frogifix

Martin Kippenberger's crucified amphibian god stirred up controversy among the Papal elite when it was exhibited near the Pope's summer retreat. One likely overweight Jesuit bishop went on a hunger strike as an act of resistance to this aesthetic blasphemy, which did more for his health than for the salvation of sacrosanct religious images. Hopefully, more money poured into the Vatican coffers as a result.

art in the time of blago

Teachers College Press, which must be a flea bitten outfit, will publish a graphic novel by Billy Ayers based on his memoir To Teach: The Journey. Ayers has gone from being a "washed up old terrorist" (in the words of John McCain) to being a washed up old professor seeking a few more Blago minutes of fame.

Ayers is n more than a left-wing version of Joe the Plumber. Both have nonsensical ideas about politics. Both appear buffoonish during appearances on TV. Both are looking to cash in on the media spotlight that was directed at them for no good reason during the election campaign. And both inspire laughter.

Ayers is certainly not a person to be taken seriously. But he does have entertainment value as a C grade celebrity. Perhaps he has Joe the P.'s agent now and a sweet record deal lies in the future for Professor Ayers.