Its the middle of June and we are still getting rain in north Texas, and although we are enjoying it to some degree, when it starts ponding its time for it to go away for a few days...this shot was taken from my street this AM as the storm came thru town early...

As bad as this may seem for us I am told the people in Gainesville in Cooke County have it a whole lot worse this AM, and am watching high water rescues on TV now...bridges are washed out up there as well as roads flooded and they have shown pictures on Ch 11 this AM of people who literally cut holes in their roofs to escape high water...Authorities are reporting flooding in Sherman and Dennison as well...I-75 was closed temporarily as was !-35 - there are fatalities...in both Sherman and Haltom City...

Lemme see now...Thursday night...Poppy's Garden Cafe...Salsa night...meet some friends, eat a good meal, have a couple of drinks, and then let Jennifer teach you how to Salsa to hot Latin music...its a hell of a good time!!

Saturday night was Second Saturday in the square...and this month it did not disappoint...the square was on fire tonight!!!...it was close to what might be called an "event" in McKinney...Carrie Garner opened her new gallery at the historic old prison with a show of her own work...along with the opening of Studio Duende and Aristeia Gallery upstairs...The Maylee Thomas Band rocked the house!!! Across the street the Cadillac Pizza Pub was rockin as well...in fact - almost anywhere you walked on the square people were out enjoying themselves...and the likelihood was high that you were going to wait awhile to get a seat no matter where you went...

Art Exhibit – “An Artful Love Affair” at Carrie Garner’s
Galleria d’Arte June 9, 2007

Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte hosts their first art exhibit in their new location. Join us as we open our brand new doors at the Old Collin County Prison located at 115 S. Kentucky Street. Designated a Texas historic landmark in 1990, the 3-story, 6,000 square-foot building welcomes its newest tenants with a gala reception on June 9, 2007 from 8PM to 10PM.

In conjunction with this grand opening, owner, Carrie Cameron Garner is proud to announce the opening of Studio Duende and Aristeia Gallery, located on the second and third floors of the prison. Help to welcome these talented artists as together we celebrate community and enjoy new works of art from local artists in our new surroundings.

Using a technique known as oil sculpture, Garner’s paintings are explosions of vibrant colors and textures. Pallet knives - not paintbrushes – are Garner’s tools of choice, which allow her to apply varying amounts of oil paint to her canvasses. She lists the works of Cezanne and Van Gogh as major influences while she developed her style. Mentor and friend, JD Miller of Reflection Fine Art gallery in Dallas, also greatly influenced Garner’s style and helped her to perfect the oil sculpture technique.

Garner’s newest works take center stage in “An Artful Love Affair,” an exhibit that honors nature’s beauty with oil sculpture paintings that feature florals and landscapes. “Being an artist allows me to put on canvas what’s in my heart and mind,” says Garner. The entire exhibit debuts on June 9 and will be on display at Galleria d’Arte through the beginning of July.

Specializing in one-of-a-kind works of art by local artisans, Garner’s Galleria d’Arte is one of the hosts of downtown McKinney’s Second Saturday celebrations where art galleries and other downtown businesses extend their normal business hours to celebrate the arts and the community with live entertainment, spirits, and food. Garner’s desire to provide affordable art to a wide variety of art lovers and collectors is her focus and goal. According to Garner, “We’re not one hundred percent mainstream; we pride ourselves on having a wide appeal.”

You are invited to join the celebration of community and the arts so plan to spend an evening in downtown McKinney. Live entertainment by The Maylee Thomas Band, wine, and finger-foods await gallery guests. Voluntary donations and a portion of the evening’s sales will be donated to the Love Life Foundation (www.lovelifefoundation.com), helping abused and at-risk children.

Co-sponsors of the evening are A Twist of Kime, Alternative Furnishings, BLING!, Cadillac Pizza Pub, Café Malaga, Ellie & Ollie, La Misha, Market Square Antiques, Market Street, and Poppy’s Garden Café.

For further information, contact Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte at 469-742-9509 or visit us online at www.carriegarner.com.

Background: Galleria d’Arte hours are Tuesday thru Friday: 11am – 5pm; Saturday: 10am – 5pm; by appointment only on Sunday and Monday. To schedule an appointment, please call 469-742-9509.

From AP:

Oman evacuated tens of thousands of people Wednesday, suspended oil exports, and closed the major port of Sohar as a weakening Cyclone Gonu roared toward the Strait of Hormuz - the world's major transport artery for Persian Gulf oil.

Oil prices rose amid forecasts that the storm - a rarity in the region - was barreling toward Iran.

As heavy rains lashed coastal areas of Oman, authorities closed all operations at the port of Sohar and evacuated the 11,000 workers, port spokesman Dirk Jan De Vink said.

Sohar's oil refinery and petrochemical plant remained running at very low levels, with authorities considering a total shutdown, he said.

From Reuters:

In Oman, however, the country's only outlet for 650,000 barrels per day of crude exports, Mina al-Fahal, was shut for a second day as was the Sur terminal, which handles 10 million tonnes per year of liquefied natural gas.

The United Arab Emirates' eastern port of Fujairah, in the Gulf of Oman, has been cleared of anchored vessels and is closed to all ships until further notice, the state news agency said.

More than 100 ships are anchored along the Fujairah coastline and around 180 vessels, mainly oil tankers, pass through the area daily.

Pictures are from BBC website...

Information out of Oman is somewhat sketchy this AM and changing hourly, here is position of Cyclone best I can see...now tracking strait for the Straits of Hormuz, but forecasted to turn north sometime today into Iran:

Widespread power outages, damage to the eastern coast south of Muscat. Oil and gas facilities down for the second day.

http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Oman/10130416.html

From CNN this AM: "you cannot move tankers in 26 foot waves and that this will once again effect gas and oil prices"...

Oil is up sharply in Europe, less so here in the U.S.

In the final analysis what happens to Oman is only part of the picture, what happens in the Persian Gulf and the passages of the Straits of Hormuz is more important since 40% of the worlds oil comes from this region...delays in getting oil out of the Persian Gulf, thru the Straits and into the Indian Ocean is the real deal!!!!!

Category 5 Cyclone Aimed at Strait of Hormuz
June 04, 2007 18 29 GMT

A Category 5 cyclone with winds of up to 195 miles per hour is heading toward one of the world's most productive energy basins, threatening local devastation and global disruption at a point at which oil prices are already flirting with record highs. For once, the region in question is not the Gulf of Mexico. There is cause for concern; Cyclone Gonu is headed directly for the Strait of Hormuz.

The cyclone is rotating counterclockwise -- as it would in the Gulf of Mexico -- meaning that, should it enter the Persian Gulf, the gulf's west coast would suffer the most serious damage. Along the west coast, low-lying areas are the norm, and there are few barrier islands like the ones that line the Gulf of Mexico to absorb much of the storm surge that could therefore penetrate miles inland.

Like all weather phenomena, hurricanes and cyclones are notoriously fickle, so there is (thankfully) no guarantee Gonu will enter the Persian Gulf, much less wreck it. But there are two facilities that bear specific mention: the Ras Tanura and Ras al-Juaymah oil loading platforms in Saudi Arabia. So far, the chances of either of these facilities suffering a direct hit are very slim -- Gonu is still 750 miles away from those export points -- but they collectively pump nearly 10 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude. These facilities, while critical to global energy supplies and -- due to their size -- largely immune to terrorist attacks, are not particularly hurricane resistant. After all, they were built in an area where such storms are almost unheard of. Other (hardly insignificant) energy installations dot the region in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates -- most of them on the west coast. Luckily, there is little offshore production in the Persian Gulf -- unlike in the Gulf of Mexico -- so there is unlikely to be much permanent damage to the oil production facilities themselves.

More likely is shipping disruption. Right now, Gonu is on a collision course with the Strait of Hormuz, a major chokepoint that transits some 17 million bpd of crude. Within the next few hours, the tankers and supertankers -- not to mention the massive container ships that often visit regional hubs in the United Arab Emirates -- that ply that route will be scurrying out of the storm's way. In the Gulf of Mexico, such storm-dodging is an annual ritual that is no major concern, but in the world's "Cradle of Oil," this is a completely new sport, and even a short disruption with minimal damage is sure to send the price of a barrel of crude sharply upward.

Currently the "best guess" indicates Gonu will slowly lose force to be "only" Category 3 when it makes initial landfall in Oman, forecast for June 5 at 6 p.m. local time.

The first day of the annual Art and Jazz Festival in downtown today was a hit...lots of people out enjoying a rain free, albeit humid day in downtown...

There was Jazz...




And there was Art...



There was even a few clowns out there...



And of course there was Wine Tasting...




The festival will go thru Sunday...and is free to the public...come out and enjoy the fun! The hours on Sunday are 12 noon till 5PM...

Are you ready for a great weekend of art and Jazz?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE P07-97 June 1, 2007

Media Inquiries: Kimberly Rawlings, 301-827-6242 Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA Advises Consumers to Avoid Toothpaste From China Containing Harmful Chemical
FDA Detains One Contaminated Shipment, Issues Import Alert

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as made in China, and issued an import alert to prevent toothpaste containing the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) from entering the United States.

DEG is used in antifreeze and as a solvent.

Consumers should examine toothpaste products for labeling that says the product is made in China. Out of an abundance of caution, FDA suggests that consumers throw away toothpaste with that labeling. FDA is concerned that these products may contain "diethylene glycol," also known as "diglycol" or "diglycol stearate."

FDA is not aware of any U.S. reports of poisonings from toothpaste containing DEG. However, the agency is concerned about potential risks from chronic exposure to DEG and exposure to DEG in certain populations, such as children and individuals with kidney or liver disease. DEG in toothpaste has a low but meaningful risk of toxicity and injury to these populations. Toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed, but FDA is concerned about unintentional swallowing or ingestion of toothpaste containing DEG.

FDA has identified the following brands of toothpaste from China that contain DEG and are included in the import alert: Cooldent Fluoride; Cooldent Spearmint; Cooldent ICE; Dr. Cool, Everfresh Toothpaste; Superdent Toothpaste; Clean Rite Toothpaste; Oralmax Extreme; Oral Bright Fresh Spearmint Flavor; Bright Max Peppermint Flavor; and ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste. Manufacturers of these products are: Goldcredit International Enterprises Limited; Goldcredit International Trading Company Limited; and Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemicals Company Limited. The products typically are sold at low-cost, "bargain" retail outlets.

Based on reports of contaminated toothpaste from China found in several countries, including Panama, FDA increased its scrutiny and began sampling toothpaste and other dental products manufactured in China that were imported into the United States.

FDA inspectors identified and detained one shipment of toothpaste at the U.S. border, containing about 3 percent DEG by weight. In addition, FDA inspectors found and tested toothpaste products from China located at a distribution center and a retail store. The highest level found was between 3-4 percent by weight. The product at the retail store was not labeled as containing DEG but was found to contain the substance.

DEG poisoning is an important public safety issue. The agency is aware of reports of patient deaths and injuries in other countries over the past several years from ingesting DEG-contaminated pharmaceutical preparations, such as cough syrups and acetaminophen syrup. FDA recently issued a guidance document to urge U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers to be vigilant in assuring that glycerin, a sweetener commonly used worldwide in liquid over-the-counter and prescription drug products, is not contaminated with DEG.

FDA continues to investigate this problem. If FDA identifies other brands of toothpaste products containing DEG, FDA will take appropriate actions, including adding products and their manufacturers to the import alert to prevent them from entering the United States.

Consumers can report adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products to FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program:
www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
(800) 332-1088

EXHIBITION: “An Artistic Execution”

GALLERY: STUDIO DUENDE

ARTISTS: PERNIE FALLON and GUY GIERSCH

OPENING: Saturday, June 9 from 8–10 P.M.

HOURS: 11 – 5, Tuesday–Friday; 10 – 5, Saturday; and

by appointment (214)-592-9888 or artstudioduende@yahoo.com

New Art Gallery – Studio Duende – Opens at Old Prison in McKinney on June 9, 2007

In a place famous for its executions, Studio Duende celebrates its grand opening at the old Collin County Prison in downtown McKinney with a gala reception from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 9. At the new Studio Duende, an execution of a different sort is taking place on the second floor of the old prison located at 115 S. Kentucky, a half a block south of the McKinney’s Historic Square.

Designated as a Texas historic landmark in 1990, the prison was the site of the last legal execution in Collin County in 1922. Convicted of killing a man and sinking the corpse in a well, Mr. Ezell Stepp was shoved out of the upper window to hang. Accounts say that his head separated from his body when he reached the end of the rope.

Now hanging at the prison is “An Artful Execution”, the first exhibit of art works by gallery owners Pernie Fallon and Guy Giersch. Together with Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte, housed on the first floor, and Aristeia Gallery on the third floor, Studio Duende embraces the vivaciousness that the community of talented local artists brings to the city.

Guy Giersch is McKinney’s Historic Preservation Officer and portrays Collin McKinney in the city’s nationally recognized ad campaign. In his photography, he portrays beauty. His photographs are as distinct as he is, playing with the dichotomy of body and soul – how seeing produces experiences and in turn, how experience tempers what one sees. His images range from landscapes to portraits to architecture. The balance Giersch maintains between seeing and experience gives his work its striking vitality.

Pernie Fallon’s hallmark has always been an emphasis on spontaneity, expression and intuitive creativity. Her first ring at the age of 14 won a national award and ignited her passion for becoming a masterful goldsmith and sculptor. Her 18K gold jewelry, set with semi-precious stones, is inspired by nature. Like nature, she never creates the same thing twice. Her love for the outdoors led to becoming a plein air painter, capturing the light in her color-drenched pastel and oil paintings. Whether her stroke is made with a goldsmith’s hammer or a sable-tipped brush, her touch is direct and skilled – expressing an endless and intimate exploration of beauty and nature.

In case you were wondering, duende translates into English as a spirit or force of artistic mystery – equivalent to one's soul – that drives an artist's inspiration.

At Studio Duende, you will probably not encounter the headless soul of Ezell Stepp, but you just might lose your head over the exceptionally well-executed paintings, jewelry, sculpture and photography.

June 1, 2007 – McKinney, Texas

PERFORMANCE: ART OSBORNE – Jazz Saxophone

GALLERIES: STUDIO DUENDE, ARISTEIA and CARRIE GARNER’S GALLERIA D’ARTE

WHERE: old Collin County Prison, 115 S. Kentucky, McKinney

HOURS: Saturday, June 2 from 3–6 P.M.

The Saxman Cometh

Make your prison break this Saturday, June 2 from 3 – 6 p.m. to hear the scorching jazz saxophone of Art Osborne on the patio of the old Collin County Prison. The old prison is the hottest new art venue in town – home to Studio Duende, Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte and Aristeia. The work of these local artists sizzles with talent. The prison is the place to be cool during the Art & Jazz festival this weekend.

Art Osborne has traveled the world playing jazz saxophone. He has performed with many well-known stars including Captain Kangaroo, Doc Severenson, the Supremes, B.J. Thomas, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Debbie Boone, Rich Little, the Temptations, Tom Jones, the Four Tops and many others. He is well-known in the Dallas Independent School district as the beloved “Mr. Bandman” where he produces an educational children’s TV show to engage students in learning and appreciating music.

On Sunday, June 3, a twelve-string guitarist will be playing on the prison patio during the Art & Jazz festival. Studio Duende, Carrie Garner’s Galleria d’Arte and Aristeia will celebrate their Grand Opening next weekend at the old Collin County Prison in downtown McKinney with a gala reception from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 9. The old prison located at 115 S. Kentucky, a half a block south of the McKinney’s Historic Square.

Remember...this weekend is the annual Art/Jazz festival in McKinney...come out and enjoy the fun!