Message board

Post a message at the fluxus message board. 

Photo from MIKI Yoshihito on flickr. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mujitra/10511181393

Should I or should I not?

I'm toying with the idea of starting a disqus channel about birdwatching and nature stuff. I'm over extended the way it is so not sure it's a smart move. Anyway, I'm posting some links here in case I start the channel. 

Photographer's remarkable hummingbird images taken using handheld feeders. http://www.treehugger.com/animals/close-up-photos-hummingbirds-tracy-johnson.html

Addicted to EagleCam

I admit it, I'm addicted to watching a pair of Bald Eagles raising their young at the Minnesota DNR EagleCam. Watch the EagleCam at http://www.webcams.dnr.state.mn.us/eagle/.

A video about the Eagle Cam. 

2016 is the fourth year of the EagleCam. From the DNR, "This is the fourth year DNR’s Nongame program has streamed live video from a bald eagle nest. The pair, which has used this spot for many years, has started to visit the nest after a few months absence. Last year the first egg was laid on the 19th or 20th of January, with all three being laid by the 25th of January. Eagles typically incubate their eggs for about 35 days. Although the nest has at times looked chilly, even covered in a blanket of snow for a while, Bald Eagles in Minnesota have adapted to laying and caring for eggs in these conditions. The male and female take turns keeping their eggs warm and dry in a deep pocket in the middle of the nest. Please check back often to see how the nest is doing, observe interesting behaviors such as parents switching off incubation duties, feeding, and protecting the eggs from the elements." More info at http://www.webcams.dnr.state.mn.us/eagle/

Bald Eagle chicks. (So cute)

There are eagle cams around the U.S. For a full list see, http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/eagle/eagle4.html

Plastic bottle hacks

Got some extra plastic bottle around and wonder what to do with them. Make something. From the simple to complex there are a ton of ideas out there. 

The leaf lamp from Fab Art DIY is the most detailed use of discarded bottles. 

Photo of Leaf lamp from Fab Art DIY, http://www.fabartdiy.com/diy-leaf-lamp-shade-from-plastic-bottles/

This DIY plastic bottle holder is beautiful and functional. 

Photo from "Cool Creatives." 

Instructions are at, http://coolcreativity.com/handcraft/diy-plastic-bottles-holders/

Reuse your bottle to garden. Directions are available at "Instructables." 

Photo from "Instructables."

For more ideas see Life Hack, http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/30-mind-blowing-ways-upcycle-plastic-bottles-home-and-the-office.html

"Crazy Russian Hacker also has some great ideas, plus a very cute dog in the video. 

Let’s flux

It’s time to inject some music into Fluxus World. Starting with Fluxes artist George Brecht’s “Drip Music.” 

Fluxes artists were influenced by the music of John Cage. 

“In a landscape” by John Cage   

Post your favorite music. (I'm short on time, but will update later) 

Marshmallows freak me out.

I admit it, I don't like marshmallows. The texture and the taste freaks me out.

 

Photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/katerha/5000710747

Kate Tar Haar https://www.flickr.com/photos/katerha

Do you like marshmallows? 
Do you toast marshmallows over a fire? 

Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshmallow

Yes, I was that weird kid who didn't like 

S'mores when I went camping. I tried. For all of my friends who like S'mores, this one's for you. 

There's a song about it. 

And this one too....

What about lighting Peeps on fire? 

Next Fluxus item, Fluxkits

Artist Alison Knowles talks about Fluxkit as a contradiction of framed pieces of art on a wall, something you could hold in your hand. Knowles said what Fluxus taught us is that the everyday was pretty interesting.

Filmed in conjunction with the exhibition Thing/Thought: Fluxus Editions, 1962-1978. During the course of the exhibition, the display of Fluxkits-collective groupings of Fluxus Editions assembled by George Maciunas-will change. Artists-some who were original members of Fluxus-have been invited to select objects from the kits and determine their arrangement.
© 2011 The Museum of Modern Art, New York

Examples of Fluxkits

Alison Knowles (American, born 1933). Bean Rolls from Fluxkit. 1965, Fluxus Edition announced 1963. Metal tin with offset label containing dried beans and offset scrolls. 3 1/8 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/4" (8 x 8.3 x 8.2 cm) (tin). 9/16 x 2 3/4" (1.5 x 7 cm) (each scroll, rolled). The Gilbert and Lila Silverman Fluxus Collection Gift. © 
2011 Alison Knowles 

Ben Vautier (French, born Italy. 1935). Total Art Matchbox from Flux Year Box 2. c.1968, Fluxus Edition unannounced. Cardboard matchbox with offset label, containing matches. 1/2 x 2 1/16 x 1 1/2" (1.2 x 5.2 x 3.8 cm) (box, closed). The Gilbert and Lila Silverman Fluxus Collection Gift. © 2011 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ADAGP, Paris

George Brecht (American, 1926–2008). Games and Puzzles (Bead and Swim Puzzles) from Flux Year Box 2. c.1968, Fluxus Edition announced 1964. Plastic box with offset label, containing four plastic balls and two offset cards. Designed and assembled by George Maciunas (American, born Lithuania. 1931–1978). 11/16 x 2 5/8 x 2 15/16" (1.7 x 6.7 x 7.5 cm) (box, closed). The Gilbert and Lila Silverman Fluxus Collection Gift. © 2011 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/VG Bild-Kunst, Germany

What the hell is Fluxus anyway?

For the best explanation of Fluxus I refer to social psychologist and Fluxus artist Allen Burkoff. His commentary on Fluxus is available as an MP3 at, http://fluxus.org/BukoffMaciunasFluxus5Dec08.mp3. The audio file was broadcast on December 5, 2008, by Aaron Anderson from a pirate radio station at the Detroit Museum of Contemporary Art as part of the traveling Broadcast exhibition. 

An abbreviated synopsis from Burkoff. 

“Fluxes has been described as an art movement or something that happened in art.” Burkoff argues it’s much more than that, “It’s much bigger and more interesting than that. Fluxus was this gigantic release of creative energy or creative potential in human culture.” 

A wealth of information about Fluxus can be found at Allen's website, "FLUXUS PORTAL FOR THE INTERNET" (Some of the links on Burkoff's site are dead links, sorry.)I agree with Burkhoff that Fluxus is more than art is is a creative force and necessary part of life. 

Burkhoff's chart on Fluxus.  

New Year's resolution, cleaning

My New Year's resolution is to get rid of stuff and deep clean my house. 

While I'm doing this, I'm watching this documentary "History of the Home." Instead of using Netflix I've found a few sites that offer free documentaries.

Top Documentary Films http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/

Free Documentaries https://freedocumentaries.org/

Films for Action http://www.filmsforaction.org/

These are free sites, however Films For Action will take your donation if you feel inclined to donate. 

I've been inspired by the concept of "Minimalism." I watched this video, "Minimalists: Living with Less." 

I don't know if I can be a minimalist but it's food for thought.