Happiness and sadness both overwhelm me as the NBA finals close up shop. Of course, I'm elated that my Lakers have won, but it's a long wait until basketball season will begin again. I would like to take this time to include some Trevor Ariza goodness, just because I can - and because he's a gorgeous talented human being.
What is your "bad manners" pet peeve?
I guess I'm narrow minded thinking of only table manners, but...texting at the table.
"In recent years, when it comes to stem cell research, rather than furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values," said Obama.
"In this case, I believe the two are not inconsistent. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research -- and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly."
Share your favorite childhood nursery rhyme.
I'm not sure if this counts, but it rhymes... so I'm throwing it out there...
Oh , the Places You'll Go!
By: Dr. Seuss
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go. . .
Who was the greatest artist in history?
Submitted by Chicago Shadow.
I could absolutely not, under any condition, make a definite statement of the greatest artist in history. Not even by my own opinion. So, instead, I will give you my three favorite works:
Las Meninas - Diego Velázquez (Oil on canvas. Baroque. 1656. Museo del Prado, Madrid.)
This is my ultimate favorite painting. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find an artist that was able to trick the viewer's mind and still produce a beautiful and remarkable piece of art better than Diego.
I was originally an art history major before changing directions to public relations. During my second survey of art history course, I discovered my love for Baroque art. I immediately enrolled in a course the following semester that was a concentrated, in-depth study on Baroque art. It was during that course that I encountered this painting. It has been my favorite ever since. It's nothing like any royal portrait that was done up to this point. It's almost as if you're looking at a picture. Not a painting, but a snapshot of an everyday event in the life of the Infanta. It's such a private moment that the fact that Diego put himself in the painting only makes it even more fascinating.
Since my first glimpse, I've been pondering. Am I a part of this painting? It seems like the viewer is standing right there, right behind the easel, looking in - just as much a part of the painting as the dwarf or the dog. Are the King and Queen standing where I am standing? Is that why their reflection is in the mirror? Or is the reflection merely a reflection of the canvas, which brings me to wonder why Diego is there with the Infanta if he's not painting her?
This painting is not my favorite merely for its visual appeal. Although Diego holds a blazing talent for painting, I think he achieves rareness in the fact that he is also able to stimulate the viewer's mind and imagination, which this painting clearly demonstrates.
The Rape of Proserpina - Gian Lorenzo Benini (Marble sculpture. Baroque. 1621-1622. Galleria Borghese, Rome.)
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to THE sexiest piece of art.
Although Las Meninas boggles my mind and leaves me intrigued, The Rape of Proserpina leaves my eyes paralyzed in complete awe. This sculpture is one of the most sensual creations ever made.
I have always loved artwork depicting greek and roman mythology. I find the mythology itself as fascinating as the piece. This sculpture, for example, shows Pluto stealing Proserpina away to the underworld, and thus creating winter in her absence from our world. However, it's so graceful and delicate-like that I can't see the aggressive nature of the act or the fear in Proserpina.
The most amazing part of this work are the indents in Proserpinas thigh where Pluto is grasping her. The smoothness and perfection makes the marble appear that it really IS flesh. The curvature of Proserpina's body adds something so dramatic and theatrical. It's just exceptional in every way.
Every time I see photos of this sculpture I stroke them with my finger. I realize that this sounds incredibly strange. I just can't help it. In fact, it's the reason I would be scared (although completely giddy) to see it in person; I'm afraid I would try to touch it and be arrested.
Las Meninas is my favorite painting, but this is my favorite work of art.
The Elevation of the Cross - Peter Paul Rubens (Oil on canvas. Baroque. 1610-1611. Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp.)
I couldn't find a truly GOOD representation of the entire triptych painting, so I'm only featuring the center panel, which scarcely does it justice.
This could possibly be the most visually stunning painting in existence - in my opinion, of course. When looking at Baroque artists, I cannot deny the talent of the more-famous Caravaggio (who nearly made it into my top three for his oil painting, Judith Beheading Holofernes) or Rembrandt, but NO ONE does it like Rubens. The man gives good paint.
To me, Rubens is as much of a rock star as Mick Jagger ever was. He somehow brings a new, almost edgy, perspective to traditional religious paintings. He gives you the same scenes seen over and over throughout art history, but they're DIFFERENT in a way that is truly...refreshing.
Look at the color and contrast. The spotlight. Wow.
Not only are his paintings "pretty", they're emotionally moving. The Elevation of the Cross, in particular, is spiritually breathtaking. This painting alone would probably make me forgo a trip to Rome and jump on a plane to Antwerp, instead. Well. . . almost.
Mostly some old favorites.
1. I'll Be Seeing You
After listening to Queen Latifah sing this song at the Academy Awards, I have a renewed obsession of it.
2. Bullet and a Target
Typical. When the weather gets warmer I always end up listening to Citizen, Chili Peppers and/or 311. It's a strange impulse that I can't explain.
3. She's Only Happy In the Sun
I will always love Ben. His voice is enchanting; it makes me euphoric.
4. Madame Joy
This really could be any Van song. It doesn't matter what's going on in the world or in my life, there's always a Van song that seems suitable.
5. I Like It, I Love It
Uh... This song? I like it, I love it. Ha! There's a cheez-tastic joke for you. Seriously, though. . .
You know what really upsets me? I really favor the Vox comic book theme. (Big) but, Comic Sans has to be THE WORST font ever. It ruins everything.
Disappointment.
Show us your favorite television character.
Honestly, this isn't even close to being my favorite TV show, however, I love you, Amanda Tanen!
Dear Jason,
I completely agree with you; everyone should follow their heart. No one should stay in a relationship they are unhappy in, as that is unfair to both parties and would lead only to more heartbreaking circumstances for both in the long run. Agreed, definitely.
That being said, you are a freaking jerk. What kind of a person brings their fiance on national television to break their heart? It's not enough to tear Melissa's feelings apart? You have to humiliate her in addition?
Don't feed me that crap about being in love with two people at once. If you truly loved Melissa, you wouldn't be able to do that to her.
By the way, enough with the fake tears - no one is buying that bullshit, either.
You have zero class, Mr. Bachelor. Grow some balls, act like a man.
Sincerely,
Molly (not THAT Molly, of course)
P.S. Next time you see Jimmy...tell him that joke about dumping your son and trading him in for a blonde was fabulous.
