> > Most people I know are interested in film
> > and television. I prefer visual arts that
> > are stationary, so ask me about painting,
> > and I'm your man.
> Who are your favorite artists?  Mine include
> Picasso, Dali, and Escher.

Hard to say. I was tempted to say "anyone with a 
distinctive style," but that would be a lie -
there are bunches of people whose work I can
identify at a glance but who do little for me
 - de Kooning, Henry Moore, El Greco, and so on. 

Can't do withouts include some of the works of
your favorites; also Rembrandt, Velasquez, Monet,
a wide-ranging sets of preferences.

I also have irrational fondnesses for some of the
Boston-affiliated artists of several periods - Copley,
Sargent, Hassam, but that's partially because I too
have been associated with that area for nearly 50 years.

If you like Escher and especially Dali, what do
you think of their (spiritual) ancestors the
Breughels and Bosch?

> > Now there's a bit of trivia. What's it about?
> > I suppose two guys from Milwaukee.
> That is actually the one I have not seen.  :)  I assume it is indeed about
> 2 guys from Milwaukee.  I think one of the guys is Bob Hope, but don't
> quote me on that!

Pea Soup with Bacon 
categories: French, starter
servings: 6 to 8

2 Tb oil
4 oz diced smoked slab bacon
1 md onion, diced
1 lg carrot, diced
1 lb split peas, rinsed
9 c water
3 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and ground pepper

Soupe de Pois cassies au Lard

Heat the oil over medium heat and saute onions, 
carrot and bacon. Cook for 10 min, then add peas, 
water, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and 
skim the foam from the surface. Reduce heat and 
simmer, stirring occasionally until the peas 
have dissolved, about 1 1/2 hr. Remove bay leaves 
and thyme. Allow soup to rest before serving. 
Reheat, add chicken broth, milk, or water if the 
soup is too thick. Salt and pepper to taste.

Alexandra Leaf and Fred Leeman, Van Gogh˙s Table at the 
Auberge Ravoux, adapted by Jaime Kopke
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