Another break from the usual flow: I'm delighted to announce that the terrific Francis Morrone has agreed to join us as a regular blogger chez les Blowhards. You've probably already run into some of Francis' writing in various commentsfests, and as an occasional poster over at David Sucher's blog (here). But Francis has been developing a case of blogging fever, and I'm thrilled he's decided to do some more carrying-on here.

Francis -- who will be blogging under his real name -- is a well-known architecture historian, a lecturer, and a teacher, and is the author of numerous classy architectural guides; you can check a few of them out here, here and here. (In case anyone's in doubt about this, "Fenster Moop," "Vanessa del Blowhard," and "Michael Blowhard" are pseudonyms.) Francis also writes a weekly column for the New York Sun, gives walking tours of NYC neighborhoods, and maintains his own extensive and fun-to-explore website here.

He's no stranger to regular blogging either. Back in 2001, he was one of the very earliest bloggers, running a site called (hilariously) "Not Herbert Muschamp"; sadly, it isn't online any longer. I have to say that, when I get around to creating a one-volume anthology of Architecture-Thought Essentials, it'll certainly include an ultra-fab essay that Francis wrote for The New Criterion back in 2002, entitled "Do Architecture Critics Matter?" The essay can be read here; I hereby and heartily proclaim it to be Necessary Reading.

I'm of course looking forward to being set straight by Francis on matters architectural, but I'm also hoping that he'll feel free to gab about whatever topics it pleases him to gab about. Movies, food, ads, art shows -- hey, it's all culture. Like Fenster, Francis has the gift for writing -- and writing super-fluently -- about everything in the right (ie., congenial, helpful, open, entertaining) spirit. When we chatted on the phone recently, Francis was quick to make sure I understood that -- despite his prodigious output -- he considers himself not an arts pro but a true arts "amateur" -- that is, someone who, no matter how he gets by, does it out of love. Amen, bro', to that.

Please join me in saying hi to Francis.

Hi Francis.

Posted by: Arun on September 7, 2004 12:00 AM

To: Michael Blowhard, founder & chief Blowhard
So when's the "2 Blowhards" name going to be changed? Or is it a registered franchise name, soon to be @ every Internet Cafe near you? How about "Not Just 2 Blowhards"? Or ">2Blowhards"? The more the merrier; just hope your wickedly insightful comments are preserved. Rapier wit is certainly your forte.

Posted by: DarkoV on September 7, 2004 07:53 AM

Hi, Francis.
Now I know where the deja-vu comes from: MAS tours. I had have a pleasure to be on one of Tim Robbins's (if I remember correctly his name) tours - Art Deco @ midtown, was planning to join you @ Grand Central - but alas, work intervined.

Incidentally, in your Brooklyn overview, you've missed out on Scandinavian history of Bay Ridge. On Sept.18 we are going to celebrate traditional Scandinavian craft fair; everybody welcome, clogs and lingenberry jam galore (and georgeous folk costumes). Check out Bayridge.com for more info.

Posted by: Tatyana on September 7, 2004 09:05 AM

Cool.

Posted by: David Sucher on September 7, 2004 01:36 PM

Welcome, Francis!

Posted by: Vanessa Del Blowhard on September 8, 2004 11:34 AM

Hi Francis!

Posted by: Neha on September 8, 2004 01:28 PM






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