Go see "Lee Mullican: An Abundant Harvest of Sun" at the Grey Art Gallery, New York University (through July 15). This California artist (1919-1998) painted abstract imaginary spacescapes that burst with light energy (Magic Night, 1966, pictured). The show covers work from the 1940s to the 1950s, but it is the paintings from the '50s that stand out the most. Applying paint with the thin edge of a printer's knife, creating an effect resembling stitching, the controlled, textilelike paintings are the West Coast counterpoint to Jackson Pollock's drips and splatters. Mullican is the best artist you never heard of.

During the Fringe Festival, my girlfriend and I caught Super Ed's SurReal GongMusic sidewalk act. Following Ed's performance we had a chance to chat with him and I purchased his DVD. Before leaving he suggested that I view his work under the influence and in complete darkness. I followed his instructions as best I could and found his acid-damaged hippie performance-art folk-out to be grating, creative, bizarre and endearing. Homemade costumes, props and a cast of characters are used to visually convey the central themes of God, sex and drugs in Ed's wacko tunes.

I find there is no better way to unwind than by turning on a Phillies game. For as long as I can remember, baseball has always soothed my soul. Perhaps it is the leisurely pace of the game that reminds me to slow down my rapid thought process. Or perhaps it is the deep, calming voice of Harry Kalas that provides the ultimate solace. Tuning into a ballgame tends to simplify my life; there is time between pitches to strum my guitar, cook up some grub and attend to day-to-day tasks that often get put aside. Plus, following the Phils fosters a sense of community, as there is always something to discuss with the guy behind the counter at Wawa.

I know I don't look like I eat a lot of salads, but I do. Every Thursday after Council I head to T'r Na Ng for the Cobb salad. I find myself daydreaming about the yummy goodness of their Cobb salad, which is by far the best I've ever eaten. I know the rest of their menu is great but I seem to have an addiction for the salad so I won't order anything else, except a pint of the greatest drink to come from Ireland—Harp beer, which they have on tap. Life doesn't get much better than that.