There was a lot of talk in some circles about the Warhol exhibition in Singapore.  It happened in 2007, which is proof that the world did not freeze in its tracks, or implode, and it certainly didn’t stop anyone from making ironic art.  It’s difficult to know whether the audience had embraced the work, or if it was something that was an already always.  There wasn’t the lively buzz in restaurants all over Singapore when it opened, but then again, it wasn’t received with with indifference either.

Then again, perhaps it’s hard to know what would get a response in the restaurants.  The food here is so exquisite, with some of the best flavors all over the world in one place.  I’ve always loved Chinese food, and found Indian food to be absolute heaven, so whenever I’m in Singapore I really don’t remember the dinner conversation.  Chances are, I’m always in such a swoony state that I could just as easily discuss boy bands and hair bands as easily as the stuff of international art.  It really doesn’t matter.  That place does something very wonderful to my senses, and opens up my taste buds in new and, for me, rather significant ways.

I am not sure if this is what Andy would have wanted, either, and am even less convinced he would have cared.  He did seem genuinely fascinated by things, by phenomena, and by cultural movements.  He was much more interested in trends than in actual people, although celebrities were always high on his list.  Personally, I had hoped for a much more profound reaction from the gallery-hoppers in Singapore when they saw the hundred or so works by the master of pop art, but in retrospect, when you can talk over such magnificent food, boy bands will also suffice.  And more appropriate, really, in Warhol’s world.

I’m an opera fan and a very passionate opera fan. But, just the other day I was treated to High-Definition simulcast to ‘Salome,’ by Strauss. Yes, a high-definition simulcast. A good friend of mine invited me saying he had Theater Tickets to the opera and would I like to join him. Naturally, I accepted. But, I was surprised that I met him at a movie theater. I was stunned to say the least.

Apparently, opera simulcasts in movie theaters seems to be very popular. I day we went, the movie theater was full, sold out. I was truly intrigued and felt like I was a part of a high-tech cultural happening, instead of being a part of the social elite. I was really pleased with the simulcast too. Currently, there are two opera companies that are participating in this live performance: The Opera Boston and the Boston Lyric Opera.  But now, I’ve heard, that the Met is on line, which thrills me to no end. I now don’t have to fly into New York to see a certain opera, I can now, see which of my local movie theaters in Boston will be doing the simulcast.

I’m a converted ‘live’ opera audience member and now consider myself an opera movie goer. It’s so much more comfortable, saves me money, and if I choose, I can sneak in some takeout Chinese food. I do wonder if the opera’s will be able to keep up the simulcasts, because they will be losing season ticket holders. I found out that the Boston theater showing the opera simulcast are seven and sold about 21,000 tickets, but comparison, the entire attendance for all the 18 opera’s performed on the main-stage was 24,000. But, my worries seem to have no bearing. The opera houses do not simulcast every production. So, for now, I’ll keep my good standing season tickets, and build up a taste for popcorn.

Paris is the city of love, passion and lights. The French capital gathers tourists and travelers from all over the world looking to find romance and adventure. Resting on the river Seine in northern France, Paris is globally recognized as a leading business, cultural and arts hub of the world. The beautiful city is also seen as one of the most influential regions in fashion, media, politics, and economics.

Possibly most widely known for its iconic landmark the Eiffel Tower, Paris attracts 45 million tourists every year. The Eiffel Tower is the tallest building in Paris and more than 200,000,000 people have visited the tower since it was constructed in 1889. The restaurants inside the Eiffel Tower are also very popular. These restaurants include Altitude 95 (named because it sits 95 meters above sea level) and the Jules Verne, which is fancy, food savvy restaurant that has a private lift on the second floor.

Of the many attractions in Paris, the French Open tennis tournament is one of the most celebrated. The competition, held mid-May to June, brings sports enthusiasts from around the world to the region. But the competition is not only for intense tennis fans; people enjoy the sheer thrill of the competition, as well as the fine cuisines.

On top of the French Open schedule of tennis events, visitors often also stay in the area to attend the other Grand Slam tennis tournament, Wimbledon. With fierce competitors battling it out in this London city, Wimbledon scores are always unpredictable. Paris is a marvelous city, full of mystery and cultural splendor.

Many legends and myths surround the incredible city of New York. Most stories tend to surround the supposed haunting of some of the finer New York restaurants and hotels. One rumor, dealing with a person from the past, not a ghost, happened to prove true in SoHo. An old building was being renovated into a complex of luxury condos…this is where it always begins, in the old buildings, and a graffiti mural was found within the walls. What was discovered was the work of the early street art pioneers, in the dilapidated ten story building being torn down. The large mural was created with magic markers, grease pencils, spray paint, and anything else that was available to make a mark. It contained various images and writings in a plethora of colors and styles, indicating that it must have been a collaborative effort. Representations of cakes and hearts, and an airplane were among the images painted.

During the 1970′s the loft was owned by Edit DeAk, a well known art critic. During this time is when street and outsider art was becoming valid in the Manhattan artistic circles. With the exception of holes drilled through the wall for a few kitchen appliances, the mural is intact. Stylized writings on the mural have led experts to conclude that the work was created by Jean Michel Basquiat. The artists tag signature was found in the staircase, SAMO. And although Basquiat became well known, and whose work is sold for millions today, what the art historians are putting significance on his the simple history, relating to all the artists creating street art at that time thirty years ago. It is the beginnings of the graffiti art form. The rumor that there was art within the walls of the building had been talked about for years, some did not believe that it was true. The mural was excavated and placed on display with the other icons of the time, in Gallery 151 in SoHo