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Meandering Thoughts about Art and Culture

2006-07-30T20:27:00.000-04:00

W
ho says that modern dance is esoteric?

Modern dancers have been bringing dance to the masses for years, dancing in spaces not designated exclusively as performance spaces-- dancing on streets, in parks, and in public buildings. And yet, despite artists attempts at popularizing dance as art, I find that many people still have very little concept of what modern dance is.

Perhaps one of the reasons the public finds modern dance puzzling is because it is an abstract art form. Unlike many classical ballets or musical theatre pieces, there is often no clear story. Modern dance is more like visual poetry-- images emerge and disappear and don't necessarily follow a "logical" progression. I find that people who don't worry about "getting it" enjoy modern dance. They allow themselves to see the movement and make an interpretation instead of imposing a preconceived idea over the dance.

I don't think that the inability to see what is in front of us is a phenomenon that only happens in the arts. The debate in the US about the teaching of evolution and the movement to teach "intelligent design" strikes me as part of the same issue. Why are we as a country shifting towards ideas that must be taken on faith rather than towards ideas that are derived from observation? I think the short answer is that after 9/11 and with the disturbing news of escalating violence in the world, we are reaching towards ideas that are impenetrable; they seem comforting because they are unquestionable and unchanging. The also absolve us of seeing and creating our own ideas.

I find this trend towards non-thinking disturbing. As a self-described artist, I prize imagination, but imagination that addresses the world as it might be, not imagination that insists it literally exists. I hope to see more imagination that acknowledges the world as it is and envisions the world as it may become, and I hope that we may move towards a culture that is willing to see, wonder, think, and imagine a better future world.

related :

filed under : art culture education

photograph by Kenneth Balint

The Oxford Project

2006-06-12T02:01:00.000-04:00

Anyone else hear about this one? Twenty years ago, photographer Peter Feldstein photographed residents of the small town, Oxford, Iowa, and recently he found about 100 of those people and photographed them again. You can visit the project website at www.oxfordproject.com or take a look at the Smithsonian website, which has a charming article about the project with a couple samples of the photographs, then and now.

http://www.smithsonianmagazine.com/issues/2006/june/feldstein.php

related :

filed under : art | culture | fun

Travel Log: Paris

2006-06-12T01:50:00.000-04:00

So it might be a little late to make summer travel plans, but in the event that you happen to be going to Paris, here's a must-see: The Musee D'Orsay. Ok, so it isn't some obscure mysterious place, but for those who have not seen it, I would say that it is sine qua non for a visit to Paris, even more so than the Louvre. Even if you are not a fan of Impressionist painting, the architecture is worth the trip and the long wait in line. Be forewarned- get to the Museum early to avoid too much of a wait to get in, and hope that there isn't a labor strike.

related :

filed under : art | culture | fun

Microsoft iPod

2006-05-24T22:40:00.000-04:00

Let's apply the XP aesthetic to Apple.

Here is what one creative genius came up with.

related : Data Fountain | Touched Confession | What brand are you?

filed under : culture | fun

Linguistic nostalgia : Yakigawa

2006-05-05T17:24:00.000-04:00

My final warning to you is always pay for your own drinks…. All the scandals in the world of politics today have their cause in the despicable habit of swallowing free drinks.

--Yukitoki Yakigawa

The former president of Kyoto University gave this advice to graduating students at commencement in the summer of 1954. That's the same year that the first Godzilla was released.

Makes one really suspect free-drinks lady's nights, like the one in this promoter's flyer from Switzerland. And isn't that a stolen picture of that Victoria's Secret model, Adriana Lima?

related : Intimate Strangers | MAC Cosmetics | Touched Confession

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

BuzzPhraser

2006-05-04T19:01:00.000-04:00

Alright you Star Wars fans, it's "Phraser", not phazer, not grazer, not saber, and not tater.

Now you can be like Dilbert and create your own verbose hyperbole with the help of an algorithm.

m.i. previously covered What brand are you?, which creates nonsensical corporate monikers for today's "Accenture"'s. We also reviewed how news travels and is covered by mainstream media in Buzz Tracker and Vanishing Point. Buzzphrazer is just as entertaining and thought-provoking.

related : Lost in Translations | Word Count | Snow Day

filed under : culture | fun

Sugar Baby Love

2006-04-29T15:36:00.000-04:00

Racy videos from director Wilfred Brimo for the AIDS (AIDES) awareness campaign in France. It is named like The Rubettes song, Sugar baby love.

Although it is animated and cartoony in nature, it contains VERY ADULT subject matter. The director's point is clear. No need to talk down to or scare people; only fun memorable reminders (interesting visuals, catchy music) are needed.

While you're at it, check out Gay? Fine By Me, an non-profit organization against homophobia.

The below is the pre-quel to the sequal, the 2005 campaign's Femme, or Baby Baby.

Here's another video by Wilfred, or Wilfrid, about other love dilemmas. Music from Shakedown's Love Game. As one reviewer said, "features pure adulterated pixel porn".

related : Shape of Song | Human Origins | Make Poverty History | Sex on the Beach | Pixel Millionaire

filed under : culture | education

Fifth Ave Tribute

2006-04-28T15:36:00.000-04:00

Back in the cold dreary days of January, m.i. walked up Fifth Avenue and saw a fantastic window display. We even made a point of going back with the camera the next day, but unfortunately, Lord & Taylor had ended the amazing tribute to illustrator Michael D. Arthur.

The windows narrated the relationship Michael Arthur has had with NYC, the theatre, and the dance industry. A prominent example is the below drawing of Amanda McKerrow.

Given to Ms. McKerrow the night of her final performance with American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House, this drawing includes the title of every ballet she danced during her career with ABT.

According to the Washington Post, McKerrow dedicated her last ABT performance (Giselle) to her mother. Read m.i.'s review and other links about the performance.

Another example from the L&T display is of Juilliard students in rehearsal and performance. View slideshow.

In addition to work for magazines, newspapers, and private commission, Michael Arthur was the illustrator of a book, call Facing The Mirror by Mike Renquist. Read other reviews (1|2) about the his illustrations in Fifth Ave windows, and be sure to check out his latest work on his constantly updated website.

related : Brava Diva | Last Performance with ABT | Haunting Beauty | Last Train Ride | Le Petit Prince

filed under : art

More by Mark Osborne

2006-04-26T21:09:00.000-04:00

Now that Wallace & Gromit by Nick Park has won three Oscars (The Wrong Trousers in 1993, A Close Shave in 1995, and The Curse of the WereRabbit in 2005), it is time that we look at an old favorite...

MORE is the compelling short story of an inventor’s struggle to find meaning in his bland, colorless life. The film is an experimental combination of clay and cel animation, and in 1999 became the first fully-animated film created in the 15perf/70mm format to be nominated for an Academy Award™.

With no dialogue, the music is a character in itself.
Watch it now.

Here are some versions of the film that you could download.

Check out the official, tougue and cheek sites for More.

Knitting in the Dark

2006-04-24T20:04:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times Fashion & Style section:

ATTENTION, KNITTERS. There you are in a theater watching the promos, when, if only you could see, you could be finishing that adorable little sweater you've been working on. Monica Dremann, the wife of Michael Rosenberg, the president of Imagine Entertainment, mentioned this sad state of affairs to Edith Eig, an owner of La Knitterie Parisienne in Los Angeles, and Mrs. Eig's husband, Merrill, a retired engineer, got on the case. The resulting partnership yielded Knit Lite: knitting needles with glowing L.E.D tips, which allow you to purl away not only in the movies, but also at night on the lawn under a starless sky or maybe even in an amusement park tunnel of love. "The best part," said Mrs. Eig, an actual Parisienne who has a Chanel-style suit emerging from her No. 10½ needles, "is there is no problem knitting with the beautiful black yarns." Available next month, Knit Lite needles in various sizes will cost about $20 a pair at laknitterieparisienne.com. SUSAN GUERRERO

related : SHOP | Craft Bazaar | Conscientious Consumption

filed under : culture

Fly Guy

2006-04-20T15:44:00.000-04:00

This fun interactive may still be new to some.

FlyGuy incorporates simply yet whimsically elegant elements for a URL that you'll want to share.

Point your browser to FlyGuy.

related : Smart Fun | Last Train Ride | Zoom!

filed under : fun

Race - The Power of an Illusion

2006-04-11T11:50:00.000-04:00

However one might define "distinguishing characteristics" amongst humans, it is easy to fall into the familiar cycle. First you fear them, second you revere them, then you ridicule them, and finally you don't remember them.

Race - The Power of an Illusion is a 3 part documentary that attacks the issue front and center, with readings, interviews, and teacher resources. m.i. had heard great things about this ambitious PBS series back in 2003 at a mentoring conference (it was recommended for mentees, like mine, attending and adjusting to diverse schools). The race topic is always relevant and should never be forgotten.

Episode 1- The Difference Between Us examines the contemporary science - including genetics - that challenges our common sense assumptions that human beings can be bundled into three or four fundamentally different groups according to their physical traits.

Episode 2- The Story We Tell uncovers the roots of the race concept in North America, the 19th century science that legitimated it, and how it came to be held so fiercely in the western imagination. The episode is an eye-opening tale of how race served to rationalize, even justify, American social inequalities as "natural."

Episode 3- The House We Live In asks, If race is not biology, what is it? This episode uncovers how race resides not in nature but in politics, economics and culture. It reveals how our social institutions "make" race by disproportionately channeling resources, power, status and wealth to white people.

Complete transcripts and videos are available from the producers. Also read about the campaign, the outreach, and the review.

related : Tolerance.org | Blog Translation | Illusion of Separateness | So what does a Russian crow say?

filed under : culture | education

Best of m.i. : cold virgin mixology

2006-04-08T13:03:00.000-04:00

As the season heads warmer and greener, m.i. does a recap of our best warm weather cool-downs. Don't have to wait for company to whip one of these great drinks up, make one for yourself on that slow Sunday morning!

Check out our previous posts of non-virgin and hot drinks.
>> more mi-xology mixology

filed under : how to | announcements

Previously . . .

2006-04-02T13:35:00.000-04:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .

Linguistic nostalgia : Paul Newman

2006-03-23T15:06:00.000-05:00

For those of you who like to scarf your popcorn in the sack, the good news is that Newman’s Own contains an aphrodisiac.

--Paul Newman

The popular actor was quoted in the August 13th 1984 edition of Newsweek, in reference to adding popcorn to the product lines of his philanthropic multimillion-dollar corporation with the following tagline.

Newman's Own : Shameless exploitation in the pursuit of the common good.
Organic (and tasty) ingredients. Profits after taxes go to progressive causes.

Paul Newman also has these cookbooks out: Newman's Own Cookbook and The Newman's Own Organics Guide to a Good Life.

related : Julia Child | Oscar Cookies | Orange Blossom Muffins

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

Sand Art

2006-03-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

Here's a Korean video of a sand artist performing his magic in front of an audience. Very interesting use of positive and negative space. This reminds us of being a kid and playing/creating with simple materials.

Fun looking sand toys that I wouldn't mind playing with now:

related : McMansions | Eco-Bunny | Last Train Ride

filed under : art | fun

Blog Translation

2006-03-21T17:20:00.000-05:00

Although m.i. had alway install babelfish links (with systran technology) to it's pages, it has taken some research to find how to best integrate access for various languages into our content. We have visitors from all over the world, and our topics are also very international.

Finally, voila, we have installed translations to our blog webpages. Simply locate the flag of your choice on the top left and continue to surf our site.

The following languages are available:

related : Lost in Translations | Data Fountain | Football Skills

filed under : education | announcements

Orchid Show

2006-03-18T11:12:00.000-05:00

m.i. was fortunate enough to visit the New York Botanical Garden this year for the Orchid Show. The plants were spectacular, and it was nice just to think warm this time of year. (Perfect weekend trip!)

Wander through the lush exhibits as you ooh and ahh at the surprising similarities between the slipper orchid and your household low-cut shoe. Be sure to catch a tour with the docent as he explains the difference between an orchid and a flower to the layman. He may give you one of these charts for clarification and could also illuminate upon the breeding and naming of the prized Orchidaceae. Round out the day with a look at the orchids at the Shop in the Garden.

You will definitely need directions to the the NYBG, unless you live in the area. And while you're at their website, be sure to Meet the Orchids.

related : Bike Jungle | Orange Blossom | Snow Day | McMansions

filed under : culture | education

Sweet Treat : Orange Blossom Muffins

2006-03-17T17:31:00.000-05:00

Tastes as fresh and citrus-like as eating oranges in a Florida grove on a spring morning. No kidding!The ingredients are simple and the methods easy, like all of m.i.’s sweet treats.

1 large orange
3/4 cup canola oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Mix together oil, sugar, and eggs until thick. Refrigerate while working with orange. Zest at least 2 tbsp of the rind and juice the entire thing.

Mixture should now be cold and stiff. Add salt, baking sode, vanilla, and only ¼ cup of orange juice and pulp. Save remaining juice. Blend well and pour into well greased muffin pans. Bake at 350^o for 15 minutes or until light brown.

Remove from pan when firm. Dip in glaze, made from ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp of orange juice, while still warm. Replace a touch of orange juice with lemon juice for an glaze with kick.

Bon appetite.

related : Red Bean Mochi | Julia Child | Drop Danish

filed under : how to

Architectual Fashion

2006-03-16T15:59:00.000-05:00

m.i. caught the very last day that the Fashion of Architecture exhibit was at the Center of Architecture on LaGuardia Place.

It was a warm sunny day in New York, and the three floors of the center were crowded with visitors. The collection featured Hussein Chalayan heavily (such as to the bottom right), and displayed all of its pieces without a single mannequin (such as to the top left). One can see the similarities in form, materials, and 3-dimensional use of space between architecture and fashion. Unfortunately, the collection and its display conveyed stiffness above all else, and did not translate the ideas of both fashion and architecture fluidly. The exhibit is featured in various magazines articles and news stories with critical acclaim however. For your personal review:

More photos of the Hussein Chalayan’s collection after the jump...
The London-based Turkish Cypriot is well know for conceptual, intelligent fashion design. He initial entrance into the scene is well marked by this calapsible skirt, in the spirit of the similarly named cup. The remaining photos are from his 2000 collection are are all featured in the Fashion of Architecture exhibit.

More links:

http://www.fashionfile.com/designers/HusseinChalayan.html
http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/culture/mofa/design/chalayan/
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2006RTW/review/HCHALAYA

related : McMansions | Demonic Divine | La Mode

filed under : art

Fax Art

2006-03-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

FaxToy.net feeds off faxes. No pun intended, the site randomly puts together things faxed to their number (510.545.0990). The image appears as soon as your little fax machine sends it off. Fax Art is a studied subject in various exhibitions and gallery. FaxToy is different because it is participatory. It combines the ideas of the very-now flickr and the very-80's fax in a very post-modern way. It's two-tone simplicity/complexity combines high and low tech, making images a little different than what the broadband internet user expects.

FaxToy.net seems very new still, and so I expect the art to get more interesting. This "art", like that of Post Secret, is the same way we find community and contemporary culture in blogs by contributing and seeing what others have read.

More about the site. You can rate the images by "interestingness", just like flickr, and there is also RSS syndication.

More on the topic at :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax_art
http://blogs.ldjjj.com/date/2003/04/
http://www.dismbody.demon.co.uk/telaes.html
http://www.tamabi.ac.jp/gurafu/akiyama/MYSKIP/MYSKIP.html search for "My Skip vol.23　12月号"

related : PostSecret | NINEAEM | La Mode

filed under : art | culture

mi-xology mixology : Cafe Au Lait

2006-03-14T23:38:00.000-05:00

1 shot espresso
milk
brown or refined sugar
dutch cocoa
cinnamon
Pour espresso and sugar in bowl. Fill with hot milk. Sprinkle with cocoa and cinnamon.

>> more mi-xology mixology

related : An Elegant Cup | Long Island Iced Tea | Thai Iced Coffee & Thai Iced Tea

Last Train Ride

2006-03-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Cold, alone, and tired.
The city and its daily grind is beautifully portrayed in this tribute to the New York City commuter. The music and animation was also integrated into a dance performance.

View other works at the multi-media collaborative Triborosound.com. Also see Kofti.com, the animator's website.

related : Biking Jungle | Zoom! | River Statement | Sticker Art

filed under : art | fun

IKEA game

2006-03-10T15:22:00.000-05:00

Even Scadinavians can be stumped by how IKEA names their furniture and accessory lines.

Do you dare to test your knowledge of (intuition about) IKEA? Give it a go at this challenging game to match IKEA names with the actual item.

Good luck!

related : Eco-Bunny | Office Pranks | Dark Room

filed under : fun

Lingustic nostalgia : Leo Steiner

2006-03-07T14:23:00.000-05:00

They didn’t even have enough brains to take a couple of good pastrami sandwiches.

--Leo Steiner

Late Carnegie Deli owner Leo Steiner was quoted in the New York Times when his delicatessen was robbed in 1986. He had operated the eatery next to Carnegie Hall for 50 years by that time, and is still part of New York legend and history. The book, How to Feed Friends and Influence People, is dedicated the amazing growth of the business, all the way out to Las Vegas. Read the backcover for a description of the robbery.

The Sumo wrestlers who competed in Madison Square Garden for the World SUMO Challenge: Battle of the Giants, also visited the yiddish-influenced deli and attempted to finish their sandwiches. The champion of the competition was Mitshuhiko Fukao, a 5'10", 411.5-pound wrestler, but the real winner was the Woody Allen, two-pound pastrami and corned beef on rye favorite. Check out this other Times article on Sumo Snacks and this photoset of the wrestling event on flickr.

related : Brooklyn Diner style Broadway Shake | 8 Legs left

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

How to peel a potato.

2006-03-06T22:43:00.000-05:00

Imagine a pre-industrial kitchen maid-- BBC, turn-of-the-century, and what not. What is her overwhelming task day in and day out? Peeling those wretched potatoes!

As the painting "Kitchen Maid" by Jean Baptiste Chardin depicts, taking skin off an Idaho is not a fun chore.

Solution:
Here's a quick video, no foreign language understanding required, that will teach how to peel pototoes quickly and then explain the science behind it. Best of all, no special equipment or skills required.

Try it out.

related : How to fold a shirt | Julia Child | Sweet Treat

filed under : how to

78th Annual Acadamy Awards Cookies

2006-03-05T17:12:00.000-05:00

Tired of waiting for the gossip columns to get through the stuff about the dresses and finally get to the soft and chewy part of the Oscars?

Horray for Mahattan based Eleni's and their Oscar themed cookies. Comes in the following packages for the Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Picture categories. The leading men look very yummy, while the leading ladies seem to come from the same mold (light-hair, high cheekbones, and collagen lips). Pictures after the jump...

related : | Drop Danish | Vanishing Point | Intimate Strangers

filed under : culture | fun

Touched Confession

2006-03-03T10:02:00.000-05:00

Madonna’s retouched photos from her latest Confessions on a Dance Floor cover are out on the internet. This particular images is from the single Sorry.

Born on August 16, 1958, no one can blame the rock royalty for a little vanity and embellishment.

More after the jump...

Take a look at some of the royal treatment at Madonna's official site were you can get her tracks and videos for iTunes.

Here is the Madonna and Gorillaz performance at the Grammy's

related : Photo Retouching | Photo Booth Chronicles | The Shape of Song

filed under : culture

Previously . . .

2006-03-02T17:17:00.000-05:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .

Favourite Favicons

2006-03-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

Also called a favorites/favourites icon, a Favicon is the small image shown next to the URL of a particular website. If you use Internet Explorer , you'll see it when you make a bookmark, or when you enter a page. If you use Firefox , you've definitely seen it. Firefox is also known as the Favicon Browser. Other browers that you might like with Favicon functionality are Netscape , Mozilla , Opera , and Safari .

Now that we all know what the Favicon is, check out Favourite Favicons , a post about some of the most appreciated Favicons on the web.

What do you think of the m.i. Favicon for mi-xology.com ?
Or would you prefer them animated 1|2 (please wait for the animation to loop)?

Read our Icon Legend ( Posting starts here; Comment on the post; Email posting to a friend) and remember that this icon () either on the top or bottom of your Firefox adds mi-xology.com Live Bookmarks to your browser.

related : Helpful Features | m.i. favorites | Pixel Millionare

filed under : culture | announcements

Haunting Beauty

2006-02-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

We are all familiar, to varying degrees, with Alien, Aliens, Alien³, Alien Resurrection, Predator, and AVP. However, have you seen some of H.R. Giger's other works?

This Oscar winner is most famous for creatures from outside space, but he is most prolific with the female form.

The two paintings above were stolen from a Prague exhibition in 2005. The Swiss artist is giving a reward for their return.

Here is a quote about the critically acclaimed exhibition:

Fear
We fear most that which we cannot fully grasp. We don‘t fear the face of foreigners, armed people, or ghosts; it’s the uncertainty of what is to come that scares us most. What will become of us the next time we are confronted with the unknown? The condemned are calmer than their judges. Those who are trapped are calmer than those fleeing. Even if the fate is cruel, those sorts know all know what to expect. Prague’s National Technical Museum will host the exhibition of HR Giger.

Closer to home, there was a Giger VIP room at the Limelight (now Avalon). He is seen here on the left at its inaguration.

See more pictures at H.R. Giger's Official Site. And check out this m.i. favorite, Alien Loves Predator, or "In New York, no one can hear you scream".

related : Mission Inspiration | Zoom! | Julian Beever

filed under : art | culture

mi-xology mixology : Mojito

2006-02-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

This drink finds its roots in Cuba, but Puerto Rican rum maker Bacardi would like to make it its own.
m.i. first made this cocktail years ago, but the mojito has found uncommon popularity in recent times. The fresh taste and uncommon name make it a memorable drink.

2 oz rum
1 oz lime juice (1 whole lime)
2 tsp table sugar
4 sprigs of fresh mint
club soda

Place mint leaves on the bottom of a tall flat glass. Add sugar and muddle, using the graininess of the granules to release the mint flavor. Fill with ice, then include lime and rum. Cover with club soda and stir. Garnish.

Barcadi has a well designed site with only mojitos in mind. It features a everything from a step-by-step recipe to a destination video.

>> more mi-xology mixology

February 14th

2006-02-14T16:46:00.000-05:00

Love is wondrous, but bah humbug to the disingenuousness of Valentine's Day.

Here are some fun SNL V-Day Skits.

It's not the flowers or chocolates, and it's definitely not about the Best Buy Valentine's Day Sales.

related : Heart of Grace | Long Island Iced Tea | Casanova

filed under : culture | fun

Easy SMS

2006-02-09T08:25:00.000-05:00

Why is Short Message Service, or SMS, such a popular telephone instrument around the world but so difficult in North America? It seems that most other countries have only a few dominant mobile carriers that make it simple to send messages. North America users, however, have no way to distinguish a number's cellular service provider and the particular syntax that the provider requires.

North America (Canada, US, Caribbean, Hawaii, Guam) can now rejoyce. Teleflip is the simplest and most efficient way to quickly send directions, recipies, and reminders to a person's cell phone. Just have the 10-digit number with area code ready.

Any of the following email formats are acceptable:

3105551212@teleflip.com
(310)555-1212@teleflip.com
310-555-1212@teleflip.com

Teleflip is completely free to use and has no registration process. They will even take support questions. Gotta love that.

related : Global Connections | Vanishing Point | Lost in Translations | Buzz Tracker

filed under : how to

Beyond Green

2006-02-08T16:27:00.000-05:00

From the New York Times Home & Garden section:

An artists' cooperative called the Learning Group has designed and helped build a 538-square-foot hexagonal dwelling in Monterrey, Mexico, using wire mesh, concrete and recycled plastic bottles filled with sand or water. Julio Castro, one of the artists, lives in Monterrey and led the project. A couple from a squatters' community is living in the house, called Collected Material Dwelling No. 002, Mexico 2005. (Information on the project: learningsite.info.) Another version, made with cardboard and a tarp roof, below, will be at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York in an exhibition called "Beyond Green: Toward a Sustainable Art" from Feb 2 through May 7.

--Elaine Louie

The exhibition is on tour from the Smart Museum at the University of Chicago. Here is the review, catalogue, and project site.

related : Educative Recycled Games | McMansions followup | Conscientious Consumption

filed under : art | education

Lingustic nostalgia : Julia Child

2006-02-07T15:48:00.000-05:00

Life itself is the proper binge.

--Julia Child

Time magazine quoted the above in its January 7th, 1980 edition. Julia Child had her own PBS TV series and numerous books on cooking. She was well loved legend and inspired broadway producers, comedians, and gourmets alike.

related : Sweet Treat | 8 Legs left | Drop Danish

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

Pixel Millionare

2006-02-06T22:19:00.000-05:00

Visual and original, entreprenuer Alex Tew created the Million Dollar Homepage, literally.

At www.milliondollarhomepage.com, this Brit decided to sell the space on his website for $1 USD per pixel. This has made Mr. Tew a Pixel Millionaire. The media has lauded his creativity and ability, but "a dollar a dot" is simply fun to look at.

The progression of his sales and final auction after the jump.

Read more about his initial brainstorm and the later lawsuit:

related : Data Fountain | Make Poverty History | Organ-ised Donation

filed under : culture

MAC Chinese New Year Kick-Off

2006-02-03T16:07:00.000-05:00

So more news off Fifth Avenue and from around Bryant Park.

MAC makeup's fashion show kick-off has a Chinese theme.
The photos explain themselves.

MAC Cosmetics does body painting every year for fashion week, to the chagrin of the cold and topless models.

The inspiration this year is from the Chinese Qi Pao. Seen here in florals and bright red.

Apparently, this was already done for MAC's Shanghai launch back in October.

Fashion week begins today and actually last a fortnight.

related : Fashion Forward | m.i. undercover | La Mode

filed under : Art | Culture

Asian Fusion Gallery

2006-02-02T15:02:00.000-05:00

Chinese New Year was January 29th this year, but the commotion was not all down in Chinatown. Meanwhile plenty was (and still is) happening right in midtown.

One that m.i. was able to attend was the Asian Cultural Center's reception at the Asian Fusion Gallery.

The Kwong Lum Solo Exhibition features a set of 14 paintings measuring at least 9' by 9'.

Here is what Robert C. Morgan, Ph.D. wrote about his work:

One of the most intriguing aspects of Kwong Lum’s prolific output as an artist is his ability to weave images from the East into the West and to find amazing correlations between the two.
There are few artists in either hemisphere have done this so profoundly and with such clarity and incisiveness. Several years ago, while painting portraits of American artists, such as Andy Warhol, Pollock, Lichtenstein, and Mark Rothko, Kwong Lum used his technical ability as a calligrapher to integrate background and foreground in a way that had never been done before. The cubists, Picasso and Braque, were interested in this idea in 1910 and so was DeKooning forty years later. They each had their own method, their own style, and their way of pulling the portrait into the space of the frame. But Kwong Lum used calligraphy in a present pictorial space in a new way.

More about Robert Morgan, his book The End of the Art World, and his official website.

related : Demonic Divine | BioArt | Mission Inspiration

filed under : art

Previously . . .

2006-02-01T16:31:00.000-05:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .

Happy 250th Birthday!

2006-01-27T01:01:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't heard, it is the 250th anniversery of Mozart's birth. Orchestras all over the world are having festivals celebrating the anniversery. An excellent excuse to watch Don Giovanni or listen to his Requiem again.

Learn more about this composer from journalist Sara Fishko's radio essay:
http://www.wnyc.org/arts/articles/23931

related : The Shape of Song | Le Petit Prince | Brava Diva

filed under : art

mi-xology mixology : Shirley Temple

2006-01-26T19:52:00.000-05:00

7 oz ginger ale
1 oz grenadine
Add ginger ale over ice in highball glass and sprinkle grenadine over. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Remember, age is just a number.

>> more mi-xology mixology

related : Coco Chanel

Football Skillz

2006-01-25T07:58:00.000-05:00

Football or soccer, whatever you'd like to call it, it still takes talent and whole a lot practice. These are heroes that can make people cry. Watch this video of famous players and see some of the reasons why they are paid so much.

related : Biking through the Jungle | How to fold a shirt. | Data Fountain

filed under : fun | culture

Children's Book Animal Stamps

2006-01-24T10:51:00.000-05:00

The postal rate increase was a surprise to many, and my reaction was a simple over estimate. But my drawer now has way too many 2 cent Navajo Jewelry stamps for the number of remaining 37 cent stamps.

There is some good news from the post office though. The US postal service has just released commemorative stamps featuring characters like Curious George and Olivia.

The text for Olivia writes:
Whether painting the walls like a master, planning the perfect accessory for an outfit or building an ambitious sandcastle, Olivia is always the star of her own show (and sometimes has too much energy for her own good). Published in 2000, "Olivia" won a Caldecott Honor the following year and was author and illustrator Ian Falconer's first book chronicling the energy and spunk of this loveable and unforgettable piglet heroine. Falconer's spare charcoal line drawings, accented with splashes of red gouache, emphasize the details in the world of his young star.

The list includes:

If animal character stamps are good news, then you might also have liked the Jim Hensen & Muppets Stamps.

related : 8 Legs left | BioArt |Singing Mice | Eco-Bunny

filed under : fun | culture

Revamped

2006-01-23T13:27:00.000-05:00

You'll notice the new look that mi-xology.blogspot.com has gotten. It incorporates better functionality with a fresh appearance.

Check out our new categories at the top ⇑
and recommendations to the right ⇒.

Enjoy.

Sweet Treat : Drop Danish

2006-01-20T14:34:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's not really a Danish, or Wienerbrød (invented by visiting Austrian chefs in Copenhagen and literally means "Viennese Bread"). But no chilling of the butter and working layers upon layers of dough in this super easy recipe. In fact, there is not even any butter to soften or cut into flour. So quick and easy, it's relatively healthy too!

2 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/3 cup oil
1/2 cup milk or cream
2 tbsp sugar
1/8 cup jam, jelly, or preserve
1 tbsp icing

Mix wet and dry ingredients separately.
Combine all at once and stir together until mixture is just wet.
Drop spoonfuls onto ungrease baking sheet.
Make shallow indentation in each mound with wet spoon.
Fill with 1 tsp preserve each.
Bake in preheated 450°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden.
Drizzle with icing.

Icing recipe:

1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp warm water
1/8 tsp vanilla

Stir together in cup adding extra vanilla until smooth.

related : Red Bean Mochi | Spices | 8 Legs left

Alphabet Soup

2006-01-19T17:21:00.000-05:00

It's all mixed up...
It's fun to watch...

...It's the Origins of the Western Alphabet!

Phoenician, Greek, Etruscan, and Latin versions.
Click to view in full size!

related : Word Count | So what does a Russian crow say? | Lost in Translations

Eco-Bunny

2006-01-18T14:48:00.000-05:00

The Background:
Honda head engineer Kenichi Nagahiro hated the way diesel engines worked, sounded, and polluted.

The Game:
♪ Hate something, change something, make something better! ♪

The Talk:
Eco-hipster bunny waves a mallet.

related : Energy Pledge | Smart Fun | Zoom! | 8 Legs left

Linguistic nostalgia : Shaw

2006-01-17T18:58:00.000-05:00

I lay my eternal curse on whomsoever shall now or at any time hereafter make schoolbooks of my works and make me hated as Shakespeare is hated. My plays were not designed as instruments of torture. All the schools that lust after them get this answer, and will never get any other.

—George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw was noted for Pygmalion, later a adapted into the musical My Fair Lady.

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

Stardust Falls

2006-01-16T00:56:00.000-05:00

NASA's Stardust mission ended successfully today, returning safely to earth with samples of cometary and interstellar particles that may help scientists learn more about the origins of the universe.

Information about this mission at http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stardust/main/index.html

Just something to think about: In this time when the world seems to be under so much political stress, it is good to know that we can still look up and wonder at the stars and explore and investigate this huge universe in which we live.

related : number Ten | Le Petit Prince | Zoom!

Italo for Beginners

2006-01-13T22:54:00.000-05:00

The New York Times's Jonathan Lethem has a beautiful essay on Italo Calvin's influence on his person and how one can become acquainted with the master's works. Italo for Beginners names some collections to begin your reading.

m.i.'s favorites among them:

mi-xology mixology : Mimosa

2006-01-12T18:36:00.000-05:00

1/3 orange juice
2/3 champagne
Pour champagne over orange juice in glass. Garnish

Time to celebrate.

>> more mi-xology mixology

Previously . . .

2006-01-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .

Biking through the Jungle

2006-01-10T17:59:00.000-05:00

Watch this video of bikers popping wheelies and dodging taxies through the streets of NYC. The Rock accompaniment get the adrenaline going. This is a pretty crazy ride through all your favorite neighborhoods.

During the MTA transit strike, the bicycle was able to express its importance to New Yorkers' independence. This is no news to Time's Up, Transportation Alternatives, and Critical Mass -- grassroots organizations promoting a world without cars.

The creator of the video also has other clips available for download.

related : Men in Black | River Statement | Energy Pledge | Snow Day

Street Art : Blade

2006-01-09T18:24:00.000-05:00

Graffiti goes above ground again and again. While Mayor Bloomberg is cracking down, veteran Blade will be having his solo exhibit at the New York Mercantile Exchange from today until February 3rd. Viewing available weekdays from 9am to 5pm at 1 North End Ave.

related : REVS | Art In Odd Places | Corporate | Mainstream

Just Jared

2005-12-24T07:55:00.000-05:00

Noam Chomsky says that about 20% of the population is educated enough to make decisions. The role of the remaining 80% is to follow. There is so much media out there, he says, that the minority will analyse, while the majority will be told what to think.

So what to do when you just want to join the masses? Just Jared. Gossip with great photos, and dish beyond "dis".

His post on Chrismahanukwanzakah:

Angel

It's okay if you're Muslim, a Christian or a Jew
It's okay if you're agnostic
And you don't know what to do
I'm holding Christmas celebration
With egg nog for lubrication
Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah to you
(And the pagans too!)
In some ways, we're all monkeys
Well maybe just a smidgen
I'm a gynecologist
(Now that's my kind of religion!)
Whose faith is right the right one? It's anybody's guess
What matters most, this camera phone for $50 less
Everyone's invited, it's planet-wide affair.
Hey! Isn't that Tiny Tim dancing in his underwear?
Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah to you.
Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah to you.

mi-xology mixology : Sangria

2005-12-22T19:08:00.000-05:00

There are many types of Sangrias out there, from spicy to bubbly. Most require an overnight "brewing", but the follow instant serve version is one of the most common and refreshing. Sangria was invented in Spain and literally means bleeding. It is the perfect alternative to party punch.

4 cups table wine
2/3 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup sugar
various sliced fruit
Mix sugar with warm wine. Pour all liquids in pitcher filled with ice. Add fruit in pitcher or float in cups. Serve immediately.

>> more mi-xology mixology

Intimate Strangers

2005-12-10T11:46:00.000-05:00

Elle Macpherson's ad campaign for lingerie is hauntingly similar to La Mode, some of m.i.'s past fashions. In fact, one particular La Mode piece is call "Hello Stranger". Her models are alone, impersonal, and faceless. Macpherson's ads also features stories from celebrity friends that appear as a nostalgic memories of a lonesome time past.

The following is Tracy Emin's story...

related : La Mode | Fashion Forward | Signature Collection

Blog Search

2005-12-09T21:05:00.000-05:00

We now use Google's BlogSearch! Now you can locate all the articles you remember reading about on mi-xology.com.

The entries are also sorted by date and general topics, linked at the bottom right of this page.

Don't forget to sign up for email updates via Bloglet. More m.i. in your mailbox. And we're also available on RSS (we're big fans of Bloglines!).

related : New Blog Features | Helpful Features

Linguistic nostalgia : Saint Exupery

2005-12-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

Le langage est source de malentendus.
Language is the source of misunderstandings.

-- Antoine de Saint Exupéry

Quote taken from Fox's speech in Le Petit Prince.

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

Lost in Translations

2005-12-08T11:03:00.000-05:00

I will quote the website in order to limit any paraphrasing misunderstanding...

What happens when an English phrase is translated (by computer) back and forth between 5 different languages? The authors of the Systran translation software probably never intended this application of their program. As of September 2003, translation software is almost good enough to turn grammatically correct, slang-free text from one language into grammatically incorrect, barely readable approximations in another. But the software is not equipped for 10 consecutive translations of the same piece of text. The resulting half-English, half-foreign, and totally non sequitur response bears almost no resemblance to the original. Remember the old game of "Telephone"? Something is lost, and sometimes something is gained. Try it for yourself!

Enter English and see all transformations Babel Fish performs.

related : So what does a Russian crow say? | Buzz Tracker | What Does That Mean? |

Snow Day

2005-12-06T08:23:00.000-05:00

Previously . . .

2005-11-30T08:38:00.000-05:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .

Green Fashions

2005-11-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

The Financial Times recently reported the growth of enviro and/or labor conscience fashion labels succeeding in a market of informed consumers in Forget Black, Fashion's Going Green. Even big names are getting into it.

Novelty, trend, or revolution to stay?

Recycled Dress at Manchester Garden Show

Trash to Fashion

Also read Ethical Fashion, Rising

related : La Mode | Conscientious Consumption | Fashion Forward | United Reflections | Screen Savers

Photo Retouching

2005-11-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

The entire interest in Photoshop had its roots in vanity and illusion. While most retouching portfolios have great glossies, the following have rollover before's and after's. Looking at the differences is entertaining and can be a reflection of societal image trends.

Women beware. It is apparent with these images why plastic surgery is in high demand.

related : NINEAEM | Photo Booth Chronicles | Dark Room

Street Art : Mainstream

2005-11-23T15:01:00.000-05:00

Have you been noticing a resurgence of the underground art into malls and even high culture?

Example: m.i. had attended the Labor Day Weekend portion of the US Open. What did we see but a graffiti artist working live on the scene.

When has the sports emblem of order and decorum become mixed with an open appreciation of the underground? The USTA regularly attracts sponsors like Lincoln Towncars, Lexus, Ralph Lauren, and American Express. This was only a few weeks after the highly publicized Ecko event for "Getting Up", where Mayor Bloomberg tried to shut down an advertising event featuring live graffiti on subway cars. The American Express Live Mural was obviously commissioned much in advance, since the subjects were Americans Venus Williams and Andy Rodick (the Tennis A-Rod and previous champion was ousted in the first round, much before the first airbrush mist touched the wall).

Graffiti as advertising. Graffiti on purses (teenybopper and VL versions). What's next, above ground?

related : The Press Event | Eric Grohe | REVS | Corporate

mi-xology mixology : Hot Cider

2005-11-22T11:28:00.000-05:00

Yummy cider, has a long history. Like wines, it is a fermented drink with antioxidant power. Great for the entire family, it can be laced (made hard) for grown-up occasions. The welcoming scent and flavor is hard to beat on a cold evening.

1/2 gallon apple juice or apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
2 cloves
2 allspice berries or whole nutmeg
zest from 1/2 orange
zest from 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup brandy (optional)
Make bouquet garni using spices wrapped in cheesecloth.
Heat in covered large pot or crockpot until simmering.
Serve directly from pot.

>> more mi-xology mixology

Energy Pledge

2005-11-19T15:34:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the buzz about high energy prices this winter? After high gasline has calmed down, people are speculating about a cold winter. What can the ordinary citizen do?

How about turning down the thermostat 2 degrees? And if you live in an apartment where you have no control, even turning off the lights will be a great help.

It just makes economical and environmental sense to use Energy Star products and save power when electronics are not in use. You will be joining a campaign that looks at pledgers by area.

Now, when you pledge to Change a Light, Energy Star will send you a free zipper pull. With both of your arms covered with colored pledge bands, a zipper is the next step!

related : Feel Good Shopping | Make Poverty History | Data Fountain

Singing Mice

2005-11-17T03:47:00.000-05:00

No long the stuff of bedtime stories. Male mice are melodic, like songbirds.

Most of the serenading that they do is ultrasonic. But in a recent study, researchers lowered it a few octaves and voila! CNN's Science pages say researchers have found that "the mice sounds met two key criteria for song -- distinct syllables and recurring themes".

At the Washington University School of Medicine website, you can download the study or hear the mouse songs.

related : The Shape of Song | So what does a Russian crow say? | BioArt

Linguistic nostalgia : Archimedes

2005-11-13T16:41:00.000-05:00

Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth.

--Archimedes

Those of you who thought the phrase was simply a metaphor, think again.

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

Organ-ised Donation

2005-11-10T03:10:00.000-05:00

Regress back . . . back to your childhood. Remember the game Operation? There is now an online version that makes clear the necessity of organ donation.

In Organ-ise, the player tries to best plan organ, waiting room, and operation room queues. As you become more experienced you may have to manage pediatric and adult care. This is much more simplified than real life, and the flash game promotes the critical need for donations.

You don't have to be a surgeon to save lives.

There is no major organized religion that is against organ donation and considers it a charitable act. And it seems that, at least in the UK, certain minority groups are at greater risks for diseases that require transplants.

As with all Non-Governmental Organizations, it is the wealthy countries who are supposed to have both domestic and international reach. Most other countries have strong internal networks. So do a search in order to sign up for organ donation in your country.

Places to start:

www.unos.org (US)
www.trioweb.org (US)
www.iaod.org (Cananda)
www.anzdata.org.au (Oceania)
www.transplant.org (Europe)
www.poltransplant.org.pl (Poland)
www.scandiatransplant.org (Scandinavian)
www.nms.ac.jp/FromNMS/JIN/SERVICE.html (Japan)
www.tond.org.tr (Turkey)
www.swisstransplant.org (Switzerland)
www.msc.es/ont/esp/ont.htm (Spain)
www.cota.org (Children's)

What brand are you?

2005-11-08T05:48:00.000-05:00

http://www.whatbrandareyou.com

Called a "Branding Viral", one plugs in only 3 inputs for an all-comprehensive you-brand.

Welcome to the world renowned What Brand Are You? website.

At The Design Conspiracy, we've noticed a growing trend for silly, irrelevant and often unpronounceable names brought about by expensive re-branding exercises. So far we've seen "Aviva", "Monday", "Accenture," and the potty "Consignia".

But why sell the company jet to pick up a moniker that suits your brand? Simply enter your name, choose your values and your goals and, Hey Prestognia!, your new name will be automatically displayed - absolutely free of charge.

What Brand Are You? is from the London-based design firm The Design Conspiracy.

It's the new empty hocuspocus commercial trend that's sweeping the world. Don't be the last to jump on this bandwagon.

related : Buzz Tracker | River Statement | Vanishing Point | Commanding Heights

Le Petit Prince

2005-11-06T00:56:00.000-05:00

The Little Prince is now part of the New York City Opera's fall season! Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's writings and illustration have come to life through a score by Oscar-winner Rachel Portman, a libretto by Nicholas Wright, costume/set by Phamtom's Maria Bjørnson, and production by Francesa Zambello.

The Official French site for Le Petit Prince also mentions "Un Opera magiqu".

The press done on this production is impressively all-around and international. You can hear clips from the Opera, see the tracks on the CD, and watch the multimedia trailer with participation from the NYCOpera, Le Petit Prince, the BBC, Harcourt, and Sony.

related : Brava Diva | National Ballet of China | A King Listens

The Shape of Song

2005-11-01T17:48:00.000-05:00

What?

Wait, Shape of Song looks for musical patterns!

Clementine

Chopin

Madonna

Philip Glass

Whoa.

related : Data Fountain | Vanishing Point | Buzz Tracker | So what does a Russian crow say?

Previously . . .

2005-10-31T20:23:00.000-05:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .

Street Art : Eric Grohe

2005-10-30T20:01:00.000-05:00

So Eric Grohe is paid to do murals. Other street artists we've covered are often confronted with the law (REVS, Julian Beever).

It is corporate-sponsored public art, but it is still one for the pedestrians.

Read more m.i. coverage on Street Art.

related : Men In Black | The Press Event | Data Fountain | Zoom!

mi-xology mixology : Bloody Mary

2005-10-28T22:32:00.000-04:00

1 1/2 oz vodka
3 oz tomato juice
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 - 3 drops tabasco sauce
1 splash lemon juice
1 stalk celery
Shake liquids with ice.
Strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Stir with celery and serve.

>> more mi-xology mixology

Photo Booth Chronicles

2005-10-24T18:45:00.000-04:00

Self regulated, this expose of photo booth printouts are like time-action shots of atheletes. The Photo Booth Chronicles quadathelon, however, is performed in a small space and working out some frown muscles!

The magic of photography is that we forget to look until it's captured in time and a 2-D sheet.

related : NINEAEM | PostSecret | La Mode

Word Count

2005-10-18T21:36:00.000-04:00

The first line is the listed usage of words in the English language or "wordcount", the second is "querycount" or how people have used the project. The project is an aesthetic expression of language and is ever changing.

From the website :

WordCount is an artistic experiment in the way we use language. It presents the 86,800 most frequently used English words, ranked in order of commonness. Each word is scaled to reflect its frequency relative to the words that precede and follow it, giving a visual barometer of relevance. The larger the word, the more we use it. The smaller the word, the more uncommon it is.

WordCount was designed with a minimalist aesthetic, to let the information speak for itself. The interface is clean, basic and intuitive. The goal is for the user to feel embedded in the language, sifting through words like an archaeologist through sand, awaiting the unexpected find. Observing closely ranked words tells us a great deal about our culture. For instance, “God” is one word from “began”, two words from “start”, and six words from “war”. Another sequence is "america ensure oil opportunity".

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

2005-10-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

The media highlighted diseases of the world are AIDS and breast cancer. In fact, this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But did you know that the world's second-most common cancer affecting women is cervical cancer? It is a mostly preventable cancer that is caused by a virus. Now there is hope.

The article "Vaccine Blocks Cervical Cancer" from CNN writes,

Gardasil, a genetically engineered vaccine, blocks infection with two of the 100-plus types of human papilloma virus, HPV 16 and 18. The two sexually transmitted viruses together cause about 70 percent of cervical cancers.

It turns out that 8 out of 10 women have HPV! Early detection is critical. The website Make the Connection has more information and recommendations about prevention and treatment. They also have a limited number of bracelet kits for friends, family, parents, and daughters to make together while talking openly about the disease.

Read up on cancer at:

Demonic Divine

2005-10-12T18:54:00.000-04:00

In a recent visit to the Rubin Museum of Art, a museum showcasing "Art of the Himalayas", m.i. was especially impressed by the Demonic Divine exhibit.
This collection's flayed bodies, unbrazen nudity, and dancing stances are a far cry from the other floor's paintings and sculptures. The usual Buddhas and Arhats are peaceful ascetics surrounded by greenery and children.

Wrathful or frightened depictions are reveered icons, because they show the conquest of anger, lust, and vanity. Demonic forms are external representations of inner demons and the dieties that have conquered them.

"Demonic" and "wrathful" were misnomers used by early missionaries.

Demonic Divine: Himalayan Art and Beyond is part of the inaugural exhibit at the Rubin, and is accompanied by an essay-filled catalogue.

In this exhibition we probe the paradox of compassionate ends through fierce means. Three kinds of beings with fierce aspects are distinguished: Dangerous Protectors, Enlightened Protectors, and Wrathful Buddhas.

One author, Jeff Watt, is the director of the Himalayan Art Website. Rob Linrothe the curator has a site for his East Asian Studies classes. The illustrated book, Demonic Divine, is available on Amazon.

The Rubin Museum opened in 2003 after renovations. The location was the previous home of the Barney's in Chelsea, and is best known for its central, seven-story, spiral staircase. The staircase and surrounding galleries make an unique environ for spiritual art.

related : Mission Inspiration | Art in Review | Brava Diva

How to fold a sweater.

2005-10-10T20:58:00.000-04:00

As the weather gets cooler, knits are coming out of storage. Fuzzy mohairs, sturdy wools, and soft cashmeres are becoming everyday defenses from the chilly breathe of autumn.

To prevent your sweater pile from taking up all the space in drawers, or forming a teetering mountain, try these folding instructions.

Hanging stretches sweaters out of shapes, so folding is the only way to go. Sweaters will be neat and compact. Now when you pick one out from the bottom of the orderly stack, the remaining will still be lined up for future use.

related : How to fold a fitted sheet. | How to fold a shirt.

Buzz Tracker

2005-10-08T11:21:00.000-04:00

Sometimes one can't help but wonder -- who cares if an important public figure does something outrageous. Who are the people just eating up all the BUZZ?

A close cousin to Vanishing Point, BuzzTracker uses Google to find relationships or pathways in a sort of world wide telephone game.

From the website:

Buzztracker is software that visualizes frequencies and relationships between locations in the Google world news directory.

Buzztracker tries to show you how interconnected the world is: big events in one area ripple to other areas across the globe. Connections between cities thousands of miles apart become apparent at a glance.

A Breath of Hot Air

2005-10-06T10:01:00.000-04:00

Devil's breath, Santa Ana Winds, or Santana Winds, whatever you call this Southern Californian weather phenomenon, it is here. These winds are considered a bit of a mixed blessing- great for beach-goers and surfers, but hard on firefighers because they increase risk of forest fires. Another, less mentioned benefit, is that it causes cooler water in the ocean to rise, a boon to fisheries.

More information and images available on NASA's website at:

http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=16483

East Coast NBC

2005-10-04T10:05:00.000-04:00

National Ballet of China [translated] was in San Francisco and L.A., but they're now in Washiongton DC. They're at the Kennedy Center for the "Festival of China". The Festival is being called a Cultural Revolution on the Potomac by the New York Times. Sounds like a lot of great cultural stuff altogether, but the China Daily is adding a political flavor too [Hu, Bush hail opening of Festival of China] [China Festival to enhance Sino-US ties].

related : Brava Diva | Heart of Grace | Art in Review: NBC

mi-xology mixology : Chai Latte

2005-10-03T18:49:00.000-04:00

2 cups water
3 - 4 tsp tea leaves
3 - 4 crushed cardamom pods
3 cloves
1 piece cinnamon
1 - 2 whole black peppers
1 chunk dried ginger (optional)
sugar
milk
Boil tea, spices, and water.
Warm milk separately.
Pour strained tea, milk, and sugar in cups.

>> more mi-xology mixology

Street Art : Stickers

2005-09-30T19:02:00.000-04:00

Not that CNN is the first place that one runs to for movie reviews or fashion commentary, but just came across a couple of good articles from them--you know, the type they air during lunch time.

The first tries to explain the role of street art in society.

Even in a culture mecca like New York City, some capable artists and designers feel the need sometimes to flee the pressures of the market and take to the streets to paint the pulse of the city and the scene.

The second article is also by Al Matthews, about Sticker Art. We've all seen the stickers in our commute, and now we know that you can look for them specifically through stickernation.net. It has illustrations and profiles, not to mention downloadable stickers.

Hot Books:

So you live in Siberia and can't even get your hands on the literature? Try this.

related : REVS | Corporate | Art in Odd Places | Julian Beever

Previously . . .

2005-09-29T19:12:00.000-04:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .

Encyclopedia of Spices

2005-09-27T23:44:00.000-04:00

The Epicenter has histories, articles, and perfect descriptions for all those spices that sound so cool and taste so fabulous. Now you can find out what the plant looked like before it was dried and ground up.

Cardamon, for example, is used in m.i.'s Thai Iced Coffee and Mango Lassi.

related : 8 Legs left | mi-xology mixology | Sweet Treat

Art in Review: National Ballet of China

2005-09-25T11:08:00.000-04:00

When we think ballet, we usually think Western culture, but like many Western cultural icons, ballet has expanded and has been adopted by countries looking to gain status (what is more sophisticated than having an opera house, a symphony, and a world class ballet company?). So it is with China. The National Ballet of China grew out of the Beijing Dance School in the 60's as an experiment and is now a beautiful professional company. m.i. recently saw NBC perform the ballet version of Raise the Red Lantern at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

For m.i., the most striking element of the evening was the production work. The Artistic Director, Zhang Yimou (famous for his work in films such as Raise the Red Lantern, Hero, and House of Flying Daggers), began his career studying photography before moving to cinematography and stage. The photographer/cinematographer eye is apparent and has stunning results. In one scene, the wedding night/rape, Zhang Jian as Second Concubine and Yang Lei as Master dance behind a screen onto which their shadows are projected. As they move further and closer to the screen, their shadows grow and shrink dramatically, heightening the violence of the scene.

Also impressive was the quality of the dancers. The Russian influence on the company is evident in the dancers' elastic movement and elegant line. Zhang Jian and Jin Jia, who appeared as First Concubine, gave a beautiful performance, showing strong technique. However, overall the dancing seemed a trifle cool considering the dramatic plot in this ballet. While there were moments where the emotional quality emerged, often the steps took precedent.

The one element that detracted from the evening was the choreography. While the actual movement was very beautiful, the use of the ensemble as a whole was at times awkward. Most notably, towards the end, the ensemble enters as emotional intensifiers, creating more movement on the stage. At least for m.i., this usage was not particularly effective- it seemed a gratuitous use of the corps.

m.i. was unable to find a website for NBC, but information about their appearance at the Orange County Performing Arts Center is available at the OCPAC website:
www.ocpac.org

related : Brava Diva | Heart of Grace

River Statement

2005-09-25T10:37:00.000-04:00

On a New York Times article refered to as "Art Pirates in the East River", a serious art statement goes to hilarity.

Some quotes from "A Miniature Gate in Hot Pursuit of a Miniature Central Park":

A motorboat with a tiny replica of one of Christo's Central Park sculptures nears a tugboat pulling Robert Smithson's "Floating Island" in the East River.

When Bob Henry, captain of the Rachel Marie, who is in charge of towing Smithson's island, looked out across the East River Thursday afternoon and saw another piece of conceptual art gaining on him, he did not view the development kindly.

related : Petrified Forest | Men in Black | The Press Event

Fashion Forward

2005-09-24T18:40:00.000-04:00

m.i. is supporting this year's Fashion Forward. This is ASIAC (AIDS Services In Asian Communities)'s annual benefit to take place in the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.

It's a great cause in a beautiful setting. m.i. material will be appearing at the show as a featured designer.

Saturday, September 24, 2005
8:00 P.M.
Buy tickets now!

related : United Reflections | Asian Journal | H.T. Chen & Dancers | Screen Savers | La Mode | Conscientious Consumption

PostSecret

2005-09-23T20:38:00.000-04:00

Everyone must know about PostSecret by now, but did you know that there will be a book? PostSecret : Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives is available on pre-order through Amazon. Founder Frank will curate the best anonymous, homemade, confession postcards in the book. There may be a bit of irony in the book concept, since the beauty of the PostSecret blog is the constant renewal of introspective visuals slowly receeding into recent memory. The weekly postings replace the previous week's shame, emptiness, and terror.

On a similar note, FOUND magazine is doing a 51 city tour to collect material (or have some promotion parties). Outside of their regular magazines, they already have one book with a second on the way. There will be a live band.

related : Elevator Moods | BioArt | Art In Odd Places | NINEAEM

Peace One Day

2005-09-20T19:05:00.000-04:00

m.i. will be attending the Peace One Day Gala at the Ziegfeld Theatre. Last year was the first that Peace One Day had American events. The Gala will celebrate the documentary (of the same name) DVD's feature on Netflix.

A little background. September 21st is the United Nations International Day of Peace. Never heard of it? That's the problem. It is an officially recognized day, but not in the collective consciousness.

m.i. has been in support of Peace One Day and its efforts for some time. Make a purchase, and we will donate 10% of proceeds to Peace One Day. Also check out the Peace One Day shop for Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney t-shirts.

related : International Day of Peace | Peace One Day | SHOP | Make Poverty History

Make Poverty History

2005-09-16T15:05:00.000-04:00

At an United Nations event recently, m.i. received a little white wrist band.

It is not the first one we've ever seen, and we do not believe that wearing one externally make you a caring person internally. However it was a good reminder that we've been in support of Make Poverty History and the One Campaign for sometime. Please visit their websites and learn more about the plight of developing, especially African, countries.

These are project to promote awareness to the masses. They are flashy and entertaining. One organization under the One Campaign that we particular interesting is Heifer International. Yes, that's right. Your donated dollar buy cows for stuggling family!

Although some argue against celebrity endorsed Non-Governmental Organization, i.e. they could do more by giving money than doing commercials, the commodity of celebrity is one that cannot be simply be replaced by cash. Without the exchange of money, the motives appear more transparent. So check out the One Campaign commercial, and make up your own mind.

related : Live Strong | Peace One Day | Commanding Heights

mi-xology mixology : Sex On The Beach

2005-09-12T22:25:00.000-04:00

Last chance to enjoy the boardwalk and sun. Okay, maybe reminisce about the beach is more like it. Autumn will soon be upon us.

1 oz vodka
3/4 oz peach schnapps
cranberry juice
grapefruit juice
Add vodka and peach schnapps to ice-filled highball glass.
Cover with equal amounts of cranberry and grapefruit juice.

Nice and not so naughty.

>> more mi-xology mixology

PocketMod

2005-09-07T10:35:00.000-04:00

Horray for no PDAs. Who really has a pocket big enough to hold technology upon techonology upon keys upon cards upon cash?
Try out PocketMod, a fresh little flash program that lets you print out a little organizer that you can just throw out after you've transfer everything to your DayBook or Outlook.

I know I've got PostIts all over the place, but now you can do it more neatly and with less sticky.

related : How to fold a fitted sheet | How to fold a shirt | Instant Pick Me Up

Data Fountain

2005-09-02T11:13:00.000-04:00

Imagine an Excel spreadsheet charted by water.

The Data Fountain is a project that aims to chart ¥ € $ currency strengths using H2O.
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Some creatives have envisioned this "Alternative Information Display" to display explicit data implicitly. In otherword, more than a number, and with a cultural context -- water flows, money flows; financial is stressful, water is claming; and technology is 2-D, water can be seen, heard, felt, tasted.

Some of the creator washing their hands in money.

related : Vanishing Point | Global Connections | Smart Fun

Dark Room

2005-09-01T01:02:00.000-04:00

m.i. has just discover the "Dark Room" from Wooly Thinking.
So it's not about photography (see Diane Arbus), but a puzzle game. Think along the abstract and interactive.
Anyone, at any age, speaking any language can enjoy this one.

Have fun.

related : Mission Inspiration | Educative Recycled Games | Global Connections | Human Origins | Smart Fun

Previously . . .

2005-08-31T09:27:00.000-04:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .