Author Archives: markweiss86

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About markweiss86

Mark Weiss, founder of Plastic Alto blog, is a concert promoter and artist manager in Palo Alto, as Earthwise Productions, with background as journalist, advertising copywriter, book store returns desk, college radio producer, city council and commissions candidate, high school basketball player, and blogger; he also sang in local choir, fronts an Allen Ginsberg tribute Beat Hotel Rm 32 Reads 'Howl' and owns a couple musical instruments he cannot play

From VTA to Vatican for former Gunn High journalist

Posted on March 14, 2013 by markweiss86

Jim Yardley reports in The New York Times today from Vatican City on the surprise choice of Jorge Mario Bergoglio as Pope Francis. In 1981 I edited his first byline, an article about Gunn High students who took what is now … Continue reading →

Posted in chapel hill, media, sports, this blue marble, words | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Aloha Hawaii our 50th State, specifically Big Island, Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Keahou, Honokaa and HUG

Posted on March 9, 2013 by markweiss86

We had a pleasant lunch at Jolene’s in Honokaa, on an attempt to visit Hilo (which we were told was being deluged), via Waipio Valley lockout and the excellent gift shop gallery. At Hapuna Beach, on the Kohala Coast, north … Continue reading →

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“The Color of Palo Alto” as dueling videos, referencing Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, Pink Floyd/Oz and Errol Morris

Posted on March 6, 2013 by markweiss86

The relative value of public art is debatable, but let’s keep in mind our budget here is about $50,000 of $150,000,000, or around a dollar per capita. While I generally hate corporate-creep into civic affairs, in this case I think … Continue reading →

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Miles Kurosky Signs with Majordomo!

Posted on December 19, 2012 by markweiss86

Ok, so I’m a little late with this, in that Miles signed with Majordomo in fall, 2009 and here we are closing out 2012. But I want to take this opportunity to SHOUT! out as it were to MK and … Continue reading →

Posted in ethniceities, la la, music | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

ps22 do lumineers ho hey

Posted on December 19, 2012 by markweiss86

Over 50 million people have watched the video performances posted on the youtube channel for PS22 chorus, an elementary school chorus led by Greg Breinberg in Staten Island. I got to this by searching for something Bob Lefsetz mentioned, a … Continue reading →

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Save The Bagel, or So Sez Me

Posted on December 13, 2012 by markweiss86

Greg Brown and I have started an ad hoc Save The Bagel committee, to defend the giant bagel and coffee cup at 477 S. California Avenue in Palo Alto, known for 18 years now as Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels. We suggest … Continue reading →

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135 plus 636 equals #@&^ in Palo Alto

Posted on December 13, 2012 by markweiss86

I have a four-deep pile of issues I am compelled to dig into and then write about, on policy pe se, here in Palo Alto, on “Plastic Alto”, if you will. There’s also various voice-mails, text messages and e-mail trails … Continue reading →

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My friend Misty Gamble rocks out in ceramics

Posted on December 11, 2012 by markweiss86

It’s been quite a thrill in recent years to follow the ascent of visual artist Misty Gamble. She makes ceramics that remind me of the work of Viola Frey and Terry Allen. When I met Misty she was talent buyer … Continue reading →

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The Pueblo Girls and Edward S. Curtis follies

Posted on December 7, 2012 by markweiss86

Reading Anne Makepeace book on Edward S. Curtis, I was surprised to learn that Curtis produced a live music event in New York to pay for his photography book series. I am folding that into the clay that is to … Continue reading →

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Mosh pit lays waste to historic Palo Alto night club

Posted on December 7, 2012 by markweiss86

“Mosh pit destroys historic Palo Alto night club” screams the headline in my mind but lo, it is actually the even more dangerous and depraved real estate industry that will bring the wrecking ball to 260 California Avenue, the former … Continue reading →

Posted in filthy lucre, music, Plato's Republic | Tagged , , | 1 Comment