Yayoi Kusama

Obliterating the world with dots: Yayoi Kusama has given us some fantastic works of art. I am just now learning a bit more about the Japanese artist and think that other art lovers who don't already know Kusama's work need to take a look. Check out the trailer for a Kusama Bio film by Heather Lenz and Karen Johnson (below). Kusama's official website is also very informative.

She has done happenings, sculpture, painting, performance, installations, and more. Her name is known, but her work is probably not as known as it should be. Kusama has lead a very intriguing life and lives in a Mental Hospital in Tokyo with her studio down the street. 

Kusama Website HERE

Cory Doctorow and His Publishing Experiment

Cory Doctorow is a writer, blogger, and culturist. He is embarking on a new project in which he will track how much money he makes by pushing DIY publishing to new levels. The plan is to compare the money he makes himself to that which he receives when he publishes traditionally. It's the smorgasbord approach and should be very interesting to follow. Doctorow will chronicle his experiment in a Publisher's Weekly column. Read the first article HERE detailing the experimental parts to the DIY project.

I hope that Cory is successful in exceeding any profits he would have made by going the traditional route. With the way the publishing world is changing it is an approach like Doctorow's that will likely become most prudent for writers, Known or Unknown 

Read PW article

Tokyo! RENT IT NOW!!

I was finally able to see Tokyo! It's set in my favorite city and the stories told are brilliant. However, my favorite is the opening story "Interior Design." This first short was directed by  Michael Gondry. You can get the synopsis on the movie website (link above). But, I found it very powerful in the way it made me think about my life and what my purpose is. Don't we all want to fill useful? The story starts simple enough but slowly develops into a almost fablelike ending.

There are two additional shorts that are compiled into the whole by directors Bong Joon-Ho (story about a recluse or 'hikimori) and Leos Carax (story about a manlike creature that lives in the Tokyo sewers). The film is similar to "Je Taime, Paris" but focused on Tokyo, of course. There is actually another "city" film coming out soon, focused on New York City.

Tokyo! captures the vibe of the city and of the Japanese people and their society. The stories are very intricate yet simple at the same time. It's facinating to see the take on the city by non-Japanese directors.

RENT IT NOW!

This American Life takes on Health Care

I just finished listening to a fascinating edition of This American Life on NPR. There is a lot being said these days in regards to the Health Care debate, and as the show has done many times before with other topics, This American Life has given us a more clear, in depth, and pertinent view on the issues that impact the American Health Care System (Click the link below to listen).

There are so many parts to the Health Care puzzle that must be considered when developing the best plan of action to SAVE the entire system. Costs are spinning out of control and all major parties seem to understand this fact, including the Insurance Companies who would arguably stand to reap greater profits if NOTHING changed. But, these companies, just as doctors, hospital systems, and patients themselves understand, the system will collapse completely if nothing changes. In the past decade, costs associated with Health Care have risen 130%. If nothing changes, we could face a reality in which HALF of our income goes toward Health Care. That is only 9 years away if nothing changes.

But, what are the main problems and how can they be addressed and corrected? This American Life gives us a nice perspective of some of these In the show, we hear from doctors, patients, insurance reps, and journalists who have followed the issue for decades. The show today was the first of two parts, because there is so much to cover.

If you want a better picture of this very important debate, CHECK OUT THE SHOW HERE.

It is CODE RED for our Health Care System and it's an issue that can no longer be ignored.


THIS AMERICAN LIFE: 391: More of Less

Too Fresh to Die

I would call this collaboration between choreographer Christophe Haleb and the photographer Cyrille Weiner (both from France) a choreographed photo essay. It features La Zouze, a theatrical/dance company from Marseille. There are some captions that may assist those who can read in French. But it is all about the actions and scenes depicted in the photos.

The piece tells a story of a troupe of characters indulging in Life and it's offerings while running from it's ultimate conclusion. This is entertaining

Start the FEATURE HERE

Freaky Fortnight on SLATE

Slate editor, Michael Agger, and his wife, Susan Burton, are in the midst of an experiment of sorts. They have swapped jobs for 2 weeks. The switch has just started and you can follow their entries on the topic on Twitter and Facebook, OR read the articles HERE.

I have just started to read and am truly intrigued and curious about how the experiment will turn out. I am a bit surprised by my interest. You see, Mike and Susan are Thirty-somethings, married, with children. I am definitely not any of those things, yet I find the perspective and thoughts the two are sharing entertaining and enlightening. The Park Slope parents seem to be happy with their current life, but tell about the difficult decisions they both have had to    make in regards to finding the work/life balance.

Being a bit younger, unmarried, and without children, I am taking notes as to the circumstances and subsequent outcomes of the couples decisions and challenges. I think there is some definite value in the articles Mike and Susan are writing.

CHECK IT OUT ON SLATE, HERE

Gentle Friendly

PRESS TO PLAY "RIP STATIC"

PRESS TO PLAY "CLEAN BREAKER"

Gentle Friendly is from London UK. Their MySpace page lists influences as: british invasion,kraut jerk,caveman techno,cavepunk,,huge glistening party anthem,,anything screwd & chopd,buddhist bubblegum music 

It is quite the mix, but done so well. Check'em out on their MySpace or the label site: UPSET THE RYTHM


The art, including lyrics (above) is product of Gentle Friendly

Head On Competetion: Australia

This image is by Edwina Pickles and is apart of the HEAD ON photography competetion of Australia. The Comp has been around since about 2004 and puts the focus on the image, not the subject or photograher's name. It's an exhibition of Portrait. Click the link below to check out the other finalist photos.

Check Out the HEAD ON site HERE

Projects by Gary McLeod

Gary McLeod is a researcher/traveler/photographer who documents much of his subjects using a lense from the 19th century over his 21st century camera. The result (after accumulating upwards of 400 pics per final image) is a tiled effect. It's a creative process and brings a quality to the work that would not be there otherwise by uncovering a bit more of the image than would be seen with the "pure" photo approach.

The project that got my interest was that entitled "Privilege." McLeod photographs English Teachers in Japan using the "tiled" process. Being a English teacher in Japan myself, at one time, the images took me back. I even noticed that most of the teachers wore watches. This is typically a must for the profession. You have to keep the pace of those 45min lessons. The "Privilege" project gives a good look at the expat work force in Japan: who they are and where they come from. McLeod notes that the photos, "are a record of people taking an opportunity that may or may not be around forever." The idea for the project was heavily influenced by "native race" photos thru-out history.


His website is worth checking out, particularly if you like photography. CLICK HERE

Discovery

If you like RaRaRiot or Vampire Weekend, you should check out the new band, Discovery, comprised of Wes Miles (RaRaRiot) and Rostom Boltmanglij (Vampire Weekend). Their vibe is described as Experimental RandB'ish. I think it is definitely more on the experimental side. Cool stuff. The band's site is great, you can listen to the entire album. I like so many of the synth/keyboard breaks in VW's stuff, and this is heavy on it with Rostom on board.


Check Out http://dscvry.net/

http://www.myspace.com/discoverdiscovery

Sandy Lam's "Spaceless"

Sandy is a designer working in Canada. I came across this design in a magazine. The "Spaceless" is an award winner and serves to add more function and space to your outdoor living area. I thought it was pretty clever, particularly if you are living in a small space. The bench and table fold up from the floor. Very smart.

Check it out HERE.

Sandy is an all 'round designer. Here site shows her renderings, interactive, communication, and photography designs. But, it is her INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS, including "Spaceless" that stand out.

Bruce Weber Special Exhibition

There is a lot that can be said about Bruce Weber including his vision, amount of work, effect his work has had, and the array of his work. It's prolific to say the lest. There is a special exhibition brought by Sundance Channel that is ONLINE. It features photos, interviews, video clips, and even a playlist. It's a great look at the man. I enjoy his work so much because he is able to reach into his subjects and pull out a feeling that only he can and that feeling is represented throughout all his work.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

GONE FISHING - A LITTLE JOURNEY IN MY BACK YARD is the first online exhibition of the films and photographs of acclaimed filmmaker and photographer Bruce Weber. The exhibition features clips from Bruce's award winning documentaries and shorts as well as the full-length Pet Shop Boys music video BEING BORING, and YOU FEEL ME, a documentary short film. --Sundance Channel Site

The Grass Eaters on SLATE

A recent article on SLATE took a look at the trend of "grass-eating boys" in Japan, or soushoku danshi and examines why trend is present and what it is all about.

Definite CHECK OUT.

It made me wonder if a trend like this could find its way to the American society. Particularly due to the slow down in our economy. The Recession has already caused people to reevaluate personal spending and priorities. I believe that it is plausible that many young guys will, more and more, turn away from the larger corporations that may have generated huge incomes, but in a volatile manner and at a cost of free spirit and free time, and they will turn to means of income that are more in line with a more "humble" lifestyle. I know that there are already several "Grass Eaters" in my neighborhood. I, for one, hope that the trend does pick up. I think that the way we consume in America is shifting and that includes the ways in which we use our consumption to evaluate our lives in terms of "measuring up." The eating of grass symbolizes turning away from "the hunt" and finding greater solace and value in what you already have and in what may be more easily obtained.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta & Project Runway

If it is on BRAVOtv, then I will probably watch it...at least a few times. They know me, they have researched me, they have me hooked. I will even watch the Rachel Zoe show in which the cast is in a constant scramble to find the perfect dress for Anne Hathaway. I will watch Flipping Out, where a house flipper spends most the time abusing his assistants.

But, the BEST show on BRAVO right now is...THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA

Hands down. This is my favorite show at the moment. I have watched a few other housewife shows, but none can match what they are doing in ATL. The show even looks more glossy (which I love) and the women just have more going on, literally. They jam pack their shows with so much and they have a good time doing it. There is enough drama, gossip, and "hood" luxuriousness going on in this show, how can you not watch?

In what other show will you get a housewife stripping on camera or hamming it up with her Best-Gay as he puts on heels during a photo shoot? Oh, NENE. An entire show could just center around this lady. Oh wait, it already does. It's called THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA.

A guilty pleasure of mine.

WATCH IT...site here 10/9c

This leads me to what used to be my favorite BRAVO show, PROJECT RUNWAY.
It's definitely different than Housewives ATL because I watch on a much more mellow level, watching artistic creations take shape. Tim Gunn's voice can put you at ease and his Gunnisms are the best. And Heidi Klum, she can be mean sometimes, but look so good at it.


Watch HERE

Unfortunately the cast of designers this season are a bit lackluster in the personality side. In previous seasons, you could count on having at least a handful of spitfire personalities, but that just is not the case this season which finds the show moved to LIFETIME. It's not as fun, and the designers are just so serious. Even worse, the entire show looks cheaper: It doesn't have the glossy sheen it had when on BRAVO. Like some of the designs on the show, the show itself just isn't constructed as well as it has been.

But, I will keep on watching. Hoping it will get better as I invest time in the cast of designers. Truth be told, I do tune in a 10 and then flip to BRAVO for Housewives ATL. Luckily BRAVO knows me so well, they are smart enough to rerun the show immediately at 11. So intuitive. And, lets be honest, RUNWAY is the only show I am tuning into on LIFETIME no matter how hard they try to pull me away from my true TV mistress, BRAVO.

Oh, and funny enough, when I did a Google search for "Project Runway" the BRAVO site is listed first, followed by the LIFETIME site.

Three Olives Vodka AD

I like this ad. I've never really thought that much about Three Olives, but know that I have had it before. I'm not much of a liquor drinker, preferring beer or wine, but this ad definitely makes the brand stick in my head.

The set up is bizarre, and a bit racy maybe: Guy slapped in the face with fish and gets an "O" face... It's funny.

I think the suit is cool in a work-a-day way and I love the close-up of the socks.

There are actually several commercials featuring this guy in similar setups.

I'll have to check those out, too.

Good Job, Three Olives.