Newest Shank June 26, 2010

His name is Harvey.  He is a Goldiedoodle, part Golden Retriever (family friendly, happy, playful) and standard poodle (smart, non-shed hair).  He is copper colored and curly.  He is terrorizing Cassi, but she’s coming to grips with it.  Pasha seems to enjoy his antics and is happy to wrestle him.  He absolutely hates the summer [...]

Dancing Angels May 29, 2010

Last night was the culmination of 8 months of hard work and dedication for Madeleine and Vivian…the 2010 Dance Machine Recital.  They were stupendous and made their Dad so proud.  They showcased their talents in ballet, tap, clogging, hip-hop, point and jazz.  Dad’s jeans, shirts and motorcycle boots played a part, too.  What a show! [...]

Invasion of the Armor Men May 23, 2010

New art installation at my favorite NYC park, Madison Park.  There are 31 of these guys in and around the park, but most of them are atop nearby buildings, making it fun to “spot” them.  Some are as many as three blocks away.  One is right in the middle of Broadway.  My favorite is on [...]

Cassi in 7th heaven May 8, 2010

Hunting certain animals is the result of generations of evolution.  For Cassi, our Bijon Frisee, it’s chipmunks.  Squirrels are only minimally interesting, moles traverse the yard undetected, rabbits aren’t on her radar…but, chipmunks…now there’s a quarry worth complete concentration and relentless pursuit. Yesterday she ran one up a discharge pipe to the house central vac.  [...]

Demolition Derby Class…Getting the Car ready April 10, 2010

I signed up for a two-Saturday class to prep a car for the Wilson County Fair demolition derby this summer.  We’ve got a 351 cubic inch ’78 Ford LTD.   There are 5 of us + Kirk, the driver.  He’s done this several years.  It’s a lot easier to strip the car of all its [...]

The BIG Ad March 6, 2010

Still my favorite, hand-painted, large scale display ad space in all of NY…13 stories of it. Song:  On the Sidewalks of New York rcs

Warehouse Madhouse March 6, 2010

Twice a year, Barney’s, the high end fashion retailer, holds a 10-day warehouse sale.  You can get some deals.  $2000 suits for $500.  I was stuck in NY last week because of the snow and managed to catch the last day of the winter event.  I stay away from the sweaters bins.  You can see [...]

Planes, Trains and…Sleds? January 31, 2010

After a good week working in NY, I had some difficulty getting home due to the “big snow.”  Actually, between 4-10″ fell on Nashville Friday topped off by a freezing sleet.  Pretty much shut everything down.  Of course, the girls and Gwen were off school…and it’s unlikely they’ll be going tomorrow, the roads are still [...]

Reviewing books…it ain’t all pretty. January 20, 2010

This is what a typical book review editor’s office looks like.  Somewhere in that pile is the next bestseller.  Somewhere in the computer is the reviewer’s opinion.  Somewhere “out there” the two will come together and make a reader happy. Song:  The Book of Love rcs

Punta Cana Posse January 9, 2010

The greater Shank family gathered at the fabulous Dreams Palm Beach Resort on the beaches of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, courtesy of my adventure-minded mother.  It was wonderful.  We all arrived the day after Christmas and stayed through to New Year’s Day.  New Year’s Eve was a rockin’ memory for all of us as fireworks [...]