Brenton over at Aussielicious has been toiling away on his latest photography exhibition. He’s pulled together this trailer to promote the exhibition that opens February 15th, 2013 in Australia.
Note: This may not be appropriate to view at work.
I leave for Brazil on Friday and to build excitement about the trip each day I am going to publish what I’m calling a “Brazil Post”. I thought I’d start the Brazil themed post with a bit of music and dance since most people associate the sounds of samba and Carnival with this South American nation.
A couple years ago I posted this video of a bunch of young guys dancing in their underwear (a.k.a. cueca). Enjoy the video.
My good friend and fellow blogger over ate You think you know published this image of my home state last week and I have to admit it is quite true. If you are familiar with Massachusetts this image will give you a good laugh.
The following post was written for me by Michael Constantinides.
MARIO TESTINO: IN YOUR FACE is on view at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts until February 3, 2013.
The line at the MFA’s main entrance started outside the building but, thankfully, kept moving – almost every person in that line waiting to view the broadly publicized Mario Testino “In Your Face” exhibit. I saw some boys buying MFA memberships on the spot, which instantly bestowed upon them the right to immediate entry into the building, bypassing the line (“I don’t do lines”, I overheard). And all this for good reason. These people just knew they were about to become intoxicated with photographs so esthetically gratifying (JLo’s turquoise Narciso Rodriguez gown billowing in the wind as she tethers 5 Doberman Pinschers), yet so vivid and realistic, arguably almost harsh (every follicle of fuzz on Kate Moss’ otherwise perfect nose visible, right there – IN YOUR FACE). Visitors will smirk at the handsome Tom Brady captured in a cute boyish grimace as he mimics the bark of his fellow model (Tom’s wife, Giselle, is herself the subject of several pieces on show). They will also admire Demi’s statuesque body, which certainly has me upping my squat routine – you’ll see for yourselves – the photograph that is. And of course who doesn’t want to revisit the iconic female nether region trimmed not into a mundane landing strip but in the shape of an angular letter G (that’s for Gucci)? The exhibit consists of approximately 120 super-enlarged, striking images that will send you into a visual crescendo.
And yet, regular museum goers may leave the exhibit feeling disillusioned – not with the Testino show – that’s exquisite – but with what seems to keep museums open these days: art not in its own right, but only as associated with either fashion or celebrity. Yes, fashion is sublime. Philosophically, however, there’s something sad about the reality that museums, those beacons of learning and civilization, have to pivot their shows around our celebrity-obsessed “culture”, or face extinction. And it’s true, indeed, that museums were not built to be empty so curators are justified adapting and doing whatever it takes to get people in there – hopefully people curious enough to wander off into the other areas and maybe become interested enough to return – perhaps buy or actually use that membership. Mr. Testino is a brilliant photographer and an artist in his own right who deserves to be showcased and honored. But I’d still have liked to see a line this long for, say, the Hopper exhibit or the Titian show a few years ago.
So do I recommend this exhibit? O-M-G, yes, go! You’ll love it. But here’s my suggestion – make an evening of it and do give the Linde Contemporary Art Wing a visit too. Also, do try the Allure of Japan show (running until December 31). Between exhibits, indulge in an espresso or – gasp! – dessert at the MFA’s colossal sun-drenched atrium café. You may be surprised with what you’ll discover on a day with the arts.
About Michael: A former banker, Michael C offsets the sobriety of his professional life with his passion for design, music, the arts and anything beautiful.
© Michael Constantinides 2012 – all rights reserved
After nearly a year together at the Odense Zoo in Denmark, this same-sex couple became “daddies”. After a female penguin in the zoo laid two eggs but only showed interest in one, zookeepers allowed the two male penguins adopt the neglected egg. More on this story can be read on BuzzFeed.
Photo Source: Han-pingvinpar som adoptivforældre. Foto: Ard Joungsma / Odense ZOO
Hilarious shoe advertisement from France.
The Presidential campaign has ended but the impact from the four ballot initiatives regarding marriage equality are only now being realized. Have we hit a tipping point in the US?
Nearly a decade ago in 2003, when I was standing outside the Massachusetts State House to show my support for same sex marriage I knew I was on the correct side of history – what I didn’t know was when that side would collectively stand up. The first hint came when President Obama spoke in favor of marriage equality. Just weeks after Obama let his feelings be known, marriage equality activists in Maryland saw a large swing of support for their ballot initiative coming from the African American electorate. Indeed his continued support has provided weight behind the argument that this is a civil rights issue and quieted the traditionally homophobic rants of many Black ministers.
I hope activists in more states (hint, hint California) are emboldened by these election results and mobilize. The combined efforts of States recognizing same sex marriage and Obama’s ability to name new Supreme Court Justices bodes well for social progressives like me.
Lastly, I hope our election results spill beyond our boundaries and encourage those in France, Australia and elsewhere to move forward. I’ve not been this encouraged or excited since Massachusetts first legalized same sex marriage in 2004.
After Karl Rove had a meltdown over Fox News indicating Obama had won Ohio, Fox News anchor, Megyn Kelly (who spells that name with a “y’?) asked Karl Rove who was disputing the data “Is this just math you do as a Republican to make yourself feel better.”
Stewart wasted no time seizing upon her words, suggesting this should replace their current tag line “Fair and Balanced“. No argument here.
Want to see the full clip? Check out the video on Hulu here.
Oh brother… when I read this story on Friday I nearly fell out of my chair. Did you hear that a woman in Boca Raton, FL was initially hassled and turned away from her local voting booth because she was wearing a t-shirt from one of America’s most prestigious universities?
The story is pretty amazing for two reasons. First, MIT is not exactly an obscure community college and despite its similarity to “Mitt” it is spelled differently and not in any of the colors or font associated with Mitt Romney’s campaign. Secondly, Florida law expressly doesn’t forbid someone from walking into a voting booth wearing as many political buttons, shirts or items that they like. So who were the fools managing this voting booth in Boca Raton, FL?
You can read more about this story here.
Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press
Source: BoyMagiaBr
One week from today I will board a plane and fly down to Brazil. While I’ve been to Brazil many times, I have not visited in a few years. This trip will bring me to Belo Horizonte, Floripa and Sao Paulo. Until then, I thought I’d tempt you with this photo from Rio de Janeiro.
The video is entitled “Best Calf Workout Ever!” but I disagree. Having a 90-lbs woman ride you like a Shetland pony at a public gym is odd.
Time to pull on the long johns to stay warm.
It is several weeks into the football season, and I continue to require these reminders why this sport has the potential to hold my attention. Someone needs to let them know the under-eye goth make up is sloppily applied and overdone. I’d also suggest happier colors (think Keisha).
Previous Suddenly it makes sense post.
BosGuy 