is well-educated and knows his facts. A writer of 18+ books on numerous political and social topics, he demonstrated a keen perspective for "believers".

Mr. Sharpton, on the other hand, seem to be out-weighed by Mr. Hitchens' fact pointing, references of philosophical writers and recitings of the Bible. Mr. Sharpton kept eluding to the basis of the debate on being about Mr. Hitchens' book and the existence of a "God".

See for yourself. If you cannot see the video below, please click here to watch.

New Art Prints, Graffiti in Brazilian Favelas

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 22:30:35 PST

I'm excited to announce that my website has 3 new art prints available! Thanks to Lulu.com, I can now offer my art work as quality poster prints or framed works of art on your walls.

Visit my Lulu storefront to see which 3 are up!

The 2nd part to this post are of images masterfully executed in integrating one's art with their surroundings. There aren't any names to go with the images unfortunately but they are dope. My friend James Cardenas sent me this a while back and I wanted to mention it in a blog post. I really wanted to take the credit for finding this but that's nonsense. These are just great images!

To see the rest of them, Click here. Enjoy!

Transition: drawings + paintings by Hank Yaghooti

noreply@blogger.com (isitandthink.com) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:50:56 PST

January 17
Lex Leonard Gallery
(Subterra Project Space)
143 Columbus Dr.
Jersey City, NJ
7:30pm - 10pm
(1 block up from Grove St. PATH station)

The show is a small collection of drawings and paintings I've selected spanning a 10 year period which display a sense of transition in my work. These transitions are in various forms from subject matter, style and technique and symbolizes a recognition for me to continually aspire to a higher level in my work.

I will also have some copies of my book Black Lines In a White World on hand for anyone who would like to purchase one.

This event is also coinciding with President Obama's inauguration on Jan. 20 and the "transition" of administrations. There will be a party on the 1st floor of the building running into the wee hours of the night.

Feel free to share this event with anyone.