Rollindust

Roadside architecture of American South West II

2011-04-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Roadside architecture of American South West

2011-03-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

Baptizing the Gun

2011-02-04T19:39:00.000-08:00

I rarely read short stories published in The New Yorker. I try, but most of the time I don't like subject, style, or story fails to engage. It takes a couple of sentences written by good writer to suck me in. Very few authors text works on me this way. Baptizing the Gun by Nigerian writers Uwem Akpan did exactly that. I never been to Africa, but after reading first two lines I was felt engulfed with sounds and smells of African roadside. Lagos, 8 million desperate souls megalopolis. I was invisible on the back seat of battered red Volkswagen Beetle driven by main character in addition to his unwanted passenger on a road trip in Nigeria... I kept reading, missed my Subway stop, sign of good writing.

PIETER HUGO Escort Kama. Enugu, Nigeria, 2008

Around the world in... 8 years?

2011-01-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

In 2006 I and my brother spent 2 weeks traveling in Burma. It was interesting, but not easy trip. We found that we have to hire car with guide and driver to move around the country. Many places, towns were closed to foreigners and our guide most likely reported about our movement to secret police. He has was kind of stressed if we getting out of his sight.

While on the road from Bagan to Yangon, we noticed foreigner riding his bicycle loaded with side bags. Not to many foreigners in Burma, seeing one on the bicycle evoke amusement and curiosity. He moved almost as fast as we were going by the old Japanese car on not very good road. By the end of the day, at the hotel we saw bike parked inside. Later we met mysterious traveler. It turns out he was from France. " Tour de France?" - I asked glancing at the bicycle. "No, Tour du Monde."- said man. My jaw dropped.

He was from Normandy, used to work at ship yard and one day just decided just go around the world by bicycle. Just like that. No sponsorship, TV crew or book deal. Hervé LEDUC was traveling since 2004.

We had dinner together. Despite hardships of the road Frenchman was full of energy and very funny dinner companion. He shared with with some his adventure stories. Not long ago he was chased from some Burmese town by local police, because it was off limits for foreigners.
Hervé LEDUC still on the road by this day. He was in France for some time in 2009 because death of his father, and then again, back on the road. I just got a short email from him from China.
Amazing! What a wonderful way to live life.

Hervé LEDUC. Tour du Monde à Vélo.

Desolate beauty

2010-12-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

Páramo de Oceta, near small Colombian town Mongui is fantastic place. Páramo (from the Spanish word for "desolate territory") is a unique ecosystem. It is located in the high elevations, between the upper forest line (about 3000 m altitude) and the permanent snow line (about 5000 m). The ecosystem consists of mostly glacier formed valleys and plains with a large variety of lakes, peat bogs and wet grasslands intermingled with shrub lands and forest patches. Nearly 57% of this ecosystem worldwide is found in Colombia.

The plants here very unusual and beautiful, would take time and special knowledge to explore about 5000 different plant species. About 60% of these species are endemic, adapted to the specific physio-chemical and climatic conditions, such as the low atmospheric pressure, intense ultra-violet radiation, and the drying effects of wind. Most spectacular from them is Espeletia, commonly known as Frailejón. It grows 1 cm a year. Many of them are 200 - 300 and up years old, and remember Spanish conquistadors. The flowers are usually yellow, similar to daisies, or tiny Sunflowers. Old dry flowers remains on stem forming protective layer. Look what reminds Joshua Tree.

Páramo ecosystem is very fragile.What is still remains is very close to area inhabited by people, under the threat of farmland expansion. Gradually native flora getting replaced by more useful potato plant... Locals have a hope to make Páramo de Oceta a tourist attraction, but too many visitors can be equally damaging.

Short Colombian trip

2010-12-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

Tunja bus terminal

Bus ride in Colombia is a pleasant experience. Mountain scenery is very beautiful, full of flowers and lush greenery. Private land very well kept and tended, bordered with neat fences. Nothing that resembles to the country locked into permanent internal social conflict. Colombia probably more safe than many Latin American countries. Fighting still going on, but pushed down to remote areas. I took night buses, no problem.
People relaxed, friendly and ready to help. They very happy to see foreigner coming to see their country.
Small towns compete for the name of Most Beautiful Place in Colombia Old colonial buildings lovingly restored, streets are clean full of colors and flowers. Very few tourists - a big plus.

Mongui - town of football ball makers.

Food is simple, but good quality and filling. I was always was able get fish. Prices at Supermarkets like in US, I think too expensive. In eight days I was not be able to try all exotic tropical fruit varieties growing in different areas and altitudes.

It was short pleasant trip, I need to come back for more.

Easy Access

2010-09-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

If I not listening music on vinyl, I listen it from compact cassettes. Much more easier to pop in tape than dig out something from hard drive. Barely touching any CD's lately. 95 % of my tape collection coming from NY streets. Music collections put together by other people years ago. Latest finds: pile of cool Jazz and Funk, 2 boxes of South America Jazz from 70's and classic music recordings from NY radio, shoe box with 80's pop and rock. It takes time to go through all that treasures, but its rewarding process with plenty of discoveries.

Vinyl Landmarks of the Sound

2010-01-29T18:53:00.000-08:00

The more digital world gets the more analog my life becomes. Already for a few months I listen music from compact cassettes and vinyl records only. I tactile interaction with media. And in case of LPs, I love wonderful pre computer art and photographic work. Airbrush, grainy photography, innovative foldouts and sleeve cuts - pure joy to handle. I listen records more ritual and art work than sound quality. Most of my eclectic record collection comes from trash piles of New York. Worn an abused, reminders of the time when record release by favorite band was real cultural event and thrill of anticipation.

EUR, ROMA

2010-01-19T00:25:00.000-08:00

I went to see EUR, suburban area of Roma reachable by Metro, because Michelangelo Antanioni filmed L'eclisse here. EUR water reservoir or “fungo” of this upper class neiborhood was present in many scenes and stuck in my head. Obviously that M. Antanioni chose this location for unique look and feel. I wanted to see and explore area for myself. it was raining. I have intended to spent a couple hours, look around, snap a few pictures, homage way. The moment got out of strange Metro station painted in Yves Klein blue it felt not like an ordinary place. Big and deeply dug in construction project next to the station emanated quite subtle industrial soundtrack consisting of power tools and truck engines noise coming from depths of concrete orchestra pit. Audience consisted from two middle aged man with umbrellas observing action from the street level. Il Fungo was visible behind artificial lake and tall trees. It's look slightly changed by presence of mobile communications antennas and by not working electronic clock display. Rain made streets almost absent of human presence, eerie Chirico like urban landscape. Monoliths of office buildings and modernist residential towers cut by park, private estates and various embassies behind the gates. Architecture here is very interesting expensively build modern of 50's and 60 surrounded by pine and cedar tree green.

While taking pictures across the street I have noticed tall woman dressed in long black coat and light beige shoes who was smoking a cigarette. She looked like someone waiting or have nowhere to go.
It seemed odd, somebody standing in the rain and place like that. She had big grotesque looking pale face. I was continuing shooting. Smaller ratty looking woman joined woman in coat across the street. They exchanged a few words, smaller one started walking to me obviously not very happy, since by talking picture of crossing I have pointed my camera at them. I realized that to woman are prostitutes, and the big one most likely is a trannie. No wonder she looked so odd. I didn't expected to see them here in the early afternoon. The small one started bitching about me taking pictures and that she needs to work to feed her children. They mistook me for journalist, they don't want publicity. I explained that I didn't really took picture of them, but architecture, buildings. It why I'm here for. Not I'm not from the newspaper, I'm just curious tourist. She calmed down, I started walking away. She followed me just to be sure that I leaving her territory. I was moving towards Mushroom on the hill, structure surrounded by posh fenced residencies, and park. Here again I have noticed Middle Eastern looking youth in late 20's dressed in track suit aimlessly wondering among the trees in the rain. Most likely male prostitute. Destitute and void of the place just got stronger.

There is a restaurant at the top of water tower. Expensive, and I got impression, not very welcoming one. I have trying to imagine what kind of clientele dines here. In the parking lot of establishment I found half bottle of red wine. I took a swig out it. Wine was sweet and cheap tasting. I wonder who drinks this kind of wine in Italy? Took bottle with me to the park to finish for the sake of experience. It was revolting sweetness, but I poured it down to my throat. Took some more pictures and started walking back. Smaller prostitute was still at her street corner. I waved her good bye, she waved me back. Transexual was gone.

World Made by Hand

2010-01-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

Nowadays, real luxury is being identified with craftsmanship. Tradition of making things by hand, fixing old stuff and maintaining feel of time still very much alive in Rome. Many business exist out of necessity to maintain old Roman apartments and lifestyle. Tiny shops and workshops maned by one person or staff of few busy with restoring antique art and furniture, creating wooden and metal architectural elements. Music instruments are made and the old ones travel from around the world to be lovingly restored here. Small independent fashion designers and shoe makers create individual pieces for people with style and taste. Design, materials and painstaking workmanship are exquisite. If you can't afford, just good too know that old traditions still alive and artisan skills in demand.

Werner Herzog needs to eat too

2009-12-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

I'm glad that Werner Herzog gets directing movies in Hollywood with their star cast. Hopefully he gets paid for his engagements and some money will be left for his personal projects. His latest film Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call: New Orleans is more like work to pay bills than one of real Werner's creations. Films in Hollywood are made by producers and technical people, very little left to directors input. W. Herzog's touch in this case was to get job for Brad Dourif to play bookie (single interesting character here) and Peter Zeitlinger to put his name on credit roll as DP. Movie itself looks like directed by any nameless LA director, overproduced, simplistic a moralizing script. Camera man Peter Zeitlinger managed to snuck a couple more organic visuals with alligators, but movie has TV show look. Nicolas Cage tries to act and overacts like Robin Williams. Good movie associated with N. Cage name is a rare accident to happen, not this time either. Script idea ripped from gritty Abel Ferrara's 1992 film The Bad Lieutenant. In order to look more original Port of Call: New Orleans was added. Total lack of imagination. Besides a couple exterior shots and flooded prison scene rest of the story has nothing to do with New Orleans or Louisiana. What the point to use 50% of name for location then.

The Great Bleep Forward

2009-10-22T04:15:00.000-07:00

Like electric guitar before, invention of synthesizers and samplers unleashed creativity in people who not necessary had credentials to be musician. Synth driven music peaked in mid eighties with unsurpassed abundance of great tracks and ground breaking sound.
BBC's 3 part program, The Great Bleep Forward presented by Andrew Collins explores the development of electronic music from Theremin in the beginning of XX century to samplers and computer based music today. Series filled with great musical illustrations and interviews with key players in the development of electronic music. Dense, BBC at its best.

Yucca ginger & curry pancakes recipe

2009-10-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

2 medium size yucca (other names is cassava or manioc) roots
1 cup of flour
1 egg
2-3 cloves of garlic
1 inch long ginger root
pinch of Cayenne pepper
pinch of sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder.
1-1.5 cup of water

Boil cassava roots until soft, put aside to cool.
Chop ginger and garlic and put it to food processor, add pepper, curry powder, salt and 1/4 cup of water. Blend it good.

Remove fiber like strains from the center of cooked roots.
Add cooled yucca, egg and rest of the water to processor. Mash it.

Transfer mix to the large bowl, add flour until it gets to dough like look and feel.

Fry it on frying pan with coconut or olive oil as little pancakes.
Serve the way you like, sour cream, butter, Flax seed oil or chutney.

Analog Cool

2009-09-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

With advance of digital technology supply of cool gear gets depleted. Ipod, cell phones or new digital cameras are as cool as bar of soap. Most of them are ugly disposable items manufactured to be sold and junked as quick as possible.
Same with everything what dumped into the consumer market, be it cars, fashion or so called luxury items. It's more marketing tricks and catchy word game.
It was trend in advertising for while, to warm up and spice junk with old, almost century old but timeless engineering and cool design objects. Obviously, air brushed model with vacant stare is not enough anymore. Obscure, pre II WW or Leica cameras, reel to reel tape recorders, vinyl and even cassette players dominate those adds just because they are single product what worth to pay attention and lust for. In the end these adds is reminder for times when people took pride in producing something what has lasting life.

And totally, trend pushed to extreme, Bruce Weber with his cameras...

Singing happened by chance

2009-07-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

All interesting New York summer concerts this year held in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. The best shows not even by rock bands. Goran Bregovic & His Wedding & Funerals Orchestra delivered speedy Balkan vibe to the delight of numerous Eastern Europeans in the audience. Another wonderful act came from South Asia, Bollywood composer and singer Kailash Kher with his exotic band performed modern indian music. Traditional Indian sound blended with Spanish guitar and rocking drum set very accessible to non Indian ear. Kailash started singing career after failing business. Good luck!

Camera Style

2009-05-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

As majority pictures around the world taken with digital cameras of different incarnations, old school analog film cameras becoming fashion accessory and personal creativity statement. In the streets of big cities hip characters sporting old Leicas, Nikons, Canonets, Pentaxes and other obscure cool looking image taking machines. Most digital cameras produced today are ugly and lack of tactile appeal. Like cars on the street, all brands look like they came from the same assembly line. Film cameras is total opposite: they are heavy and solid tools, fruits of passionate engineering. Produced in Japan, Germany or Sweden, countries with reputation for attention for details and craftsmanship, they easy outlast any today's soap dish shaped gizmo.
Most film Leicas are sold in Japan. Most film camera cultists roam streets here.
Take a look to Tokyo Camera Style, site devoted to analog cameras in use.

Bailout According to Gospel

2009-04-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

To him who hath nothing, nothing will be given; to him who hath, more will be added to.

Barefoot Biopirate

2009-04-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

Fascinating and at the same time sad story in WIRED magazine about Brazilian biologist Marc van Roosmalen, originally of Dutch birth living in Manaus in Brazil. Scientist who spent most of his research time in the field, deep in the jungle instead of library or lab. His nontraditional work methods and fight for preservation of rain forest made him enemy of jealous colleagues and corrupt Brazilian bureaucrats, who accused him in biopiracy. Roosmalen, voted a Hero of the Planet by Time magazine in 2000, was sentenced for 15 years for trying to protect the Brazilian wilderness and many still undiscovered creatures. Rain forest is cut for shortsighted agricultural use. Exports of soya for cattle feed, mostly to China and Europe, are being put ahead of the environment. Just remember fate of activists Chico Mendez in 1988 and Dorothy Stang in 2005.
Read also interview with Marc van Roosmalen on Aquatic Community's site.

Brain in the Gut

2009-03-31T08:08:00.000-07:00

The most innovative and daring ideas lately coming not from philosophers, artists or academia. They come from the kitchens around the world. Wonderful interview with celebrated cooks Chef Ferran Adrià & Chef Jose Andres from Spain just proves that statement. Fantastic.

UNREALx36

2009-03-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

My brother's Tomas Andrijauskas photo show UNREALx36 opens at Photography Museum of Siauliai (Lithuania) on March 20. Pictures taken with snapshot camera, without any thinking at parties and all kind of encounters with friends in Siauliai between the late 90's and 2003. Raw and unpolished.

Frontal Truth of Alberto García-Alix

2009-02-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

Considering how conservative Spanish society is, photographer Alberto García-Alix deserves double respect and attention than he receives. For some reason he is not very well known and represented beyond Spain. His raw and sensitive portraits of human soul materialized from the drops of the artist's blood and sweat, soaked in wine and cigarette smoke. He lives his images and photographs people alike, friends who balances danger, self destruction and lust for life. Alberto García-Alix's images very Spanish, Latin. When I look at his images it reminds me films of Argentine film director Jorge Polaco, who is even less known, yet makes wonderful and strange movies. Blend of machismo of corrida with passion and sexuality of flamenco serves more like shell and temporary safe place for naked bodies with vulnerable faces and sad wondering eyes.

The Album Art of Hipgnosis

2009-02-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

You can't judge music record by the sleeve, but in most cases it works. Smart and talented musicians has good enough taste to pick right visuals. Sometimes record artwork much better than music it contains. Many wonderful vinyl album covers from 70's stuck in my mind, but I can hardly recall music of quite a few. Artwork alone was enough to enjoy record as an object. At that time I was not aware that majority of them was produced by single creative unit called Hipgnosis. Founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell in London, this company created packing for the best albums of Led Zeppelin, Genesis, UFO, Black Sabbath, Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Paul McCartney, Syd Barrett, Scorpions, Styx and The Alan Parsons Project among others. Storm Thorgerson was responsible for the imagery of Pink Floyd stage shows. Based of photographic image, playful and daring ideas rather than gimmicks of Photoshop, Hipgnosis work remains unsurpassed by this day and most likely will never be, since Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell still in business and full of fresh ideas as ever.

Beauty of the Yasujiro's Ozu frame

2009-01-30T12:44:00.001-08:00

Film director Yasujiro Ozu known for his distinctive visual style. Use of normal lenses, static low angle camera placement, geometrically balanced compositions and subtle color coordination creates beautiful images. They can live itself outside of film's context and carry strong emotional and aesthetic energy projected by master filmmaker.

Safe House

2009-01-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

While I was wondering in Kyoto my attention attracted buildings with small, deep-set windows with heavy cement shutters. Windows of this design called takamado are unique to the kura (storehouse). Build as separate structure of the machiya, or city merchant house, they was used to protect valuables from fire, in particular.

This distinctive architectural form based on the unit of single tatami mat (around 90cmx180cm) emerged in Edo period, which spanned more than 250 years from 1603 to 1867.

If life is an illusion it's a pretty painful one. (M.H.)

2008-12-17T09:30:00.000-08:00

If I read fiction I prefer French authors for their philosophical references, wit and dash of misanthropy. Michel Houellebecq's work is my latest find. Started with The Possibility of an Island and got instantly hooked up. Michel Houellebecq sees world as it really is, the place where the blind leading the blind. It's hard not to agree with many of his observations expressed through his character's inner monologs. Like:
"Without beauty a girl is unhappy because she has missed her chance to be loved. People do not jeer at her, they are not cruel to her, but it is as if she were invisible, no eyes follow her as she walks. People feel uncomfortable when they are with her. They find it easier to ignore her. A girl who is exceptionally beautiful, on the other hand, who has something which too far surpasses the customary seductive freshness of adolescence, appears somehow unreal. Great beauty seems invariably to portend some tragic fate." (Michel Houellebecq, Les particules elémentaires)

Amazon.com Widgets

Language of the Grain

2008-12-15T10:01:00.000-08:00

Lately I enjoying finds of work by Japanese photographer Daidō Moriyama (森山大道). It's total opposite to slick look of today's digital look. The man can produce wonderful images of any place in the world he goes.

Japanese minimal architecture

2008-12-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

While not much old and traditional buildings remains in Japanese cities, the new ones bears distinct Japanese passion for things small and compact. Some buildings are amazing manifestation creativity and engineering, but here are plenty simple dwellings of impressive smallnes.

Kisho Kurokawa's Nakagin Capsule Tower

2008-12-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

Spent a day just to locate Kisho Kurokawa's Nakagin Capsule Tower in the Ginza area of Tokyo. Originally designed as a Capsule Hotel to provide economical housing for businessmen working or drinking late. The one-man-room capsule, a modified (4 x 2.5 meter) shipping container, has a circular window, a built-in bed and bathroom unit, and is complete with TV, radio and alarm clock. The capsule interior was pre-assembled in a factory then hoisted by crane and fastened to the concrete core shaft. Kurokawa's design theory was to replace the capsules when needed, but the building has not been maintained in 33 years which has caused drainage and water pipes to be damaged.
The international heritage protection group Docomomo, have unsuccessfully pleaded for the United Nations' heritage arm to protect this landmark building.

This Rugged Land

2008-10-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

I and my friend Saulius did a weekend road trip to Pennsylvania. Our main destination was small town Ehrenfeld in coal-mining area of Scooptown not too far Pittsburgh. Birth place of Charles Bronson (born Charles Dennis Buchinsky, Lithuanian name Karolis Bučinskis). He was the 11th of 15 children born to a Lithuanian Tatar immigrant father and a Lithuanian-American mother. His father was from the Lithuanian town of Druskininkai.
Charles Bronson known for "tough guy" roles who starred in such classic films as Once Upon a Time in the West, The Magnificent Seven, The Dirty Dozen, The Great Escape and the Death Wish series.
We expected to find depressed mining town, but instead we saw very well kept pleasant place set in beautiful fall forest collors. Some mines got reopened lately, jobs coming back.
We met old time Ehrenfeld resident here, who owns local convenience store. He told us many stories about Charles young days here. Stuff like starting fights and letting others to finish them, knocking down outhouses and other innocent pranks. Local people have a bit of resentment at Charles Bronson for not doing anything good for town, beyond being only one famous person who was born here.

October Handpicked Tracks

2008-10-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

Amazon.com Widgets

James Nachtwey Breaking a New story

2008-09-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

James Nachtwey breaking a news story in a way that demonstrates the power of news photography in the digital age. On October 3, his work will be simultaneously revealed online, disseminated through numerous media channels, and projected on monuments and public buildings throughout the world.

Learn Some Warao.

2008-09-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

The Warao are an indigenous people inhabiting northeastern Venezuela and western Guyana and Suriname. The term Warao translates as "the boat people," after the Warao's lifelong and intimate connection to the water. Most of the approximately 20,000 Warao inhabit Venezuela's Orinoco Delta region.

Man - nibura
Woman - sire, iboma
Father - dima
Mother - dani
Baby - sanufida
River - ho
Food - nahoro
Good aftenoon -zakraokanaka
Boat - guibaka
Monkey - Naku
Bird - koro
Gringo - xolroko
Rain - Naha
Crocodile -puludulu
Bird - koro
Dangerous - xavaniraxa
Tomorrow - xaki
Water - -xo
Jungle - dnikija kukotani
Night -diaanai
Sun - hokoi
Dog - bexoro
Cat -misi
Mosquito -kuxoboto
Snake - tuba
Thank you - zakira

Empty Barrels

2008-09-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

Some actors, the older they get the better they are, but some just become screaming parodies of themselves.

No Excuses Not to Make Films

2008-09-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

Many the best movies in film history was made by talented and driven people who had insatiable urge to create and express themselves in the language of moving image. They had no excuses not to make films. Movies were made without bloated crews by group of friends. If they needed equipment they stole it. Films were made on real locations without permissions, with plenty creativity and passion instead of special effects.
Today, despite affordable digital technology we live in not a very creative and visually sophisticated time. Something was lost or pushed aside. It's not bad or good, just a fact we need to deal. Pencil and sheet paper was available for ages, but worthy masters of word can be easily counted. May be we just learning a new language, may be we are a little disoriented, and intoxicated by mass culture.

Forgeries

2008-08-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

15 sec trailer made to promote my friend's Ray Bartkus art show "Forgeries" in Vilnius, Lithuania.

A New David Byrne and Brian Eno Album

2008-08-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite records of a all times is My Life in the Bush of Ghostsby David Byrne and Brian Eno released in 1981. Bush of Ghosts was very unique and revolutionary album for this time. Filled with various percussive and voice samples, wild tribal drumming and innovative use of electronic recording techniques set benchmark for a new kind of sound as much as Blade Runner set for film making.
Almost 30 years late Brian and David produced new set of 11 songs called Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. "The foundations of some of the tracks are much like those of traditional folk, country, or gospel songs before these styles became harmonically sophisticated. Brian's chord structures were unlike anything I would have chosen myself, so I was pushed in a new direction, asked to face the unfamiliar, and this, of course, was a good thing. The challenge was more emotional than technical: to write simple, heartfelt tunes without drawing on cliché. The results, in many cases, are uplifting, hopeful, and positive, even though some lyrics describe cars exploding, war, and similarly dark scenarios." - writes David Byrne.
The album is available exclusively from Web site. You can stream all of the songs for free and purchase it in a variety of digital and physical formats, including a limited edition Deluxe Package designed by Sagmeister Inc. One of the songs, “Strange Overtones”, is available for free download via everythingthathappens.com

Different God

2008-07-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

American hotels/motels known for ever present Holy Bible on night stand. I'm not sure what the reason to have Word of God in the rented room. May be to make drifters guilty for sins done at musty motels, o to help to have last dialog with the god before one writes last note. Bible in the motel room plain creepy and disturbing. It was pleasant surprise to find "Teaching of Buddha" instead in one of California's motels. I didn't spent night reading, but bright orange cover of the book cheers up the room.

Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia

2008-07-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

I was always telling that Golden Age of American film making was in 70s, and most likely never will be surpassed. I'm completely ignoring cinemas lately, just because I don't want to feel cheated by half cooked products of recent film industry.
As The Guardian blogger Jonathan Jones rightly points in his recent post: "What these films lack, in comparison to the golden age of American cinema, is ... well, pretty much everything that matters. Their morality is shop-bought: it doesn't feel like it was worked out on the streets. Most of all there isn't the sense of life, the spontaneity and improvisation, that you get in a truly great film like Robert Altman's McCabe and Mrs Miller. Watching such a film is like encountering a new city, a real living place: it has longueurs, bagginess, loose ends, because these are life. By comparison, the vaunted new masterpieces of American cinema are just not baggy enough. They are only half-alive."

A Man Who Can Feel

2008-06-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

"Photography isn't looking, it's feeling. If you can't feel what you're looking at, then you're never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures."
British photographer Don McCullin talks about his years spent as a conflict and war reporter. Painfully honest and revealing interview. It's probably what most today's war photographers keep for themselves, it what makes young man's hair get gray.

Unreasonable Behaviour: An Autobiography

A Day in Yangon

2008-06-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

Malaparte: A House Like Me

2008-06-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautifully designed, made and written book I encountered in recent years is Malaparte: A House Like Me. Produced with love and passion by visionary architect Michael McDonough book offers an extraordinary look at Italian writer Curzio Malaparte (1898-1957), the man and his house, Casa Malaparte in Capri.

Building designer was true Renaissance man: adventurer, actor, novelist, poet, filmmaker, soldier, playwright, journalist, political figure, prisoner, composer, charmer — inventor and revealer of truths.
Spell bounding black and white photographs of Mimmo Jodice in tune with Mediterranean landscape and spirit of the house. The book makes you come to Capri and experience this unique part of the island for yourself.

Playing the Building

2008-06-01T18:56:00.001-07:00

I like old American industrial architecture. If I have chance never pass an opportunity to explore and snap a few pictures. These wonderful buildings disappearing fast. Often is very difficult or too expensive to utilize cavernous spaces for todays needs and they left to crumble or torn down. New York's Public Art organization Creative Time known for utilizing most impressive NYC spaces for art projects before theu gone. This year Battery Maritime Building in lower Manhattan become temporary home and integral part of an installation by David Byrne named Playing the Building. It's relatively low tech analog project what makes it even more unique in digital age. Mechanical devices are attached to the building structure — to the metal beams and pillars, the heating pipes, the water pipes — and are used to make these things produce sound. Old church organ keys are used to trigger motors, mallets and air compressors. The activations are of three types: wind, vibration, striking. The devices do not produce sound themselves, but they cause the building elements to vibrate, resonate and oscillate so that the building itself becomes a very large musical instrument.

Manhattanhenge

2008-05-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Manhattanhenge - a unique urban phenomenon in the world, comes on Thursday, May 29h this year, one of only two occasions when the Sun sets in exact alignment with the Manhattan street grid, fully illuminating every single cross-street for the last fifteen minutes of daylight. The other day is Saturday, July 12th.

Red Wave 2.0

2008-05-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

When Soviet Union collapsed in late 80's, during Perestroika Western art market was flooded by Red Wave of contemporary art. It was considered next big thing, collectors swarmed to Eastern Bloc with purses full of escudo. Artists had their 15 minutes of fame, pigged out on caviar and champagne and shortly, vanished to oblivion. I have suspicion that present day fascination with Chinese Art will be short lived as well.

As proof I found good article in Vanity Fair of April 2008, Beijing's Olympic Makeover. Author, William Langewiesche most likely knows the subject well and has ground to have an opinion. Here is the quote, kind of rarely found in the media: "Much is made of Beijing’s rising arts scene and the existence of an unofficial counterculture here — as if such departures from uniformity amount to significant openings for personal expression and creativity. It’s nonsense. The arts are impotent by definition, the counterculture is pretend, and creativity is allowed to flourish only in measure of its irrelevance to power. Ultimately this will prove to be a huge problem for China — larger than pollution or quarrels with Taiwan. As it is today, no one turns to China to learn about anything but China itself."

Handpicked May Playlist

2008-05-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com Widgets

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss | Raising Sand

2008-05-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

My favorite album of the year 2007. Unique and successful blend of distinct Led Zeppelin sound with Nashville's bluegrass sensibility. Every single song is beautiful and well crafted, no fillers. Recorded with love and care. Im sure it will claim it's own place in the music history.

Video version of song "Please Read the Letter"

Wristcutters: A Love Story

2008-05-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

Everything I told about "My Blueberry Nights" is opposite when I talk about Croatian director's Goran Dukic first feature length film, "Wristcutters: A Love Story". Recent discovery, joy and fresh gulp of fun. Movie makes you pee to the pants from laugh. It's a true road movie set in "hot as balls" desert environment of parallel universe inhabited by victim's of suicide and accidental death. There no aggression and screaming here, no smiles either. Plenty of beer and gas probably for free. Superb music by Russian Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello from NY serves as the sonic background in the car of Eugene (Shea Whigham), character based on real life lead of this musical combo, Eugene Hütz. The passengers Zia (Patrick Fugit), Mikal (Shannyn Sossamon) cuddly and lovable in search for something to make their lives have meaning again. Trio makes a pit stop at Kneller's (Tom Waits) Happy Campers community of retired corpses. Of course this a happy end story.

Blueberry? No, More Like a Bad Apple

2008-05-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

I had suspicion that Wong Kar Wai's movie My Blueberry Nights will be disappointment, so it took a while to force myself and watch this Hong Kong based directors American debut. Haven't seen such a bad movie in a long time. Nothing works here. Stiff dead dialogs, bad acting and overacting, disconnected and lifeless music. Not a single character I would care or like. Cinematographer Darius Khondji obviously was trying to imitate Christopher Doyle's camera handling style instead of using his own visual language.
Hong Kong made movies which made Wong Kar Wai famous was lacking depth and lasting life, but at least they was something what was joy to watch. Like recent novelty Asian art type work what westerners like. They definitely had mood and feel of well rounded films and looked great thanks to daring and innovative cinematography of Christopher Doyle.
My Blueberry Nights was marketed as road movie, but it's more like smelly diner movie. Not sure what to blame here, dark Wong Kar Wai's shades, bloated american movie making system restrained by union rules or pop singer's attempt to act. Result is bad, uneatable piece of pie, not even a movie. It was a flop, and sunk to obscurity as soon it was released.

Where Have All the MAN Gone?

2008-04-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

How come we evolved from that...

...to this?

Among the Best

2008-04-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

I have made to a Photo Editor (APE) Rob Haggart's ILikeThesePhotos list. This is a free promo that’s meant to supplement all the other ways photo editors find photographers to hire. List consist from 297 photographers selected by Rob from number of flickr group submissions.

National Geographic Road Atlas

2008-04-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

I have used National Geographic Road Atlas on my American South West and cross country road trips in 1997 and 1998.
I liked clarity of print and accurate placement of roads, attractions, unique nature places and camping gounds. Used it to srhreds, time for the latest (2004) edition for the upcoming road trip.

National Geographic Road Atlas - Adventure Edition

10 Favorite Photographers

2008-03-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

1. Henri Cartier-Bresson

2. Alex Webb

3. Steve Mccurry

4. Antanas Sutkus

5. James Nachtwey

6. Anton Corbijn

7. William Eggleston

8. Terry Richardson

9. Nobuyoshi Araki

10. David Bailey

Rumble in the Jungle

2008-02-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

My response to recent attacks against jungle guide and naturalist Richard Fowler and herbalist Alan Shoemaker who live and work in Iquitos, Peru. Someone waging a very primitive and dirty campaign against them.

At Jungle camp.

I have spent 2 weeks in 2004 with Richard in Jungle. I would do it again in a blink of eye. It’s actually only guide in Peru I would trust. This is very competitive trade, somebody trying to smear his reputation and ruin his business. To get an idea what Richard have to offer, one should read book “Trail of Feathers” by Tahir Shah. Author put dedication on the first page: “To Richard for keeping his promises”. This was after first trip with Richard. Bigger and more interesting part in the book was about Richard. If no Richard book would be weak. Tahir paid peanuts for the boat and Richard’s service. Second trip with film crew went sour because they refused pay what promised. Tahir is good writer, but he is a real blue blooded prince. As we all know, princes are spoiled and like to boss around. Rich people always feel that they entitled to service without paying. I’m on the Richard’s side on this. I found Richard after reading this book, so far it was the best trip I ever had.

Richard with his friend Ramon - tribal leader, shaman and healer. Richard proudly displaying skin of previously unknown Giant Jungle Bat he just discovered.

You should be realistic with your expectations, Amazon expedition is nothing like trip to local zoo or park, and you will be dealing with seasoned Vietnam veteran. He is not a summer camp boy scout leader. He is real human being. And some of them likes to drink beer, tell stories and entertain the way they know. I slept like baby in the jungle just because Richard was around. Richard HIGHLY RESPECTED PERSON in remote villages and he works with the BEST and HONEST people. He is welcome guest to any house. 

Richard with local Jungle guides Fernando and Meyaer.

Our expedition waiting for the boat.

I met Alan Shoemaker as well, very nice guy who works in Shamanic/spiritual tourism field. Intelligent, helpful and honest person. His house is wide open for everyone. He will help and advice. Just because Alan & Richard and their charming spouses I would like to visit Iquitos again. In a whole story just follow the money trail. Not too many tourists in Iquitos, but a lot scoundrels after their money. For them its easy money. A lot lodges build around which sell prepackaged tours. Shamanic rituals for thousands of $$$! Just walk in the street in Iquitos, dozens self appointed guides ready to take you for the ride. It’s easy to spread rumors about competitors and harm their business. “They are foreigners strange, alien, not like us. They have all the money anyway, they taking our jobs” Sounds familiar? “I’m good, they are bad. Give me $100.00!”

Richard making American style popcorn for children.

 To Gringos. This is A JUNGLE, my friend. THIS IS SOUTH AMERICA. Not a picket fenced community with $ 5.00 morning coffee and 401k plan. Have you noticed that a lot of people even has no shoes here? Have you seen mangy dogs dragging their spilled guts on the street? Do you know that a lot of children not live to reach their fifth birthday. The ones ho live are infected with parasites and lice. Do you know that porters who cary you bags abandoned their little gardens and hunting just to please you and earn a couple bucks, while their families waiting hungry. You leave generous tip in sushi bar at home, but here you don’t feel like doing it. Do you know how difficult life for ex-pats here? Try to live here. How long you will last. You came back in one piece and be thankful. Next time go to Disneyland or Las Vegas, Basta!

P.S.: Anyone considering to hire Richard as a jungle guide, please bring him a bunch of Punch Maduro cigars. He likes to smoke more than anything. Not a crack, cigars.

Iceman Breaks the Ice

2008-01-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

Stopped by to take a look at the attempt to break Guinness World Record of sitting in ice. Tantric master Wim (Iceman) Hof was submerged in 1,550 pounds of ice outside Rubin Museum of Art on West 17th street. He managed to remain in it for 71 minutes and improved his own record. Very impressive, ice cold baths for more than 20 minutes would be lethal for untrained person. He was quite happy to get out of pile of ice cubes, looked good and healthy. Just like out of sauna.

SWEET!

2008-01-18T08:25:00.001-08:00

Most advertising in US is boring and predictable. In rare cases ad hits right strings. Like recent JOE'S Jeans campaign.

Dell at the Apple store

2008-01-17T13:07:00.000-08:00

I have spotted Dell store guys checking some videos at the Apple store.
They were totally sucked in.

Total Bizoo

2007-11-26T15:16:00.000-08:00

Just coined a new word. Bizoo [ bĭzōō] - an overcrowded place, activity, or group of spaced out individuals.
From "busy", "bizarre" and "zoo".

Cement Garden

2007-11-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

I wanted to visit cement garden Las Pozas near Xilitla, Mexico for a long time and finally did. Created by English millionaire Edward James and built by Mexican engineer and architect Plutarcho Gastelun over 20 years period. Reinforced concrete surreal structures scattered around in the jungle, web of stairs leading nowhere, waterfall and lush tropical vegetation forms Alice in Wonderland like magic ambiance. It felt like like I'm lost in someone's dream.

Quote

2007-10-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

Technology today is better than you think, but not as good as you would expect.
C.P. & R.A.

Abel's Go Go Tales

2007-10-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

I just walked in to the Apple Store Soho other day and it happen that Abel Ferrara was presenting his new movie Go Go Tales and talking about technology. New Yorker to his bones, Abel directed the best films about this city: King of New York and Bad Lieutenant. The Man is real dynamo with the great sense of humor, fun to listen and watch him bouncing on the stage. Even in NY I don't see many characters like him. He even looks a bit out of place these days.
Abel Ferrara working on documentary about Chelsea Hotel, which is about to be transformed to another luxury condo.

CONTROL

2007-09-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Anton Corbijn's movie CONTROL about Ian Curtis career as lead of Joy Division is one of rare cases of passionate filmmaking, when people put out their best to produce work of art. Actors performances real, sets well lived in. It revoked familiar late 70's feel, sometimes I felt like I'm in the movie myself, hanging out in the bar or backstage. Simple black & white cinematography lets story unfold itself without technical or visual trickery. Anton, who is known for superb music photography, probably consciously avoided more stylized look of his music videos. This not a rock movie. This a movie about sensitive troubled soul trapped in the bleak reality.

Metallic Chameleons of New York

2007-09-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

My photo show of NYC dumpsters, Metallic Chameleons of New York on view until October 14, 2007 at Museum of Photography in Siauliai (Lithuania).

WERNER HERZOG on HENRY ROLLINS SHOW

2007-09-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

Say "Cheeese"

2007-07-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Recently I took my friend's Arunas family portrait. I fired camera with flash unexpected and got sour look instead of proper smiling faces. I like them this way. I always told: Be aware of super nice people who hide real self behind the ever present grin of Cheshire Cat.
"Too much courtesy is proof of a false education", Antoni Gaudi said once.

Bacalhau La Torre de l'Espanyol

2007-07-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Bacalhau with tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, and saffron rice.
Recipe I came up while I was cooking for my friends in Catalonia.
Inspired by available local ingredients.
Amount of ingredients depends on number of servings.
Soak Bacalhou ( salted cod ) for 48 hours in cold water. Change water every 8 hours.
Slightly pan fry thick eggplant slices in olive oil, then rub them with fresh garlic.
Put cod in a pot with the hot water for a couple minutes. This will take another part of remaining salt and will lightly precook fish.
Layer baking or roasting pan ( cast iron or ceramic will do the best ) with slices of fresh zucchini, fried eggplant, and fresh tomato. Zucchini on the bottom, tomato on the top.
Put serving size pieces of fish on the top. Bake it 350 F temperature for about 20 minutes, until fish is cooked.
Serve it on saffron rice. As sauce use red bell pepper minced in food processor with a little olive oil and fresh parsley olive oil ( just blend herbs and oil in food processor ). I was using black olive tapenade too, but while it adds flavor it clashes with saltines of fish. No matter how long you will soak Bacalhau, it will be salty. Be sure do not use extra salt while cooking,

100 Most Endangered Sites

2007-06-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

The sad fact that monuments of human culture are lost at accelerating pace. Natural disasters, wars, neglect, mindless land development, urbanization and plain human ignorance and stupidity forms unstoppable wiping force. World Monument Watch released 100 Most Endangered Sites list of better known iconic places and objects, but what about millions of others. I doubt if anything can be done to stop destruction process. This is just "Vox clamantis in deserto".

15 books that left lasting impression

2007-06-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

1. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

2. Hopscotch by Julio Cortazar

3. The Magus by John Fowles

4. The Story of My Life by Giacomo Casanova

5. Gargantua and Pantagruel by Francois Rabelais

6. On the Road by Jack Kerouac

7. Slaughterhouse-Five & Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut

8. Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges
9. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
10. Trail of Feathers: In Search of the Birdmen of Peru by Tahir Shah

11. Fairy Tales by H.C. Andersen

12. Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

13. The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen by Rudolf Erich Raspe
14. The Manuscript Found in Saragossa by Jan Potocki
15. The Moor's Last Sigh by Salman Rushdie

10 movies that left lasting impression

2007-06-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

1. Apocalypse Now (1979). Dir. Francis Ford Coppola

2. Blade Runner (1982). Dir. Ridley Scott

3. Blow Up (1966). Dir. Michelangelo Antonioni

4. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998). Dir. Terry Gilliam

5. Aguirre, der Zorn Gottes (1972). Dir. Werner Herzog

6. Fitzcarraldo (1982). Dir. Werner Herzog

7. Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma (1975). Dir. Pier Paolo Pasolini

8. Diva (1981). Dir. Jean-Jacques Beineix

9. The Sheltering Sky (1990). Dir. Bernardo Bertolucci

10. Easy Rider (1969). Dir. Dennis Hopper

Liberated goods

2007-06-01T12:53:00.001-07:00

Something eternal in the eyes and actions of individuals caught in irrational behavior of crowd, when goods are freely available and waiting to be liberated.

God Is Not Great

2007-06-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I stumbled on book signing event at Barnes & Noble, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything by Christopher Hitchens. Author takes on insanity of religion and faith in this, the 21st century. Haven't heard person who doesn't afraid to say what he thinks and makes sense for long time. Christopher Hitchens writes on number subjects and topics. He is master of word, his writing has great flow and life. Very prolific author, I need to take a look to his other stuff.

Tea with Gilbert & George

2007-05-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

I walked in to Lehmann Maupin Gallery in Chelsea last Saturday and was pleasantly surprised. Two fine English gentlemen, Gilbert & George were hosting tea party and signing books. Event was very low key and had pleasant feel. Exclusive British tea was served in beautiful white china cups and poured from shiny silver teapots. Plenty tasty Scones with Jams and Marmalade. I was impressed how humble and well mannered Gilbert & George are. Very fine gentlemen, indeed.

End of Coney Island as we know it

2007-05-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

I'm not very big fan of Coney Island's old and rusty rides, dive bars, junk food and dirty beach, but place has its own flavor. Neighborhood been in a constant state of flux, ups and downs. City and real estate developers has some nice plans for the area, to turn it into fashionable and civilized ocean front Condoland. Some lots already fenced up and demolition of what remains of Coney Island as we know it is on the way. New York is a city for the rich. Rich=Boring. I will be heading to Mexico for fun.

Dumpsters of NY

2007-04-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

Somewhere between 1993-2000 while walking on NYC streets, if I saw intresting looking garbage dumpster, I took a picture. I ended up with collection of around 200 images of places and streets which looks very different now.
I'm rarely see good looking dumpster lately.

Knife in the Water

2007-04-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Roman Polanski's first feature film Knife in the Water (Noz w Wodzie) is perfect example how with the modest material resources and a good story talented director can create something wonderful. Just three actors, sailboat, lake, perfectly composed black & white cinematography and cool jazz soundtrack on the top forms timeless piece of art cinema. Story set in 1962 Poland, but same archetipical characters can be easily found in any Western society today. Probably even more now than then.

Kurt Vonnegut 1922-2007

2007-04-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I was looking for something to read on my long train ride to Brighton Beach. For no reason picked Kurt Vonnegut's Wampeters, Foma & Granfalloons. Last time I read his book, was may be 16 years ago. I went half through the book over the weekend, stopping at the part about Madame Blavatsky and her Theosophical Society. Kurt Vonnegut liked and respected spiritualism. Little I new that distinguished author cracked his coconut around the same time. Homeless soul must be drifting around New York City. I feel honored that it visited my place not long before leaving spaceship Earth.
So it goes.

Ballad of a Soldier

2007-04-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

One of the best Russian films, true classic. Main character Aliosha personifies better side of Russian Soul: kindheartedness, selflessness and nobility. This is a story about universality of humanity during most horrible time - war. Story about youthful innocence and first love crushed by cruel twists of history.

Getaway car

2007-04-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

American cars from 80's were big low quality clunkers, but still had more character and look than today's look alike blobs. Less and less them on the roads. I'm starting to miss these sofas on wheels. I remember, my friend and I hit cemetery wall with one like this. We stepped out of wreck like nothing happen.
Another piece of America(ana) gone.

Sawtooth Catalan bread

2007-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Food should look good in order to taste good. This sawtooth shaped Catalan bread from small bakery in Ascó village is perfect example. It has maximum crust, breaks and stuffs easy. Just perfect.

Chinatown of NYC

2007-01-25T12:36:00.000-08:00

One of a few places with character left in New York is Chinatown. Actually there are three chinese neighborhoods in New York. The main one in Downtown Manhattan around Canal street, more touristy and hectic, but has the best Asian food in town. Flushing in Queens and Brooklyn Chinatown are a bit cheaper, but restaurants not always as good due lack of competition and less demanding customers. Either one Chinatown is a place to shop for Asian groceries and vegetables. You can see live crabs, frogs and turtles for sale. More exotic species are in dried goods stores. Most products so strange, only Chinese know what to do with them. Every time when I'm in Chinatown is great I feel like l lost in some kind of movie set or different country.

Burmese Nights

2006-12-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

Blackouts in Burma (Myanmar) are common and daily experience. As night sets in, Burma’s 50 million people just slips into the darkness for a minute until neon and low wattage lights powered by private generators and car batteries kicks in. It's dark, but not so bad. Streets lit by cooking fire from food stands creates unique mediaeval like atmosphere. People adjusted their life to this daily routine by now. Restaurants. hotels and business able run without disruption, even have air conditioning on.

Sintra - town from fairy tale

2006-09-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Sintra is small town on Atlantic coast of Portugal just short trip by train from Lisbon. It looks and feels like fairy tale set. Town and area was favorite hunting ground for King of Portugal, later popular retreat for English and European nobility. Great old palaces, churches and mansions used as summer houses discreetly hidden by ancient forest. Two highest mountain peaks of Sintra adorned with ruins Castelo dos Mouros, a fort built by Arabs the 8th Century and 19th Century Royal castle Palácio da Pena.

Build on the ruins of the Hieronymite Monastery of Nossa Senhora da Pena by Dom Fernando II, the German husband of Portuguese Queen Maria II. Revolution of October 4, 1910 forced last King Manuel of Portugal to flee country. Everything in castle left intact, my favorite place was kitchen with number of huge cooper and brass pots and cooking utensils.
Castle surrounded by magnificent and mysterious Jardins de Monserrate - romantic park where local trees mixed with exotic subtropical plants and shrubs that were planted by Sir Francis Cook with the help of his head gardener James Burt.

BBC promo starring iPods

2006-09-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

iPod fueled cultural revolution continues. Spot features Brian's Eno Music for Airports.

Wildwood, NJ - town of glorious neon

2006-08-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Looks like 50's, 60's and 70's it was time when States was fun place and filed with cool big cars, funky roadside architecture, great movies and fun fashion. Cars rusted and was replaced with generic bubbles, fashion become trends and uniforms, plus ugly sweatshop made rags. Most period architecture still standing in California ( Palm Springs and surrounding area would be the best place to look).

On the East Coast, New Jersey has quite a few hidden gems. Wildwood, NJ working class sea resort is real museum. The place should be declared landmark and preserved. Here you see architectural manifestation of American imagination expressed in glorious neon, motel sign shapes and names. A whole town somehow managed survive. Really lasting experience and at the same time sad, all that beuty can be wiped away by developers any moment. Visit while is still here.

UFO in the desert

2006-08-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

American Southwest is still one of most scenic and less explored places in the world. Just a short walk from the road is like step in time in 230 million years ago to Triassic Period. Blue-black desert sand is mixed with prehistoric sea shells and fossils. Area around Lake Powell on Arizona and Utah border was inland sea that covered the area. Wind shapes soft mountains formed from sand, clay and mud to the strangest surreal shapes. I spotted rock which looked like crashed and burnt down flying saucer. May it was real space ship, who knows.

Tailor of Panama

2006-08-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Most of my trips partially inspired by films. Before I went to Panama I saw "Tailor of Panama".
I arrived to Panama City late at night. I was impressed by old Hotel Central on Plaza de la Independencia featured in the movie and wanted to spent some time here. Taxi driver said that hotel is closed, but I insisted to take me here. He was not very happy about my request. The moment we reached Casco Viejo ( old part of Panama City ) he crossed himself and cursed. Neiborghood looked seedy and dangerous at night. Atmosphere just like in the movie. Unfortunately taxi driver was right, hotel was closed. I revisited area at day time. Casco Viejo has a lot of character and feel of magic realism. It was quite dangerous place in 2001, things probably changed now. Panama City and country itself is on the fast track of gentrification. People was happy to get rid of Noriega. Looks like rare case when American intervention did something good for the country.

Beauties of Casco Viejo

Sticky camera

2006-08-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

What camera is the best? For me is the one which sticks to my hand, becomes extension of my body, able to lay roots in my hand.

My favorite camera of all times is Yashica T4. It was was my main camera from 1996 to 2001. Nikon N90 was more back up camera. Then was Contax T3, great camera, but I still like feel of Yashica more. Liked Sony Mavica and CyberShot s75. Now I mostly shoot with Nikon D70, as sticky as SLR can get. I newer liked Canon. Total rejection. Tried Hasseldlad 503, love feel and shutter sound, but unfit for my shooting style. I wish I had Hasselblad Xpan. Wonderful camera, difficult to put down. I own Mamiya 7 instead. Can't tell much about this one yet, need more bonding time. Tried Rolleiflex and Yashica Mat. Sold the last one, but keeping Lubitel. Another Russian made - Gorizont panoramic camera crappy but still lovable. Holga can be fun. Lomo - waste of time and money.
The last acquisition Fuji Natura S Black, I have feeling that it might become my favorite camera.

Orinoco Delta

2006-08-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

After Amazon, Orinoco River is considered one of the largest intact wetland areas left on Earth. The Orinoco delta is a vast, intricate labyrinth of waterways weaving through a simmering jungle to carry the waters of the Orinoco to the Atlantic Ocean. Area is home for Warao - "the boat people". They still maintain they own language and life style. Some of them migrate to the bigger cities where they not able adapt to city living and become homeless beggars. Venezuelan government provides monetary help and protection. Number of Cuban teachers and doctors works in the villages. That good, but handouts has some negative effect. People loosing any initiative to work, hunt or grow food. Most fertile land and water resources unused. In the villages built on the river almost hardly anybody fishes. Alcoholism is rampant. Orinoco delta is rich with still untaped oil fields. Soon more drilling and pumping coming to pristine rain forest. Can't expect anything good from that.

Venezuella still unspoiled by mass tourism, full charm and innocence. Looks like eco tourism to Orinoco Delta is picking up. All over I saw construction of jungle lodges. Every village have designated person who will take care of backpackers, show around and provide place to sleep.
Venezuelans are most warm, friendly and hospitable and generous people. I met by chance with area Mayor Selgio Ramírez (Alcalde Pedernales). Very nice and down to earth guy. If Venezuella has more politicians like him, country is in good hands. In general I have not heard any complains about Chavez and his politics. I think country has problem with high crime rate and total absence of police. Only army check posts reminds presence of authority. Military guys very friendly and helpful.

Loreto Amazonas, Peru.

2006-07-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

Parkour - True Sport of Urban Jungle

2006-07-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Parkour is the art of movement through concrete and steel jungle of contemporary city. Parkour was created by David Belle and his longtime friend, Sebastien Foucan while growing up in a Paris suburb under influence Belle's father, Raymond, an elite ex-soldier and firefighter in the late 1980s. Combination of Asian martial arts, Zen philosophy and old school hip hop attitude, Parkour seems to be natural self expression for neglected and abandoned by mainstream society youth of housing projects. Ugly dehumanizing concrete architecture creates obstacles and constrains for natural movement, as poverty, lack of education and a very few opportunities for advancement in life limits personal growth. This evokes inner need to overcome them. Art of movement evolves into something more, ability to break out of social and class restrains, be free as person and become Traceur - athelete, but more so, an artist.

Oleg “Red” Krasnyanskiy from Dvinsk Clan. Daugavpils, Latvia.
You see world with different eyes when you become a Traceur: architecture, the path, and your way of life transforms. As a Traceur person fulfill human need to move and live efficiently. And that is what parkour is, art of moving through our environments as efficiently as possible, and ability to find perfect escape route.

Shuar habitat. Peruvian Amazon Basin.

2006-07-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

HERZOG ABOUT HERZOG

2006-07-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

Burden of Dreams

2006-07-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

My trip to Peruvian Amazon Basin was inspired by Werner Herzog's movie "Fitcarraldo". Film about Irish rubber baron named Brian Sweeney Fitzgerald. He had a dream to build an opera house in Iquitos, Peru, then bring Caruso to perform there. To make money for his grandiose project he came up with idea to pull a steamship over a mountain from one river to another in order to reach a rubber tree field.
Many things changed since this film was shot in Iquitos and around, but the spirit of Fitcarraldo still present.

''Burden of Dreams'' documentary Produced by Les Blank, close-up of Werner Herzog at work in the Peruvian Amazon jungle.

Hope at Kilometer 45 (DVD)

2006-06-29T09:41:00.001-07:00

Just finished working on Hope at Kilometer 45 DVD.
In the Peruvian jungle Curandera Norma Panduro Havarro runs a small place called Clinica Naturista "Jose Torres Vasquez" located 45 km. from Iquitos. Her healing method is a combination of Ayahuasca ceremonies, diet adjustments, spiritual guidance and chanting. She has helped many people to come back to life.

Contents:
Bruno's Story 48 min.
Norma's Healing Center 9 min.
Ayahuasca Ceremony 9 min.

Curandera Norma Panduro Havarro and her apprentice cooking Ayahuasca.

Girl with Accordion. 2005, NYC

2006-06-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

Richard Fowler "Aukcoo" - Jungle Guide

2006-06-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

If you want to explore heart of darkness and have adventure of your life experience, you will need jungle guide. There is number of tour operators in Iquitos competing for your buck, but only one guide is worth money - Richard Fowler ( aukcoo@hotmail.com ).
Richard is American born naturalist and adventurer living in Iquitos more than 10 years. He is highly decorated Vietnam war veteran, who volunteered to be in battlefield as way to get to jungle and have adventure on a government account. Richard prefers rough life in jungle over boring routine and comforts of suburbia or city. He works with best and most honest people in the area and highly respected by indigenous tribes. Lately he operates with the help of his caring wife Delicia who adds some balance to the whole experience.

To get an idea what Richard have to offer, one should read book "Trail of Feathers" by Tahir Shah. Author put dedication on the first page: "To Richard for keeping his promises". You should be realistic with your expectations, Amazon expedition is nothing like trip to local zoo or park, and you will be dealing with seasoned Vietnam veteran.

Mysterious giant footprints

2006-06-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

Our expedition of four - Richard, Fernando with his brother Mayer and me were walking on sandy jungle path ( about 400 km from Iquitos, down on Rio Uayacuali, Peru ) when we stumbled on huge footprints not far from our camp. It resembled giant human footprints and lead to the thick jungle spot. I thought it was big monkey or something, but Fernando assured me that it is not. He newer saw anything like that. Brothers was obviously scared and distressed. Fernando kept his cool, but his brother almost got heart attack. It turns out that local people have a legend about giant one eyed Inca guard, who gets alive once a while for some unexplained reason. Some older hunters had a fews sightings of this elusive creature times long time ago.

Mayer was so scared that he deserted expedition and run away back to his village. He sent back guy with the gun and dog, but rain washed away prints. We spent another night in the area on the guard, but nothing happen or appeared.

Ramon - last authentic Shuar shaman

2006-06-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

With the help of Richard Fowler I had chance to meet Ramon - probably the last authentic Shuar shaman who still lives with his extended family deep in the Peruvian jungle. Very gentle man with soft voice, not what you would expect from the person who still remember how to shrink human head. The only signs of civilization I spotted at his place was old shotgun, a few aluminum cooking pots, one empty photo film canister and plastic Coca-Cola bottle converted to the baby rattle. When we arrived Ramon was getting ready for the healing ceremony. Someone from the tribe was very sick, not able to walk. I had chance to accompany Ramon on his canoe trip in search of medical plants. We were paddling down the river for couple hours. Huge footprints of caimans left in the mud was all over. Nothing like in the movie, animals usually hide and avoid humans as much as possible. Most likely they are aware of the shotgun presence in our canoe.
When shaman found right tree he started talking to it, explained why he is here and asked for the healing power, energy. Without any rush and with highest respect he harvested some tree bark, then covered wound of the tree with moss and left some tobacco as offering to the spirits of jungle. Healing ceremony was performed very late at night. I heard distant Ramon's voice chanting ancient rites, caiman splashing in the river, and tree frog performing mating song. I was very tired and struggling to be awake. The sound slowly faded away.

Masato - Jungle wine

2006-06-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

What can be better in the middle of the hot tropical day than masato: fermented drink made from cooked, smashed yucca and woman's saliva. Part of the yucca what goes to preparation is chewed and spit back to the whole batch. Saliva helps to start fermentation process. By the time when drink is ready to drink it has low alcochol content. Masato tastes like low fat buttermilk.
Great stuff!

Tasty worms

2006-06-19T18:13:00.001-07:00

Adventurous travelers who like and dare to try strange and exotic food will find plenty options to indulge in Belem market (Iquitos, Peru). Here you can find everything what jungle and river can offer: from medicinal plant concoctions and exotic fruit drink to freshly prepared fossil like catfish dishes, turtle eggs and wild animal meat. In order to supply large families with scarce protein and earn a little cash, local hunters will kill any wild animal big enough to cover expense of single shotgun cartridge. Keep in mind that your interest in bush meat and skins of predators will encourage meaningless animal killing what is beyond survival necessity.

There are plenty other choices. Highly recommended dish is grilled palm worms with boiled yuca and corn.The flavor of "palmworms" (Rhynchophorus palmarum) has been appreciated throughout the tropical world for centuries.

These nice and fat grubs lives in the bark of palm and can get as big as kiwi fruit. Their taste slightly reminds pan seared buttery scallops with crunchy skin; very, very tasty. If you able eat shrimps, mussels or snails, you should be able to treat yourself with this great dish.

Blow-up

2006-06-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite movies is Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow-up. It's rare case when elements perfectly fits together creating timeless work of art. Screenplay loosely based on Julio Cortazar short story "Babas del diavolo", action set in stylish Swinging London of sixties. Herbie Hankock wrote music and early The Yardbirds appearing in the club scene. Antanioni wanted British fashion photographer David Bailey to play main character, role eventually filled by David Hemmings. Add Vanessa Redgrave and a few fashion models and we have a picture. Story is interesting and original, but not a most important thing in the movie. Antonioni focusing attention on the main character, successful fashion photographer who constantly moving, looking for "something else", "other things". His mind drifting around, his piercing and critical eyes scanning surroundings. Trained photographers eye able to see absurdity and illusionary qualities of life. His reactions to world and people are individual, sometimes cynical but never abusive. Just plain pleasure to follow Hemmings character for the sake of it. Just like listening a good record. Countless critics and film writers trying to find hidden symbols and meanings in this movie. Wonderful things happen every day and they not necessary needs to be explained or categorized.